The United States has continued its slide away from the truth of God’s Word, and this shift is directly responsible for the decline of American culture.

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A new report from Lifeway Research conducted for Ligonier Ministries shows a widening gap between biblical truth and public opinion, with nearly half of U.S. adults rejecting the Bible as literally true, as reported by The Christian Post.

The Ligonier State of Theology 2025 survey, which polled 3,001 American adults between Jan. 6-15, found a mix of syncretic and contradictory beliefs about God, Scripture and morality.

Bible as Myth vs. Literal Truth

• “A collective 48% of Americans either strongly agree or somewhat agree that ‘The Bible, like all sacred writings, contains helpful accounts of ancient myths but is not literally true.’”
• 43% strongly or somewhat disagreed.
• 8% were not sure.
• Evangelicals, Black Protestants and Southerners were the most likely to reject the Bible as myth.
• Higher-income respondents and residents of large cities were more likely to deny its literal truth.

Accuracy of Scripture

• “Less than half of respondents also said they either strongly agree (31%) or somewhat agree (18%) that ‘The Bible is 100% accurate in all that it teaches.’”
• 44% disagreed, including 28% strongly and 16% somewhat.
• 6% were not sure.

Beliefs About God

• “When presented with the statement, ‘God is a perfect being and cannot make a mistake,’ only 53% of respondents strongly agreed.”
• 13% somewhat agreed.
• 26% disagreed, including 17% strongly.
• 8% were unsure.

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Belief in the Trinity

• “When asked to respond to the statement, ‘There is one true God in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit,’ only 55% of respondents strongly agreed.”
• 16% somewhat agreed.
• 20% disagreed, including 15% strongly.
• 10% were unsure.

Religious Inclusivity

• “A majority of U.S. adults also believe that ‘God accepts the worship of all religions.’”
• 44% strongly agreed.
• 20% somewhat agreed.
• 23% disagreed, including 16% strongly.
• 12% were unsure.

Beliefs About Jesus

• “Some 48% of American adults in the study also agree that ‘Jesus was a great teacher, but He was not God.’”
• 40% disagreed.
• 11% were unsure.

Marriage and Sexual Ethics

• “Only 51% of respondents strongly agree that ‘God created marriage to be between one man and one woman,’ while 14% somewhat agree.”
• 29% disagreed, including 22% strongly.
• “Some 52% of Americans agree that ‘Sex outside of traditional marriage is a sin.’”
• 44% disagreed.

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Gender and Sexuality

• “When asked for their position on the statement, ‘People should be able to choose their gender regardless of their biological sex,’ some 38% expressed some level of agreement.”
• 54% disagreed, including 42% strongly.
• 9% were not sure.
• “More than 40% of U.S. adults also expressed some level of agreement that ‘The Bible’s condemnation of homosexual behavior doesn’t apply today.’”
• 46% disagreed.
• 14% were undecided.

Authority of the Bible

• According to The Christian Post, “The findings of the survey also show that despite the varied responses to the Bible, half of Americans still believe it can be used as a manual for life.”
• 28% strongly agreed and 22% somewhat agreed that “The Bible has the authority to tell us what we must do.”
• 44% disagreed.
• 5% were not sure.

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The results of the study reflect a profound cultural shift in the nation. The Bible tells us how bad things will become in the last days, yet Christians are not called to despair. Even as society drifts further from the truth, the church must remain steadfast in fulfilling the Great Commission until Christ returns.

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.

John Bevere sat down with his sons Addison and Ardan to process a raw, complicated moment for the church. Using Charlie Kirk’s killing as the backdrop they traced a bigger story: fear is muzzling leaders, offense is fragmenting believers and yet God is stirring hunger and repentance across the nation. Their message wasn’t a eulogy. It was a charge.

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Government isn’t off-limits for the people of God

Bevere argued that Christians are called into every sphere of society, government included. He pointed to Scripture’s pattern of prophets and kings speaking to rulers and laws as evidence that believers shouldn’t treat civic life as forbidden territory. For him, Kirk’s boldness in public debate fit that calling rather than violated it.

Revival and confusion are rising together

They noted unprecedented church attendance alongside anger, uncertainty and grief. That tension, they said, is exactly why leaders must speak plainly from Scripture. When pulpits dodge hard topics congregations get motivational talk instead of real help. Surface comfort can numb pain for a day but it won’t heal the abscess underneath.

The real battle line: fear of God vs fear of man

Bevere’s central diagnosis was simple: fear of people erodes conviction, breeds hypocrisy and turns shepherds into crowd pleasers. Fear of God by contrast steels leaders to tell the truth in love when it costs reputation or followers. The apostles needed that correction too; Peter folded under criticism until Paul confronted him. Courage is not optional, it is pastoral.

Offense blinds and becomes the seedbed of deception

The conversation returned again and again to offense. They described how borrowed grievances spread online, how people pick up their group’s anger without ever having a face to face conversation and how that posture distorts perception. Offense hardens into contempt then opens the door for voices that soothe pain without addressing sin. When that cycle takes root love grows cold and unity breaks down.

Forgiveness is a daily rhythm not a one-time decision

To break the cycle they urged a daily practice: receive God’s forgiveness and extend it to others. That rhythm reaches into old wounds loosens bitterness and clears the fog that offense creates. Without it believers drift into a victim mindset and become easy marks for flattering half-true messages.

Compassion tells the truth

They contrasted “toxic empathy” which mirrors feelings but dodges root issues with Christlike compassion which names idols and invites repentance even when people walk away. Jesus loved the rich young ruler and still put his finger on the real problem. Love that refuses God’s commands, they warned, isn’t love at all.

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Division that clarifies reality

The family acknowledged that some division is inevitable because truth exposes what we serve, God or approval. Moments like this reveal who will carry the whole counsel of God and who will shrink to keep the room calm. Leaders must examine themselves first then tend their people with steady hands and open Bibles.

A practical charge to pastors and influencers

• Seek God privately before you speak publicly. Humility before God fuels courage before people
• Feed people with Scripture not slogans. Address the real pain not just the feels
• Refuse to become a slave to approval. Serve your flock by telling the truth they actually need
• Model reconciliation. Practice that daily “breathe in breathe out” of forgiveness
• Train for discernment, learn the difference between right and almost right

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The moment to step forward

Bevere closed with a simple posture: side with God in a dark world even if it costs you. He believes the fields are white for harvest and that God is moving in ways that demand clear voices and steady hearts. The task now is not to manage outrage or collect followers. It is to love people enough to tell the truth, to cast off the fear of man and to lead with a holy boldness that heals.

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.

As the Jewish people marked the Feast of Trumpets the nations of the world gathered at the United Nations. France and Saudi Arabia convened a high-level conference on the Palestinian question and several Western nations moved to unilaterally recognize Palestinian statehood. To most of the world it was just another round of diplomatic theater. But in the eyes of God’s Word the timing of this moment could not be more significant.

A Feast, a Reading and a Warning

During Rosh Hashanah Jewish communities read Genesis 21 and 22. Genesis 21 recounts the miraculous birth of Isaac and the expulsion of Ishmael, a story of contention within Abraham’s family. Genesis 22 tells of Abraham’s ultimate test when God asked him to offer his son Isaac on Mount Moriah later known as the Temple Mount.

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Rabbi Jason Sobel drew a striking parallel: “On the same day the United Nations made this resolution, which I also believe was harmful towards Israel, we were reading about Ishmael harming Isaac. It was like Ishmael saying I’m going to get Isaac back, mocking, and in a sense encouraging violence towards the Jewish people.”

Jerusalem: The Test of the Nations

Sobel explained that Jerusalem is more than a political debate. “Jerusalem itself is a test. How one treats Abraham’s covenant city, the place where he offered Isaac, reveals the posture of one’s heart towards the God of Abraham.”

He reminded his listeners of the prophetic words in Zechariah 12:3: “Jerusalem will become a burdensome stone. Nations that lift it will injure themselves.” Sobel tied this directly to the UN’s declaration about East Jerusalem, calling it “a replaying of the Genesis 22 drama on the world stage.”

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A Psalm 2 Moment

Psalm 2 says the nations will take their stand against the Lord and His anointed. Sobel said, “On the same day that we enthroned God, the nations held court. It was like heaven and earth were aligned in a divine summons. And the world is being asked, ‘Whose king will you enthrone?’”

He continued, “The nations may pass resolutions, but God has written and made his own declaration. I have set my king on Mount Zion.”

The Call for Believers

Rabbi Sobel emphasized that this moment is not just about land. It is about lordship. Who is King in Zion? Is it the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob revealed in Jesus or is it the rulers of this world? Every nation and every individual is standing in the valley of decision.

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Our response must be clear. We are called to:

• Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Ps. 122:6)
• Proclaim God’s promises which outweigh any UN resolution
• Prepare our lives by aligning with God’s Word and covenant purposes

Passing the Test

If God’s promises to Israel are not eternal then none of His promises are trustworthy. But because He is a covenant-keeping God we can be confident that His Word stands. The dividing of Jerusalem is not just a political issue. It is the ultimate test of faith for the nations.

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Now is the time to discern the signs of the times. Jerusalem has once again become the burdensome stone. The world is watching, heaven is weighing and the valley of decision lies open before us. The question is simple: Whose King will we enthrone?

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.

The Super Bowl halftime show was once an American cultural centerpiece. Families could gather around the television, enjoy the game and celebrate what made this nation unique. But in recent years the NFL has turned its most-watched spectacle into a stage for moral confusion and cultural decline. The selection of Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny for the 2026 halftime show is the latest and perhaps most blatant insult to both America and biblical values.

A Performer Who Represents Rebellion

Bad Bunny is not simply a global music star. He has built his brand on rebellion. Known for crossdressing, kissing male dancers and performing sexually charged routines, he has been hailed as a “queer icon” by progressive outlets. His videos have been praised by LGBT media for promoting gender-bending imagery and his concerts regularly include shocking visuals many would describe as demonic.

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Is this really the image the NFL wants to beam into millions of American homes? Once again it seems the league would rather embrace rebellion against God’s design than celebrate what is good true and honorable.

Anti-American Messaging

Beyond the moral issues Bad Bunny has openly taken aim at the United States. He previously vowed not to perform in the continental U.S. because of immigration enforcement policies yet the NFL is rewarding him with the most American stage of all. In his music video “NUEVAYoL” he even depicts the Statue of Liberty draped with a Puerto Rican flag as a scene of cultural conquest not unity.

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At a time when Americans long for unity tradition and respect for their country the NFL is signaling that it will side with globalist politics and cultural subversion over patriotism.

A Spiritual Issue at the Core

As Christians we recognize that this is not simply about poor taste in entertainment. Scripture tells us in Ephesians 6:12 that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities against powers against the rulers of the darkness of this world.” The halftime show has become less about music and more about pushing an agenda that glorifies darkness while mocking God’s created order.

Even many of Bad Bunny’s own fans and concert goers have pointed out the disturbing use of demonic figures and imagery at his shows. When the audience itself is calling out what looks like evil on display it should be a wake-up call that this is more than just edgy art. It is spiritual warfare playing out in real time on the biggest stage in America.

Bad Bunny is a demonic Marxist who was been granted the largest stage with the greatest audience in the middle of a Christian revival. This is by design. We are in a spiritual war and once you see it you can’t unsee it. pic.twitter.com/sEMfKIPbiC

— The Redheaded libertarian (@TRHLofficial) September 29, 2025

When a performer is praised for crossdressing celebrated for shocking audiences with perversion and platforms occult imagery for mass consumption we should not be surprised. The world has exchanged the truth of God for a lie just as Romans 1:25 tells us.

A Call for Discernment

The NFL’s choice of Bad Bunny is not just anti-family anti-God and anti-American. It is a declaration of where our culture is headed. Christians must not shrug this off as “just entertainment.” What we allow into our homes shapes the next generation.

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Instead of applauding rebellion we must pray for discernment, stand boldly for biblical truth and continue to remind this nation of the words of 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from heaven and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

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Bad Bunny’s halftime show may be cheered by the culture but it will be yet another moment when America turns its back on the values that once made her strong. For Christians and patriots alike it is time to recognize the battle we are in, a battle for the soul of our nation.

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.

The heart of the Christian faith is found in the blood of Jesus. Scripture declares, “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin” (Heb. 9:22). It is through His blood that we find redemption, freedom and new life. The gospel is centered not in works or traditions but in the sacrifice of Christ Himself. As the Word reminds us, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement” (Lev. 17:11). This truth is not just theology, it is the foundation of our hope and the reason we can stand forgiven and reconciled to God.

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Yom Kippur and Fulfillment in Jesus

In a teaching on Yom Kippur, Rabbi Kirt Schneider draws the connection between this most holy Jewish day and the work of Jesus on the cross. He explains, “On Yom Kippur, the high priest would take in the blood of a bull and the blood of a goat and apply it on top of the Ark of the Covenant. The New Testament refers to this top of the Ark of the Covenant as the mercy seat.”

This annual sacrifice in the Old Testament was temporary but it pointed forward to something eternal. “The book of Hebrews tells us that this blood that was poured on top of the Ark of the Covenant, of the blood of the bull and the goat, it was a shadow of the blood that would ultimately be spilled for the life of the world’s sin through God’s begotten Son.” Jesus, the innocent and guiltless One, fulfilled the law and then “offered Himself up as a sacrifice for our sins, shedding His blood so that once and for all our sins could be forgiven.”

The Call to Apply the Blood Personally

The message of Yom Kippur is not only about history but also about personal application. Rabbi Schneider points back to Israel’s deliverance from Egypt: “They weren’t redeemed just because the blood was in the basin. They were only redeemed when each one personally took a hyssop branch, dipped that hyssop branch in the blood in the basin, and then applied it over the doorpost and lintels of their own home. They had to personalize it.”

In the same way, each of us must receive the blood of Jesus by faith and apply it to our own lives. “It’s not enough just to believe in the blood from afar. We need to take that blood and put it over our lives by becoming personal disciples of Yeshua the Nazarene.” As John 1:29 declares, Jesus is “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”

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Living as Disciples of Jesus

Rabbi Schneider challenges believers to live as true disciples allowing Jesus’ blood to cover every part of life. “Are you waking up every morning to trying to put God first in your life, overcoming your flesh because of your obedience to Him by the grace of God?” he asks. Being a follower of Jesus touches every area—marriage, family, daily habits and the choices we make to glorify God with our bodies, His temple (1 Cor. 6:19-20).

Yom Kippur, then, is not only a remembrance of ancient sacrifices but a call to renewal. Schneider urges: “Some of you perhaps need to get on your knees right now and ask Him to forgive you, to cleanse you, to wash you, to cover you with His blood, to give you a new heart and a new nature that you’ll rise up from that place committed to being His disciple and following Him.”

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Hope Through the Blood

This is a message of hope not condemnation. The blood of Jesus is enough to forgive, cleanse and restore. As we reflect on Yom Kippur and its fulfillment in Christ, we can rejoice in knowing our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Rev. 21:27). In Rabbi Schneider’s words: “Straight and narrow is the way that leads to life. Few there be that find it. Will you be one of those that find it if you have not already?” (Matt. 7:14).

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.

The tragedy that unfolded inside a Michigan church Sunday morning has left a community grieving and searching for answers.

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Authorities identified the suspect as Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old Marine veteran from Burton, Michigan. Police say Sanford drove a Chevy Silverado into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township during services before opening fire on the hundreds of worshipers gathered there.

Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye described the horrifying scene. “He drove his vehicle through the front doors of the church,” Renye said. “He then exited his vehicle, firing several rounds at individuals within the church. Ten gunshot victims have been transported to local hospitals at this time, including one who has died.”

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Officials later confirmed the death toll had risen. Two more victims were found inside the burned church hours after the attack bringing the total to at least four. Authorities believe Sanford set the building ablaze with gasoline or another accelerant before being killed in a shootout with police.

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Sanford’s Military Service

Sanford’s background adds another layer of complexity to the grief. He served in the Marines from 2004 to 2008 and deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. According to the Marine Corps, his service included:

• Worked as an organizational automotive mechanic
• Served as a vehicle recovery operator
• Deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom
• Achieved the rank of sergeant
• Final duty station: 2d Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2d Marine Logistics Group at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

This tragedy has left many in the Michigan community mourning, stunned that violence would erupt in a place of worship.

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As families grieve and a shaken congregation begins the painful process of healing we must remember them in prayer. Let us pray for the victims, for the families left behind and for all who were scarred by this devastating act of violence. May God bring comfort, peace and strength to those who need it most.

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.

As the biblical calendar moves through the fall feasts, Yom Kippur stands out as a powerful day of repentance and renewal. In a recent podcast discussion, the focus was on the deep spiritual meaning of this appointed time and what it offers to both Jewish and Christian believers.

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The journey begins with Rosh Hashanah, which serves as a wake-up call to examine one’s life and identify areas out of alignment with God. This leads into the 10 Days of Awe, a season of reflection and preparation that culminates in Yom Kippur. Unlike daily or individual acts of repentance, this day carries a unique weight because millions across the world engage in repentance together. The collective nature of this act releases spiritual power, creating an atmosphere of faith, renewal, and restoration.

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Families are encouraged to take their struggles—whether health, financial or relational—before the Lord during this season. Using prayers such as the Lord’s Prayer as a framework, they can bring these needs before God while practicing forgiveness. Letting go of offenses, forgiving others, and even forgiving oneself opens the way for healing and transformation.

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The discussion also touched on the significance of the current Hebrew year 5786. Seen as a year of grace, perfection, new beginnings, and it is believed to be marked by a double covenant blessing. This represents a uniting of Jew and Gentile into one new humanity under God’s promises.

Past gatherings on Yom Kippur have shown the power of unity when believers from diverse backgrounds come together in repentance and worship. This unity is seen as central to breaking cycles of sin and moving forward into God’s plans with strength and courage.

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Ultimately, Yom Kippur is presented as a time to step out of the wilderness of fear and doubt and to enter into the promises of God through repentance, forgiveness, and unity.

If you want to learn more about the spiritual significance of Yom Kippur, watch the video above.

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.

There are moments in history that grab us by the collar and demand our attention. Not because they dominate the headlines, but because they are mile markers on God’s prophetic timeline. What just took place on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem this Rosh Hashanah is one of those moments.

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In 2025 on the Gregorian calendar, but year 5786 on the Jewish calendar, nearly 900 Jews ascended the Temple Mount for Rosh Hashanah. That is the largest number in modern history for the Feast of Trumpets. Even more significant, for the fourth time since 2024 the shofar was blown on the Temple Mount after nearly 2,000 years of silence.

This time there was video. A man stood blowing the shofar as a policeman looked on. The officer did not stop him mid-blast or tackle him to the ground. He let him finish, then quietly confiscated the shofar and escorted the man away. There were no riots or clashes, just a quiet, peaceful moment. That is history unfolding before our eyes.

The Meaning of the Shofar

The shofar has always carried deep spiritual meaning. At Mount Sinai it announced the covenant of God with His people in Exodus 19. The prophets described it as a call to repentance and readiness, such as Joel 2 and Isaiah 27:13 which says, “A great trumpet will sound and it will gather God’s people from exile.”

The New Testament connects the shofar to the return of Christ. Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 4 that “the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God.” The fact that the shofar is sounding again on the Temple Mount after two millennia is not coincidence. It is a prophetic signal that we are closer than ever to the events foretold in Scripture.

Israel Against the Nations

But the prophetic picture goes beyond Jerusalem. On Sept. 18 the United Nations Security Council held its 10,000th meeting. Members voted on a resolution demanding Israel lay down its arms and accept a permanent ceasefire with Hamas. Fourteen nations voted for the measure. The United States stood alone and vetoed the resolution.

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The American representative Morgan Ortagus said the resolution failed to condemn Hamas and instead legitimized false narratives. She was right. Yet the picture could not be clearer. Fourteen against one. Israel against the nations. This is exactly what the prophet Zechariah declared when he said Jerusalem will become a cup of trembling and a burdensome stone to all people.

The UN presents itself as a force for peace, but in reality it rewards Hamas for October 7 while condemning Israel. It pressures God’s people while excusing terrorists. Scripture told us this would happen, and now it is unfolding before our eyes.

America’s Fragile Allyship

For now, America remains Israel’s last line of defense on the world stage. Among the permanent members of the Security Council, the United States is Israel’s only consistent ally. Yet this will not last forever. All it would take is a single administration to reverse course. The Biden administration came close, but the day is coming when a future administration will fully abandon Israel.

When that day arrives, Israel will stand alone. This is not speculation but biblical prophecy. Zechariah 14:2 says God will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle. All nations means none will stand with Israel in the end.

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Genesis 12:3 still stands as a warning. God told Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you and curse him who curses you.” To turn our back on Israel is to invite judgment upon ourselves. Do not buy into the lie that the church has replaced Israel or that God has revoked His promises. Romans 11:29 declares the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable. His covenant with Abraham still stands.

The Prophetic Clock is Ticking

Taken together, the shofar blasts on the Temple Mount, the world aligning against Israel, and America’s fragile allyship are not random events. They are converging signs pointing us toward the final chapters of God’s plan.

Jesus told us in Matthew 24:32 to learn the lesson of the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and puts forth leaves, you know summer is near. In the same way, when we see these things, we know the end is drawing closer. This is not meant to stir fear but to wake us up. Time is short and the mission is urgent.

Our Call to Action

So what must we do? Two things. First, stand with Israel. Do not be deceived by the lies of this world. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, because Psalm 122:6 promises that those who love her will prosper.

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Second, stand boldly in faith and fulfill the Great Commission. Jesus told us in Matthew 28:19 to make disciples of all nations. That is our calling until the trumpet of God sounds and Christ returns.

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.

Two tropical cyclones are swirling in the Atlantic Ocean on a potential collision course, raising the possibility of a rare weather event that could create a massive storm system threatening the East Coast.

Tropical Storm Humberto developed in the North Atlantic on Wednesday and is projected to become a major hurricane this weekend. Meanwhile, another system in the Caribbean may soon strengthen into Tropical Storm Imelda, according to Fox Weather meteorologist Greg Diamond.

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“If these two storms get too close, they could trigger the rare phenomenon known as the Fujiwhara Effect,” the New York Post reported.

The Fujiwhara Effect, named for Japanese meteorologist Sakuhei Fujiwhara in 1921, happens when two cyclones come within 900 miles of each other and begin orbiting a shared center. “Or simply, they dance around each other,” the Post noted.

What happens next depends on the size and strength of the storms. The National Weather Service said they can spin around each other before fading apart, or in rare instances, smash together into one giant storm. In some cases, the stronger storm absorbs the weaker one.

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Diamond emphasized that the occurrence is more common in the Pacific than the Atlantic. “This is mostly due to the West Pacific producing more tropical systems each year than the Atlantic,” he said. “When it does occur, it’s usually in the open ocean and far away from land.”

Humberto’s path

Humberto, moving northwest at 8 mph with 50-mph sustained winds, is expected to rapidly intensify into a Category 3 hurricane by early next week. While the storm is not forecast to make landfall in the United States, Bermuda could be in its path.

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“There is high confidence that the center of Humberto will remain out to sea and away from the United States, posing no direct threat,” Diamond said. “At most, some extra rain will be possible in the Carolinas due to a brief intrusion of moisture from the periphery of the storm. Residents in Bermuda will need to watch the forecast closely as it could impact the island next week.”

Imelda’s potential track

The second system, Invest 94L, is currently bringing heavy rain to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Hispaniola. Forecasters say it could strengthen into a tropical storm or hurricane in the coming days.

Diamond said the storm could “threaten the Georgia and Carolina coasts with damaging winds, life-threatening storm surge and heavy flooding starting Sunday.” He also noted it may weaken over the Dominican Republic or stall near the Bahamas or South Florida before heading back out to sea.

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Despite the alarming scenarios, meteorologists say a storm collision is unlikely. “When it comes to Humberto and soon-to-be Imelda, the higher-odds scenario now is that the large upper-level low-pressure system and front that’s producing the rain from the Gulf Coast to New England will pick up likely-Imelda and pull it north,” Diamond explained. “If this happens, likely-Imelda and Humberto maintain enough distance from each other that they don’t ‘Fujiwhara.’”

A call to prayer

As these storms develop, believers are reminded that the Bible shows God’s power over the seas and the winds. From calming the storm in the Gospels to setting boundaries for the oceans in Job, Scripture makes clear that the Lord rules over creation. Let us pray for those in the potential path of these storms and take comfort in knowing that God remains sovereign over the earth He created.

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.

The record-breaking surge of Jewish visitors to the Temple Mount in Hebrew year 5785 is nothing short of astounding. What was once considered a distant hope for a small group of so-called extremists has become a movement embraced by tens of thousands. For Christians watching with discernment these developments serve as a powerful reminder that the prophecies of Scripture are unfolding right before our eyes.

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According to Israel365 News, nearly 70,000 Jews ascended the Temple Mount during Hebrew year 5785 a historic milestone unmatched in modern times. Beyadenu, the Jerusalem-based group tracking visits, called it “the highest number recorded since systematic documentation began—and likely the highest since the destruction of the Second Temple” in 70 CE.

This awakening is not only about numbers. Akiva Ariel of Beyadenu explained, “The importance is that there is a change. There is a very great awakening in the people of Israel. Once, talking about the Temple and the Temple Mount was attributed to supposedly extremist areas. Today, people talk about the Temple and breathe the Temple.”

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From a prophetic perspective this is monumental. Scripture tells us that in the last days Israel will once again turn its eyes toward the Temple (Dan. 9:27, Rev. 11:1–2). The Jewish people returning to the Mount in record-breaking numbers is not a coincidence. It is preparation for what God’s Word has foretold.

Key Developments in 5785

• 68,429 Jewish visitors to the Mount, a 22% increase from the previous year
• 897 ascended during Rosh Hashanah nearly double last year’s 485
• 200 couples celebrated weddings and other occasions on the Mount
• 370 young people participated in activities almost twice as many as last year
• 460 arrests/detentions still occurred including five Jews detained for blowing the shofar

These events reflect more than human determination. They are signs of prophetic acceleration.

Prophecy in Motion

The Bible describes Jerusalem as a cup of trembling and a burdensome stone for all nations (Zech. 12:2–3). We see this in the growing controversy. The Palestinian Authority condemned the shofar blasts declaring the act “no longer a passing religious ritual, but has become one of the most dangerous tools of the occupation to impose its alleged sovereignty.”

Yet even in the face of opposition, Israel’s policies are shifting. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir declared, “My policy is that singing should be allowed all across the Temple Mount.” For the first time Jews were permitted to sing and dance across the entire Mount during Rosh Hashanah.

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These changes are prophetically significant. Revelation 11 speaks of worship in a future Temple. Daniel 9 describes sacrifices that will one day be stopped by the Antichrist. None of this could happen if the Jewish people remained disinterested in the Temple Mount. What we are watching now is the stage being set.

What This Means

The prophetic clock is ticking. These developments are not random political maneuvers. They are pieces of God’s divine plan falling into place.

• The awakening in Israel signals that the Temple is moving from distant history to present expectation
• The international backlash shows that Jerusalem is once again becoming the world’s flashpoint just as Scripture said it would
• The push toward greater freedom of worship points to the groundwork for the Third Temple

Jesus warned us in Matthew 24 that we would see the signs of the end times. The apostle Paul wrote that the man of lawlessness will one day sit in the Temple of God (2 Thess. 2:4). These prophecies can only be fulfilled if Israel regains both access to and desire for the Temple. That desire is now undeniable.

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We are living in days of acceleration. The Jewish people are awakening to the Temple, the nations are trembling over Jerusalem and the church should be discerning the times. This is not a call to fear but a call to readiness. The rapture could happen at any moment and what follows will be the Tribulation that Scripture so clearly describes.

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.