The Satanic Temple has found itself in a heated internal debate after its co-founder and spokesperson, Lucien Greaves, posed for a photograph with former American Atheists president David Silverman, an atheist activist known for his “anti-woke” stance on LGBTQ issues.

The photograph, taken in June, sparked outrage within the TST community. Silverman, who had previously faced accusations of sexual misconduct and drawn criticism for his comments on transgenderism, thanked Greaves for their meeting in a tweet, triggering immediate division among TST members.

While some TST members expressed concerns over Greaves associating with Silverman, Greaves defended his actions, stating that he could not vet everyone who wanted a photo with him.

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The controversy escalated into a significant rift within the Satanic Temple, with calls for Greaves to apologize, step down and reaffirm his support for transgender rights. Some Satanists, particularly a sobriety-oriented Satanist group, decided to part ways with TST altogether, denouncing the organization’s leadership structure as patriarchal and white supremacist.

Interestingly, this internal strife reveals a paradox within the Satanic Temple. While the organization often seeks to provoke and challenge traditional Christian and conservative beliefs, it has allowed criticism from within its ranks regarding progressive social politics.

Despite the calls for accountability and alignment with progressive values, Greaves remained steadfast in his refusal to condemn Silverman, emphasizing his commitment to religious liberty and pluralism. He criticized what he sees as a culture within progressive activism that prioritizes optics over tangible results while shunning uncomfortable ideas.

Christians should recognize how radical an ideology has become when even the atheists who once supported such ideals turn away from them like Silverman has. Pray that those like Silverman, Greaves and all who are deceived in The Satanic Temple have a Damascus road moment in their lives according to 2 Corinthians 4:4, which reads:

“The god of this world has blinded the minds of those who do not believe, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.”

Pray that the light of the Lord does in fact shine on them and show them the truth that is Jesus Christ.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

Is the new trend for churches to utilize upcoming technology to demonstrate they have no fear of adapting to cultural and societal changes?

In some cases this appears to be true, as Pastor Jay Cooper, of Methodist church Violet Crown City Church in North Austin, Texas, developed an AI-generated worship service for his congregation.

This is not the first time, nor will it be the last, that the pastor of a church utilizes AI to create a time-saving and attention-getting sermon.

“The idea to create an AI-generated worship service came from my belief that the church should not only be aware of the most pressing issues of our world, but also to actively engage in them,” Cooper said.

“AI is definitely one of those issues, so I wanted to incorporate it into our community life in such a way that it would make an impact.

“The initial reason we offered this, admittedly unorthodox, service was to inform our congregation about AI and to understand its potential and its limitations.

“The purpose is to invite us to consider the nature of truth and challenge our assumptions about what God can make sacred and inspired.

“What it actually became was a meaningful conversation about how we as followers of Jesus are to seek the sacred in every person, place, and situation in our life, for scripture reminds us that when we seek God, we will find God” he adds.

So is this the direction the Christian church is heading? Will it become impossible for pastors to resist the allure of saving time, energy and resources when creating sermons and use AI to get their desired results?

But believers must be watchful for the elevation of AI over the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Take for example the opening line from The Mirror about the story of Pastor Cooper and his utilization of AI:

“The Word of God has now been officially taken over by AI as proved by this robot-generated sermon which included humans worshiping.”

That is one of the many falsehoods many a pastor and ministry leader has warned about with the introduction of AI into society.

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The Word of God will never be taken over by any entity. There are already attempts to re-write the inerrant Scriptures with a new, more socially acceptable that placates people’s sensitivities without being controversial.

Spoiler alert: Jesus was always controversial because He challenged the world and won.

Cooper shared that the AI sermon lacked that human and Spirit interaction, but that it was the discussion afterwards that drew his congregation closer together.

“I was surprised to hear several members of the church say they were able to worship during the service but I suppose it shouldn’t have surprised me, especially since I opened the service with an invitation to seek to experience God in a time when we may assume we won’t,” Cooper said.

“What ultimately brought us closer to God as a community was the discussion after the service. We were able to share what was most important to us in worship and how much we treasure the human element in a community of faith, something that was clearly lacking in the AI-generated service.

“Although many were impressed by AI’s ability to create prayers, a sermon, and an original song based on the sermon, along with being glad we have a much better understanding of AI now, many in our church expressed that the service felt shallow and generic and that it was missing the most important component of worship, which is heart and the human spirit of joy and authenticity.

“Never say never, I suppose, since it’s possible AI may yet be of use for us in some way in the church, but for now we won’t be using it again to generate any components of Sunday morning worship services” he adds.

Cooper makes one particular, excellent point. Introducing his congregation to AI and having an open discussion about it will help alleviate fears concerning it.

AI can absolutely be used in nefarious and deceptive ways, and sadly this is most likely to increase in the coming days. However, providing information, knowledge and guidance on new and developing technologies will help the church move forward in wisdom and biblical discernment.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

The Bible is filled with messages to those who read it about just how important the presence of God is to the well-being of His people.

God’s presence, woven throughout the Old and New Testaments, serves as a poignant reminder of His closeness, the guidance He offers and the intimate bond He shares with His people.

When the presence of the Lord falls it offers comfort in times of trouble (Ps. 46:1), guidance in moments of uncertainty (Prov. 3:5-6) and the assurance of eternal life (John 10:27-28).

In a recent sermon, Pastor Greg Locke of Global Vision Bible Church explained why he had dropped the political rallies at his church tent in favor of creating a house of God’s presence.

“I don’t care what party you’re with, this is a house of His presence, not a house their political ‘s a big thing coming from a guy like me,” shares Locke.

While being very vocal politically in the past and creating a platform that now focuses on deliverance ministry and movements of the Holy Spirit, Locke implores his congregation that the church needs to focus on God’s presence more than the things of this world.

“We have to prepare a place for His presence,” explains Locke.

“The fear of the Lord invites the presence of God, and if a church does not prepare themselves for the presence, then they can expect none of it,” he adds.

Locke shares that this preparation for the Lord’s presence must include an intentional shift towards the righteousness of God as described in the Bible.

No longer is God tolerating the lukewarm silent church, but instead He is moving and shaking His people to either speak His truth found in His Word with boldness and fear of Him, or be removed from His covering of blessing and protection.

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Here are five important lessons about the presence of God:

1. Without a personal encounter with the Lord nothing else matters.

2. We must prepare a place for God’s presence: “There’s the omnipresence of God and there’s the manifest presence of God.”

3. A place without mixture of sin will experience His presence without measure: “God will pour Himself out amongst people that want real unity not carnal mixture… Know the difference between peace keepers and peace breakers.”

4. The Lord reveals Himself for Himself: “It’s not arrogance, it’s holiness.”

5. The glory of God is never to be rushed: “Our lack of holiness is a result of our hurry-ness.”

“I’m telling you we [are] inviting the presence, this ain’t a rock concert,” declared Locke. “This is a house of worship, this is a house of prayer.”

After a moment of consideration, Locke makes a bold declaration of how far the church of today has strayed from its loving relationship with God.

“We have prostituted the body of Christ,” Locke says. “We have taken the pure, supposed to be spotless, bride of Christ, and we have stripped her down into hooker clothing, put her on a street and made pastors pimps. [We have] sold her to the highest bidder. Sickening,” Locke continues.

The words Locke shares, while intense, ring with truth as churches across the globe are leaving the biblical truths and principles that the Lord has established for the ways of the world.

Apostasy and greed have pulled many away from the presence of God, and instead invite the presence of false gods into the walls of the buildings they gather in. The great falling away of the end times has begun in many places, where people gather for church yet never even mention the Father, Jesus or the Holy Spirit.

This is why, Locke says, you must guard against the false teachings plaguing the church today.

“We’re not talking about people that are ignorant. We are talking about people that are purposely manipulating their words. …If you got some false prophetic word, some false tongue, some false laying on hands of somebody that’s false and wicked, you’ve got that voodoo dude” says Locke.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

In a recent interview with Pastor Vlad Savchuk, Rabbi Jonathan Cahn discusses his latest book, “The Josiah Manifesto,” which delves into the profound connection between America and the biblical concept of the Jubilee.

The Jubilee represents the 50th year, a time of restoration, redemption and reversals. Cahn discusses with Savchuk the significance of the Jubilee and how it is intricately linked to America’s history and current events.

The Jubilee: A Time of Restoration and Redemption

The Jubilee, as Cahn explains, was a time of renewal and justice in ancient Israel. Every 50th year, land was returned to its original owners, prisoners were set free and debts were forgiven. However, there was also an aspect of judgment and restitution; if someone had wrongfully taken land, it would be reclaimed during the Jubilee.

Cahn’s book “The Josiah Manifesto” takes readers on a journey through prophetic mysteries that ultimately lead to a blueprint for navigating contemporary challenges. It begins with an intriguing story in Cuba, where Cahn was invited to mark a unique moment of religious freedom. His encounter with Fidel Castro set the stage for a profound revelation linked to the Jubilee.

During his visit to Cuba, Cahn was invited to meet Castro, bearing three significant objects and a prophetic word. These objects included a Bible, a prophetic object and a written prophecy. Remarkably, the prophetic word accurately foretold the time of Castro’s departure from power down to the precise year, month, week, day and hour. This extraordinary event set the stage for the unfolding of a greater mystery, one that would profoundly affect America.

The Impact on America

Cahn draws a parallel between what happened in Cuba and America, emphasizing the biblical principle that a nation’s actions toward its children will come back to affect it. In the early 1970s, America made a significant choice when it began legalizing abortion, thereby shedding the blood of its unborn children. This ominous decision took place in 1970, a pivotal year that would resonate 50 years later in 2020.

“America began taking the lives of its children, shedding the blood of hits children in 1970,” explains Cahn. “That is when abortion unto man entered the land. Roe v. Wade was 1973, but this was when it began. And so, if you go to the Jubilee of that 50 years later … it goes to 2020.”

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The year 2020 marked the Jubilean year of abortion in America, precisely 50 years after the nation’s shift toward legalized abortion. As Cahn points out, the book of Jeremiah warns that when a nation takes the lives of its children, it will face retribution, often in the form of a great plague or pandemic. Tragically, this prophecy seemed to manifest with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

“We all remember when our lives were changed; it was in March, when President Trump went on the air, and he said … ‘America is now quarantined.’ Lockdowns began, the stock market crashed, it was [a] pandemic,” Cahn says. “They called it ‘the day that changed everything.’ That’s in March, now if you go back [to] 1970, there was a day that we actually began killing children. It [abortion] was legalized on that day, it was March 11, 1970.”

Rabbi Jonathan Cahn’s “The Josiah Manifesto” offers even more of the profound exploration of the Jubilee’s connection to America’s history and current events. The alignment of dates and events is indeed striking, prompting readers to contemplate the spiritual significance and ramifications of allowing the murder of God’s children into America.

“The Josiah Manifesto” expertly highlights the spiritual and physical reality that actions have consequences and the choices a nation makes can shape its destiny in profound and unexpected ways.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

Following a whirlwind of controversy, speculation, support and accusations, Pastor Andy Stanley disclosed his stance on gay marriage to his congregation on Sunday, Oct. 1.

Stanley, pastor at the Atlanta-area megachurch, North Point Community Church, addressed the swirling rumors and assumptions that were being made in an untelevised sermon meant just for his church.

This is following a highly contentious and sensitive two-day seminar Stanley hosted for parents of LGBTQ children called the “Unconditional Conference.”

There was an announcement sent out prior to the service on Sunday detailing what the sermon would be about:

“HEY EVERYBODY, You may have heard about or been asked about a conference for parents North Point Community Church is hosting on September 28-29, the Unconditional Conference. A great deal of misinformation has circulated regarding the purpose of the conference, and I do not want you to be misinformed. So on Sunday, October 1, we’re taking a break from our regular programming to talk about the conference and why we elected to host it. In light of the subject matter, we will not be streaming services online on October 1. If you plan to attend, and I hope you will, plan to arrive early. While the subject matter will not be kid-friendly, this is actually the perfect weekend to bring your kids because we are kicking off new content in all our children’s environments. If you have no idea what all the fuss is about, good! Come anyway and I’ll explain.”

Before the event, Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, voiced his criticism of Stanley on his podcast “The Briefing,” asserting that the concept of “the quieter middle space” is deceptive.

“I don’t believe that the quieter middle space exists,” Mohler said. “I can see why many might hope that it would exist. You might hope there would be a place which is not so confrontational, not so controversial, not so loud.”

Mohler continued, highlighting that two of the speakers scheduled to address the conference were in fact homosexual men who were married to other men.

“Let’s just be clear: This isn’t middle space,” Mohler said. “This is declaring sides, and this is not the side consistent with biblical Christianity. This is the side that I believe is not only incompatible with biblical Christianity but cannot coexist in one space with biblical Christianity.”

This decision has led to both support and condemnation by the Christian church. Some are supportive of Stanley’s outreach efforts to the LGBTQ community and believe what he is doing is what Christians are called to do.

Others however believe this is an acceptance of LGBTQ lifestyle without the transformative process that comes from accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Some even claim now that Stanley has gone full apostate.

exactly did Stanley say to address this quagmire of theology, opinion, support, condemnation, accusation and more?

Protestia was among the first outlets to post the unedited audio of Stanley’s message on their website and social media accounts. The audio shows Stanley highlighted three statements on “New Testament Sexual Ethics”:

• Honor God with your body. The Holy Spirit lives in you and your body is how people know what you believe and where you stand; your behavior through your body is to exemplify the goodness of God and the grace of God and the love of God. So, you always honor God with your body and you always honor others as well.
• Don’t be mastered by anything. Not by porn, not by sexual addiction. Don’t be mastered by another person. Don’t be mastered by infatuation. Don’t be mastered by lust. Don’t be mastered by anything. You have a master and He’s the king. And He loves you and He created you and He knows what’s best for you.
• Don’t sexualize a relationship outside of marriage. “‘That is so old fashioned! No sex before we’re married? If you’re not married, I mean who even teaches that anymore?’ Always have, always will…. we’re not going to blink on this,” Stanley says.

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Stanley continued and directly addressed his, and by extension his church’s, view on sexual activity from a marriage and biblical stance:

“Sex is for married people. Regarding marriage, and this feels weird [to] even say this, just [to] make sure everybody knows where we are. We talk about marriage, or we talk about and teach about marriage the same way Jesus and the apostles did. Every instruction in the Bible regarding marriage references or assumes a husband and a wife, a man or a woman.

“So biblical marriage, biblical marriage is between a man and a woman. We’ve never shied away from that. We don’t change the words in order not to offend people,” Stanley says.

In the sermon, Stanley continues addressing the area that many have taken issue with: responding to homosexual marriages by loving them and restoring relationships with them since they have decided they are incapable of living chaste lives.

“But for many, that is not sustainable. So they choose a same-sex marriage. Not because they’re convinced it’s biblical—they read the same Bible we do—they chose to marry for the same reason many of us do. Love, companionship and family. And in the end, as was the case for all of us, this is the important thing I want you to hear me say; it’s their decision,” says Stanley.

This has been viewed by many as an acceptance of the lifestyle and practices of homosexuality without addressing the transformative nature that accompanies the act of making Jesus Lord and Savior over one’s life.

Andrew T. Walker, an Ethics and Public Theology Professor at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, summed up Stanley’s stance as a “distinction between doctrine and pastoral practice.

“What does that mean? It means the doctrine has not ‘officially’ changed which is why he can technically affirm a ‘biblical view,’ but for all practical purposes, there is a pastoral accommodation that allows for LGBTQ-identified persons to disobey Scripture and remain in good standing as a Christian.”

I was able to listen to Andy Stanley’s messages from today on the topic of same-sex attraction and marriage.

What’s clear from Stanley’s teaching is that he’s drawing a distinction between doctrine and pastoral practice. What does that mean? It means the doctrine has not…

— Andrew T. Walker (@andrewtwalk) October 2, 2023

In taking the stance of respectful disagreement, Walker leaned on his own personal experiences with Stanley and attempted to offer correction in a loving, Christian manner:

“Andy Stanley is an acquaintance I’ve spoken with about these issues over the past several years. He’s never been anything less than kind and respectful, so I have no personal animosity in saying this; in fact, I say it with much grief and lament: Andy Stanley is in error, and based on reports I’ve heard of what’s encouraged and promoted at North Point itself through its counseling ministries, the church is leading people down a grave pathway that is unbiblical and therefore harmful to those it claims to serve.”

Maybe with more loving, respectful and, most importantly, Scripturally based discussions, Christian leaders can address the growing need for families dealing with LGBTQ members and their path forward in the living Word of God.

Perhaps Pastor Jimmy Evans said it best this past Sunday, “When a person is sexually confused they deserve compassion, and they deserve to be treated for the problems and the spiritual problems they are going through.”

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

The times feel like they are quickening.

News cycles are less than 24 hours and information is being pumped through people’s attention spans at a staggering rate.

This environment makes it easy to miss what God is doing in the midst of the chaos plaguing the world during these prophesied times.

Pastor Jimmy Evans, founder and president of XO Marriage, spoke at Free Chapel in Gainesville, Georgia, to kick off Pastor Jentezen Franklin’s month-long “Signs of the Times” series.

Widely known as a marriage-focused pastor, Evans spends a large amount of time studying and discussing the end times, as well as the Bible prophecy that foretold the days we live in.

“Thirty percent of the Bible is prophecy, and most of that has to do with the days that we are living in,” explains Evans.

“This is the most prophesied time in human the Lord told us what was going on,” he adds.

Not content to simply give a pleasant sermon on a topic that easily catches the ears of listeners, Evans proceeded to offer a proven prophetic timeline of events determining that we are living in the end times.

Here are seven prophetic events that represent the fulfilling of prophecy:

• Israel Reborn for the Second Time, 1948 (Isa. 11).

“Israel is the only nation that has been dispossessed twice and [has] come back to be a nation,” says Evans.

Having been destroyed by both the Babylonians and the Romans, the hand of God still guided the nation of Israel and re-established the land the according to His timeline of restoration.

• Israel Reborn in One Day, 1948 (Isa. 66).

“May 14, 1948, the British mandate over Palestine ended, and David Ben Gurion, who was the leader of Israel, declared Israel’s independence. On that day, our president, Harry Truman, recognized Israel as a nation [and] other nations followed suit. In one day, Israel became a nation in fulfillment of Isaiah 66,” Evans says.

• Jerusalem Went from Gentile Control to Israeli Control, 1967 (Luke 21).

“When the Jews regained Israel in 1948, they did not get all of Jerusalem. They only got West Jerusalem, they did not get East Jerusalem,” Evans explains. “There was a war called The Six Day War in June 1967 and at that time the Jews took all of the city of Jerusalem.”

The unification of Jerusalem into Israeli control ended the time of her being trampled underfoot of the Gentiles who had been governing parts of the city for centuries.

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• Russian Jews Emigrate to Israel, 1989 (Jer. 16, 23, 31).

“This is talking about the end times and is talking about God taking Israel, not from Egypt, not from anywhere else, but from the north country. Well, if you look on a world north of Israel there’s Syria, there’s Turkey and then there’s Moscow. The farthest north country from Israel is Russia. In 1989, the Iron Curtain Soviet Union fell. Since then, 1.7 million Jews have emigrated from Russia to Israel,” says Evans.

• Explosion of Knowledge and Travel, 2000-Now (Dan. 12).

“[The angel said to Daniel] here is how you know you will be living in the end times: travel will increase and knowledge will increase,” Evans tells the congregation.

Referencing air travel, Evans explains how a person can circumnavigate the globe in as little as 24 hours, and even go into space, with enough money.

The increase of knowledge of today’s culture has yet to be fully examined, as Evans says, “2023 is the year of artificial is revolutionizing the world [with] a tsunami of knowledge.

“It is the most significant and world-changing invention in the history of mankind.”

• The Apostasy of the West from Traditional Christianity, 2010-Now (2 Thess. 2)

“The book of 2 Thessalonians was written specifically to comfort people concerning the return of Jesus and to tell them you haven’t been left behind,” says Evans. “He’s [Paul] specifically saying here’s what’s going to happen, the Rapture has not happened and it’s not going to happen until he says, ‘that day will not come unless the falling away comes first.'”

Evans proceeded to point out that since the removal of the Ten Commandments and prayers from schools, entire generations have decayed morally and spiritually due to the erasure of God from American culture.

• The Two Witnesses Will Testify on the Temple Mount, the preparation is now (Rev. 11).

“Why are they so hated?” asks Evans. “Well, the Jews are ready to rebuild the Temple right now. There is going to have to be a rebuilt Temple in why are the witnesses so hated? Because they are going to protect the Temple builders. There is going to be a lot of people [that] do not want that Temple built and the two witnesses are bulletproof.”

But through all the fear, speculation and uncertainty that come with people discussing the end times, Evans wants to encourage Christians not to fear, because they are on the side of the victor.

“Can I give you the Good News? Jesus is coming.”

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

In a world overflowing with information, The Gospel Coalition’s new initiative, The Carson Center for Theological Renewal, goes to war against biblical illiteracy and the need to preserve the true teachings of the Bible amidst modern cultural shifts.

Named in honor of TGC co-founder Don Carson, this initiative underscores the importance of holding fast to God’s Word in its purest form and passing on a profound understanding of Scripture to future generations.

Collin Hansen, the editor-in-chief of The Gospel Coalition, highlights the pressing need to address biblical illiteracy, not only in Western countries but also in the thriving churches around the world. He recognizes that spiritual revival hinges on a return to the unaltered and divinely-inspired teachings of the Bible. Despite the easy access to the Bible through the internet, many popular resources for studying God’s Word are either inadequate or promote false teachings.

The Carson Center’s mission is crystal clear: to equip leaders of Bible studies and discussion groups with the tools they need to tackle tough questions while staying true to the Scriptures. They offer resources such as theological journals, academic books and free materials that empower individuals to delve deeply into the Bible, regardless of their formal training.

Looking forward, The Carson Center plans to create a comprehensive digital collection to serve church leaders worldwide. Additionally, it aims to gather and share a wide range of biblical and theological materials while nurturing a select group of fellows who will create resources for the next generation of church teachers.

As the American Bible Society’s “State of the Bible 2023” report reveals, young people’s engagement with Scripture has steadily declined over the past three years. This concerning trend underscores the urgent need for comprehensive biblical education, particularly for the younger generation.

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Don Carson, in a 2019 interview with The Christian Post, emphasized the importance of instilling the fundamentals of faith through family devotions and prayer from a young age. He stressed the significance of exposing children to quality literature, teaching them the Bible through family devotions and living out a consistent faith as parents.

Furthermore, Carson highlighted the importance of demonstrating compassion for the less fortunate and involving children in missions. This hands-on approach helps young believers witness their parents’ commitment to more than just a comfortable suburban lifestyle.

In addition to The Carson Center, The Gospel Coalition has launched the Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics, aimed at helping Christians adapt to a rapidly changing cultural landscape. Inspired by the late TGC co-founder Tim Keller, this initiative seeks to raise and support a new generation of evangelists and apologists who can effectively communicate the unchanging gospel in a dynamic world.

Younger individuals often leave Evangelical churches due to a lack of guidance in navigating secular narratives and arguments. Tim Keller emphasized the center’s role in providing apologetic training, not only for evangelism but also for the formation of strong faith. The hope is that, in the future, initiatives like the Keller Center will help reverse the trend of young people leaving the church, ensuring that more enter its doors than exit.

In a world where biblical truths are continually challenged and diluted, The Carson Center and The Keller Center stand as beacons of unwavering faith, committed to preserving the Word of God and nurturing the faith of generations to come.

Through sound teaching, deep biblical literacy and unswerving devotion to Scriptural truths, these initiatives pave the way for a stronger, more resilient church that can boldly proclaim the gospel in an ever-changing world.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

Toby Keith, the 62-year-old country icon, has not only made his mark in the music industry but has also become known for his unwavering faith.

His journey through a recent stomach cancer diagnosis in June 2022 sheds light on how he turned to his faith, prayer and the comfort of God’s promises during challenging times.

Keith, the inaugural recipient of the Country Icon Award at the People’s Choice Country Awards, opened up about his battle with cancer and the role of faith in his life.

“I lean on my faith and I just pray and lean into it,” Keith shared with Fox News Digital. “You gotta’ do what you gotta’ do, and I don’t know how people do it without faith … that’s what I did, it was my rock.”

Before receiving his well-deserved award, a touching tribute was played in Keith’s honor. Blake Shelton, presenting the Icon Award, expressed his affection for his fellow Oklahoman. The heartfelt moment between the two friends showed the depth of their connection.

Taking the stage, Keith couldn’t help but add a touch of humor, remarking, “I bet y’all never thought you would see me in skinny jeans.” But beyond the humor, Keith took a moment to express his gratitude. He thanked his family, his devoted fans and most importantly, he thanked God for granting him the strength to be present on that memorable Thursday night.

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Keith’s journey with stomach cancer began in the fall of 2021 when he received the diagnosis. In June 2022, he shared the news with his fans, saying, “Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer. I’ve spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation and surgery. So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover and relax.”

Throughout his career, Toby Keith has not only been a musical powerhouse but also a champion for families facing cancer diagnoses. In 2004, he co-founded Ally’s House, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Oklahoma children with cancer and their families. The nonprofit’s name honors Allison Webb, the 2-year-old daughter of Scott Webb, an original band member of Keith’s, and Webb’s wife, Lisa. Tragically, Allison lost her life to kidney cancer before her 3rd birthday in 2003.

Toby Keith’s battle with stomach cancer serves as a testament to the power of faith, prayer and the support of loved ones. In times of adversity, he found solace in his unwavering belief and the comforting promises of the Bible. As he continues his journey to recovery, Keith’s resilience and faith serve as an inspiration to many facing their own trials and tribulations.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

In a scandal rocking the Assemblies of God (AG) denomination, multiple pastors are now calling for the resignation of top denominational leaders. Their demand stems from what they perceive as a deeply flawed response to a sex abuse scandal that has cast a dark shadow over AG’s college ministry.

The heart of this troubling issue revolves around Daniel Savala, a long-serving volunteer teacher and mentor closely affiliated with Chi Alpha Campus Ministries, AG’s official college ministry. Savala faces grave accusations of rape and sexual assault, with at least 13 men connected to Chi Alpha alleging abuse spanning over two decades.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, Savala and his former protégé, Chris Hundl, were indicted this month for the sexual abuse of two minors. Hundl, an ordained AG minister, had previously held a leadership position within Baylor University’s Chi Alpha chapter.

In the wake of these revelations, pastors within the AG denomination have raised their voices against what they view as an inadequate response to the crisis. Pastor J.R. Armstrong of Mauriceville All Gospel Church in Orange, Texas, passionately expressed his concern, stating, “Missionaries have been arrested. A handful of others have been removed from the pulpit. All the while, the leaders of the districts and national office have remained silent.”

Albert Cortez of Family Life Assembly of God in Katy, Texas, echoed this sentiment. He likened the unfolding scandal to a dramatic Netflix series, highlighting how Chi Alpha chapters in South Texas had unwittingly allowed a sexual predator to infiltrate their campuses for a quarter of a century. Cortez emphasized the alarming fact that Chi Alpha leaders had referred students to Savala for one-on-one counseling, oblivious to his predatory behavior.

Mark Forrester, an AG spokesperson, directed media inquiries to a brief statement on the AG website. The statement unequivocally condemned the teachings and practices associated with Daniel Savala. It also clarified that Savala had never held a formal staff position within Chi Alpha, and Chris Hundl’s AG minister credentials had been revoked.

The pastors’ dissatisfaction extends beyond voicing concerns; they are now actively demanding the resignation of specific regional and national AG leaders due to perceived inadequacies in their responses to the scandal.

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Armstrong specifically named leaders such as Doug Clay, Donna Barrett (General Secretary of the AG), Tim Barker (AG’s South Texas District Superintendent), Don Weihe (Secretary of the AG’s South Texas District), Gaylan Claunch (AG’s North Texas District Superintendent) and E. Scott Martin (Senior National Director of Chi Alpha) in his call for resignations. “I, as an ordained minister in good standing with the Assemblies of God, call on Doug Clay… and others to speak up, take responsibility and, where necessary, to resign. And with some, that will be necessary,” Armstrong stated.

Jeff Gravis, a pastor at Central Assembly of God in Haughton, Louisiana, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for accountability among AG leaders. He highlighted ongoing investigations by AG’s South Texas District and North Texas District, which have faced criticism for perceived lack of independence. Gravis asserted, “If the investigations reveal that you were warned and did nothing but passed the buck and kicked the can down the road, repentance and resignations are appropriate.

“You failed in your duties, put people at risk and have been grossly negligent in the offices you were placed in to serve” Garvis continued.

The pastors’ pleas for justice and accountability to be maintained within the highest levels of the AG denomination underscore the critical importance of transparency and accountability that leadership must maintain. They point out that AG churches provide financial support to ministers overseeing Chi Alpha chapters, highlighting the moral imperative to prioritize individuals’ well-being over institutional considerations.

“When the institutions become more important than the people, we have a problem. And that seems to be the case today in the Assemblies of God,” Armstrong declared.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

Technology in its base form is inherently neutral, just like any other tool be it digital or analog.

It all depends on how the person using it wields the tool that determines if it has been used for good or for evil.

This argument has taken on a new form as artificial intelligence has grown in leaps and bounds all within the last couple of years.

Is AI as neutral as a shovel, Facebook account or knife? It would depend on who programmed and operates the algorithm.

As humanity continues to find new, innovative ways to utilize AI for the good of mankind, warnings have poured out from the very programmers who helped create the artificial systems about the risks and dangers associated with AI.

Christians in particular are especially wary of AI, as it has been linked with the implementation of the prophesied mark of the beast, from the book of Revelation in the end times.

One church however, Valley Baptist Church in Bakersfield, California, is trying to formulate a way to use AI to help strengthen the security over their congregation.

Speaking to writer, author and podcaster Billy Hallowell on his “Higher Ground with Billy Hallowell” podcast, Matt Montana, director of safety for Valley Baptist explained how he and his church are using AI to stop potential mass shootings before they happen.

“I came on staff here a little over three years ago after retiring from law enforcement,” Montana said. “And as I assessed the safety needs of our community. … I really felt it was important to kind of identify some sort of technology that would allow us to identify if somebody had weapons on our campus.”

Montana later discovered the company, ZeroEyes, which touts a “human-verified proactive gun detection and situational awareness software that integrates into existing digital security cameras with a mission to stop mass shootings and gun-related violence.”

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As the Christian Post reported, ZeroEyes was founded by a team of former Navy SEALs and technology experts whose COO, Rob Huberty, joined the podcast to discuss how the company came about in 2018 after the school shooting in Parkland, Florida.

“A bunch of us, we saw a video of the shooter who was out, and he had his gun out in front of a camera, and he actually talked to another student. He said, ‘Get out of here. It’s going to be bad,'” Huberty explains. “And we said, ‘There’s an opportunity here to see a gun and do something before anything happens. What if somebody was watching this?'”

Exploring how they could utilize technology, and AI specifically, to help prevent another mass shooting, they set to work creating a digital infrastructure to recognize and neutralize a mass shooter as soon as possible.

“We took images of ourselves carrying guns on these types of cameras, and we just compiled a massive database for what the definition of a gun is,” Huberty explained, that if security cameras pick up any gun the technology will flag that weapon. “If there’s an image, it’s going to send out an alert, and it’s going to give that image of that location.”

Emergency services would then be alerted to this event and must appropriately.

But one particular question comes to mind about an AI security system being installed in a house of worship with a direct line to first responders: How could this technology be misused in the wrong hands?

An old adage states: “The pathway to hell is paved with good intentions,” and it appears this is all done with the safety of parishioners in mind.

But there is a very real evil that is threatening this world. An evil that wants to see more events like the tragedy which took place in Charleston back in 2015, spread across the world. That same evil also seeks to silence the gospel of Jesus Christ, and having a system in place in churches across the U.S. that would allow them to be monitored could unintentionally become a Trojan Horse of religious persecution.

The recent pandemic showed all Americans that there are those in government who would shut down every church they could in a heartbeat. There are still lawsuits ongoing in states like California over the unjust and unconstitutional persecution some of the churches faced during the lockdowns.

How much worse would it be with an AI monitoring system in place keeping track of who attends the services, and what is being said during those same services?

To be clear, none of this seems to be the intent of the company Mr. Hallowell talked to about increasing security, a noble objective in and of itself. But there remains the potential of unintended consequences should the coding and operation of such AI programs enter into the wrong hands.

The technology is here, today, it is no longer the stuff of science fiction. How this new technology will be used in the very near future, however, remains to be seen.

One thing is certain, that God always has been and always will be in control (see Joshua 1:9).

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.