The small town of Shiloh in the Binyamin region of Samaria witnessed an extraordinary event recently as crowds of eager visitors flocked to welcome a biblically pure red heifer.

The 22-month-old cow, brought all the way from the United States, has found a new home at the Ancient Shiloh heritage site, a place of historical and biblical significance where the Tabernacle once stood.

In the coming month, two more heifers will be transported to Shiloh, and a dedicated research center will open, focused on unraveling the mysteries surrounding these rare creatures. The heifers will be kept within a securely fenced-off area, and visitors will not be allowed to touch the animals.

The red heifer, also known as Parah Adumah, holds immense importance in Jewish tradition and history. It is first mentioned in the book of Numbers, where God instructs Moses and Aaron to take “a perfectly red unblemished cow, upon which no yoke was laid.” This cow is subsequently sacrificed, and its ashes are used in a purification ritual.

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Finding a red heifer that meets the strict biblical requirements is an extraordinary rarity. Historical sources indicate that only nine red heifers were sacrificed from the time of Moses until the destruction of the Second Temple. According to the 12th-century philosopher Maimonides, the Messiah Himself will offer the tenth red heifer.

True to biblical law, the heifer now displayed in Shiloh is entirely red and has never borne a yoke.

Ancient Shiloh CEO Coby Mamo expressed his excitement, stating, “This is an exciting and exceptional event for the entire Jewish people. We are already in touch with researchers and promoters around the world who are waiting to come here with large groups. We have returned to the site of the Tabernacle in Shiloh and are bringing back the Jewish past for the future of our people.”

Israel Ganz, the head of the Binyamin Regional Council, described the cow’s arrival as a “historic moment” and a significant development for the Ancient Shiloh site. He confidently predicted that the Red Heifer Center would draw up to one million visitors each year from Israel and around the world, making it a source of fascination for the Jewish community, scientists, researchers and everyone intrigued by the profound connection to history.

The red heifer’s arrival coincides with the Binyamin Temple Conference, hosted by the Binyamin Regional Council. The conference commenced on Wednesday with a grand Temple-era dinner.

On Thursday, July 13, participants gathered at Tel Shiloh, the center of Jewish life before the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, to attend enlightening lectures on various topics. The discussions encompassed modern times’ offering of the Passover sacrifice, the region’s traditional grape varieties and urban and logistic planning envisioning the future Jerusalem.

As the red heifer takes up residence in Shiloh’s historical heart, the entire region brims with enthusiasm, envisioning a bright future that echoes the ancient traditions and stories, interwoven with the rich tapestry of the Jewish past.

James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

Tailah Scroggins, once immersed in the world of the occult, astrology and New Age practices, has experienced a life-transforming encounter with Jesus that shattered the darkness and brought her redemption.

Today, she is an online evangelist, writer and truth-teller, on a mission to help others escape the clutches of evil.

In an interview with “Billy Hallowell’s Playing With Fire Podcast,” Scroggins shared her story of growing up in a Christian home, straying into the occult and ultimately finding salvation through Jesus Christ.

Scroggins recalled how a trusted family member introduced her to astrology during her high school years. Initially caught off-guard, she questioned how celestial bodies could dictate her future or personality, knowing that God had created each individual uniquely. However, the deceptive seeds planted in her mind led her down a dangerous path as she embraced astrology without fully understanding the Word of God and its warnings about the occult.

For 11 years, Scroggins immersed herself in the world of astrology, considering it her worldview and life. Despite her involvement in the occult, she still attended church, but her practices brought confusion and deception into her life, leading her to live as a “lukewarm Christian.”

As Scroggins entered college, her disappointment in God grew, as she expected Him to fulfill her desires according to her own timeline. Her spiritual immaturity and lack of trust in God’s timing fueled her frustration. This perspective, coupled with her longing for a party lifestyle, led her down a negative path of rebellion, amplifying her obsession with astrology and other occult practices.

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Depression took hold of Scroggins, and she found herself sinking into a deep sense of emptiness and suicidal thoughts. She cried for hours each day, feeling lost and devoid of purpose.

Amidst her struggles, a family friend intervened, recognizing Scroggins’ desperate situation. This encounter became a turning point in her life. The friend declared that “today is the day of your freedom,” praying deliverance prayers over Scroggins. The prayers cast out the spirits of death and depression, resulting in an immediate sense of relief and freedom.

Scroggins attributes this supernatural experience to the power of Jesus Christ, who healed and set her free from the chains that bound her. Since that transformative moment, she has been free from depression and suicidal thoughts for over six years.

Here are five Bible verses to help with deliverance from evil:

• John 8:12: “Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.'”
• Acts 26:18: “‘To open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'”
• Romans 8:1-2: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things have passed away. Look, all things have become new.”
• Ephesians 5:8: “For you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”

Embracing her newfound relationship with Christ, Scroggins distanced herself from occultic practices and clung tightly to Jesus. As she witnessed the alarming rise of interest in witchcraft, Tarot cards, crystals and the occult during the pandemic, she felt compelled to share her testimony and counter the deception with the truth of Jesus.

Recognizing the importance of exposing the darkness she once embraced, Scroggins started sharing her story, exposing astrology, the New Age movement and other forms of false spirituality. Her aim is to redirect people toward Jesus and away from the evil that she experienced firsthand.

In her own words, Scroggins stated, “I’m going to share my testimony, and I’m going to expose astrology. I’m going to expose the New Age, I’m going to expose all of it. And I just started telling people what I went through and what God saved me from. And what came into my life when I started doing those practices—and it was all evil.”

Her testimony stands as a testament to the redemptive power of Jesus Christ and the life-transforming work of the Holy Spirit. Tailah Scroggins now dedicates her life to bringing light and truth to those trapped in the darkness of occultic practices, offering hope and pointing them toward the healing and freedom found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

In a startling revelation, renowned gospel singer Jimmy Levy recently opened up about his harrowing journey through the entertainment industry, shedding light on the spiritual battles he faced and the transformative power of Jesus Christ.

Having experienced the dark side of fame after his breakthrough on “American Idol” in 2020, Levy candidly shared how he found himself entangled in a web of loneliness, depression and occult practices before ultimately surrendering his life to Christ.

“When I was in the industry, I became very lonely, depressed, and I realized how dark it is,” Levy told Fox News Digital. He said he witnessed other musicians engaging in witchcraft, which influenced him to start dabbling in the occult. At first, the singer said he didn’t believe in Satan and was just participating to fit in with his peers.

“I would put a stupid tattoo on my hand of the devil,” Levy explains. “I started hanging out around people that would proclaim themselves as worshipers of the devil. And I just—I didn’t understand what I was getting myself into.”

Levy says he soon started seeing negative ramifications from these choices. He now believes God was showing him “how real the spiritual war was and how real the devil in the industry was.”

“That’s when I started getting tormented at night by demons. There were times because I was smoking—I was doing a lot of things that were affecting my voice. And I couldn’t even sing at some point. I started really getting attacked constantly, constantly. And I realized that Satan was real,” he says.

At his lowest point, he reached out to his friend Nick, who leads a popular online Christian ministry.

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“He would always call me in the beginning and then through my career, all the times he saw me post some dark images or Satanist-looking things, and he’d be like, ‘Jimmy, I want to tell you about Jesus.’ And I’d be like, ‘I don’t want to hear this. I’m Jewish. Good-bye,'” Levy says with a chuckle. Eventually, his friend’s persistence paid off. Levy revealed he turned his life to Christ, started reading the Bible and got baptized on July 4, 2021.

The singer started questioning his political beliefs afterward as well. He explained how he wrote an anti-gun song for the Parkland shooting victims in the past and expressed sympathy for Black Lives Matter. After his faith conversion, he started to feel like he had been misled on these issues.

“I was just an artist, so—now I see from my perspective how all of these artists in the industry—they know not what they do, you know, and God forgives them for that. But like there’s some point where God gives you the eyes to see, and you have a chance to turn from the past of the agendas that you’re promoting… if you’re given the eyes to see it, you have to deny that money. You have to deny that world. You have to deny the fame, everything, and just do what’s right for God, for freedom, for America,” Levy said.

Levy spent the past few years writing anthems like “This is War” and “Welcome to the Revolution” used in anti-mandate rallies during the pandemic before performing on an anti-Target song and an anti-Pride song this summer that rose to the top of the iTunes and Billboard charts. While he thinks these songs were used to glorify God and influence the culture, he’s ready to put his focus back on making worship music.

His latest release, the soul-stirring single “Amen,” released recently and he is excited to be working on a full worship album now. “So that was all cool and it inspired people at that time. But now it’s time for God,” he says. “We fought it, and you know, at the end God prevailed through it and an awakening happened… But now it’s time for the spiritual realm.”

Levy’s testimony serves as a testament to the redemptive power of Jesus Christ, illustrating how one can find hope and restoration even amidst the darkest of circumstances.

As he embarks on this new chapter of his life, the gospel singer is determined to use his musical gifts to glorify God and inspire positive change within the culture. For Levy, the time has come to prioritize the spiritual realm and faithfully follow the path that God has set before him.

The transformation Levy experienced echoes the words of Romans 10:9: “If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” His journey of redemption and forgiveness aligns with 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Ephesians 2:8-9 further emphasizes the power of grace and salvation: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not of works, so that no one should boast.” Levy’s story serves as a living testament to the truth of 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

As Jimmy Levy embraces his new calling, he hopes to inspire others to seek redemption, to find solace in the grace of Jesus Christ, and to embark on a transformative journey of their own. Through his music and unwavering faith, Levy aims to uplift souls, spread the message of God’s love and illuminate the path to redemption for those who may be lost.

James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

Loneliness has become a pressing public health threat, comparable to smoking and obesity, according to U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, M.D.

Many Americans grapple with this painful experience, often hidden in the shadows due to feelings of shame. Dr. Murthy himself has personally encountered the gravity of loneliness, both as a child and as an adult.

Recognizing the dire consequences of loneliness, Dr. Murthy released a new Surgeon General Advisory, shedding light on the crisis of isolation, lack of connection and its impact on public health. Loneliness not only increases the risk of physical ailments like heart disease, dementia and stroke, but also contributes to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and suicide. The potential consequences of loneliness are so grave that they may equate to smoking 15 cigarettes daily and pose a greater health risk than obesity.

Startlingly, around half of adults and numerous children struggle with loneliness, despite the prevalent use of online platforms to connect with peers. However, Dr. Murthy emphasizes that technology fails to adequately replace in-person connection.

Psychiatrist Daniel Amen, a mental health expert, warns that social media can be addictive and anticipates a worsening of the problem. He asserts that society is on the brink of a wave of brain and mental health issues, largely due to increasing disconnection. With faces buried in gadgets, individuals have become more detached from their own families.

Dr. Amen stresses that loneliness was already a significant concern in America before the pandemic, but the COVID-related shutdowns have increased the problem. Although the pandemic may be subsiding, many people remain isolated from their pre-pandemic social interactions. In response, Dr. Amen advocates for reducing screen time and maximizing in-person interactions as a means to combat loneliness.

He proposes a powerful solution: returning to church.

Dr. Amen encourages individuals to actively participate in church communities and groups, highlighting the unique and profound connection that can be found within these settings. Church provides a nurturing environment where people can genuinely support and connect with one another.

As Christians, we recognize the importance of gathering together in fellowship and worship. The Bible offers guidance on the significance of community and support. Hebrews 10:25 encourages believers not to forsake assembling together, but to gather in order to encourage one another. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us that iron sharpens iron, emphasizing the transformative power of meaningful relationships. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 emphasizes the strength and warmth found in companionship, stating, “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.”

In these trying times, let us heed the wisdom found in the Scriptures and seek solace, connection and support within the body of Christ.

By embracing the love of Jesus and fostering genuine relationships, we can combat the epidemic of loneliness and experience the profound joy and fulfillment that comes from being united in Christ.

James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

A prominent Republican lawmaker has sounded the alarm on the persecution faced by Christians and other faiths in China, boldly asserting that Chinese President Xi Jinping is assuming the role of God.

Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI), chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, made these remarks during an interfaith roundtable discussion centered on the suppression of religion in China. In attendance was a Chinese pastor who had fled the communist regime after enduring severe persecution.

During the roundtable, Gallagher unequivocally stated, “Xi Jinping has no problem with the first commandment, just so long as he and the CCP are playing the role of God.” The congressman further drew attention to reports of China “rewriting the Bible.” Specifically, he referenced the Gospel of John and the account of the adulterous woman, where Jesus displayed mercy and forgiveness. However, Gallagher highlighted that for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), this story is seen as a dissident challenging the state’s authority.

He noted that a university textbook in China contained a “sneak preview” of a Bible version with socialist characteristics, which altered the ending of the Gospel of John to portray Jesus stoning the adulterous woman to death.

Additionally, Gallagher shed light on the Communist Party’s actions in the Henan Province, where they have replaced the Ten Commandments with quotes from Xi. One example he shared was changing “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” to “Resolutely guard against the infiltration of Western ideology.”

Pastor Corey Jackson, a missionary who has served in China, spoke passionately about the unwavering faith of Chinese followers of Jesus, despite severe religious persecution. He revealed that pastors and Christians in China live with the constant uncertainty of oppression, yet they remain steadfast in their commitment to their faith. “And, quite remarkably, they are willing to face these fires,” Jackson emphasized.

Pastor Pan Yongguang, present at the event, personally experienced the persecution inflicted by the Chinese Communist Party. After enduring threats and interrogations, Pastor Yongguang fled China in 2019. During a press briefing preceding the roundtable, he called upon the United States to exert “pressure” on China to halt the persecution of Christians.

“The Chinese Communist Party is rewriting the Bible.” — Chairman @RepGallagher

— The Select Committee on the CCP (@committeeonccp) July 12, 2023

The persecution of Christians in China has been a significant issue for several years. Each year, Open Doors, a Christian organization dedicated to supporting persecuted believers, releases the “World Watch List,” which identifies the top 50 countries with the highest levels of Christian persecution. According to the 2023 World Watch List, China ranks 16th for Christian persecution.

The country’s pervasive surveillance apparatus enables the state to monitor and shut down churches. Reports indicate that pastors and Christian leaders are often forcibly removed and subjected to months of re-education under house arrest.

These distressing realities highlight the urgent need for attention and action. As Christians, we find solace in the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:10, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

As Christians, we must stand with other believers facing persecution, lifting them up in our prayers and beseeching the Lord in heaven that they receive the strength to endure this season of trial.

James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

The new Barbie movie seems to have forgotten its core audience of families and children, instead catering to nostalgic adults and pushing LGBTQ character stories. This departure from its traditional focus on young viewers is alarming for Christian parents who seek to instill biblical values in their children.

Not only does the movie fail to appeal to its built-in market of little girls and families, but it also receives criticism for being poorly made with multiple premises, disappointing even the most dedicated fans.

The movie’s executives missed a crucial step in defining their target audience and neglected the millions of families who would have eagerly attended theaters and purchased tickets.

Movieguide®, a trusted resource for Christian families, has conducted 40 years of research that consistently demonstrates the appeal and profitability of movies aligning with pro-family and biblical values. The organization’s staff member highlights the grievous mistake made by Mattel, the company behind Barbie, by choosing to cater to a small percentage of the population that has shown a tendency to abandon the box office.

It is crucial for families to be aware of the quality and content of this movie. Not only does it represent a missed business opportunity for a beloved brand, but it also raises concerns regarding the movie’s overall substance. Mattel’s decision to distribute the film through Warner Brothers is reminiscent of other studios’ recent missteps in forgetting their core audience. For instance, Pixar’s “Elemental” had the lowest opening of any of their movies to date. Disney has suffered losses exceeding $900 million with their last eight studio releases as they continue to veer away from family friendly values.

These studios have thrived when they produce movies that promote pro-family and biblical values. Even the Barbie cartoon movies have consistently embraced themes of redemption, compassion, teamwork, kindness to strangers and self-sacrifice. Parents have placed their trust in the Barbie brand precisely because of its commitment to these values.

Christian parents must be aware of the truth about the upcoming Barbie movie, as it diverges from the family friendly content they expect and risks promoting values that conflict with their beliefs. As responsible stewards of their children’s upbringing, it is essential to discern and choose entertainment options that align with biblical principles.

The Bible encourages parents to guide their children in the right path, as seen in Proverbs 22:6, which states, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” By staying informed and actively engaged in the media choices their families make, Christian parents can ensure that their children are nurtured in an environment that upholds the values they hold dear.

James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

Church attendance has been on a downward trend, leading to increased isolation among individuals even as doors remain open in the post-pandemic era.

Recognizing the need to reach out to those seeking faith and community, one organization is leveraging modern-day marketing techniques to revolutionize church outreach and spread the love of Jesus in the digital age.

Gallup data reveals that even before the COVID pandemic, membership in American houses of worship was heading below 50% for the first time in 80 years.

Over the years preceding the pandemic, overall church attendance dropped by 3%. The Pew Research Center attributes these declines, in part, to the challenges exacerbated by COVID, with one in five Americans reporting attending church in person less frequently than before the pandemic. However, Gloo, a ministry online platform, has been working diligently to connect people with local churches amidst this decline.

Devon Kline, the director of Gloo’s Explorer Connections Program, highlights a new trend emerging as people who became disconnected from their local churches during the pandemic express a readiness to reconnect with their faith communities.

Using individuals’ online search activity as a basis, Gloo taps into modern marketing strategies to connect people with relevant local churches. Relationship help emerges as a top trend in Gloo’s research, and the organization capitalizes on this data to refine its marketing approach. Acting as an online connection engine, Gloo helps individuals seeking faith connect with local churches and Christian organizations.

Churches and organizations partnering with Gloo invest in connecting with individuals through sponsored ads and search engine optimization. Responders, as Gloo refers to these partners, pay an annual fee ranging from $1,500 to nearly $4,000 to engage with explorers—the individuals seeking faith—and fill empty church seats with new souls.

Currently, over 6,300 registered churches are among the 23,000 organizations utilizing Gloo’s tools.

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In just two years, Gloo has connected more than 150,000 people with churches across the United States, matching someone with a church every two and a half minutes. This means that every two and a half minutes, a church is introduced to someone in their community who may not have previously considered walking through their doors.

Gloo’s notable partners include He Gets Us, a prominent organization that made its debut with two commercials during the Super Bowl as part of a $100 million ad campaign aimed at making Jesus more relatable. Other major partners include Churches Care and K-Love Radio. While Gloo’s primary goal is to bring people to Christianity, questions arise regarding the tension between marketing and conversion.

Despite these concerns, participating churches, such as Christ Fellowship Church in Florida, are experiencing the benefits of digital outreach. With Gloo’s assistance, they have connected with over 500 people in the last 18 months, making it easier for them to share the gospel and reaching those who might not actively seek out a church through traditional means.

On average, participating churches can expect approximately 12 new connections each month. As these digital campaigns prove successful, outreach efforts are expanding beyond the web to public venues, including professional sporting events and music festivals.

Pastors and churches often become disconnected from their own communities, but thanks to Gloo, they are finding renewed opportunities to build stronger relationships with those who walk through their doors.

As Christians, we are reminded in Hebrews 10:25 of the importance of gathering together for worship and fellowship: “Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” It is in coming together that we can experience the support, encouragement and growth that comes from fellow believers.

Through innovative approaches like those undertaken by Gloo, the call to gather and share the love of Jesus continues to be fulfilled in the digital age.

James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

A recent study published in Psychology of Religion and Spirituality has shed light on the struggles faced by formerly religious individuals in terms of concealing their nonreligious identity and experiencing a sense of belongingness.

The study, which analyzed data from various countries, underscores the importance of faith as a significant aspect of personal and social identity.

Lead author Cameron D. Mackey, a PhD candidate in social psychology at Ohio University, explained that religiously unaffiliated individuals who were previously religious (“religious dones”) exhibit distinct psychological characteristics compared to those who have never identified as religious (“religious nones”). Notably, religious nones hold more negative attitudes toward God, whereas religious dones fall between currently religious individuals and never religious individuals in terms of their attitudes.

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The research also delves into social identity threat, which refers to the feeling of not belonging due to group membership.

The study highlights that atheists in the United States often feel a sense of social identity threat, particularly in regions with heightened religious populations, such as the American South. This awareness of stereotypes regarding atheism, which portray atheists as immoral and untrustworthy, leads atheists to conceal their nonreligious identity.

To investigate these dynamics, the researchers analyzed two existing data sets from participants in the United States, the Netherlands and Hong Kong.

The United States represents a religious Western context, the Netherlands is known for its high levels of secularism and Hong Kong provides a unique blend of religious practices and beliefs within an Eastern cultural context. Participants were categorized as currently religious, religious dones or religious nones, allowing for a comparison of social identity threat and the concealment of religious identity across these cultural settings.

The study findings indicate that formerly religious individuals, specifically religious dones, are more likely to conceal their nonreligious identity in religious contexts compared to never religious individuals. This observation underscores the need for understanding the challenges faced by formerly religious individuals and their distinct experiences of concealment.

Interestingly, the study also reveals that both religious dones and religious nones in Hong Kong, a predominantly secular Eastern context, experience lower levels of belongingness and are more inclined to conceal their identities than currently religious individuals. The researchers suggest that this could be attributed to nonreligious individuals in Hong Kong participating in culturally important religious practices without subscribing to their theological underpinnings, resulting in a disconnect between public behavior and private beliefs.

While the study provides valuable insights, it is important to note that further research is needed to establish causality. Additionally, exploring additional sociocultural contexts and majority-Muslim environments would deepen understanding of nonreligious identity and the extent of concealment and belongingness experienced by religious dones and nones.

For Christians who believe that faith is an integral part of their identity, the study’s findings can serve as a reminder of the significance of faith in providing a sense of belonging and purpose.

The Bible emphasizes the redemption and acceptance Christians find through their faith. Romans 8:1 states, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit,” assuring believers that they are accepted and loved in Christ.

Similarly, Ephesians 2:8-9 affirms, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not of works, so that no one should boast.” These verses teach all who are looking for hope and purpose of the freedom and acceptance they experience through their relationship with God.

James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) recently conducted a two-day raid in the city of Jenin in an effort to curb the wave of terrorism that had claimed the lives of over 50 Israelis and caused numerous injuries in the past year.

However, instead of acknowledging Israel’s legitimate concerns for its citizens’ safety, several media outlets have unfairly blamed Israel.

During a recent interview with Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, a BBC anchor made a highly controversial statement, insinuating that the Israeli forces were content with killing children. In response, Bennett questioned the anchor, highlighting the absurdity of labeling armed individuals as children when they pose a direct threat to innocent lives.

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“You know, it’s quite remarkable that you’d say that. They are killing us. Now, if there’s a 17-year-old Palestinian that’s shooting at your children, what is he?” Bennett asked.

The BBC issued an apology for the anchor’s inappropriate statement, though many, like Gil Hoffman, the executive director for Honest Reporting, found the apology insufficient. Hoffman emphasized the critical role accurate reporting plays in matters concerning Israel, citing instances where media misrepresentations had severe consequences.

One such incident occurred during this year’s Ramadan, when Muslim rioters barricaded themselves in the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount. Israeli police intervened to protect worshippers from harm, but distorted videos on YouTube were used to falsely portray the situation as the IDF attacking innocent worshippers.

“They took YouTube videos that made it look like it was the IDF attacking these rioters. And of course, the headlines around the world were, ‘Israeli police attack worshippers in mosque.’ That was the exact opposite of the truth, but that false reporting was used as an excuse to fire rockets at Israelis from Syria, Lebanon and Gaza,” explained Hoffman.

Other alarming examples involve CNN Anchor Christiane Amanpour, who wrongly claimed that Rabbi Leo Dee’s wife and two daughters were killed in a shootout rather than in a terror attack. Weeks later, Amanpour issued an apology, but the damage had been done. Rabbi Dee expressed his distress at being accused of being a part of a terrorist family and shared that he plans to take legal action against CNN due to their consistent bias in reporting.

Hoffman stressed the importance of challenging media bias to ensure accurate coverage of Israel, as it can be a matter of life and death. In an era where misinformation spreads quickly, the need for reliable reporting is more crucial than ever to protect innocent lives and foster understanding.

The Bible teaches in Psalm 122:6, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee,” teaching believers to support the nation of Israel and condemn the rising tide of antisemitism. It is imperative to seek truth, challenge bias and stand against any form of discrimination or false accusations.

James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

Actress Bethany Joy Lenz, known for her role in “One Tree Hill,” recently disclosed her decade-long involvement in a cult, expressing her eagerness to share her story.

During an episode of the “Drama Queens” podcast, Lenz, joined by former co-stars Hilarie Burton Morgan, Sophia Bush and guest Michaela McManus, discussed her desire to write about her experience and the subsequent 10-year recovery journey.

Lenz, who portrayed Haley James on the popular teen drama series, acknowledged the significance of her cult experience and expressed her intention to explore it in writing. However, she acknowledged the pressure of accurately conveying her ordeal and the constraints posed by ongoing legal matters surrounding the cult.

“I was in a cult for 10 years,” she told Sophia Bush and Hilarie Burton Morgan. “That would be a really valuable experience to write about, and the recovery—10 years of recovery after that. So there’s a lot to tell.”

Lenz also hinted at her creative endeavors, mentioning her regular writing practice, including songwriting and the anticipation of upcoming projects.

“Also, I don’t know how much I can say because there are still people and legal things in place that make it more complicated for the timing of that. But I do write. I write all the time,” Lenz added.

While Lenz refrained from providing further details, she shared a heartfelt Instagram post in May reflecting on the profound impact Christian theologian Dr. Tim Keller had on her life:

Dr. Keller passed away at the age of 72 on May 19, 2023.

 

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A post shared by Bethany Joy Lenz (@msbethanyjoylenz)

In her post, she credited Keller with guiding her through a period of darkness and transforming her faith. Keller’s teachings empowered Lenz to rebuild her belief system using reason and logic, instilling confidence and security in her faith. She emphasized Keller’s trustworthiness, humility and compassionate voice that led her out of despair and into the freedom of an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ.

Through her openness and reflections, Lenz is a testament to the redemptive power of Jesus Christ and the journey of healing and renewal that can arise from challenging circumstances during the Christian walk of faith.

James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.