Transform, Don’t Conform: 7 Ways Christians Are Shaping Culture

In a world swiftly re-shaped by trends and technologies, Christians stand at a crossroads.

The Bible speaks directly to the balance between engagement and separation from the world’s culture. As believers, we are called to be salt and light, actively influencing the world around us while preserving our distinctiveness. Here are seven ways Christ’s followers can carry out the Great Commission.

1. Impactful Engagement

Engagement doesn’t mean assimilation, but transformation. Jesus, the ultimate example, engaged with society’s marginalized while holding fast to His divine identity. In Matthew 5:13-16, He likens believers to salt, seasoning life with grace and light, dispelling darkness. Engaging culture means living out our faith, demonstrating love and embodying truth.

2. Guarding Against Conformity

The apostle Paul, in Romans 12:2, urges us to be “transformed by the renewing of [our] minds.” Rather than conforming to worldly patterns, we’re to renew our minds with God’s Word. We must discern when culture contradicts biblical principles, remaining unswayed by its allure. Just as Daniel in Babylon remained faithful amidst shifting norms, we must stand firm without compromise.

3. Separation for a Purpose

While we engage, separation remains essential. In 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, believers are admonished not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. This isn’t isolation but protection against compromising our convictions. God calls us to maintain a clear distinction between His ways and the world’s, exemplifying holiness.

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4. Influencing Without Compromising

Christians can shape culture without succumbing to its pitfalls. Proverbs 4:23 teaches, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.” Our motives matter; genuine influence emanates from hearts aligned with God’s heart. By engaging thoughtfully, we avoid endorsing values that oppose our faith.

5. The Ministry of Reconciliation

Paul, in 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, underscores our role as ambassadors for Christ. We’ve been entrusted with the message of reconciliation, tasked to bring others closer to God. Engaging culture facilitates dialogue, enabling us to share the Gospel effectively. While the medium may change, the message remains constant.

6. Prioritizing Eternal Perspectives

Colossians 3:2 instructs us to “set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Engaging culture is vital, but our ultimate allegiance lies beyond this temporal realm. Like Abraham, who lived as a stranger in a foreign land, we remember that our true citizenship is in heaven. Our actions reflect our longing for an eternal home.

7. Remaining Steadfast in Truth

Trends come and go, but God’s truth endures. Ephesians 4:14-15 encourages us to “speak the truth in love.” Amidst shifting cultural norms, we must anchor ourselves in His unwavering truths. Our engagement should reflect God’s unchanging character, leading others to the solid ground of His Word.

As Christians, we’re called to be active participants in the world while being distinct from it. Our engagement should mirror Christ’s transformative impact and uncompromising stand. The Bible’s guidance equips us to influence culture without becoming entangled in its snares. By nurturing a heart aligned with God, focusing on eternal values and upholding biblical truths, we can effectively engage modern culture for God’s glory.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.




Walking in Truth: Anointing and Righteousness Illuminate Our Path with Pastor Greg Locke

In a world filled with clamor and confusion, where the prevailing winds of secularism seek to shake the foundations of faith, the Word of God stands as a steadfast beacon of truth.

Led by the Holy Spirit and armed with the scriptures, Pastor Greg Locke discussed the timeless wisdom that guides us, not in passive contemplation, but in active devotion to a life of righteousness at a recent Global Vision Bible Church gathering.

Locke shared Paul’s Epistle to the church which resonates powerfully with believers today, reminding us of our mission to uphold the gospel’s sanctity. Our spiritual journey is not one of mere submission to doctrine, but of understanding the Word, allowing the anointing of the Holy Spirit to illuminate our path.

Walking the Path of Righteousness

As God’s children, we are called to be vigilant, discerning the wolves in sheep’s clothing who attempt to deceive us with diluted doctrines. The apostle exhorts us, not merely to live by practical applications, but to align our lives with the authoritative Word of God. Our interpretation must mirror the divine truth, not our own whims.

The Anointing of the Holy Spirit

With hearts attuned to the divine, we recognize the power of the anointing, a force transcending human understanding. Isaiah testifies to the anointing’s potency, proclaiming it as the very essence that shatters yokes. In a world where “wokeness” seeks to dominate, we declare that the anointing breaks not only the yoke of bondage but also the misconceptions that cloud our spiritual vision.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed,” (Luke 4:18).

Confidence Before God

In some cases, a church might employ fear-based tactics, casting shadows of uncertainty upon believers. Yet, the anointing fuels our confidence before the King of kings. The anointing is not mere bravado or arrogance; it is a holy boldness stemming from intimacy with God. This confidence empowers us to approach the throne of grace, unashamed in His presence.

“Let us then come with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need,” (Heb. 4:16).

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Abiding in Truth

We are urged to abide, to be rooted deeply in Christ. This is not a vague call to lukewarm Christianity, but a clarion call to saturate our lives with the Word of God. As the anointing teaches us, we are granted insight into all truths, and we gain confidence in the veracity of the gospel. We shall not be shaken, for the anointing grounds us firmly in His promises.

“But the anointing which you have received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. For as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and just as it has taught you, remain in Him,” (1 John 2:27).

Bearing Fruits of Righteousness

Let us not overlook the significance of our actions. By our fruits, we are known. If we truly comprehend the righteousness of Christ, if we truly grasp His holiness, then our lives will reflect it. It is not a mere assertion of religious duty but a reflection of our genuine, transformed nature. We are born of Him, bearing the fruits of righteousness as evidence of our regenerated hearts.

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but so much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For God is the One working in you, both to will and to do His good pleasure,” (Phil. 2:12-13).

A Clarion Call to Holiness

In the midst of a world swayed by conflicting ideologies and relativistic truths, the Christian voice speaks resolutely. Believers reject diluted interpretations and divisive teachings, and wholeheartedly seek the anointing of the Holy Spirit that powers them to live lives rooted in righteousness. Our confidence rests not in our own righteousness, but in the transforming power of God’s Word.

As we stand unwavering, we invite believers to walk in confidence, casting aside fear and allowing the anointing to guide steps toward a life of holiness. The anointing doesn’t merely create a fleeting emotional experience; it transforms Christ’s disciples into beacons of His light, unashamed before God and unwavering in commitment to uphold His truth.

To watch Pastor Greg Locke’s full sermon, click here.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.




Skittles Promotion Draws Swift Backlash from Conservatives

Skittles is finding itself in the midst of controversy as conservatives voice their disapproval of the company’s new LGBTQ-friendly packaging.

This move has sparked comparisons to a previous boycott that cost Anheuser-Busch significant profits after a collaboration with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.

The backlash emerged in response to Skittles’ parent company, the Wrigley Company, owned by Mars Incorporated, unveiling new packaging adorned with LGBTQ-friendly illustrations and messages. The once-colorful packaging has been replaced with predominantly black and white designs that feature phrases such as “Black Trans Lives Matter” and “Joy is Resistance,” according to a report by Newsweek.

These revamped Skittles packages were created in collaboration with the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), marking the fourth consecutive year that the candy maker has partnered with the organization to promote tolerance and inclusivity.

Though various brands have championed similar messages over the years, conservative sentiments have surged in recent months, particularly after a widespread boycott targeted Bud Light due to its association with Dylan Mulvaney.

Anheuser-Busch, the parent company of Bud Light, has seen its profits plummet by nearly 30% as a result of this boycott, with estimates suggesting a potential loss in core value amounting to a staggering $4 billion.

Now, some consumers are urging a boycott of Skittles for what they perceive as a “woke” approach in support of the LGBTQ community.

When visiting Skittles’ official website, a clickable option labeled “SKITTLES Pride” is prominently displayed. Clicking on it leads to an animation that states, “There’s a story in every rainbow.”

“We’ve given up our rainbow so that the LGBTQ community can share theirs,” the company explains. “This Pride Month, we’re amplifying stories within the LGBTQ community for all to discover. We begin by showcasing the designs of five talented artists on our SKITTLES Pride Packs, each with their own story to tell.”

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The decision to shift from the iconic rainbow-colored packaging to LGBTQ-friendly designs has drawn its share of controversy, particularly from conservative Christians’ biblical beliefs. According to the Bible, God created man and woman in a clear and purposeful distinction.

Among the newly unveiled package designs, one features the sun and the moon walking hand in hand on a rainbow. Another proudly displays the word “PRIDE” in multiple colors, accompanied by a mouth from which a rainbow flows, adorned with the words “bi, ace, lesbian, queer, trans and gay.”

Most notably, it is Skittles’ direct targeting of young people, as children are the ones depicted on the limited edition covers. The bright and pastel colors used leaves no doubt who the target audience was for this campaign.

The timing of this release also brings with it another question: If Skittles is celebrating “Pride,” why did they not roll this out during June?

Probably because the point of all of this “Pride” propaganda is to saturate the culture with it not just during the month of June, but all year long and worship it as the pagan gods of America.

Canada and the UK have already made moves to celebrate a “Pride” season, and anything less than heaping praise onto the LGBTQ community is met with swift repercussions, even arrest.

In case Christians have not seen it yet, this is the result of a society where Spirit-filled Christians were not active participants. Ground was yielded without a fight. Politicians were elected and bowed the knee to activists, who once they got their foot in the door, kicked it down and invaded society with their morality and ideologies.

This is bigger than Skittles or Target or Disney. There is a spiritual war going on between the heavenly armies of God and Satan with his fallen minions. Christians are called to be active participants in this battle and for too long they sat on the sidelines being comfortable.

With the targeting of children however, many are finally waking up to the reality of the evil pervading through the world. Now something must be done about it. Preaching the truth of Jesus Christi and His saving grace, love, mercy and victory over sin and death, in love, is a surefire way to beat back the forces of hell. It is time for Christians to do just that.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.




Biblical Literacy a Requirement for End Times ‘Daze of Deception’

The Bible is filled with examples of God sending warnings, using prophets or various other means, to warn His people of impending threats—but are believers equipped to understand them?

All too often, His calls to repent and turn back towards Him fell on deaf ears. Because of this stubborn response by God’s people to turn from their sin, calamity would ensue after God’s timeline for repentance would pass.

There are many strong, Spirit-filled voices raising the alarm in America today, much like the prophets of the Old Testament. They are warning of a deception taking place right now, in the culture today, that is leading many away from the presence of God.

One of the leading voices, imploring Christians to deepen their knowledge of God’s Word so that they may stand against the coming darkness, is senior and founding pastor of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, Pastor Jack Hibbs.

In a recent message, Hibbs explains the duty that all Christians have to expose the deception that false teachers are preaching as commanded in the New Testament.

“Jesus says I will take care of that myself (vengeance), because it is regarding my church… What you are going to do in the New Testament era is expose them (Eph. 5:11),” explains Hibbs.

“That is what we are supposed to do. We are supposed to expose the evil, the false and what is being perpetrated in what is called ‘church.'”

What is the massive deception Hibbs and others are eluding as demonic activity being used to confuse the masses?

The recent explosion of government and civilian accounts of UFOs, now called UAPs, dominating news cycle headlines over the last several weeks.

So much is being made about these unexplained phenomena that Congress held hearings from witnesses confirming “non-human” entities existed.

“The question you ought to be asking is: Why is this happening now, and are there other things that are going on in our world that align with the warnings of the Bible. That such things would happen at the near return of Christ,” says Hibbs.

Alluding to Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21, all of which discuss the destruction of the Temple and the signs and persecutions that will occur before the imminent return of Jesus, Hibbs focuses on the warning from Jesus that precedes the signs of His return.

“Jesus promises mass global deception in the last days,” says Hibbs. “I do believe that we are living in the time or the age of deception, in the days of deception, today.

“Jesus said that deception will be so great, coming upon this earth, that if it were possible, my own elect, my own would be deceived. None of us have experienced a level of deception that is forthcoming.”

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Trust in the message that all forms of media now propagate has fallen sharply in recent years, and in this wake of misinformation and propaganda, many do not know what is true and what is false.

This uncertainty has sparked fear and hopelessness for those whose trust in not in God and His Word, making them vulnerable to the demonic messaging taking place over the airwaves.

A grand deception is occurring so that Satan’s end-game goal, of seizing control over God’s creation, can occur. This could be done any number of ways: through a cashless, digital currency society; ESG scores that track every purchase a person makes; social credit systems that will lockout those with low scores from society; and much more.

“These things are all being monitored. This is all part of moving toward a grand deception in the last days. It is not going to happen overnight: It is happening like Satan love to do in your life and mind and in the world, very gradually so that you do not wake up to it,” Hibbs says.

All of this is the paving of the way to the Antichrist figure as prophesied in the Bible.

So how can Christian protect themselves from the deceptive messaging being spewed forth from every major media outlet?

“As a Christ follower, what do we know?” asks Hibbs. “Well, we know that the Word of God is the absolute truth. What is beautiful about this is, if you do not know the Word of God you are going to fall for the message that people are going to be announcing and some of those messages have already been put in print.”

This helps explain the massive importance of biblical literacy for Christians. In an age when Bible reading and faith on the decline among self-described Christians, the exact opposite is needed to guide believers through these times.

Biblical understanding from the Word of God will shine light on the lies of the enemy so that the faithful can expose the plans of those plans for what they are.

To watch Pastor Jack Hibbs’ full sermon, click here.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.




Major League Pitcher’s No-Hitter Shines Spotlight on His Unwavering Christian Faith

Michael Lorenzen, a Major League Baseball player who recently joined the Philadelphia Phillies, accomplished a remarkable feat by pitching a no-hitter, a rarity in the sport, during a recent game against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park.

Lorenzen’s exceptional performance on the field left fans and commentators in awe, but it was his remarks after the game that caught the attention of many. In an interview with NBC Sports Philadelphia, Lorenzen attributed his success to his Christian faith.

Speaking with humility and gratitude, Lorenzen expressed, “I just had God’s grace today and I definitely got to thank God for today. I got to give Him … all the glory just to be able to keep me calm and trusting in Him.” He continued, “Whatever happened, I was just going to trust in Him and that’s kind of what I’ve been doing all season in trying to just lean on Him.”

Lorenzen’s emphasis on his Christian faith isn’t a one-time occurrence. In a subsequent interview, he repeatedly declared, “God is good,” and emphasized his unwavering reliance on his faith, stating, “the only thing I can do is just step back and thank God for everything, literally everything that He’s done for me.”

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This remarkable achievement came just a week after the Phillies announced Lorenzen’s addition to their active roster, having acquired him from the Detroit Tigers. A seasoned player with MLB experience, Lorenzen had previously pitched for the Cincinnati Reds and the Los Angeles Angels. His faith is not confined to the field; it also permeates his presence on social media. His Instagram bio reads, “Unashamed of the Gospel of Christ,” while his Twitter bio, which references the Bible passage Romans 5:8, underscores his identity as a “Servant.”

Lorenzen’s mother, Cheryl Lorenzen, took to Twitter to celebrate her son’s success, attributing it to God’s blessings and urging him to “stay strong in your faith and keep pushing through!”

Lorenzen’s journey to faith has been deeply personal and transformative. In an interview from 2016 with Renewed Strength Fitness, he recounted growing up in a tumultuous environment marked by addiction.

His introduction to Christianity came during his teenage years when he encountered a man preaching about Jesus while he was high on a pier. The encounter left a profound impact on him, leading him to a path of faith and service. He began attending church with his brother and eventually committed his life to Christ.

Michael Lorenzen’s journey, from his turbulent upbringing to his transformation through faith, serves as an inspiring example of how Jesus shapes an individual’s life and perspective. As fans celebrate Lorenzen’s achievements on the field, they also are drawn to the unyielding commitment to his faith, hopeful that more athletes will feel empowered to openly share their Christian journey.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.




Christian Entrepreneurship Needed Now More than Ever

For many Americans, the list of companies who support morals and values that they agree with are becoming few and far between.

The adage, “go woke, go broke,” has been plastered on major corporations that have lost billions of dollars for abandoning the customer base which made them successful.

Recently, operations such as Disney, Target, Bud Light and KFC have all been in the news for supporting causes which could be deemed ungodly at best.

So, what are Christians supposed to do with their money and where are they to buy necessities if every company from Proctor and Gamble to Ford have embraced Marxist ideologies?

They go out into all the world as commanded by Jesus, and some are to start companies that honor God above all things.

This is certainly easier said than done, as it takes people, a market, money and a product or service to create a business at the very least.

All these things, and more, can be attained using wisdom and faith in God to carve out a spot in the American markets.

Philippians 4:19 says, “But my God shall supply your every need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

In today’s markets, there is a need for businesses that honor God. That give Him their first fruits and put faith first, then profits.

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There is a push by conservatives to counteract the radical agendas being pushed by companies today, and it is often very successful.

Take The Daily Wire co-founder and co-CEO Jeremy Boreing as the perfect example of counteracting the Marxist trumpeting of companies today.

In the wake of the Gillette razor fiasco where they accused men of being sexual predators, their main target audience, and Harry’s Razors promoting transgender ideologies, Boreing launched his own brand: Jeremy’s Razors.

This product launch saw immense success, and according to The Daily Wire:

“Since entering the field after declaring war on Harry’s Razors, The Daily Wire’s shaving startup has sold over 130,000 razors, expanded into a complete line of skin care and grooming products and now operates a bustling fulfillment center. The explosive success is proof that men want to look good without being scolded or preached at.”

All of which is true, but there is more that a business can do besides be the normal version of a radical alternative. Boreing said as much:

“The Left is happy to bifurcate the culture, ripping it in two,” Boreing said. “They’re convinced there will be no economic consequences for this because you need their products.

“So, to win, they have to rip the economy in two,” he continued. “We have to give conservatives their own companies and their own products to buy. We have to build market alternatives that, in success, will force the Left to take real losses if they don’t compete directly for our business.”

To be clear, this is not a criticism of Mr. Boreing or any other conservative company that sets out to combat the left-wing takeover of businesses. This is a call for Christian businessmen and women to join them in taking a stand for godly principles and in their work honor God and point their customers toward Jesus.

What company represents the success to be found in honoring God as Chick-Fil-A?

A business that sells chicken sandwiches and is only open six days out of the week, is consistently voted the best fast-food restaurant by U.S. customers.

So, what is their secret?

According to former-CEO and Chairman of the Board Dan Cathy it is simple:

“At Chick-fil-A, we are very grounded on our corporate purpose, to be a purpose-driven organization,” Cathy told Chief Executive magazine. “That purpose is defined in the statement that we’re here to glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that’s entrusted to us and have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.”

This approach has proven it works, in the fast-food industry and men’s skincare with Jeremy’s Razors. But there needs to be more Christians engaging in the economy and business world.

Ministries, pastors, private citizens and others who are tired of the godless actions of the world must put their faith and finances into action. If Christians do not participate in the society we are called to change with the gospel of Jesus Christ, it will only continue down the path of darkness that it currently walks.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.




Modern-Day Gideons Rise: Christians Challenged to Tear Down Modern Idols

The ancient battle of spiritual forces rages on, and today, as in the days of Gideon, the name of the Lord is invoked to rally the hearts of His people.

America, a country once consecrated to God, now finds itself entangled with idols, embracing what was once denounced, a reality reminiscent of the times when Baal’s altars were venerated in Israel. However, within this storm, the Lord calls His warriors to stand firm, to be the ones who cut down the idols and challenge the very gods that hold sway.

In the book of Judges, Gideon’s story unfolds as a beacon of inspiration for modern believers (Judg. 6). The name “Gideon” itself means “the one who cuts down,” a poignant symbol for the spiritual warfare Christians must engage in today. Just as Gideon boldly tore down Baal’s altar, so too must today’s followers of Christ confront the idols and false gods that have seeped into the culture of America.

Gideon’s father, Joash, offered insight when he questioned those who sought to punish his son. “Will you contend for Baal? Will you save Baal?” he asked. The wisdom in his words is profound, demanding that if Baal is a god, let him contend for himself. It’s a challenge to the gods of this age, an assertion that if they hold any true power, they should manifest it. This is the essence of the spiritual battle that we, as Christians, face today.

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This cultural shift, this acceptance and even promotion of that which was once condemned, is akin to the same forces that pressured Gideon. Just as the people then sought to silence Gideon for destroying the altars, we too find ourselves facing opposition, intimidation and attempts to cancel our message. Yet, like Gideon, we must rise as “Jerubbaal,” a name echoing the call for Baal to contend. We are called to rise against fear, against compromise, against the sinful allure of the world.

The Lord reminds us through His Word that we are not to be intimidated by these idols, these false gods or the threats of the age. We are called to be strong and courageous, standing firm in the name of the Lord, confident in His supremacy. We are more than conquerors (Rom. 8:37) through Him who loves us, and in this spiritual battle, we have the assurance that He who is in us is greater than any force opposing us.

The legacy of Gideon challenges us to take a stand against the gods of our time. It calls us to be bold, unyielding and unafraid. Just as Gideon’s actions broke the spell of Baal, so too can our resolute commitment to Christ shatter the illusions and deceptions of the world. We are called to be the “Jerubbaal” generation, a people unswayed by intimidation, boldly proclaiming the truth and contending for the honor of God.

In the midst of this spiritual war, let us heed the call to rise up as Jerubbaal, warriors of the faith, letting the name of our God be a banner of courage and triumph. We are the ones who cut down the idols, who challenge the darkness and who live unshaken by the threats of the enemy. Through Him who loves us, we stand as victorious champions, demonstrating the power of our God against the gods of this age, confident that no force can prevail against the name of the Lord.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.




Can the Second Commandment Block Us from ‘The Chosen?

For some devout Christians, the path to discerning cultural and societal choices aligns firmly with the teachings of the Bible. The acclaimed series “The Chosen,” a portrayal of the life of Jesus Christ, offers a prime example of these thoughtful considerations. Yet, for individuals like Pastor Voddie Baucham, this popular series sits on the opposite side of his personal boundaries.

During a compelling discussion on “The Babylon Bee Podcast” on August 2, Baucham, who serves as the dean of theology at African Christian University in Zambia, illuminated his reasons for abstaining from the series. The conversation arose in the context of his recent appearances with figures like Glenn Beck, whose Christian-aligned platform resonates more closely with Baucham’s beliefs compared to mainstream outlets such as CNN.

Baucham shared his gratitude for the openness he experiences when appearing on Beck’s show. “There are no restraints put on me,” he remarked. This platform allows him to freely communicate the Gospel and express his faith without reservation.

However, when “The Chosen” entered the conversation, Baucham was quick to express his position. “That’s another deal, you asked me about my line,” he asserted, clearly stating that he chooses restraint when it comes to this show.

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When questioned further about the reason behind his decision, Baucham referenced the Second Commandment, invoking Exodus 20:4, which admonishes, “You shall not make for yourself any graven idol, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water below the earth.”

“The Chosen,” a groundbreaking series that soared in its debut on the CW Network, has achieved mainstream recognition as the first multi-season show about the life of Jesus Christ. Originating as a crowdfunding project in 2019, it has since reached over 500 million viewers and expanded its global presence through a distribution partnership with Lionsgate and the CW.

As a result of these discussions and controversies, “The Chosen” has become a significant focal point within the Christian community. It has fueled theological debates within the Christian community, particularly concerning the portrayal of Jesus in media.

For individuals like Baucham, whose spiritual convictions guide their interactions with cultural phenomena, “The Chosen” presents a challenging discussion of faith, media and portrayal. As the series continues to capture hearts and minds worldwide, it ignites ongoing dialogues about the impact of faith, art and reverence in a dynamic cultural landscape.

Wherever one takes up position on media portrayals of Jesus and other biblical accounts, the first place to turn for answers is the Bible. Allow the Holy Spirit to be the guide on which programs are watched, and which ones are not. For as many Christians are in the world today, so too will there be many different opinions on issues such as “The Chosen.” The Word of God is unchanging, and no matter the question one has about life, the Scriptures will always lead back to what is true and what is good.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.




‘A Storm is Coming’: Troy Brewer’s Prophecy Over God’s Children

When the church takes action and fulfills the call that Jesus gave to it, amazing change can happen in the world.

Recently, when talking to a large assembly of congressmen, senators and other influential people in Washington D.C., Pastor Troy Brewer was given a powerful word from the Lord about His children.

Addressing the evil that is child trafficking, Brewer proclaimed that “a storm is coming to Washington D.C.”

Sharing this experience with his congregation at OpenDoor Church in Burleson, Texas, Brewer described what the Lord had put on his heart in that moment.

“I talked about the tsunami of this hidden revival that God has been keeping, of a great awakening throughout the body of King Jesus towards the plights of children throughout the world. Where God Almighty is saying, ‘save My children,'” shares Brewer.

In the wake of the blockbuster movie “Sound of Freedom” starring Jim Caviezel, the spotlight has been moved to the heinous act of child slavery. Millions around the world are hearing the heart-wrenching stories of children being bought, sold and abused by the hundreds of thousands internationally, and God has made it clear: His children are not for sale.

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Brewer slammed home a necessary wake-up call for the body of Christ in that it is time to address the hard issues of our time and take a stand against the evil in our world.

“You could just tell it dings every time you tell somebody about [how] we pull babies out of septic tanks, ‘Oh that’s horrible, that’s terrible. I can’t talk about that. I have to find an air conditioner quickly.’ Yeah, the pansy body of Christ. That is the limp-wristed body of King Jesus,” says Brewer.

“We are talking about slavery of children. The church that has been quiet on this issue is now waking up and I liken it to the moment in America when the church actually began to feel the responsibility of if we do not speak against slavery in our nation, nobody else is coming,” he continues.

Brewer explained to the congregation that the Lord was going to pull this situation up by its roots in D.C. and since God confirms His Words to people, that is exactly what He did.

“We hop on a plane [and] get the heck out of Dodge, and off we go. [As] I left there, a storm came to D.C. with hurricane force winds that uprooted the trees where we were at and shut the power down,” revealed Brewer.

“It just uprooted trees. It was a thing that blew everybody’s mind. We [have] never seen a storm like this; it just uproots trees and shuts the power off in D.C. and it was just hours after I spoke that word on Capitol Hill,” continues Brewer.

“It was not because I was ‘Mr. Prophet.’ It is because I was ‘Mr. Preached the Word of God,’ and signs, miracles and wonders follow the preaching of the gospel and God Almighty confirms His Word,” explained Brewer.

As more and more people become aware and active in the eradication of evil in society, the need for the Word of God to make lasting change grows with them.

By actively engaging in this warfare, Christians not only shield themselves from the deceptions and temptations of the enemy but also contribute to the transformation of the world by spreading the light of Christ and resisting the darkness.

The importance of spiritual warfare underscores the profound impact that dedicated, faithful Christians can have in overcoming evil, bringing hope and ushering in God’s ultimate victory.

To view all of Pastor Troy Brewer’s message, click here.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.




Youth For Christ’s Juvenile Justice Ministry: Bringing Hope to Incarcerated Youth

Despite a decline in teen arrests and incarcerations, the sobering reality remains that approximately 60,000 young people under the age of 18 are currently held in juvenile jails and prisons across the United States. For many of these youth, the detention centers are places of relative safety, consistent meals, sobriety and respite from constant trauma.

It’s within these challenging environments that a glimmer of hope emerges, and it comes in the form of the light of Christ. Dedicated adults who enter these facilities to share the love of Christ with young individuals who may not have encountered the gospel can make a world of difference.

Youth For Christ, through its Juvenile Justice Ministry initiative, has taken on the mission of creating a faith-based continuity of care model specifically designed to establish holistic connections and secure relationships with young people during any interaction with the juvenile justice system. YFC’s approach is centered on walking alongside these youth on their spiritual journey while addressing the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of their lives. The leaders and volunteers of YFC forge relationships that continue to provide support as these young people navigate the complex pillars encompassing the juvenile justice system.

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Eric Kelly, National Juvenile Justice Ministry Director at YFC, expressed his concern about the absence of ministry in juvenile justice facilities, stating, “It breaks my heart to think about a juvenile justice facility without a ministry. There are young people sitting in cells right now who can’t connect with a positive adult, who can’t get the encouragement and support they need, or who don’t have the opportunity to learn about the love of Christ.”

Kelly emphasized that YFC’s JJM programs serve as a means to gain access to these facilities, but the heart of the matter is the establishment of one-on-one, Christ-sharing relationships with the youth, extending from the facility back into the community. This ministry, as evidenced by the personal experiences of YFC staff who were former residents of juvenile detention facilities, is making a profound impact on the lives of these young individuals.

The key to the success of YFC’s JJM lies in its exceptional staff and volunteers. “Our staff need to be great mobilizers,” said Kelly, emphasizing the vital role of volunteers. “Tens of thousands of teenagers hear the door slam and don’t connect it to anything positive like an adult who will listen to them, connect with them and pray for them.”

Youth For Christ, with over seven decades of missional youth outreach, is committed to unveiling God’s story of hope in the next generation, a generation that desperately needs it. YFC collaborates with local churches and like-minded partners to raise up lifelong followers of Jesus who lead by their godly lifestyles, devotion to the Word of God, prayer, passion for sharing the love of Christ, and engagement in social matters.

With chapters spanning the nation, YFC reaches out to youth from diverse backgrounds, addressing their silent struggles with a wide range of challenging issues. Through the YFC ministry, these young individuals find empowerment and witness the transformative power of a loving God. YFC’s leaders are trained in the 3Story® relational ministry model, which encourages building connections through the ups and downs of everyday life to lead people to Christ.

Since its inception in 1944, with Dr. Billy Graham as its first full-time staff member, Youth For Christ has remained a steadfast pillar of missional ministry. The organization operates in over 100 nations, with more than 130 chapters impacting communities across America.

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Visit the Youth For Christ media page here. Learn more about Youth For Christ at its website, , Facebook and Instagram pages, Twitter feed @yfcusa or on Vimeo.