Christmas Canceled in Bethlehem?

In an unprecedented move, Bethlehem’s annual Christmas display has been canceled by Palestinian authorities “in honor of Hamas martyrs” amidst the ongoing conflict with Israel.

The Bethlehem Municipality officially announced plans to forego the traditional Christmas tree and festive decorations in Manger Square, a site adorned with Christmas cheer since the inception of modern celebrations of the season.

This marks the first instance since 1988, during the first Intifada, that the iconic birthplace of Jesus Christ will be devoid of Christmas decorations.

Officials cited solidarity with their compatriots in Gaza and reverence for the fallen as the reasons behind scrapping the usual plans. While the traditional Christmas mass and prayers will proceed, the city will lack its customary Christmas tree and festive lights.

Additional plans for the festive period are anticipated to be disclosed in the coming days.

“The reason is the general situation in Palestine; people are not really into any celebration, they are sad, angry and upset,” a spokesperson explained. “Our people in Gaza are being massacred and killed in cold blood. Therefore, it is not appropriate at all to have such festivities while there is a massacre happening in Gaza and attacks in the West Bank.”

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This year, Bethlehem, typically a bustling tourist destination in the lead-up to Christmas, seeks to convey a message of condolence and mourning rather than celebration. Pilgrims and tourists, who usually flock to Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity, will find a quieter atmosphere this year.

The Church of the Nativity, recognized as the birthplace of Jesus and a UNESCO World Heritage site, holds profound religious significance for Christians worldwide. Originally associated with Jesus since the fourth century AD, the existing church dates back to the sixth century AD.

Since the initiation of Hamas’ attack on Israel and the ensuing war, Bethlehem has experienced a marked decrease in its usual Christmas cheer. The region has remained quieter than usual, reflecting the somber mood that has settled over the town.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas erupted on Oct. 7, triggered by the terrorist group’s breaking of the ceasefire in place that resulted in the death of approximately 1,200 people and the capture of at least 240 individuals.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.




Conservative Titans, and the World, Clash Over Israel

The war taking place between Israel and the Iran-backed terrorist group Hamas has split the world in two: those for Israel and those against.

The often-quoted quip, “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be freed,” is not so much a pro-Palestine saying, but one that pushes for the eradication of the nation of Israel.

Even conservative circles have become split by the pro-or-not stance for Israel.

Recently, conservative commentators Ben Shapiro and Candace Owens, both of The Daily Wire, have been at each other’s throats over their respective stances on Israel.

Shapiro, an Orthodox Jew, is fully behind U.S. support of Israel and believes that the civilian losses occurring are an acceptable price to pay for the eradication of Hamas. He regularly points out that the Palestinians elected Hamas in to power, and they will be free of the terror organization once Israel defeats them.

Owens on the other hand is part of the growing “America First” movement which runs parallel to Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” following. Owens is against sending money, aid or military to foreign countries and their conflicts that have nothing to do with the U.S.

These opposing positions have led to furious online back-and-forth’s between the two, with a large part of X (formerly Twitter) watching to see how this plays out.

So why is the reluctance for many Americans to support Israel such a big thing? Is it simply because they want to fix things at home first? Or is there a deeper reason?

While many Americans are burned out on the massive amounts of unchecked funding that went to the war in Ukraine for the past year-and-a-half, many Christians, but sadly not all, view Israel as a much different story.

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Christian leaders such as Pastors John Hagee, Jentezen Franklin, Perry Stone, Greg Locke, Jack Hibbs and many others have proclaimed their unflinching support for Israel, and back their stances up with the Bible.

Yet there are just as many who claim to be a follower of Christ who do not believe that the country of Israel and its citizens are the nation of Israel described in the Bible. Many of these people are a part of the America First movement, and do not want America involved in the Israel-Hamas war whatsoever and cannot fathom why so many Christians are “obsessed” with the country.

To put it plainly, it is because of what the Word of God says. The covenant between Abraham and God in Genesis chapter 12 lays it out very plainly in God’s own words: “I will bless them who bless you, and curse him who curses you.”

Cursed by God should be reason enough to support Israel, but for many it is not. Perhaps they do not believe that the covenant is still in place, a folly of biblical proportions.

Prophecies from the Bible are still coming to fruition, and until the end of the age, God’s hand of protection will be over the nation of Israel. There will be those who revolt against her, and by doing so, they revolt against God.

Yet even with biblical prophecies over centuries, Christians and Jews have not had a great relationship. It was not until the third resurrection of the nation of Israel in 1948 that Christians really took notice, and talk of the end times coming to fruition began to dominate Christian media.

Since this third iteration of the nation of Israel, America has stood by her and supported her. Perhaps they were not always in agreement and did not see eye to eye in a host of matters, but they remained allies.

In these days that many believe are the lead up to the Great Tribulation, it is imperative, according to the Word of God, that America stand with Israel, even as the world turns against her. Note that standing with and supporting do not entail blindly following and being silent should things cross a line. As the old saying goes: Your best friends are the ones who tell you want you need to hear, not what you want to hear.

There is nothing wrong with being a patriot in America and caring deeply about righting the ship at home, because Lord knows the country needs it. But for this to happen, God must be placed first, not America. The blessing over this country through the years is because she was founded on God’s principles and design and honored Him, even while being an imperfect nation.

God was and is the pillar that keeps America held high. To turn against Him, as many in the country have done, and His people, would be a devastating blow to America, should He remove His hand of blessing and protection from the nation.

If somebody wants to put America first, then understand that means putting God first and abiding by His Word, His principles and His design for humanity.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.




IHOPKC Announces Major Update in Bickle Investigation

In the wake of accusations that have rocked the Christian community, IHOPKC has developed and released a report on the initial findings of the investigation into founding pastor Mike Bickle.

The following present extracts from the initial findings report put forward by IHOPKC leadership:

Three weeks ago, on Oct. 24, a group of men led by a local Kansas City pastor, (the “Complaint Group”) officially presented IHOPKC’s Executive Leadership Team (“ELT”) with a series of allegations against Mike Bickle allegedly made by eight women whom the Complaint Group claimed to represent.

After three weeks of examination, IHOPKC has identified five of eight alleged victims.

Three of those five have publicly called the allegations lies, a fourth has not wanted to communicate with IHOPKC’s attorney, and the fifth’s allegations relate to incidents that preceded IHOPKC’s founding. Further, it became apparent that the Complaint Group did not have permission to include at least four of the women in their list of alleged victims.

We remain committed to verifying the remaining allegations, but we need the Complaint Group to assist in our inquiry of the remaining alleged victims to ensure their veracity. There is much at stake in getting to the truth.

Like many of you, we were deeply troubled and distressed to learn of the multiple allegations against Mr. Bickle. The ELT took these allegations very seriously and within 24 hours began the process of looking into the details, as well as asking Mr. Bickle to step away from public ministry to allow for a proper inquiry to be conducted.

Within days, the ELT commenced consultation of outside legal experts on how to conduct a proper examination of the facts and how to best handle the situation. Significantly, at all times, the allegations were treated as if they were credible in order to care for any past or present victim while objective due diligence was to be performed. However, upon review by outside legal counsel, it was determined that the collection and presentation of the allegations by the Complaint Group lacked any semblance of reliability or due process.

The document prepared by the Complaint Group to accompany the presentation of allegations on Oct. 24 does not contain any actual evidence: no statements from the victims, whether sworn or unsworn, and no emails, texts or other exhibits between Mr. Bickle and the alleged victim to substantiate the allegations (only blank squares as exhibit placeholders).

The Complaint Group’s allegations were also presented along with a list of pre-prepared demands “to prevent escalating levels of disclosure.” These demands and threats, which included dictating the use of IHOPKC’s funds, generated an atmosphere of concern regarding the true objectives of the Complaint Group.

Initial Findings:

On the week of Oct. 24, the Complaint Group presented a list of eight alleged victims to the IHOPKC leadership team. The Group did not, and has not, claimed that these women had ever previously made their allegations known to IHOPKC prior to October 2023.

However, it has become abundantly clear over the last three weeks that four of the women were presented as alleged victims without their consent.

Some of the Complaint Group’s allegations were presented in a document and some of the allegations were presented orally in conversation.

Three women were identified by their initials in the document. An additional five anonymous Jane Does are listed in the document but the Complaint Group would not share their names or any details about these allegations (or how these women came to be represented by the Complaint Group).

Then, IHOPKC was given the names of two additional women orally during conversations that took place the week of Oct. 24.

At that point, a total of five alleged victims had been identified by name.

Conclusion:

IHOPKC has heard the demands to bring in a third party to investigate the organization in general, but this step is premature until IHOPKC can establish the credibility of the allegations and genuine intent of the Complaint Group.

We hope that by sharing our preliminary findings regarding these allegations, you will understand why it is premature at this juncture to have a third party conduct a community-wide investigation.

IHOPKC remains open to inviting a third party (or even multiple third parties) to examine these findings. It is our sincerest desire that alleged anonymous Jane Does would come forward as soon as possible, either directly to IHOPKC’s attorney, via the Complaint Group or through their own legal representative, so that IHOPKC can then take the appropriate next steps.

*End of Report*

As the Christian community navigates the complexities of the initial report released by IHOPKC leadership regarding the accusations against Mike Bickle, it is crucial that we approach this situation with a measured and discerning perspective. Rushing to judgment serves neither justice nor truth. In times of difficulty, it is imperative that we allow the investigative process to unfold, with our trust planted firmly in the Lord bringing truth to light, while withholding premature conclusions until all facts are laid bare.

Only through patience and a commitment to the pursuit of truth can we hope to achieve a fair and just resolution. In the face of adversity, let us hold fast to the belief that, ultimately, truth will prevail. As we grapple with the intricacies of this challenging situation, may wisdom guide our thoughts, compassion temper our judgments and the pursuit of truth be our unwavering compass rooted firmly in the Word of God and the impartation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.




Holy Spirit Movement Sweeps Through Gibson and Locke’s Ministries

In a recent interview with Charisma News, Pastor Brian Gibson shed light on the powerful revival sweeping through different areas under his ministry, including a significant transformation in the life of Pastor Greg Locke of Global Vision Bible Church. The conversation delves into the origins of their collaboration and Locke’s journey from a cessationist perspective to embracing the charismatic movement.

Pastor Gibson reminisces about Locke’s early days, marked by a strong voice against lockdowns and government interference. The turning point occurred during a rally in Kentucky when Gibson invited Locke to join the cause against the lockdowns. Little did Gibson know that Locke, a full-fledged cessationist at the time, would become an essential ally in their shared mission. As they traveled together, Gibson’s charismatic expressions, including praying in tongues, challenged Locke’s preconceptions, eventually leading to a profound shift in his beliefs.

“So, Locke goes on the road with me, and we preach in like, 30 states,” Gibson shares. “And I didn’t know he was a full-fledged cessationist and that he hated charismatics back then. I didn’t know he had written a book about guys like me.

“I remember Locke looking over at me, like ‘what in the world’s happening,’ but he would watch us and I would give words of knowledge and prophesy. As we were travelling he kind of figured out, ‘Man, this guy’s not crazy, at least not totally crazy, right?’ And God was already speaking to Spirit of God was working on him.”

Locke’s immersion into the charismatic movement involved encounters with prophetic ministries and pivotal moments, such as a visit to Gibson’s church in Owensboro. A prophet named Gustavo Paez played a crucial role in revealing significant aspects of Locke’s life, ultimately impacting his ministry and prompting him to write a book about the experience.

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Addressing the sustainability of the ongoing revival, Pastor Gibson humbly acknowledges his lack of expertise but emphasizes the central role of passion for Jesus. Keeping Jesus as the focus and not overshadowing His presence with guest speakers is paramount in their approach. Gibson stresses the importance of continual prayer, especially in the face of heightened spiritual attacks. He shares personal experiences of late-night calls, such as a recent incident where the devil attacked his brother’s health.

Gibson underscores the power of gospel preaching as a form of spiritual warfare, highlighting the simplicity of proclaiming the message of Christ’s death, burial, Resurrection, repentance and belief. He also emphasizes the need for external support through prayer, as attacks intensify during times of revival.

“Middle of the night, I get a call and the devil attacked my brother’s health last night. My brother went down in front of his wife, got up straight out of bed, threw up and said call the ambulance,” recalls Gibson.

“You just get uncommon attacks when stuff like this is happening. Don’t fear it, right? We don’t have a spirit of fear. We have authority over the devil. But raising up that shield of faith with prayer. We need people praying for us, praying for our team, praying for safety, praying for protection.”

Looking ahead, Pastor Gibson reveals plans to rotate the revival meetings between different locations, observing that the revival seems to follow wherever they go. Testimonies of salvations during funerals, in beauty salons and at baptisms underscore the widespread impact of the revival.

As the flames of revival continue to burn, Pastor Brian Gibson and his team remain committed to walking humbly before the Lord, recognizing the need for awakening and revival in these crucial times.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.




Dr. Ron Kenoly Rebukes Congregation During Worship

In Psalm 96:8-9 it says: “Give unto the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come into His courts. Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth.”

Well, how do we enter into His courts? Psalm 100:4 answers that question: “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”

When a worship leader sees a congregation that is not focused on the Lord and respecting the holiness that comes with worshiping Him, it is their responsibility to correct the people lovingly.

In a video uploaded recently to YouTube, that is exactly what worship leader Dr. Ron Kenoly does.

As Kenoly leads the congregation in worship, he notices behavior that is due for correction. How he does this is an example to all Christians, including those in positions of leadership and authority, about being submissive and yet authoritative at the same time by asking the pastor of the church for permission before moving forward and stopping the worship in its tracks.

“Pastor, how much authority do I have?” Kenoly respectfully asks. After being given the greenlight that he has the authority, Kenoly explains why the worship must stop.

“One of the things that bothers me the most is that when I am trying to get intimate with God and somebody’s taking pictures of me,” Kenoly explains.

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This action, which may be done in innocence and ignorance, takes the focus of worship off God, and places it onto the person being recorded.

“I want to get something clear: I am not an artiste. I am a worship leader. And my goal, my only goal, my only to teach you how to worship Him properly,” Kenoly explains.

Continuing to make his point clear as to the honor and reverence God is supposed to be shown, Kenoly explains the proper way to address a king and how to act in front of one, but not just any king, the King of kings and Lord of lords.

“Now the Bible tells us the appropriate behavior when we experience His manifest presence. And it says it right here in the song: ‘You deserve the glory, You deserve the honor.’ So, we lift our hands in worship. I don’t mind teaching you, because I [would] feel like I failed if I didn’t teach you,” Kenoly says.

All of this teaching, instruction and rebuke comes from one place in Kenoly’s heart: love.

“I am rebuking you because I love you,” Kenoly shares, who then proceeds to lead the congregation in pure, unadulterated worship of the Most High.

Taking the worship of the Lord seriously is a principle Christians must re-learn if they truly want to experience the manifest presence of God pouring out over their congregations, homes and communities.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.




Icelandic Evacuation: Are Earthquakes Fulfilling Biblical Prophecy?

In a quiet Icelandic town, Grindavik, a state of emergency has been declared, and residents have evacuated their homes due to the threat of a volcano eruption. The ground beneath them is trembling with a surge in seismic activity, prompting authorities to take swift action. As thousands of earthquakes and tremors shake the southwestern peninsula since November 10, the possibility of a volcanic eruption looms large.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office warns that the likelihood of an eruption in the Reykjanes Peninsula “remains high.” The earth is in motion, with over 700 earthquakes reported in just 12 hours, signaling the movement of magma beneath the surface. Although most are considered micro-earthquakes, their collective impact is felt, leaving the small fishing town on edge.

The situation has escalated to the point where defense walls are being constructed around a geothermal power plant, a vital source of electricity for the entire country. It’s a race against time to safeguard infrastructure from potential lava flows. The people of Grindavik, facing one of the largest evacuations in their history, are grappling with the magnitude of the incident.

This natural turmoil, however, brings to mind biblical prophecies. In the Bible, the end times are foretold, and one sign mentioned is the increase in earthquakes. It’s a reminder for Christians to exercise biblical discernment in these uncertain times.

Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel in Chino Hills, California, expressed similar sentiments. He exhorted Christians to pay attention to the world around and compare the events taking place to the words of Jesus and end times prophecies foretold in the Bible.

The seismic upheaval in Iceland echoes the biblical passages such as Matthew 24:7, where Jesus speaks of the end times: “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines, epidemics and earthquakes in various places.” The recent surge in earthquakes, the war in Israel and Ukraine along with the recent pandemic aligns with these words, serving as a call for Christians to stay vigilant and discern the signs around them.

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As residents return briefly to salvage belongings, witnessing the cracks in their homes and roads, it’s a stark reminder of the fragility of life. The Icelandic people, facing an unprecedented situation, are encouraged to remain resilient. This resilience reflects a broader message found in the Bible—a call to endure and trust in God during times of adversity.

While volcanic activity is not a new occurrence in Iceland, the scale and intensity of this event draw parallels to the volcanic eruptions that have shaped the nation’s history. It is reminiscent of the eruption in 1973 on the island of Heimaey and the international impact of Eyjafjallajökull in 2010.

In times of uncertainty, Christians are reminded to turn to the Lord for strength and guidance. The Bible encourages believers to be steadfast in their faith, irrespective of the challenges they face. As the ground trembles in Iceland, let us reflect on the biblical prophecies and teachings given to us by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, using supernatural discernment to navigate these turbulent times.

The events unfolding in Iceland provide an opportunity for Christians to reflect on the biblical principles of resilience, discernment and steadfastness in the face of a changing and unstable world. Just as the earth groans with birth pangs, Christians are called to stand firm in their faith, trusting in God and His plan for the earth during these times of upheaval.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.




Dallas Mass Deliverance 2 Conference Aims to Set the Captives Free

Following the massive response to the first Dallas Mass Deliverance event, Apostle Bible Davids and Prophetess Rebecca Bible-Davids are holding another conference at the Pavilion, Toyota Music Factory in Irving, Texas.

DMD 2 will take place Nov. 18, 2023 at 9 a.m. CST, with doors opening at 7 a.m.

Davids’ website exhorts Christians to “Gear up for the move of God.”

“The Holy Spirit is ushering in a revival, restoring believers’ authority over demonic forces. Join us at the Dallas Mass Deliverance 2 as we ignite an extraordinary surge of supernatural experiences, mass deliverances, healings, miracles, signs and wonders, right here in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.”

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Joining them will be deliverance ministers Pastor Greg Locke, Apostle Alexander Pagani, Pastor Malachi O’Brien and revivalist Isaiah Saldivar.

Davids’ ministry is already reporting a sold-out crowd for the DMD 2:

Davids declared on a recent Facebook post, “God is on schedule to release another wave of real deliverance in Dallas, Texas. Demons are real! Oppression is real! Ignoring the devil is inviting him to operate. Jesus is ready to break you free from demonic oppression. Thousands will be eternally impacted by the Holy Spirit.”

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Charisma News Staff




From the Heartland to Holy Land: American Farmers Strengthen Israel’s Frontlines

In the heartland of America, a group of compassionate cowboys from Montana and Arkansas has heeded a call to support Israelis facing the challenges of war. These dedicated individuals, inspired by their Christian beliefs, have left behind their farms and families to lend a helping hand during a crucial time.

The mission, aptly named “Operation Ittai,” draws inspiration from the non-Jewish commander in King David’s army mentioned in 2 Samuel 15:19-23. Joshua Waller explained, “Israel is in a really tough spot right now; we need non-Jews to come and be a part of strengthening the Jewish community.”

Ezekiel Strain, a Montana farmer, expressed the urgency of their mission: “When I heard the war broke out, this was the important thing to do.” Their journey led the group to Judea and Samaria, where they have been working diligently on security roads and volunteering on farms affected by the conflict.

This extraordinary effort is facilitated by HaYovel, an organization founded nearly 20 years ago by Joshua Waller’s father. HaYovel brings Christian Zionists to volunteer in agriculture, emphasizing support for Israel during times of need. The group’s presence is especially vital now, as Israel faces a significant crisis after recent events.

In their selfless labors, the farmers have become known as “The Cowboys” in Israel, capturing the hearts of many grateful locals. John Plocher, one of the volunteers, reflected on the nickname: “It’s funny because they have this certain image of what a cowboy is, you know, drinking, cussing and whatever. All those aren’t necessarily true.”

Despite being thousands of miles away from home, these cowboys understand the importance of maintaining agricultural and construction projects during wartime. Ezekiel Strain affirmed, “If this is when they need us, then this is when we are going to come.”

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The group’s commitment goes beyond physical labor; they are actively engaging with the Israeli community, attending barbecues, visiting the wounded and supporting families affected by terrorism. Their actions reflect a deep connection to the biblical principles of compassion and solidarity with Israel.

In addition to their on-the-ground efforts, HaYovel is raising funds to provide equipment to Jewish villages and towns in Judea and Samaria facing heightened risks. The organization aims to supply essential items such as bulletproof jackets, helmets, night vision gear and even basic necessities like flashlights.

Despite the challenges, the group remains undeterred, having already raised $2 million of their $29 million goal. The funds will address urgent requests from Jewish villages, ensuring the safety and well-being of the communities they are assisting.

As John Plocher emphasized, “Nowadays, people support a lot with their lips and say they support, but not a whole lot of people actually stand up for what they think. So, when I was given the opportunity to come, I wanted to come.”

In times of crisis, the actions of these American cowboys serve as a testament to the enduring bond between Christians and Israel, guided by a shared commitment to compassion, support and the principles found within the pages of the Bible.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.




Christian Leaders Call for Support at ‘March for Israel’ Amid Ongoing War

A sea of demonstrators expected to number in the hundreds of thousands will converge on the National Mall on Tuesday for the “March for Israel.” Organized by the Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, the event aims to condemn the surge in antisemitism and demand the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

Eric Fingerhut, President and CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America, emphasized the importance of standing against terror: “Israel’s fight against Hamas is no different than America’s fight against Al Qaeda and ISIS.”

Pastor John Hagee, Founder and National Chairman of Christians United For Israel, will be on hand and is encouraging other Christians to support Israel during this time of rising antisemitism.

The rally, confined to the National Mall and with enhanced security measures, anticipates a turnout of 100,000 attendees. DC Mayor Muriel E. Bowser announced National Guard support for traffic safety points.

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Organizers emphasize the peaceful nature of the march, aiming to demonstrate America’s support for Israel’s actions against Hamas. The event will also express gratitude for the recent $14 billion emergency military assistance approved by the Biden administration.

The rally’s primary focus is denouncing antisemitic rhetoric and urging Hamas to release Israeli hostages. William Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, stated, “Hamas’ brutal acts of terror have no place in a civilized world.”

As America unites in solidarity, the “March for Israel” seeks to send a resounding message: a rejection of anti-Israel sentiment and a commitment to shared values of peace, justice and freedom.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.




Prophetic Warning to Megachurches: Free Chapel’s Revival Signals Paradigm Shift

In a recent episode of the Encounter Today Podcast hosted by Bishop Alan DiDio, Larry Sparks from Larry Sparks Ministries shed light on the powerful revival that took place at Free Chapel, led by Pastor Jentezen Franklin in Gainesville, Georgia.

The revival, spearheaded by Evangelist Perry Stone, witnessed a profound outpouring of the Holy Spirit, with approximately 3,000 individuals experiencing a transformative baptism in the Spirit.

Amidst the chaos and disunity prevalent in the 21st-century church, Sparks passionately conveyed a call to move beyond superficial expressions of many modern churches, emphasizing a genuine hunger for more of the Holy Spirit. He highlighted an unfortunate trend of what he termed “Pentecostal light” in certain gatherings, where the pursuit of God’s presence is diluted to mere comfort without embracing the dynamic move of the Spirit.

“I’ve been to meetings, where they’re trying to people” Sparks explains. “That was not what was happening [at Free Chapel].”

The surprising backdrop, according to Sparks, for this revival was Free Chapel, a megachurch previously perceived by Sparks as more non-denominational. Witnessing the church’s openness and hunger for the Holy Spirit marked a paradigm shift for him. Stone and Franklin’s leadership encouraged participants to fully embrace the Holy Spirit’s transformative work, shattering preconceived notions of cultural relevance within megachurches.

“Maybe I probably inappropriately judged them, but here I am watching this service, Perry Stone’s up there leading 3,000 people in the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Opening the alter, people running up there, literally. …Nobody was discouraging manifestations of the Holy Spirit,” Sparks says.

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As Sparks recounted his personal encounter with the electric presence of the Holy Spirit during the service, he underscored the authenticity and hunger displayed by Free Chapel. Stone’s unapologetic call for manifestations of the Holy Spirit, including praying in tongues, created an atmosphere where believers could experience a profound encounter with God.

The revival at Free Chapel, according to Sparks, carries prophetic significance in the midst of contemporary chaos. He suggested that megachurches across the nation should heed this as a warning, urging leaders to recalibrate priorities away from mere cultural relevance. Sparks emphasized the importance of embracing the Holy Spirit’s dynamic move, advocating for authenticity and biblical truth in fostering genuine spiritual transformations.

“I’m not seeing anybody who has an agenda that they’re trying to put on the Holy Spirit. They’re literally saying ‘Holy Spirit, You dictate our agenda.’ It’s powerful,” says Sparks.

In exploring the prophetic theme of signs of the times, Sparks acknowledged the necessity of balanced teaching on eschatology. He cautioned against extremes and advocated for harmonizing the understanding of end-time events with a continual embrace of the Holy Spirit’s transformative outpouring.

The heart of Sparks’ message lies in the hope that the revival at Free Chapel serves as a catalyst for a renewed emphasis on the authentic, transformative power of the Holy Spirit in churches worldwide. As the church navigates these unprecedented times, the outpouring at Free Chapel stands as a beacon, calling for a revival that transcends cultural norms and seeks a genuine encounter with the living God.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.