A new wave of deception is spreading rapidly across culture, technology and even the church, and it is hitting closer to home than many realize. Evangelist Perry Stone is sounding a direct warning that echoes Jesus’ words, urging believers to wake up to how easily truth can be distorted in this hour.

Stone pointed to Matthew 24:24, where Jesus gave a vital end-times warning: “For there shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and they shall show great signs and wonders in so much that if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”

The Elect in the Crosshairs

Stone made it clear that this warning is not vague or symbolic. It is targeted.

“The word elect is often said to represent the church,” he said, before walking through Scripture to show it also refers to Israel, the Messiah and individuals chosen by God.

In the context of Matthew 24, he explained, the focus turns to the tribulation period and the Jewish people. “He is specifically talking about the Jewish elect who could be deceived at the time of Revelation 13.”

That connection brings the warning directly into the prophetic timeline tied to the beast, false worship and global deception.

How Deception Actually Works

Deception is not always loud or obvious. It is often subtle, gradual and convincing.

“When you take the word deceived in the Greek, it means to go astray to wander away from truth,” Stone said.

This drifting away from truth is where the danger lies. It does not begin with outright rejection. It begins with small compromises, misplaced trust and exposure to the wrong voices.

A Digital Age Flooded With False Voices

Stone warned that modern technology is accelerating deception at a level never seen before, pointing directly to artificial intelligence and manipulated media.

“They are what are called artificial intelligent fakes. They are not a real person,” he said, describing videos and messages that appear authentic but are completely fabricated.

He revealed that his own voice has been used in fake messages online. “They were taking other people’s messages and putting my voice to it. But yet people thought it was my site. It was not my site.”

This kind of deception is no longer rare. It is widespread, polished and designed to gain trust quickly.

Order Mark Biltz’s New Book, “The Final Tyrant” on Amazon.com!

Key Warnings for Christians

• Deception can reach sincere believers
  This is not limited to the spiritually weak or uninformed. Stone warned that even those who genuinely love God are vulnerable if they are not grounded in truth. “Good people who really do have a love for the Lord can fall into these traps.” Deception in the last days is designed to appear convincing enough to pull in those who believe they are secure.
• False voices are multiplying at an unprecedented level
  The rise of artificial intelligence, deepfake videos and manipulated audio has created a flood of content that appears real but is completely fabricated. These voices can mimic trusted leaders, familiar tones and authoritative teaching, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish truth from deception without discernment.
• Believers are following voices with wrong spiritual motives
  Stone pointed to a growing issue where individuals are gaining influence not through truth, but through attention-driven content. “You are following individuals that have wrong spiritual motives… just to get attention.” These voices often thrive on controversy, emotion and division rather than biblical accuracy.
• Truth is being replaced by edited and manipulated information
  Deception is no longer just false teaching from a pulpit. It now includes altered clips, misrepresented messages and intentionally edited content designed to change the meaning of what was originally said. This creates confusion and leads people to form beliefs based on distortion rather than truth.
• Many are cutting themselves off from sound biblical teaching
  Emotional reactions, offense and online narratives are causing believers to disconnect from trusted, long-standing voices in ministry. In doing so, they are removing themselves from those who provide deep biblical insight, including Hebrew and Greek study, and replacing it with shallow or misleading content.
• Spiritual discernment is now essential, not optional
  Stone emphasized that surviving this level of deception requires more than casual faith. It demands discernment. Believers must be able to recognize what is truly from God and what is not. Without this, even strong Christians can be led astray in subtle ways.

When Truth Is Rejected, Deception Grows

Stone pointed to a troubling pattern among believers who are disconnecting from solid teaching while embracing questionable voices.

“You’re cutting yourself off from men or women that have a now word from the Lord… and in reality, the individual you’ve cut off could be the person that’s bringing you Bible information.”

This shift opens the door for confusion, misinformation and spiritual drift.

History Shows How Easily People Can Be Misled

The pattern is not new. It is deeply rooted in biblical history.

“One minute they’re waving palm branches… and four days later the same people are yelling crucify him,” Stone said.

He also pointed to the apostle Paul, who was abandoned after false accusations spread. “All Asia has forsaken me… because they believed a lie.”

Deception has always had the power to turn hearts quickly when truth is not firmly rooted.

Guarding the Heart in a Deceptive Age

Jesus gave clear instruction on how to navigate deception, and Stone brought that warning back into focus.

“Take heed to what you hear… take heed to how you hear,” he said.

What enters the heart shapes belief, and belief shapes direction.

A Call for Discernment and Readiness

Stone emphasized that surviving this level of deception requires more than awareness. It requires spiritual depth.

“We need wisdom, knowledge and understanding. But we need the gift of discerning of spirits,” he said.

This is a defining issue for the church right now. Truth must be guarded, voices must be tested and discernment must be sharpened.

Deception is not coming. It is already here. And staying anchored in truth is no longer optional.

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].

The weight people carry has become impossible to ignore. Anxiety lingers, exhaustion settles in and past mistakes refuse to stay buried. Many are searching for something real, something that actually lifts the burden instead of masking it.

In a short but direct message, Rev. Franklin Graham speaks straight into that reality and points to the only place where rest is found.

“Hello, I’m Franklin Graham. Jesus said, ‘come unto me all ye who labor and are heavy laden, and I’ll give you rest.’ Maybe you’ve been burdened by the the sins of your life and the mistakes and you just would love to have rest for your soul. Well, I want you to know that God loves you. He made you. He created you. And he sent his son, Jesus Christ, from heaven to this earth to take your sins. That’s right. He took your sins to the cross. He died and shed his blood on a cross and he was buried. But on the third day, God raised Him to life. And if we are willing to repent, turn from our sins, tell God that we’re sorry, and by faith believe on Jesus Christ and invite him to come into our hearts to take control of our life, God will forgive us and cleanse us. And you can have a new life, a new beginning starting today, right now. Invite him to come into your heart.”

Every word lands with clarity. The burden is real, but so is the answer. There is no confusion about the path forward. Forgiveness is available. Cleansing is promised. A new beginning is not distant or delayed. It is offered now.

This is the message the church carries. Not a complicated system, not empty encouragement, but a living invitation. People are worn down and searching, and the answer has not changed. We hold it, we live it and we share it. The call remains urgent because the need is everywhere, and the promise still stands — a new life can begin “today, right now.”

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].

Momentum is building around the possibility of a Passover sacrifice on the Temple Mount, bringing together religious preparation, political tension and prophetic significance. What has long been discussed in theory is now approaching real-world feasibility, with developments unfolding in real time.

A Sacrifice Within Reach

A recent update from Keresh Art Israel detailed how a Passover sacrifice could take place as soon as this year. The essential elements are already in place.

Qualified lambs have been selected and prepared in accordance with biblical requirements. The altar can be constructed quickly at the established location on the Temple Mount. The sacrificial system does not require a completed Temple structure to begin.

The long-debated issue of ritual purification has been addressed by established teaching that time-specific commandments, including the Passover sacrifice, are to be carried out at their appointed times.

The final barrier is governmental restriction. Israeli authorities currently prohibit sacrificial activity on the Temple Mount, placing the decision squarely in the hands of political leadership.

Order Chuck Pierce’s Book, “The Passover Prophecies” on Amazon.com!

A Global Reaction Ready to Ignite

The implications of such an event would extend far beyond Jerusalem. The Temple Mount remains one of the most sensitive religious sites in the world, and any shift in activity there carries immediate global consequences.

This scenario is hypothetical but entirely possible.

A Passover sacrifice would trigger rapid escalation across the region. Protests would erupt in Jerusalem and spread throughout the Middle East. Calls to defend Al-Aqsa would unify voices across national and sectarian lines.

Sunni and Shia factions would align in response to the perceived challenge to one of Islam’s holiest sites. That unity would amplify the scale and intensity of the reaction, drawing governments, militant groups and international institutions into the unfolding crisis.

Diplomatic pressure would surge as global leaders respond to the rapidly developing situation. What begins as a religious act would quickly evolve into a geopolitical flashpoint.

Prophecy Moving Into View

The restoration of sacrifice carries direct implications within the framework of biblical prophecy. Scripture outlines a sequence in which sacrificial offerings are resumed and then abruptly brought to an end.

Daniel 9:27 establishes that sacrifice and offering will cease in the middle of a defined prophetic period. That moment requires an active sacrificial system.

The reintroduction of the Passover sacrifice marks a decisive step toward that reality. It reflects the reestablishment of practices that have been absent for nearly two millennia and aligns with the structure described in prophetic texts.

Jesus’ words in Matthew 24 point to a future event tied to a holy place, reinforcing the expectation of restored worship. The book of Revelation further details a period of global upheaval connected to these developments.

The necessary elements are coming together in alignment, just as they are prophesied in the Bible.

A Defining Moment

The possibility of a Passover sacrifice on the Temple Mount represents more than a religious milestone. It signals a shift that carries political, global and prophetic weight.

Events are unfolding with increasing clarity and precision. The conditions described in Scripture are forming in real time, setting the stage for what comes next.

Prophecy is moving from expectation to reality, unfolding before our eyes.

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].

Something is unfolding in plain sight.

UFO sightings are increasing. Government disclosure is accelerating. Hollywood continues to reshape how people think about origins and reality.

Christian researcher and author L.A. Marzulli says it all points to one thing.

“This is the coming great deception,” Marzulli said. “This changes everything.”

In a recent interview with Charisma Media, Marzulli connects the modern UFO narrative directly to biblical prophecy and issues a clear warning. What is being introduced as truth has already been addressed in Scripture.

A Narrative Being Built

Marzulli points to a growing pattern:

• Government movement toward alien disclosure, including aliens.gov
• Hollywood films conditioning audiences for non-human intelligence
• Increasing UFO sightings and unexplained aerial activity
• Renewed focus on Roswell and hidden evidence

“This is where it’s going. Guaranteed,” he said. “That ET are our progenitors, our creators, our gods.”

“Like the Days of Noah”

Marzulli ties everything back to the words of Jesus.

“Why would Jesus warn us 2,000 years ago that it would be like the days of Noah when he returns?” he said.

He points to Genesis 6 and the Nephilim as the framework.

“They’re not people. They’re hybrids.”

“My people perish for lack of knowledge,” he said.

More Than Entertainment

Marzulli says Hollywood is shaping belief, not just telling stories.

“What is he trying to tell us here? Who is God?” he said.

“This is the coming great deception. This changes everything.”

Watch the Full Breakdown

The signs are not isolated. They are building toward a global moment that will demand an explanation.

Watch the full interview above to see Marzulli break it down and follow the connections step by step.

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].

Victor Davis Hanson, a historian, Hoover Institution senior fellow and longtime geopolitical analyst, lays out a sweeping case that the world is entering a defining moment. “2026 looks like it’s going to be the most tumultuous, geo-strategically significant and dangerous year since the fall of the Soviet system and the fall of the Berlin Wall,” he said.

The scale of disruption is global, but he argues it is not random. It is part of a broader realignment that could restore American dominance on a level not seen in decades.

At the center of it all is a single figure. “Donald Trump is the catalyst of this,” Hanson said, noting that both allies and critics see his influence shaping events across multiple regions.

The World in Upheaval

Hanson points to a series of flashpoints unfolding at the same time, each with major consequences:

• Iran and the Middle East
  “Iran’s theocracy has no intention of stopping nuclear proliferation,” Hanson said, adding that its goal is regional dominance and eventual threats to Europe and the United States. After failed diplomacy, the strategy shifted to direct military pressure aimed at weakening or collapsing the regime.
• Ukraine and Europe
  Hanson highlights Europe’s dependence on Russian energy and its reliance on U.S. intervention. He said leaders are being forced to confront policies that have strengthened their adversary.
• Latin America’s political shift
  A wave of change is sweeping the region, with countries moving away from socialist influence toward constitutional systems and market reforms.
• Declining Chinese and Russian influence in the Western Hemisphere
  U.S. pressure has pushed both powers out of key areas, reinforcing American dominance closer to home.

Together, these developments create what Hanson describes as a moment of global instability with the potential for resolution.

Order Troy Anderson’s New Book, “Designated Disrupter” on Amazon.com!

Trump’s Strategy Explained

What appears chaotic on the surface is presented as a deliberate strategy. Hanson outlines several key components:

• Confronting Iran directly after decades of inaction
  “Every president… said that and they were going to take care of the problem… None did anything,” he said. The current approach aims to make the regime “inert militarily” or trigger internal collapse.
• Forcing regime pressure in Venezuela and Cuba
  The removal of leadership in Venezuela and growing pressure on Cuba are meant to spark reform and weaken long-standing communist systems.
• Reasserting control in the Western Hemisphere
  The United States has warned regional players against aligning with China, signaling a return to firm enforcement of its sphere of influence.
• Reframing the approach to Russia
  Hanson describes an effort to weaken Russia while keeping open the possibility of strategic realignment, particularly in countering China.
• Pressuring Europe on energy and defense
  European nations are being pushed to end reliance on Russian energy while taking greater responsibility for their own security.

Hanson argues that this approach is rooted in a clear principle. “Strength radiates friendship. Weakness repels it.”

A High-Risk Gamble

The strategy carries significant risks. Military action in major oil-producing regions threatens energy markets. Political timing adds another layer of uncertainty.

“This was not necessary in Trump’s political calculus,” Hanson said, noting that such moves came ahead of key elections and could disrupt economic gains. At the same time, resistance from European allies and skepticism within Trump’s own base complicate the path forward.

A Potential Historic Outcome

Despite the risks, Hanson sees the possibility of a sweeping transformation. If these efforts succeed, the results could be far-reaching:

• A weakened or collapsed Iranian regime and reduced U.S. military footprint in the Middle East
• A reformed Latin America aligned more closely with the United States
• A shift in global alliances that limits Chinese and Russian influence

“If you could solve all of those things in one year, it would be unheard of,” Hanson said, suggesting it could rival the geopolitical impact of the Cold War’s end.

He believes many of the current disruptions are already moving toward resolution. “There are disruptions all over the world, but three-quarters of them are reaching a consensus,” he said.

What Comes Next

Hanson’s conclusion is clear. The instability seen today may be the beginning of a new order rather than the collapse of the current one.

“I don’t know how they’re all going to turn out,” he said, “but there is a good chance they could turn out with the United States in a preeminent position that we haven’t seen, at least since World War II.”

The outcome is not guaranteed, but the trajectory is unmistakable. A year defined by disruption could ultimately reshape the balance of power for a generation.

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].

Many people say they are Christians, but their lives do not reflect what the Bible teaches. Pastor Jack Hibbs addressed that disconnect head-on in his sermon, “It Is Time To Rethink Your Christianity,” calling believers to examine their salvation, their homes and their daily lives in light of eternity and the urgency of the moment.

Are You Ready to Meet Christ?

Hibbs centered the message on readiness, pressing the issue with clarity.

“Are we ready?” he said. “What does it mean and what does it look like to be ready as a believer to actually be so prepared to meet the Lord Jesus Christ that frankly it doesn’t matter how that comes about.”

He rejected uncertainty about salvation.

“The Bible says that these things have been written that you might know that you have eternal life,” Hibbs said. “If you are guessing about going to heaven, I want you to know that you are not a person of true faith.”

True faith produces assurance and a desire to be with Christ.

“We’re not perfect, but we know this, that if we had a choice right now to go to heaven and be with Him, we would take it.”

A World in Chaos, A God in Control

Global conflict is intensifying, but Hibbs pointed to God’s authority over it all.

“I want you to know something right now. They’re not coming undone. Things are coming or falling right into place. The God of Scripture sets up nations. He removes nations.”

These moments demand reflection, not fear.

“In these amazing moments of time that you and I live in, these days should result in profound retrospect for our lives.”

Order Your Copy of the Spiritual Warfare Bible on Amazon.com Today!

The Real Crisis Is in the Home

The root issue is not political. It is personal and it begins in the home.

“What is wrong with America? It’s the home. It’s not the politics.”

Hibbs confronted men directly, calling out empty claims of faith.

“Men need to stop saying that they’re Christians unless they’re a Christian,” he said. “The world is full of a false witness of a magnitude of hypocrisy.”

Faith is revealed in daily life, not weekly attendance.

“You can identify with Jesus on Sunday for an hour, but the truth is our actions identify with the reality of who we are all those other hours of the week.”

Repentance, Purity and Real Christianity

Sin cannot be managed or hidden. It must be confronted and abandoned.

“If you are a pornographer and you call yourself a Christian, you are not going to heaven,” he said. “Repent of it. Get out of it.”

Biblical leadership in the home is defined by sacrifice, not control.

“Husbands, love your wives just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,” Hibbs said. “You’re the servant. You’re the one that is to give yourself for the welfare of your wife and family.”

Christianity is not a label. It is a life marked by repentance, obedience and truth.

This message leaves no room for casual faith. We have to look at our lives without excuses and without delay. What we are at home is who we really are. If anything does not line up with God’s Word, we change it now. We take responsibility, we turn from sin and we pursue a faith that is real in every part of our lives.

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].

March 20 marks the International Day of Happiness, a global observance established by the United Nations to highlight the importance of well-being and life satisfaction. On the surface, it is hard to argue with the idea. Who does not want a world where people are genuinely fulfilled, at peace and thriving?

The United Nations has pushed this initiative since 2012, encouraging nations to look beyond economic growth and consider factors like emotional health, social support and quality of life. Each year, the conversation is reinforced through the World Happiness Report, which ranks countries based on data tied to income, life expectancy, freedom and social trust.

There is something appealing about that message. It sounds thoughtful. It sounds balanced. It even sounds necessary in a world that often measures success purely in dollars.

But it is also worth slowing down and asking a deeper question. What kind of happiness is actually being promoted?

A Good Idea With a Missing Piece

There is nothing wrong with encouraging people to pursue a better quality of life. Strong communities matter. Mental health matters. Stability matters.

The concern is not the idea of happiness itself. The concern is who is defining it and what is being left out.

The United Nations frames happiness as something that can be built through systems, policies and social conditions. It presents a vision where fulfillment can be achieved through the right combination of external factors. Yet in all of this, one glaring omission remains. Faith is nowhere in the equation.

That absence stands out.

For an initiative that claims to measure and promote human flourishing, it leaves out the very foundation that has defined meaning and purpose for billions of people throughout history. It raises a fair question. Is this simply an effort to improve lives, or is it subtly reshaping how people understand fulfillment itself?

That does not mean the day should be rejected outright. It does mean it should be approached with discernment.

Order Your Copy of the Spiritual Warfare Bible on Amazon.com Today!

Happiness Fades. Joy Remains

Scripture draws a line that modern culture often blurs.

Happiness is tied to circumstances. It rises when things go well and fades when they do not. Joy is something entirely different.

James 1:2-3 calls believers to “count it all joy when you fall into diverse temptations, knowing that the trying of your faith develops patience.” That kind of joy does not depend on comfort. It exists even in pressure.

Galatians 5:22 identifies joy as a fruit of the Spirit. It is not manufactured by environment or policy. It is produced by a relationship with God.

Psalm 16:11 makes it even clearer. “In Your presence is fullness of joy, and at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

This is where the global conversation falls short. It tries to define happiness without addressing the condition of the soul.

The Source That Cannot Be Replaced

There is a reason why people can have wealth, comfort and stability and still feel empty. External conditions were never designed to carry the weight of eternal fulfillment.

Jesus said in John 15:11, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” That is not a temporary emotional high. That is lasting, rooted joy.

So as March 20 comes and conversations about happiness take center stage, there is nothing wrong with appreciating the good behind it. Encouraging people to care about well-being is not the problem.

The deeper issue is making sure the foundation is not lost.

Because when faith is removed, happiness becomes fragile. When God is at the center, joy becomes unshakable.

And that is the difference that changes everything.

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].

Pastor James Kaddis delivered a direct and urgent warning after reviewing recent comments from Tucker Carlson, declaring that what is unfolding is not simply disagreement but a clear example of biblical deception playing out in real time.

Kaddis pointed to the New Testament as the foundation of his warning, stating that Scripture repeatedly makes clear that deception in the last days would come through influential voices.

“The New Testament repeatedly… warns us that end times deception would come through very influential voices,” he said.

Deception Does Not Enter Loudly

Kaddis centered his analysis on 2 Peter 2, arguing that the apostle Peter did not just warn about false teaching but revealed the method by which deception spreads.

Reading from 2 Peter 2:1, Kaddis emphasized the phrase “privily shall bring in damnable heresies,” explaining that deception is introduced quietly and strategically.

“Deception never enters with loud voices. Deception enters quietly,” he said. “The Greek word here carries the idea of smuggling something unnoticed.”

He said this process works by reframing how people think before presenting the lie.

“He’s not going to just come out and say, ‘I want you to believe this lie.’ No. He’s going to reframe the way you think.”

Kaddis warned that the most effective deception is not built on obvious falsehoods.

“The most effective deception is based on partial truths,” he said.

Misrepresenting Biblical Prophecy

Kaddis said Carlson’s comments about Christian Zionists are a clear example of this biblical warning in action.

He said Carlson creates a category, simplifies complex theology and then attacks a distorted version of it.

“He is simplifying a very complex biblical eschatology,” Kaddis said. “Armageddon takes place at a completely different timeline than the return of Christ.”

Kaddis rejected the claim that Christians seek to force prophetic events.

“When did any one of us as Christians call for acts of violence?” he said.

He said the real issue is a deliberate progression of rhetoric that shifts from description to accusation.

“He takes the belief that we have about Bible prophecy, he initially frames it… then he seeks to reframe it… and then he reframes it as we’re claiming to be God.”

Kaddis said this escalation matches exactly what Peter warned about.

“The way of truth shall be evil spoken of,” he said, quoting 2 Peter 2:2. “Peter is predicting the time when biblical truth is going to be portrayed as dangerous.”

Crafted Language and Mass Influence

Kaddis also pointed to 2 Peter 2:3, highlighting the phrase “feigned words.”

“That means crafted language, manufactured persuasion,” he said. “Carefully designed rhetoric.”

He said this type of communication is not about truth but about shaping emotion and perception.

“Persuasive language can sound intelligent and confident while still misleading people,” he said.

Kaddis warned that large audiences do not validate truth.

“Popularity never validates truth,” he said. “Many shall follow their pernicious ways.”

He said the result is a widespread acceptance of distorted narratives that make biblical truth easier to attack.

A Call to Discernment

Kaddis said believers must respond with discernment and unwavering commitment to Scripture.

“Discernment means learning to recognize when beliefs are being redefined before they’re actually criticized,” he said.

He warned that judgment is coming for those who deliberately mislead others.

“The judgment of God is coming and it’s coming quickly,” he said.

Kaddis urged Christians to take action:

• Measure everything against the Word of God
• Reject influence based on personality or popularity
• Recognize reframing and manipulation tactics
• Refuse emotionally driven arguments that distort truth
• Stay grounded in biblical prophecy and doctrine
• Remain alert and spiritually aware
• Pray for those spreading deception
• Stand firm and fight the good fight

“We are believers. We are children of Almighty God,” Kaddis said. “We must measure what we hear against the very word of God.”

He closed with a warning that carries both urgency and resolve.

“It’s time to pay attention. It’s time to look up. It’s time to seek God’s word and put all these things against those very things. Why? Because time is running out.”

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].

A sacred site tied directly to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ has been shut down during Holy Week. That has never happened before. And it is happening now in Jerusalem.

A recent report from the Daily Mail revealed that the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was forced to close its doors after Iranian missile activity over the city scattered debris near the site. Officials responded by shutting down access to the church and other holy locations across the region.

The implications are massive. This is not just any church. It is “believed to mark the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection.” For nearly 1,700 years, this location has stood at the center of the Christian faith. Even in times of war, worship continued. Until now.

The report makes it clear how unusual this moment is. Church leaders called the closure “unprecedented,” noting that even during past conflicts, the site remained open in some form. That history includes destruction, fire and repeated attacks. Yet Holy Week worship endured through it all. Now, during one of the most sacred times on the Christian calendar, the doors are shut.

Missile debris fell near the church as “Iranian ballistic missiles have exploded over Jerusalem, scattering debris across multiple areas of the city.” The response was immediate. Access was cut off. Holy ground was sealed.

Order Amanda Grace’s New Book, “Brace For Impact” on Amazon.com!

This is exactly where Scripture draws attention.

Book of Revelation describes events unfolding in the same city “where also their Lord was crucified.” Revelation 11 speaks of a period when the holy city is overtaken, when prophetic voices rise and are silenced and when a global figure known as the beast emerges in opposition to God.

The parallels are impossible to ignore.

The report itself notes that the situation has “sparked fears that biblical prophecies about the Antichrist may be coming to pass.” It also describes how the holy city is associated with a time of “widespread fear, destruction and divine judgment.”

Jerusalem is once again at the center.

Temple Mount also saw missile debris land nearby, underscoring how conflict is tightening around the most spiritually significant ground on earth. This is the same city Scripture identifies as the focal point of the final chapter of human history.

For centuries, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre stood through invasion, destruction and political upheaval. The report recounts that it was destroyed in 614, nearly demolished in 1009 and burned in later centuries. Still, it remained accessible to worshippers.

Now it is closed during Holy Week.

That shift matters.

Worship has been disrupted at the very place that commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The timing, the location and the circumstances align with the exact type of upheaval described in biblical prophecy.

We are watching a convergence of events that Scripture has already outlined. War surrounding Jerusalem. Pressure on worship. Global attention locked onto the city where Christ was crucified.

The ground where Jesus died and rose again has been shut down during Holy Week. That is not normal. And it should not be ignored.

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].

This is not a new problem rising in modern Christianity. It has been present for generations, and Scripture itself proves it. What is happening today is not the birth of the cult of personality in the church, but the amplification of a long-standing spiritual issue.

Apostle John Eckhardt defines it plainly: “A ‘cult of personality’… is defined as exaggerated devotion to a charismatic political, religious or other leader.” That definition exposes a pattern that has repeated itself throughout church history.

When Honoring Leaders Turns Into Idolizing Pastors

There is a clear biblical line between honoring leaders and idolizing them. That line is being crossed in many personality driven churches.

Eckhardt explains, “Nothing wrong with following an anointed man or woman of God… as long as it does not become obsessive or fanatical to the extent that you can’t listen to anyone else.”

This is where the danger begins. What starts as respect becomes restriction. What begins as loyalty becomes control.

The warning signs are unmistakable:

• Believers reject other ministries
• Churches isolate themselves from the broader body of Christ
• Leaders become the primary voice instead of Christ
• Followers cannot receive truth from outside their circle

Eckhardt issues a direct correction: “If you cannot fellowship with others because they don’t follow your leader… then we have a problem.”

This is not biblical leadership. This is spiritual imbalance.

Division in the Body of Christ Is the Fruit

The most visible result of the cult of personality is division in the body of Christ. This is not accidental. It is the natural outcome.

Eckhardt points back to the early church: “For as one saith, ‘I am of Paul,’ and another, ‘I am of Apollos,’ are you not carnal?”

This proves the issue has always existed. Believers aligning themselves with personalities instead of Christ creates factions, arguments and spiritual immaturity.

He states it clearly: “This is not the will of God. It grieves the Spirit of God.”

This is the root of much of the strife seen across churches today. It is not doctrine alone. It is devotion to personalities.

Order John Eckhardt’s New Book, “The Power of Your Words” on Amazon.com!

How Modern Culture Is Amplifying an Old Problem

While this issue is not new, today’s environment has made it far more visible and far more influential.

Eckhardt explains, “In the age of media and marketing, it’s easier for leaders to really develop what we would call a cult of personality.”

Social media, online platforms and global reach have intensified what was once localized. Now personality driven Christianity spreads rapidly, shaping large audiences and reinforcing loyalty to individuals.

This has created a culture where influence can overshadow truth.

Biblical Leadership vs Controlling Church Leaders

True leadership in the church never isolates believers or limits their ability to receive from others.

Eckhardt makes this clear: “We’re never there to control you and never there to separate you from the wider body of Christ.”

This statement draws a sharp distinction between biblical leadership and controlling church leaders.

He gives a strong warning to leaders: “Never develop a cult around your gift, your calling, your personality… It is ungodly, and God will judge you if you do it.”

This is a direct rebuke to any system that builds dependence on a personality instead of maturity in Christ.

When It Crosses Into Spiritual Danger

This issue does not remain neutral. It progresses.

Eckhardt warns, “It is fleshly and leads into witchcraft and control and domination… That’s when it becomes very dangerous.”

At this stage, what began as admiration becomes manipulation. What began as leadership becomes control. What began as influence becomes bondage.

This is where spiritual abuse in the church begins to take root and operate.

A Call Back to Unity in the Body of Christ

The answer is not to reject leaders. The answer is to put them in their proper place.

Eckhardt reminds believers of the bigger picture: “All of us came through Christ through different ministers… and yet, you’re part of a larger body called the church that God wants us to operate together in love and unity.”

The church is not built on personalities. It is built on Christ.

Unity is the standard. Maturity is the goal. Christ is the center.

Anything else leads to division, control and a dangerous distortion of the faith.

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].