Keeping the Light of Christ in Christmas

The light of the world has come! His coming is what we celebrate at Christmas. From the very start, His light drew people who hungered for truth from far and wide.

There has been a lot of discussion about what day of the year Jesus was actually born. The truth is, we may not know the exact day when He was born, but we do know that He was born, He lived, He was crucified and He rose again.

Statistics say the majority of Americans are favorable to public displays of the Ten Commandments, nativity scenes and other Judeo-Christian and Christmas themes. Yet, it seems there is a minority who are proactively using the letter of the law to coerce the majority to cower to the beliefs of the few, banning any mention of God in public.

Increasingly over the last few decades, there has been an intentional attempt to remove any semblance of Christ, Christianity, even CHRIST-mas from the public square. Sadly, over the years, we have seen the effect even in the church. There has been a gradual removal of anything deemed offensive to the very few, even at the behest of the majority.

A few years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting and ministering with Stephan Tchividjian, the eldest grandson of Billy Graham. One of the things I remember him saying was, “Rules without relationship lead to rebellion.” This explains what we see happening more and more in our nation today, as those who have no relationship with the God of the Commandments have rebelled to the point of opposing any representation of Him in the public arena.

You may remember that in 2012, during the National Convention of one of the two major political parties in Orlando, there was a vote to reinstate God back into their party platform because He had been removed. It took three different votes to pass the measure, but even the third time, there was much dissension.

Who ever thought there’d be a struggle in our nation to reinstate God? Wow! The good news is that it doesn’t take God three times to force a consensus to reinstate us into His platform. Our triune holy God is already in agreement with Himself. No confusion there.

The tragic removal of God from the public arena has been seen in many places in various ways. Back In 2004, a judge ruled that a Bible had to be removed from a public display from an old monument in front of the Harris County civil courthouse lawn. The monument and Bible display had been there since 1956 honoring businessman and philanthropist William Mosher. Mosher was honored with a small lighted display case in front of the courthouse for his contributions to the Star of Hope Mission, which has served thousands of homeless, desperate and destitute individuals and families in the city of Houston, Texas, throughout the years.

The display, which was maintained by private funds and individual citizens, included a King James Bible, honoring Mosher’s faith and love for the Lord, which compelled him to do the work of ministry to others. A judge in 2004 ruled that the Bible must be removed from the display after an individual complained that a Bible displayed on public property was unconstitutional.

In 2011, at the Veterans National Cemetery in Houston, one rogue director censored the language of pastors and chaplains, saying they could not mention God during funerals for veterans. Local veterans and volunteer groups had accused cemetery officials of banning them from using religious speech—including the words “Jesus” and “God,” even statements to family like “God bless you” during services at the cemetery.

How outrageous! I shudder when I think about how many men and women buried there were people of faith who gave their very lives to defend our freedoms—including the freedom of faith that was now being stripped from them in their final resting place. My grandfather and biological father are both buried in that very cemetery, having served this nation proudly.

Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!

Remember the Reason for the Season

Despite many examples of the erosion of the values and freedoms we hold dear, I believe the majority of people in our nation, regardless of their faith, respect and cherish the Christian values and foundations they have benefited from. People around the world celebrate, in some capacity, the Christmas season, even if they do not truly understand the significance of why they are doing so. That is why it’s important for us as the church to reflect and demonstrate the true meaning, or as the saying goes, “The reason for the season.”

“We Three Kings,” written by John Henry Hopkins Jr in 1857 for a Christmas pageant, is said to be one of the first Christmas carols written in America that became widely popular. It may even be one of your favorite Christmas carols! Scripture, however, does not refer to kings but rather “magi” or “wise men,” and we are not given a headcount as to how many of them there actually were. But we do know they traveled for up to two years, possibly, following a light in the sky that led them to Jesus. And they brought gifts fit for a king.

Nestled in the middle of the Christmas story was the mystery of Jesus’ life: Even though He was a king, He was born to die, that we may live.

From the Manger to the Cross

In 2003, we saw the story of the crucifixion minister to thousands throughout the nation and around the world from a surprising source—Hollywood—with the release of Mel Gibson’s production of “The Passion of the Christ.” With the movie’s graphic depiction of what the suffering Jesus endured for the joy set before Him—our salvation—came a new realization for many of the reality of the crucifixion. For others, the movie generated questions. As the cover of one national magazine boldly inquired, “Did Jesus really have to die?”

Even with the controversy surrounding the graphic violence involved in the scourging and death of Christ, an R rating would not be sufficient to accurately portray the extent of His suffering, from the physical pain of the beatings to the emotional pain and loneliness of betrayal. Crucifixion was a form of capital punishment and considered the most humiliating and brutal way to die. The word “excruciating” did not exist until a word was needed to describe the pain of death by crucifixion.

I remember reading a description of what Jesus most likely went through from a medical perspective, written by the late Dr. C. Truman Davis. Each time I read it, I still get deeply gripped of heart and moved to tears with the revelation of Christ’s love and sacrifice for us.

It is impossible to have a strong foundation as a Christian unless we have a revelation of the passion of Christ, the work of the cross and the power of the Resurrection and how it can transform our lives today. Without that understanding, we are apathetic believers at best. But that revelation changes everything!

In some circles and especially in our Western culture, we have heard about the cross so often that the thought of our sins that put Him there does not still break our hearts or ignite a burning passion of gratitude within us. We sometimes take for granted the high cost of love that was displayed upon the cross for us. We tend to put more focus on “self” rather than fixing our eyes on the author and finisher of our faith.

The timeliness of the message of the cross cannot be overstated. We need it more than ever. We need to be rekindled in heart with a renewed revelation of the work of the cross and the Holy Spirit’s power that is available to each of us. From Genesis to Revelation, from the beginning to the closing of Scripture, we read of the tree of life, the fullness of life through Christ, revealed in full display on the cross, that we may have life and life more abundantly.

From the manger to the cross, we see the scarlet thread of God’s love and redemption revealed.

Get your FREE CHARISMA NEWSLETTERS today! Stay up to date with current issues, Holy Spirit news, Christian teachings, Charisma videos & more!

He Dwells Among Us

It is important, not only during the Christmas season but throughout the year, to reflect the light of the world, who became man over 2,000 years ago. Because He is the Word who dwells among us, we have a joy and a strength beyond human comprehension. We have peace that surpasses all understanding. May we, the church, let our light shine is such a way that it draws others close to the Lord, as the star over Bethlehem drew the magi. May we be an example to those around us so they too can find their faith, hope, peace and joy in the midst of their difficulties.

Jesus is the Word who dwells among us, and He is the light of the world. Oh, how we need a whole lot of light in the darkness!

The four weeks leading up to Christmas are known as Advent, a word defined as “the arrival of a notable person, thing or event.” The primary themes of Advent are hope, faith, joy, peace and love. To Christians, Advent is about anticipation, not only for the first coming but also for the second coming of the Lord.

We can’t just look at where we’ve come from, we can’t live encamped in the past. We have to focus on the future with an expectation that God will fulfill His promises.

Light Has Come

The Jewish traditions observed in Hanukkah, or the Festival of Lights, shares some similarities with Advent. Hanukkah celebrates a time when there was only enough oil to keep the lamp in the Temple lit for a few hours, but it lasted for eight full days as the Jews fought to reclaim the Temple from the Greek-Syrians. Then they celebrated the miracle God did for them by providing this light. And during Advent, we celebrate the miraculous birth of Jesus, the light of the world. Hope came into the world as the Word who dwells amongst us.

Today, the world needs the light of Christ as never before. He loved us so much that He gave Himself to us that we might live in His Word, know His Word, share His Word and be a witness of His light to a world that desperately needs Him.

In a world of difficulty that seems to be covered with darkness, this season gives us an opportunity to boldly declare the miracle of God, the birth of Christ. We have the light of the world living in us. It should permeate our lives and radiate from us to those around us. A little light in a dark room illuminates the entire room.

It is time to remember the promises and the great miracles God has done, the great miracles God is doing and the great miracles God will continue to do. We need to share our hope, faith, joy and peace because the light has come into the world, and the Word dwells among us.

Joy to the world, the Lord has come!

Doug Stringer is founder and president of Somebody Cares America/International. As an American of Asian descent, Doug is considered a bridge-builder of reconciliation amongst various ethnic and religious groups. He is a sought-after international speaker, addressing topics such as persevering leadership, reconciliation, community transformation, revival and more. He is host of “A Word in Season with Doug Stringer & Friends,” posted weekly on the Charisma Podcast Network.

Top of the Week: Shocking Accusations Against Daystar TV: What We Know So Far

Following are snippets of the top stories posted over the past week on . We encourage you to visit the links to read the stories in full.

Shocking Accusations Against Daystar TV: What We Know So Far

Over the past few weeks, Daystar Television Network—the Christian TV empire founded in 1997 by the late Marcus Lamb—made headlines over a shocking controversy involving the family-run organization.

Lamb’s son, Jonathan, and his wife, Suzy, allege their young daughter was molested by a family member and that the horrific ordeal was improperly handled. Those stunning allegations come amid a dispute over leadership changes within Daystar.

Marcus Lamb died in 2021 due to complications with COVID-19, leaving his wife, Joni, to serve as president of Daystar. Jonathan had served as a vice president but was demoted in April after purportedly declining to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!

Is Bible Prophecy Coming to Pass in Damascus?

The ongoing turmoil in Syria has once again turned global attention toward the ancient city of Damascus, raising a sobering question for Christians: Are we witnessing the fulfillment of biblical prophecy?

As the Syrian Civil War intensifies, reports indicate that Turkish-backed rebel forces, having already captured Aleppo and Hama, are now poised to move toward Damascus—the stronghold of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

The Bible has long associated Damascus with prophetic warnings. Isaiah 17:1-3 declares: “See, Damascus will cease to be a city; it will become a ruinous heap.” This prophecy foretells the city’s destruction and desolation, a stark vision that resonates as rebel forces secure towns near Damascus, such as Izraa, and gain control of significant territory in the surrounding Daraa Governorate.

The End of Damascus: Exploring Its Role in Biblical Prophecy

The collapse of the Syrian government and the end of Bashar al-Assad’s regime is not only a geopolitical turning point but a moment of profound prophetic significance. For believers who examine global events through the lens of Scripture, the situation in Syria—and particularly in Damascus—demands our attention. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">A Biblical Perspective on Damascus</h3> Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, occupies a central role in biblical prophecy. Isaiah 17:1 declares, “The burden against Damascus: ‘Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city, and it will be a ruinous heap.’” This prophecy remains unfulfilled for the time being, but the unraveling of Syria’s stability suggests the fulfillment may be imminent. Get your FREE CHARISMA NEWSLETTERS today! Stay up to date with current issues, Holy Spirit news, Christian teachings, Charisma videos & more! Marcus Rogers: Interview With Joni Lamb on Daystar Allegations In a newly released video, YouTuber and pastor Marcus Rogers sat down with Joni Lamb to share her side of the story, addressing recent allegations made against her and Daystar. Rogers first brings up the allegations that an unnamed family member going by “Pete” abused Jonathan and Suzy Lamb’s young daughter during a retreat. Joni Lamb says her granddaughter was inappropriately touched by a boy at school, but that the incident during the family vacation has been stretched into something different than reality. “In 2020, there was an incident that took place at my granddaughter’s school,” Lamb says. “Suzy called me and she said, ‘Will you go down to the school with me?’ I said, ‘absolutely,’ so we went together to the school, we reported it to the school. My granddaughter had told her mother that a little boy had touched her and her friend inappropriately. Netflix Movie Mocks Nativity, Jokes About Aborting Baby Jesus Netflix’s latest offering, “That Christmas,” an animated Christmas movie geared toward families, makes a mockery of the nativity story in one scene garnering a lot of attention. The movie centers on a ragtag group of kids, all led by a rebellious teenager named Bernadette. At one point in the film, the children come together to put on a school Christmas production written by a couple students who feel the biblical nativity story is too antiquated for modern culture. When Bernadette introduces the program, she describes Jesus as “a cool dude” with a beard and long hair and “into woodwork,” calling him “a hipster basically.” Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world! </div> </div> <hr/> <div class="post"> <div class="entry-header"><h1 class="entry-title">Top of the Week: Here’s What We Know of the Shocking Daystar TV Claims</h1></div><div class="postmetadata"></div> <div class="entry-content"> Following are snippets of the top stories posted over the past week on . We encourage you to visit the links to read the stories in full. Here’s What We Know of the Shocking Daystar TV Claims Over the past few weeks, Daystar Television Network—the Christian TV empire founded in 1997 by the late Marcus Lamb—made headlines over a shocking controversy involving the family-run organization. Lamb’s son, Jonathan, and his wife, Suzy, allege their young daughter was molested by a family member and that the horrific ordeal was improperly handled. Those stunning allegations come amid a dispute over leadership changes within Daystar. Marcus Lamb died in 2021 due to complications with COVID-19, leaving his wife, Joni, to serve as president of Daystar. Jonathan had served as a vice president but was demoted in April after purportedly declining to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now! Vatican to Open 5 ‘Sacred Portals’ This Christmas Eve The Vatican’s announcement of opening sacred portals for the first time in 25 years has raised eyebrows and sparked intrigue. Set to coincide with the 2025 Jubilee Year, the ceremony involves the opening of five “Holy Doors” at ancient basilicas, with one “hypothetical” door at Italy’s Rebibbia prison. While the Catholic Church claims this tradition upholds a “doorway to salvation,” one can’t help but question: What exactly is the Catholic Church attempting to achieve with this elaborate ritual? And more importantly, where in the Bible is any of this remotely supported? According to The Daily Mail, the Holy Doors are located at some of Rome’s most venerated basilicas, such as St. Peter’s and St. John Lateran, and are ceremonially bricked up and unsealed only during Jubilee Years. Pope Francis, who initiated the ritual on Dec. 2, describes it as a time to focus on hope and spiritual renewal amidst global crises like war, the lingering effects of COVID-19 and climate change. He has also extended this symbolic act to prisoners, aiming to deliver a message of hope. The Jubilee Year’s theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” reflects these aspirations. While the Pope’s sentiment is admirable, the ritual itself is baffling. The “opening” of doors—requiring the removal of brick walls—is described as a “symbol of salvation,” but this imagery finds no precedent in Christian Scripture. Nowhere in the Bible is there a mention of “Holy Doors” that must be ceremonially opened to signal divine grace. If anything, Jesus Christ Himself declared, “I am the door. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved” (John 10:9). This verse proves that access to salvation is found in faith in Christ, not through elaborate rituals or symbolic structures. Are We Witnessing Bible Prophecy Unfold in Damascus? The ongoing turmoil in Syria has once again turned global attention toward the ancient city of Damascus, raising a sobering question for Christians: Are we witnessing the fulfillment of biblical prophecy? As the Syrian Civil War intensifies, reports indicate that Turkish-backed rebel forces, having already captured Aleppo and Hama, are now poised to move toward Damascus—the stronghold of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The Bible has long associated Damascus with prophetic warnings. Isaiah 17:1-3 declares: “See, Damascus will cease to be a city; it will become a ruinous heap.” This prophecy foretells the city’s destruction and desolation, a stark vision that resonates as rebel forces secure towns near Damascus, such as Izraa, and gain control of significant territory in the surrounding Daraa Governorate. Get your FREE CHARISMA NEWSLETTERS today! Stay up to date with current issues, Holy Spirit news, Christian teachings, Charisma videos & more! The Fall of Damascus: Prophetic Implications and the End Times The collapse of the Syrian government and the end of Bashar al-Assad’s regime is not only a geopolitical turning point but a moment of profound prophetic significance. For believers who examine global events through the lens of Scripture, the situation in Syria—and particularly in Damascus—demands our attention. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">A Biblical Perspective on Damascus</h3> Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, occupies a central role in biblical prophecy. Isaiah 17:1 declares, “The burden against Damascus: ‘Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city, and it will be a ruinous heap.’” This prophecy remains unfulfilled for the time being, but the unraveling of Syria’s stability suggests the fulfillment may be imminent. Netflix Christmas Movie Mocks Nativity, Jokes About Aborting Baby Jesus Netflix’s latest offering, “That Christmas,” an animated Christmas movie geared toward families, makes a mockery of the nativity story in one scene garnering a lot of attention. The movie centers on a ragtag group of kids, all led by a rebellious teenager named Bernadette. At one point in the film, the children come together to put on a school Christmas production written by a couple students who feel the biblical nativity story is too antiquated for modern culture. When Bernadette introduces the program, she describes Jesus as “a cool dude” with a beard and long hair and “into woodwork,” calling him “a hipster basically.” Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world! </div> </div> <hr/> <div class="post"> <div class="entry-header"><h1 class="entry-title">Katie Souza’s Horrifying Werewolf Encounter</h1></div><div class="postmetadata"></div> <div class="entry-content"> There’s a dark reality lurking around whether most of us realize it or not. In an exclusive interview with Charisma Media, Katie Souza detailed her encounter with werewolves and coven witches. Souza says that she’s encountered werewolves more than once through the years, but it was the very first one that she ran into which certainly left a large impression on her. Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now! “The first one was up in the mountains,” she says, “And I was not a believer. At that time, I was walking in sin. I was a drug addict, and I thought to myself, ‘[you’ve] totally lost it.'” Later, Souza came into a conversation with a woman who lived on the property were she spotted the werewolf. It turned out that this woman had left a coven of witches, and the werewolf was there for her, but Souza had interfered. Souza also found out that she had interacted with the man who was a werewolf and his wife, a witch, who had tried to recruit Souza into the coven. Souza had visited the seemingly normal couple’s home, and it was there that she discovered some very peculiar things. <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img src="" alt="" class="wp-image-131325" style="width:299px;height:auto" /></figure> To order your copy of Katie Souza’s new book, “The Serpent and the Soul,” visit . “When she took me down to the basement, all that was down there was a water tank, a shelf that had a piece of velvet on it and a noose hanging from a beam,” Souza says. In the basement, Souza recounts seeing the noose and that: “If anybody were to hang, their feet wouldn’t touch the ground, and then a hole was full of dry blood.” She also says the wife told her something terrifying about this strange basement setup. “That’s why you could be down here and scream your head off, and nobody [would] ever hear you,” Souza recounts from the chilling conversation. Get your FREE CHARISMA NEWSLETTERS today! Stay up to date with current issues, Holy Spirit news, Christian teachings, Charisma videos & more! Souza remembers inquisitively asking about the strange basement, but received unusual responses from the wife. She says the couple also had giant barrels of alcohol in the house, something that the couple also could not answer questions about. Even though she herself was not a Christian, Souza knew something was not right as the pair claimed that they were Christians. She knew the things she saw in the house didn’t line up with Christian living. She headed swiftly out of the house, finding the couple’s oddities dark and peculiar. Later, while Souza went to lunch with the woman who had been saved from the coven of witches, another strange occurrence happened. In the restaurant, the entire coven was in there, so they left rather quickly. It was then that Souza saw something she would never forget. “The husband…he chases us up the hill,” she told Charisma. “I looked out and he’s hanging out the window, and he’s already morphing.” For Souza, this is when it clicked that the husband was a werewolf and his wife was a witch. She says that a warrant went out for this couple because they had a pet cougar, but before the police got to the home, the two had burned evidence of their whereabouts to the ground. “They burned that A-frame to the ground,” says Souza. “And outside that A-frame was a Tibetan monk they have Tibetan monk bones inside of them.” This harrowing testimony is a reminder that the supernatural is real, and we must stay guarded and protected with the Word of God at all times. Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world! Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media. </div> </div> <hr/> <div class="post"> <div class="entry-header"><h1 class="entry-title">The Unseen Battle: Tony Merkel’s Warning on Spiritual Warfare</h1></div><div class="postmetadata"></div> <div class="entry-content"> In a gripping interview with Charisma Media, podcaster Tony Merkel shared an unnerving account of a spiritual encounter that forever changed his understanding of spiritual warfare. Merkel’s chilling experience is a reminder of the unseen battle believers face daily and the necessity of being spiritually prepared. Merkel recounted a pivotal moment before launching his podcasting career when he was approached by a man expressing suicidal thoughts and curiosity about God. Despite a strong warning from the Holy Spirit about impending spiritual warfare, Merkel agreed to meet the man at his home. What followed was a surreal and harrowing three-hour encounter. “The Holy Spirit started speaking to me, telling me, ‘You are going to encounter strong spiritual warfare, very dark spiritual warfare,’” Merkel explained. “I didn’t quite understand what to do with that because this guy’s asking me about the Lord. In my mind, on Saturday, he’s coming to Christ…like this guy is hungry for the Lord.” Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now! When Merkel arrived at the house, he noticed red flags. The home was completely dark, with pinup girl posters covering the walls, and the man ominously remarked, “Most people don’t come.” Merkel was directed by the Holy Spirit to sit in a specific chair, avoiding another near a door that led to the basement. During their conversation, the man admitted the house was haunted by “seven ghosts” and later revealed he was a member of the church of Satan. “This is what God was trying to warn me about,” Merkel said. “He gets up, walks over to a bookshelf, and pulls out satanic literature, putting it on the table in front of me. He says, ‘I want you to take these out of my house.’” While Merkel agreed to dispose of the books, the man shouted at him not to burn them, further intensifying the eerie atmosphere. After leading the man in a prayer to accept Christ, Merkel noticed disturbing behavior. The man would violently shake, exhale deeply, and cling to Merkel in full-body hugs. “I’ve done street ministry before…and I’ve never seen anybody act that way after a salvation prayer,” Merkel admitted. Looking back, he realized the exhalations were likely an attempt to transfer demonic entities onto him. “I think he was trying to mimic what he thought the Holy Spirit would be,” Merkel reflected. “But what he was doing with that exhale, I’ve been told by many people, was him releasing demonic entities onto me. I had no frame of reference for it.” The spiritual repercussions of the encounter lingered for nearly a decade, leaving Merkel feeling “spiritually numb.” He finally found relief after a deliverance minister prayed for him, lifting what he described as a “spiritual weight” that had burdened him since the incident. Reflecting on his experience, Merkel emphasized the importance of staying spiritually vigilant. “People need to understand that they need to be strong in their faith but also understand that the attack is real,” he warned. “It comes at you when you least expect it, and you need to be constantly prayed up…because that interaction becomes spiritual warfare.” Get your FREE CHARISMA NEWSLETTERS today! Stay up-to-date with current issues, Holy Spirit news, Christian teachings, Charisma videos & more! Merkel’s story shows the reality of spiritual battles and the enemy’s subtle strategies to undermine believers. “The enemy knows to push certain buttons now because the domino effect five years from now will mean that this person’s so far gone spiritually that they’re just in this spiritual desert not knowing which way’s up,” he explained. The spiritual fight we face is real, and preparation is vital. “If you’re claiming Christ, you have attack coming towards you,” he said. “Not everything is just a coincidence.” Staying grounded in faith, prayer and community is essential to navigate and withstand the attacks of the enemy. Merkel’s testimony serves as both a warning and a call to arms for believers to recognize and engage in the ongoing spiritual battle. “We need to practice engaging in spiritual warfare on a daily basis,” he urged, “constantly.” Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world! James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media. </div> </div> <hr/> <div class="post"> <div class="entry-header"><h1 class="entry-title">Isaiah Saldivar: Why Deliverance Matters in a Troubled World</h1></div><div class="postmetadata"></div> <div class="entry-content"><iframe width="560" height="315" src=" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen>

In an age when society seems increasingly plagued by chaos, addiction and brokenness, deliverance minister and revivalist Isaiah Saldivar argues that the church has overlooked one of its most critical callings: the ministry of deliverance. In a recent interview with Charisma Media, Saldivar shared his perspective on why deliverance is essential and how it directly addresses the rise of demonic influence in our world.

A Biblical Mandate for Deliverance

“The ministry of deliverance is not optional for Christians,” Saldivar said. “It was a core part of Jesus’ ministry and should be a core part of ours.” He pointed to passages such as Mark 16:17, where Jesus said, “These signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues.” This Scripture shows the authority that we as believers have over unclean spirits and the responsibility to remove them.

Saldivar also highlighted the spiritual war described in Ephesians 6:12: “For our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” According to Saldivar, ignoring this reality leaves Christians vulnerable. “If we’re not engaged in spiritual warfare, then the enemy is free to operate unchecked in our lives and communities,” he warned.

Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!

The Rising Tide of Demonic Influence

Saldivar argued that modern culture has seen a surge in demonic activity, often disguised as entertainment or self-help. “We’re seeing demonic influence normalized through music, movies, and even social media,” he said. “People don’t even realize they’re opening doors to the enemy.” He pointed to instances of mass shootings, rampant addiction, and increasing depression as evidence of a deeper spiritual crisis. “The devil is not hiding anymore,” Saldivar emphasized. “He’s working overtime to destroy lives, and the church needs to wake up.”

Order Isaiah Saldivar’s book “How to Cast Out Demons” on !

This perspective aligns with biblical warnings about the devil’s schemes. In 1 Peter 5:8, believers are urged to “Be sober and watchful, because your adversary the devil walks around as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” Saldivar believes that many Christians around the world have underestimated this adversary and, in doing so, have left themselves spiritually defenseless.

Deliverance as a Tool for Restoration

“Deliverance is not about making people feel bad or focusing on demons,” Saldivar said. “It’s about setting people free so they can live the abundant life Jesus promised.” He referenced John 10:10: “The thief does not come, except to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

Saldivar shared testimonies of individuals who experienced life-changing freedom through deliverance. “I’ve seen people instantly set free from years of addiction, depression, and torment,” he said. “That’s the power of Jesus working through deliverance ministry.”

Get your FREE CHARISMA NEWSLETTERS today! Stay up-to-date with current issues, Holy Spirit news, Christian teachings, Charisma videos & more!

Equipping the Church for Battle

One of Saldivar’s key concerns is that many churches are ill-equipped to address spiritual warfare. “We’ve turned church into a self-help seminar,” he lamented. “People are walking in with spiritual baggage and leaving with the same chains because no one is teaching them how to fight.”

Saldivar urged pastors and leaders to prioritize equipping their congregations for spiritual battle. “Teach them to pray, teach them to fast and teach them to stand on the Word of God,” he said. “We can’t afford to ignore this any longer.”

Thank you for visiting . To enjoy the rest of this MyCharisma post, please visit Charisma News.

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

James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

Isaiah Saldivar: The Case for Deliverance in a Troubled World

A Biblical Mandate for Deliverance

Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!

The Rising Tide of Demonic Influence

Order Isaiah Saldivar’s book “How to Cast Out Demons” on !

Deliverance as a Tool for Restoration

Get your FREE CHARISMA NEWSLETTERS today! Stay up-to-date with current issues, Holy Spirit news, Christian teachings, Charisma videos & more!

Equipping the Church for Battle

The rise of demonic influence in society demands a response from the church, and Saldivar points to deliverance ministry as the answer. Rooted in Scripture and demonstrated in Jesus’ own ministry, deliverance offers hope and freedom to those oppressed by spiritual forces. As the world grows darker, Saldivar’s call to action reminds believers of their God-given authority and responsibility to stand against the enemy’s schemes. The question now is whether the church will rise to the challenge.

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

James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

3 Things to Know About the Mysterious Drone Activity

Recently, suspicious drone activity has captivated people across the nation, and government officials have told Americans that they are unaware of where these drones came from. Below are three things you need to know in the wake of these highly unusual circumstances.

Drone activity has been abnormally high in the Northeastern states, and now in California as well.

The drone sightings in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York have caused a great panic to the people in the Northeast. Now, these drones are not just in the Northeast, but in California as well. Drone sightings in San Diego County, California are also taking place.

“Mysterious car-sized drones spotted in night sky above San Diego County” CBS 8 reports.

On Nov. 22, 2024, Colin Rambo from Lemon Grove recorded a video of his account of seeing the drones.

“I was driving down the street,” Rambo says, according to CBS 8, “and I pulled my car over because I saw what looked like a fleet of glowing red saw at least 25 of them over a five-minute period.”

Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!

The U.S. government denies the drones being harmful despite being unsure of their origins.

White House National Security Communications Advisor, John Kirby, gave a press briefing on the situation where he said he was not aware of any imagery related to the drones directly obtained by the U.S. government.

NEW: John Kirby on the UAP flood. Everything is fine. Nothing to see here!

Again, I ask, how can you not know what they are but know definitively that they aren't a threat?
Answer: it must be the US military

— Clint Russell (@LibertyLockPod) December 12, 2024

“We have certainly done thorough analysis of the existing imagery,” Kirby says. “The analysis thus far, in an investigation that is ongoing, has not revealed any national security or malicious intent or criminal information comes to light that changes that characterization, then we’ll be the first ones to let you know. But right now, there’s just no indication that this is some sort of foreign, malign activity, or in fact, even criminal.”

However, the increased sightings of the drones in the past few weeks have put people on edge, as it would for most if they were to spot a large, vehicle-sized drone over their home.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy also spoke on the drone situation, according to CBS News.

Get your FREE CHARISMA NEWSLETTERS today! Stay up-to-date with current issues, Holy Spirit news, Christian teachings, Charisma videos & more!

“Based on everything we is no public safety risk we’re aware of. On the other hand, is it frustrating to not have more answers on this? Is it frustrating to not have a source for these things? Yes,” Murphy said.

The mysterious drone activity has gone international.

Reuters released a report late morning on Dec. 13, confirming drone sightings flying over a United States airbase in Ramstein, Germany.

A spokesperson for the base told Reuters that “no impacts to base residents, facilities or assets” happened, and that “In concert with host nation authorities, we continue to monitor the airspace to ensure safety and security of the community.”

While less mysterious, a Chinese citizen was also arrested recently for allegedly flying a drone above the Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California, according to the Washington Examiner. These events over military bases area are certainly concerning.

These unfamiliar drones are a call for us as Christians to pray, to discern in the spirit what is actually going on and to stay alert at all times.

THANK YOU FOR VISITING . TO ENJOY THE REST OF THIS MYCHARISMA POST, PLEASE VISIT THIS LINK.

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

Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.

Phil Robertson Health Update: ‘The Prayers of Millions’ Are Working

Faith in God is enough, but it’s nice every once in a while to receive a sign that He is listening.

What happened to Phil Robertson might just be one of those consolations.

The patriarch of the “Duck Dynasty” clan, who was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and a blood disease, according to Fox News, experienced a brief “reprieve” from his symptoms after the family spoke about his condition on the “Unashamed with the Robertson Family” podcast Friday.

Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!

The family believes it has something to do with the outpouring of prayers for him.

Over the weekend, Phil Robertson showed marked improvement in his condition, and his son, Jase Robertson, shared his thoughts about it on Monday’s episode.

“During that little transition time, Phil had a little bit of a reprieve from his pain,” Jase Robertson said about the change since the podcast aired.

“Although his overall conditions remain the same, he just felt better,” he added, noting that his father hadn’t been eating or generally doing well before then.

“I really feel like it was just the prayers,” Jase Robertson explained of his father’s sudden turn for the better. “Because, you know, for months, he’s been on a downward decline.”

Later in the program, Phil Robertson’s nephew, Zach Dasher, echoed that sentiment, adding that the change came after Franklin Graham asked for the public’s prayers.

“He wasn’t healed, but he has had some reprieve in his pain, and I’ve got to think that that’s the prayers of millions of people that went up over the last four days,” Dascher told co-hosts Al and Jase Robertson.

“It’s been shocking,” he added.

Jase Robertson said that before this change in his father, he had been praying that the Lord would “take him,” because he was in a great deal of pain.

Get your FREE CHARISMA NEWSLETTERS today! Stay up-to-date with current issues, Holy Spirit news, Christian teachings, Charisma videos & more!

“I said that prayer, which was very difficult. I think the lowest point was when I literally prayed pretty much all day,” Jase Robertson shared.

“I threw that in there, because I just thought, ‘He is absolutely miserable.’ And then the next time I had seen him, it was quite remarkable,” he added.

“And so, thanks to God, and all your prayers that he’s had, I’d say the last few days, it’s been a temporary reprieve from the pain and suffering,” Jase Robertson said to the fans.

What happened with Phil Robertson proves that God answers all of our prayers.

Occasionally, it’s in the form of a miracle for the ages, like the resurrection of Lazarus or the healing of a blind man.

But more often than not, it comes in little ways, like a few good days in the midst of a devastating illness.

The Robertsons have always put their full faith in Jesus Christ, and this illness is no different than anything else that they’ve entrusted to their Savior.

This time, it came in Phil Robertson’s returning appetite and improving mood, and they are grateful for it.

But regardless of how the illness progresses, Phil Robertson and his family remain confident that they will live for eternity in everlasting joy, completely free of pain and suffering.

This recent change is certainly a small miracle of sorts, but the witness of the Robertson family through it all is equally inspiring for those of us who need these reminders.

This article originally appeared on The Western Journal, and is reposted with permission.

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

Jack Hibbs: The Word for 2025 is ‘Urgency’

As we enter a new chapter in history, Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills has sounded a clarion call for all believers. The word for the year ahead, he declares, is ‘urgency.’ In a time of spiritual warfare and cultural turmoil, this message is meant to inspire Christians to rise to the occasion with renewed fervor for righteousness and gospel proclamation.

“Urgency is a biblical response in these last days,” Hibbs states. This powerful reminder sets the tone for a year of action, reminding us that we live in extraordinary times. As Hibbs points out, “We just came off a profound act of mercy… regarding our U.S. elections last November, and there are some really good things being implemented.”

While there is much to celebrate, he cautions believers not to grow complacent.

Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!

“The danger for the Christian… is to now settle back and say, ‘Well, we did our job.’ And that cannot happen because we are fighting darkness,” he warns.

This fight isn’t merely political or societal—it’s a spiritual battle. Hibbs calls attention to the profound attacks on God’s creation, warning of worldly ideologies that seek to “reinterpret and reconfigure” humanity itself. “Your feelings can never trump the truth of God’s Word,” he says, urging Christians to anchor themselves in Scripture rather than the shifting sands of cultural sentiment.

But Hibbs’ message is not one of despair. Instead, he points to hope and opportunity. “Good things are happening,” he assures. He envisions a future where believers actively bring the gospel to every corner of society. “Wherever there’s human beings, we need to be there… from the streets to the halls of power representing Jesus.” This vision is a direct reflection of Christ’s Great Commission, a call to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19).

Get your FREE CHARISMA NEWSLETTERS today! Stay up-to-date with current issues, Holy Spirit news, Christian teachings, Charisma videos & more!

Pastor Hibbs’ call to action is greatly needed in a world desperate for hope and truth. “This year of 2025, we are going to push forward and move on with what God has given us in this act of mercy,” he declares. He challenges fellow Christians to pray for leaders who will answer this call. “Pray with me that God would raise up pastors who have seen the call to battle… and to lead their congregations throughout these United States in the fight for righteousness while preaching the gospel at the same time.”

This dual focus on righteousness and gospel preaching is key. The fight for truth cannot be divorced from the Good News of Jesus Christ. In a time of urgency, we must resist the temptation to get comfortable and instead embrace our role as ambassadors of God’s kingdom. Let’s heed Pastor Hibbs’ rallying cry and step boldly into 2025, trusting that, as Scripture promises, “The light shines in darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5, MEV).

The hour is urgent, but the opportunity is great. Together, let’s answer the call to battle, standing firm in truth, fueled by hope, and advancing the mission of Christ with unwavering faith.

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

James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.