Wondering what you’ve missed in the news this week? Looking for helpful explainers? Just wanting to be encouraged? You’re in luck. Here’s our recap:
Sometimes in life, it’s the simple things. A Starbucks employee’s heartwarming recent decision to purportedly pray with someone in the drive-thru line has inspired thousands. Here’s why.
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And some other quick inspiration: restaurant workers dressed as Power Rangers helped save a woman from a man who was reportedly hurting her. A good Samaritan saved a driver whose bus got into a horrific accident last week. And another hero rescued a father and son in a pretty epic way.
On another note, Kirk Cameron recently told me how his film “Lifemark” helped save a life.
And in the age of chaos and confusion in which we live, how are teens faring on the faith front? The belief that Jesus died for the sins of humanity and rose from the grave is central to the Gospel message. But how many teenagers today believe in these Scriptural centerpieces? The answer.
While we’re on the subject of faith, a new American Bible Society study shows the Bible has a transformational impact on the majority of people who choose to read it. In fact, the vast majority of Bible users (92%) agreed with the statement, “The message of the Bible has transformed my life.” Just 8% disagreed with this proclamation. And there’s more.
Plus, a separate survey also found a substantial difference between people who pray — and those who don’t.
And one more story on the Bible front: I sat down recently with Tim Mahoney, director of “Patterns Of Evidence: Journey to Mt. Sinai, Part 1,” a new film exploring physical evidence for the Exodus journey to Mt. Sinai. While some claim the biblical events never took place, Mahoney has been unpacking compelling proof along the way.
“We’ve got to wake up and pay attention … we’re getting closer and closer to the time of Christ’s return,” Mahoney said. “These films … are to wake people up and to encourage them that this is true.”
Back over to pop culture news: One of the most heartwarming and encouraging conversations I’ve had of late was with ex-Sanctus Real singer Matt Hammitt, who shared about his son’s harrowing health journey – and his new documentary about the ordeal titled “Bowens Heart.”
“In that darkness, I really did feel God’s light in such a tangible way,” Hammitt said. “Sometimes that darkness actually allows you to see the light so much more clearly and where it’s coming from. … My faith was illuminated, God was illuminated, God’s love was illuminated as much as I struggled.”
On the international front, chaos in Iran of late might seem confusing. I recently broke down the seven things you need to know to understand it all. Here’s a quick primer.
Plus, much of the international media attention these days is on Russia and, in particular, Vladimir Putin’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. But another diabolical situation has been heating up between two former Soviet nations: Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Some people have expressed concern and confusion, too, over stories about FBI officials arresting pro-life activists. I break it all down here and sat down with an attorney to get her views on the matter.
On another note, Pastor Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, recently told me what he believes Jesus would tell Christians about politics today.
“Salt does no good for meat as long as it stays in the salt shaker,” he said. “For us to be the salt … we’ve got to get out of the shaker and permeate the culture.”
Flashing back a bit, few evangelists have cemented a legacy so fervent that their names, teachings, and notable moments are still commemorated more than 120 years after their deaths, yet D.L. Moody fits that mold. If you’re looking for a faith pick-me-up, his story accomplishes it.
And finally: should Christians celebrate Halloween? Here’s what pastors think.
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