Stuart Epperson Sr., who spent decades involved in the National Religious Broadcasters organization and played a key role in the formation of NRBTV, died Monday, July 17, in his sleep at the age of 86.

A broadcasting pioneer, Epperson spent lengthy tenures on the NRB Executive Committee and its Board of Directors and served in membership in the President’s Council. He was inducted into the NRB Hall of Fame in 2009.

The NRB website said of Epperson’s standing in the Hall of Fame: “The NRB Hall of Fame stands as a witness for today’s Christian communicators—a showcase of warriors for Christ who live exemplary lives of valor and compassion, blazing trails and leaving paths for succeeding generations to follow. The Hall of Fame award is NRB’s most prestigious award and is presented to an individual NRB member for invaluable contribution to the field of Christian communications, exhibition of the highest standards, and evidence of faithfulness in Christ.”

“Stu’s contributions to the field of Christian broadcasting cannot be overstated,” NRB President & CEO Troy A. Miller said. “He touched countless lives with his unwavering commitment to Christian communications excellence and using the airwaves to advance the truth. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones and to the Salem Media family at this time.”

Epperson served as the chairman emeritus of the Salem Media Group.

“Stuart will be greatly missed by many,” Ed Atsinger, Epperson’s brother-in-law and the executive chairman of the Salem Media Group told the Winston-Salem Journal. “I will miss him, but I take comfort in realizing that he is already receiving his reward for a life well-lived.”

Epperson’s broadcasting exploits allowed him a place in Time Magazine’s list of America’s Most 25 Influential Evangelicals.

Epperson bought his first radio station in 1961 in Roanoke, Virginia. In 1964, he and his wife, Nancy, moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where he bought and operated WKBX, which he ran as a country-and-western station until he sold it in 1976.

In 1974, he partnered with Atsinger to establish Salem Communications, now now as Salem Media Group, which became America’s leading multimedia company specializing in Christian and conservative content.

The company owned stations from New York to California, focusing on a Christian inspirational format feature music, Bible teaching and talk, the Winston-Salem Journal wrote.

The company’s variety of media content reaches millions through broadcast, digital media and publishing platforms. {eoa}

Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!

Shawn A. Akers is the online editor at Charisma Media.

For those who are skeptical about Bible prophecy coming true in these end times, you might want to read your Bible, then check out these legitimate news reports.

In Isaiah 41:18, the Lord says, “I will open rivers in high places and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water and the dry land springs of water.”

In January 2023, after two weeks of heavy rainfall, in the eastern part of the Qassim region, the Wadi Al-Rummah River valleys in Saudi Arabia with a length of about 600 kilometers, began to overflow with water. Sharajah24 News reported that the region had been “almost dried up for years and partly blocked by encroaching sand dunes.”

BNN, a news organization that operates in 200 markets, reported that the Wadi overflowed in 1838, forming a 200-square-mile lake that lasted two years and attracted water birds unseen in the valley.

The occurrence in Saudi Arabia isn’t the only fulfillment of Bible prophecy through global weather events that has taken place in recent times.

The Euphrates River, the most critical river in the Middle East that flows through Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran, is continually drying up from years of droughts, misuse of water and a decline of imports into Iraq from neighboring countries.

Revelation 16:12 reads, “The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great Euphrates River, and its water has dried up, to prepare the way for the kings from the East.

One website, the Center for Strategic & International Studies, calls the Euphrates River a “cradle of civilization” and says the human impact on the environment could be driving it to destruction and is forcing people to leave a placed they have called home for thousands of years.

In July 2021, Ark of Grace co-founder Amanda Grace accurately prophesied the 5.9 magnitude earthquake that hit Australia two months later. Grace said at the time, “And says the Spirit of the Lord tis day a great earthquake shall hit this world, when the Jewish feasts speak…”

The Jewish feasts are in the Gregorian calendar’s month of September.

The country of Syria has a great investment in the Euphrates as the river meets 85% of that country’s agricultural demand for water. But low water levels have combined with poor quality of water to generate multiple crises, including famine and an outbreak of cholera that has been ongoing since September 2022.

Another devastating weather phenomenon happened in Pakistan in 2022, and many wonder if it is also tied to biblical prophecy. More than one million homes were been destroyed and at least 1,100 people died when massive flooding began overwhelming the country in June 2022.

Record heat has overwhelmed the United States this summer as record temperatures continue to be set. Second Peter 3:10 conveys, “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat. The earth also and the works that are in it will be burned up.”

In January 2023, Christianprophecyblog.org proclaimed, “What are we witnessing happening all around the world today? All sorts of weather calamities: out-of-control hurricanes, record numbers of tornadoes, increasing earthquakes, devastating floods and destructive forest fires. These disasters are occurring more and more frequently and causing greater and greater damage with each passing year.”

Nature has clearly been getting out of hand and it’s continually getting worse. {eoa}

Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!

Shawn A. Akers is the online editor at Charisma Media.

So, you think you’ve got it rough living as a Christian in these end times, when God is either considered the enemy or isn’t considered at all?

Ponder the incredible challenges believers faced in the infant stages of Christianity—especially living under the rule of the Roman Empire, one of the most brutal and unforgiving regimes ever. Yet also consider that, despite the heavy persecution, Christianity grew and spread and brought hope through Christ to future generations.

Being a Christian during the days of the Roman Empire brought many challenges:

They knew great persecution – Especially from some, but not all of the 54 Roman emperors between AD 30 and 311. The emperor Nero especially hated Christians, blaming them for the Great Fire of Rome. That led to many crucifixions, Christians being burned alive and also thrown to the lions. When Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity, the persecution ceased.

Today’s believers in America and many other countries are not threatened to be thrown to the lions because of their faith. However, Christians in Islamic, Hindu and communist countries are still faced with consequences for their belief in Jesus. These have become some of the world’s strongest and most dedicated Christians, and they know Jesus will reward them for their endurance (1 Peter 3:14; James 1:12).

No churches – There were no such things as Christian churches in Roman times, so groups had to gather for worship in each other’s homes; for example, in Romans 16:3-5, the apostle Paul makes references to meetings at the home of Aquilla and Priscilla.

Today, houses of worship can be found everywhere in America and believers can worship without fear of persecution from their governing bodies. Believers in countries like China still continue to worship in house churches.

Outcasts – Not many wanted to have anything to do with believers, so Christians organized themselves into close-knit communities, Jews and Gentiles included. But even Christians felt like second-class citizens to the Jews. Peter gave into pressure to separate himself from the Gentiles, an action Paul condemned. Benevolence was a key character trait for Christians, who dedicated themselves to helping the poor and those in need.

Christianity has become the most benevolent religion in the world, especially in America where churches band together to help those in need in their own communities and around the world. And while some still hate believers, Christians are no longer outcasts (Rom. 5:3-5).

Short life span – In ancient Rome, during the days of persecution, many believers were martyred for their faith. It is believed that the apostle Paul was beheaded, while Peter was crucified upside down. If you were bold for your faith, most likely you didn’t live long.

Threats of this type of violence rarely exist in America, although in other countries, such as Pakistan, persecution for faith in Christ can lead to perilous consequences.

Religious arguments – Since Christianity was fairly new, these were plenty. Those who subscribed to “Low Christology” said that Jesus was human but had no sin. Those who defended “High Christology” argued that Jesus was divine, part of the Holy Trinity.

Today, Christians continue to debate theology on many issues, including women preaching in the church. The Bible, however, is the ultimate authority on such issues, and believers must press into the Word of God to find discernment and truth (Prov. 3:5-6).

There were also advantages that helped paved the way for Christians to thrive in today’s culture:

Roads – The roads the Romans built actually made it easier for believers to share the good news. These networks of roads allowed early Christian leaders to like the apostle Paul to travel and tell people about Jesus. The road allowed them to reach metropolitan areas with large populations (Acts 9).

Today’s Christians have many outlets to share the gospel with the lost, including the church itself, the internet, television and one-on-one conversations.

Relaxed Rules – Jesus was Jewish, but he attracted Gentile followers as well. Since they weren’t Jewish, many Gentiles didn’t adhere to the traditions of the Jewish people, such as dietary restrictions and circumcision. This didn’t sit well with many Jews.

Jews today have relaxed their attitudes about this, and devoted Christians enjoy a New Testament life without criticism from an understanding Jewish people.

Relationship with Jews – Jesus was contentious with the Pharisees of his day, and rightfully so as we know from the Bible. But despite these early tensions, Jews and Christians, for the most part, coexisted peacefully.

Today, Messianic Jews in America thrive. Messianic Judaism is a modernist and syncretic movement of Protestant Christianity that incorporates some elements of Judaism and other Jewish traditions into evangelicalism.

Legalization of Christianity – When Constantine became emperor, this was good news for believers. At that time, however, they did not know how their new “religion” would be organized or what rules they would set down.

Although there are many denominations and “rules,” Christianity is not considered unlawful in America and believers are free to worship anytime and anywhere.

The Common Ground of Eternal Salvation

Early Christians suffered much for their faith in Christ, but were determined to press on and bring the gospel to the world, which led to an explosive growth of Christianity to this day. There is little doubt that today’s culture has become hostile towards God and wants to remove Him from every part of society.

Christians can heed and be encouraged by the words of our Lord and Savior. Like the early Christians, believers must stand strong and not be influenced by the chaos that surrounds them. Satan is doing everything he can to destroy families and individuals, but stick to the Word of God, be obedient and trample the enemy under your feet daily. {eoa}

Shawn A. Akers is the online editor at Charisma Media.

As a former co-host of the 700 Club, Sheila Walsh has been all around the world. But surprisingly, at least for herself, she says she had never taken a trip to Israel until recently.

Once there, however, Walsh says the Word of God made an impression on her like it never had before. There with her husband, Walsh was filming an eight-week series on the Holy Land for TBN.

“For me, there was this sense of the Bible opening up in front of my very eyes,” who co-hosted the 700 Club with Pat Robertson from 1988 to 1992. “…. When you sit on the edge of the Sea of Galilee, there is no doubt in the world that the Lord was there. That’s one of the places where I just found this overwhelming sense of peace.

“Sitting there by myself with the word of God opened before me, I was silenced by the holiness of that place.”

But Walsh didn’t want to make it just an ordinary sightseeing trip to Israel like many others before her had. She wanted to take in the whole Israeli experience from a biblical point of view.

“I’ve watched lots of my friends who had gone to Israel and they’ll stand in front of the camera and share thoughts and experiences or a passage of Scripture,” Walsh told Charisma Media’s John Matarazzo during a recent interview. “I wanted it to be more like a travel log. I asked if I could hire a car and on the first day I drove from Jerusalem a couple of hours north and I went to Magdala where we believe that Mary Magdalene was born.

“But what they are excavating at the moment is this synagogue from the first century. Because it’s such a beautiful and holy site. Those who were responsible for it were very gracious to me and they allowed me and my guest, Renee, an Arab believer, to actually go in and sit where we believe that Christ would have taught in this synagogue. … It was like you were there sitting at Christ feet and being taught by him.”

Click here to watch more of this compelling interview with Christian artist and author Sheila Walsh. {eoa}

Shawn A. Akers is the online editor at Charisma Media.

After a strong release in March in theaters nationwide and a return two-night engagement in April, Locke Media’s “Come Out in Jesus Name” is now available from most streaming services including Amazon Prime, AppleTV-iTunes, GoogleTV-YouTube and Salemnow.com. The film is available to rent and purchase with each outlet.

The film was not only a breakout success for Locke Media this spring, but it also dropped a spiritual bomb on the forces of Satan. The movie follows the story of controversial Pastor Greg Locke, who took a 180-degree turn from his mainstream religious traditions and led his church into full-blown revival.

He and a diverse group of unconventional preachers—including one group known as the Demon Slayers—began to spark an important awakening through deliverance ministry, casting out demons.

Their deliverance ministry caught on quickly, and now Locke’s church, Global Vision Bible Church in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, has been conducting Sunday night deliverance services for more than 73 weeks.

From the first showing of the movie in March, testimonies began pouring in from all over the nation, sharing how the Lord moved in movie theaters who showed the film.

“It’s just happening—people being healed, people being set free, pastor that went in as critical skeptics walking out saying, ‘Well, I can’t put that back in the box,” Locke says. “What am I going to do with that?”

Locke says the power of spiritual warfare has been lost on much of the church body, and the Bible tells of those who witnessed Jesus’ own miracles yet still did not believe He was the Messiah.” {eoa}

Shawn A. Akers is the online editor at Charisma Media.

Over the years, countless God-loving, Bible-reading evangelicals have embraced the belief that God requires gender hierarchy, advocating for men to lead and women to submit in both the church and the home.

This perspective has been further extended to assert that only men should assume leadership roles in business, government and parachurch organizations. But why is this the case?

Many devoted Christians have studied their English Bibles and encountered what John Piper referred to as “Christianity with a masculine feel” during the Desiring God 2012 Conference, emphasizing the concept of “godly male leadership.” However, upon closer examination, it becomes evident that this “masculine feel” is a consequence of misleading translations. Several passages in Bible translations such as the ESV and NASB distort the meaning of God’s inspired Word by introducing words, altering word meanings, changing sentence structures and obscuring vital evidence that supports a message of gender equality present throughout the Bible. Although Scripture accurately portrays male-dominant cultures, it does not prescribe them.

To shed light on this issue, let us consider a few examples from the writings of the apostle Paul. In Romans 16:1–2, Phoebe is described as the “deacon of the church of Cenchreae.” However, several translations, including the CSB, ESV, HCSB, KJV, MOUNCE and NASB, demote her to “a servant” or “helper” of the church.

In reality, the Greek word used here, “diakonos,” denotes a position of church leadership and is the same term employed for “deacons” in Philippians 1:1 and 1 Timothy 3:8 and 12, referring to women deacons. It is essential to note that local churches did not have “servants” during that time.

C.E.B. Cranfield, in his commentary on Romans, argues that the language used in Romans 16:1 strongly supports the understanding of “deacon” as a definite office. Phoebe’s commendation by Paul, along with his request to support her, implies that she held a position of great importance. Moreover, Paul refers to Phoebe as a “prostatis,” a term derived from the verb “proistēmi,” which signifies “to exercise a position of leadership.” This word combines elements meaning “in rank before” and “standing,” emphasizing the respect she deserves. In fact, “prostatis” is the feminine form of the word for “president” of a society, including synagogues.

Several words in the New Testament combine the expressions “in rank before” and “standing.” The only meanings conveyed by these words that align with Romans 16:2 indicate leadership. Paul acknowledges Phoebe as a “‘prostatis’ of many, including myself also” (Rom. 16:2), suggesting that Paul submitted to her leadership, presumably during his time in her church at Cenchreae.

It is important to remember that Paul commands all believers to submit to one another in Ephesians 5:21. By affirming Phoebe, Paul encourages his audience to trust her as his representative. Unfortunately, many Bible translations have effectively diminished Phoebe’s role due to the assumption that a woman could not have held such a significant leadership position.

Another example of poor translation and misunderstanding is found in the passage concerning the “head covering” in 1 Corinthians 11:2–16. Verse 10 states that “a woman ought to have authority over her own head.” However, some versions add the words “symbol of” or “sign of” (ASV, AMP, CSV, ESV, HSCB, TLB, MOUNCE, NASB, NET, TLV), thereby detracting from what Scripture explicitly states women ought to have: authority over their own heads!

The situation worsens in verse 16, where the Greek reads, “We have no such custom.” However, some translations render this verse to mean the exact opposite—”we have no other custom” (HCSB, NASB 1995, NET). This alteration is made based on the assumption that veiling women was a universal church custom symbolizing woman’s subordination to man, and therefore, the text cannot mean what it actually says.

Furthermore, some translators impose male pronouns onto passages discussing overseers and elders. For instance, the ASV, AMP, Phillips and NASB translate the gender-inclusive “whoever” (“ei tis”) in 1 Timothy 3:1 and Titus 1:6 as the gender-exclusive “any man … he …” They also insert a dozen or more “he,” “him” or “his” pronouns into these passages, despite the absence of a single “he,” “him” or “his” within the qualifications for overseer, deacon or elder in either passage. Throughout the New Testament, the term “ei tis” includes women unless specifically restricted to men.

Piper’s assertion in 2012 that “the apostles tell the churches that all the overseers … should be men” relies on Bible translations that add a “masculine feel” not found in Scripture as God revealed it.

Translations such as the CSB, ESV, GNT, HCSB, PHILLIPS, KJV, TLB, MOUNCE, NET and NLT also undermine female church leadership by translating a passage clearly referring to women deacons, 1 Timothy 3:11, as if it were referring to “wives of deacons.”

Considering the surrounding qualifications for deacons and the inclusion of identical requirements for women in verse 8, it seems strange to require women who do not hold any office to meet practically the same qualifications. Therefore, it is more reasonable to conclude that these qualifications pertain to women deacons.

These examples provide a glimpse into how certain Bible interpretations distort God’s Word, concealing the message of gender equality that permeates the Bible. It is no surprise that many evangelicals believe in the Bible’s teachings of gender hierarchy.

However, change is possible. The responsibility largely rests with the chairmen of translation revision committees.

By presenting compelling evidence to these committees and encouraging unbiased examination, we can work toward correcting misleading translations and rediscovering the true message of gender equality in Scripture. {eoa}

Shawn A. Akers is the online editor at Charisma Media.

The exploration of the Nephilim and their connection to UFOs has long been a subject of fascination and speculation. From ancient biblical texts to modern-day sightings and revelations, this enigmatic topic has captivated the attention of many.

It is often dismissed or overlooked due to a lack of understanding or a secular worldview. Although award-winning author, filmmaker and internationally recognized specialist on the Nephilim L.A. Marzulli says to the logical Christian, it all may sound outlandish, it is indeed very real.

The journey into this realm began for many, including Marzulli, with the groundbreaking book, The Omega Conspiracy: Satan’s Last Assault on God’s Kingdom, by I.D.E. Thomas. This book shed light on the Nephilim, their origins and the profound impact they had on human history. “It was actually 30 years ago when I started doing a deep dive into that book, and it literally changed my life,” Marzulli says.

Inspired by Dr. Thomas’ work, Marzulli met with Thomas several times in the ensuing years and Marzulli embarked on a quest to uncover the truth behind the Nephilim and their connection to UFOs. Thomas died of leukemia in 1996, but his work lives on through Marzulli in books and films. Marzulli wrote On the Trail of the Nephilim: Giant Skeletons and Ancient Megalithic Structures in 2014, described on Amazon as “straight out of the pages of the Bible.” Marzulli has also produced several films on the subject.

“If he could see what we’ve done with his work, I think he (Thomas) would just be blown away,” Marzulli says. “I know he would be proud. The Lord really began to ratchet things up with this right around 2000, when it really started to change.”

At the core of Marzulli’s and his team’s exploration is Genesis 6, where the union of the “sons of God” and the “daughters of man” gave birth to the Nephilim. While this passage is often dismissed as a fantastical tale, a closer examination reveals a deeper spiritual reality.

The term ‘sons of God’ consistently refers to angelic beings throughout the Bible, linking the UFO phenomenon to the ancient Nephilim. But it’s Genesis 3:15, the ancient and one of the most well-known stories of the Bible, that Marzulli says is “the nexus,” or basis, of the entire discussion about the Nephilim.

Understanding Genesis 3:15 is crucial in comprehending the ongoing cosmic battle between the offspring of the woman and the offspring of the dragon. This battle culminates in the person of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. The pre-incarnate Christ’s presence in the garden and His declaration to the serpent foreshadowed His redemptive mission on Earth. The war between good and evil, initiated by the Nephilim incursion, sets the stage for the entire biblical narrative.

“In Genesis 3:15, Adam and Eve have just blown it,” Marzuilli says. “The dragon is over here. Eve talks of a dragon or a snake, or whatever, and she’s not taken aback by it at all. It’s normal. So what’s interesting is that Adam and Eve are over here … and if the dragon is over there, the pre-incarnate Christ is in the garden and He looks at the dragons and says your offspring will be at war, enmity, with the offspring of the woman. The one coming from the woman will crush your head, you will bruise His heel. That’s it. It’s a seed war. It’s a war between the offspring of the dragon and the offspring of the woman, who will eventually be the Messiah, which, of course, is Jesus.”

Progressing through history, Marzulli says, echoes of the Nephilim’s influence are discovered in various events. From the corrupt cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to the enigmatic Tower of Babel, their genetic contamination spreads. Even in modern times, occultic practices and rituals, including sexual components, hint at the ongoing manipulation and initiation by dark forces.

When it comes to the Nephilim, one of the significant findings in this realm is the discovery of elongated skulls in the Paracas region of Peru. These skulls exhibit distinct genetic anomalies that defy conventional explanations such as cranial deformation.

Researchers, including anthropologist Rick Woodward, argue that these anomalies point to genetic manipulation by the Nephilim. Genetic analyses of the Paracas skulls have revealed Middle Eastern, Eastern European and Baltic Sea haplogroups, challenging established historical narratives.

While the charismatic Christian perspective on the Nephilim and UFOs may differ from secular interpretations, it offers a unique and spiritually grounded understanding of these phenomena. By recognizing the biblical foundation and the ongoing spiritual warfare, we gain insights into the mysteries that have captivated humanity for centuries.

For more of Marzulli’s fascinating interview with Charisma News and how the Bible is connected to the Nephilim and UFO’s, watch here.

For another compelling perspective on this subject from deliverance ministers Mike Signorelli and Alex Pagani, read the Charisma News article 5 Biblical Principles for Discussing the Nephilim with the accompanying video.

Shawn A. Akers is the online editor for Charisma Media.

Evangelist Christine Caine says that if believers, especially kingdom leaders, are to achieve the daunting goal of reaching every person with the gospel of Christ by 2033, they must overcome “compassion fatigue.”

The founder of Christine Caine Ministries and the A21 campaign, a ministry focusing on the abolition of sex trafficking in southeastern Europe, Caine believes many Christian leaders confuse sympathy with compassion during these chaotic times. She calls for kingdom leaders to seek a fresh touch of the Holy Spirit to renew their hearts for compassion.

“The world desperately wants to be seen and while we are busy judging them and marginalizing and objectifying people, we are doing everything but seeing them,” Caine told the audience during the Amsterdam 2023 conference.

“We live in the most contentious period of time that I’ve ever experienced in my lifetime, and it astounds me at how the church and Christian leaders could in any way could objectify people, marginalize people and separate people when we are called to go and seek and save that which is lost; when we are called to reach a lost and broken world. That is the mission of the church. I wonder if Jesus would ask us, ‘church, do you see these people?'”

Many within ministry, Caine says, get excited about the conference’s mission of reaching the entire world with the Good News of Christ within the next 10 years. But, she says, nothing will change unless kingdom leaders, as well as dedicated lay Christians, get involved in this broken and lost world with their whole hearts.

Caine wonders whether many are simply not in it for the lost anymore.

“Pastor, you can be in a church preaching a sermon but your heart’s just not in it,” Caine says. “Guilt, shame and condemnation are not going to get your hearts back into it. A fresh, radical encounter with the Holy Spirit is the only thing that gets our heart back into it.

“The only One in history that never had compassion fatigue was Jesus, but the same Spirit that raised Jesus Christ from the dead lives on inside of us. You can’t love in your own strength, you can’t be gracious in your own strength, you can’t keep giving in your own strength. We can’t produce the fruit of the Spirit in our own strength. We need a fresh outpouring of the Spirit of God to fill us again and afresh so that our hearts are in it. We’ve got the world trying to give a counterfeit form of caring for people and it’s not going to last.”

Caine is convinced that if true believers in Christ are going to be different for the world in this hour, if we are truly going to be salt and light and true witnesses for Christ, then we need not only to tell people about Jesus but that our lives must bear witness to Him. {eoa}

Shawn A. Akers is the online editor at Charisma Media.

In our journey as believers, God calls each one of us to the Great Commission, to sharing the message of salvation with others and winning souls for Christ.

Throughout history, God has used individuals who were willing to align their hearts with His purpose. David and Paul are shining examples of the types of people God can use for evangelism. By understanding their characteristics and applying them to our own lives, we can become effective ambassadors for Christ and fulfill the Great Commission.

We can also examine the lives of Bible characters like Cain and Abel to glean lessons for the types of soul winners God wants us to be.

“In over 53 years of ministry, I’ve been in 165 nations and I’ve noticed some common denominators of men and women who get used by God, who are blessed, who are called, who are used and who are anointed,” Pastor Rick Warren told a packed house at the Amsterdam 2023 Conference. “If you want the blessing of God in your life, if you want the power of God through your life and if you want the anointing of God on your life, you must care about what God cares about most. What He cares about most is He wants his lost children found.”

During his stirring sermon, Warren explored four types of individuals God can consistently use to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ.

1. God is looking for people who make God’s dream their dream.

Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve, presented their offerings to God. Abel’s offering pleased God, but Cain’s offering did not. Instead of responding with humility and seeking to align his heart with God’s desires, Cain allowed envy and anger to consume him.

If we want God’s anointing in our lives, we must make God’s priority our priority. When we make God’s dream our dream, we become vessels through which God can work to reconcile the lost to Himself.

2. God is looking for people who are willing to risk failure.

The faithful son of Adam and Eve, Abel offered a sacrifice that pleased God. Abel’s act of worship required faith and demonstrated his willingness to risk failure. Similarly, God is looking for people who are willing to step out in faith, even when the outcome is uncertain.

“Stepping out in faith often involves taking risks, but we should not allow the fear of failure to hold us back,” Warren says. “God calls us to trust Him completely, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His promises. When we embrace a mindset of faith and step out in obedience, we position ourselves to be used mightily by God.”

3. God is looking for people who expect Him to use them.

David, a man after God’s own heart, serves as an example of someone who expected to be used by God. From a young age, David recognized God’s dream for his life and fully embraced it. He served God’s purpose in his generation and made God’s dream his dream.

David expected God to use him and as a result, he accomplished great things for the kingdom of God. In our lives, we must cultivate a mindset of expectancy, trusting that God desires to use us to fulfill His purposes. When we align our expectations with God’s plans, we position ourselves for divine opportunities and miraculous interventions.

4. God is looking for people who never give up.

The apostle Paul encountered God’s grace in a profound way. Once a persecutor of Christians, Paul experienced a radical transformation and became one of the greatest evangelists in history. He understood that God’s grace was not dependent on his own worthiness or abilities but on the finished work of Christ.

Paul’s unwavering faith in God’s grace propelled him to complete his mission and finish the task that Jesus had given him. Likewise, we are called to rely on God’s grace, recognizing that it is by His power and provision that we can effectively carry out the Great Commission.

“Proverbs 24:16 says that although a righteous man falls seven times a day, he rises again,” Warren says. “I love that verse because it says even good people stumble. Even righteous people mess up and make mistakes.”

As Christians, we are all called to be ambassadors for Christ and to share the good news of salvation with others. Through the examples of Cain, Abel, David and Paul, we learn that God can use anyone who aligns their heart with His purpose, embraces His dreams, is willing to take risks, expects to be used and trusts in His grace.

Let us strive to be individuals who make God’s dream our dream, who step out in faith, who expect God to use them and those who never give up, no matter what the circumstances. {eoa}

Shawn A. Akers is the online editor at Charisma Media.

The Bible prophesies about the coming of the Antichrist, a lawless figure who will bring chaos and deception to the world.

In this video, Jack Hibbs, the senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills in Chino Hills, California, says that, as believers, we can identify three significant signs that signal the imminent arrival of demonic and deceptive individual.

“People will swoon over his demonic genius,” Hibbs says.

These three signs include the destabilization of nations on a global scale, increasing natural disasters as foretold in Matthew 24 and the prevalence of wars and rumors of wars.

By examining these signs in light of Scripture, we gain insights into the events that will unfold in the end times.

1. The destabilization of nations

As we observe the current state of the world, we can witness a growing destabilization of nations. The Bible clearly indicates that the Antichrist will rise during a time of global turmoil and panic. Governments and political systems promise solutions to the world’s problems, but often fall short.

The desire for peace and prosperity is deeply ingrained in humanity, and the Antichrist will exploit this longing. Through his demonic influence, he will offer deceptive solutions and gain widespread admiration, making up his own rules as he goes. However, as believers, we should be vigilant and rely on the teachings of the Bible rather than placing our hope in worldly leaders.

“The world is really hurting right now. The globe is destabilizing on a scale never experienced before,” Hibbs says. “In a post-COVID world, global economies are so messed up. As a result of the next wave from being shut down, stores in your nation are closing. They didn’t recover, and there’s an inability for them to get back to business, whether it be bad management or something else. That’s not just here, it’s around the world and that adds to destabilizing factors.” (Luke 21:25)

2. Increasing natural disasters

Matthew 24 records Jesus’ words about the signs of the end times. One of these signs includes the increase in natural disasters. We can witness this today with rising frequencies of earthquakes, famines and incurable diseases. These calamities are harbingers of the approaching tribulation period. While believers in Christ will be spared from experiencing these events firsthand, it is crucial to recognize the signs and prepare spiritually for the future.

3. Wars and Rumors of Wars: Jesus continues describing signs of His return in Matthew 24 with the prevalence of wars and rumors of wars. In today’s world, conflicts and tensions persist in various regions, leading to unrest and violence.

The Bible predicts that the Antichrist will emerge during a time of wars, exacerbating the chaos and offering false solutions. It is important for Christians to remain discerning and not be swayed by the deceptive promises of those who seek power and control.

“Israel announced this past week that they will probably be in a full-scale war within a matter of weeks; it could be as long as a month,” Hibbs says. “Israel is surrounded right now. Rockets are pointing from Lebanon, Syria, Iran and from down south. They’re all pointed at Israel and the Bible says there is a time when this man [the Antichrist] will come on to the world scene and broker peace, because it’s obviously going to be needed.”

Believers in Jesus must remain rooted in the teachings of the Bible and stay watchful, recognizing that hope and salvation rests in Jesus Christ. While the world may be in turmoil, we can find peace and security in our faith, knowing that God is in control and will ultimately bring about His righteous plan.

“The coming of the lawless one, this is something that is not a fairytale,” Hibbs says. “This is not a movie. This is the Bible. Scripture is very clear about it.”

Shawn A. Akers is the online editor at Charisma Media.