Science continues to get even wilder and wackier than we imagine.

According to the BBC, the colossal squid, has been caught on film, marking its first sighting since it was discovered 100 years ago.

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It is believed the colossal squid could weigh up to 1,100 pounds and be 23-feet long. If this is true, it could be the world’s “heaviest invertebrate on the planet.”

As the BCC noted, Dr. Michelle Taylor said that the finding of the squid was “beautiful and unusual.” This is one of many recent bizarre discoveries, including the “doomsday fish.”

But, could there be something more to all of this?

Could these discoveries mean that we are racing toward the end times?

The Bible speaks about the increase of knowledge in the last days, and Daniel 12:4 tells us that in the time of the end, “many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”

From the depths of the ocean to the furthest reaches of space, things long hidden are being uncovered. The recent sighting of the colossal squid, once thought to be a near-mythical creature, is one more example of prophetic truth unfolding before our eyes.

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While these discoveries are fascinating from a scientific perspective, they should also awaken us spiritually. The unveiling of the unknown is not a coincidence; it is a signpost reminding us that we are living in a time of acceleration.

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What once took centuries to uncover is now happening in days or even hours. With each headline like this one, we are reminded that God’s Word is true and that His timeline is moving forward. The mysteries of creation are being revealed, not just to satisfy human curiosity, but to point us back to the Creator Himself.

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Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.

Could space be a place to promote apostasy these days?

Recently, Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin took spaceflight in a whole new direction: planning an all-female crew. And one of the selected crew for this venture is none other than Katy Perry.

Perry told the Associated Press that she was deeply fixating on herself “psychologically” as well as reading all about astrophysics and astronomy. Interestingly enough, she also revealed her thoughts about creation and God, which are quite different from her Christian upbringing.

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“I’ve always been interested in astrophysics and interested in astronomy and astrology and the stars. We are all made of stardust and we all come from stars,” Perry said in the interview, stating that she is “using that feminine divine that I was born with,” to overcome her fears.

So, what exactly is this “feminine divine”?

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It’s a term rooted in ancient paganism, mysticism and modern New Age beliefs. The divine feminine worships a goddess archetype, elevating self-empowerment and intuition above biblical truth. And today, it’s becoming almost synonymous with aspects of the modern feminist movement—where womanhood is deified, and the Creator is replaced with the creation. The Fatherhood of God is stripped away by the feminist movement, replaced with a “Mother Earth” notion, and a deceptive tactic of the enemy.

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It’s a far cry from the biblical view of womanhood rooted in humility, purpose and identity in Christ.

Ironically, while Katy Perry drifts further into cosmic spiritualism, her ex-husband, Russell Brand—once known for wild living and mockery of faith—has publicly embraced Jesus. Brand has undergone a radical transformation, boldly declaring Christ as his Savior and using his platform to share messages of faith, truth and redemption.

The contrast couldn’t be more stark. One is exploring stars and channeling the divine feminine. The other is turning to the Creator of the stars.

Perry’s journey is not just a celebrity detour—it reflects a growing trend in our culture where feelings replace faith, and New Age masquerades as enlightenment.

But there’s still hope.

Perry’s story began in the church, and though she was hurt and disillusioned by religion, God is a Redeemer who never stops pursuing His children. Just as He’s reached others in Hollywood, including Brand, He can call Katy back to Himself.

Let’s pray she looks past the stars—and finds the One who made them.

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Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.

Is Easter a pagan holiday?

One viewpoint is that Easter is rooted in the celebration of the fertility of a pagan goddess, Ishtar, who was from Babylonian times. This celebration of ancient fertility rites would, ultimately, mean that Christians were celebrating something far from the truth of Jesus’ Resurrection.

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Others have also connected Easter to the timing of Passover, and the forbidding of Christians eating eggs at the time of Lent in the Middle Ages. The word “Easter” can also be connected to the Germanic form of the word “dawn” which would symbolize the dawn of Christ’s Resurrection on the Third Day.

So, should Christians use the term “Easter” or not?

As believers, we are called to walk in wisdom and discernment, that’s why it’s important to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to convict and lead us personally.

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While discussions about pagan roots and cultural influences for the name “Easter” are valid, they should not distract believers from the central truth that Resurrection Sunday marks the greatest event in human history—the defeat of sin and death through Jesus rising from the grave.

Regardless of the terms used, what matters most is the posture of our hearts and our focus on the victory of the cross and the empty tomb. Our hearts must be fixed at all times on Christ in sincere worship, not only at this time of year, but in all situations and circumstances.

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Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.

The Ohio State Buckeyes, fresh off their 2024 national college football championship win, are making headlines for more than just their on-field dominance. Their new championship rings feature a powerful nod to the Christian faith, and it’s truly inspiring.

Jostens Championship Rings unveiled the stunning design on X, showcasing a ring that’s as meaningful as it is dazzling.

The Buckeye Pride is stronger than ever! Check out the new @OhioStateFB National Championship ring 🥶🔥A ring fit for champions!@OhioStAthletics#GoBucks #championshipring pic.twitter.com/ErUFmqeeds

— Jostens Championship Rings (@JostensChamp) April 12, 2025

The Buckeyes’ logo takes center stage, but the real story lies within.

Embedded inside the ring is a cross, a clear and unmistakable symbol of the faith. It’s a beautiful testament to the values that guided the team through an incredible season.

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According to ESPN, the rings were presented during Ohio State’s spring game Saturday at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, a moment of celebration for the 2024 champions.

“Players and coaches from the 2024 championship team received a ring for making the College Football Playoff, one from the CFP for winning it, and a championship ring from Ohio State,” ESPN reported.

The cross in the championship ring isn’t just a design choice — it’s a genuine reflection of the team’s journey. The rings also feature coach Ryan Day’s mantra, “Leave no doubt,” alongside the faith-driven symbol.

This isn’t the first time the Buckeyes have been vocal about Christian beliefs. Throughout the season, numerous players openly shared their Christian faith, making it a cornerstone of their identity.

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Not only did the team organize an event that ushered in a number of baptisms, the team’s best players put Jesus front and center during the title game itself.

(On Jan. 20, the Buckeyes beat the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 32-23 in a game that wasn’t nearly as close as the final score would suggest.)

The Buckeyes’ quarterback, Will Howard, and Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard both credited God for their talents, a refreshing display of humility in the high-stakes world of college football.

Fans have taken notice of the cross on the rings, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

It’s incredibly cool to see a team at the pinnacle of college football unapologetically embrace Christian beliefs, weaving them into a symbol of its greatest achievement.

The rings themselves are a work of art, encrusted with pieces of confetti from the championship game at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, floating over a replica of the field.

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But the cross inside adds a deeper layer of meaning, reminding us that for this team, faith was a guiding light on the path to victory.

In an era where public expressions of faith can be polarizing, the Buckeyes’ decision to honor Christ on their rings is a courageous and uplifting statement.

It’s a reminder that success doesn’t have to come at the expense of values. Instead, it can be a platform to share them with the world.

The Ohio State Buckeyes have given us more than a championship season. They’ve shown that faith and excellence can go hand in hand, and that’s something worth celebrating.

Here’s to a team that’s not just winning on the field, but winning hearts with an unshakeable commitment to Christ.

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

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Dave Ramsey has become a household name for those who want to get out of financial debt. However, this wasn’t always the case. In fact, there was a time when Ramsey himself was broke and without hope. That is, until he finally met Jesus Christ.

On an episode of the Shawn Ryan Show, Ramsey explained how he was living the American dream in his twenties. By the age of 26, he had accumulated $4 million in real estate and earned $250,000 in a single year. But despite his financial success, he was drowning in debt, and his world would soon collapse. By age 28, Ramsey was bankrupt, losing everything he had built.

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It was through this downfall that Ramsey experienced a profound transformation—one that would change his life forever. His journey to faith began during a sales conference, where he encountered a speaker who challenged his worldview. The speaker, a successful businessman, boldly stated, “If you don’t know this man named Jesus, you need to get introduced because it will change the way you do business. It will change the way you do relationships.”

Although Ramsey initially resisted his wife’s pleas to attend church, he eventually agreed, driven by a deep curiosity and a sense that something was missing. However, the first churches they visited didn’t leave a lasting impression. That is until they walked into a small, humble church where the presence of God was undeniable. Ramsey recalls, “We just kept coming and we didn’t know what was drawing us back, but we found out later it was… the spirit of God we could feel it and it was just attractive.”

Through this encounter, Ramsey began to understand a key truth: material possessions, no matter how luxurious, could never fulfill the longing in his heart. He’d chased after cars, homes, and extravagant experiences, thinking they would bring peace, but they only left him empty. “If you eat enough lobster, it tastes like soap,” he humorously reflects, illustrating how, eventually, wealth and material goods lose their luster. “You get enough cars, you get enough suits of clothes, you get enough houses… eventually you just go, ‘It’s unfulfilling.’”

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It wasn’t until he surrendered his life to Christ that he found true purpose. Ramsey explains, “It’s not all about you… the most fulfilling thing you can do in your life is serve and not gather up another Jaguar…” This spiritual awakening wasn’t just about a change in beliefs—it was a complete shift in priorities. Dave realized that true fulfillment comes not from accumulating wealth, but from serving others and living according to God’s purpose.

Ramsey also reflects on the moment he realized possessions couldn’t bring him peace: “There’s nothing wrong with getting you some stuff… but what’s wrong with where it becomes wrong is if you are asking the stuff to do something it’s not capable of, which is give you peace.”

As he rebuilt his life and career over the next 35 years, his wealth grew, but his attachment to material things disappeared. Today, Dave Ramsey encourages others to seek fulfillment not in wealth, but in the peace that only Jesus can offer. His journey from bankruptcy to faith is a powerful reminder that no amount of success can replace the joy and purpose found in Christ.

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Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.

BREAKING UPDATE: 

The American missionary who was kidnapped at gunpoint by masked men during his church service in South Africa has been rescued after a deadly shootout with his captors. 

South African law enforcement rescued Pastor Josh Sullivan after hunting down the kidnappers and locating them in a car parked outside a house about 20 minutes from his church. The suspects reportedly tried to escape while shooting at the police officers. 

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Three perpetrators were then fatally shot in the high-intensity shootout that followed. Sullivan, who describes himself as “a church-planting missionary” on his personal website, has been reunited with his wife Meagan and their children.

“The victim was found inside the same vehicle from which the suspects had launched their attack,” Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba said. “Miraculously unharmed, he was immediately assessed by medical personnel and is currently in an excellent condition.”

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A man named Tom Hatley, Sullivan’s training pastor, confirmed the rescue, stating online, “Josh has been released… Thank you for your support and prayers. Please do not stop praying for The Sullivans.” 

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EARLIER REPORT:

The Fellowship Baptist Church in Maryville, Tennessee, had shared the intial kidnapping news on its Facebook page. The Tennessee pastor’s abduction was allegedly intended for a ransom, but details were sparse. 

Lt. Gen. Avele Fumba of the South African Police Service had previously confirmed to ABC News that the agency’s elite Hawk unit was investigating the reported kidnapping of “a man believed to be the pastor of a local church” in the Gqeberha area.

Sullivan was holding a prayer meeting with about 30 people, including his wife and children, when four kidnappers entered the building.

To read the full story, please visit our content partners at CBN News.

Reprinted with permission from cbn.com. Copyright © 2025 The Christian Broadcasting Network Inc. All rights reserved.

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Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has signed the Keep Kids First Act, a strong pro-family, pro-religious freedom bill that protects adoptive and foster parents from being penalized for their Christian or traditional beliefs on marriage, sexuality, and gender.

The law ensures that the state “may not discriminate against adoptive parents based on refusal to accept or support any government policy regarding sexual orientation or gender identity that conflicts with the person’s sincerely held religious beliefs.” It also allows affected families to take legal action if the state violates their rights.

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Governor Sanders’ move puts Arkansas firmly in the camp of states defending parental rights and religious liberty. The law also protects faith-based foster and adoption agencies from being forced to compromise their values—something that’s increasingly under attack in more progressive states.

“Every child deserves a loving home,” said Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) Senior Counsel Greg Chafuen, praising the law. He added that other states “have put politics over people by excluding caring families and faith-based adoption and foster care organizations.”

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Chafuen called the act a victory that “prioritizes the well-being of kids” by ensuring that Christian parents and agencies aren’t disqualified “simply because of their religious beliefs and moral convictions.”

ADF, which defends religious liberty nationwide, is currently representing families in Vermont and Oregon, where progressive governments require prospective parents to affirm radical gender ideology before being approved to foster or adopt.

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Arkansas joins Kansas, where lawmakers just overrode Democratic Governor Laura Kelly’s veto of similar legislation. The Kansas bill likewise prohibits government agencies from forcing families to affirm LGBT policies in order to open their homes to children.

At a time when thousands of children need loving homes, conservatives argue that government-imposed ideological tests are pushing away good, moral families. The Keep Kids First Act marks a decisive stand in defense of faith, family, and the fundamental rights of parents.

This article originally appeared on American Faith, and is reposted with permission.

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Rabbi Kirt Schneider has spread the Gospel to millions all across the world, shedding light on the divine connection between Judaism and Jesus as the Messiah. His broadcast ministry, Discovering the Jewish Jesus, has inspired countless people in desperate need of Christ and his books have been a beacon of light.

However, not everyone in the Jewish community has particularly liked this.

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Rabbi Tovia Singer spoke against Schneider for his faith in Jesus as the Messiah, calling him the “chief rabbi.” Yet, what may have been said as a tongue-in-cheek statement is actually a great compliment because of Schneider’s Christ-like resemblance of the ultimate rabbi, King Jesus Himself.

Schneider has made it clear that no one, not even the Jewish people, can save themselves from sin. Instead, we are all in need of a gracious and merciful God to come and rescue us from the grave.

“The Law’s true intent was to cause mankind to recognize that we are not in and ourselves capable of keeping the Law to perfection,” Schneider says. “At the end of the day, our heart is not true enough, it’s not pure enough , it’s not perfect enough to meet the demands of the Law, and recognizing that we are now prepared to receive God’s ultimate answer, which is the Messiah, King Jesus.”

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Despite criticism and misunderstanding, Rabbi Kirt Schneider has stood firm in his faith with humility, grace, and unwavering conviction. His bold proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah is not driven by popularity or acceptance, but by a deep love for truth and a heart set ablaze by the revelation of God’s redemptive plan through Yeshua.

Rabbi Schneider’s life is a testament to what it means to follow in the footsteps of Jesus—full of truth, full of love and full of purpose. He continues to bridge the gap between the ancient truths of Judaism and the fulfillment found in Christ, lighting the way for others to follow.

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Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.

For the second year in a row, Cuban authorities have blocked Christians from celebrating a key Holy Week tradition. The Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Havana was denied permission to hold its Palm Sunday procession, a public act of faith that marks the beginning of Holy Week in the Christian calendar.

Father Lester Rafael Zayas Díaz, the parish priest in the Vedado district of Havana, informed the congregation that the government did not authorize the Solemn Stations of the Cross procession. “We hereby inform that the Solemn Stations of the Cross announced and prepared by the Vicariate for tomorrow Palm Sunday at 6:00 p.m. from Linea to Lateran has been suspended because the authorities have not approved it,” Díaz stated.

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This marks a troubling continuation of restrictions on Christian worship in Cuba. In 2023 and again in 2024, the government blocked the same Palm Sunday procession from taking place. While private worship remains technically legal, public expressions of faith are subject to strict regulation and are often curtailed by the communist regime.

Díaz spoke out in 2024, claiming the government wrongfully denied members of faith from celebrating Holy Week. “To deny it as a punishment to a parish priest is, besides absurd, a violation of religious freedom. The parish priest is only the spokesman of the people’s desire. He is the one who requests it to the competent authority, but it is not his personal desire,” Díaz asserted in 2024.

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The Cuban constitution theoretically guarantees freedom of religion. However, in practice, the government retains tight control over religious gatherings, especially those that involve public demonstrations or marches. Church leaders and Christian activists have repeatedly voiced concerns that these policies are being used to suppress religious influence in public life.

Cuba’s communist government has a long history of controlling and limiting religious expression. Though relations between the state and the church have improved slightly since the 1990s, many Christian communities—particularly those seen as politically independent—continue to face obstacles. These include denial of building permits, surveillance and censorship.

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Religious freedom watchdogs have cited Cuba as one of the countries where believers often face subtle but persistent persecution. Christian leaders in the country have warned that the restrictions on public processions, especially during Holy Week, are not isolated incidents but part of a broader campaign to limit faith-based influence in Cuban society.

The cancellation of the Palm Sunday event is another signal that the Cuban government remains unwilling to allow full religious liberty. With Holy Week central to the Christian faith, preventing its public observance is a clear affront to religious freedom and a reminder of the enduring challenges believers face under authoritarian rule.

This article originally appeared on American faith, and is reposted with permission.

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Note: This is part-two of Charisma’s Holy Week series.

By the fourth day of Holy Week, the tension in Jerusalem was palpable. While many still whispered in wonder at the miracles of Jesus, the religious leaders seethed in secret. The triumphal entry and temple cleansing had pushed the boundaries of what they would tolerate. Now, Jesus turned His attention toward those who bore the greatest responsibility for Israel’s spiritual condition—the scribes and Pharisees.

That morning, Jesus returned to the temple courts and began teaching. The crowds gathered around Him, hanging on His every word. He spoke in parables that exposed the hearts of the religious elite—stories like the wicked tenants, the two sons and the wedding feast. Each parable subtly yet unmistakably revealed how those entrusted with God’s vineyard had failed, and how God would give the kingdom to others who would bear fruit (see Matthew 21–22).

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But then Jesus shifted from parables to direct confrontation. What followed was one of the most sobering discourses in the Gospels. Known as the “Seven Woes,” Jesus publicly condemned the hypocrisy of the religious leaders in a series of scathing pronouncements:

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.” (Matt. 23:13)

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.” (v. 14)

“Woe to you… blind guides… who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!” (vv. 16, 24)

He didn’t accuse them of ignorance—but of willful blindness. They meticulously observed external rituals while neglecting justice, mercy, and faith. Their lives were polished on the outside, yet filled with spiritual decay. Jesus likened them to whitewashed tombs—beautiful to behold but full of death within (v. 27).

This wasn’t anger for anger’s sake—it was the voice of a righteous Judge calling out corruption, but also the lament of a brokenhearted Shepherd. As Jesus concluded His rebuke, He looked over Jerusalem and cried:

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” (v. 37)

His tone was both prophetic and pastoral. He mourned the city that had rejected her Messiah and predicted the desolation that would follow.

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This day marked a turning point. Jesus’ public teaching ministry came to a close with this sobering indictment. The religious leaders’ opposition now turned into plotting. They would stop at nothing to arrest and destroy Him. Meanwhile, Jesus withdrew from the temple, never to teach there again. The sun was beginning to set—not just on the day, but on an entire era. The cross was drawing near.

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Prepared by Charisma Media Staff.