Navigating the Intersection of Faith and AI: “Text With Jesus” App’s Spiritual Quandaries
In a world dominated by AI and cutting-edge tech, an app named “Text With Jesus” has emerged, blurring the line between the spiritual and the digital.
As smartphones become vessels for many people’s faith, this app seeks to offer conversations with biblical figures like Jesus, Mary and even Satan. However, as Christians, we must discern the spiritual dangers that come with substituting a genuine relationship with Jesus with man-made AI interactions.
“Text With Jesus” aims to provide a more personal connection to faith, allowing users to converse with biblical personalities and seek Scripture-based advice. The app’s interface draws from the Bible’s wisdom, offering responses rooted in Christian teachings. Yet, despite its intentions, there’s a profound distinction between these digital interactions and the depth of a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ.
As believers, we are called to have a personal relationship with Jesus. John 10:27-28 emphasizes how His sheep hear His voice and follow Him, while John 14:6 reminds us that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. No AI can replicate the spiritual intimacy and guidance that comes from knowing and walking with Jesus.
While “Text With Jesus” offers a unique exploration of faith and technology, it’s essential to recognize its limitations. The app’s creators clarify that it doesn’t provide divine insights or possess divine consciousness. It simply generates responses based on a compilation of religious texts. We must remember that AI lacks the spiritual depth and connection that only Jesus can offer.
Furthermore, the app introduces a controversial feature—conversations with Satan. While it claims to align with Christian teachings and values, interactions with the entity the originates all evil and temptation raises concerns. We’re cautioned in 1 Peter 5:8 to be vigilant against the devil’s schemes, and engaging with AI representations of Satan might inadvertently downplay the spiritual warfare described in the Bible.
“Text With Jesus” invites us to contemplate the evolving nature of faith in a digital era. However, as we explore these new frontiers, we should remain grounded in the foundational truths of our faith. Technology should never replace our genuine relationship with Jesus or our understanding of His teachings.
As Christians, we are warned against idols and false gods in Exodus 20:3-6. Placing our trust in AI interactions, no matter how sophisticated, can inadvertently become a form of modern idolatry. We must prioritize seeking God’s presence and wisdom through prayer, studying His Word and fostering authentic relationships with fellow believers.
While the future might bring more innovative ways to engage with faith through technology, we must tread carefully. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not lean on our own understanding. The convergence of technology and spirituality challenges us to uphold the sanctity of our beliefs amidst the allure of digital advancements.
“Text With Jesus” prompts us to reflect on the role of AI in our spiritual lives. Ultimately, AI can never replace the transformative power of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Let us navigate this intersection with discernment, ensuring that our faith remains rooted in the unchanging truths of the Bible.
Hospital Executive’s Prayer Reveals Demonic Side of DEI
A recent prayer service hosted by Ryan Polly, a hospital executive involved in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), has raised eyebrows within the Christian community.
The video, reviewed by Fox News Digital, showed Polly, a biological female identifying as a male, leading a prayer service that had White participants apologizing for their perceived internalized racism as white individuals.
Fox reports that the video has since been removed.
Polly, who serves as the vice president of DEI at MaineHealth, a hospital system with a workforce of over 20,000 employees, has been ordained as a “minister” of the group, One Spirit Learning Alliance. In the video, Polly instructs attendees on antiracist practices through a prayer dedicated to “loving spirits who are known by many names.”
However, from a Christian perspective, Polly’s claims and practices are raising serious spiritual concerns.
Praying to “spirits known by many names” veers into syncretism and leads individuals away from the truth of Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that our identity is found in Christ alone. Verses such as Galatians 3:26-28 highlight the importance of being one in Christ, transcending human distinctions.
The Christian view of unity emphasizes our shared identity as believers, regardless of external attributes. Romans 12:4-5 underscores this unity within the body of Christ.
It is not just the ideologies that the DEI initiatives push that are dangerous, but also the spiritual doors that are opened when people pray to false, pagan entities. This influence is demonic in nature and aims to draw people away from the salvation, redemption and freedom found in Jesus Christ. It replaces these things with the oppression and hopelessness in false and pagan elements.
The spiritual battle, as described in Ephesians 6:12, is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. Ideologies that stereotype and divide based on ethnicity aligns with malevolent spiritual realities. It’s important for Christians to discern and stand firm against such influences, as Ephesians 6:13-18 instructs.
While seeking justice and equality is crucial, it must align with biblical principles. As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31) and to engage in the battle for truth through spiritual weapons (2 Cor. 10:3-5). Engaging in dialogue and sharing the gospel is essential in countering the deceptive ideologies that are leading people astray.
Christians are reminded to be vigilant, anchored in the truth of Christ and discerning of ideologies that deviate from the Bible. The call to unity, justice and love should always be guided by the light of God’s Word.
My First Deliverance Session Changed the Trajectory of My Life
I preached my first message on deliverance with fire and conviction and walked out that night, knowing it would not be long before the Lord would challenge me to actually cast out a demon. I remember thinking, “How on earth can I be so convicted about something I’ve never done?” The prospect was even more unnerving than that first sermon, but I knew it was coming.
After that first deliverance sermon, I immediately got on the bus, and we drove six or seven hours over to Arkansas, where I preached at a tent that seated about 600 people.
The place was packed despite it being so freezing cold that I was surprised anybody stayed. The service went on and on, and it was beautiful. Just before I got up to speak, a lady came to my book table and said, “Pastor Locke, you’re my online pastor. I love you; thank you for your stand. I appreciate your boldness. I drove all the way here tonight from Oklahoma because I need deliverance.”
I nervously said, “Oh no, ma’am, you should have found a deliverance minister in Oklahoma before you came to Arkansas. I’ve never done that.” Can you imagine? I just didn’t think I was ready.
But she said, “I know, I watch every sermon, and I pay close attention to every word that comes out of your mouth. I told you, you’re my online pastor, and I’m telling you right now I’m your guinea pig. The Holy Ghost told me to come here tonight to get some deliverance from you. I need it that bad. I’m so desperate that I’ll stay till three in the morning in the cold if I have to, but you’re gonna have to pray over me before I leave!”
Again, can you imagine? I was nervous as a long-tail cat in a room full of rocking chairs, so I just said OK and headed for the platform to preach.
My message that night was about the lukewarm church from Revelation chapter 3. All the while as I preached, I was thinking to myself, “I hope she gets offended or has some sort of emergency and just has to leave.” I was that nervous.
When I got through preaching, I went back to the book table where it’s customary to shake hands with folks and sign some books and get some pictures taken. I dragged it out as long as I could. I guarantee you I spent an hour and a half standing in the meet-and-greet line, and she patiently sat there in her little seat in that freezing cold tent with her husband and sister by her side.
When I finally ran out of people and realized my delay tactic had failed, I took a deep breath and walked over to her. My heart felt like it was about to beat out of my chest, and I simply said, “Well, here we go, ma’am.” I pray for thousands of people every week, but it’s never felt like this. I’ve discovered that it requires an entirely different level of faith to truly walk in the authority that God has given you, and before that night I didn’t realize I had that kind of authority.
And I’m thinking, “that’s to be determined.” Then I said, “Just bow your head”—not because that was necessary, but because I didn’t really know what else to say or do! For that moment, I felt as dumb as a box of bricks. I had read books and listened to all of Derek Prince’s CDs, but I never really spent time thinking about the “how to” part of it all. I didn’t know any spirit names. I had yet to truly study Leviathan or Jezebel or their ilk. And I certainly didn’t have a deliverance manual to reference.
But I knew how Jesus and the disciples did it, so I just tried to keep it simple.
I put my hand on her and said, “Evil spirit, I don’t know who you are, but you come out right now, in the name of Jesus.” She immediately slumped out of her chair, hit the floor and started convulsing. I thought, “You gotta be kidding me! It can happen that quick?”
Then I said, “In the name of Jesus, come out right now. You hear me? You hear me, you foul devil? You hear me, you foul spirit? You better come up and out right now. You’re coming all the way up and all the way out. I don’t know what your name is, but I’ll stay here all night. You come out right now in the name of Jesus!”
At this point she was wallowing around on the ground screaming and throwing up all kinds of white foamy stuff. Then she suddenly stood up, squalling and crying out, “I’m free! I’m free!” She immediately started praising God and using her prayer language, while hugging her sister and husband. Then she looked at me and said, “My back is straight. I’ve been freed from the heaviness. I’ve been freed from infirmity. I’ve been freed tonight!”
On the ride back home, I felt like a little kid. I kept saying to the guys on the bus, “It works! It not just a theory, it actually works!”
Uprooting Darkness: Outcry Erupts from Teacher’s Satanic Posts
An Illinois school district on the outskirts of Chicago has recently taken a decisive step by dismissing a newly hired elementary school teacher amid evidence of promoting Satanism and expressing disturbing thoughts on social media.
The teacher’s social media posts, which surfaced this month, included troubling statements about embracing a “psychosis and mania” disorder that led to “violent” behavior. Additionally, messages promoting Satanism and using phrases such as “Kill the Poor” and “Love the Devil Back” raised concerns among parents. (To view the social media post that exposed the teacher’s demonic habits, click here. Warning: Strong Language.)
The Homer Community Consolidated School District 33C Board responded swiftly by terminating the teacher’s employment after a special board meeting that drew a concerned community.
As parents and grandparents passionately voiced their objections, one resounding theme emerged: the duty to protect children. This duty aligns closely with biblical teachings about the significance of caring for and guiding the next generation. Proverbs 22:6 admonishes, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” This verse underscores the vital role parents and guardians play in shaping the moral compass of their children.
The outcry from the community reflects a timeless truth: parents are entrusted with the well-being of their children, not the government.
God’s Word places a special emphasis on the stewardship of children, recognizing that they are a gift and a responsibility. Ephesians 6:4 instructs, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” This verse highlights the importance of nurturing children with love, discipline and godly instruction.
In a world filled with demonic influences, the responsibility to guard against harmful ideologies is paramount.
The incident involving the teacher’s alleged posts serves as a reminder of the biblical warnings against those who would harm or lead children astray. In Mark 9:42, Jesus warns, “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.”
Spiritual discernment is essential for Christians as it empowers them to distinguish between truth and deception, guiding their choices and actions in alignment with God’s will and Word. Recognizing figures who promote false doctrines or behaviors contrary to biblical principles is essential for upholding the safety and well-being of children. The Bible encourages believers to test the teachings they encounter. First John 4:1 says, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
As parents and guardians, it is a privilege and an obligation to guide children with love, wisdom and unwavering commitment. By grounding them in the truth of God’s Word, we equip them to navigate a world filled with challenges, ultimately fostering a generation that shines with God’s light.
The Biblical Imperative of Righteous Leadership for a Nation
In the face of crises and challenges, the need for righteous and Christian leadership becomes profoundly evident, especially when examining it through the lens of biblical teachings.
The Bible provides timeless wisdom on the traits and behaviors expected of leaders, reminding us that leaders are called to serve and guide with integrity, compassion and humility.
Recent events have underscored the significance of leadership that aligns with biblical principles.
Take, for instance, the case of President Joe Biden, who arrived in Hawaii to address the aftermath of devastating wildfires that claimed numerous lives. However, his “joke” about the “hot ground” during his visit to the disaster-stricken area raised concerns about the appropriateness and sensitivity of his actions.
Imagine your loved one burned to death less than a month ago and when Biden finally visits after his TWO vacations, he jokes around about how hot the ground is. Sick. https://t.co/BiAVKb0ou2
Biden’s attempt at humor, set against the backdrop of tragedy, highlights a mismatch between the expected qualities of a leader and his actual actions.
The Bible provides guidance on the attributes of strong leaders, emphasizing traits such as wisdom, empathy and responsibility. Proverbs 29:2 states, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people mourn.” Leaders are entrusted with the well-being of their nation, and their conduct should reflect a genuine concern for their constituents.
In the book of Exodus, Moses stands as a prime example of a leader chosen by God to guide His people.
When faced with the responsibility of leading the Israelites, Moses exhibited humility and sought God’s guidance at every turn. This unwavering commitment to God’s will and his people’s welfare demonstrates the essence of righteous leadership. Similarly, in 1 Peter 5:2-3, leaders are instructed to “shepherd the flock of God that is among you, take care of them, not by constraint, but willingly, not for dishonest gain, but eagerly. Do not lord over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock.”
Effective leadership extends beyond authority; it encompasses a heartfelt dedication to the well-being of the people one has been entrusted to serve. Jesus, the ultimate example of leadership, demonstrated this selflessness through His teachings and actions. His humility, compassion and sacrifice serve as a blueprint for leaders, reflecting the values that should permeate their decision-making.
Scripture warns against leaders who prioritize personal gain over their responsibilities. Proverbs 28:16 states, “The prince who lacks understanding is also a great oppressor, but he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.” This verse reminds us that leaders who act with integrity and righteousness not only benefit their constituents but also ensure the longevity and prosperity of their leadership.
The call to righteous leadership is a divine mandate, emphasizing the importance of humility, obedience and accountability. As Psalm 72:12-14 declares, “Indeed, may he deliver the needy when he cries; the poor also, and him who has no helper. May he have compassion on the poor and needy, and save the lives of the needy. May he redeem their life from deceit and violence; and may their blood be precious in his sight.”
In a world rife with challenges and adversities, leaders must heed the call to serve with compassion, wisdom and integrity.
The juxtaposition of President Biden’s lighthearted comment amid tragedy underscores the urgency of aligning leadership actions with biblical teachings. Through the example of Moses, Jesus and the principles outlined in the Scriptures, leaders are guided toward a path of true servant leadership—leadership that uplifts, protects and nurtures the nation and its people. {eoa}
The incident unfolded on July 26 in Manikpur, Chhattisgarh state, as Kuriakose was escorting a group of eight Christian students to a Bible institute. The baseless charges have cast a harsh spotlight on the ongoing persecution faced by believers in the country.
Kuriakose was apprehended by police after boarding a bus in Manikpur, en route to safely accompany the students to the railway station. It is being reported that the police officers coerced the students, including minors, to provide false statements suggesting that they were being trafficked. However, the students, valuing their faith and integrity, steadfastly refused to lie about Kuriakose, who had traveled from Kerala to ensure their secure journey to the Bible institute.
As one of the youths, Govardhan, recounted, “We all had vehemently refused and told the police that we have been Christians for a while and are not new converts. We cannot tell lies about the brother who came all the way from Kerala to help us.” Despite their courage, their resistance led to their detention by the Child Welfare Committee.
Kuriakose’s intent was to safeguard the students, ages 15 to 22, and hailing from tribal Christian families, on their journey from Manikpur to the Bible institute in Kochi, Kerala state. The circumstances took a distressing turn when Kuriakose was seized by an unidentified individual, prompting the bus to be stopped at Manikpur police station.
The subsequent hours turned into a harrowing ordeal for Kuriakose, who faced violent interrogation and physical abuse. His efforts to establish his innocence were met with hostility, as he was treated as if he were a criminal. Despite the challenges he endured, Kuriakose’s steadfast faith and resilience continued to shine through.
In the midst of this trial, Kuriakose’s experience resonates with the words of 1 Peter 4:12-13: “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though some strange thing happened to you. But rejoice insofar as you share in Christ’s sufferings, so that you may rejoice and be glad also in the revelation of His glory.”
The Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party and National Democratic Alliance government’s hostile stance toward non-Hindus has emboldened extremists to target Christians across the country. This trajectory of increased hostility has been documented by Open Doors, which ranks India as the 11th most difficult place for Christians to practice their faith.
As the legal battle continues, Kuriakose’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by believers who stand firm in their faith amidst adversity. His unwavering commitment to the truth and his dedication to the well-being of the students he was accompanying exemplify the strength of faith that transcends trials.
While persecution persists, Kuriakose’s journey reminds Christians of the need to remain steadfast in their convictions, echoing the powerful message of Romans 8:37: “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
Former US Ambassador to Israel Shares Spiritual Journey of Rediscovering Biblical Landmarks
In an exclusive interview with Charisma News, David Friedman, former US ambassador to Israel during the Trump administration, unveiled his personal journey of breaking through diplomatic norms to connect with the biblical heartland of Judea and Samaria.
Friedman, who took office as US ambassador in early 2017, was the first diplomat appointed during the Trump administration. Reflecting on his tenure, he revealed his initial shock upon discovering a State Department rule that prohibited US ambassadors to Israel from visiting places in Judea and Samaria—territories often referred to as the West Bank.
In an emotional account, Friedman highlighted the significance of these areas, which hold deep spiritual importance to both Jews and Christians alike. With more than 500,000 Israeli citizens living there, he emphasized their vital role in the modern state of Israel. Additionally, Friedman expressed his dismay that these biblical sites, rich with history and faith, were being overlooked by many.
“This is some of the most biblically significant territory in all of Israel,” says Friedman. “Places that you and I have studied and learned about since the days we began our Bible education. Maybe even more importantly, it is a place where…Judeo-Christian values brought our country to life, where they came from. Where the great messages, the great thoughts, the great prayers came from.”
One of Friedman’s most striking revelations is his decision to challenge the State Department’s rule and personally visit these sacred lands. Undeterred by potential obstacles, he recounted his determination to break free from bureaucratic restrictions, allowing him to personally experience the inspiration these places hold. He referred to his visit to Bethel, where the story of Jacob’s Ladder unfolded, as a poignant example of the spiritual depth found in the heart of Israel.
Friedman’s passion for fostering a deeper understanding between the Jewish and Christian communities fueled his ambition to create lasting change. Over his four years of service in Israel, he grew increasingly convinced that experiencing these sacred places was crucial to promoting understanding and unity.
“People that have been [to Israel] to Tel Aviv into Haifa, which are great places and important places to visit, haven’t been to Shiloh Bethel, Bethlehem, Hebron, Rachel’s Tomb,” explains Friedman.
“They just haven’t been there, and they haven’t been able to make the essential connection between these places and the incredible biblical heroes who lived their lives there.”
To achieve this goal, Friedman collaborated with TBN and his friend Matt Crouch to produce a documentary. The documentary would feature a route stretching from Nazareth to Beersheba, encompassing the core biblical landmarks that hold immense spiritual significance. Joined by former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the documentary aimed to bridge the gap between the Jewish and Christian perspectives on these sacred sites.
The collaboration was met with enthusiasm, and the result is a breathtaking and thought-provoking documentary that showcases the beauty and spiritual resonance of these often-neglected areas. Friedman commended TBN’s commitment to the project, highlighting the extraordinary resources dedicated to capturing the awe-inspiring landscapes and the essence of the biblical heroes who once walked those paths.
“We had a film crew at every place. We had five or six cameras on every shot. The scenery is breathtaking, and that’s how this came about,” says Friedman.
Friedman’s account also touched on the personal impact these visits had on him, including a moving connection to Rachel’s Tomb. He shared the story of his granddaughter’s birth, which coincided with the observance of the day Rachel passed away, a poignant moment of joy amidst the tomb’s history of tragedy. He also recounted the heart-wrenching tale of a bride-to-be whose life was cut short by a suicide bombing, leading her family to drape Rachel’s Tomb with her unworn wedding dress as a tribute.
“It’s a wedding that never happened,” Friedman soberly recounted. “My cousin’s fiancé, the night before her wedding, was sitting with her father…in a café in Jerusalem. [A] suicide bomber blew up and killed everybody inside, including the bride and her father. …The family decided that they would use her wedding dress that was never worn, and make it the curtain over Rachel’s Tomb, it continues to sit there to this day.”
In sharing his experiences, Friedman underscored the importance of building a connection between the biblical heritage of these lands and the hearts of those who hold faith in high regard. His journey offers Christian supporters of Israel a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of the land and its spiritual significance, fostering greater unity and appreciation between these communities.
Navigating Hollywood’s Storm: Actor Kevin Sorbo’s Unwavering Faith Amid Cancel Culture
In a landscape where fame often comes with a price, actor Kevin Sorbo’s journey through Hollywood’s ups and downs stands as a testament to the resilience of faith in the face of adversity.
Sorbo, renowned for his role as the legendary Hercules, has opened up about the challenges he faced as he candidly expressed his Christian beliefs and conservative views in an industry that seemed less than welcoming.
Rising to international fame through “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys,” a show that captured the hearts of audiences for six seasons, Sorbo’s subsequent emergence as an outspoken advocate for his convictions marked a pivotal shift in his career. However, this shift came at a cost. The actor shares how he found himself navigating a path of professional isolation due to his openness about his political and religious standpoints on social media.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Sorbo and his wife, Sam Sorbo, discuss their forthcoming movie, “Miracle in East Texas,” which draws inspiration from a true story. The film portrays the captivating tale of two con men seeking to swindle widows into investing in worthless oil wells. In that conversation, Sorbo recounts how his Hollywood journey took an unexpected turn, leading to his “blacklisting” within the entertainment realm.
“It was sad to me, you know, my manager and agent for so many years said that we can’t get you jobs anymore, work with you because of you being a Christian, being a conservative,” Sorbo reveals.
The actor highlights the irony of an industry that calls for tolerance and freedom of speech while often failing to embody those values. This dissonance, Sorbo notes, is perpetuated by mainstream media and reinforced by movies and television.
However, Sorbo’s experience wasn’t confined to professional setbacks alone. The digital landscape also bore witness to a pushback against his viewpoints. “Facebook also took Kevin down, and LinkedIn took Kevin down,” Sam Sorbo adds. In a world striving for authenticity, Sorbo’s experience illustrates the challenges that emerge when one’s convictions clash with prevailing narratives.
Undeterred by the challenges he faced, Sorbo and his wife founded Sorbo Studios, an endeavor that aims to produce family-friendly, faith-based entertainment. As Sorbo acknowledges, the venture serves as a platform to advocate for values that align with their beliefs. The couple’s journey emphasizes the necessity of carving out spaces that honor faith while delivering messages of hope, love and redemption.
A near-death experience due to an aneurysm led to a series of strokes, marking a turning point in his career. Sorbo’s faith in God, alongside his indomitable spirit and unwavering support from his wife, propelled him through a challenging path to recovery.
Amid the changing tides of the entertainment industry, Sorbo observes that the cultural shifts of the ’60s played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of movies. He notes that Hollywood’s transition from celebrating heroes to highlighting anti-heroes had an enduring impact on storytelling.
In the context of faith-based films, Sorbo recognized a shift from once being perceived as “church-lecturing” to evolving into an inclusive genre that speaks to various facets of faith. While Hollywood’s general outlook has evolved, Sorbo’s journey remains a beacon of inspiration for those seeking to stand firm in their convictions, unyielding in the face of challenges.
As Sorbo’s story continues to inspire others, it resonates with the biblical words found in Matthew 5:10-12: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men revile you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be very glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in this manner they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Sorbo’s journey serves as a reminder that the pursuit of truth and authenticity often comes with its own trials, but it also carries the promise of unshakable reward. In a world where cancel culture looms, Sorbo’s resilience shines as a beacon of hope, showing that faith has the power to endure and triumph against all odds. {eoa}
Outspoken Christian Quarterback Praises Anti-Trafficking Film ‘Sound of Freedom’
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa shed light on the team’s camaraderie beyond the football field. In a recent media session, the 25-year-old signal caller detailed some off-day activities, including a movie marathon that left a profound impact.
“It was like a movie fest yesterday,” he said. “Just movie hopping.” Amid the screenings, “Oppenheimer” made an appearance, but it was the film “Sound of Freedom” that struck a chord with him. He emphatically praised the movie, stating, “‘Sound of Freedom’ is good. Yeah, ‘Sound of Freedom’ is definitely really good.”
Encouraging the journalists to experience the film, Tagovailoa suggested, “You guys should watch that. Especially you guys with kids.”
“Sound of Freedom,” a film centered around child trafficking, has not only resonated with Tagovailoa but also captivated audiences globally. The movie has become a box office sensation, grossing over $173 million since its U.S. release in early July.
Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa loves the film Sound of Freedom.
The film delves into the child trafficking crisis, narrating the compelling journey of Tim Ballard, a former U.S. government agent who courageously abandoned his career to rescue children from the clutches of sex traffickers. With stars like Jim Caviezel portraying Ballard and Mira Sorvino adding to the stellar cast, “Sound of Freedom” delivers a potent message about this pressing global issue.
Even Baltimore Ravens star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. took to social media to share his sentiments on the film, remarking, “Sound of Freedom. I don’t even [know] what to say. That’s heavy.”
However, the film hasn’t escaped criticism and accusations of affiliations with fringe conspiracy theory groups. In response, “Sound of Freedom” director Alejandro Monteverde and co-writer Rod Barr penned an opinion piece for “The Hollywood Reporter,” staunchly defending the film’s apolitical stance.
As the Miami Dolphins place their trust in Tagovailoa for the coming seasons, his passion for raising awareness about important issues and sharing his faith in Jesus Christ extends beyond the gridiron.
Despite grappling with multiple head injuries in 2022, the former University of Alabama quarterback showcased remarkable resilience, achieving career highs in various aspects of the game, including passing yards, touchdowns and completion percentage. Notably, he also clinched the NFL’s top passer rating for the previous season.
When we decided to keep our church open at the onset of the government-mandated lockdowns due to the COVID breakout—out of necessity and caution—we started meeting in the parking lot, and we never could have imagined what God was actually doing.
A historically devastating tornado had just ripped through Nashville, Tennessee, the week before, and it obliterated large portions of our community in Mount Juliet.
At that time, Global Vision Bible Church was still meeting in our 300-seat chapel, which was the same building we used as a sanctuary for the homeless. We had a very small campus at the time, and it was honestly all we had to work with. We knew there was no way we were going to cancel church, nor would we curtail our emergency response efforts, so we decided to hold services in the parking lot and kept the chapel open to the people in need of sanctuary or supplies.
When the COVID mandates were first handed down, we honestly weren’t trying to be defiant. We were simply standing in obedience to God for the sake of the hurting and homeless in our community, so we had no choice but to push back. No mandate of man was going to stop us from obeying the Lord. We immediately realized that the Lord had set our church apart to stand firm while most others bowed to the powers that be, and we absolutely would not forsake “the assembling of ourselves together” (Heb. 10:25)—come what may.
When Resurrection Sunday brought a heavy downpour, and folks chose to stand out in the rain (which was a beautiful sight to see), I realized we needed to provide them with some cover, so we got a big tent that seated a whopping 650. We honestly thought there was no way we would ever fill it, but on the first Sunday—boom!—standing room only. We tried to ride it out with that size tent for about a month, but there were just too many people showing up.
And we pressed on, eventually moving up to the 1,250-seat red-and-white striped “circus tent” made iconic by the global news media. It was honestly the only tent of that size that we could quickly acquire at a price we could afford.
By the time we extended the red-and-white tent to seat 1,550, I thought we would never need another tent. That thing felt bigger than Noah’s ark, and I honestly believed the crowds would soon start growing weary of all the scrutiny while meeting outside. The summer temperatures were in the high 90s, we could hear the roosters crowing next door, the police were showing up every week to deal with protestors, media cameras were everywhere, and the traffic and parking situation had become a nightmare. It was often overwhelming. I just could not see how we could possibly sustain all of it, so I took my prayer life to another level, and things began to break in me.
One day I was in my office being still before the Lord, and He started working on me in ways I never could have imagined.
Before this moment, even while the church was growing in biblical fashion, every time things would look like they were getting ready to break loose in the Spirit, I’d sheepishly hold it back. Without realizing what I was actually doing, I’d quench it. I’d be like, “No, uh-uh. I’m not allowing wildfire to break out in my service.”
In my office on that momentous day, as I looked out the window, God shocked me with the first open vision of my life.
When I looked out the window that day and scanned up the hillside, at first, I saw nothing but woods, but suddenly a clearing appeared—and on it was a massive white tent, twice the size of the former red-and-white one. It was a stunning sight, and it was as real to my eyes as the big circus tent. At the time I wasn’t at all interested in expanding the tent again. I loved that tent, but I couldn’t un-see what the Lord was showing me. So, I called the tent guys and said, “God told me to buy a big white tent that seats 3,000 people and to put it in the woods.”
To God be the glory, it all happened. We went from a 300-seat chapel to a 650-seat tent to a 3,000-seat tent in just over a year, and we have baptized more than 8,500 converts in a horse trough—because the gospel still works and the Lord still speaks.
At the time I had all the arguments against signs and wonders firmly in hand, and deliverance ministry wasn’t even an afterthought, as I had predetermined it all to be nothing more than foolish hyped-up “charismaniac” nonsense. But then God said, “I’m going to remove your denominational lenses, and I’m going to show you what the Bible really says.” He poured out His Spirit on me and our church (Acts 2:17).
The Vision Confirmed What God Was Already Saying
Our journey into deliverance started during a service just before the tornado tore down our tent. We were baptizing folks as we always do, and things were moving along beautifully—until the unthinkable happened. As embarrassing as it was, had it not happened, we wouldn’t be where we are as a church today.
A grandmother jumped into the baptismal pool, and to my surprise she had an 8- or 9-year-old girl in her arms. I’ve never performed a double-dippin’ baptism before, but I could see in Grandma’s eyes that she was dead earnest in her intent. She wanted me to dip them both at the same time, and I wasn’t going to embarrass that precious lady in front of the church or the folks on the livestream. I could sense there was something deeper going on, and I knew at the very least that Grandma was carrying a burden for that little girl.
As I put her down into the water, Grandma went under nice and smooth, but the little girl put her hands on both sides of that baptistery, lifted herself up and manifested a full-blown cat right in church, screeching and all. In that moment, I realized the little girl was manifesting a demon. She was hissing and even put her fingers out like claws. In all my years of ministry all around the world, I’d never seen anything like it.
At that moment, I was afraid of the little girl and what she might do next. She looked 10 feet tall and bulletproof. So we eventually helped Grandma and the little girl climb out of the tub, and I just tried to return to dipping folks as if nothing happened. I kept thinking in my head, “That didn’t happen, that didn’t happen.” Oh, but it happened!
That night things got serious in my house. As we lay in bed, Tai started weeping and said, “How could we not know how to help that little girl? We pastor a church—a big church, a successful church—we’ve got bestselling books, podcasts and 3 million followers on the internet, but we can’t even face a demon in an 8-year-old child?” We cried long and hard. Then we held hands and prayed about it and continued praying about it every night for two weeks, always weeping before the Lord.
We were praying about things that would risk all that the Lord had built during this amazing season of growth and revival, so it was a daunting time. Through it all, we learned that deliverance ministry will get practical quick and will suddenly show you what you have been missing in the Spirit—once you truly open your eyes. {eoa}
