In a recent interview with Charisma News, Skillet frontman, John Cooper, both a musician and author, delved into the complexities of our ever-changing culture. Cooper’s insights, drawn from his experiences and observations, are captured in his upcoming book, “Wimpy, Weak, and Woke: How Truth Can Save America from Utopian Destruction.”

The conversation touched upon the challenges of addressing the cultural shifts and moral dilemmas facing society today. Cooper expressed concern about the prevailing ideologies influencing both the secular world and the church, leading to what he terms as being “wimpy, weak and woke.”

“I think we are to the place now where most people are like, ‘OK, things are getting pretty weird.’ …Most people see these things happening now and they’re just saying, ‘What is going on?’ and I wanted to write a book that encapsulated all of those things under the rubric of being wimpy, weak and woke,” Cooper explains.

“Wimpy” refers to a tendency to prioritize being winsome over telling the truth, especially within the Christian community. It takes strength to stand on the Word of God in an increasingly secular world. Cooper notes that the fear of offending others has led to a reluctance to discuss critical topics such as morality, sexuality and gender. The desire to win the favor of the world, according to Cooper, has compromised the steadfast proclamation of biblical truths.

In addressing the challenge of being “wimpy,” Cooper draws inspiration from the Bible, urging believers to stand strong in their faith. Proverbs 28:1 states, “The wicked flee when no man pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” This verse underscores the importance of courageously proclaiming God’s truth even in the face of cultural opposition and cancellation

On the concept of being “weak,” Cooper emphasizes the importance of understanding the philosophical and theological foundations of our faith. He argues that a lack of familiarity with these foundations has weakened the Christian response to cultural challenges. Without a solid grasp of biblical principles, believers may unknowingly adopt secular worldviews that contradict the teachings of Christ.

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“We have become philosophically and theologically weak,” Cooper proclaims. “We do not know what has come before us. We do not understand political philosophy. We don’t understand worldview. And so we just start saying things that we don’t know are absolutely ridiculous, because we just don’t know the Bible.”

Cooper draws attention to Ephesians 6:10, which encourages believers to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. This verse serves as a reminder that true strength comes from a deep connection to God and a reliance on His Word.

The term ‘woke’ takes on a nuanced meaning in Cooper’s discussion. While acknowledging the biblical mandate to care for the poor and oppressed, he critiques the secular social justice movement, which he believes often centers around power dynamics rather than biblical justice.

“It creates an entire world, not based on biblical righteousness or biblical wickedness, but it creates a new world [based] on power and oppression. So it creates these new groups of oppressed people that’s not actually accurate to biblical justice.”

Cooper calls on Christians to be discerning, guided by biblical principles. Micah 6:8 provides a biblical framework for justice: “He has told you, O man, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

Cooper also discussed the rising trend of deconstruction within Christian circles, expressing concern that a lack of biblical understanding and an adherence to secular ideologies could lead believers down a path of deconstructing their faith. He emphasized the importance of knowing the Word of God and relying on it for answers.

John Cooper’s upcoming book aims to address the challenges of navigating a culture that seems increasingly disconnected from biblical truth. As believers confront the falsehoods of a society that is seeking to replace God, Cooper urges them to stand firm in their faith, grounded in the timeless truths of the Bible. The call is to be courageous, understanding that true peace and justice come from aligning with the cross of Jesus Christ rather than conforming to the ever-shifting tides of societal expectations. {eoa}

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

In a candid, exclusive interview with Charisma magazine, Steven Curtis Chapman reflected on the significance of his recently recorded concert performance, which marked a celebration of his 50, No. 1 hit songs and 20 years of his organization, Show Hope.

“I think moments though like this, you know, to celebrate a milestone, a mile marker in the journey, really are just one more opportunity to just be humbled, to be reminded that it’s all God,” Chapman said. “That God is good, that He has been faithful, that I get to sing about what is eternally true.”

The concert, which airs on TBN today, Nov. 24, features Chapman’s collaboration with an orchestra to deliver beautiful arrangements of his chart-topping hits. These hits remind Chapman, with great humility and thanks to God, of the journey he has had over the years, including the time of pressure when he was unsure about the future of his musical career. Instead, this would be the time God would use to renew his strength and provide a testimony that would touch millions through “The Great Adventure.”

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“Things were getting busier, and more successful I guess, in a way than I even imagined when I started,” Chapman said.

After seeing a greater success and awaiting the birth of his third child, Chapman says he was afraid of failure and became unsure of whether or not he was supposed to continue to pursue music.

“I just remember weeping and saying, ‘guys, I don’t know how to do this. I don’t know if I even should be doing this because the toll it’s taken on my family,'” Chapman said. “I know God’s given me these songs and this opportunity, but maybe I’m not supposed to keep doing it or how do I do it.”

It was in this desperation that Chapman’s pastor helped provide him with the biblical advice he needed to keep going. Instead of feeling afraid and concerned about failing and not being enough, he was reminded that his grace and strength are derived directly from Christ.

“He said, ‘because you know this: you write songs about it, but I want to encourage you to remember what the cross is, what Jesus did at the cross. He took all of our failure, all of our not enoughness on Himself,'” Chapman said. “[Jesus said] Yeah, you’re not enough, but I am and My grace is enough for you.”

After realizing the need to lean in on Christ’s goodness and faithfulness, “The Great Adventure” came about and countless lives have since been touched by the song. However, music alone is not the only way that God has used Chapman’s life to have an impact on the world around him. He and his wife’s organization, Show Hope, which has helped over 8,600 families as they’ve adopted children from 63 different countries around the world.

“Show Hope is just a picture of the gospel that we get to put on display for the world,” Chapman said.

As we embark on the Christmas season, it’s stories like Chapman’s that are meant to remind us of God’s goodness and faithfulness no matter what He calls us to do because of His complete faithfulness to us to give us the gift of His one and only Son.

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Abby Trivett is a marketing copywriter and coordinator for Charisma Media.

Thanksgiving is more than a family holiday or a mindset; it’s a national treasure.

Public acknowledgments of the providence of God have been part of the history and traditions of this nation—from the Pilgrims to the founding era, from the Civil War to today—and it’s important to share the true meaning of Thanksgiving. It’s an important part of our Judeo-Christian heritage. To this day, during Thanksgiving week, Congress honors National Bible Week and the Bible’s impact on America to ensure these timeless traditions remain the lifeblood of America.

The tradition of sharing a meal and giving thanks for family and freedom dates back to 1620 when the 52 survivors of the Mayflower landed in Massachusetts and enjoyed a three-day meal with Native Americans.

Interestingly, a plantation nestled in the beautiful countryside of Virginia, famously called the Berkeley Plantation, is one of America’s best-kept secrets. The former home of a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Harrison, and the birthplace of the ninth president of the United States, William Henry Harrison, it is also the location of the actual first Thanksgiving on Dec. 4, 1619. When a ship sailing from England, the Margaret, landed, the first act of business by those aboard was to pray. Written orders given by the Berkeley Company to Captain Woodlief declared that their arrival must “be yearly and perpetually kept holy as a day of Thanksgiving to Almighty God.” And that’s exactly what they did—for two years. Lawmakers have worked to ensure this history is recorded, and now this tradition of prayer during the Virginia Thanksgiving Festival has been revived and is an annual commemorative event.

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America’s founders intentionally encouraged public thanksgiving to God for His enumerated blessings. On Sept. 25, 1789, the Bill of Rights was ratified by the Senate. The First Amendment was approved by Congress and sent to the states for final approval. However, after the framers completed the Bill of Rights, Elias Boudinot, a member of the House of Representatives, said he could not think of letting the session pass without offering an opportunity to all U.S. citizens to return thanks to God for His many blessings. That same day, the U.S. House passed the following resolution:

“Resolved, that a joint committee of both Houses be directed to wait upon the President of the United States, to request that he would recommend to the people of the United States, a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed, by acknowledging, with grateful hearts, the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a Constitution of Government for their safety and happiness.”

On Oct. 3, 1789, President George Washington declared Nov. 26, 1789, a National Day of Thanksgiving to thank God for the Constitution and our new American government:

“Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor—and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”

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That same year, the Protestant Episcopal Church, of which President Washington was a member, announced that the first Thursday in November would become the regular day for giving thanks, “unless another day be appointed by the civil authorities.” In fact, by 1815, the various state governments had issued at least 1,400 official prayer proclamations, almost half for times of thanksgiving and prayer and the other half for times of fasting and prayer.

Mrs. Sarah Josepha Hale, editor of “Godey’s Lady’s Book,” deserves much of the credit for the adoption of Thanksgiving as an annual national holiday. For two decades, Hale contacted presidents trying to promote the idea. Finally, in 1863, during the darkest days of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln responded. Lincoln issued a formal proclamation, passed by an act of Congress, that set aside the last Thursday of that November as the first annual National Day of Thanksgiving and Praise.

The Thanksgiving proclamation called Americans to prayer with optimism and genuine thankfulness, noting that: “No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, Who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.”

As we gather with loved ones this holiday season, we must remember freedom is not free. Give thanks to God for the men and women who pioneered this great nation into a beacon of freedom, as well as for those on the front lines who lay their lives on the line every day to preserve it. {eoa}

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

Mat Staver is the founder and chairman of the Liberty Counsel, a nonprofit litigation, education and policy organization advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of human life and the family.

Thanksgiving is more than a family holiday or a mindset; it’s a national treasure.

Public acknowledgments of the providence of God have been part of the history and traditions of this nation—from the Pilgrims to the founding era, from the Civil War to today—and it’s important to share the true meaning of Thanksgiving. It’s an important part of our Judeo-Christian heritage. To this day, during Thanksgiving week, Congress honors National Bible Week and the Bible’s impact on America to ensure these timeless traditions remain the lifeblood of America.

The tradition of sharing a meal and giving thanks for family and freedom dates back to 1620 when the 52 survivors of the Mayflower landed in Massachusetts and enjoyed a three-day meal with Native Americans.

Interestingly, a plantation nestled in the beautiful countryside of Virginia, famously called the Berkeley Plantation, is one of America’s best-kept secrets. The former home of a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Harrison, and the birthplace of the ninth president of the United States, William Henry Harrison, it is also the location of the actual first Thanksgiving on Dec. 4, 1619. When a ship sailing from England, the Margaret, landed, the first act of business by those aboard was to pray. Written orders given by the Berkeley Company to Captain Woodlief declared that their arrival must “be yearly and perpetually kept holy as a day of Thanksgiving to Almighty God.” And that’s exactly what they did—for two years. Lawmakers have worked to ensure this history is recorded, and now this tradition of prayer during the Virginia Thanksgiving Festival has been revived and is an annual commemorative event.

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

America’s founders intentionally encouraged public thanksgiving to God for His enumerated blessings. On Sept. 25, 1789, the Bill of Rights was ratified by the Senate. The First Amendment was approved by Congress and sent to the states for final approval. However, after the framers completed the Bill of Rights, Elias Boudinot, a member of the House of Representatives, said he could not think of letting the session pass without offering an opportunity to all U.S. citizens to return thanks to God for His many blessings. That same day, the U.S. House passed the following resolution:

“Resolved, that a joint committee of both Houses be directed to wait upon the President of the United States, to request that he would recommend to the people of the United States, a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed, by acknowledging, with grateful hearts, the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a Constitution of Government for their safety and happiness.”

On Oct. 3, 1789, President George Washington declared Nov. 26, 1789, a National Day of Thanksgiving to thank God for the Constitution and our new American government:

“Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor—and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”

Sign up NOW for a FREE Charisma Magazine Online 30-day trial!

That same year, the Protestant Episcopal Church, of which President Washington was a member, announced that the first Thursday in November would become the regular day for giving thanks, “unless another day be appointed by the civil authorities.” In fact, by 1815, the various state governments had issued at least 1,400 official prayer proclamations, almost half for times of thanksgiving and prayer and the other half for times of fasting and prayer.

Mrs. Sarah Josepha Hale, editor of “Godey’s Lady’s Book,” deserves much of the credit for the adoption of Thanksgiving as an annual national holiday. For two decades, Hale contacted presidents trying to promote the idea. Finally, in 1863, during the darkest days of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln responded. Lincoln issued a formal proclamation, passed by an act of Congress, that set aside the last Thursday of that November as the first annual National Day of Thanksgiving and Praise.

The Thanksgiving proclamation called Americans to prayer with optimism and genuine thankfulness, noting that: “No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, Who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.”

As we gather with loved ones this holiday season, we must remember freedom is not free. Give thanks to God for the men and women who pioneered this great nation into a beacon of freedom, as well as for those on the front lines who lay their lives on the line every day to preserve it.

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

Mat Staver is the founder and chairman of the Liberty Counsel, a nonprofit litigation, education and policy organization advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of human life and the family.

Here’s a quick rundown of the top stories on :

Coach Fired After Hosting Voluntary Baptisms With Team

In the midst of recent events at Tattnall County High School, where Coach Isaac Ferrell’s departure sparked concern among parents, one aspect stands out—the powerful symbolism of 20 players voluntarily participating in a baptismal ceremony. The video, shared on the team’s Facebook page, captured a moment of profound faith that transcended the football field.

In the words of Matthew 28:19, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” This biblical instruction echoes in the voluntary team baptism, offering a glimpse into a personal and communal commitment to Christ.

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Target Doubles Down on Christmas ‘Pride’ Campaign

If you thought Target had learned the lesson that many of their shoppers do not view items like tuck-friendly swimwear for kids as appropriate, think again.

In 2023, Target lost billions from the backlash their ‘Pride’ collection caused and the company’s relationship with Abprallen and satanic-themed items, much of which was aimed at children.

The year is not over yet, and the retail giant thought it would be a good idea to ring in the Christmas season with another ‘Pride’ campaign where they deck the halls in transgender flag colors.

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Controversial Pentecostal Bishop Carlton Pearson Dies at 70

Pentecostal Bishop Carlton Pearson, once the pastor of the one of the largest churches in Tulsa, Oklahoma, died at 70 on Sunday, Nov. 19, after a long battle with prostate cancer. He had been under hospice care since early November.

During the 1990s, Pearson’s church in Tulsa, Higher Dimensions Church, reached an average attendance of 6,000. In 1994, however, after watching a television program about the “wretched conditions” of people suffering and dying from genocide in Rwanda, and considering the teaching of his church that non-Christians were going to hell, Pearson revealed that he had received an epiphany from God and stated publicly that he doubted the existence of hell as a place of eternal torment.

He said that hell was created on earth by human depravity and behavior. {eoa}

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Here’s a quick rundown of the top stories on :

Controversial Pentecostal Bishop Carlton Pearson Dies at 70

Pentecostal Bishop Carlton Pearson, once the pastor of the one of the largest churches in Tulsa, Oklahoma, died at 70 on Sunday, Nov. 19, after a long battle with prostate cancer. He had been under hospice care since early November.

During the 1990s, Pearson’s church in Tulsa, Higher Dimensions Church, reached an average attendance of 6,000. In 1994, however, after watching a television program about the “wretched conditions” of people suffering and dying from genocide in Rwanda, and considering the teaching of his church that non-Christians were going to hell, Pearson revealed that he had received an epiphany from God and stated publicly that he doubted the existence of hell as a place of eternal torment.

He said that hell was created on earth by human depravity and behavior.

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Candace Cameron Bure on Hope-Filled Entertainment for the Holidays

When it comes to Christmas entertainment, there’s few who do it better than Candace Cameron Bure.

In a new interview with Fox News alongside Great American Family CEO Bill Abbot, Bure shared her heart for creating family-friendly entertainment that can provide hope, with her latest film, “My Christmas Hero.”

“I think we want to create an oasis in a cultural desert,” Bure said.

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Thanksgiving: From a ‘Pilgrim’s’ Perspective

Twice in the Bible believers are referred to as “pilgrims.” The apostle Peter wrote, “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11).

The author of Hebrews also used this term to describe the Patriarchs: “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland” (Heb. 11:13).

A pilgrim is “A person who journeys, especially a long distance, to some sacred place as an act of religious devotion.” A pilgrim is also “a traveler, a wanderer, a wayfarer, one who stays in a place only temporarily, but who normally has a set destination.”

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

In a recent interview with Charisma News, Skillet frontman, John Cooper, both a musician and author, delved into the complexities of our ever-changing culture. Cooper’s insights, drawn from his experiences and observations, are captured in his upcoming book, “Wimpy, Weak, and Woke: How Truth Can Save America from Utopian Destruction.”

The conversation touched upon the challenges of addressing the cultural shifts and moral dilemmas facing society today. Cooper expressed concern about the prevailing ideologies influencing both the secular world and the church, leading to what he terms as being “wimpy, weak and woke.”

“I think we are to the place now where most people are like, ‘OK, things are getting pretty weird.’ …Most people see these things happening now and they’re just saying, ‘What is going on?’ and I wanted to write a book that encapsulated all of those things under the rubric of being wimpy, weak and woke,” Cooper explains.

“Wimpy” refers to a tendency to prioritize being winsome over telling the truth, especially within the Christian community. It takes strength to stand on the Word of God in an increasingly secular world. Cooper notes that the fear of offending others has led to a reluctance to discuss critical topics such as morality, sexuality and gender. The desire to win the favor of the world, according to Cooper, has compromised the steadfast proclamation of biblical truths.

In addressing the challenge of being “wimpy,” Cooper draws inspiration from the Bible, urging believers to stand strong in their faith. Proverbs 28:1 states, “The wicked flee when no man pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” This verse underscores the importance of courageously proclaiming God’s truth even in the face of cultural opposition and cancellation

On the concept of being “weak,” Cooper emphasizes the importance of understanding the philosophical and theological foundations of our faith. He argues that a lack of familiarity with these foundations has weakened the Christian response to cultural challenges. Without a solid grasp of biblical principles, believers may unknowingly adopt secular worldviews that contradict the teachings of Christ.

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

“We have become philosophically and theologically weak,” Cooper proclaims. “We do not know what has come before us. We do not understand political philosophy. We don’t understand worldview. And so we just start saying things that we don’t know are absolutely ridiculous, because we just don’t know the Bible.”

Cooper draws attention to Ephesians 6:10, which encourages believers to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. This verse serves as a reminder that true strength comes from a deep connection to God and a reliance on His Word.

The term ‘woke’ takes on a nuanced meaning in Cooper’s discussion. While acknowledging the biblical mandate to care for the poor and oppressed, he critiques the secular social justice movement, which he believes often centers around power dynamics rather than biblical justice.

“It creates an entire world, not based on biblical righteousness or biblical wickedness, but it creates a new world [based] on power and oppression. So it creates these new groups of oppressed people that’s not actually accurate to biblical justice.”

Cooper calls on Christians to be discerning, guided by biblical principles. Micah 6:8 provides a biblical framework for justice: “He has told you, O man, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

Cooper also discussed the rising trend of deconstruction within Christian circles, expressing concern that a lack of biblical understanding and an adherence to secular ideologies could lead believers down a path of deconstructing their faith. He emphasized the importance of knowing the Word of God and relying on it for answers.

John Cooper’s upcoming book aims to address the challenges of navigating a culture that seems increasingly disconnected from biblical truth. As believers confront the falsehoods of a society that is seeking to replace God, Cooper urges them to stand firm in their faith, grounded in the timeless truths of the Bible. The call is to be courageous, understanding that true peace and justice come from aligning with the cross of Jesus Christ rather than conforming to the ever-shifting tides of societal expectations. {eoa}

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

James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

In a bold move, Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), a non-profit organization championing religious freedom, has taken legal action against Vermont officials on behalf of Mid Vermont Christian School (MVCS). The school, facing exclusion from tournaments, raised concerns after forfeiting a girls basketball game against Long Trail High School, which included a transgender student on their roster.

The lawsuit, filed by ADF, contends that MVCS, following its religious beliefs about gender and sexuality, was unjustly barred from future tournaments and expelled from the Vermont Principal’s Association (VPA). This action is cited as an infringement on the school’s right to participate in the state’s tuition program and sports league based on its Christian principles.

The complaint emphasizes that MVCS is enduring irreparable harm due to its exclusion, affecting not only its athletic program but also hindering participation in academic competitions, debates and fairs. The VPA’s stance, according to the suit, stems from the school’s adherence to the belief that biological boys are boys, and it cannot affirm otherwise.

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Chris Goodwin, the coach of MVCS’s girls basketball team, expressed disbelief at the notion of telling his daughter she couldn’t play sports due to religious views. Goodwin affirmed that denying opportunities based on religious beliefs goes against the principles of fair play.

ADF senior counsel Ryan Tucker stated, “Mid Vermont Christian School believes that boys are boys and girls are girls. They have been punished for this belief. No school or parent should have to change their beliefs to participate in athletics or a state tuitioning program.”

This legal action underscores the ongoing struggle for Christians to maintain their convictions in the face of societal shifts. The Bible encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, as seen in 1 Corinthians 16:13: “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be bold like men, and be strong.” Christians in America are called to assert their rights while upholding their beliefs, recognizing that the Constitution safeguards religious freedoms. In doing so, they echo the apostle Paul’s resilience in defending the faith despite opposition.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

In a candid, exclusive interview with Charisma magazine, Steven Curtis Chapman reflected on the significance of his recently recorded concert performance, which marked a celebration of his 50, No. 1 hit songs and 20 years of his organization, Show Hope.

“I think moments though like this, you know, to celebrate a milestone, a mile marker in the journey, really are just one more opportunity to just be humbled, to be reminded that it’s all God,” Chapman said. “That God is good, that He has been faithful, that I get to sing about what is eternally true.”

The concert, which airs on TBN today, Nov. 24, features Chapman’s collaboration with an orchestra to deliver beautiful arrangements of his chart-topping hits. These hits remind Chapman, with great humility and thanks to God, of the journey he has had over the years, including the time of pressure when he was unsure about the future of his musical career. Instead, this would be the time God would use to renew his strength and provide a testimony that would touch millions through “The Great Adventure.”

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

“Things were getting busier, and more successful I guess, in a way than I even imagined when I started,” Chapman said.

After seeing a greater success and awaiting the birth of his third child, Chapman says he was afraid of failure and became unsure of whether or not he was supposed to continue to pursue music.

“I just remember weeping and saying, ‘guys, I don’t know how to do this. I don’t know if I even should be doing this because the toll it’s taken on my family,'” Chapman said. “I know God’s given me these songs and this opportunity, but maybe I’m not supposed to keep doing it or how do I do it.”

It was in this desperation that Chapman’s pastor helped provide him with the biblical advice he needed to keep going. Instead of feeling afraid and concerned about failing and not being enough, he was reminded that his grace and strength are derived directly from Christ.

“He said, ‘because you know this: you write songs about it, but I want to encourage you to remember what the cross is, what Jesus did at the cross. He took all of our failure, all of our not enoughness on Himself,'” Chapman said. “[Jesus said] Yeah, you’re not enough, but I am and My grace is enough for you.”

After realizing the need to lean in on Christ’s goodness and faithfulness, “The Great Adventure” came about and countless lives have since been touched by the song. However, music alone is not the only way that God has used Chapman’s life to have an impact on the world around him. He and his wife’s organization, Show Hope, which has helped over 8,600 families as they’ve adopted children from 63 different countries around the world.

“Show Hope is just a picture of the gospel that we get to put on display for the world,” Chapman said.

As we embark on the Christmas season, it’s stories like Chapman’s that are meant to remind us of God’s goodness and faithfulness no matter what He calls us to do because of His complete faithfulness to us to give us the gift of His one and only Son. {eoa}

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

Abby Trivett is a marketing copywriter and coordinator for Charisma Media.

Twice in the Bible believers are referred to as “pilgrims.” The apostle Peter wrote, “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11).

The author of Hebrews also used this term to describe the Patriarchs: “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland” (Heb. 11:13).

A pilgrim is “A person who journeys, especially a long distance, to some sacred place as an act of religious devotion.” A pilgrim is also “a traveler, a wanderer, a wayfarer, one who stays in a place only temporarily, but who normally has a set destination.”

As pilgrims our motto should be “just passing through.” Don’t get too attached to the things of this world because this is just our temporary home. Life is a journey and earth is not our final destination. We, like Father Abraham, are looking for our permanent, eternal home—”For he waited for a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Heb. 11:10).

Like fish out of water, pilgrims are misfits. We don’t fit the mold of the world because we are not of this world. Everything a true Christian believes runs contrary to the carnal mindset. C. S. Lewis reasoned, “If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.” Pilgrims see the temporary nature of earthly things and the permanent nature of heavenly things. 

The Pilgrims of 1620 fame separated from the Church of England due to its compromise. Fleeing persecution, they moved from England to Holland where their congregation grew. Wanting a fresh start free from the loose Dutch lifestyle, they sailed to the New World on a quest to worship God and live based on biblical truth.

Originally, they set sail on two ships: the Speedwell and the Mayflower. Three days later, the Speedwell proved to be unseaworthy. Consequently, 102 pilgrims, plus crew members, were crammed aboard the Mayflower. Imagine a 66-day voyage on rough seas with that many people in the space of a volleyball court. Seasickness was common among these landlubbers who were mostly farmers, merchants and craftsmen. The crew members harassed them for their nausea and singing, and gave them the derisive nickname “psalm-singing puke stockings.” The meanest sailor mysteriously died and was buried at sea. Coincidence or Providence?

Their original charter was in Virginia. Storms blew the Mayflower hundreds of miles off course. Most of the coastline was inhabited by hostile natives. A few years prior, a plague wiped out a tribe of Pawtuxet’s, so other tribes were wary of the region fearing it was cursed. When the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, it was one of the few safe places on the Eastern Seaboard. Coincidence or Providence?

During the first harsh winter, 47 of the 102 Pilgrims died due to exposure, disease and hunger. One author noted, “The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than those—who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving.” Legend says their rations dwindled to five kernels of corn per person per day. They might have all starved to death if it wasn’t for two God-sent Indians.

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In the spring, Samoset showed up speaking English and brought a friend, Squanto, who Governor William Bradford called, “A special instrument sent from God for their good.” These Indians taught the settlers how to grow and fertilize crops, hunt, fish and decipher poisonous from edible plants. Squanto also assisted the Pilgrims as a guide and interpreter to help negotiate peace with other tribes.

After the plentiful harvest of 1621, Governor Bradford declared a 3-day feast of Thanksgiving. Chief Massasoit and about 90 warriors brought venison, wild turkeys, hoecakes, cornmeal and maple syrup pudding and an Indian delicacy—popcorn. The Pilgrims pitched in vegetables from their gardens. Between meals they had shooting contests, foot races, wrestling and other activities. Before gorging themselves on the feast, the Pilgrims placed five kernels of corn on their plates as a vivid reminder of how God brought them back from the brink of starvation.

The Continental Congress appointed the first national Thanksgiving Day in 1777. Then, in 1864, President Abraham Lincoln designated the last Thursday of November as the annual holiday. But Thanksgiving should be more than a holiday observed once a year, it should be our lifestyle(1 Thess. 5:18). This holiday season may we realize how blessed we are in America compared to most of the world. Let us remember the true source of our blessings and maintain an attitude of gratitude. Let’s be grateful for what we have before time forces us to be grateful for what we had.

The first baby born on the Mayflower still anchored in Cape Cod was named Peregrine, meaning “pilgrim or one who has made a journey.” May we never forget that we too are pilgrims on a journey beyond this temporary, natural world to an eternal, spiritual world (Heb. 11:16).

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Ben Godwin is the author of six books and pastors the Goodsprings Full Gospel Church. You can read more articles or order his books at .