In a surprising turn of events, a Los Angeles pastor recently found himself in a high-speed chase with a suspect who had stolen his church’s trailer. The incident, which occurred early on the morning of Mar. 11, captured the attention of the nation and sparked conversations about the pursuit of justice and the importance of protecting one’s community.

Pastor Tony Samora of Legacy Church awoke to discover that a trailer containing a small tractor had been stolen from the church’s property. Determined to recover the stolen property, Samora set out in pursuit of the thief, a decision that would ultimately lead him on a dramatic chase through the San Fernando Valley.

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The suspect, who was driving a car with the stolen trailer in tow, attempted to evade capture by speeding through the streets at over 100 mph. Despite the danger, Samora refused to give up, and his determination eventually paid off when the suspect lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a Prius.

Upon investigation, the Los Angeles Police Department discovered a police scanner and various tools often used in burglaries inside the suspect’s car.

The suspect, who was on parole at the time of the incident, also had a gun in his possession, which some may say miraculously had a bullet jammed in the chamber. This discovery led authorities to believe that the suspect may have attempted to use the weapon during the pursuit.

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The small tractor that had been stored inside the trailer was not found, and the church has been informed that the trailer itself is damaged beyond repair. Despite the loss of their property, the church remains committed to its mission of serving the community.

“We have all documentation, however, it is made difficult by his removal of identifiable information,” Legacy Church told Fox News Digital in a statement. “We are waiting for video evidence from our church property.”

In the aftermath of the incident, the story of the Los Angeles pastor who pursued a thief has resonated with many across the country as violence and crime continue to plague cities. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for justice and protecting one’s community, even in the face of adversity.

As the church continues to work with the authorities to recover their stolen property, they remain steadfast in their faith and their commitment to serving the people of Los Angeles.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

In the wake of the recent conviction of a prominent New York City bishop on charges of fraud and extortion, the Christian community is left to grapple with the consequences of his actions and the implications for the broader church.

The so-called “Bling Bishop,” whose real name is Lamor Whitehead, was found guilty of defrauding a parishioner and attempting to extort a local businessman. It is essential for Christians to examine the biblical principles that guide the conduct of Christian ministers and how Whitehead’s actions deviated from these standards.

The Bible provides clear guidance on the moral and ethical expectations for those who serve in the role of a Christian minister. In 1 Timothy 3:2-7, the apostle Paul outlines the qualifications for a bishop, stating that they must be “blameless, the husband of one wife, sober, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach; not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money, but patient, not argumentative, not covetous.” These verses paint a picture of a leader who is above reproach, humble and focused on the spiritual well-being of their congregation.

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In stark contrast, Whitehead’s actions have demonstrated a blatant disregard for these biblical principles. He has been accused of using his position of authority to manipulate and deceive those around him for personal gain. His lavish lifestyle, including a penchant for expensive clothing and jewelry, has earned him the nickname “Bling Bishop.” This extravagant display of wealth is in direct opposition to the teachings of Jesus, who warned against the love of money and the dangers of worldly possessions.

As Charisma News previously reported, it was the promotion of this extraordinary lifestyle that got Whitehead targeted by thieves during one of his services at Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries where he was robbed at gunpoint.

The New York Post reported, “A trio of masked bandits stormed the service and ran off with the bishop’s $75,000 Rolex watch, a $75,000 Cavalier watch and a $25,000 ruby and diamond ring, among other valuables.”

The Bible also emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in the lives of Christian leaders. In Proverbs 10:9, it is written, “He who walks uprightly walks surely, but he who perverts his ways will be known.” Whitehead’s conviction on charges of fraud and extortion is a clear indication that he has not walked in the path of integrity.

Moreover, the Bible teaches that Christian ministers are called to serve others selflessly and to prioritize the needs of their flock. In Mark 10:42-45, Jesus explains that true leadership in the kingdom of God involves being a servant to others: “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever among you would be greatest must be servant of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Whitehead’s actions, which have been characterized by greed and self-interest, are a far cry from the selfless service that Jesus modeled.

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As the Christian community processes the implications of the “Bling Bishop’s” conviction, it is crucial for believers to reaffirm their commitment to the biblical principles that guide the conduct of Christian ministers. By holding ourselves and our leaders accountable to these standards, we can ensure that the church remains a beacon of hope, salvation and a source of spiritual nourishment for all who seek refuge in its walls.

The “Bling Bishop’s” conviction serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to biblical principles in the lives of Christian ministers. As we move forward, let us pray for the restoration of trust and the healing of the wounds inflicted by Whitehead’s actions. May this serve as a turning point, leading us to a renewed commitment to the values of humility, honesty and selfless service that are at the heart of our Christian faith.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

In a recent episode of THE BEAT by Allen Parr, the rising trend of cremation over traditional burial among Americans was examined, sparking a biblical exploration of whether Christians should consider this option when faced with end-of-life decisions.

Cremation on the Rise: A Changing Landscape

Parr, host of THE BEAT, reported on the shifting cultural landscape of burial practices, stating, “For the first time in history, a majority of Americans are choosing cremation over traditional burial at the time of death.” He went on to cite experts predicting that this trend is likely to continue, with up to 70% of people favoring cremation within the next decade.

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With recent reports of inflation going up in the month of February and cost of living straining the wallets of many Americans, a more cost-effective financial option for those who have died is in the back of many people’s mind these days.

Biblical Perspectives on Cremation

Parr delved into the biblical perspective on cremation, stating, “Nowhere in the Bible does it say that [traditional burial] should be the only way for a body to be disposed of.” While citing Saul and his sons’ bodies being burned as an example (1 Sam. 31:11-13), Parr pointed out that such instances don’t directly address the concept of cremation.

Highlighting another biblical example: “Manasseh sacrificed his own son in the fire,” (2 Kings 21). While this serves as a historical reference to burning a body without explicitly discussing cremation, King Manasseh is not an example of what to do according to Scripture. He was a wicked king who sacrificed his children to foreign gods through fire, which is strictly prohibited by the Lord in Leviticus 18:21 and Deuteronomy 12:30-31, 18:10.

Resurrected Bodies: Theological Reassurance

Addressing concerns about the impact of cremation on the resurrected body, Parr referred to 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, stating, “Our bodies are buried in brokenness but they will be raised in glory… for just as there are natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies.” He reassured viewers that God, having initially used dust to create mankind, is not limited by the method of body disposal and is fully capable of recreating glorified bodies.

“So the concept here of cremation is this idea that ‘God used dirt or dust to create our bodies’ and so basically whenever you go through cremation you’re essentially returning your body back to the original state God used to create mankind,” Parr says.

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Considerations for Christians: Practical Insights

Parr offers a framework for Christians grappling with the decision between cremation and traditional burial. He advised considering personal preferences and practicalities, “What type of commemoration should I say do you want people to have when you die?” He further emphasized factors such as whether an open casket is preferred, convenience for loved ones and financial considerations.

Parr urged viewers to reflect on these considerations, acknowledging that discussions about death may be uncomfortable, but they are crucial. He stated, “You might be at a place where you might be thinking about, what type of plans do I want to make as it relates to how I am disposed of whenever I die.”

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

In an exclusive interview with Charisma News, Pastor Troy Brewer shares a powerful message, delving into the spiritual meanings and biblical signs behind the Great American Eclipse.

Comparing life to a ship, he urged everyone to shift from a laid-back “cruise ship” attitude to a more alert “battleship” mindset. The key, according to Brewer, is to live as though we’re truly in the end times, keeping our focus on Jesus and holding onto a deep respect for God.

A major highlight of Pastor Brewer’s talk is the upcoming Great American Eclipse which will take place Apr. 8. Referring to Jesus’ words about signs in the sun, moon and stars in Matthew 24, Brewer pointed out the significance of this celestial event, signaling the start of a crucial seven-year cycle since the last major American eclipse in 2017.

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For those skeptical about the celestial signs, Brewer connected the upcoming eclipse to a verse in Exodus 4:8, where God tells Moses that if people don’t believe the first sign, they will believe the second. This biblical tie-in adds weight to the belief that this eclipse isn’t just a regular occurrence but a divine message.

Expressing concern about the growing global tensions, Brewer admitted that the threat of war is more significant this year than ever before. However, he offered a reassuring note, saying, “God doesn’t want anyone to feel powerless this year.” The call was clear—find hope and lean into the power of God, even when faced with challenging times.

In a down-to-earth explanation of eclipses, Brewer shared that historically, God uses the moon to communicate with the Jewish people and the Sun with Gentiles. Eclipses, according to Brewer, are a way God grabs our attention, telling us to “look up” and pay attention to what He’s saying.

In response to questions about the eclipse’s path, Brewer emphasizes the seriousness of the message, stating, “This is the word of the Lord. You know, Jesus Christ made all of these things, and God Almighty rules from His throne over the heavens and over the Earth, and Jesus Himself actually said there will be signs in the the Sun and in the moon and within the stars. And so…it is a tremendous sign.”

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Breaking down the symbolism of the eclipse’s path forming an X across the United States, Brewer explains that in Hebrew, the X means a “prophetic sign” and the “signature of God.” Highlighting the intersection point at Little Egypt, he adds that it symbolizes “literally Jesus, the Prince of Peace.”

As the time continue to accelerate and spiritual warfare continues to be waged, Pastor Brewer urges everyone not to forget the basics—keeping our focus on Jesus. He stresses that there’s a deep peace, a “Shalom of the Lord,” waiting on the other side of challenging times, accessible only through His divine presence.

As the Great American Eclipse approaches, Pastor Troy Brewer’s words stand as a clear call for everyone to understand the signs in the heavens and anchor their faith in the Word of God as they navigate through these uncertain times.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

It should be crystal clear to any believer that there are elements throughout the U.S. that despise Christianity, and will fight to keep it out of the American government.

This was never more evident than after Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills was invited by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson to lead the House of Representatives in prayer.

This of course did not sit well with certain members of the Democratic Party, who were distraught at the prayer which Hibbs says is based off of the First Prayer of the Continental Congress delivered by the Rev. Jacob Duche in 1774.

What was once welcomed and invited in the halls of Congress has now been dubbed “hateful and divisive.” And no condemnation of a Christian in America would be complete without being slapped with the label “Christian Nationalist,” as Hibbs was.

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In response to these expected yet still outlandish claims and accusations, Hibbs spoke to Fox News Religion Correspondent Lauren Green’s podcast, Lighthouse Faith, at the National Religious Broadcasters convention in Nashville, Tennessee, about the faux outcry coming from the members of Congress who cringe in discomfort at the mere mention of God.

“You know Lauren, I found out I hate Muslims, I hate Jews…poodles. I’m not sure, I’ve been labeled like you cannot believe,” Hibbs reveals.

“…Here’s the problem: They criticized something that they didn’t even realize was part of the fiber of our American DNA. That it was Benjamin Franklin who called Congress to their first session of prayer when they couldn’t come to an agreement [on] the Constitution itself,” he continues.

Meanwhile, many are waking up to the gaslighting by use of the term “Christian Nationalist” which still does not have a consensus definition behind it. If you’re an American and believe that the country should be guided by the standards and morals on which she was founded, and actually know American history, it’s a good bet you’ll be slandered as a “Christian Nationalist” regardless if you’re a Christian or not.

“They [the Democrat critics] didn’t understand or recognize American history. They didn’t understand the First Amendment. And they didn’t understand that I wasn’t praying to them. I was praying to God,” Hibbs says.

“I was praying to the Lord, and I asked the Lord to have mercy on us as a nation, for our national sins. And boy did I get chastised for implying that our nation has something to repent of,” he adds.

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The list of issues that America has and needs to repent of is too long to list in any one article, but the Scriptures are quite clear what happens to a nation that is stubborn and refuses to repent.

In Romans 2, Paul warns about the coming day of God’s righteous judgment, and in the Old Testament we can see that God will invoke judgment on a nation for turning it’s back to Him as both the nation of Israel and the city of Nineveh faced God’s judgment. Cities like Sodom and Gomorrah experienced this judgment first hand.

Make no mistake about it, America was founded from the very beginning to honor God. The writings of her Founders speak for themselves. But should America remain unrepentant, it should come as no surprise to those who know the Word of God that the Lord would judge the nation in similar fashion as Nineveh.

Will America follow the example set by Nineveh and humble herself before the Lord, or will she test His longsuffering and court His wrath with an unrepentant heart?

Perhaps the country should heed the words that Pastor Jack Hibbs delivered before the House of Representatives when he said, “I ask you today Father to bring to us a great awakening of righteousness and confidence in you. Hear my cry in this hour of great need, that we might be humbly blessed before you in the repentance of our national sins.”

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

The Department of Education has fined Liberty University an unprecedented $14 million over violations of the Clery Act.

While the DOE had originally threatened a $37.5 million fine, Liberty has taken steps toward correcting the infractions and ensuring the school is now Title IX compliant.

Some of the areas of concern include misreporting of on-campus crimes as well as failure to warn of gas leaks, bomb threats and persons “who have been credibly accused of repeated acts of sexual violence.”

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As reported by The Christian Post, “Liberty University President Dondi E. Costin, who was hired last year, told CP the university didn’t fully comply with its record-keeping and reporting obligations as the institution experienced record growth, for which he expressed regret. He said Liberty sprung into action when officials learned of its shortcomings before the Education Department got involved.

“We formed a task force to identify every deficiency and engaged outside experts to help us build the model program we now have,” Costin says. “Having invested more than $10 million to deliver significant increases in staffing, training, infrastructure, technology and programming, I can say with absolute confidence that Liberty University now sets the pace for campus safety and security.”

Other notable universities who have been found guilty of violating the Clery Act include Penn State University, Michigan State University, Virginia Tech, UC Berkeley, Eastern Michigan University and the University of Montana.

Until Liberty’s record-setting fine, the largest amount issued to a school was Michigan State’s $4.5 million fine in 2019.

While Costin admits to Liberty’s shortcomings, he alludes to the possibility that Liberty received a heftier fine and was under harsher scrutiny than other universities.

“Some might call that quibbling, but I would simply point out that it’s possible to pony up to one’s mistakes and be simultaneously subject to government overreach throughout the process,” Costin says.

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“Based on what we know of how the department adjudicated multiple dozens of past actions, we can show the math to demonstrate the extent to which our experience was radically different than the norm. Maybe Liberty is the outlier, but I would not be surprised if this kind of treatment escalates,” he adds.

This sentiment comes on the heels of the nations largest Christian university, Grand Canyon University, being the subject of similar DOE investigations. The DOE investigation concluding that GCU had lied regarding the price of the school’s doctoral programs to over 7,500 students resulting in higher than advertised program costs.

As Forbes reported, “President of GCU, Brian Mueller, who is also the CEO of GCE, suggested that the university was being unfairly targeted by the Department of Education. He particularly bemoaned the Department’s unwillingness to recognize its change from a for-profit university to a non-profit for federal financial aid purposes—a decision made during the Trump administration while Betsy DeVos was Secretary of Education. Mueller suggested that the refusal was due to some kind of animus.”

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

In a recent episode of the “Day of Destiny” podcast on the Charisma Podcast Network, Dr. Michelle Corral shared profound teachings on the powerful prophetic principles of the anointing which will elevate the lives of believers.

Delving into Psalm 89, the podcast illuminates the transformative effects of the anointing, drawing parallels from biblical passages and emphasizing its significance in believers’ lives.

Desire for the Anointing

Dr. Corral began by quoting Psalm 89:20 from the Bible: “I have found My servant David. With My holy oil, I have anointed him.” This set the stage for a deep exploration of the desire for the anointing on one’s life.

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Here are seven ways God’s anointing affected David’s life:

1. Chosen as King: David was anointed by the prophet Samuel as the future king of Israel while he was still a shepherd boy. This divine selection marked him as the chosen successor to Saul, the reigning king at that time (1 Sam. 16:1-13).
2. Empowered for Leadership: The Spirit of the Lord came upon David from the day of his anointing, empowering him for the responsibilities that awaited him. This divine empowerment equipped him with courage, wisdom, and leadership qualities necessary to fulfill his role as king (1 Sam. 16:13).
3. Victory over Goliath: David’s anointing became evident when he fearlessly faced and defeated the giant Goliath with a single stone and a sling. His faith in God’s power and his anointed status demonstrated that he relied on divine strength rather than human capabilities (1 Sam. 17).
4. Military Successes: As king, David experienced numerous military victories, expanding the borders of Israel. His anointing contributed to his success on the battlefield, and he was often described as a valiant and skillful warrior (2 Sam. 8:1-14).
5. Poetic and Musical Gift: David was not only a warrior and king but also a skilled musician and poet. His anointing is seen in his ability to compose and play psalms that expressed deep spiritual and emotional insights. Many of these psalms are included in the Book of Psalms.
6. Establishment of the Davidic Covenant: God made a covenant with David, promising an everlasting dynasty. This covenant ensured that David’s line would continue, ultimately leading to the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who became known as the “Son of David” (2 Sam. 7:12-16).
7. Challenges and Repentance: David’s life was not without struggles, including his infamous affair with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband, Uriah. However, his repentant heart and acknowledgment of his sins demonstrated the enduring presence of God’s grace and mercy in his life.

Empowering Effects

The empowering effects of the anointing were unfolded through verses 21 and 22: “With whom my hands shall be established and my arms shall also strengthen him. The anointing will not exact upon him.” Dr. Corral explains the significance, stating, “When you are under the anointing, this word ‘exact’ means rob. The enemy cannot exact from you. He cannot rob you. He cannot take your prayer life when you’re under the anointing.”

Protective Nature of the Anointing

Moving into the protective nature of the anointing, 2 Samuel 1:21 was referenced: “The anointing is a shield.” Dr. Corral highlights the need for spiritual protection, especially during challenging times, stating, “If you need protection over your life, your family, your children, your vision, your dream or your business, stay under the anointing.”

Preservation Properties

The podcast continued to explore the preservation properties of the anointing, drawing from Exodus 30:23-25. Dr. Corral emphasized that there must be a willingness to pay a price, not just monetarily but a commitment to the Lord.

“A price that says, ‘Lord Jesus, I’m willing to pay any price that your power is in my life that your power is with my children,'” explains Dr. Corral. “That Your power is with me.”

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Five Properties of Power in the Anointing

The podcast’s central theme revolved around the five properties of power in the anointing:

• Power Properties
• Preservation Properties
• Priestly Properties
• Prophetic Properties
• Princely Properties

“The anointing will preserve you, preservation properties. The anointing will bring you into sacrificial service, priestly properties. The anointing will make you prophetic. You will hear God’s voice, prophetic properties. The anointing will give you power to walk with the Lord, and give you power to resist sin, give you power to stand, power properties. And princely properties, is power to overcome the wicked one,” teaches Dr. Corral

Esther’s Exemplary Anointing

The session culminates in a profound reflection on Esther’s example. Dr. Corral drew a parallel between Esther donning royal apparel and believers embracing the anointing, symbolizing spiritual royalty. The significance of immersing oneself in the anointing for divine favor is key, emphasizing Esther’s 12 months of preparation preceding her encounter with the king.

“Esther was immersed in the anointing before she went before the king. God wants to immerse you before you step out in his divine design of destiny with the anointing,” Dr. Corral declares.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

In the wake of mounting allegations of sexual and spiritual abuse by IHOPKC founder Mike Bickle, eight prominent Christian leaders have released a joint statement declaring he should no longer be involved in ministry.

These eight voices—Michael Brown, Jack Deere, Dan Juster, Patricia King, Joseph Mattera, Sam Storms, Michael Sullivant and Terri Sullivant—write that Bickle is “unfit” for ministry, and IHOPKC has “lost credibility in the eyes of many.”

From the time that the charges were first brought against Mike, while addressing this scandal on different levels within our own circles of ministry and in various public settings, we have been waiting for proper investigations to take place and all charges to be known before making final, definitive statements. Some of us have also been working behind the scenes over these months to help ensure that a proper investigation takes place. But since this process has dragged on for so long, we can wait no longer and feel a sacred responsibility to make this unequivocal, joint statement.

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The leaders reviewed six specific areas of consideration in preparation for the statement:

• Reviewing the testimony of Jane Doe
• Reviewing the testimony of Tammy Woods
• Reviewing the investigation conducted by Rosalee McNamara of the Lathrop Law Firm
• The public admittance of some of the allegations by Mike Bickle
• Attempts by members of the statement to meet with Bickle privately, which he did not agree to. As well as his lack of denial against the “growing number of charges coming against him”
• Various meetings between the members of the statement with leaders from “both the Advocacy Group and IHOPKC leadership”

Within the body of the statement, the leadership team issued five points from their review of the investigation and allegations at hand:

First, we are deeply grieved for those who have presented testimony that they were manipulated and sexually abused by Mike Bickle. We can think of few sins more damaging and destructive than that of manipulative, clergy sexual abuse, all the more in the case of a minor. We are also deeply grieved for those whose personal faith has been shattered and whose worlds have been turned upside down because of the alleged agonizing events.

Second, after considering the reports we have reviewed, we must state categorically that he is, sadly, unfit to lead a ministry. Even with full repentance and personal restoration in the Lord, he is disqualified from public ministry. (Restoration to full fellowship is of course possible.) Mike himself, in his statement of Dec. 12, 2023, acknowledged that his stepping down from ministry “may be long and it may even be permanent,” and that was before the most serious charges against him had even been raised.

Third, while we know that many fine believers and leaders have served at IHOPKC and are part of the related, global prayer movement, we recognize that the evidence points to some dangerous cult-like tendencies that emerged over the years that need to be addressed and adjusted. There has also been a lack of a formal structure of accountability for those serving in various capacities at IHOPKC, overseen by local elders, resulting in a failure to deal properly with serious sexual sins, and not just pertaining to Mike.

Fourth, we recognize and grieve over the lack of accountability structures in the larger, independent, charismatic church world, where there are no real courts of appeal, few, if any, boards of city-wide or trans-local elders to consult, and no formal structures in which serious allegations can be heard and adjudicated. We have been aware of this need for many years, and it is our hope that now, at last, a united, biblically based, Spirit-led effort can be made to address this gaping hole in our midst.

Fifth, we recognize that many younger believers now feel disillusioned with our generation of leaders, feeling let down by us or, worse still, perceiving us to be part of the “old guard” that is determined to protect our interests or, even worse, enabling serious clergy misconduct. This, too, breaks our hearts, as we have spent decades investing in the younger generations–right until this day, considering it a sacred privilege–and we carry a fatherly (or motherly) burden for your well-being. God Himself knows!

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As the investigations into abuse continues, and as new revelations come to light, the leadership team implored their fellow believers to keep all involved in prayer, and that God’s will and justice be done in this tragic situation.

Please keep praying for those who have been sinned against, along with all those who have been hurt, and pray also for IHOP, for Mike and his wife and family, and for the church globally that has been impacted. God desires to bring repentance, cleansing, healing and restoration to all.

Know that we are praying for you and we are here to serve you, believing that somehow, God will bring good out of evil and light out of darkness, for the purification and healing of His people and for His honor and glory.

To read the full statement, click here.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

Things are getting bizarre on the stages of churches across America, as pastors from all backgrounds are coming up with new ways to get their congregations to pay attention in church.

No ideas are too far-fetched as some of the stunts in church include powerlifting; getting a shave and a trim; and shockingly, punting the Bible like a football.

Here are three stunts performed for church audiences in recent days:

Bench-pressing For Jesus

Megachurch pastor Perry Noble of Second Chance Church in Anderson, South Carolina, used weight lifting as an illustration during his sermon on the need for community and not isolating oneself from others.

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He used his attempt to lift 400-lbs to highlight his need for others to help him achieve this goal.

“This represents the weight that all of us carry in life,” said Noble alluding to the weight set. “Every single day that we wake up, we carry weight, whether it’s spiritual, emotional, psychological weight. Everybody in this room is carrying a certain amount of weight.”

When pondering the possibility of lifting these weights in life by oneself Noble came to one conclusion, “Ain’t no freaking way.”

A Shave and a Haircut

Similar to Noble’s demonstration, fellow megachurch pastor Michael Todd of Transformation Church in Oklahoma set up a barber’s chair on stage and got a trim from his long-time barber according to The Christian Post.

The point Todd was trying to impart upon his congregation was that if you want the fruit of God’s blessing, your going to have to be willing to be cut and reduced in the process.

“I just came to tell somebody that the church has … done a bad job in this last season of emphasizing how comfortable serving God would be,” Todd says to the congregation.

“I need to say this to you, like ‘just come to God and all your fears and all your tears, and He bottles them, and He’s going to coddle them.’ And we make you feel like when you come to God, then somehow it gets easy. … I just want to let you know that our desire for comfort has made us despise His cut.”

Punting the Bible Like a Football

This act of disrespect towards God’s Word admittedly goes far beyond the previous two non-traditional sermons. There is nothing outright heretical about the demonstrations, even though many will argue over the appropriateness of them in church.

But to kick the Word of God in an effort to “make church fun” crosses many lines a pastor should never even consider doing, it makes a strong case that such a person should not be a pastor at all.

Sadly, this is what happened when a video of Crossroads Church, located in the Cincinnati, Ohio area, and the teaching pastor Allie Patterson performs a kickoff to lead pastor Brian Tome using the Bible as a football in their 2020 Super Bowl service.

Ohio Megachurch pastrix Allie Patterson punts the bible off stage and into the crowd during a Superbowl-themed church service. See the story at https://t.co/l4z64pKOjU pic.twitter.com/Q8Xsybw77q

— Protestia (@Protestia) February 12, 2024

There is no message that can be given which justifies this treatment of the holy Bible, which holds inside of it’s pages the life-saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and what He did for all of us on the old, wooden cross.

Below, you can see an older video of the reaction of Chinese Christians receiving their Bibles under the CCP’s communist regime, and the shear joy and reverence shown to such a holy book.

This is how Chinese Bible school students reacted when they received Bibles.

The power of God’s Word – and its importance for persecuted believers – is why we’re launching a Bibles campaign. Join us here: https://t.co/JYelm91udI pic.twitter.com/btBoZP5yl3

— International Christian Concern (@persecutionnews) March 19, 2019

Perhaps the door to events like this was opened by less-infuriating demonstrations such as haircuts and bench-presses in church, but what others do in no way justifies this treatment of a book that millions have died for over the course of Christianity’s history.

As churches seemingly push the line further and further into what they are willing to do to create that “shock value” to grow their attendance, things will only get worse. By choosing entertainment over holiness, many churches now lack the convicting power of the Holy Spirit to start the transformative process in their congregations’ lives that is a relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

As Christians enter the tumultuous era of the end times, prayer emerges as an indispensable lifeline, offering comfort, guidance and spiritual fortification amidst the prevailing chaos.

In a world rife with uncertainty and upheaval, prayer serves as a direct line of communication and empowerment with God Almighty.

Evangelist Perry Stone aptly emphasizes how mastering the art of prayer becomes paramount, for it is through earnest communion with God that one finds strength to navigate the trials and tribulations as discussed in Scripture.

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Prayer not only fosters intimacy with the our Father in heaven but also discernment, enabling believers to align our hearts with God’s will and stand firm in faith amid the rising tide of adversity.

Here are five urgent instructions believers must follow in their prayer lives:

1. Pray for Worthiness

Stone emphasizes the importance of prayer, referencing Luke 21:36, which states, “Therefore watch always and pray that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen and to stand before the Son of Man.” Stone urges followers to learn the art of prayer, emphasizing its pivotal role in navigating the challenges of the last days.

“Learning how to pray properly is the first primary instruction Jesus would give you if he were here in person. I want to teach you how to pray,” Stone reveals.

2. Watch and Be Alert

Stone highlights the need for vigilance, quoting Mark 13:3, “Watch and pray, for you do not know when the time is.” He encourages believers to stay alert, emphasizing the complementary nature of watching and praying to be prepared for Christ’s return.

“If we pray and we’re not watching, we won’t see the enemy coming. If we watch but we’re not praying, we don’t have the weapons that we need,” Stone teaches.

3. Avoid Carelessness

Pointing to Matthew 24:48, Stone warns against becoming careless or complacent in Christian living. “If my servant says my Lord delays His coming, he will eat, be drunk, and smite the men servants…” Stone says believers should remain steadfast and not be swayed by the notion of a delayed return.

“It’s very important not to ever say, ‘I don’t believe the Lord’s going to come for a long time,’ because you will become careless,” Stone warns.

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4. Remember Lot’s Wife: Luke 17:32

Stone explores the cautionary tale of Lot’s wife and the lessons that come with it, quoting Luke 17:32, “Remember Lot’s wife.” He warns of the dangers of disobedience and looking back while encouraging believers to maintain a forward-focused, unwavering commitment.

“Don’t look back, and don’t turn back. Set your face like a flint and always look forward,” Stone instructs.

5. Persevere in Faith: Luke 18:8

The final instruction centers on perseverance in faith, reading from Luke 18:8, “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” Stone warns against fainting or giving up in the face of delays, hindrances and challenges.

“At the time of the end, there will be so much delay. You become weary, and once you become weary, you will begin to faint,” Stone emphasizes.

In the chaotic landscape of the end times, prayer emerges as a steadfast anchor, grounding believers in the unshakable hope of Christ’s imminent return.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.