There is power in the name of Jesus, a power that transforms lives, redeems souls and shakes the foundations of darkness. History proves that oppressive regimes fear that power because it cannot be silenced with threats or contained with laws. From the Roman Empire to modern authoritarian states, the message of the Gospel has thrived in the very places where rulers worked hardest to suppress it.

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China’s Digital Crackdown

China has intensified its assault on Christianity by instituting sweeping new regulations targeting pastors and churches online. According to the Christian Post, the rules “prohibit teaching Bible lessons to children and forming youth groups” through digital platforms. The National Religious Affairs Administration now demands that only registered religious organizations with an Internet Religious Information Services License can host sermons, training or religious education.

Bitter Winter, a religious rights magazine, called this “one of the most technologically invasive” crackdowns to date, reporting, “In the age of digital ministry, where sermons stream and prayers ping, the regulation feels like a deliberate attempt to unplug the sacred from the social.”

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Personal accounts, livestreams, WeChat groups and other informal forums are now banned. “Self-promotion is banned and clergy may not use religious identity to attract followers or traffic,” the magazine translated from Article 5 of the regulations. Youth remain a key focus of this censorship as Article 10 makes it illegal for clergy to evangelize to minors or organize youth camps.

Why the Youth?

Why is China so intent on cutting off its youth from the truth? Because the Gospel works. Nothing terrifies the Chinese Communist Party more than a young generation rising up with unshakable faith in Jesus. The testimony of the late Charlie Kirk stands as proof. His fearless defense of biblical truth on college campuses across America drew crowds, sparked debates and inspired a generation. His impact was so great that it ultimately cost him his life. That kind of boldness terrifies regimes built on control and deception.

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The CCP knows that a teenager or college student on fire for Christ is more powerful than all the propaganda and indoctrination the state can muster. One surrendered life can become the spark that ignites a movement. The same government that pours billions into surveillance fears the whisper of a prayer and the sound of a child learning John 3:16.

A Call to Prayer

The Bible promises that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church. No regulation or decree can undo the work of the Holy Spirit in China or anywhere else. Yet our brothers and sisters there are paying a heavy price to follow Christ. We must stand with them in prayer.

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Pray that the Lord pours out His blessing and anointing over the underground church in China. Pray that every believer young and old is strengthened in boldness. Pray that revival sweeps through not only the hearts of the people but also the very halls of government. May the power of Jesus Christ set the nation ablaze with Holy Spirit fire until even the persecutors cannot help but bow before the King of Kings.

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.

Discerning the signs of the end times requires both wisdom and vigilance. For many prophecy teachers, artificial intelligence is more than just a technological breakthrough. It may be the very infrastructure that will enable the global system described in Revelation. Pastor Billy Crone recently warned that the launch of President Trump’s Stargate AI program could mark a prophetic turning point.

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Crone explained that on his first day in office, Trump “launched the Stargate AI program. Stargate, the futuristic kind of label that’s put upon it. And then he introduced three entities, tech technology guys to run this system. And it was a $500 billion investment. That’s a half a trillion dollars to speed up the process, the development of AI, hence the Stargate AI system.”

The program is global in scope, with data centers being built around the world. Crone believes this effort has direct ties to prophecy. He cited Daniel 12:4, which says knowledge will increase, and argued that artificial intelligence fulfills that description. He also pointed to Revelation 13, which describes a world under the Antichrist’s control, where every transaction is monitored. According to Crone, such a system would not be possible without AI.

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Crone said, “You can’t have Revelation 13 until the development of AI. It’s here now. You can’t have a seven-year tribulation without the Jewish people. They’ve been here since 1948. That’s why it’s such a huge moment.”

He cautioned believers not to treat AI itself as evil. Like the internet or money, it is a tool that can be used for good or evil. However, Crone urged discernment, explaining that AI will eventually be hijacked for the Antichrist’s global system.

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Crone identified four major areas where the Stargate program connects with daily life:

• Enterprise: AI will reshape global business, streamlining industries while centralizing control.
• Big Brother: Surveillance capabilities will expand, creating the infrastructure for a system that monitors every action and transaction.
• Big Pharma: Integration with health and biotech sectors could push society toward greater dependence on technology for life and wellness.
• Bitcoin and crypto: The move toward digital currency is preparing the way for a cashless society that aligns with the mark of the beast system.

Crone called AI a watershed prophetic event comparable to Israel becoming a nation in 1948. Both, he said, unlock the fulfillment of end-times prophecy.

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For anyone who may feel fear or anxiety about these developments, the response is not panic but prayer. Turn to the Lord for discernment, and spend time in the Word of God, which remains the ultimate guidebook for the end times.

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.

Sunday’s memorial service for Charlie Kirk drew thousands who came to honor the late conservative leader. Among the speakers was Tucker Carlson, who offered an emotional tribute that blended politics, faith and reflection on Kirk’s life.

Carlson called Kirk “a Christian evangelist” and praised his courage in speaking truth to power. In his remarks, Carlson likened Kirk’s boldness to Jesus’ ministry in Jerusalem, drawing a parallel between efforts to silence Kirk’s voice and the crucifixion of Christ. “They become obsessed with making him stop,” Carlson said of the authorities in Jesus’ day. “I’ve got an idea. Why don’t we just kill him? That’ll shut him up. That’ll fix the problem. It doesn’t work that way.”

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Carlson went on to argue that attempts to extinguish truth only cause it to “burn brighter every single time.”

Tsarfati Pushes Back

Amir Tsarfati, founder of Behold Israel and a well-known Bible teacher, took issue with Carlson’s words. In a statement after the memorial, Tsarfati said Carlson had misrepresented the gospel by portraying Jesus as a victim silenced by men.

“Today at Charlie Kirk’s memorial, I was struck by Tucker Carlson’s words,” Tsarfati said. “He compared Charlie’s death to that of Jesus—both, he said, silenced by those who could not bear their message. But Tucker clearly misunderstands the gospel: Jesus was not assassinated by men trying to silence Him. He came willingly to pay the price for our sins.”

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Tsarfati pointed to John 10:18, where Jesus declared, “No one takes My life from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.” He also cited Isaiah 53:6: “All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”

Today at Charlie Kirk’s memorial, I was struck by Tucker Carlson’s words. He compared Charlie’s death to that of Jesus—both, he said, silenced by those who could not bear their message.

But Tucker clearly misunderstands the gospel: Jesus was not assassinated by men trying to…

— Amir Tsarfati (@beholdisrael) September 22, 2025

Pro-Israel Voices React

Beyond theological concerns, Carlson’s remarks drew criticism from a number of pro-Israel commentators online. Several saw his description of Jesus’ death at the hands of leaders in Jerusalem as a veiled swipe at Jews and at Israel itself, reflecting a pattern in Carlson’s rhetoric that many have labeled as increasingly hostile.

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Beyond theological concerns, Carlson’s remarks also drew pushback from pro-Israel commentators online. Many saw his description of Jesus’ death at the hands of leaders in Jerusalem as echoing a familiar line of rhetoric used to cast blame on Jews. Others noted that Carlson’s recent public statements have reflected an increasingly hostile tone toward Israel, and some described his comments at Kirk’s memorial as ill-timed given Kirk’s strong support for the Jewish state.

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A Tension Between Emotion and Theology

Carlson’s comments reflected the raw emotion of the gathering, where many spoke of Kirk’s faith and fearlessness. But Tsarfati’s response, and the online pushback, underscored a very important point: that the gospel message must remain clear.

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.

Outspoken Christian leader Charlie Kirk left a mark on believers worldwide through his unapologetic defense of faith and his vocal support for Israel. His death on Sept. 10 sent ripples through both the Christian and Jewish communities, reminding many of the shared values that bind the two faiths together.

On Wednesday, Sept. 17, dozens gathered on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem for a special prayer event honoring the slain American activist. The memorial took place at Judaism’s holiest site, underscoring Kirk’s dedication to the Jewish state and the growing bonds between Christians and Jews who stand together in support of Israel.

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The event was organized by Beyadenu–Returning to the Temple Mount along with Root Source, the Jerusalem Peace Fund, Israel Lighthouse and Shofar in Zion, as reported in JNS.

Rabbi Yehudah Glick, a former Knesset member who survived an assassination attempt in 2014, led the prayers. “Charlie understood that Israel is on the right side. He believed there is good and evil. And in Israel’s war against Hamas, Israel is good and Hamas is evil,” Glick told JNS.

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Glick shared how Kirk’s loss impacted him personally, reflecting on his own survival. “I’m an assassination attempt survivor, and for me it was very powerful to realize how lucky I was. Charlie took one bullet to the neck from 200 yards and did not survive. On an existential level, I am very grateful to Hashem,” he said.

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Participants prayed for peace, unity, the safe return of hostages and the protection of Israeli soldiers. Glick said Kirk represented values that transcend borders. “He believed in God—one God who unites humanity, the God who created the world and all people in His image, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of Jerusalem, the God of Zion.”

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Calling the Temple Mount the most fitting place to remember Kirk, Glick said it was “only right to hold an event uniting Jews and non-Jews at a venue that represents unity in the world—a house of prayer for all nations.”

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.

Rosh Hashanah, known as the Feast of Trumpets, is more than a cultural holiday or a Jewish new year.

As New York Times best-selling author and prophetic voice Rabbi Jonathan Cahn explained in a recent sermon, it holds deep prophetic significance for believers today. “The Feast of Trumpets is not the beginning of the sacred year. It’s the closing of the sacred year,” Cahn said. That closing points not only to the end of a cycle but also to the closing of the age itself, marking the days ahead with urgency and meaning.

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The Trumpet as a Warning and a Promise

Throughout Scripture, the trumpet or shofar is used as a sound of awakening. Cahn reminded his audience, “The shofar is also the sound of the watchman, the alarm, the warning that if there’s someone coming, there’s an evil, there’s a danger coming. It’s warning you. Get ready, wake up because this is coming.”

For believers, the Feast of Trumpets connects past prophetic fulfillments with those yet to come. Just as Christ fulfilled Passover, First Fruits and Pentecost, so too will He fulfill the autumn feasts in His second coming. “The autumn holy days are about the second coming. They have not yet been fulfilled prophetically,” Cahn said.

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The Many Meanings of the Shofar

The shofar is not just an ancient instrument but a prophetic sign pointing to end-time realities. Its blast carries layers of meaning that remain vital for the church today:

• War – the trumpet warns of conflict and spiritual battles ahead
• Alarm – a watchman’s call to awaken from spiritual slumber
• God’s Power – a reminder of His victory at Sinai, Jericho and in deliverance
• Gathering – calling Israel and the church together for God’s purposes
• Judgment – signaling the Day of the Lord and the coming of His court
• Prophecy – a symbol of the prophetic voice rising in the last days
• The King – heralding the arrival of the Messiah as reigning Lord

A Call to Readiness

Cahn pressed that these signs must lead believers to action. “The trumpets say repent. Why is that important for the end times? Because we live in a time of great perversity, of sin growing darker, immorality.” He warned that compromise is a danger for Christians today, and repentance is not optional.

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The trumpet also speaks of time running short. “Finish up your harvest. Whatever you’re going to reap, reap it. Whatever you’re going to do, do it,” Cahn urged. His words echo the urgency of Scripture, reminding us that the return of Christ will come suddenly and that every believer has a mission to complete before that day.

Living Awake in the Last Days

This feast, far from being an ancient relic, speaks to the modern church with powerful clarity. It calls us to remember the gospel, repent of sin and rise up in courage as heralds of the King. “Live as the prophets live. Live as the apostles live because you’ve got the privilege and the honor to stand for God at a time when it really counts,” Cahn said.

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As the world reflects on the feast of Rosh Hashanah, let us be mindful of the trumpet’s warning and promise. May we pray for Israel, repent of sin and prepare our hearts for the coming King. In these days of shaking, let the sound of the shofar remind us of God’s power, His judgment and His call to readiness.

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 assassination of Charlie Kirk cannot be explained away by politics alone. The accused assassin, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was not just another troubled young man. His life reveals a descent into perverse subcultures that twist God’s design and open doors to ancient spiritual corruption.

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A Life Marked by Distortion

Robinson immersed himself in the “furry” movement, a community that sexualizes cartoonish animal identities. At the same time, he lived with a transgender partner and frequently publicized their struggles online. To many, these may seem like eccentric hobbies or private lifestyle choices. In reality, they represent grotesque distortions of humanity, rejecting the image of God in favor of hybrid identities and chaos. When people blur the lines between human and animal or male and female, they step onto ground long associated with demonic influence.

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The Return of Ancient Corruption

Scripture tells us of the Nephilim, hybrid offspring of fallen angels and human women, who lived both before and after the flood. Giants like Og of Bashan and the Anakim were physical reminders that this corruption continued long after Noah’s time. Extra-biblical texts, such as the Book of Giants found among the Dead Sea Scrolls, describe how fallen angels also defiled animals, producing monstrous hybrids that filled the earth with violence. These writings echo the same theme: demonic powers seek to corrupt and twist God’s creation.

Echoes in Today’s Culture

Robinson’s obsessions mirror those ancient patterns. The fascination with hybridized identities, whether through sexualized animal personas or the rejection of God’s created order of gender, is not merely rebellion. It is spiritual perversion that tracks with the corruption described in Genesis and the apocryphal writings. Pagan myths, too, are filled with tales of gods mingling with animals, further showing how deeply humanity has been tempted by these distortions throughout history.

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A Battle as Old as Eden

From the serpent’s deception in the garden to the giants of old, Satan has always sought to mar God’s image in mankind. Robinson’s act of violence against a Christian leader is not just a personal tragedy but a chilling reminder of the larger battle between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent.

Our Call in the Last Days

These are not just cultural curiosities. They are spiritual battles that are intensifying as we draw closer to the last days. The church cannot remain silent while demonic distortions lure a generation into darkness. True love is not silence, it is exposing lies and calling souls back to God’s design.

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Christ has already crushed the serpent’s head. As lawlessness increases, believers must stand firm in truth, proclaim the victory of Jesus, and call the lost out of deception and into the light. The world may celebrate perversion, but the gospel declares freedom and restoration for all who repent and believe.

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 centuries skeptics have dismissed the Bible as myth or legend, yet time and again the work of the archaeologist has unearthed evidence that affirms Scripture’s accuracy. From ancient coins to monumental structures, discoveries in Jerusalem continue to validate the Bible as not only a spiritual guide but also a precise historical record. The latest find near the Pool of Siloam, where Jesus healed a blind man, is another powerful reminder that God’s Word stands the test of time.

Archaeologists have uncovered a massive ancient dam in Jerusalem’s City of David, not far from the Pool of Siloam where Jesus healed a blind man, once again reinforcing the Bible’s reliability as both a historical and spiritual record.

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As reported by Fox News, “Archaeologists have discovered an ancient dam in Jerusalem’s City of David, not far from the body of water where Jesus famously healed a blind man.” The Gospel of John recounts this miracle, when Jesus told the man to wash in the Pool of Siloam and his sight was restored (John 9:10–11).

The newly discovered dam dates back nearly 2,800 years, built between 805 and 795 B.C. “The dam was designed to collect waters from the Gihon Spring as well as floodwaters flowing down the main valley of ancient Jerusalem,” excavation directors said in a statement. Fox News noted that it may have been constructed under the reign of either King Joash or King Amaziah.

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Researchers determined its age with unusual precision because of organic material embedded in its mortar. Measuring 39 feet high, 69 feet long and 26 feet wide, the structure is considered the largest dam ever discovered in Israel and the oldest in Jerusalem.

The City of David explained that the dam was a “creative solution to a climate crisis,” reflecting a period of severe drought in the land. Fox News reported, “All the [studied] data pointed to a period of low rainfall in the Land of Israel, interspersed with short and intense storms that could cause flooding. … It follows that the establishment of such large-scale water systems was a direct response to climate change and arid conditions.”

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Israel Antiquities Authority Director Eli Escusido praised the find, calling it “one of the most impressive and significant First Temple-period remains in Jerusalem.” He added, “In recent years, Jerusalem has been revealed more than ever before, with all its periods, layers and cultures – and many surprises still await us.”

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The discovery, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, is another confirmation that the Bible stands as an accurate record of real places, people and events. As archaeological work continues, God’s Word consistently proves itself not only as a book of faith but as the inerrant historical account of His dealings with humanity.

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 J.R.R. Tolkien Estate has announced a major shift in representation bringing on the London-based agency Curtis Brown Heritage to oversee the author’s literary works. While the move is intended to preserve Tolkien’s legacy for future generations, questions remain about whether this change will help restore the deep faith that infused his writings or if major outlets like Amazon will continue steering his works into woke DEI-driven adaptations that miss the heart of his vision.

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As reported by Movieguide the estate said, “As a family we remain deeply conscious of the responsibility of looking after J.R.R. Tolkien’s literary works and legacy. We are committed to keeping his stories alive for generations to come. In Curtis Brown Heritage we have found partners who share that passion and we are delighted to be working with them.”

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Curtis Brown Heritage was launched in 2016 to manage the literary estates of influential British authors. The agency represents figures such as Douglas Adams, Iain Banks, Iris Murdoch and Stephen Spender. Its Head Noah Perkins stated, “It is a great honour and joy to be working with the Tolkien Estate to preserve and celebrate J.R.R. Tolkien’s extraordinary literary legacy and to help to bring new readers (and viewers and listeners) to his writing.” Curtis Brown Group CEO Jonny Geller added, “All of us who grew up passionate about reading have been influenced and dazzled by the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and we are committed to help to bring a new generation of readers to the enduring pleasure of these great books.”

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The Tolkien Estate still holds the rights to the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit books as well as television rights. Movie rights however were sold in 1969 and eventually landed in the hands of Swedish gaming company Embracer which has licensed them for projects like The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. The estate itself licensed Prime Video’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power which has been met with criticism from fans who argue that it distorts Tolkien’s themes and values.

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The new partnership with Curtis Brown Heritage raises the question of whether Tolkien’s work will once again be handled with the reverence it deserves or whether Hollywood will keep bending his stories to fit modern ideological trends. Will Tolkien’s enduring tales of good, evil and faith be honored or will the push for corporate agendas continue to overshadow his timeless vision?

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 assassination of Charlie Kirk has shaken the nation, not only for the loss of a bold voice but also for the disturbing reactions that have followed. Videos have surfaced of individuals mocking his murder and even celebrating it, revealing a deeper reality that goes beyond politics and culture. This is not just a clash of ideas. As the Bible warns, it is a spiritual war.

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A Spiritual War Exposed

Pastor Kap Chatfield addressed the demonic response in a recent video. “Literal demons are mocking Charlie Kirk’s death. And I don’t say that lightly,” he said, noting how the September 10 assassination exposed something unprecedented. “It is absolutely exposing not just a cultural war that we’re in, not just a political war, not a race war, but a spiritual war.”

Mockery on Campus

Chatfield reacted to one video that went viral from Texas State University. A student, who has since been expelled, mocked Kirk’s shooting by slapping his neck, pretending to fall over dead, then vaping and spitting. “If you can look in his eyes, too, you can just see that there’s something wrong there,” Chatfield said. He praised the university’s president for swiftly removing the student but warned that the broader issue is a society unable to tell the difference between free speech and speech that incites violence. “There is a massive difference between being cancelled for saying that men are men, women are women, and mocking, celebrating, trivializing, and even provoking and inciting public political violence.”

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Demonic Rejoicing

Another video showed a woman openly rejoicing in Kirk’s death, even suggesting there would be more killings to celebrate. Chatfield called the display “repulsive” and said it revealed something beyond human malice. “It’s not even her. There’s something inside of her that is absolutely saying these things. That’s not human. That is subhuman. That type of behavior.” He added that demons know scripture and may even be foreshadowing prophetic events yet to come.

Prophetic Parallels

Pointing to Matthew 24:12, Chatfield said the response to Kirk’s death shows lawlessness abounding and the love of many growing cold. He connected it to when Jesus was mocked on the cross and when prophets in scripture were despised and killed. “When righteousness dies, the world rejoices,” he warned.

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A Call to Forgive and Stand Firm

Yet in the midst of anger and grief, Chatfield urged Christians to respond as Jesus commanded. “We need to follow our Lord and Savior’s direction to forgive those who offend us, to bless those who curse us, and let revenge be the Lord’s.” He warned that bitterness and fear only give more ground to the enemy. “These demons want to intimidate you. They want to keep you silent. They want to keep you fearful so that you don’t proclaim the message of the gospel.”

Continuing Charlie Kirk’s Mission

Chatfield explains that Kirk left behind a clear legacy. “Yes, he was engaged in politics. Yes, he was engaged in civil rights, but you know what he was really about? It was the truth of the gospel.” He called believers to continue that mission with boldness, not seeking unity with the world but standing firm with Christ. “Stop trying to be unified with the world. The Bible says in the book of James, those who are friends with the world are actually enemies of God.”

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Light Versus Darkness

Charlie Kirk’s death has revealed how deep the divide runs in our culture, but as Chatfield insists, it has also revealed the real battle. This is not simply about left or right. It is about light versus darkness. It is about the kingdom of God clashing with the kingdom of Satan. And the choice for every believer is whether to shrink back in fear or press forward in 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.

Joe Kirby of Off the Kirb Ministries recently released a wide-ranging video exploring the many Christian denominations around the world. With his usual mix of humor, candor and conviction, Kirby laid out the differences between various traditions while pointing believers back to the one thing that truly matters: the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

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“I am going to get a lot of hate for saying this,” Kirby admitted, “but Jesus did tip us off to watch out for wolves in sheep’s clothing. And not everyone who says they are Christian are Christian.” Even so, his heart throughout the message was not division but unity, pointing listeners to the cross.

A Walk Through Denominations

Kirby explained that every denomination has its history, emphases and distinctives. Here is how he summarized them:

• Roman Catholicism: Largest Christian denomination with the Pope in Rome as leader. Practices include praying to saints, using the rosary, honoring Mary, confession to priests and belief that communion bread and wine truly become Christ.
• Protestantism: Prayers go directly to God, no rosary, Mary is respected but not exalted, sins confessed directly to God and communion is symbolic.
• Word of Faith / Prosperity Gospel: Centered in the U.S. and Nigeria, this movement teaches that faith can unlock blessings, wealth and health. Kirby warned against it, saying it conflicts with Jesus’ call to deny ourselves and take up our cross.
• Orthodox Christianity: Found across Greece, Russia, Eastern Europe and parts of Africa. Worship is mystical and ancient. They believe communion becomes Jesus but do not follow the Pope.
• Anglican / Episcopal: Originated in England under King Henry VIII, with wide variation from liturgical cathedrals to casual evangelical services.
• Lutheran: Began with Martin Luther’s Reformation. Focused on salvation by grace through faith and the authority of Scripture.
• Presbyterian: Rooted in John Calvin’s teaching, strong in Scotland and the U.S. Emphasizes covenant theology and infant baptism.
• Pentecostal: Known for passionate worship, speaking in tongues, miracles and revival focus. Growing rapidly across the globe.
• Amish / Anabaptist: Found mainly in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana. Value adult baptism, simplicity and separation from modern technology.
• Reformed / Calvinist: Strong in the Netherlands, South Africa and online. Emphasizes God’s sovereignty and predestination, with a focus on believers’ baptism.
• Mormon (LDS): Began with Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. Believe Jesus is separate from the Father and that people can become gods.
• Jehovah’s Witnesses: Known for door-to-door evangelism. Reject the Trinity and see Jesus as God’s first creation. Believe 144,000 will reign with Christ in heaven while others live forever on earth.
• Seventh-day Adventists: Observe Saturday Sabbath, abstain from certain foods, emphasize health and mission and focus on Christ’s soon return.
• Plymouth Brethren: Keep church simple with no paid pastors and structured gatherings.
• Quakers: Emphasize silence, inner light and peace.
• Moravians: Older than Protestants, known for music, unity and simple devotion.
• Christadelphians: Deny the Trinity, teach Jesus is God’s Son but not God Himself and await His return to rule on earth.
• Methodists: Founded by John Wesley, emphasize grace, holiness and community. Strong globally but declining in the UK.
• Progressive Christians: Not a denomination but a movement. Often reinterpret the Bible more loosely, leading to unbiblical conclusions.

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Where Kirby Stands

After listing so many denominations, Kirby finally addressed the question he often receives: what denomination does he belong to? “Even though going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car,” he said, “I believe it is crucial for our faith to be in regular fellowship with other Christians.”

He described himself as leaning Baptist with some “quirky edges,” but made it clear that his allegiance is not to a label. “There is only one denomination in heaven and it’s called the forgiven,” Kirby declared. “Not the Baptists, not the Methodists, not the Pentecostals, not the Anglicans, not the theologically sound or the most spiritual, just the forgiven. Just sinners who’ve thrown themselves on the mercy of Jesus Christ.”

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The Gospel at the Center

Kirby closed his video not with denominational debates but with a call to the heart of the Christian faith. “Jesus didn’t come to start a religion. He came to rescue the lost. And that includes me, and that includes you,” he said. Quoting Scripture, he reminded viewers, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. And the wages of sin is death. But here is the good news. The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

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For Kirby, the conclusion is simple and unifying: no matter what denomination believers belong to, what matters most is whether they have been forgiven through Jesus Christ. “At the end of the day, Christianity isn’t about climbing your way up to God through rituals and perfect theology,” he said. “It’s about a God who came down to us, who wrapped Himself up in a human skin, walked in our shoes and died in our place.”

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.