Two people died and four others were hospitalized after a private jet crash-landed on a Texas highway Tuesday night, splitting apart and bursting into flames as witnesses rushed to help those trapped inside.

Fox News reported the aircraft crashed on Texas State Highway Loop 20 in Laredo around 10 p.m. after departing from Los Cabos International Airport in Mexico and heading to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, authorities said.

Dramatic video from the scene showed the plane skidding across the highway, striking street lights and breaking apart on a concrete median before catching fire.

A desperate rescue effort unfolds after a business jet slams onto a Texas highway and catches fire.

Video shows the aircraft blocking part of Loop 20 in Laredo while first responders and civilians rush toward the burning wreckage, trying to smash cockpit windows and pull people…

— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 17, 2026

Witnesses immediately ran toward the wreckage to help survivors escape. According to reports, two bystanders used a sledgehammer and shovel to force open the aircraft door and assist passengers.

Zayra Garza, who witnessed the aftermath and shared video on social media, told The Associated Press the scene looked “like part of a movie.”

“What was worrying me was the fire,” Garza said. “I was concerned that it could have just exploded at any time.”

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Authorities initially reported one fatality before updating the death toll to two on Wednesday morning.

Jose Baeza, an investigator with the Laredo Police Department, said a vehicle traveling on the highway was partially struck by the aircraft during the crash. At least five first responders were also treated for smoke inhalation.

The identities of those aboard the aircraft have not been released. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

The aircraft was operated by NetJets, which said in a statement that it is cooperating with authorities.

As we await answers, let us pray for the families who lost loved ones, for the survivors recovering from their injuries and for the first responders who courageously answered the call in the midst of this tragedy.

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at 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 media@.

As America approaches its 250th birthday, Christian leaders are warning that declining biblical literacy is accelerating the nation’s moral and cultural decline.

During Israel365’s “Open the Book: A National Conversation on Biblical Literacy” on June 14, speakers pointed to troubling research showing that while 66% of Americans identify as Christian, only 4% hold a biblical worldview.

“That foundation is cracking,” Rabbi Pesach Wolicki said. “That foundation is under attack.”

Wolicki added that many Americans own Bibles but lack a basic understanding of Scripture.

“They’re holding a book that they no longer know,” he said.

‘We Lost the Balance’

Troy Miller, president and CEO of the National Religious Broadcasters, said churches bear much of the responsibility for the decline.

He argued that many congregations shifted away from discipleship and deep Bible teaching in favor of seeker-sensitive models.

“We lost the balance,” Miller said.

“Bible literacy or illiteracy is behind so many of the social ills we’re seeing today.”

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‘Silence in the Pulpit’

Pastor Jim Garlow, founder of Well Versed, said biblical illiteracy has been compounded by pastors who avoid addressing cultural issues through Scripture.

“It never goes in neutral. It goes to something else,” Garlow said.

Citing research showing many pastors believe the Bible speaks to modern moral issues but decline to address them publicly, Garlow added, “Therein lay the problem.”

“There’s been silence in the pulpit. It’s catastrophic.”

Support for Israel

Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, said declining support for Israel is one consequence of America’s fading biblical knowledge.

The trend is “the fruition of seeds that were planted decades ago,” Perkins said.

Referencing biblical accounts of Abraham, David and Jeremiah acquiring land in Israel, Perkins argued that Scripture provides a clear historical foundation for the Jewish connection to the land.

“If we understood our Bible as Christians,” Perkins said, “we could not go along with what is being advocated by the UN and others.”

Building the Next Generation

Pastor Stephen Martin shared how his church responded by creating a yearlong Bible-reading initiative and a classical Christian school.

Recalling a lesson from a rabbi in Israel, Martin said, “Most nations build monuments. The Jewish people don’t do that. We build schools.”

“It’s the best thing we’ve ever done as a church,” he added.

As the summit concluded, Wolicki urged attendees to remain committed to Scripture.

“Keep the book open,” he said. “This is not the end of the conversation. It is the start of one.”

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at 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 media@.

Conservative commentator Glenn Beck and Bible teacher Bill Cloud are warning Christians not to confuse opposition to Western secularism with biblical truth, arguing that a growing fascination with Russia among some believers is leading many down a dangerous path.

Beck, who is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has often drawn criticism from Christians over theological differences. Nevertheless, his warning about spiritual deception and misplaced trust in political powers deserves consideration on its own merits.

During a recent discussion, Beck addressed claims that Russia has become a defender of Christianity while the United States continues its moral decline.

“Our culture is evil. I think it’s pumping out poison,” Beck said. “We have to become people of God.”

At the same time, Beck rejected the idea that Christians should look to Russia as a model for spiritual renewal.

“I don’t need to go to somebody who is telling us like Alexander Dugin, is Russia, is aligned with Iran,” he said.

Russia, Iran and the ‘Restrainer’

Much of the conversation focused on Russian philosopher Alexander Dugin and his interpretation of the biblical concept known as the “Katechon,” or restrainer, mentioned by the apostle Paul in 2 Thessalonians.

Cloud explained that the term refers to “he who restrains or he’s holding back,” preventing the full revelation of the “man of sin” until God’s appointed time.

According to Cloud, Dugin applies that role to Russia.

“He is apparently applying the role of catacon or the restrainer to Russia, to his vision of what Russia should be, that they are a God-ordained instrument,” Cloud said.

Cloud said Dugin’s worldview portrays Russia and its allies as a force destined to overcome the West and Israel.

The concern, Cloud said, is that many Christians are embracing those ideas without testing them against Scripture.

“A lot of Christians just really don’t know what the scripture says, quite honestly,” he said. “A lot of people don’t take the time to study it.”

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Gog and Magog Connections

The discussion also turned to Ezekiel 38 and 39, which describe the future invasion of Israel by a coalition led by Gog of Magog.

Cloud said Dugin’s vision of a Russia-led alliance working alongside Islamic nations mirrors interpretations of Ezekiel 38 and 39 held by many Bible prophecy teachers.

“When I saw this and that there’s this man who’s pushing this ideology and philosophy, supposedly even to Putin, and how Russia’s destiny is to be the catacomb and to put down the west and to put down Israel etc., that’s what I really thought maybe there might be something to this Russia being allied with these Islamic nations coming into the mountains of Israel,” Cloud said.

He added that Ezekiel’s prophecy ends with the destruction of the invading force.

The Greatest End-Times Warning

While much of the discussion centered on geopolitics, both men repeatedly returned to what they described as the Bible’s primary end-times warning: deception.

Cloud pointed to Jesus’ words in Matthew 24.

“He leads off with this one: don’t be deceived,” Cloud said. “Deception, you know, don’t be deceived. It keeps popping up.”

Beck argued that believers should prepare for increasing confusion in the years ahead.

“We just have to stay close to the Lord,” Beck said.

The discussion serves as a reminder that discernment remains essential. Whether examining Russia, Iran, Gog and Magog, or any other prophetic headline, Scripture warns that deception will be one of the defining characteristics of the last days.

America faces profound moral and spiritual challenges. The question is whether we will look to Christ or to earthly powers for what only God can provide. As prophetic speculation intensifies and geopolitical alliances continue to shift, we are called to test every ideology, political movement and prophetic claim against the Word of God.

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at 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 media@.

The question of whether people are born gay remains one of the most debated topics in both the church and culture.

During a recent conversation with podcaster Ruslan KD, former gay men and Christian leaders Reginald Robinson and Zaire Willis offered a nuanced response rooted in their understanding of Scripture, human brokenness and the process of sanctification.

Robinson said the discussion must begin with humanity’s fallen condition.

“I think many of us agree that we are all born into a sin nature,” Robinson said. “When Adam fell, humanity fell. We all fell. And so we were born inheriting that sin nature.”

He distinguished between what he called a “sin nature” and “sin expressions,” describing homosexuality as one of many ways a fallen nature can manifest itself.

“Nobody gets to go to the sin market and choose what sin they’re going to have,” Robinson said.

While noting that Scripture does not explicitly state that someone can be born gay, Robinson said he believes some people may be born with a predisposition toward same-sex attraction.

“We’ve journeyed with over 100 men and we realize that though that may be a familiar story for many, it’s not the story for all,” he said. “There are some who were never abused. There are some who have families in their lives. There were some who were raised in church, raised to love God, they were trained up in the right way, but all of a sudden this expression came out of nowhere.”

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At the same time, Robinson rejected the idea that such attractions reflect God’s original design.

“What we’re not saying is that this is God’s divine design,” he said. “We’re not saying that God made you this way. We’re saying that this is due to the fallen nature.”

Willis said the church has often overlooked people whose experiences do not fit common explanations centered on trauma or family dysfunction.

“One of the disservices that we’ve done in this conversation is ignore the one who says, ‘I have never been abused. I don’t have trauma. Both my parents are in the household,'” Willis said.

However, he emphasized that the book’s central message is not about proving how someone became same-sex attracted.

“No matter how you believe you were born, we are all called to be born again,” Willis said.

Addressing the question of whether same-sex attraction always disappears after conversion, Willis said experiences vary. While some report immediate freedom, he said many believers experience transformation through a longer process of sanctification.

“It’s not that the temptation goes away. It’s not that the pull goes away. It’s that you now are able to say no to a thing that you couldn’t say no to before,” Willis said.

He added that the ultimate goal of the Christian life is not heterosexuality but obedience to Christ.

“The goal is not heterosexuality. The goal is not to have a wife and children. The goal is submission to Christ. The goal is holiness,” Robinson added.

For both men, the debate ultimately points beyond sexual identity and toward the transforming work of Jesus Christ.

“No matter how you believe you were born,” Willis said, “we are all called to be born again.”

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at 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 media@.

Nicki Minaj says the biggest battles of her career were never merely professional.

During a recent conversation on Bryce Crawford’s podcast, the rap superstar spoke candidly about faith, spiritual warfare, leaving church after becoming famous and what she sees as the darker realities operating behind the scenes of the entertainment industry.

“It was like constant spiritual warfare,” Minaj said.

The Grammy-nominated artist described entering the music business with enthusiasm and optimism, believing the industry was built on mutual support and shared success.

“I thought everyone just roots for each other and really wants each other to win,” she said.

That perception changed over time.

Minaj said she began noticing patterns of territorial behavior, power struggles and efforts to control opportunities within the industry.

“I started realizing people are really vindictive in this industry,” she said.

“If you don’t get money with one person or a specific people, they don’t want you to get money at all.”

She said those experiences reshaped her understanding of the entertainment world.

“It started feeling like everyone wanted to stake their claim into human beings like they were property,” Minaj said.

“If you didn’t abide by their rules or put money in their pocket, they would actively try to stop you from making money, to feed your family, from prospering in the industry that you love.”

The realization was jarring.

“Oh my gosh, what did I sign up for?” she recalled thinking.

Minaj described the environment as more than a business challenge.

“It was a spiritual experience,” she said.

“I felt like I brought a knife to a gunfight.”

The rapper also expressed concern about the broader cultural influence of the entertainment industry, particularly on younger generations.

“Well, it sure isn’t driving people to God,” she said.

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According to Minaj, much of modern entertainment revolves around materialism, image and external validation.

“It definitely isn’t making people want God more,” she said.

She pointed to social media culture as an extension of the same problem, warning that constant comparison can leave people feeling inadequate.

“That’s what I think is very demonic about the industry as a whole,” Minaj said. “It makes people feel that they’re never enough.”

The conversation also turned toward faith and how her relationship with God evolved as her fame increased.

Before becoming a household name, Minaj attended church regularly and often went by herself simply to hear biblical teaching.

“I loved church so much,” she said.

That changed once her career exploded.

Working late nights and traveling made regular attendance difficult. At the same time, fame made anonymity nearly impossible.

“When you go to a church, people will stare at you,” Minaj said.

“It takes away that feeling of just you and God.”

She described church as a place where believers should be able to set aside public identity and focus entirely on worship.

“You don’t want to feel like your stage name when you’re in church,” she said. “You want to just feel like it’s you, the actual person.”

Despite those challenges, Minaj said her faith remains central to her life.

“What a relationship with God does is it changes the worldly system,” she said.

“The world tells people that they should care about their validation.”

Her perspective now is markedly different.

“When you have a relationship with God, the only thing you care about is, ‘Is God pleased with me?'”

Toward the end of the interview, Crawford asked Minaj a question that has followed celebrities and entertainers for decades: Is the Illuminati real?

Minaj declined to endorse popular conspiracy theories but acknowledged facing opposition she believes went beyond ordinary industry politics.

“There definitely is a group of people that have made things very difficult for me,” she said.

“I always was looking at it as if this was a personal issue, that one person didn’t really like me and they happened to be in a powerful position.”

While she stopped short of identifying any specific organization, she did not hesitate when discussing the spiritual dimension of those struggles.

“Has it been spiritual warfare? Absolutely.”

The answer to those battles is not retaliation but dependence on God.

Throughout the interview, she repeatedly returned to prayer, humility and discernment as essential safeguards in a culture she believes often pushes people away from faith.

“When you have a relationship with God, you only care about, ‘Is God pleased with me?'” she said.

And despite the pressures of fame, influence and public scrutiny, Minaj said that remains the question guiding her life today.

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at 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 media@.

Two Christians can sit in the same church, sing the same worship songs, hear the same sermons and read the same Bible.

One grows stronger year after year. The other remains trapped in the same cycles of frustration, fear and spiritual stagnation.

According to John and Lisa Bevere, the difference is not personality, talent, education or opportunity.

It is faith.

During a recent episode of their podcast, the Beveres argued that faith is the dividing line between believers who flourish and those who remain stuck. More importantly, they said faith is not about getting things from God. It is about partnering with Him to fulfill His purposes and destroy the works of the enemy.

“Faith is foundational,” Lisa Bevere said. “This is not something attached to a particular denomination. Faith is foundational. It is part of being a child of God.”

The Invisible Divide

Many Christians assume spiritual passion is what separates an on-fire believer from a lukewarm one.

The Beveres challenged that assumption.

Hebrews 11:6 declares that “without faith it is impossible to please God.” That means faith is not an optional addition to the Christian life. It is the foundation beneath it.

John Bevere described faith as more than positive thinking or religious optimism.

“Faith is rooted in the spoken word of God, not just something we decide to speak,” he said.

That distinction matters.

Faith, he explained, does not begin with human desire. It begins with God speaking. Abraham believed because God promised descendants as numerous as the stars. Blind Bartimaeus cried out because he believed Jesus was the Messiah. The woman with the issue of blood pressed through the crowd because she believed touching Christ would change everything.

Their faith was anchored in who God is and what He had revealed.

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Why the Enemy Isn’t Threatened by Religious Activity

The Beveres repeatedly returned to one theme: the enemy is not intimidated by religious routine.

Faith is what threatens the kingdom of darkness.

Lisa Bevere pointed to 1 John 3:8, which says Jesus was manifested “to destroy the works of the evil one.”

Faith connects believers to that mission.

“Faith in Him, not faith in self, not faith in speaking things multiple times and manifesting,” Lisa Bevere said.

The couple warned against confusing biblical faith with modern manifestation teachings. While both emphasize speaking, John Bevere said the source is entirely different.

“Manifesting say, ‘Hey, whatever you want, speak it,'” he said. “But I’m looking at Jesus and says, ‘I don’t say anything unless I hear my Father saying it.'”

Biblical faith, they argued, is not about creating a preferred future through repetition. It is about agreeing with God and acting on what He has spoken.

The People Who Refused to Stay Quiet

Some of the most powerful examples of faith in Scripture came from people who refused to let obstacles silence them.

Blind Bartimaeus continued shouting for Jesus even as the crowd told him to be quiet.

The woman with the issue of blood pushed through social barriers and public shame to reach Him.

The Syrophoenician woman refused to leave after being ignored and challenged.

Each received the same response.

“Your faith has made you well.”

Lisa Bevere said the lesson remains relevant today.

“We have a world telling you to be quiet. We have a world telling you faith doesn’t work. We have a world saying, ‘Do it in your own strength. Be your own God,'” she said.

“But he didn’t argue with the people. He continued to cry out to Jesus because he knew Jesus was the answer.”

The Difference Between Stuck and Flourishing

Every believer has been given a measure of faith, but that faith must be cultivated through God’s Word and exercised through obedience.

The issue is not whether God is willing to work.

The issue is whether believers will trust Him enough to act on what He says.

“Faith comes by reading the word of God,” Lisa Bevere said. “You’re not going to get faith by even—I mean, we want to stir you, but we want to stir you to get into the word of God and to listen to what the Spirit of God is highlighting.”

Two Christians may sit in the same church and hear the same message.

One leaves encouraged.

The other leaves transformed.

The difference is faith—faith that hears God’s voice, believes His promises and refuses to stay silent when everything else says to give up.

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at 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 media@.

The story of Naaman’s healing in 2 Kings 5 is one of the most familiar miracles in Scripture. A powerful military commander afflicted with leprosy follows the prophet Elisha’s instructions, dips seven times in the Jordan River and emerges completely healed.

But Kelly K says the chapter contains far more than a healing story.

In a recent teaching, Kelly highlighted 10 often-overlooked truths woven throughout the account, arguing that the chapter exposes the dangers of pride, the power of humility and the surprising ways God works through ordinary people and unexpected circumstances.

Here are the 10 hidden gems he found in the story.

1. Naaman’s Real Problem Wasn’t Leprosy

Kelly began by challenging the common assumption that Naaman’s greatest issue was his disease.

“Naaman’s problem wasn’t leprosy. It was success.”

He pointed to the opening verses, which reveal that Naaman was already a victorious commander whom God had used to secure military victories for Aram.

“So many people assume success equals God’s approval,” Kelly said. “Naaman was successful, powerful. He was wealthy, even well-respected, and still dying.”

According to Kelly, failure often drives people to seek God, but success can convince them they don’t need Him.

“The greatest crisis in a person’s life isn’t failure. It’s succeeding while sick.”

2. The Smallest Person Saw the Situation Most Clearly

The breakthrough in Naaman’s story began with a servant girl taken captive from Israel.

Kelly noted that while kings, generals and military leaders had no answers, the young servant immediately knew where healing could be found.

“Everyone with power was confused, and the powerless servant knew exactly what to do.”

He said the contrast reveals an important spiritual principle.

“God will often hide revelation in places that pride refuses to look.”

The servant girl possessed no influence, but she carried insight that changed the course of the entire story.

“Naaman had armies. The little girl had insight. Now, you tell me which is more valuable.”

3. Naaman Arrived Carrying What He Didn’t Need

When Naaman traveled to Israel, he brought silver, gold, clothing and official letters.

Kelly said those items revealed his misunderstanding of how God works.

“Naaman packed for a transaction. God was preparing for a transformation.”

The commander assumed healing would come through payment or negotiation.

“Naaman showed up thinking, ‘Name the price.’ And Elisha responds with, ‘There isn’t one.'”

Kelly said the miracle forced Naaman to confront a truth that still challenges people today.

“The miracle begins when Naaman starts to understand you can’t buy what you need most.”

4. The Servant Girl Had More Faith Than the King

One of the most striking contrasts in the chapter appears when Israel’s king receives Naaman’s request.

Rather than responding with confidence, the king panics.

“A pagan servant girl says, ‘God can handle this.’ But the king of God’s people says, ‘Am I God?'”

Kelly said the moment demonstrates that position and faith are not the same thing.

“Position and faith are not the same thing. Title and trust are not the same thing.”

He added that spiritual expectancy is often found in unexpected places.

“Sometimes, it’s the newest believer in the room who expects more from God than people in the pews the last 30 years.”

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5. Naaman Wanted a Spectacle, but God Required Humility

Naaman expected Elisha to personally appear, call down power from heaven and perform a dramatic miracle.

Instead, Elisha sent a messenger with simple instructions.

Kelly said the command offended Naaman because it contradicted his expectations.

“He literally says, ‘I thought he would certainly come out to meet me.'”

Those words reveal a common spiritual obstacle.

“The single greatest obstacle to hearing God is often our pre-written script for how God is supposed to act.”

Kelly said Naaman was not upset because God failed to respond.

“Naaman wasn’t angry because God was silent. He was angry because God didn’t follow his script.”

6. The Miracle Was Hidden in What Naaman Despised

Naaman objected to washing in the Jordan River because he viewed the rivers of Damascus as superior.

Kelly argued that the issue wasn’t really water quality.

“He’s talking about identity.”

The Jordan represented Israel, the very thing Naaman’s pride resisted.

“Naaman’s healing was hidden inside the very thing his pride despised.”

Kelly noted that Scripture repeatedly shows God placing solutions in overlooked places.

“Miracle wasn’t hidden in what he admired, it was hidden in what he dismissed.”

7. Don’t Stop on Six

Kelly called this one of the most powerful lessons in the entire chapter.

Although Naaman dipped seven times, Scripture never says his healing came gradually.

“The text never says he got a little better each dip. It simply says, ‘After the seventh, he was restored.'”

Kelly encouraged viewers to imagine the frustration of climbing out of the river after six unsuccessful attempts.

“Can you even imagine what dip number six must have felt like? Leprosy still there, still waiting, still wondering, still looking foolish to everybody else.”

The lesson, he said, is one of perseverance.

“The breakthrough normally shows up after a long season of nothing happening.”

Then came the statement that anchored the entire point.

“Do not stop on six.”

Kelly added that what appears to be failure may actually be progress.

“The first six dips look like failure. The seventh just revealed they were all progress.”

8. Naaman Didn’t Just Get Healed—He Was Restored

After the seventh dip, Naaman’s skin became like that of a young child.

Kelly said the miracle went far beyond the removal of disease.

“Naaman didn’t just get healed. He got restored.”

The imagery points toward something deeper than physical healing.

“Leprosy had made him old. Healing made him young.”

Kelly connected the transformation to the broader biblical theme of becoming like a child before God.

“A miracle wasn’t just cleansing. It was a picture of being born again.”

9. The Real Leprosy Changed Owners

By the end of the chapter, Naaman was healed, but Elisha’s servant Gehazi became afflicted with leprosy after acting out of greed.

Kelly described the conclusion as a dramatic reversal.

“At the start of the story, Naaman had leprosy. At the end, however, Gehazi has leprosy.”

The contrast highlights the difference between humility and selfish ambition.

“One man lost it through humility and another receives it through greed.”

Kelly said the chapter repeatedly overturns expectations.

“Naaman starts dirty and becomes clean. Gehazi starts clean and becomes dirty.”

10. The Story Begins and Ends With Servants

Kelly observed that the chapter is framed by two servants who take radically different paths.

The servant girl directs someone toward healing. Gehazi directs himself toward judgment.

“Same position, different heart.”

The contrast serves as the final challenge of the chapter.

“One serves selflessly. One serves selfishly. One becomes part of a miracle and one becomes the warning.”

Kelly said the Holy Spirit intentionally structured the story this way.

“The Holy Spirit bookends this entire story with two servants and then asks, ‘Which one is you?'”

A Final Thought

Kelly closed with an additional observation that ties the entire chapter together.

“Naaman’s healing was waiting in Israel the entire time.”

The prophet was already there. The Jordan River was already there. The power of God was already there.

“The only thing that had to move was Naaman.”

Taken together, the lessons of 2 Kings 5 reveal a consistent pattern. God opposes pride but responds to humility. He hides answers in places people overlook. He works through unlikely individuals. He calls people to obedience before they see results.

Most importantly, the story reminds believers not to quit before the seventh dip. What appears to be a season of silence may actually be preparation for a breakthrough that is closer than it seems.

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at 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 media@.

The U.S. Men’s National Team earned a convincing 4-1 FIFA World Cup victory over Paraguay, but it was a postgame prayer led by Christian athletes on the field that is drawing attention far beyond the scoreboard.

Moments after the World Cup win at SoFi Stadium, players gathered in a circle, placed their arms around one another and bowed their heads in prayer, as reported by Breitbart. Defender Mark McKenzie led the moment as more than 70,000 fans celebrated around them.

The entire USMNT squad joined in for the postgame prayer after their World Cup victory over Paraguay. 🙏🇺🇸

Mark McKenzie led the prayer.

— Sports Spectrum (@Sports_Spectrum) June 13, 2026

The scene quickly spread across social media and sparked conversations about Christian faith, prayer and the role of Jesus Christ on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages.

The FIFA World Cup is the most-watched sporting event on the planet. Billions of viewers follow World Cup matches across television, streaming platforms and social media. Every match creates opportunities for athletes to influence audiences that stretch far beyond their home countries.

That reality makes the U.S. Men’s National Team’s public prayer noteworthy.

The players could have spent the moment celebrating themselves after a major World Cup victory. Instead, they publicly acknowledged God before a global audience.

The response resonated with many fans online.

“May the testimony of Jesus Christ and His Gospel run throughout the entire world because of FIFA!” one social media user wrote.

Another added, “This is what I want to see. Seeking God and giving thanks to him.”

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The reaction highlights the growing visibility of Christian athletes in professional sports. From the NFL and Major League Baseball to international soccer, more athletes are openly discussing their Christian faith and relationship with Jesus Christ.

McKenzie has been one of the most outspoken Christians on the U.S. Men’s National Team. According to Premier Christianity, he frequently shares his faith and carries a Bible with him.

“God is my everything,” McKenzie said. “He is the one I depend on for everything. He is the one who knows, knew all, yet still gives his all for me and requires so little.”

McKenzie is joined by several other Christian athletes on the U.S. roster, including Chris Richards, Weston McKennie, Matt Freese and Christian Pulisic.

As representatives of the United States on one of the largest stages in the world, the players sent a message that reached far beyond the boundaries of sport. In a tournament watched by billions across nations, languages and cultures, members of the U.S. Men’s National Team chose to publicly give glory to God following one of the biggest victories of their careers.

The FIFA World Cup places athletes before a global audience that few people will ever experience. In that moment, America’s soccer team demonstrated that achievement and gratitude are not mutually exclusive. Their postgame prayer served as a visible reminder that even amid international competition, national pride and personal success, honor belongs first to God. As the eyes of the world watched, the representatives of the United States set a standard that transcended soccer by publicly acknowledging the One who made every opportunity possible.

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at 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 media@.

Steven Spielberg’s new film Disclosure Day opened at No. 1 at the box office, earning approximately $44 million domestically and nearly $93 million worldwide during its opening weekend.

The film centers on the release of hidden information regarding UFOs, extraterrestrials and decades of government secrecy. During promotion for the film, Spielberg framed the discussion in explicitly spiritual terms.

“What does this do to the fundamental beliefs that many of us have?” Spielberg asked.

He followed with another question.

“Is God our God only on this planet? Or is God a God for every system where there’s civilization, intelligent life, and even developing life?”

Those questions strike at the heart of a battle that began long before modern discussions of UFOs and disclosure.

The Bible reveals that the struggle over truth, authority, worship and the destiny of humanity began in Eden and continues today.

The Seed War Begins in Genesis

The foundation for understanding the modern disclosure movement begins in Genesis 3.

After Adam and Eve fell into sin, God pronounced judgment upon the serpent and declared:

“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel” (Gen. 3:15).

This passage contains the first prophecy of Jesus Christ and establishes what is often called the Seed War. Throughout Scripture, Satan attempts to corrupt God’s creation, destroy God’s covenant people and prevent the arrival of the promised Messiah.

The battle unfolds throughout the Old Testament and reaches its fulfillment in Jesus Christ’s victory at the cross (Col. 2:15).

The conflict does not end there. Scripture reveals that Satan continues to wage war against God’s purposes until his final judgment (Rev. 12:17; Rev. 20:10).

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Genesis 6 and the Corruption of Humanity

One of the most controversial passages in Scripture appears in Genesis 6.

“There were giants on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men and they bore children to them. These were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown” (Gen. 6:4).

The New Testament provides additional insight into this event.

Jude describes angels “who did not keep within their own domain, but abandoned their proper dwelling” and were subsequently bound in chains awaiting judgment (Jude 6).

Peter refers to the same rebellion when he writes that God “did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness” (2 Peter 2:4).

Both Jude and Peter connect this angelic rebellion to the days of Noah (Jude 6-7; 2 Peter 2:4-5).

These passages reveal a supernatural corruption of humanity before the Flood. The fallen angels described by Jude and Peter correspond to the rebellion recorded in Genesis 6.

While the book of Enoch is not part of the biblical canon, Jude’s citation of Enoch (Jude 14-15) demonstrates that portions of its historical account reflected realities known to the early church. Jude and Peter affirm that a specific group of angels rebelled, crossed a boundary established by God and now remain imprisoned awaiting final judgment.

Let us not forget the words of Jesus either. He warns us in Matthew 24:37:

As were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Why specifically does the Messiah warn us about the Days of Noah? What was the source of the violence, rebellion, pride, immorality and warfare against the ways of God?

The short answer: The fallen angels and their offspring, the Nephilim. This is not a conspiracy theory or fiction; it is the Word of God warning us about the coming Great Deception that is known in our day and age as ‘full disclosure.’

The Giants Continue After the Flood

Genesis 6 states that giants existed “in those days, and also afterward” (Gen. 6:4).

The Old Testament repeatedly records encounters with giant clans.

When Israel entered Canaan, they encountered the Anakim, Rephaim and other giant peoples (Num. 13:33; Deut. 2:10-11; Deut. 3:11).

The most famous giant was Goliath of Gath (1 Sam. 17:4).

After David killed Goliath, the conflict continued.

Scripture records additional battles against giants, including four descendants connected to Gath who were ultimately killed by David’s mighty men (2 Sam. 21:15-22).

These encounters form part of the larger biblical narrative of spiritual warfare that stretches from Genesis to Revelation.

Disclosure and the Counterfeit End-Times Narrative

The modern disclosure movement presents a comprehensive explanation for humanity’s origins, spiritual experiences and future destiny.

It promotes advanced non-human intelligences, hidden knowledge, cosmic evolution and consciousness ascension.

The narrative offers an alternative spiritual roadmap for humanity.

This message now permeates movies, television, streaming content, documentaries, books, podcasts, social media and government discussions surrounding unidentified aerial phenomena.

The cultural shift is not random.

It is preparing people to interpret supernatural events through an extraterrestrial framework.

The disclosure narrative provides explanations for miracles, angels, divine encounters, creation and the future that redirect attention away from biblical revelation.

The result is predictive programming for the end times.

A generation is being trained to expect supernatural intervention from advanced beings rather than from the God of Scripture.

The strategy mirrors Satan’s activity throughout the Bible. In Eden, he questioned God’s Word (Gen. 3:1). In the wilderness, he twisted Scripture while tempting Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11). In the last days, he continues presenting counterfeit versions of God’s truth.

The Strong Delusion

Paul warned that the rise of the Antichrist would be accompanied by unprecedented supernatural deception.

“The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders” (2 Thess. 2:9).

Paul continued by warning that those who reject the truth will embrace “the lie” during a period of strong delusion (2 Thess. 2:10-11).

The final deception will involve genuine supernatural manifestations empowered by Satan.

Jesus issued similar warnings.

“For false christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders, so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Matt. 24:24).

The last days will be marked by extraordinary deception, supernatural signs and widespread spiritual confusion.

The promise of ascension, a new consciousness. To be like God. The same empty promises that Satan used to bring sin into the world at the Garden of Eden.

Scripture repeatedly calls us to vigilance, discernment and faithfulness.

Put On the Whole Armor of God

Because the battle is spiritual, believers must be spiritually equipped.

Paul instructed Christians to “put on the whole armor of God” in order to stand against the schemes of the devil (Eph. 6:11).

He further explained that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12).

Our response to deception is not fear. It is discernment grounded in Scripture, prayer, faith and obedience to Jesus Christ.

The Prophetic Clock Is Accelerating

The prophetic signs Jesus described continue appearing across the world.

Israel stands at the center of global events exactly as foretold by the prophets (Zech. 12:2-3).

Renewed attention to the red heifer and preparations for Temple service has intensified interest in biblical prophecy (Num. 19; Ezek. 40-48).

Wars and rumors of wars continue across multiple regions (Matt. 24:6).

Earthquakes occur with increasing frequency around the globe (Matt. 24:7).

Spiritual deception continues expanding throughout society (Matt. 24:11).

Paul’s warning about people departing from the faith unfolds before our eyes (1 Tim. 4:1).

The prophetic picture revealed in Scripture is coming into sharper focus with each passing day.

The discussion surrounding disclosure ultimately leads back to the same questions humanity has faced since Eden.

Who created mankind? Who defines truth? Who deserves worship? Who determines humanity’s future?

Scripture provides clear answers to each question.

Jesus Christ is the Creator (John 1:1-3; Col. 1:16).

Jesus Christ is the Truth (John 14:6).

Jesus Christ is the King who will return to rule and reign (Rev. 19:11-16).

As fascination with disclosure continues growing, believers are called to remain anchored in God’s Word, discerning the times and looking toward the blessed hope of Christ’s return (Titus 2:13).

“For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord comes as a thief in the night” (1 Thess. 5:2).

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at 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 media@.

Pastor Josh Howerton says one of the biggest theological battles today is not coming from outside the church, but from public figures who use biblical language while redefining what Scripture teaches.

In a recent video, the pastor of Lakepointe Church responded to comments from Texas state Rep. James Talarico, who said Jesus never asked people to worship Him.

Howerton rejected the claim and pointed to the book of Revelation, where Christ receives worship and is presented as the object of worship throughout eternity.

“This is not me being mean or exaggerating. He’s an actual heretic,” Howerton said. “Like a biblically defined false teacher and heretic.”

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Howerton said Talarico’s statement ignores passages in Revelation that depict Jesus, the Lamb of God, seated on the throne as countless believers bow before Him in worship.

The pastor said many people embrace an incomplete picture of Jesus that focuses on His earthly ministry while overlooking what Scripture says about His future reign. Revelation presents Christ as King of Kings and Lord of Lords who will rule His kingdom and judge the nations.

Howerton also criticized what he sees as a growing trend of politicians using Scripture to persuade Christians while promoting ideas that conflict with biblical teaching.

“This is the first guy I’ve ever seen whose, really his whole platform is using the Bible to convince Christians to support godless things,” he said.

The exchange highlights a broader issue facing believers: biblical literacy.

Howerton urged Christians to read the entirety of Scripture rather than relying on social media clips, political messaging or popular sound bites. He said a strong understanding of the Bible helps believers recognize false teaching and remain grounded in the truth of God’s Word.

As debates over faith continue in the public square, Howerton said Christians must test every claim against Scripture and remain anchored to the full biblical picture of Jesus Christ.

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at 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 media@.