As 2023 continues on, apostle Alexander Pagani envisions a significant shift in the Christian ministry landscape, with God raising up the “Jehu’s” – bold and unashamed followers of Jesus sanctioned to confront oppressive systems. In an interview with Charisma News, Pagani emphasizes the importance of digital media as a platform for these reformers to voice their message to the current generation.

Revolutionaries vs. Reformers:

Pagani draws a clear distinction between revolutionaries and reformers within the church. Revolutionaries seek to tear down existing structures completely, while reformers focus on upgrading and improving systems to bring about freedom. The Jehu’s embody the reformer spirit, avoiding insurrections against ecclesiastical church authority and instead collaborating with existing systems to usher in breakthroughs.

Key Characteristics of the Jehu’s:

1. Militant No-Nonsense Attitude: The Jehu’s possess an unyielding determination, fearlessly advocating for change and liberation.
2. Fearlessness and Anointing: While their personalities may not be refined, they are anointed by God to speak truth and bring reform.

Drawing inspiration from the biblical figure Elijah, who confronted false prophets yet cowered in the face of Jezebel’s threats, Pagani highlights the Jehu’s unwavering spirit. Like Jehu, they are undeterred by intimidation and push forward to fulfill their God-given calling.

Digital Media: The New Frontier of Ministry

As prophesied by Christian leaders, the year 2023 sees a tremendous shaking in the media industry, with legacy media companies witnessing a decline while citizen journalism and alternative platforms flourish. Apostle Alexander Pagani’s prediction of “digital Jehu’s” gaining prominence holds true in this digital era.

Personalities like Tucker Carlson exemplify this shift by moving from traditional media outlets to digital platforms like Twitter, considered the last true public square of free speech. Pagani’s conviction about the rise of the Jehu’s aligns with this trend, empowering reformers to address systems of oppression and falsehood on digital platforms without the constraints of censorship by Big Tech and government.

Acceleration and Proclamation:

As Pastor Greg Locke points out, the Lord is accelerating moments of change and calling the church to action against the enemy’s assault. In this age of digital media and social platforms, the battle for truth, spirituality, and salvation in Jesus Christ has intensified. Christians are urged to proactively engage in this plan, standing firm for the name of Jesus and actively participating in the transformation of the modern-day media landscape.

The shakings in the media and social media spheres are only the beginning of what God has planned. With the rise of the Jehu’s, Christians are encouraged to embrace digital media as a powerful tool for ministry, unafraid to confront oppressive systems and bring about reform that echoes the teachings of Jesus Christ.

As Pagani puts it, the Jehu’s represent a new breed of believers who will fearlessly challenge the status quo and lead the Church into a bolder, more impactful era of digital ministry, proclaiming the truth of the Lord both in the physical and digital realms. {eoa}

Sign up NOW for a FREE Charisma Magazine Online 30-day trial!

James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

Moscow, Idaho, announced a $300,000 settlement this week with three Christian churchgoers who sued the city after being arrested during a “psalm sing” at an outdoor service in September 2020.

The plaintiffs, Gabriel Rench and Sean and Rachel Bohnet, alleged that their rights under the First and Fourth Amendments were violated when they were detained for not wearing masks.

The peaceful protest took place in front of Moscow City Hall, with participants from Christ Church, a local congregation of approximately 1,000 members. The arrests garnered widespread attention when footage went viral, drawing condemnation from then-President Trump on Twitter.

Despite exemptions for religious activities in the city’s health ordinance, Rench and the others were charged with violating the COVID regulations, which were repeatedly extended by city officials. However, a magistrate judge later dismissed the charges, and U.S. District Court Judge Morrison C. England, Jr., stated in a memorandum that the plaintiffs should never have been arrested in the first place.

Following the settlement, Rench revealed that he has faced backlash from his predominantly liberal community, becoming a pariah since the incident. Accusations of not loving his neighbor and being labeled “an idiot” have been hurled at him by members of his community, urging him to “take the money and run.

“I think it’s no secret that portions of our government and political groups are now starting to target Christians in a way that has never really happened in America or Canada,” Rench says, noting how he knows some of the pastors who have been jailed in neighboring Canada in recent years for holding church services.

“I’m in a conservative state, but I live in a liberal town, and the liberals had no problem arresting me for practicing my religious rights and my Constitutional rights,” he continues. “But my [Republican] governor also didn’t defend me either. If you look at what’s going on in Canada, I think America’s 10 years, at most 20 years, behind Canada if we don’t make significant changes.”

The legal battle extends to the family of Douglas Wilson, the senior pastor of Christ Church, whose son and grandsons received misdemeanor charges for protesting the arrests. Placing stickers on city utility poles, depicting a hammer and sickle with the phrase “Soviet Moscow, enforced because we care,” the grandsons sought to challenge the city’s COVID and mask mandate slogan. Wilson expects the case to reach the Idaho Supreme Court.

To read more about the cancel culture affecting America, click here!

Wilson emphasizes the connection between his family’s experience and broader concerns about the Department of Justice targeting people of faith under President Biden’s administration. He is sounding the alarm that private citizens increasingly face the threat of being financially burdened by the government’s seemingly limitless resources.

“The saying that ‘You can’t fight city hall,’ I think, largely has to do with finances,” he said, adding that authorities are using criminal prosecution to punish political dissent. “And it’s also what’s happening with the DOJ, only writ large. So basically, we’re dealing with the weaponization of the justice system. We are seeing it here in small-town America, and you see it in Washington, D.C.”

The settlement in Moscow highlights the ongoing challenges Christians face in certain areas, particularly when expressing their faith in public settings. As the case continues to unfold, it brings into focus the need for protecting religious liberties and upholding the rights enshrined in the Constitution.

Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!

James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

Over the past century, the United States has witnessed a remarkable spiritual awakening through the rise of Pentecostalism and the charismatic movement.

These religious revivals have played a significant role in shaping American Christianity, with millions of believers experiencing a profound transformation in their faith. Let’s delve into the history of these movements and their impact on American religious landscape over the last 100 years.

The Birth of Pentecostalism

The roots of Pentecostalism can be traced back to the early 20th century when a series of revivals took place in various parts of the United States. In 1906, a momentous event occurred at the Azusa Street Mission in Los Angeles, led by William J. Seymour. This revival, known as the Azusa Street Revival, is considered one of the most significant catalysts for the spread of Pentecostalism.

During this revival, attendees reported experiencing powerful manifestations of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues, divine healings and other spiritual gifts mentioned in the New Testament. The movement’s emphasis on a direct and personal encounter with God captured the hearts of many, leading to the establishment of numerous Pentecostal denominations and churches across the country.

The Growth of Pentecostalism

Throughout the 20th century, Pentecostalism experienced exponential growth, transcending racial, social and denominational boundaries. The movement attracted people from diverse backgrounds who sought a deeper spiritual experience and a dynamic expression of their faith. The Assemblies of God, Church of God in Christ and the Church of God are some of the notable Pentecostal denominations that emerged during this period.

The emphasis on evangelism and missionary work became integral to the Pentecostal movement’s identity, leading to the establishment of global missions and the spread of Pentecostalism beyond U.S. borders. The movement’s fervor and commitment to spiritual gifts continued to draw new followers, making it one of the fastest-growing segments of American Christianity.

The Rise of the Charismatic Movement

In the 1960s and 1970s, a parallel movement known as the charismatic movement began to gain momentum within established mainline Protestant denominations and the Roman Catholic church. Unlike the traditional Pentecostalism, the charismatic movement sought to bring the experiences of the Holy Spirit’s power and spiritual gifts to believers within existing churches.

Renewal and charismatic prayer meetings became common within mainstream denominations, leading to an influx of believers who sought a deeper spiritual connection with God. The charismatic movement embraced the idea that the Holy Spirit’s gifts were available to all believers, and manifestations such as speaking in tongues, prophecy and healing were experienced even in non-Pentecostal churches.

For more informational material on revival, click here!

Influence on American Christianity

The Pentecostal and charismatic revivals have had a profound impact on American Christianity, shaping worship practices, theology and the understanding of the Holy Spirit’s role in the lives of believers. The emphasis on personal encounter and the power of the Holy Spirit resonated with individuals seeking a more vibrant and experiential faith.

Moreover, the Pentecostal and charismatic movements have influenced contemporary worship music, leading to the creation of countless spiritually rich and emotionally stirring hymns and songs that are widely embraced across various Christian traditions.

Here is a short list on the manifestations of revival that has helped shape the spiritual environment in America over the years:

1. Spiritual Awakening and Renewal: Revivals are seen as times of spiritual awakening, where the Holy Spirit moves mightily, drawing people to God, and sparking a hunger for His presence. Believers experience a deepening of their faith and a renewed passion for God and His Word.

2. Empowerment and Activation of Spiritual Gifts: In revivals, believers are often empowered and activated in spiritual gifts mentioned in the New Testament. The Holy Spirit imparts gifts such as prophecy, tongues, healing and discernment, leading to a greater impact on ministry and the advancement of the kingdom of God.

3. Reconciliation and Unity: Revivals often bring about reconciliation among believers and unity within the church. As the Holy Spirit moves, divisions and strife are healed, leading to a sense of oneness among Christians, transcending denominational boundaries.

4. Cultural and Social Impact: Revivals can have a profound impact on society, leading to positive changes in culture and attitudes. Many Christians believe that the transformational power of the Holy Spirit influences not only individuals but also communities, fostering compassion, love and a desire to meet the needs of the less fortunate.

5. Passionate Worship and Adoration: Revivals are marked by passionate and heartfelt worship. The Holy Spirit’s presence ignites a fervor in believers, leading to expressions of love, adoration and surrender to God.

6. Revitalization of Churches: Revivals can breathe new life into churches that may have become spiritually stagnant. The Holy Spirit revitalizes congregations, renewing their vision and stirring up a desire to impact their communities with the gospel.

7. Prophetic Insight and Direction: In revivals, the Holy Spirit imparts prophetic insight and direction. Prophetic messages bring guidance, encouragement and a deeper understanding of God’s will for individuals and the church.

8. Healing and Miracles: Revivals often witness powerful manifestations of healing and miracles. These supernatural occurrences are a testament to the Holy Spirit’s healing power and the compassion of God.

9. Missions and Evangelism: Revivals inspire a renewed zeal for missions and evangelism. The Holy Spirit’s work sparks a passion to share the gospel with the lost, both locally and globally.

Continuing Legacy

Today, the legacy of Pentecostal and charismatic movements remains visible and influential within American Christianity. Their impact can be seen in churches, global missions, college campuses and the continued growth of charismatic expressions within various denominations.

The Pentecostal and charismatic revivals in America over the last century have reshaped the religious landscape, fostering a transformative spiritual experience for millions of believers. As these movements continue to grow, they carry forward their legacy of spiritual passion, renewal and fervor, leaving a lasting imprint on the history of American Christianity.

Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!

James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

In today’s culture, many parents are worried about the indoctrinating effects society is having on children.

Yet the topic of shaping a young child’s mind is nothing new, and has been taking place for centuries.

Throughout history, fairy tales have served as captivating narratives that transport young minds to fictional realms. These tales, however enchanting, have often been used as a means of imparting societal norms, values and beliefs to children. By weaving moral lessons into fantastical stories, societies have sought to shape the minds and behaviors of their youngest members.

From the Brothers Grimm to Hans Christian Andersen, fairy tales have left an indelible mark on children’s literature. These tales, adorned with talking animals, brave heroes and wicked villains, have entertained and captivated generations. Yet, beneath their whimsical exteriors lie subtle mechanisms of indoctrination.

Children’s stories of today are even more extreme in their messaging, as they have abandoned all pretense at storytelling and instead push countless radical messages upon children.

While fairy tales, old and new, may have been influential in shaping children’s perspectives, it is essential to examine the role of the Bible in guiding the upbringing of children.

The Bible offers guidance on raising children and instilling moral values. Proverbs 22:6 advises, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” This verse encourages parents to teach children moral principles and guide them towards righteousness, emphasizing the importance of parental responsibility in molding their character.

In addition, Ephesians 6:4 highlights the significance of parental influence, stating, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” This verse emphasizes the importance of nurturing children in an environment of love and godly instruction, instilling values aligned with biblical teachings.

For more informational material on Christian parenting, click here!

Modern takes on fairy tales look to challenge God’s design of gender and promote radical theories and ideologies that are damaging to children and adults alike. In the journey of raising children, the role of parents and guardians remains paramount.

By integrating biblical principles into child-rearing practices, families can cultivate a foundation based on love, moral guidance and the pursuit of righteousness. As society continues to spiral into moral bankruptcy, it is imperative to empower children how to recognize and discern any underlying messages their stories may include, ensuring that the fairy tales they encounter align with God’s Word and foster holiness, wisdom and the love of Jesus.

Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!

James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

Why does the word “apostasy” keep coming up in Christian news and what is the significance in the increase of its usage?

Many Christians are starting to call out those who claim to be a follower of Christ, yet push lifestyles and belief systems incompatible with the principles of the Bible.

Society has witnessed an increase of those who claim to be a Christian, yet diverge from the Word of God, and actively promote sin disguised as holiness.

A prime example is North Carolina religious studies professor and ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church, Rev. Rebecca Todd Peters, who is actively fighting to no longer have abortion viewed as a sin, and instead viewed as a “holy” experience that God approves. During a lecture at the Community Church of Chapel Hill, Peters shared about having “no shame” after having two abortions: “Abortion makes many people profoundly uncomfortable,” Peters says. “I felt God’s presence with me as I made the decision to end two pregnancies and I felt no guilt, no shame, no sin. A forced pregnancy or birth is not holy.”

This comes on the heels of North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper signing into effect a new law that restricts abortions after 12 weeks, down from the previous restriction of 20 weeks. Peters also voiced her opinions regarding the Christian church’s response to reproductive rights.

To read more about the End Times and the apostate church, click here!

The apostate church, as discussed in the Bible, are those who leave the teachings of the Word of God and are instead deceived by the teachings of the world. They will promote earthly values, such as abortion being loving and consider it healthcare instead of outright murder. They will abandon the design of God and nature and claim that men can become women, and women can become men, directly contradicting Scripture.

God knew this would happen, just like in the days of Noah, that the world today has given in to the desires of the flesh and demonic influence have turned man against the ways of God for the ways of Satan.

The Lord knew this would happen, that is why His Word says many times (1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Thess. 2:3; 2 Peter 2:20-22; and many other passages) that a great deception will take place, and mankind will be a lover of itself; even going so far as to think humanity knows better than God about the biological design and makeup of the world and the creation within it.

This apostasy is rooted in satanic, demonic deception. The Bible guides and equips Christians to battle against the spiritual forces at work in the world today (Eph. 6:12), but believers must pick up their spiritual swords to battle against the kind of messages of apostate ministers and false teachers.

These arguments and lofty opinions must be torn down with the power of the Holy Spirit if generations of people are to be set free from the deception of the world and become alive in Christ Jesus. {eoa}

Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!

James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

The King’s College, the last standing evangelical Christian college in New York City, has declared that it will not hold classes in the upcoming fall semester due to severe financial challenges.

In a recent email addressed to “members of the King’s community” and signed by the Board of Trustees, the school conveyed its decision along with the regrettable news of faculty and staff position reductions or eliminations. Although the school’s future remains uncertain, the board assured recipients of the email that they would provide further updates in the coming days and weeks. The number of retained faculty members remained undisclosed, although some faculty members confirmed that they were still employed as of Monday afternoon.

The King’s College has faced public financial difficulties, prompting the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to withdraw its accreditation in May. Since January, the college has been seeking $2.6 million to sustain its operations, but a fundraising campaign yielded only $200,000. To maintain its accreditation appeal, King’s must demonstrate financial viability with active student enrollment.

During the spring semester, faculty and staff actively assisted students in transferring to other institutions, including St. John’s University in Queens and Providence Christian College in California. Despite this, some students have expressed a desire to stay at King’s if it reopens in the fall.

Over its 85-year history, The King’s College has never surpassed 1,000 students. Nevertheless, it earned recognition as a top conservative liberal arts school, often compared to Hillsdale College. The college’s political affiliations have sparked debates among students and faculty while operating on a tight budget and relying heavily on donations from benefactors such as Richard and Helen Devos. However, the partnership with Canadian education investment company Primacorp Ventures failed to improve enrollment, leading to layoffs.

Amidst the uncertainty, a glimmer of hope arose when the board disclosed “advanced discussions” with an undisclosed Christian university for an “educational and operational partnership” to ensure the college’s continuation beyond the 2023-2024 academic year. However, details remained scarce, leaving the college community anxiously awaiting further announcements and updates from the board.

For Dru Johnson, a professor at King’s, the rollercoaster ride of emotions began in March. He managed to secure a teaching position at Hope College in Michigan, but for others, the uncertainty persisted, impacting families invested in the college’s future.

The impending closure of The King’s College and the recent announcement of Alliance University’s shutdown exemplify the challenges facing Protestant institutions with New York City roots. With Concordia, affiliated with the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, closing in 2021, and Alliance University, formerly Nyack College, set to close in August, it appears to be a challenging time for such institutions in the region.

James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

At the 2023 Prophetic Summit in Cleveland, Tennessee, Perry Stone delivered a thought-provoking message titled, “Something I Have Missed Concerning the Pre-Tribulation Rapture” that provides fresh insights and perspectives on the timing of Christ’s return.

Stone reveals a principle that he says many, including himself, have overlooked, and he makes a compelling case for the pre-tribulation rapture of the church.

The Church Age and the Feast of Pentecost

Stone shares that in 2014, he received a revelation regarding the church’s position within the current dispensation of God’s grace, known as the Church Age.

He expounds on the biblical significance of the Feast of Pentecost, explaining that the church is presently positioned at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-47). Stone believes that the next feast in the biblical calendar is the Feast of Trumpets, symbolizing the rapture. Consequently, he says that the rapture will occur at the end of the Church Age, ushering in the subsequent tribulation period.

The Order of the Festivals and the Rapture

Stone explains the significance of the order of the seven festivals of Israel (Lev. 23) and their correlation to the rapture. He highlights the importance of maintaining the correct order, demonstrating that certain festivals must follow a specific sequence.

By aligning these festivals with significant events such as the resurrection of the dead and the coronation of the king, Stone asserts that the rapture must occur before the tribulation. Placing the rapture in the middle or at the end of the tribulation disrupts the established sequence Stone believes.

Patterns in Exodus and the Book of Revelation

Examining patterns in Exodus chapter 19 and the book of Revelation, Stone discusses additional evidence supporting the pre-tribulation rapture. He draws attention to the parallels between the sounding of trumpets and significant events in both instances. Stone asserts that these patterns indicate a clear flow in the book, connecting the Church Age, rapture, tribulation and Christ’s return.

The Significance of the Number Seven

Throughout his message, Stone emphasizes the profound significance of the number seven in biblical prophecy. He explains that seven represents completion, finish and fullness.

Stone provides numerous examples, ranging from the seven days of creation and the seven festivals of Israel to the seven judgments in the book of Revelation. By highlighting the prevalence of the number seven, Stone presents a compelling case for the pre-tribulation rapture, emphasizing its connection to the concept of fullness and completion within God’s divine plan.

Understanding the Sabbath of Rest

The crux of Perry Stone’s teaching lies in the revelation of the sabbath of rest during the seven-year tribulation period. Drawing from the biblical sabbath, Stone asserts that every seventh day is designated as a time of rest. Expanding on this principle, he suggests that the seven-year tribulation period serves as a sabbath of rest for believers who are in heaven during this time.

This understanding presents a compelling argument for the pre-tribulation rapture, emphasizing the significance of rest and completion within God’s divine timeline. As believers engage with these insights, Stone encourages them to deepen their understanding and prepare their hearts for the imminent return of the Lord.

For Christians, it is essential to recognize and embrace the understanding that there are varying views concerning the concept of the rapture.

While some believers interpret it as a pre-tribulation event, anticipating the gathering of the saints before the period of tribulation, others hold to a post-tribulation perspective, expecting the rapture to occur after the trials and challenges. Additionally, there are those who perceive a mid-tribulation timing, placing the rapture in the midst of the tribulation’s intensity.

Amidst these differing views, it is crucial for Spirit-filled Christians to approach this subject with humility, love and a desire for greater biblical understanding. As we navigate these varying interpretations, let us hold fast to our common faith in Jesus Christ, the source of our hope and unity, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us into a deeper revelation of God’s Word and His imminent return.

Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!

Debbie Marrie is Vice President of Acquisitions and Content Development

James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

For too long, devils have been running rampant across America.

Without a body of Christ empowered by the Holy Spirit to cast them out, who else was there to stop them?

As the manifestation of demonic influence is claiming territory around the world, two titans of deliverance ministry have united in the cause of driving it back.

In a recent live interview, Pastor Greg Locke of Global Vision Bible Church and Benny Hinn sat down together in a surprise union.

Why is this so shocking? Because for years Locke had decried Hinn and others like him as false prophets, and even wrote a book against him called “Blinded by Benny.”

Now, you would think they had been friends for years. That is the unification power of the Holy Spirit at work, and not only has past offense been humbly done away with, there are strategies in the works for increasing deliverance ministry.

This is the spiritual warfare America needs for the ailments she is suffering.

“This is the greatest need in the body of Christ,” Hinn tells the audience watching the live interview.

“Anyone who is afraid of deliverance has a demon,” Hinn adds.

Discussing the ‘revival’ of deliverance ministry of which Locke is at the forefront, Hinn shared of his own experience over the years of casting out demons from people.

For material on spiritual warfare and deliverance ministry, click here!

The screaming, throwing up, foaming at the mouth, all things that both men of God had witnessed and agree needs to become a mainstay in Christianity again.

“This is the number one ministry of Jesus,” Locke proclaims. “He cast out more demons than anything else that He ever did.”

This phenomenon was not relegated to only the Son of God either.

Luke 10:17 says “The seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us through Your name.'”

Not just the 12 disciples either, but many who were sent out in Jesus’ name were given authority over the enemy, which Paul also writes about in Ephesians 10:16-18. This is a call to spiritual arms for all who believe in Jesus Christ, and the meeting of these two titans of the faith is evidence of that.

Recalling many of the various manifestations he encountered of the decades of Miracle Crusades, Hinn emphasized the need for deliverance not just in secular communities, but for Christians and pastors as well.

This unification of leaders, from different backgrounds and generations, shows how the Lord can work anything for His good and His glory.

“We need you,” Hinn told Locke. “I’m going to stand with you and behind you because, where would we be today without the power of God’s people? And here is a man at one time didn’t believe in any of this and today God is using him.”

As God continues to do new things in the lives of each and every believer, this sign of unity in the body of Christ stands as a beacon of hope for those who seek the forgiveness of others. Through that forgiveness the Lord is forging new relationships and new ministries.

With the reemergence of deliverance ministry and a new battalion of spiritual warriors at the helm, the devil would be right to fear what the Lord has in store for him.

James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

As food prices continue to be a concern for many, the hopes that those prices will drop back to a ‘normal’ range are not realistic according to one end times expert.

Author Michael Snyder is warning those who will listen that while inflation numbers are showing signs of cooling off, recent events on the agricultural front show that food prices will continue to rise as shortages continue.

“The primary way that this crisis would manifest itself in wealthy countries during the early stages would be through higher food prices,” Snyder says. “And that is precisely what we are witnessing.”

Snyder is not alone in calling attention to this issue either, but it seems few people are interested in hearing this sort of news.

According to left-leaning news outlet The Guardian, the world is facing an “environmental breakdown and food system failure” at the same time:

“We face an epochal, unthinkable prospect: of perhaps the two greatest existential threats—environmental breakdown and food system failure—converging, as one triggers the other.”

While various mainstream media outlets blame climate change for the shortage in food, others believe the stringent anti-farmer laws put in place to combat alleged climate change does more harm than the environment itself.

Regardless of the political argument to be had as to the source of food shortages, the fact of the matter is there are hundreds of millions across the planet suffering from “severe food insecurity” and billions that do not have regular access to food according to the United Nations:

“The food security and nutrition situation remained grim in 2022. The report finds that approximately 29.6% of the global population, equivalent to 2.4 billion people, did not have constant access to food, as measured by the prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity. Among them, around 900 million individuals faced severe food insecurity.”

To find instructional material on dealing with the End Times, click here!

Looking at Matthew 24:7, it is not difficult to see the resemblance between the words of Jesus and the current state of the earth today:

“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines, epidemics and earthquakes in various places.”

With the threat of war between the U.S. and China; the U.S. and Russia; Russia and Ukraine; Taiwan and China, and the list goes on, that part of the Scripture is certainly relevant. As the world continues to recover from the recent pandemic that saw global shutdowns in every sector of business, society and politics, the epidemic portion is fresh on everyone’s mind when it comes to end times discussion.

Yet where does famine fall in the minds of American’s today?

Many certainly remember the empty shelves that were found across the country during the not-long-ago lockdowns. Few are aware of the impact that struggling corn and soybean farmers are enduring at the moment, and the impact reduced crops will have not just on the United States, but the world.

As reported by NBC News:

“Record-breaking heat and pockets of drought are baking farmland across the country, threatening crop yields and squeezing out any remaining wiggle room to cope with more extreme weather this summer.

“Throughout the Sun Belt, an extended heat wave is sending temperatures soaring into the triple digits and risking heat stress to crops. At the same time, breadbasket states in the Midwest are struggling to manage a drought that’s affecting some areas for a second year in a row. Nearly two-thirds of Kansas is in severe, extreme or exceptional drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, and about half of Missouri and Nebraska are in the same rough shape.”

Famines have had immense impact on civilizations throughout history, but just as the story of Joseph teaches us, God has a plan for His people during these difficult times.

What Christians need to do now is listen. What is the Lord saying through leaders warning about the tough times ahead?

Are Christians preparing for a difficult the same way Joseph set aside what would be needed to navigate the famine Egypt endured under his leadership?

As the art of growing local produce and raising chicken, goats and other livestock is growing exponentially, wisdom is an essential tool when navigating what may very well be the end times Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24.

The wise ruler King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 7:12:

“For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.”

So, protect yourself from the fear-mongering and misinformation pushed by legacy media, and instead ground yourself in the Word of God to help navigate through the times we now live in. Because having God lead us down the uncertain path of human history is the best guide anyone could hope for.

James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

The fervent prayers of “The Chosen” fans have been answered as news broke that the beloved Jesus of Nazareth series has been granted a waiver from the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) to continue filming despite the ongoing strike.

On Sunday, July 16, the series’ official Twitter account shared the exciting update: “Great news! We just received word from SAG that we have been approved for a waiver. We’ll continue shooting on Monday.”

Update: Great news! We just received word from SAG that we have been approved for a waiver. We’ll continue shooting on Monday.

— The Chosen (@thechosentv) July 16, 2023

Sources close to the project have since confirmed that the series has resumed filming today with the full cast. The Utah-shot series managed to avoid major disruptions, only missing a day or two of filming without the cast. Notably, “The Chosen” includes multiple SAG actors, with Jonathan Roumie in the lead role of Jesus.

Creator Dallas Jenkins recently took to Instagram, imploring SAG for an exemption, stating, “We’ve submitted all the requested paperwork immediately. We fit all qualifications for an exemption. Every day that goes by without your response costs us hundreds of thousands of dollars while your actors are stuck in Utah. We’re the good guys. We’ve treated your actors well.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dallas Jenkins (@)

“The Chosen” makes history as the first known TV series to be granted an exemption during the strike and the first known film or TV production to resume filming after being halted by the labor dispute.

The waivers are being granted to “truly independent producers” not affiliated with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. These producers agree to be bound retroactively to the contract terms achieved with the AMPTP once the strike is settled.

However, SAG’s process for granting exemptions is not without complexities. “The Chosen” recently announced a distribution deal with Lionsgate, and previous seasons have been sold to CW, Netflix, Amazon and Peacock. Although the deals are believed to apply to seasons one to three, the status of season four remains uncertain.

For material on learning about the power and importance of prayer, click here!

“The Chosen” stands out as a historical drama that tells the story of Jesus from the perspective of those who knew Him, tracing His teachings and miracles as He sets out to change the world through His ministry. The series boasts indie roots and is recognized as one of the most successful crowdfunded TV shows, with viewers contributing $40 million toward its production two years ago.

Despite the challenges, “The Chosen” remains steadfast in its commitment to bring the story of Jesus to its dedicated audience, demonstrating resilience amid industry disruptions. The fans’ anticipation for the upcoming season grows, and the production forges ahead, making history in more ways than one.

James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.