Podcasts about world watch list

It's Wednesday, May 21st, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark and Adam McManus British national Muslim fighters committed war crimes A recent report from the U.K. parliament found that hundreds of Islamic fighters have returned to England without facing prosecution. British nationals joined the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria between 2014 and 2019. The group targeted religious minorities and committed many war crimes. Since then, over 400 Islamic State fighters have returned to the U.K. However, the country's government has not prosecuted any of them for international crimes. Christians have faced high levels of persecution from Islamic fighters in Iraq and Syria. Both countries are ranked on the Open Doors' World Watch List of nations where it is most dangerous to be a Christian.  Ecclesiastes 8:11-12 says, “Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days are prolonged, yet I surely know that it will be well with those who fear God, who fear before Him.” Trump to Putin: “When are we going to end this bloodbath?” U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the war in Ukraine on Monday. Trump said Russia and Ukraine would immediately start negotiations toward a ceasefire. He noted that the new Roman Catholic pope, Leo XIV, has offered to host the talks at the Vatican. President Trump warned that the United States would back out of the situation if both sides can't reach an agreement. Listen. TRUMP: “I said, ‘When are we going to end this Vladimir?' I've known him for a long time now. I said, ‘When are we going to end this blood bath?' It's a blood bath. I think it'd be great to have it at the Vatican. There's tremendous bitterness, anger, and I think maybe that could help some of that anger.” Trump dropped $37 million fine against Christian University The Trump administration dropped a $37 million fine against the largest Christian university in America Initially, Biden's Department of Education leveled the fine against Grand Canyon University. Brian Mueller, the president of the university, said, “The facts clearly support our contention that we were wrongly accused of misleading our Doctoral students and we appreciate the recognition that those accusations were without merit.” Ellen Keast, an Education Department spokeswoman, noted, “Unlike the previous administration, we will not persecute and prosecute colleges and universities based on their religious affiliation.” FDA discouraging young, healthy Americans from getting COVID shot On Tuesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced new rules for its approval of COVID-19 shots. The FDA said it will require more research before approving yearly COVID-19 boosters for young, healthy Americans.  The shots will still be approved for adults over 65 and for people with health problems that put them at higher risk. FDA officials noted, “The FDA will approve vaccines for high-risk persons and, at the same time, demand robust, gold-standard data on persons at low risk.” Man kills self, injured 4 outside in vitro clinic On Saturday, a car bomb was detonated outside an in vitro fertilization clinic called the American Reproductive Center in Los Angeles.  The blast killed 25-year-old suspect Guy Edward Bartkus and injured four other people. The in vitro fertilization facility was damaged, but the embryos stored inside were saved. Bartkus reportedly left behind a manifesto on a website. In it, he said he wanted to start “a war against pro-lifers” and “begin the process of sterilizing this planet of the disease of life.” Urge 19 Republican Congressmen to DEFUND Planned Parenthood Today, the House Rules Committee will have a hearing and vote on President Trump's “big, beautiful bill” to determine what budget items go to the House floor. If even a single amendment is added, the momentum we've built to stop funding Planned Parenthood and Big Abortion could vanish, reports Liberty Counsel Action. This is the last vote before the bill is placed on the House floor. Two conservative Republicans who voted “present” on Sunday night are also on the Rules Committee. The full House could vote on this bill as early as later today. Remember, there are 220 Republicans and 213 Democrats. Because the GOP majority is so slim, we need every one of them. Three moderate House Republicans are carrying the water for Planned Parenthood and pushing House leaders to continue funding the Murder Giant. Those three pro-abortion Republican Representatives include Mike Lawler (R-NY), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). These members are exerting significant pressure on House leadership to give up defunding Planned Parenthood and Big Abortion. We are on the cusp of victory, and we cannot allow this effort to fail. There are 19 key Republicans in leadership who need to hear from us. I've listed them in our transcript today along with a 3-sentence message you could read when you call today at www.TheWorldview.com.  Do not hesitate to leave a voicemail. Call as many of them as you can as early as you can! Email me at Adam@TheWorldview.com to let me know how many Congressmen you and your family members called. SAMPLE CALL: “I am calling to urge Representative _______ to defund Planned Parenthood. Nearly 60 percent of Americans oppose tax-funded abortion.  If a majority oppose it, then Congress should not fund it. Thank you!”    Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ) – (202) 225-2190    Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) – (202) 225-2523    Rep. Vince Fong (R-CA) – (202) 225-2915    Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) – (202) 225-4111    Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA) – (202) 225-5476    Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY) – (202) 225-4601    Rep. John James (R-MI) – (202) 225-4961    Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) – (202) 225-4155    Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ) – (202) 225-5361    Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) – (202) 225-7896    Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) – (202) 225-3371    Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) – (202) 225-6506    Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY) – (202) 225-3826    Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) – (202) 225-4276    Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) – (202) 225-3176    Rep. Scott DesJarlais (R-TN) – (202) 225-6831    Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA) – (202) 225-4215    Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) – (202) 225-2542    Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-TX) – (202) 225-2531 Kay Arthur, who showed how to study the Bible, died at 91 And finally, Kay Arthur, the beloved co-founder of Precept Ministries International and a pioneering advocate for inductive Bible study, died yesterday in Chattanooga, Tennessee, according to the Roys Report. She was 91. In an announcement on the Precept website, her ministry said,  Kay “will be remembered for her love for the Lord, His Word, and His people.” A prolific author, Arthur wrote more than 100 books and Bible studies over her lifetime including her bestseller, Lord, Teach Me to Study the Bible in 28 Days.  ARTHUR: “People need to discover truth for themselves because God promises in His word that He has given us everything that pertains, not only to life, but also to godliness, so that we might be fitted for every good work, so that nothing can come our way and throw us. “God is doing a work in their lives because the only text that they are looking at is the Bible, which is alive and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword. It's a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. It is a light unto our path. It's the very Word by which we live. It's the Sword by which we stand against the enemy." She often said, “When you know what God says, what He means, and how to put His truths into practice, you will be equipped for every circumstance of life.” Through Precept's inductive Bible study method—teaching believers to observe, interpret, and apply Scripture—Arthur equipped millions around the world to study the Bible for themselves.  Indeed, the ministry was heard in 150 countries in 70 different languages. Close And that's The Worldview on this Wednesday, May 21st, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Miika Auvinen ja Tommi Hakkari keskustelevat kristittyjen tilanteesta Malissa, joka on vuoden 2025 World Watch List -vainoraportin sijalla 14.   https://opendoors.fi/maa/mali/  

It's Thursday, May 15th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark 1,518 executions worldwide in 2024 A report from Amnesty International found there were 1,518 executions around the world last year. That's up 32 percent from 2023. Nations with the most documented executions include Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq.  These numbers do not include executions in China, North Korea, and Vietnam. China is considered to be the world's leading executioner, with potentially thousands of executions last year. All of these countries are ranked on the Open Doors' World Watch List of nations where it is most difficult to be a Christian.  British city council no longer bans street preachers A local government district in England has backed down from banning street preachers. Back in March, Rushmoor Borough Council sought to criminalize street preaching, praying for people, singing, or handing out Bibles. Local churches, supported by the Christian Legal Centre, opposed the plan. Thankfully, the council backed down.  Jamie Broadey, a local evangelist, said, “Since we found out about the injunction and asked for prayer, we have been contacted by Christians from across the UK. The issue is uniting preachers and Christians and we are prepared to challenge this as far as need be to prevent the Gospel being criminalized.” Acts 5:29 says, “But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: ‘We ought to obey God rather than men.'” $1.2 trillion economic package with Qatar United States President Donald Trump is visiting countries in the Middle East this week. Yesterday, he signed an agreement with Qatar that would generate an economic exchange worth at least $1.2 trillion. This includes an historic sale of Boeing aircraft and GE Aerospace engines to Qatar Airways worth $96 billion.  Trump budget insists on work requirements for Medicaid This week, Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives unveiled the “big, beautiful bill,” as the president calls it, to advance Trump's agenda.  The bill includes tax breaks, spending cuts, and border security.  Notably, the measure would cut $900 billion from Medicaid spending. It would also require many people to prove they are working, volunteering, or pursuing education to be eligible for Medicaid. Listen to comments by House Speaker Mike Johnson. JOHNSON: “We are protecting Medicaid for the people who need and deserve it. This program is an essential lifeline for our most vulnerable Americans: pregnant women, single mothers, low income seniors, the disabled. That's who Medicaid is intended to be for, and that's who we're protecting while we're eliminating fraud, waste and abuse to improve Medicaid. “These are reforms to restore and preserve the system so that it doesn't collapse on itself. That means ensuring illegal aliens don't get coverage meant for Americans in need. It means implementing work requirements to ensure that adults who can work, but refuse to, cannot keep cheating the system. We're going to continue to call this out.” Trump's bill defunds Planned Parenthood The “big, beautiful bill” from Republicans also paves the way for defunding Planned Parenthood. The legislation would bar federal funds from going to prohibited entities that perform abortions in many cases. The measure would also cut taxpayer funding for transgender surgeries for minors.  U.S. drug overdose deaths down Drug overdose deaths in the United States declined last year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 80,000 people died from overdoses in 2024. That's down 27 percent from 2023. It's the largest drop in overdose deaths on record. However, overdose deaths are still higher now than they were before the COVID-19 pandemic.  Inflation down and egg prices down Annual inflation was lower than expected last month. The consumer price index rose 0.2 percent in April. That put the 12-month inflation rate at 2.3 percent. Inflation is now the lowest it's been since 2021. Notably, egg prices fell by over 12 percent. However, they're still up about 50 percent compared to a year ago. Worldwide Bible engagement update And finally, the American Bible Society released the second chapter of its State of the Bible USA 2025 report.  The chapter looks at Bible engagement around the world.  People are most actively engaged and committed to the Bible in areas that are majority Christian like Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa.  Interestingly, people are the most receptive to new ideas and other religions in Muslim-majority areas like North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia.  The greatest indifference to the Bible is found in the secular west and certain majority-Christian areas like the U.S., Western Europe, Russia, and Eastern Europe.  Of countries in the secular West, the U.S. had the highest rates of Bible usage and church attendance.  Isaiah 45:22 says, “Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the Earth! For I am God, and there is no other.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, May 15th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

It's Wednesday, May 14th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark 80% of Cuban churches are not legal Evangelical Focus reports the Alliance of Christians in Cuba met recently to highlight religious freedom violations in the country.  The alliance noted that over 80% of churches in Cuba are unable to have legal status. Churches face confiscation of property and pastors face obstacles just to visit people in hospitals or nursing homes. Religious leaders in the country suffered nearly 1,000 repressive acts last year.  Cuba is ranked 26th on the Open Doors' World Watch List of nations where it is most difficult to be a Christian.  British Evangelical church attendance up The United Kingdom Evangelical Alliance released its Changing Church 2025 survey. The study found Evangelical churches experienced an average of 13% increase in attendance between 2020 and 2025. Also, churches have documented twice as many people expressing interest in the Christian faith as well as making first time commitments to Jesus compared to 2021. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” United Kingdom closes its borders Speaking of the United Kingdom, the nation's prime minister, Keir Starmer, announced Monday that Britain would be ending its open borders experiment. Listen to comments he made at a press conference. STARMER: “Nations depend on rules. … Now in a diverse nation like ours, and I celebrate that, these rules become even more important. Without them, we risk becoming an island of strangers, not a nation that walks forward together. … So yes, I believe in this. I believe we need to reduce immigration significantly.” Starmer said he would raise English language requirements and the skills threshold for people entering the U.K. Saudi Arabia invests $600 billion in America President Donald Trump, who visited Saudi Arabia in person yesterday, announced that our ally will be investing $600 billion in the United States. This includes a $142 billion deal for the U.S. to sell weapons to Saudi Arabia. Trump made the announcement during a visit to the Middle East. TRUMP: “We've seen wealth that just poured and is pouring back into America. Apple is investing $500 billion, Nvidia is investing $500 billion, [Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company] is investing $200 billion and, with this trip, we're adding over $1 trillion more, in terms of investment into our country, and buying our products.” During his trip, Trump also announced he would be lifting sanctions on Syria to “give them a chance at greatness.”  Planned Parenthood gives transgender drugs available to minors Live Action released an undercover investigation recently, showing how easy it is for minors to get transgender drugs through Planned Parenthood. An undercover operative, posing as a 16-year-old, was offered such drugs by 30 facilities. Lila Rose, the founder and president of Live Action, wrote on X, “Planned Parenthood is prescribing cross sex hormones for minors — same-day prescriptions via virtual appointments. … Defund Planned Parenthood now!” Proverbs 12:10 says, “The tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.” Tennessee ensures teachers & students can use accurate pronouns Tennessee Republican Governor Bill Lee  signed House Bill 1270 into law last Friday. The measure takes on gender ideology in public schools.  Teachers and students cannot be forced to use biologically inaccurate pronouns that violate their beliefs. Matt Sharp, Senior Counsel at Alliance Defending Freedom, said, “In no world is it acceptable for the government to discipline students or force good educators or other public servants out of a job all for the sake of promoting gender ideology. With this legislation, Tennessee is rightfully stepping into the gap to protect freedom of speech and conscience.” Tariffs brought in $16 billion to U.S. Treasury U.S. tariff revenues reached all-time highs last month. Customs duties brought in $16.3 billion in April, up from $8.75 billion in March. Overall, tariff receipts are up 18% this year compared to last year. This comes after Trump instituted a 10% tariff on all U.S. imports last month. 115-year-old woman is oldest person alive And finally, Guinness World Records reports a woman from the U.K. is now the oldest woman alive as well as the oldest person alive. Ethel Caterham lives in Surrey, England. She is 115 years old. She became the world's oldest living person after Inah Canabarro Lucas from Brazil died at the age of 116 last month.  Ethel lived an adventurous life while looking out for others, especially children. She outlived her husband and two daughters. She now has three granddaughters and five great-grandchildren. Commenting on her longevity, she once told the Salisbury Journal, “Say yes to every opportunity because you never know what it will lead to. Have a positive mental attitude and have everything in moderation.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Wednesday, May 14th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Tommi Hakkari ja Johanna Kultalahti keskustelevat kristittyjen tilanteesta Myanmarissa, joka on vuoden 2025 World Watch List -vainoraportin sijalla 13.   https://opendoors.fi/maa/myanmar/  

Miika Auvinen ja Tommi Hakkari keskustelevat kristittyjen tilanteesta Saudi-Arabiassa, joka on vuoden 2025 World Watch List -vainoraportin sijalla 12.   https://opendoors.fi/maa/saudi-arabia/  

It's Wednesday, April 30th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Nigerian Muslims killed 7 Christians Boko Haram terrorists attacked a Christian community in northeast Nigeria on Monday. The Muslim militants killed seven Christians, injured many more, and destroyed homes and church buildings.  One local believer told Morning Star News, “Kwaple village in Chibok Local Government Area is under attack from Boko Haram terrorists. Please pray for God's intervention.” Indeed, pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ in Nigeria. The African country is ranked seventh on the Open Doors' World Watch List of nations where it is most dangerous to be a Christian.  In John 15:20, Jesus said, “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.” Only 62% of Americans support free speech Pew Research released a new survey on free expression around the world. Across 35 countries, a majority of adults in most of those countries believe that freedom of the press, freedom of speech, and freedom on the internet are very important.  However, adults are much less likely to say they actually observe complete freedom of expression in their country.  Sadly, in the United States, support for free speech has declined from 71% in 2019 to 62% today.  European power outage crippled Spain, Portugal, and France A massive power outage hit Europe on Monday, affecting Spain, Portugal, and parts of France. The unprecedented failure grounded flights, froze trains, and disrupted cell service. Thankfully, much of the grid was restored yesterday. Experts ruled out sabotage and cyberattacks as the cause. However, Spain's electric operator Red Eléctrica  did identify two incidents of power generation loss that were likely from solar power plants, reports Reuters.  California's economy grew by 6% California's gross domestic product reached $4.1 trillion last year. That put the Golden State ahead of Japan, making it the world's fourth-largest economy behind Germany, China, and the U.S. as a whole. In addition, California's economy grew by 6% last year, faster than the other top four economies. Tennessee doctors and nurses not forced to do abortions Last Thursday, Tennessee Republican Governor Bill Lee signed the Medical Ethics Defense Act into law. The law protects medical professionals from participating in practices that violate their conscience like abortion. Erica Perdomo, an attorney with Alliance Defending Freedom, testified before the Tennessee legislature. PERDOMO: “There are doctors who practice medicine, consistent with a pro-life worldview, in which an abortion is never medically necessary.” Her colleague, Greg Chafuen, praised the legislation. He said, “Patients are best served by health care professionals who are free to act consistent with their oath to ‘do no harm.' … Tennessee's Medical Ethics Defense Act ensures that health care professionals are not forced to participate in procedures that violate their ethical, moral, or religious beliefs.” IBM defends free speech IBM recently changed its advertising policies to back down from censorship in favor of free speech.  Alliance Defending Freedom is leading a coalition that brought about the changes at IBM and other major companies like PepsiCo, Mastercard, and Johnson & Johnson.  Jeremy Tedesco with Alliance Defending Freedom said, “We hope every company follows IBM's example and recommits to doing its part to protect freedom of speech and thought in our nation and throughout the world.” IBM investing $150 billion in America Speaking of IBM, the tech company announced Monday that it plans to invest $150 billion in the U.S. over the next five years. This includes $30 billion for research and development of mainframe quantum computers.  IBM's CEO Arvind Krishna spoke to Fox Business about the investment.  KRISHNA: “We are extremely focused on leveraging American ingenuity and American innovation. “When I think about artificial intelligence, quantum computing, mainframe computers, this Research and Development investment, coupled with all of the associated manufacturing, is going to allow the United States to be at the front of all those three technologies.” Religiously unaffiliated in U.S. at 22% now And finally, Gallup released a new survey on religious preferences in the United States. Protestant identification was 45% last year, down from 57% in 2000. Catholic identification is 21%, down from 25%. And identification with no religion at all is 22%, up from 8% over the same time period.  Although the number of religiously unaffiliated Americans surged from 2000 to 2017, their growth has plateaued in recent years. Hebrews 10:23-24 says, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Wednesday, April 30th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe for free by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

It's Wednesday, April 23rd, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Nigerian Muslims have killed 20,000 Christians since 2015 Nigerian Muslims have killed over 20,000 Christians since 2015, according to a report by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law. The report accuses various jihadist groups of targeting Christian communities in the southeast part of the African nation. The group also blames local government leaders for doing nothing about the violence. The report called on the United States to reinstate Nigeria on its list of Countries of Particular Concern and to classify Fulani Muslim jihadist herdsmen as an Entity of Particular Concern.  Nigeria is ranked seventh on the Open Doors' World Watch List of nations where it is most difficult to be a Christian.     Psalm 144:4-5 asks, “Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up My people as they eat bread, and do not call on the LORD? They are in great fear, for God is with the generation of the righteous.” Worldwide economic outlook looks more dim The International Monetary Fund released its latest World Economic Outlook yesterday. The report projects the world economy will grow 2.8% this year, down from a previous forecast of 3.3%.  Large economies like the U.S. and China are expected to weaken. U.S. economic growth is forecast to be 1.8% this year, down from a previous expectation of 2.7%.  The declining economic outlook comes during the uncertainty of what U.S. tariffs will look like.  Supreme Court likely to support parental opt-out right The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a religious freedom case yesterday. Public schools in Montgomery County, Maryland don't let children opt out of classes that include sexually perverted lifestyles in storybooks. Parents are challenging this. They come from various backgrounds including Muslim, Christian, Roman Catholic, and Ukrainian Orthodox.  The conservative majority on the Supreme Court appeared likely to support parents in the case during the hearings yesterday.  Eric Baxtor, Senior Counsel at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, commented on the case, reports The Hill. BAXTOR: “Around 300 parents in Montgomery County, [Maryland] are just looking for the right to opt their children out of instruction that is highly controversial, tells kids that doctors guessed at their sex when they were born, and that they can choose for themselves who they are. “The board allowed opt-outs for an entire year and then overnight kind of withdrew them with no explanation. We're simply asking for that opt-out right to be returned.” Ephesians 6:4 says, “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Maryland's physician-assisted suicide bills killed Speaking of Maryland, the state did not enact physician-assisted suicide bills during its most recent legislative session. This is the eighth time such deadly legislation has been introduced and the eighth time it has failed. Americans United for Life celebrated the defeat of the bills, crediting “numerous grassroots testimonies and thousands of letters speaking out.” Sadly, physician-assisted suicide is legal in 10 states and the District of Columbia. Secretary of State Rubio cuts staff by 15% U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to overhaul the State Department yesterday. The changes will cut staff in the U.S. by 15% and close or consolidate over 100 bureaus around the world. It's part of President Donald Trump's “America First” foreign policy. In a press statement, Rubio said, “The sprawling bureaucracy created a system more beholden to radical political ideology than advancing America's core national interests. That is why today I am announcing a comprehensive reorganization plan that will bring the Department into the 21st Century.” Tammy Bruce, a State Department spokeswoman, added this in a press conference yesterday. BRUCE: “This is a whole of government, every department looking at how they can make their department more efficient, less burdensome, less bureaucratic. This is the State Department's version of that.” Alabama schools to display Ten Commandments, ban drag shows Lawmakers in Alabama passed several conservative bills last Thursday. One bill would require public schools to display the Ten Commandments. Republican State Rep. Phillip Rigsby, the sponsor of the bill, shared his mindset. RIGSBY: “In no way is this establishing a religion in the schools.  I think it gives us a good, at a minimum, moral compass.” Another bill would ban schools from promoting sexually perverted lifestyles through instruction or homosexual pride flags. And a third bill would prohibit schools and libraries from hosting drag performances.  Appearing on WDHN, Republican State Rep. Mack Butler explained why he believes children should be protected from drag shows in schools and libraries. BUTLER: “I'm a dad, you know, and if you look at all these sponsors of the bill, same thing: just dads trying to protect children. I'm just trying to take a stand for our children. Let them have their innocence. Just protect them.” The measures have passed in the state's House of Representatives and are awaiting approval by the Alabama State Senate.  Louisville Univ. pays $1.6 million to fired Christian psychiatrist And finally, University of Louisville officials agreed to a nearly $1.6 million settlement in a free speech case recently. Dr. Allan Josephson worked for the university's Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology. The Christian psychiatrist spoke out against transgender drugs and surgeries. In response, the university demoted him, harassed him, and fired him. Travis Barham with Alliance Defending Freedom commented on the recent court victory for Josephson. He said, “After several years, free speech and common sense have scored a major victory on college campuses.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Wednesday, April 23rd, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe for free by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Miika Auvinen ja Tommi Hakkari keskustelevat kristittyjen tilanteesta Intiassa, joka on vuoden 2025 World Watch List -vainoraportin sijalla 11.   https://opendoors.fi/maa/intia/  

It's Wednesday, April 16th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Christian lawyer highlights persecution of Christians in Egypt A lawyer with Alliance Defending Freedom International visited Egypt recently to highlight the persecution of Christians there. The country is about 10% Christian. That's the largest Christian minority in the Middle East and North Africa. However, believers often face persecution from the Muslim majority. Christians suffer employment discrimination, false accusations of blasphemy against Muhammad, sexual violence, and even bombing campaigns.  Elizabeth Brink with Alliance Defending Freedom noted, “Yet, in the face of such hardship, the courage and resilience of Egypt's Christian community are a powerful testament to the enduring hope of the Gospel.” Egypt is ranked 40th on the Open Doors' World Watch List of nations where it is most difficult to be a Christian.  Hungary bans events that celebrate sexual perversion On Monday, lawmakers in Hungary passed a constitutional amendment to ban events that celebrate sexually perverted lifestyles.  The amendment also recognizes only two sexes: male and female.  Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán supported the legislation, saying, “We won't let woke ideology endanger our kids. … We're protecting children's development, affirming that a person is born either male or female.”  Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Trump freezes $2.2 billion from Harvard over antisemitism In the United States, the Trump administration is taking on Harvard University.  The U.S. Department of Education announced Monday that it is freezing $2.2 billion in multi-year grants and $60 million in multi-year contract value to Harvard. This came after Harvard refused to comply with demands from the Trump administration. Those demands included ending its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and screening students for issues like terrorism and anti-Semitism.  White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt spoke with passion at the press briefing. LEAVITT: “The President made it clear to Harvard, ‘Follow federal law. No longer break Title VI, which was passed by Congress, to ensure no student can be discriminated against on the basis of race, and you will receive federal funding. “Unfortunately, Harvard has not taken the President, the administration's demands seriously. “All the President is asking, ‘Don't break federal law, and then you can have your federal funding.'  “I think the President is also begging a good question. More than $2 billion out the door to Harvard when they have a more than $50 billion endowment. Why are the American taxpayers subsidizing a university that has billions of dollars in the bank already? And we certainly should not be funding a place where such grave antisemitism exists.” Kansas pro-life legislature overrode pro-abort governor's vetoes Republican lawmakers in Kansas overrode vetoes from Democrat Governor Laura Kelly last Thursday to pass several bills related to unborn children. One bill recognizes children as dependents from conception for child support programs. The second bill requires public school courses on human development or sexuality to include the development of a baby in the womb. And the third bill provides millions of dollars in funding for pro-life pregnancy centers.  Christian statesman new Ambassador-at-Large for religious freedom Last Thursday, President Donald Trump nominated Mark Walker as the U.S. Ambassador-At-Large for International Religious Freedom. Walker served as a U.S. House Representative for North Carolina's 6th congressional district from 2015 to 2021. Before working in politics, he served in pastoral roles at churches in Florida and North Carolina for 16 years. Listen to his advocacy of religious liberty not only here in America, but worldwide from the floor of the U.S. House back on July 24, 2015. WALKER: “Our commitment to allow people to live out their religious values, without fear of discrimination, is really the cornerstone that developed our country into a force for freedom. “But this liberty isn't just an American right. It should be a foundational element for all people groups. Ronald Reagan said it best. He said, ‘The most essential element of our defense of freedom is our insistence on speaking out for the cause of religious liberty.'” Walker thanked Trump in a post on X.  He wrote, “I'll be relentless in fighting for those targeted who dare to live out their faith. I'm grateful to my beautiful wife and family for their support. May God provide the path and may we have the courage to follow.” More Millennials are reading their Bibles The American Bible Society released the first chapter from their 2025 State of the Bible report. The study identified Bible users as those who read the Bible on their own at least three times a year. Forty-one percent of U.S. adults qualified as Bible users this year, up from 38% last year but down from 49% in 2019. Younger adults are leading the recent growth in Bible users. Thirty-nine percent of Millennials qualified as Bible users this year, up from 30% last year. Bible users are also increasing among Millennial and Gen X men in particular. Archeologists unearthed first Christian hymn captured in new film And finally, Christian music artists revived an ancient hymn last Friday ahead of Resurrection Sunday.  MOVIE NARRATOR: “Archeologists had no idea what they'd uncovered, an 1,800-year-old Christian hymn, the first to be discovered with words and music. It's not even a page, really. It's just 30 centimeters by 5 centimeters, but it provides amazing early evidence, not only of the beliefs and spread of Christianity, but also of its music.” The new recording is based on a papyrus discovered in Egypt in 1918. The manuscript dates from around the third century A.D. It's considered the earliest Christian song preserved with both words and musical notation.  John Dickson, a Christian historian, has worked to bring back the hymn since 2022, hosting a new documentary called “The First Hymn.”  Christian artists Chris Tomlin and Ben Fielding collaborated to release a recording of the ancient song. Here are some of the lyrics from the recording: “All powers cry out in answer. All glory and praise forever to our God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen, we sing amen.” Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Watch the trailer through a special link in our transcript today at www.TheWorldview.com.   You can stream “The First Hymn” movie on line for $15. Close And that's The Worldview on this Wednesday, April 16th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe for free by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Miika Auvinen ja Tommi Hakkari keskustelevat kristittyjen tilanteesta Myanmarissa, jota ravisteli maanjäristys maaliskuun lopussa. Myanmar on vuoden 2025 World Watch List -vainoraportin sijalla 13.   https://opendoors.fi/maa/myanmar/  

It's Thursday, April 10th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Sharp rise in persecution of Christians in Pakistan A new report from Human Rights Focus Pakistan documented a sharp rise in victimization rates against religious minorities in Pakistan during the first three months of this year.  Religious minorities, including Christians, faced more attacks, murders, blasphemy charges, abductions, forced conversions, and forced marriages.  Jeff King, president of International Christian Concern, said, “Pakistan's latest wave of atrocities against Christians in 2025 is not an aberration — it's a grotesque culmination of centuries of state-sanctioned brutality and indifference.” As of January, at least 20 Christians have been imprisoned for their faith in the Islamic country. Pakistan is ranked eighth on the Open Doors' World Watch List of nations where it is most difficult to be a Christian.   Barcelona, Spain looking to close 17 Evangelical churches Evangelical Focus reports that 17 Evangelical churches are facing the threat of closure in Barcelona, Spain. This comes as the local government plans urban development that will affect buildings that churches own or rent. The Evangelical Council of Catalonia warns this could leave thousands of believers without a place to worship. Guillem Correa, the executive director of the group, said, “We understand that the case affects freedom of worship, and what characterizes the exercise of this right is that people can meet in the place of worship throughout the week. Without this, there is no religious freedom and no community life.” Man guilty of targeting churches with fake bombs In the United States, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict last Thursday for a 45-year-old man convicted of targeting churches. Zimnako Salah left fake bombs at churches in Arizona and California in 2023. Authorities discovered he was also building an actual bomb. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said, “This Department of Justice has no tolerance for anyone who targets religious Americans for their faith. The perpetrator of this abhorrent hate crime against Christians will face severe punishment.” Psalm 5:4-6 says, “For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, nor shall evil dwell with You. The boastful shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity. You shall destroy those who speak falsehood; the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.” Trump's 90-day pause on tariffs except China President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on tariffs for imports from most nations yesterday.  Trump's baseline tariff of 10% remains in place. Meanwhile, much of the additional “reciprocal” tariffs are on hold as countries negotiate with the United States. CNBC carried Trump's remarks on the White House lawn to reporters. TRUMP: “Last year, China made $1 trillion off trade with the United States. That's not right. And now I've reversed it for a short period of time, but we're making now $2 billion a day. Somebody had to do it. “Charles Schwab was here a little while ago, one of the great financial people. He said he's been waiting for 40 years for somebody to do what I did over the last month, and if you didn't do it, you wouldn't have a country. It wouldn't be sustainable. “So, I'm honored to have done it. Nothing is over yet, but we have tremendous amount of spirit from other countries, including China. China wants to make a deal. They just don't know how quite to go about it. They're proud people. President Xi is a proud man. I know him very well, and they don't know quite how to go about it, but they'll figure it out. They want to make a deal. “We have many other countries, as you know. Many more than 75. They're all calling, ‘How do we do this?' They all want to make a deal. I did a 90-day pause for the people that didn't retaliate, because I told them, ‘If you retaliate, we're going to double it.'  And that's what I did with China, because they did retaliate.” Indeed, China was the one country which is not getting relief. Trump said he would raise tariffs on imports from China to 125%. TRUMP: “They will be fair deals for everybody, but they weren't fair to the United States. They were sucking us dry, and you can't do that. We have $36 trillion of debt for a reason.  People took advantage of our country, and they ripped us off for decades.” Stocks surge U.S. stock markets surged in response to Trump's 90-day pause on tariffs.  The S&P 500 rose 8.5% yesterday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up over 7%, and the Nasdaq Composite surged 11%. Big tech companies led much of the stock market rally. Nvidia stock was up 15%. Tesla was up 17%. And Apple, Amazon, and Meta were up about 10%.  Lowe's closes on Resurrection Sunday Lowe's is closing its stores nationwide for this coming Resurrection Sunday.  The home improvement chain will close its 1,700 locations on April 20 and give its 300,000 employees a paid day off.   Lowe's CEO Marvin Ellison said, “In recognition of our teams' continued hard work, we are pleased to provide a well-deserved day off so they can spend Easter with their loved ones.” It's the sixth year in a row that Lowe's has done this.  Send a thank you note to Marvin Ellison to let him know you appreciate that. Send it to: Marvin Ellison, Lowe's, 1000 Lowe's Blvd, Mooresville, NC 28117. 66% of U.S. adults have made a personal commitment to Jesus And finally, George Barna released its State of the Church 2025 report.  The study found 66% of U.S. adults say they have made a personal commitment to Jesus that is still important in their life today, That's up from 54% in 2021 but similar to what it was 20 years ago. This growth was fueled by young people, especially young men.  Sixty to seventy percent of men from the Gen Z and Millennial cohorts said they have made a personal commitment to follow Jesus that is still important today. However, many who made these commitments don't necessarily identify as Christian, indicating a patchwork of religious beliefs and identities.  Lamentations 3:40-41 reminds us, “Let us search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the LORD; let us lift our hearts and hands to God in Heaven.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, April 10th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe for free by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Our guest is TODD MULLINS, senior pastor of Christ Fellowship Church in Palm Beach, FL, one of the largest churches in America. Todd is also the best-selling author of his recent book Don't Let Doubt Take You Out. He's also helped start and lead Church United, a powerful collective of churches in South Florida uniting for impact. We discuss faith over fear, truth over doubt, leadership lessons, having John Maxwell in your church, the power of vision, and much more. Plus check out the Top Weekly Leadership Links list. Make sure to visit http://h3leadership.com to access the list all the show notes. Thanks again to our partners for this episode: - OPEN DOORS - Get the latest FREE 2025 World Watch List and prayer guide at http://opendoorsus.org. Since they were founded by Brother Andrew nearly 70 years ago, Open Doors has become the world's largest on-the-ground network working to strengthen persecuted Christians. 380 million Christians face high levels of persecution for their faith- 1 in 7 worldwide. Download the FREE World Watch List now at http://opendoorsus.org. Plus the Prayer Guide gives you the World Watch List, real stories of persecuted Christians, profiles of all 50 countries and specific ways to pray for each one. Again, visit http://opendoorsus.org. And GENERIS – visit http://generis.com. One of the biggest challenges today is building a culture of generosity. But our friends at Generis have the proven giving strategies that will help accelerate generosity in your church, school, college or non-profit. For over 30 years Generis has helped thousands of churches and non profits develop a sustainable culture of generosity to fund their God-inspired vision. Get started at http://generis.com to schedule a conversation with one of their incredible consultants. It will be worth your time. Again, visit http://generis.com to get started. Generis has the experience and heart to inspire generosity, advance your mission, and grow your impact for the Kingdom. 

Miika Auvinen ja Tommi Hakkari keskustelevat kristittyjen tilanteesta Afganistanissa, joka on vuoden 2025 World Watch List -vainoraportin sijalla 10.   https://opendoors.fi/maa/afganistan/  

It's Wednesday, April 2nd, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Nigerian Muslims killed 11 Christians last Thursday Last Thursday, suspected Fulani Muslim militants killed 11 Christians during a raid on a Christian farming community in central Nigeria. A local resident told International Christian Concern, “In the late evening, armed militants surprised us with their assault. We lost 11 valued lives, including a pregnant woman.” Amnesty International Nigeria commented, “The inaction of authorities has left people exposed to violence, resulting in devastating losses.” Nigeria is the seventh most dangerous country worldwide for Christians, according to the Open Doors' World Watch List. Trump demanding pro-life free speech in United Kingdom The U.S. State Department stated Sunday it is concerned about freedom of expression in the United Kingdom. The statement comes as Livia Tossici-Bolt, a pro-life advocate in England faces criminal charges for offering conversation outside an abortion mill.  The U.S. State Department said, “We are monitoring her case. It is important that the U.K. respect and protect freedom of expression.” The case may even threaten a free trade deal between the U.S. and the U.K.  A source in the Trump administration, familiar with the trade negotiations, told The Telegraph there should be “no free trade without free speech.” Appearing on Leading Britain's Conversation with Tom Swarbrick, Claire McCullough, founder of Good Counsel Network, and a friend of Livia Tossici-Bolt, declared that the British law which suppresses free speech outside abortion mills is a massive overreach. McCULLOUGH: “A leaflet saying, “Pregnant? Worried? Help if you want it' is not offending anyone actually, or ‘Here to talk, if you want,' as Livia's poster said. But I just don't see how that is distressing to anybody. Abortion itself is very distressing. I'll agree with you there. But I don't see how an offer of help is distressing. Especially when the people who are offering it are completely peace-keeping people who've never been in any way charged with anything prior to this law coming in.” Proverbs 17:15 says, “He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.” Trump vs. Planned Parenthood Politico reports the Trump administration notified nine Planned Parenthood state affiliates on Monday that their funding is being “temporarily withheld.” The letter said Planned Parenthood may be violating federal civil rights laws as well as President Donald Trump's executive orders, specifically his orders against diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is giving Planned Parenthood 10 days to prove it will comply with Trump's orders. The temporary hold affects nearly $30 million in federal funding. HHS to cut 10,000 jobs Last Thursday, the Department of Health and Human Services announced that it will cut about 10,000 full-time employees.  Department Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. said, “We aren't just reducing bureaucratic sprawl. We are realigning the organization with its core mission and our new priorities in reversing the chronic disease epidemic. This Department will do more – a lot more – at a lower cost to the taxpayer.” The plan will save taxpayers $1.8 billion as part of President Trump's efforts to make the government workforce more efficient. Mississippi on track to end state income tax Last Thursday, Mississippi Republican Governor Tate Reeves signed a bill into law that will end the state's income tax. REEVES: “Mississippi will no longer tax the work, the earnings, or the ambition of its people.” The “Build Up Mississippi Act” will cut the income tax rate to 3% by 2030. After that, annual decreases will eventually bring the rate to 0%. This puts the state on track to become the first to eliminate an existing income tax. Governor Reeves told Mississippians, “The work of your hands belongs to you. It is yours – to feed your family and invest in your home and your community. Because that's what this is ultimately about. Not just numbers on a balance sheet, but lives.” Consumer spending increased slightly The Federal Reserve's primary inflation measure rose last month. The core personal consumption expenditures price index increased by 0.4% in February compared to January. That put the 12-month inflation rate at 2.8% which was more than what economists expected. Consumer spending also increased last month, but was behind expectations.  Creator of Morse code gave glory to God And finally, today is the anniversary of the death of Samuel Morse. The American inventor died on April 2, 1872. Before his important inventions, Morse was known as a painter, even gaining admittance to the British Royal Academy of Art.  Later in life, he would make key contributions to the design and deployment of the telegraph system. He also co-developed the code that bears his name. The Morse code would become the primary language for telegraphy and is still used to this day.  Notably, Morse was a devout Christian who gave glory to God for his inventions. Psalm 115:1 says, “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name give glory, for the sake of Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness!” Close And that's The Worldview on this Wednesday, April 2nd, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe for free through Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Miika Auvinen ja Tommi Hakkari keskustelevat kristittyjen tilanteesta Iranissa, joka on vuoden 2025 World Watch List -vainoraportin sijalla 9.   https://opendoors.fi/maa/iran/  

It's Thursday, March 27th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, and Vietnam deny religious liberty The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom released its annual report on Tuesday.  The report advises the U.S. State Department to designate certain countries as Countries of Particular Concern for severe religious freedom violations. The commission recommended countries like Burma, China, North Korea, and Russia to remain on the list. It further recommended adding Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, and Vietnam. Nearly all the countries on the recommendation list are also on Open Doors' World Watch List of nations where it is most difficult to be a Christian. McKenna Wendt with International Christian Concern said, “[We are] particularly grateful for [the report's] focus on the persecution of our Christian brothers and sisters around the world.” Hebrews 13:3 says, “Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.” Christianity & Buddhism saw most losses from religious switching Pew Research released a new report on “religious switching” around the world. In many countries, about one out of five adults have left the religious group they grew up in. Christianity and Buddhism saw the most losses from this religious switching, while those with no religious affiliation increased. Religious switching was common across East Asia, Western Europe, North America, and South America. However, countries with large Christian populations, but with little religious switching, include Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, the Philippines, Poland, and Hungary. 10,000 Dutch were killed by euthanasia Sadly, nearly 10,000 people were killed in the Netherlands last year through euthanasia.  That's up 10% from 2023. Deaths involving psychological suffering were up 60%.  Bruno Waterfield, reporting for The Times, said, “There is concern that growing numbers of suicidal people, especially young people, are asking for help to die.” Proverbs 12:10 says “The tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.” Trump's signs Executive Order on Election Integrity In the United States, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order Tuesday entitled “Persevering and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections.” The order directs states to require proof of citizenship when people register to vote in federal elections.  The order also stated, “Above all, elections must be honest and worthy of the public trust.  That requires voting methods that produce a voter-verifiable paper record allowing voters to efficiently check their votes to protect against fraud or mistake.” Births increased in states with abortion bans The National Bureau of Economic Research released a report on how abortion bans have affected birth rates. About a dozen states passed near-total abortion bans since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. This increased the distance to the nearest abortion mill from 50 miles to 300 miles for the average woman in those states.  Notably, births also increased by 2.8% in those states compared to what they were expected to be without the abortion ban.  Only 16% of Christians believe in Trinity Dr. George Barna released his latest research on American Christianity.  About two thirds of U.S. adults identify as Christians according to the report. However, only 16% of self-identified Christians believe in the existence and influence of each person of the Trinity. That number falls to 11% among the general population. People who read the Bible daily and attend church weekly were more likely to believe in God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Dr. Barna noted, “These findings about America's ignorance or rejection of the Trinity are simply another in a long list of examples of people living without the truths and life principles of God shaping their lives.” In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Partial solar eclipse this Saturday morning And finally, a partial solar eclipse is coming to parts of North America this week. The moon will pass between the sun and the Earth on Saturday morning for viewers in parts of the northeastern U.S. The sun and moon won't be perfectly aligned, so only part of the sun will be obscured.  The spectacle will also be visible in eastern Canada, western Africa, and Europe.  Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, March 27th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

It's Wednesday, March 26th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark 19 Christians arrested in Sudan, Africa Christians continue to suffer in Sudan during the ongoing civil war there. Fighters from one of the sides arrested at least 19 Christians in Sudan in recent months. The Christians face false accusations of supporting the other side in the war. A local attorney told Morning Star News, “This is systematic targeting of Christians who are arrested without taking them to a court of law to get justice.”  Sudan is ranked fifth on the Open Doors' World Watch List of nations where it is most difficult to be a Christian.  Revelation 2:10 says, “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Evangelicals are now the majority of Protestants in France In 2021, Protestants made up about 9% of the French population that attends religious services regularly. Protestants in France are mostly Evangelical now, reports Evangelical Focus. New data shows that 58% of French Protestants attend an Evangelical Free church outside of the historic Reformed or Lutheran denominations.  Also, a quarter of French Protestants come from non-Protestant families, especially Catholic ones.  Russia and Ukraine's ceasefire in Black Sea Russia and Ukraine agreed to a ceasefire in the Black Sea on Tuesday. This followed talks between officials from both countries and the Trump administration.  The White House said, “The United States and Russia have agreed to ensure safe navigation, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea.” The agreement is the latest in the attempt by U.S. President Donald Trump to bring an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine.  12 states consider displaying 10 Commandments in public school In the United States, over a dozen states have introduced bills to display the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. Louisiana was the first state to mandate such displays. Texas is another state considering such a measure. Jonathan Saenz is an attorney with Texas Values who helped draft his state's bill. He told CBN News this is what voters want. SAENZ: “We're confident, with the recent election results, that this is what voters want. They want to make sure that we preserve our values and that we teach about these things in our public schools and we get back to basics.” And Montana Republican State Senator Keith Regier spoke from the floor of the Montana Senate in favor of posting The Ten Commandments in public schools. REGIER: “God is mentioned in the Declaration of Independence. It's on our money, in music, like “God bless America.” It's in our literature, and it's in the pledge to the flag. Why would we not mention God in our schools? The courts need to understand that by removing God, they're replacing it with nothing.” Speaking of His commandments, God said in Deuteronomy 6:7, 9, “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. … You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Trump freezes $20 million of funding to Planned Parenthood The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that the Trump administration is freezing $120 million in federal funding for so-called family planning grants. This includes $20 million in funding for abortion giant Planned Parenthood.  The federal funding freeze is part of a hold on grants that align with diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.  Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, said, “This is a victory for the unborn and for taxpayers who have been forced to fund an industry that ends innocent lives.” Federal Reserve leaves interest rate alone The Federal Reserve decided to leave its benchmark interest rate unchanged yesterday.  The rate remains in the range of 4.25% to 4.5%. The Fed indicated rate cuts are likely later this year. President Trump responded by calling for rate cuts as his import tariffs transition their way into the economy.  Young Christian women more liberal than male peers Pew Research released their 2024 Religious Landscape Survey recently.  Data shows that young, self-identified Christian women are more liberal than their male peers. Less than half of the young men support abortion and sexually perverted lifestyles. However, a majority of the young women support the same things. This gender gap in the church continues a trend that Pew Research has documented for at least 10 years. Average church raised $165,000 annually And finally, Faith Communities Today released a report on the annual income of churches in the U.S. Church income is recovering after a dip during the COVID-19 pandemic. The average church brought in $165,000 in 2023, up from $120,000 in 2020. The average church spent $160,000 over the year, and the average church member gave $2,222.  However, the rise in income has not been enough to keep up with inflation. But 61% of churches were still able to self-report good or excellent financial health. Close And that's The Worldview on this Wednesday, March 26th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Miika Auvinen ja Tommi Hakkari keskustelevat kristittyjen tilanteesta Pakistanissa, joka on vuoden 2025 World Watch List -vainoraportin sijalla 8.   https://opendoors.fi/maa/pakistan/  

It's Wednesday, March 19th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Pakistan court annulled forced marriage of Christian girl to Muslim man A court in Pakistan issued an historic ruling in favor of a Christian woman last month. Shahida Bibi was 11 years old when her mother eloped with a Muslim man who then “gave” Bibi to his brother. She faced years of abuse and coercion and gave birth to two children. She was also forced into an Islamic marriage once she turned 18. Thankfully, a court annulled the forced marriage. Alliance Defending Freedom commented, “While these forced conversions and marriage abuses happen across the globe, they are especially prevalent in Pakistan. In coordination with our allied lawyers in the country, we are taking every step possible to prevent these situations from occurring.” Pakistan is ranked eighth on the Open Doors' World Watch List of nations where it is most difficult to be a Christian.  Bible sales nearly double United Kingdom Bible sales have nearly doubled in the United Kingdom, reports The Times. Between 2019 and 2024, the sale of Bibles increased 87% from 2.69 million British pounds to 5.02 million pounds.  Publishers credit this increased demand to the spiritual interest of young people. Sam Richardson, with The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, said, “Atheism, once considered by modern society to be the view of most rational adults, no longer seems to carry the same weight or appeal. Young people — Gen Z in particular — are statistically far less likely to identify as atheists than their parents.” Psalm 119:9 asks, “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.” Putin agreed to limited ceasefire Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to a limited ceasefire in Ukraine during a call with U.S. President Donald Trump yesterday.  For 30 days, Russia said it would halt strikes on energy and infrastructure targets in Ukraine. This falls short of a complete 30-day ceasefire that Ukraine has agreed to.  Trump wrote on Truth Social, “My phone conversation today with President Putin of Russia was a very good and productive one. … We will be working quickly to have a Complete Ceasefire and, ultimately, an END to this very horrible War between Russia and Ukraine.” Appearing on the Real Clear Politics Radio Show, reporter Phil Wegman, offered a fascinating boxing analogy. Listen. WEGMAN: “What is absent from this readout between Trump and Putin is any type of fireworks. Both Trump and Putin, they know each other. They're known entities, and while Trump isn't as aggressive in his description of the Russian dictator, he doesn't trust the guy. That much is clear from his moves on arming the Ukrainians during his first term, from his moves on Nord Stream. (Look at the map here) “I think this is just two folks who know each other pretty well, who are circling one another before they get into the ring and actually begin trading diplomatic blows to get this thing to an end.” By the way, Nord Stream is a network of offshore natural gas pipelines which run under the Baltic Sea, from Russia all the way to Germany (759 miles), to provide Western Europe with natural gas. Trump sides with church in zoning case The Trump administration is backing a church in a case over religious discrimination with a California city. The city of Santa Ana denied a request by Anchor Stone Christian Church to operate in the city's professional district. The city's zoning laws make it difficult for churches, but not other groups like museums or art galleries, to operate in the district. The U.S. Department of Justice supports the church, accusing the city leaders of Santa Ana of violating the federal law by giving less favorable treatment to religious assemblies.  Environmental Protection Agency rolls out biggest deregulation ever The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the biggest deregulatory action in U.S. history last week. The agency announced 31 actions aimed at unleashing American energy, lowering the cost of living for American families, and giving power back to states to make their own decisions. The agency's administrator, Lee Zeldin, said, “Today is the greatest day of deregulation our nation has seen. We are driving a dagger straight into the heart of the climate change religion to drive down cost of living for American families, unleash American energy, bring auto jobs back to the U.S., and more.” Missouri AG to Planned Parenthood: No more Abortion Kill Pills Missouri is cracking down on chemical abortions in the state. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey issued a cease-and-desist order to Planned Parenthood last week.  Bailey noted, “This order is a necessary enforcement mechanism to prevent Planned Parenthood from continuing to disregard Missouri law and to protect the health and safety of Missouri women. Planned Parenthood has a documented history of subverting state law, including failure to file complication reports.” Two astronauts returned after 9 months stranded in space And finally … SPACEX ANNOUNCER: “And splashdown. Crew Nine, back on Earth.  (applause and cheers) Butch, Suni, on behalf of SpaceX, welcome home!” two NASA astronauts headed back to Earth yesterday after spending an unexpected nine months aboard the International Space Station.   Last June, they anticipated only an 8-day stay. They languished in space for 286 days – 35 times longer than the initially scheduled mission. Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams had planned on a short mission last spring. However, the Boeing Starliner crew capsule that took them to space encountered technical issues, stranding them on the space station.  The astronauts returned thanks to a SpaceX Freedom capsule.  The capsule entered our atmosphere at 17,500 miles per hour.  The heat shield brought the speed down to 350 miles per hour. And then the four parachutes, which opened at 6,500 feet above Earth, lowered the speed to 119 miles per hour, enabling the capsule to land gently at 15 miles per hour in the Gulf of America off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida. During an interview on board the space station, Wilmore shared his Christian faith. WILMORE: “My feeling on all of this goes back to my faith. It's bound in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is working out His plan and His purposes for His glory throughout all of humanity. And how that plays into our lives is significant and important, and however that plays out, I am content because I understand that. I understand that He's at work in all things.” Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Wednesday, March 19th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Our guest is CHARLIE WATKINS, CEO of Dominion Enterprises, longtime business leader and C Suite Executive, and author of the book Throw No Rocks. Charlie has been married for over 45 years and spends much of his time involved in his church and mentoring men. And also serves on the board of ICM, a global church building and development organization. We discuss leadership, mentoring men, forgiveness, the power of putting others first, and much more. Plus check out the list of 20 Leadership Podcasts to check out. Make sure to visit http://h3leadership.com to access the list and all the show notes. Thanks again to our partners for this episode: - OPEN DOORS - Get the latest FREE 2025 World Watch List and prayer guide at http://opendoorsus.org. Since they were founded by Brother Andrew nearly 70 years ago, Open Doors has become the world's largest on-the-ground network working to strengthen persecuted Christians. 380 million Christians face high levels of persecution for their faith- 1 in 7 worldwide. Download the FREE World Watch List now at http://opendoorsus.org. Plus the Prayer Guide gives you the World Watch List, real stories of persecuted Christians, profiles of all 50 countries and specific ways to pray for each one. Again, visit http://opendoorsus.org. And GENEROUS COFFEE – visit http://generouscoffee.com. You are going to drink coffee anyways, so why not make it life changing coffee? Generous is a specialty coffee roaster who donates 100% of profits to non-profits focused on fighting human injustice around the world. Whether a church, business, or event looking to order coffee in bulk, or simply ordering for your home visit http://generouscoffee.com and use Rate Code H3 for 10% off your entire order. You'll be drinking some of the highest quality craft roasted coffee in the world. Again, visit http://generouscoffee.com and use code H3 for 10% off your entire order.

Miika Auvinen ja Tommi Hakkari keskustelevat kristittyjen tilanteesta Syyriassa, joka on vuoden 2025 World Watch List -vainoraportin sijalla 18.   https://opendoors.fi/maa/syyria/  

It's Friday, March 14th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Myanmar announces elections amid unrelenting persecution General Min Aung Hlaing, head of the military junta ruling Myanmar, has announced that the country will hold general elections either in December 2025 or in January 2026, reports International Christian Concern. The military junta has repeatedly delayed the elections due to unrest in the country. Critics say that a free and fair election is still impossible. The military has spent the last four years eliminating political opposition, jailing proponents of democracy, and waging war against the civilian population. According to Open Doors' World Watch List, Myanmar is the 13th most dangerous country worldwide for Christians. RFK, Jr wants to ban artificial dyes in food On Monday, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, reportedly told food industry leaders that he wants artificial dyes to be removed from American food products, reports One America News. Schumer flip flops, now supports GOP funding bill On Thursday, Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York flip flopped. After saying he would allow the government shutdown on Wednesday, he announced on the Senate floor late yesterday afternoon that he plans to vote to advance a House-passed six-month government funding bill, despite the strong opposition of many Democrats, reports News Nation. SCHUMER: “I have said many times, there are no winners in a government shutdown, but there are certainly victims. The most vulnerable Americans who rely on federal programs to feed their families, to access medical care, and to stay financially afloat. Communities that depend on government services to function will suffer and suffer greatly. “For sure, the Republican bill is a terrible option. It is deeply partisan. It doesn't address far too many of this country's needs. … “I will vote to keep the government open and not shut it down.” Schumer is only the second Senate Democrat to state definitively his intention to vote to advance the GOP-written bill — joining Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania who warned a shutdown would create chaos and risk a recession. But it's highly likely that Schumer will give political cover to other Democrats to vote to advance the 99-page package. If passed, the bill would increase defense spending by $6 billion, boost funding for border security, and cut nondefense programs by $13 billion, reports TheHill.com. Senate Republicans control 53 seats and would need at least eight Democratic votes to reach the 60-vote threshold needed to overcome a filibuster. Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, a staunch fiscal conservative, says he would vote against the stopgap measure for not doing enough to cut the deficit. Arizona prisoner speeds up lethal injection for his murder A prisoner scheduled to be executed next week in what would be Arizona's first use of the death penalty in over two years passed up a chance to ask for a reprieve from his death sentence, reports The Associated Press. Aaron Brian Gunches, age 53, is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection on March 19th for his murder conviction in the 2002 shooting death of Ted Price, his girlfriend's ex-husband, near the Phoenix suburb of Mesa. Genesis 9:6 says, “Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood shall be shed. For in the image of God He made man.” Comedian Rosie O'Donnell moved to Ireland to escape Trump Rosie O'Donnell, the lesbian actress and comedian, described why President Donald Trump's election to a second term prompted her to move to Ireland, reports ABC News. She shared her life update in a new TikTok video post on Tuesday. O'DONNELL: “Well, hey everybody. It's me, Rosie O'Donnell, star of The Flintstones. It's Tuesday, all day, as my Nana would say, and I'm here in Ireland. Moved here on January 15th. It's been pretty wonderful, I have to say. The people are so loving and so kind, so welcoming. “I'm in the process of getting my Irish citizenship, as I have Irish grandparents. Although I was never someone who thought I would move to another country, that's what I decided would be the best for myself and my 12-year-old child. I'm happy. Clay is happy. I miss my other kids. I miss my friends. I miss many things about life there at home.” O'Donnell insinuated that all citizens do not have equal rights, perhaps an indirect reference to her own child's non-binary identity and President Trump's insistence that males should not compete in women's sports. O'DONNELL: “When it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America, that's when we will consider coming back. It's been heartbreaking to see what's happening politically and hard for me personally as well. “It seems as though the only place you can get the news of what's really happening, in terms of protests, and whatnot is on Tiktok. The mainstream media has been letting us all down there in America where the fourth estate is required in order to maintain a democracy. You know, they haven't been doing their job.” O'Donnell concluded her video by urging fellow liberals to stand up to President Donald Trump and presumably any Senator or Congressman who passes his America First agenda. O'DONNELL: “I encourage everyone to stand up, to use their voice, to protest, to demand that we follow the Constitution in our country, and not a king, not a man, and we don't have cruelty as part of our governing style.” Bus driver buys PJs for crying boy who had none for Pajama Day And finally, a bus driver in Kentucky went above and beyond the call of duty when he saw one of his regular riders in distress, reports Good News Network. A child named Levi was crying when driver Larry Farrish Jr. arrived at his stop. The 35-year-old bus driver said, “Normally when I pull up, he's standing there waiting for me with a big smile, but on this day, he was sitting on the ground with a jacket over his head,” according to TODAY.com. When he asked what was wrong, he discovered that Levi had no pajamas to participate in Pajama Day at Engelhard Elementary School. Farrish went to a nearby Family Dollar and picked up two pairs of pajamas and surprised Levi in class. The bus driver said, “He was so excited — you should've seen how his face lit up.” Levi confessed that he had a “happy cry.” The world needs more Larry Farrish Jrs. Proverbs 14:21 says, "Blessed is he who is generous to the poor." Close And that's The Worldview on this Friday, March 14th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

It's Thursday, March 13th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Pakistani police rescue abducted 12-year-old Christian girl A 12-year-old Christian girl in Pakistan reunited with her parents last week after being abducted by a Muslim neighbor. Saba Shafique was abducted back in January and forced to marry her abductor.  Saba was beaten and locked in a room until police recovered her. She is glad to be reunited with her family. Sadly, such forced marriages affect hundreds of girls from religious minorities in the Islamic country every year, reports Morning Star News. Pakistan is ranked 8th on the Open Doors' World Watch List of nations where it is most difficult to be a Christian.  Devout British Christians gave 11% of income to charity The Christian charity Stewardship released their latest Generosity Report on Christians in the United Kingdom. The study found the average monthly giving for Christians equated to 5% of their income. That's twice the national average.  Christians who attend church and read the Bible at least once a week give even more, donating 11% of their income. That's almost five times the national average. The study also found such committed Christians experienced the most joy when giving compared to those who attend church and read the Bible less frequently.  2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” Stocks rose with lower inflation In the United States, U.S. stocks rose yesterday after February's inflation report showed signs of slowing price increases. The consumer price index rose 0.2% last month, putting February's annual inflation rate at 2.8%. That's down from 3% in January.  Stocks rallied at the news after a couple of days of losses. Markets have fluctuated in the face of President Donald Trump's tariff escalations with countries around the world.  However, Trump did not rule out a recession for the U.S. during an interview on Fox News. Instead, he signaled a period of transition. TRUMP: “There is a period of transition, because what we're doing is very big. We're bringing wealth back to America. That's a big thing. And there are always periods of -- it takes a little time. But I think it should be great for us.” Chase will no longer discriminate against conservatives, Christians A major bank has changed its Code of Conduct to protect against political and religious debanking.  JPMorgan Chase stated in a letter last week that it will not discriminate based on religious affiliation or religious views. Conservative and religious groups have complained in recent years that Chase has canceled their banking services.  Following the updated Code of Conduct, Jeremy Tedesco with Alliance Defending Freedom said, “This is a major victory for free speech and religious freedom in the marketplace. … We expect Chase's new policy to set the standard for the rest of the financial industry.” Pro-abortion activist paid $10,000 fine for vandalizing pro-life center Officials in Florida have exacted a $10,000 fine from a pro-abortion activist associated with Antifa.  Gabriella Oropesa worked with several other activists to vandalize pro-life pregnancy centers in the Sunshine state in 2022. They spray painted threatening messages on the facilities like “YOUR TIME IS UP!!” and “WE'RE COMING for U.” Oropesa also faces up to 10 years in prison.  Dept. of Education to cut staff by 50% The U.S. Department of Education announced Tuesday it plans to reduce its staff by 50%. Impacted staff will be placed on administrative leave starting March 21. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said, “Today's reduction in force reflects the Department of Education's commitment to efficiency, accountability, and ensuring that resources are directed where they matter most: to students, parents, and teachers.”  This will cut the Department's workforce from 4,133 workers to 2,183 workers.  9% of Americans have interactive spiritual relationship with God And finally, Dr. George Barna  released a new report on Americans minimizing the role of God in their lives. Only 40% of U.S. adults believe God exists or influences human lives. Sixteen percent say God is the most important element of their lives, and 9% say they have an intimate and interactive spiritual relationship with God.  Among self-identified Christians, only 20% describe their relationship with God as intimate and interactive and nearly one-third do not believe He is actively involved in every aspect of their daily existence.  In Revelation 2:4-5, Jesus said, “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, March 13th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Our guest is JENNI CATRON, a USA Today Best-Selling Author of her latest book, Culture Matters. Jenni is the founder and CEO of 4SIGHT Group, a team and organizational culture expert and consultant, host of the LeadCulture Podcast, and speaker and thought leader. We discuss why culture matters, how to change culture from the inside, trends in leadership, and much more. Plus check out the list of 25 Newsletters to Subscribe to. Make sure to visit http://h3leadership.com to access the list all the show notes. Thanks again to our partners for this episode: - OPEN DOORS - Get the latest FREE 2025 World Watch List and prayer guide at http://opendoorsus.org. Since they were founded by Brother Andrew nearly 70 years ago, Open Doors has become the world's largest on-the-ground network working to strengthen persecuted Christians. 380 million Christians face high levels of persecution for their faith- 1 in 7 worldwide. Download the FREE World Watch List now at http://opendoorsus.org. Plus the Prayer Guide gives you the World Watch List, real stories of persecuted Christians, profiles of all 50 countries and specific ways to pray for each one. Again, visit http://opendoorsus.org. And GENEROUS COFFEE – visit http://generouscoffee.com. You are going to drink coffee anyways, so why not make it life changing coffee? Generous is a specialty coffee roaster who donates 100% of profits to non-profits focused on fighting human injustice around the world. Whether a church, business, or event looking to order coffee in bulk, or simply ordering for your home visit http://generouscoffee.com and use Rate Code H3 for 10% off your entire order. You'll be drinking some of the highest quality craft roasted coffee in the world. Again, visit http://generouscoffee.com and use code H3 for 10% off your entire order.

Our guest is CARLOS WHITTAKER, a Best-selling author of multiple books, including his most recent book Reconnected. Carlos is a speaker, curator of the InstaFamilia community on Instagram, host of the Carlos Whittaker Podcast, and now a filmmaker and documentary creator with his most recent RECONNECTED Documentary. We discuss book tours, amusement parks, being on Mike Rowe's podcast, next version of his own podcast, Human School, and much more. Make sure to visit http://h3leadership.com to access the full list and all the show notes. Thanks again to our partners for this episode: OPEN DOORS - Get the latest FREE 2025 World Watch List and prayer guide at http://opendoorsus.org. Since they were founded by Brother Andrew nearly 70 years ago, Open Doors has become the world's largest on-the-ground network working to strengthen persecuted Christians. 380 million Christians face high levels of persecution for their faith- 1 in 7 worldwide. Download the FREE World Watch List now. Plus the Prayer Guide gives you the World Watch List, real stories of persecuted Christians, profiles of all 50 countries and specific ways to pray for each one. Again, visit http://opendoorsus.org. And GENERIS – one of the biggest challenges today is building a culture of generosity. But our friends at Generis have the proven giving strategies that will help accelerate generosity in your church, school, college or non-profit. For over 30 years Generis has helped thousands of churches and non profits develop a sustainable culture of generosity to fund their God-inspired vision. Get started at http://generis.com to schedule a conversation with one of their incredible consultants. It will be worth your time. Again, visit http://generis.com to get started. Generis has the experience and heart to inspire generosity, advance your mission, and grow your impact for the Kingdom. 

It's Wednesday, February 5th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark and Adam McManus Pakistani Christian brothers released from prison Praise God! Two Christian brothers are now free from prison in Pakistan. A court acquitted the twin brothers last month. Eighteen-year-olds Sahil and Raheel Shahid were facing false Islamic blasphemy accusations. The brothers' attorney told Morning Star News, “We believe that this case was a conspiracy against the Christian residents so that vested interests could grab their land and properties.” False blasphemy accusations are an increasing problem in Pakistan, a 97%-Muslim nation, The country is ranked 8th on the Open Doors' World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian.  Countries in which religious nationalism predominates Pew Research released a global report on religious nationalism. The report identified religious nationalists as people who believe in the historically predominant religion of their country and believe that their religion should influence their laws and leaders. Religious nationalism was most common in Kenya for countries with Christian roots. For Buddhists, the country with the most religious nationalism was Thailand. For Hindus, it was India. For Jews, it was Israel. And for Muslims, it was Indonesia and Bangladesh.  Religious nationalism for Christians was most common in Africa and South America while being the least common in Europe. The United States was somewhere in-between with just 6% of adults identifying as religious nationalists. Psalm 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance.” Senator Cassidy explained his conditional support of RFK, Jr. In the United States, Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a moderate Republican who voted to convict President Donald Trump in February 2021 of “incitement of insurrection”, was a key vote as member of the Senate Finance Committee which considered Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to be the next Secretary of Health and Human Services. As a physician, Senator Cassidy was especially concerned with Kennedy's questions about a possible link between childhood vaccines and autism.  Before the committee vote, Cassidy made this statement from the Senate floor. CASSIDY: “Now, Mr. Kennedy and the administration reached out seeking to reassure me regarding their commitment to protecting the public health benefit of vaccination. To this end, Mr. Kennedy and the administration committed that he and I would have an unprecedentedly close, collaborative working relationship if he is confirmed. “We will meet or speak multiple times a month. If confirmed, he will maintain the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations without changes. CDC will not remove statements on their website, pointing out that vaccines do not cause autism. “He committed that they help committee chair, whether it's me or someone else, may choose a representative on any board or commission formed to review vaccine safety. These commitments, and my expectation that we can have a great working relationship to make America healthy again, is the basis of my support. “If Mr. Kennedy is confirmed, I will use my authority as chairman of the Senate committee, with oversight of HHS, to rebuff any attempt to remove the public's access to life-saving vaccines without iron-clad, causational, scientific evidence that can be accepted and defended before the mainstream scientific community and before Congress.” RFK, Jr. voted out of Senate Committee On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee voted to advance President Donald Trump's nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.  The committee voted 14-13 along party lines. Committee Chair Mike Crapo of Idaho oversaw the committee vote. CRAPO: “We now have not only a quorum, but all members of the committee are present. I move that the committee favorably report the nomination of the Honorable Robert F. Kennedy, Jr of California to be Secretary of Health and Human Services. Is there a second?” COMMITTEE MEMBER: “Second.” CLERK: “Mr. Chairman, the final tally was 14 ayes, 13 nays. CRAPO: “The vote was 14-13. The nomination is reported favorably.” Kennedy's nomination now goes before the full U.S. Senate where he needs a simple majority or a minimum of 51 votes to be confirmed. Trump: Military will no longer pay for abortion travel Last Tuesday, the Trump administration announced the military will no longer cover travel expenses for services members to get abortions. U.S. Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama notably stood against the Defense Department's funding for abortion under Biden's leadership. He said, “For the past two years, I have been sounding the alarm about the Pentagon's illegal and immoral practice of using taxpayer dollars to fund abortions. I took a lot of heat when I stood alone for nearly a year in holding senior Pentagon promotions over this—but as of today, it was all worth it.” Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Department of Education getting phased down The Trump administration is beginning to scale back the Department of Education.  Already, the administration has placed dozens of employees on paid administrative leave. This is part of a broader effort to remove hires based on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.  The administration is also working on an executive order that would begin the process of eliminating the Education Department entirely. GDP slowed In economic news, the U.S. Gross Domestic Product slowed down during the last three months of 2024. The economy grew by 2.3% during the fourth quarter of last year, down from 3.1% during the third quarter. Economists had expected 2.5% growth for the fourth quarter.  Also, the Federal Reserve held its key interest rate at 4.25%-4.5%, saying inflation remains somewhat elevated. The Fed cut interest rates three times since September 2024 and President Trump is calling for more cuts.  Virginia voted down anti-homeschooling bill Virginia lawmakers voted down a bill that would have eliminated the religious exemption from the state's public education requirements.  The bill would have added many regulations for parents who educate their children at home for religious reasons. Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin wrote on X, “I stand with parents across Virginia in opposition to Senate Bill 1031. We cannot allow this attack on homeschooling to become law.” Court: San Francisco must rehire employees who refused COVID shot And finally, a federal appeals court ruled in favor of Christian employees who were fired for not getting a COVID-19 shot in California. The city of San Francisco must now rehire workers who were terminated for refusing the shot. The ruling stated, “Appellants' coerced decision between their faith and their livelihood imposed emotional damage which cannot now be fully undone.  … [San Francisco's] finding that Appellants' religious beliefs were insufficient to warrant any accommodations can only be described as a ‘dignitary affront.' ... The circumstances surrounding Appellants' termination constitute irreparable harm.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Wednesday, February 5th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

It's Wednesday, January 29th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark North Korea tortures, publicly executes, imprisons Christians The Database Center for North Korean Human Rights released their 2024 White Paper on Religious Freedom in North Korea. The research is based on the accounts of North Koreans who defected to South Korea. It includes over 15,000 responses and over 2,000 cases of persecution. Ninety-six percent of respondents said that religious activities are not permitted in North Korea. And only 5% report having seen religious items like a Bible.  Yeo-sang Yoon, director of the North Korean Human Rights Archives, noted, “Right now, people [of faith] are being tortured, sent to concentration camps, or publicly executed.” North Korea remains the worst country on the Open Doors' World Watch List of nations where it is most difficult to be a Christian.  Young Brits more likely to have Christian faith than be atheist OnePoll released a survey this month entitled, “Belief in Britain.”  The study of 10,000 people found atheism is losing influence on younger generations. Only 13% of those aged 18-24 identify as atheist compared to 25% of those aged 45-64. Younger people were also the most likely to identify as religious, meaning they worship regularly and ascribe to a specific belief system.  DeepSeek, a Chinese AI, beats ChatGBT DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence company, released a large language model last week. The Artificial Intelligence assistant quickly outperformed ChatGPT in downloads at the Apple App Store. DeepSeek's app surprised experts, performing better than American AI chatbots despite being produced with less money and computing power.  The news sent the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite down 3% on Monday. U.S. chipmaker Nvidia led the losses, dropping 17% or nearly $600 billion in market value. It's the largest one-day loss for any company.  Trump bans woke gender ideology from military President Donald Trump signed executive orders on Monday to keep radical gender ideology and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives out of the military. Trump noted, “Consistent with the military mission and longstanding [Dept. of Defense] policy, expressing a false ‘gender identity' divergent from an individual's sex cannot satisfy the rigorous standards necessary for military service.” Trump's orders also offer reinstatement for troops who faced expulsion for not getting the COVID-19 shot during the pandemic. Supreme Court considers a religious charter school case Last Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a case involving the first publicly funded religious charter school. Oklahoma's state school board approved a Catholic church to open a charter school. St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School was set to begin classes in August 2023. But the state's supreme court ruled against the approval. The case is now before the U.S. Supreme Court. Jim Campbell with Alliance Defending Freedom said, “The U.S. Constitution protects St. Isidore's freedom to operate according to its faith and supports the board's decision to approve such learning options for Oklahoman families.”  California ends prosecution of two pro-life activists Praise God! The state of California agreed to end its prosecution of two pro-life activists on Monday. David Daleiden and Sandra Merritt have faced years of litigation and millions of dollars in fines for their pro-life work. Their undercover videos exposed Planned Parenthood's illegal sale of the body parts of aborted babies. David and Sandra shared the videos through their organization The Center for Medical Progress.  David said, “After enduring nine years of weaponized political prosecution, putting an end to the lawfare launched by Kamala Harris is a huge victory for my investigative reporting and for the public's right to know the truth about Planned Parenthood's sale of aborted baby body parts. Now we all must get to work to protect families and infants from the criminal abortion-industrial complex.” Proverbs 24:11 says, “Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter.” Christians minister to victims of California fires And finally, Christians continue to provide relief to those affected by wildfires in California. CBN's Operation Blessing is working with local first responders and churches to bring long-term assistance. In the midst of suffering and loss, pastors are seeing a surge in church attendance. Listen to a comment from Pastor Steve Wilburn of Core Church LA  to CBN News. WILBURN: “We're seeing people come into the church, and we're seeing hurting people. You know, it's been said in times past. You know, if you're going to speak to hurting people, you're never going to run out of people to speak to. But we're seeing people make commitments to Christ. That's what we're seeing.” In Matthew 11:28, Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Wednesday, January 29th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

It's the January Top Ten Leadership List Episode! Links and recommendations on music, books, podcasts and more. Plus check out the latest edition of the Young Influencers List, with 14 young leaders you should know. Make sure to visit http://h3leadership.com to access the full list and all the show notes. Thanks again to our partners for this episode: - OPEN DOORS - Get the latest FREE 2025 World Watch List and prayer guide at http://opendoorsus.org. Since they were founded by Brother Andrew nearly 70 years ago, Open Doors has become the world's largest on-the-ground network working to strengthen persecuted Christians. 380 million Christians face high levels of persecution for their faith- 1 in 7 worldwide. Download the FREE World Watch List now. Plus the Prayer Guide gives you the World Watch List, real stories of persecuted Christians, profiles of all 50 countries and specific ways to pray for each one. Again, visit http://opendoorsus.org. And GENEROUS COFFEE – visit http://generouscoffee.com. You are going to drink coffee anyways, so why not make it life changing coffee? Generous is a specialty coffee roaster who donates 100% of profits to non-profits focused on fighting human injustice around the world. Whether a church, business, or event looking to order coffee in bulk, or simply ordering for your home visit http://generouscoffee.com and use code H3 for 10% off your entire order. You'll be drinking some of the highest quality craft roasted coffee in the world. Again, visit http://generouscoffee.com and use code H3 for 10% off your entire order.

It's Thursday, January 23rd, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Iran giving Christians longer prison sentences Article 18 reports Iran is sentencing more Christians to longer sentences. The Islamic regime sentenced 96 Christians to a combined 263 years in prison last year. That's up from 22 Christians sentenced to 43.5 years in 2023. Christians are also facing longer individual sentences. Some face up to 15 years all on account of their faith and religious activities. Article 18 said these cases are only the tip of the iceberg, noting that many go unreported. Iran is ranked ninth on the Open Doors' World Watch List of nations where it is most difficult to be a Christian.  Germany's anti-Christian offenses almost doubled Germany's federal government reported there were 228 anti-Christian offenses last year, up from 135 cases in 2022. The offenses included one homicide, 14 bodily injuries, 52 cases of damage to property, 22 cases of threats or coercion, and 29 cases of incitement of the people against Christians.  Trump ends Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs In the United States, President Donald Trump issued an order Tuesday, entitled, “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-based Opportunity.”  The order ends the federal government's hiring practices based on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The administration also instructed agencies to close diversity, equity, and inclusion offices by 5 p.m. yesterday. Staffers of those offices were put on paid administrative leave.  Senator Hawley to Trump: Pardon the pro-lifers Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri called on President Trump to pardon the pro-life advocates imprisoned under the Biden administration. On Tuesday, Hawley posted this on X: “I hope President Trump will shortly pardon the pro-life prisoners unjustly targeted & jailed by the Biden administration. They deserve to be free.” Fox News' Kayleigh McEnany, former White House Press Secretary under Trump, also called for their release.  McENANY: “There are 21 pro-lifers that Biden put in prison, innocent individuals who sang about Jesus Christ in front of an abortion clinic in a hallway, not in the clinic. It was a peaceful protest. We played it on the show. Those individuals should be receiving pardons. “We are a week ahead of the March for Life, and I hope that the Trump administration deeply considers these peaceful Christians in a peaceful protest who were persecuted by President Biden. They should be freed.” Proverbs 17:15 says, “He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio thanks “my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” Marco Rubio was sworn in as U.S. Secretary of State on Tuesday. The Senate unanimously confirmed him Monday. Rubio had served 14 years in the chamber before becoming Secretary of State.  Rubio said the State Department would focus on making America stronger, safer, and more prosperous. After being sworn in, he gave thanks to God. RUBIO: “I want to end by thanking Almighty God and my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. That is truly the singular purpose of our lives. It's the most important priority. It's the only thing that will matter when we take our last breath on this Earth. “But this is an extraordinary opportunity. It would not have been possible without God's blessings. I'm honored, and I'm privileged, cognizant of the responsibility. And I want to thank President Trump for his confidence. “We will work hard every second of the day to help him achieve the agenda the American people have given him to achieve. Thanks for being a part of this today. God bless all of you. Thank you.” Winter storm hit the South A major winter storm hit the South on Tuesday. The storm brought record-breaking snowfall to parts of the Deep South, impacting a 1,500-mile span from the Texas Gulf Coast to Atlantic coast of the Carolinas. Even Florida and Alabama got historic snowfalls.   Psalm 147:16-17 says God “gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes; He casts out His hail like morsels; who can stand before His cold?” FDA bans red food dye #3 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned the use of food dye Red No. 3 last week. The synthetic food dye can cause cancer in laboratory rats.  The dye is still used in thousands of products to give food a bright red color, including candy, cereals, cherries, and milkshakes.  Companies still have a couple years until they must stop using the food dye.  Barna: Americans abandon discipleship and mental issues escalate And finally, Dr. George Barna released a new report on faith and cultural trends likely to emerge this year. The report notes several key trends. First, the syncretism train will keep rolling as people abandon a Biblical worldview for a blend of philosophies. Second, discipleship drops off the radar as the act of biblical mentoring becomes more uncommon in churches. Third, mental health issues escalate as Americans face more fear, anxiety, and depression. And fourth, the family will continue to be a contested and maligned institution.   Dr. Barna noted, “In the end, it's all about worldview. And for those who seek a worldview based on Truth, it's all about pursuing the God of the Bible for the answers and connection we deeply desire.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, January 23rd, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Open Doors Canada has released their 2025 World Watch List. The World Watch list ranks the 50 countries in the world where it's most dangerous to live as a Christian. Garry Stagg, executive director of Open Doors Canada shares what they discovered and why it's so important to share this list with CanadiansSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our guest is ZACH MEERKREEBS, a pastor and Bible teacher who was the guest speaker in chapel at Asbury University on February 8, 2023 when the Asbury Outpouring began. Zach is the author of the new book Lower: Inspiring Spiritual Awakening through Radical Humility, and has been speaking and sharing the story of what happened at Asbury around the world the last couple of years. Make sure to visit http://h3leadership.com to access the list and all the show notes. Thanks again to our partners for this episode: CONVOY OF HOPE - Please donate to the Hurricane Helene relief effort and ongoing work at http://convoyofhope.org/donate. Convoy is my trusted partner for delivering food and relief by responding to disasters in the US and all around the world. Right now, Convoy of Hope is still responding to devastation in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and TN because of Hurricane Helene and Milton. Providing basic needs like food, hygiene supplies, medical supplies, blankets, bedding, diapers, clothing and more. All through partnering with local Churches. Join me and please support their incredible work. To donate visit http://convoyofhope.org/donate. And OPEN DOORS - Get the latest FREE 2025 World Watch List and prayer guide at http://opendoorsus.org. Since they were founded by Brother Andrew nearly 70 years ago, Open Doors has become the world's largest on-the-ground network working to strengthen persecuted Christians. 380 million Christians face high levels of persecution for their faith- 1 in 7 worldwide. Download the FREE World Watch List now. Plus the Prayer Guide gives you the World Watch List, real stories of persecuted Christians, profiles of all 50 countries and specific ways to pray for each one. Again, visit http://opendoorsus.org  

Israel and Hamas reach deal on Gaza ceasefire and hostage release Former Presidents Obama, Clinton and Bush won't not attend Trump's inaugural lunch Christianity Today on X: "Where is it most dangerous to be a Christian in 2025? CT reports on the World Watch List released today by @OpenDoorsUS: https://t.co/HGRtNCEMeN" / X Boomers: Serve Like Your Whole Life Is Ahead of YouSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest: Ryan BrownMinistry: Open Doors USPosition: CEOTopic: a discussion of the 2025 World Watch List and trends that the research shows regarding Christian persecutionWebsite: opendoorsus.org

It's Thursday, January 16th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark and Adam McManus Top 10 worst countries for persecution of Christians Open Doors US released their 2025 World Watch List yesterday. The report covers the 50 worst countries for the persecution of Christians. The ten worst countries are North Korea, Somalia, Yemen, Libya, Sudan, Eritrea, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. Once again, North Korea tops the list for a 23rd year in a row. The report found 380 million Christians face high levels of persecution. That's one in seven believers worldwide. From October 2023 to September 2024, 4,476 Christians were killed for their faith, 4,744 Christians were detained, arrested, or sentenced for their faith, and 209,771 Christians were forced to leave their homes.   Hebrews 13:3 says, “Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.” Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage exchange Israel and Hamas reportedly agreed to a ceasefire yesterday brokered by America, Egypt, and Qatar.  If successfully completed, the agreement would end 15 months of fighting.  The deal would begin with Hamas releasing 33 hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. The agreement also involves more humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip. Both President Joe Biden's administration and President-elect Donald Trump's team cooperated in making the agreement.  Biden removes Cuba from list of state sponsors of terrorism In other international news, President Biden announced that the United States would remove Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. It's one of Biden's last official acts before Trump takes office next Monday. However, the Trump administration may reverse the decision.  At this moment, Cuba has promised to release 553 prisoners, likely including people imprisoned during anti-government protests in 2021.  The agreement was brokered by the Catholic Church to secure the release of political prisoners.  Vatican's approval of sexual perversion Speaking of the Catholic Church, the Vatican approved a document in favor of sexually perverted lifestyles. The Italian Bishops' Conference published the document last Friday.  The provisions allow candidates for priesthood to have “homosexual tendencies.” However, priests are still required to live in celibacy.  Proverbs 25:26 says, “Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.” Biden awarded Pope Francis Presidential Medal of Freedom President Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction to Pope Francis on Saturday.  It's the highest civilian award of the United States, and it's the first time Biden awarded the medal “with distinction.” The White House praised Pope Francis as being “unlike any who came before.” However, Fox News notes, “Francis, 88, has pushed to open the Church to the modern world since he took the helm in 2013. He has drawn criticism from some U.S. Catholics for his support of … positions that are contrary to Church teachings.” Marco Rubio: Emphasizing “national interest above all else is not isolationism.” Yesterday, Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, whom Trump has nominated to be his Secretary of State, outlined his vision before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, reports CBS News. RUBIO: “We are once again called to create a free world out of the chaos. And this will not be easy. And it will be impossible without a strong and a confident America that engages in the world, putting our core national interests once again above all else. In Moscow, in Tehran, in Pyongyang, dictators, rogue states now sow chaos and instability and align with and they fund radical terror groups. And then they hide behind their veto power at the United Nations Security Council or the threats of nuclear war. “The post war global order is not just obsolete. It is now a weapon being used against us. Placing our core national interest above all else is not isolationism. It is the common sense realization that a foreign policy centered in our national interest is not some outdated relic.” Ted Cruz asked Trump's Attorney General, Pam Bondi, pick whether she would be fair In addition, Pam Bondi, the former Florida Attorney General, also appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee   She  vowed to end the weaponization of the Justice Department, saying her focus will be on reducing crime and upholding the law, reports CBS News. Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas opened his time this way. CRUZ: “I don't know that there is a more important position in this new administration than the position to which you have been nominated, Attorney General of the United States. Perhaps the most tragic legacy of the Biden-Harris administration has been the politicization and the weaponization of the United States Department of Justice. Joe Biden publicly mused and allowed the New York Times to report it, calling on Merrick Garland: ‘Why will he not prosecute Trump more quickly?'  Merrick Garland, sadly, he sat in that chair and promised to be apolitical, and he broke that promise almost the instant he walked into the Department of Justice. “If you look on the west pediment of the Supreme Court of the United States, just above the entrance, there's a simple, yet profound, four word phrase: ‘Equal justice under law.'  We have seen over the last four years a Department of Justice that systematically targeted the political opponents of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris and that systematically protected his friends and allies. I don't think there's an institution in America who has lost more respect from the American people than the FBI has in the last four years. “So, I want to start with just a very simple question, if you, [Pam Bondi], are confirmed as Attorney General, will you pledge to fairly and faithfully uphold the law regardless of party?” BONDI: “So help me, God!” CRUZ: “Amen. I want to be clear for folks at home, I don't want a Republican Department of Justice. I don't want a Democrat Department of Justice. I want a Department of Justice that follows the law, and I think the American people do too. That shouldn't be too much to expect.” Trump plans to create the External Revenue Service President-elect Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he plans to create a new agency to collect tariffs from foreign sources. He began by criticizing the Internal Revenue Service on Truth Social. He wrote, “For far too long, we have relied on taxing our Great People using the Internal Revenue Service.  … Through soft and pathetically weak Trade agreements, the American Economy has delivered growth and prosperity to the World, while taxing ourselves.”  Trump went on to say, “It is time for that to change. I am today announcing that I will create the EXTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE to collect our Tariffs, Duties, and all Revenue that come from Foreign sources.” 935 languages still need a Bible translation And finally, Wycliffe Global Alliance has published their 2024 Global Scripture Access Report. The report notes that there are 7,396 languages in the world spoken by at least 7.45 billion people. Currently, 756 languages have full Bibles, an increase of 20 languages from 2023. About 10% of all languages now have full Bibles, accounting for 6 billion people.   Additionally, the number of languages needing Bible translation to start is 985, down 283 from 2023. The total number of languages with at least some portion of Scripture has reached 3,756. That's about half of all languages and accounts for 7.3 billion people.  Isaiah 52:7 says, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.'” Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, January 16th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

It's Thursday, January 2nd, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Muslim militants in Sudan, Africa attacked Christians during a prayer service on Monday, wounding 14 believers. Nearly 200 Christians of the Sudanese Church of Christ were praying and fasting for an end to the military conflict in the Northeast African nation. A local Christian told Morning Star News the believers “have attempted to flee the area several times, but they were prevented by [the militants].” The attackers were part of the Islamist Rapid Support Forces. The paramilitary group has been fighting another Islamist group, the Sudanese Armed Forces, for control of the country since last year. Sudan is ranked 8th on the Open Doors' World Watch List of nations where it is most dangerous to be a Christian. In Matthew 5:44, Jesus said, “Love your enemies. Bless those who curse you. Do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” China builds world's largest hydropower dam China recently approved construction on what will be the world's largest hydropower dam.  It will be located on the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet. Once complete, the massive dam is projected to produce as much as 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. That's more than triple the capacity of the Three Gorges Dam, the world's current largest dam also located in China. China is on track to add twice as much solar and wind power production as the rest of the world combined. Terrorist attack in New Orleans kills 10 and injures 35 Tragically in the United States, 10 people died and 35 sustained injuries after an attacker drove a pickup truck into a crowd yesterday morning in New Orleans. The attack took place on Bourbon Street during New Year's celebrations.  The suspect died during a shootout with law enforcement. The vehicle used in the attack had an ISIS flag on the trailer hitch. Officials report the vehicle had crossed the border from Mexico into Texas in November, although the driver at the time does not appear to be the same as the attacker. The attacker has been identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen who lived in Texas, reports The Epoch Times. The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terror. U.S. homelessness up 18% Homelessness increased 18% last year, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. A report from the department found there were 771,480 homeless people in the U.S. in January 2024. That's up from 653,104 in 2023, and the largest number since 2005. Illegal immigration contributed to these historic numbers as well as natural disasters and the lack of affordable housing. Judge blocked Biden's pro-abortion regulations Last week, a federal judge blocked new pro-abortion regulations from the Joe Biden's Department of Health and Human Services. The new regulations would have silenced health care professionals from reporting abuse related to the harms of abortion as well as transgender drugs and surgeries. Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver said, “Doctors take an oath to ‘do no harm' and should be able to report abuse to protect patients. … This unlawful rule change is just another political attempt to undermine state laws that protect against harmful abortion and dangerous gender ideology.” S&P 500 grew 23% in 2024 after growing 24% in 2023 The U.S. stock market closed lower on Tuesday to round out 2024. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 5% and the S&P 500 slid 2.5% last month. However, for the year, the S&P 500 grew by 23%, after growing 24% in 2023. Such gains haven't occurred since the late 1990s. Alabama dramatically greenlights school choice Alabama is rolling out a new state program that allows families to pay for private school and homeschooling costs. The CHOOSE Act provides families $7,000 per student in education savings accounts for private school tuition and up to $4,000 for homeschooling expenses.  Alabama passed the act in March 2024. Families can start using the program for the 2025-2026 school year. Belgian woman ran marathon every day of 2024 And finally, a Belgian ultra runner set a record Tuesday, becoming the first woman to run a marathon every day of the year – 366 days to be precise including February 29th in 2024. Hilde Dosogne ran nearly 10,000 miles to complete the record over the course of 2024. The 55-year-old runner also raised the equivalent of over $60,000 for cancer research. Dosogne told The Associated Press, “The mental strain is harder than the physical. Of course, physically, everything has to be okay. Otherwise, you can't run for four hours every day. But it was more mental to be there at the start-line every day.” Dosogne's perseverance reminds us of the encouragement for our spiritual race from Hebrews 12:1-2. It says, “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. …” Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, January 2nd, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

It's Thursday, December 5th, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark and Adam McManus Muslim terrorist group in Syria puts Christians in grave danger Islamic militias with the Organization for the Liberation of the Levant took over Syria's second largest city of Aleppo last week. It's the latest offensive in the years-long civil war between government forces and armed rebel groups in the country. The tensions mean grave danger for Christians who live in the area. Churches are still open, but militants are removing Christmas decorations.  The Muslim terrorist group is known for brutal governance and violent persecution. Please pray for Christians in Syria, ranked 12th on the Open Doors' World Watch List of nations where it is most difficult to be a Christian.  1 Peter 4:12-13 says, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” UnitedHealthcare CEO gunned down in NYC In the United States, chilling video shows the moment a gunman calmly shoots down  UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, age 50, at close range on the streets of Midtown Manhattan in front of the New York Hilton Hotel on Wednesday morning, reports the New York Post. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny explained what happened before the shooting. KENNY: “The shooter arrived at the location on foot about five minutes prior to the victim's arrival. He stands alongside the building line as numerous other people and pedestrians pass him by. From video, we see at 6:44am the victim is walking alone towards the Hilton after exiting his hotel across the street. We believe the victim was headed to the Hilton Hotel to attend the United Health Group investors conference that was scheduled to start at 8am.” In the video, the unidentified assailant — clad in a black hoodie, black mask, black pants, gloves and wearing a gray backpack — can be seen methodically firing what appears to be a single-action handgun at the CEO, pulling back the slide with each shot. Thompson stumbles back upon the first shot, which appears to hit him in the back, briefly turning to face the shooter before falling to the sidewalk and attempting to crawl away as the gunman continues firing.  New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch added this. TISCH: “At this time, every indication is that this was a premeditated, pre-planned, targeted attack.” While the shooter fled on foot and disappeared into Central Park, emergency personnel administered CPR at the scene to Thompson, before rushing him to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The shooter remains at large. TISCH: “The full investigative efforts of the New York City Police Department are well underway, and we will not rest until we identify and apprehend the shooter in this case.” UnitedHealthcare is the nation's largest health insurer. It is a division of UnitedHealth Group, the fourth-largest public company in America behind Walmart, Amazon, and Apple. Thompson's wife, Paulette, told NBC News that he had been receiving threats perhaps over a lack of health care coverage. Plus, another wrinkle in the story, is that Thompson was one of several senior executives at UnitedHealthcare under investigation by the Department of Justice. On February 16th, he exercised stock options and sold shares worth $15.1 million, less than two weeks before news of the federal antitrust probe went public, according to a Crain's New York Business report from April. Trump pick for Drug Enforcement Administration withdraws On Tuesday, Chad Chronister, President-elect Donald Trump's selection to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration, said that he would withdraw from consideration, reports NBC News. Chronister, who is the sheriff in Hillsborough County, Florida, said he would turn down Trump's planned nomination to be the next DEA administrator just three days after Trump announced it. He is the second of Trump's administration picks to take his name out of the running, after former Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz of Florida dropped his bid to become attorney general last month. Chronister ran into a series of hurdles from Trump's political base because of how he handled the coronavirus pandemic — particularly his decision in 2020 to arrest Tampa Pastor Ronald Howard-Browne for simply holding a church service. Pro-life ruling upholds ban on abortion trafficking A federal appeals court upheld an Idaho law on Monday that bans abortion trafficking, reports the Idaho Capital Sun.  The 2023 law protects pregnant minors from being transported for an abortion without their parents' knowledge. The law is in addition to a 2022 law that bans nearly all abortions.  Linda Thomas, Director of Community Outreach, told LifeNews, “With abortions virtually banned in Idaho, Planned Parenthood and other organizations are actively coaching and luring women across state lines for abortions. This is abortion trafficking.” Transgender case heard at Supreme Court The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a major transgender case yesterday. The Biden administration is challenging a Tennessee law that protects children from drugs and operations meant to enable them to pretend to be the opposite sex. The conservative majority on the court appeared supportive of the law during the hearing.  However, a decision isn't expected for months. The ruling could affect similar measures in 25 other states.  Philippians 4:6 most popular verse this year And finally, the Bible app YouVersion reports that more people engaged with the Bible this year in record numbers. The most popular verse of the year was Philippians 4:6. It says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Bible engagement grew significantly in Central Africa, Eastern Africa, and Latin America. One of YouVersion's partners in the app is 24-7 Prayer International. Carla Harding noted, “Throughout 2024, we have seen a rise in the number of people dedicating themselves to night and day prayer in different nations around the world. Our hope is that through continual prayer, the global church would be ignited in the presence of God and carry His love with greater compassion and power to the communities around them.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, December 5th, in the year of our Lord 2024. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

It's Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 28th, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark 673 incidents of persecution of Christians in India Christians face daily persecution in 23 of India's 28 states. Such persecution includes physical violence, murder, threats, damage to property, and disruption of prayer services.  A.C. Michael with United Christian Forum said, “In 2023, we recorded about 750 incidents, which means two Christians were attacked every day in our country. These are organized acts of violence by pro-Hindu groups targeting Christian faiths.”  The organization's latest report documented 673 incidents of violence and discrimination this year between January and October.  India is ranked 11th on the Open Doors' World Watch List of nations where it is most difficult to be a Christian.  Ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah Israel agreed to a ceasefire with Hezbollah militants in Lebanon that went into effect yesterday. This brings a two-month pause to 14 months of fighting between to the two sides in southern Lebanon. The United States and France brokered the agreement.  The incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump claimed credit for the deal. Florida Rep. Mike Waltz is Trump's pick for national security adviser. He posted on X, “Everyone is coming to the table because of President Trump. His resounding victory sent a clear message to the rest of the world that chaos won't be tolerated. I'm glad to see concrete steps towards de-escalation in the Middle East.”  China released three detained American citizens Speaking of coming to the table, China released three American citizens it had detained for years. The White House announced the prisoner swap yesterday. The three Americans are Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and John Leung. The United States had designated them as wrongfully detained. This comes just months after China released David Lin, a Christian pastor from California, who was detained for 20 years in China.  Judged halted sentencing of 7 pro-life activists Last Tuesday, a federal judge in Michigan halted the sentencing of seven pro-life activists.  The pro-lifers were convicted under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. Some faced over 10 years in prison for protesting at abortion mills. Judge Matthew Leitman delayed proceedings until after Donald Trump takes office.  Trump has already promised to review the cases of those “unjustly victimized by the Biden regime” and get them “back to their families where they belong.” Supreme Court takes up Tennessee transgender case The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in a major transgender case next Wednesday. The case involves a Tennessee law that protects children from transgender drugs and procedures intended to enable children to pretend to be the opposite sex.  Tennessee House of Representatives Majority Leader William Lamberth co-sponsored the measure. He told Reuters, “This case is about protecting vulnerable young people who are experiencing gender dysphoria or other mental health crises from making the biggest mistake of their lives.”  You can sign a prayer commitment for the case through Alliance Defending Freedom which is linked in today's transcript at TheWorldview.com.  U.S. economy grew 2.8% The U.S. economy grew by 2.8% on an annual basis during the third quarter of this year. The Gross Domestic Product is slightly down from 3% during the second quarter. However, the U.S. has seen growth of over 2% for eight out of the last nine quarters. Consumer spending, along with an increase in exports, contributed the latest economic growth. America's history of Thanksgiving The first official National Proclamation of Thanksgiving in America was issued by the Continental Congress on November 1, 1777, in celebration of the victory against the British at the Battle of Saratoga. In 1941, as America confronted a world at war, Congress voted to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday. In his first Thanksgiving proclamation, President Ronald Reagan wrote: “America has much for which to be thankful. The unequaled freedom enjoyed by our citizens has provided a harvest of plenty to this Nation throughout its history. In keeping with America's heritage, one day each year is set aside for giving thanks to God for all of His blessings. … “Searching our hearts, we should ask what we can do as individuals to demonstrate our gratitude to God for all He has done. Such reflection can only add to the significance of this precious day of remembrance. “Let us recommit ourselves to that devotion to God and family that has played such an important role in making this a great Nation, and which will be needed as a source of strength if we are to remain a great people.” Most popular Thanksgiving verses And finally, Lifeway Research shared the most popular Bible verses during Thanksgiving based on analysis from YouVersion's Bible app. Verses from the Psalms were among the most popular verses in recent years. Lifeway shared 11 verses that appeared on the list of most popular verses at Thanksgiving at least twice during the last five years. Here are the top three: Numbers 6:24-26 says, “May the Lord bless you and protect you; may the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; may the Lord look with favor on you and give you peace.” 1 Chronicles 16:34 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever.” Psalm 100:4-5 says, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and bless His name. For the Lord is good, and His faithful love endures forever; His faithfulness, through all generations.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 28th, in the year of our Lord 2024. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

It's Wednesday, November 27th, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Muslims slit throats of Christians in Mozambique, Africa Barnabas Aid reports that fighters from the terrorist group called “ISIS Mozambique” killed four Christians in northern Mozambique this month. In one incident, Muslim militants slit the throats of Christians they described as “infidel Christians.” They killed another Christian in a machine gun attack.  Militants began an insurgency in the southern African country in 2017, killing thousands of people since then.  Mozambique is ranked 39th on the Open Doors' World Watch List of nations where it most dangerous to be a Christian.  Christians oppose Britain's End-of-Life Bill Christian leaders sent a letter to the United Kingdom parliament, opposing a proposed End of Life Bill. The measure would allow terminally ill adults to seek assistance in ending their own lives. The bill moves forward with a second reading on Friday. The recent letter warned, “This bill, in our view, undermines the value of life and lacks the safeguards needed to protect those most at risk from being coerced into premature death.” Trump threatens tariffs on Canada, Mexico, & China until illegals & drugs stop In the United States, President-elect Donald Trump announced his plans for tariffs on Monday.  The plan affects America's primary trading partners—Canada, Mexico, and China. At the start of his second term, Trump said Canada and Mexico will face a 25% tariff until they curb the flow of migrants and drugs across the border. Trump also announced a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, in addition to any other tariffs on the country, until it deals with fentanyl smuggling.  Trump picks Scott Turner for Sec. Housing and Urban Development Last Friday, President-elect Trump nominated Scott Turner to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Turner played football in the NFL before serving in the Texas House of Representatives. He worked in the first Trump administration, and is an associate pastor at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas.  Turner responded to the nomination on X. He wrote, “Thank you, Mr. President. I am thrilled to continue the outstanding work we began in your last administration at HUD with an incredible team. … I would also like to express the sincerest of gratitude to my mentor, Secretary Ben Carson. … We have an important mission ahead. To God be the glory. Let's get to work!” Target fired Christian who wrote “Trust in Jesus” on Target nametag KVLY-TV reports that Target has apologized for firing an employee over Christian messaging on her name tag.  Denise Kendrick worked for a Target store in Fargo, North Dakota. She said she was fired earlier this month for writing “trust in Jesus” on her Target nametag. A manager told her that she couldn't wear the nametag. Kendrick replied, “Well, I've seen people with rainbows on theirs. I'm going to continue to wear this nametag,”  And then they said, “Well, you can't work here anymore.” After the incident, a Target spokesman said, “Upon learning of the situation, we conducted a review and determined that the team member should not have been terminated. We apologized to her and offered to reinstate her immediately.” In Matthew 10:32, Jesus said, “So everyone who acknowledges Me before men, I also will acknowledge before My Father who is in Heaven.” Walmart rolls back Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies On Monday, Walmart announced it is rolling back its diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.  It's the latest large company to do so. The world's largest retailer will no longer participate in the Human Rights Campaign, the largest lobbying group for sexually perverted lifestyles in the U.S.  Robby Starbuck is a conservative activist who has been calling out companies for their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. After talking with Walmart, he wrote on X, “This is the biggest win yet for our movement to end wokeness in corporate America.” World's oldest man died And finally, the world's oldest man died in England on Monday. He was 112 years old. John Alfred Tinniswood was born on August 26, 1912, just months after the Titanic sank. He lived through both world wars and served in the British Army Pay Corps during World War II.  Tinniswood's family said he was active in retirement. He volunteered as an elder in this local church where he gave sermons. He said moderation was important to a healthy life.  Tinniswood is survived by his daughter, Susan, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Proverbs 3:1-3 says, “My son, do not forget My law, but let your heart keep My commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you. Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Wednesday, November 27th, in the year of our Lord 2024. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

It's Thursday, November 14th, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Myanmar's persecution of Christians The military regime of Myanmar continues its persecution of Christians. Authorities imposed new restrictions in the capital of Rakhine State. Churches cannot display crosses. They must also submit membership lists to police and get authorization to hold services. One local Christian told the Myanmar Pressphoto Agency, “Last month, we installed a cross, a symbol of our faith, as a way to identify the Christian church here, but the police came and demanded it be removed. We prayed before putting it up, so we refused to take it down ourselves, and instead asked them to do it on their own.”  The southeast Asian nation is ranked 17th on the Open Doors' World Watch List of countries where it most difficult to be a Christian.  Slovakia's March for Life draws 40,000 This past September, nearly 40,000 people participated in the fourth March for Life in Slovakia, reports LifeSiteNews. The slogan of the march in the Eastern European nation was “Love is pro-life.”  Jozef Miklosko, the country's Commissioner for Children, addressed the crowd, saying it's his job to stand up for children, born or unborn. Abortion is currently legal up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. However, the abortion kill pill is not legal. Slovakia also voted to reject a resolution by the European Parliament to make abortion a so-called right.  Trump nominates Elon Musk & Vivek Ramaswamy to lead Dept. of Government Efficiency In the United States, President-elect Donald Trump announced tech billionaire Elon Musk and conservative entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy will lead a new Department of Government Efficiency.  Trump said in a statement, “Together, these two wonderful Americans will pave the way for my administration to dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure federal agencies.”  Musk said the department's actions “will be posted online for maximum transparency. We will also have a leaderboard for [the] most insanely dumb spending of your tax dollars. This will be both extremely tragic and extremely entertaining.” In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” Trump picks Matt Gaetz as Attorney General Trump also tapped Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz of Florida to be his Attorney General, reports CBS News.  Trump praised him as a "tenacious attorney" who will "end weaponized government, protect our borders, dismantle criminal organizations and restore Americans' badly shattered faith and confidence in the Justice Department." Gaetz immediately resigned from Congress. Trump picked Fox News host & veteran Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary President-elect Trump also surprised many by picking Pete Hegseth as his Secretary of Defense, reports Fox News. Trump wrote, “Pete has spent his entire life as a warrior for the troops, and for the country. Pete is tough, smart, and a true believer in America First."  Hegseth, age 44, an Army National Guard veteran who served tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay, has hosted the FOX Nation "Patriot Awards" since 2019, which is the network's version of a Hollywood awards show honoring heroes like first responders.  Take a look at the winners of the 2023 Patriot Awards through a special link in our transcript today at www.TheWorldview.com. Court: Blue Cross to pay $12 million for firing over COVID shot A former employee of Blue Cross Blue Shield won a $12 million settlement last Friday in a religious liberty case. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan fired Lisa Domski in 2021 after she sought a religious exemption for the COVID-19 shot. The insurance company denied her request, calling into question her objections as a Catholic.  Her attorney, Jon Marko, said, “Lisa refused to renounce her faith and beliefs and was wrongfully terminated from the only job she had ever known. The jury's verdict today tells [Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan] that religious discrimination has no place in America and affirms each person's right to religious freedom.” Judge blocks Ten Commandments at schools On Tuesday, a federal judge temporarily blocked a Louisiana law that requires public schools to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms. U.S. District Judge John deGravelles ruled the law is “unconstitutional on its face.”  Louisiana's Attorney General Liz Murrill said she would appeal to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. She said, “This law, I believe, is constitutional . . . you don't have to like the posters. The point is you can make posters that comply with the Constitution.” In Deuteronomy 6:6-9, God said, “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children … You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Trump won 56% of the Christian vote And finally, Dr. George Barna released a report on the Christian vote in this year's presidential election. The report found self-identified Christians made up 72% of the voters who turned out, and Trump won 56% of the Christian vote. Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris won 60% of the non-Christian vote. The study noted, “not only did most of President Trump's votes come from Christians, but they gave him a 17-million-vote cushion over Mrs. Harris, which proved to be an insurmountable lead. The incumbent Vice President fared much better among people associated with non-Christian faiths and with no religious faith, but those segments represented too small a slice of the voting population to make her bid for the White House viable.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, November 14th, in the year of our Lord 2024. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). And now, here to close the newscast, is my daughter, Mercy Geneva, who is turning 13 today. Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

It's Wednesday, November 13th, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Iranian prison releases pastor for hosting worship in his home Praise God! Officials in Iran released an Armenian-Iranian pastor from prison, according to International Christian Concern. Authorities imprisoned Pastor Anooshavan Avedian in September 2023 for having worship services in his house. They charged him with “establishing and leading an illegal group with the aim of disrupting the security of the country through educational and propaganda activities contrary to, and disturbing the holy religion of Islam, through the dissemination of false claims.” Pastor Avedian faced 10 years in prison for his ministry. However, officials released him only a year into his sentence after public outcry.  Iran is ranked ninth on the Open Doors' World Watch List of nations where it is most difficult to be a Christian.  Secular society: “Blasphemous” to claim gender change is impossible The Evangelical Alliance of Northern Ireland took a closer look at the craziness of gender ideology recently, reports The Christian Post. David Smyth with the Christian group warned the region's Education Committee, “I do think we need to be careful not to create new secular blasphemies. Is it secular blasphemy to believe that a man cannot biologically become a woman?” In light of the woke ideology that pervades all government-run schools, anyone who rejects biologically inaccurate pronouns or names is treated as a societal scoundrel. Plus, such a politically correct worldview leads to both the marginalization of the Christian worldview as well as the use of age-inappropriate material. Ireland's bold March for Jesus that condemned abortion Meanwhile in Ireland, Christians held the first-ever “March for Jesus” in Dublin last month, reports Christian Daily International. The event celebrated the Christian heritage of the peoples of Ireland going back to missionary St. Patrick in the fifth century. Participants sang and prayed, holding signs that read, “March for Jesus,” “Jesus is the Way,” and “Jesus is King.” Pastor John Ahern of All Nations Church spoke the truth and prayed a powerful prayer. AHERN: “God will not bless the shedding of innocent blood. God will not bless euthanasia. God will not bless the sexualization of children. God will not bless the erasure of women. And God will not bless churches that are so cowardly they refuse to call evil exactly what it is. “And so, Father, we stand in the gap for this nation. We pray blessing over Ireland. We pray blessing over Northern Ireland, over Great Britain, Lord God, over Europe, and over the nations. And we pray, Lord God, in the name of Jesus, that as we come to the darkest time of the year, that we want to lift You up as the light of the world. “And we pray that the Irish people are going to come back to You, to faith in You, to honoring You, to worshipping You, to declaring that You are Lord.” Revelation 11:15 says, “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever.” Christian counselor wants freedom to help people trapped in homosexuality Alliance Defending Freedom is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to protect the free speech of a Christian counselor in Colorado. Kaley Chiles is challenging a Colorado law that censors her from talking with clients about sexuality according to her faith. Cody Barnett, legal counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom, said, “We are urging the Supreme Court to hear Kaley's case . . . and stop Colorado officials from banning someone's speech simply because they disagree with her beliefs. All Americans should be allowed to speak freely and seek the best possible help they desire.” Trump selects Tom Homan to run border, Huckabee as ambassador to Israel On Monday, President-elect Donald Trump announced that Tom Homan will be in charge of the U.S. border. Homan is the acting director of U.S. immigration and Customs Enforcement. He is known for a policy of zero-tolerance for illegal immigration, promising to “run the biggest deportation operation this country's ever seen.” Also on Monday, Trump announced Lee Zeldin will lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Zeldin previously served as a Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives for New York. His goal is to deregulate the business sector, encourage U.S. energy production, and bring back jobs from oversees. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee,  an ordained Baptist minister and TV host, is the choice to be the next U.S. ambassador to Israel in the incoming Trump administration, reports Fox News. Trump has promised to strengthen U.S. ties with Israel as it fights wars against Iran-backed terrorist groups Hamas and Hezbollah.  Future mothers stockpile Abortion Kill Pills Demand for abortion drugs surged following the election of Donald Trump. Aid Access facilitates mail-order Abortion Kill Pills. It reported a 16-fold increase in requests. Other groups that provide contraceptives also reported huge increases in demand. Isaiah 59:7 says, “Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood.” Augustine of Hippo: The prodigal son who repented And finally, this week marks the birth of Augustine of Hippo.  The renowned Christian theologian was born on November 13, A.D. 354 in what is modern-day Algeria, Africa. Augustine's early life was marred by prodigal living. His mother faithfully prayed for him for years before his eventual conversion in his 30s. This took place after he providentially came across Romans 13:13-14, which says, “Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in … drunkenness … and sensuality. … But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” Augustine would go on to become Bishop of Hippo, a Roman province in North Africa. An able scholar, he turned his mind to the theological battles of his day, producing Christian classics like Confessions and The City of God.  Augustine's life and work would have a dominating influence on Western civilization. The Protestant Reformers, in particular, would quote him extensively in their efforts to reform the church over a thousand years later. Close And that's The Worldview on this Wednesday, November 13th, in the year of our Lord 2024. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

It's Friday, October 11th, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus China and North Korea partner to persecute Christians China has subjected hundreds of North Koreans to atrocities since last year by forcibly returning them to a country whose leaders hold that religion, especially Christianity, is the greatest threat to its power, experts said at a recent U.S. hearing, reports Morning Star News. Investigations have shown that torture, sexual violence, enslavement, and murder await those repatriated from China to detention centers in North Korea led by its Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un. At the hearing of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom on September 26, Greg Scarlatoiu, executive director of the non-governmental Committee for Human Rights in North Korea, said, “Any religious belief, and Christianity in particular, as well as South Korea, constitute the only challenges to the Kim regime's absolute monopoly on power. Christianity offers an alternative way of life that delegitimizes tyranny and transcends oppression.” Hanna Song, executive director of the Database Center for North Korean Human Rights, explained that when North Koreans are forcibly repatriated from China back to their home country, one of the first questions they will be asked by authorities is whether they have met with a missionary during their time in China. “The answer determines the severity of punishment they will endure. If an individual admits to or is found to have had contact with a missionary, particularly one affiliated with Christianity, they're often subject to the harshest forms of torture and imprisonment.” Joanna Hosaniak, with Citizens' Alliance for North Korean Human Rights, explained that refugees have revealed that China was using facial recognition technology to track down North Korean migrants in China. And Chinese officials rewarded those who report people aiding them. Chinese authorities share North Korea's desire to punish those of religious belief. She said, “The goal is religious persecution,” adding that Chinese companies cooperate in this task in a way that is tantamount to human trafficking. There is evidence that some Chinese companies are linked with North Korean companies. According to the Open Doors 2024 World Watch List, North Korea is the most dangerous country worldwide in which to be a Christian. Amos 5:24 says, “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” 60 Minutes asks Kamala about inflation, unfair nomination, & flip flops Appearing on a special Election Edition of “60 Minutes”, Kamala Harris talked with Bill Whitaker this past Monday night on CBS. WHITAKER: “Groceries are 25% higher, and people are blaming you and Joe Biden for that. Are they wrong?” HARRIS: “To your point, prices are still too high, and I know that, and we need to deal with it, which is why part of my plan, you mentioned groceries, part of my plan is what we must do to bring down the price of groceries.” Not surprisingly, Harris never shared her plan to bring down grocery prices.  So Bill Whitaker said this. WHITAKER: “Harris says she will press Congress to pass a federal ban on price gouging for food and groceries, but details are yet to be defined.” He asked the Vice President about whether the process of her becoming the nominee was fair. WHITAKER: “Was democracy best served by President Biden stepping down and basically handing you a nomination. You didn't have to go through a primary process. You didn't have to fight off other contenders. That's not really the way our system was intended to work.” HARRIS: “I am proud to have received the endorsement of leaders around this country from every background and walk of life to fight in this election over the next month for our democracy.” WHITAKER: “But I think this truncated process is why people think or say they don't really know who you are.” HARRIS: “Look, I've been in this race for 70 days.” But she's been Vice President for almost four years! In light of her flip flops on multiple issues, Whitaker noted that many Americans don't know who the real Kamala Harris is. WHITAKER: “The reason so many voters don't know you is that you have changed your position on so many things. You were against fracking. Now you're for it. You supported looser immigration policies. Now you're tightening them up. You're for Medicare for all. Now you're not. So many that people don't truly know what you believe or what you stand for, and I know you've heard that.” HARRIS: “In the last four years, I have been Vice President of the United States, and I have been traveling our country, and I have been listening to folks and seeking what is possible in terms of common ground. I believe in building consensus.” Jesse Watters, a Fox News talk show host, had a pithy response to that Kamala comment, WATTERS: “Kamala hasn't been seeking common ground. She's been seeking common sense. All of these positions she's just adopted are common sense, conservative positions. “She didn't build consensus. She's just agreeing with the rest of the country now to get elected.” Tampa Bay area battered, bruised by Hurricane Milton, but still standing In the late hours of Wednesday night, Hurricane Milton battered and bruised Tampa Bay, Florida with sustained winds of more than 100 mph.  God's power shredded Tropicana Field's roof, uprooted grown trees, snapped power lines and toppled a massive crane into the headquarters of the Tampa Bay Times in downtown St. Petersburg, reports The Miami Herald.  So far, four people have died. In fact, the storm dumped lots of rain — around 17 inches in parts of Pinellas and Hillsborough counties in just six hours — forcing the National Weather Service to declare a rare flash flood emergency. But as Tampa Bay awoke Thursday, it appeared the storm didn't measure up to the dire warnings that had been issued by local and state officials. Along Beach Drive in downtown St. Petersburg, winds had twisted signs and left branches in the road, but many of the businesses seemed largely unscathed. Texas couple erects cross in yard, invites people to pray And finally, ever since Bernie and Dee Ann Tackitt of Lubbock, Texas got baptized several years ago, God has motivated them to reach out to the world with prayer, reports KCBD-TV. In fact, Dee Ann has the habit of praying with strangers in stores and on the streets. BERNIE: “She has a habit of finding people who need prayers. I mean, we could be in Big Lots or anywhere, and I'm looking, ‘Where's my wife?' She's praying with somebody. We'll be out in parking lot praying with somebody.” On his birthday last year, Bernie added a large cross to the front yard. BERNIE:  “At this point in humanity, we need to pick a team. And I want everybody to know, ‘I'm with Team Jesus.' Well, I thought I'm going to make a cross.“ They invite people to write their prayer request on a Post-It note and stick it to the cross. The couple will pray for those specific prayer requests In fact, they have also set up their Bible bench, where people can sit, pray, and read the Bible.  Plus, there are free Bibles available for anyone to take. DEE ANN: “If you need to just sit down, have some quiet time with the Lord, come sit on my bench, talk to the Lord. Put that prayer on that cross. And you know what? Your prayer will be covered every day. If you need somebody to pray with you, please knock on the door.” And because they believe so strongly in the power of baptism, they have also made their pool available for baptisms. DEE ANN: “We have dedicated our home as the house of prayer for the nations.” Ephesians 6:18 says, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.” So, if you live in the Lubbock, Texas area, or perhaps you're just passing through, the Tackitts invite you to drop by for prayer at their home located at 3302 93rd Street. Or send your prayer request by mail. Send it to Bernie and Dee Ann Tackitt, 3302 93rd Street, Lubbock, TX 79423. Close And that's The Worldview on this Friday, October 11th, in the year of our Lord 2024. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

It's Friday, September 20th, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Pakistani Christian mother sentenced to death On Wednesday, a Pakistani Christian mother of four children received the death sentence after a judge convicted her under Pakistan's blasphemy laws, reports Morning Star News. Shagufta Kiran, age 40, was convicted under Section 295-C of Pakistan's widely condemned blasphemy laws for insulting Muhammad, the false prophet of Islam, which carries a mandatory death sentence. She was arrested in Islamabad by the Federal Investigation Agency on July 29, 2021, for allegedly sharing blasphemous content in a WhatsApp group in September 2020. Her husband and two sons were also taken into custody during the raid but were later released. Attorney Rana Hameed said, “The complaint against Kiran was registered by a Muslim named Shiraz Farooqi, who alleged that she had shared content disrespectful of Islam's prophet. However, Kiran has maintained that she has not authored the content and had forwarded it in the WhatsApp group without reading it.” Formerly a nurse, Kiran had joined several interfaith WhatsApp groups, where she proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ and defended her Christian faith. One such group, Pure Discussions, was administered by the complainant, Shiraz Farooqi. While the mother is hopeful of a positive outcome from the superior courts, she misses her family terribly. The verdict did not come as a surprise, as 99 percent of those charged under Section 295-C are convicted by trial courts under pressure from Islamists. According to the Center for Social Justice, nearly 3,000 people have been accused of blasphemy in Pakistan since 1987. Specifically, in the Punjab Province alone, 552 Christians are currently detained in prisons. Pakistan ranks seventh on the Open Doors 2024 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian. Trump objects to Kamala's lies and thanks God for sparing his life twice On the presidential campaign trail, Donald Trump spoke on Wednesday at a rally on Long Island in Uniondale, New York. He took issue with the dishonest claims by Kamala Harris and the liberal media, reports RealClearPolitics.com. TRUMP: “It's time to stop the lies, stop the hoaxes, stop the smears, stop the lawfare of the fake lawsuits against me, and stop claiming your opponents will turn America into a dictatorship. Give me a break, because the fact is that I'm not a threat to democracy, they are. “They're doing things in politics that have never been done before in the history of our country. And worst of all, with their open borders and bad elections, they have made us into a Third World nation, something which nobody thought was even possible. Americans deserve a campaign based on the issues. We try and keep it on the issues.” And, Trump also expressed gratitude to God for sparing his life twice from recent assassination attempts. TRUMP: “God has now spared my life — It must have been. God, thank you. Not once, but twice. There are those that say He did it because Trump is going to turn this state around. He's going to turn this country around. He's going to make America great again.” Pro-abortion Republican Congressional candidate: A gutless wonder Republican Matt Gunderson is hoping to unseat incumbent Democrat Rep. Mike Levin of California's 49th congressional district. But his strategy is raising eyebrows by campaigning on a promise to keep abortion “safe, legal, and rare,” apparently hoping that his pro-abortion view will help him prevail in America's most liberal state, reports LifeSiteNews.com. Listen. GUNDERSON: “On a woman's right to choose, I'm pro-choice. I believe abortion should be safe, legal and rare. I don't want politicians dictating health care for my daughters. You might disagree, and that's okay. “But I bet there's more that unites us, like lowering housing, grocery, and gas prices, securing the border, and protecting Social Security. We can end the overheated political rhetoric and focus on fixing a broken Washington. I'm Matt Gunderson, and I approved this message.” Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, shifting public opinion and a wave of 10 pro-abortion ballot initiatives have led some in the Republican Party to conclude they must moderate the party's longstanding pro-life stance. Pro-life activists such as Lila Rose, founder of LiveAction, have forcefully challenged that conclusion, but because Trump has vocally sided with the moderation camp throughout his current campaign, other GOP candidates have been given cover to compromise as well. Psalm 119:1-3 says, “Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD. Joyful are those who obey His laws and search for Him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in His paths." Good Samaritan saves trucker from fire And finally, a Virginia man is being hailed a hero after he saw a fire blazing under a tractor-trailer — and immediately took action, reports FaithWire.com. Akeem Dixon was on his way to a job interview this week in Norfolk, Virginia, when he noticed the blaze. DIXON: “I was in a tunnel. Beside me, I see a tractor trailer. And I see under the tractor trailer, I see a fire under the truck.” Recognizing the need to move quickly, he started honking to get the driver's attention, but to no avail. That's when Dixon decided to pull his car in front of the tractor-trailer, according to WVEC-TV. DIXON: “[As] soon as we get inside the tunnel, I just drive right in front of him, put my forward flashers on, and I slowed right down to a complete stop. Then he stopped behind me. So, when I got out of my car, I rushed straight to the truck. And I was, like, ‘Yo, there's a fire underneath your truck!” The driver got out of the truck and Dixon told him to get a fire extinguisher. But it quickly became evident time was running out. Due to the flames, the engine was going to explode at any moment. DIXON: “I tell him to leave the truck, because it's going to blow any minute. Just leave it and come to my car. Let's move to my car, far away from the truck. As soon as we move from the truck and close to my car, at the same time, we hear a boom.” Thankfully, Dixon and the driver remained safe — all thanks to his selfless actions. John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this, to lay down his life for his friends.” Or, in the case of Akeem Dixon, for a stranger! Close And that's The Worldview on this Friday, September 20th, in the year of our Lord 2024. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

It's Thursday, September 19th, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Myanmar military has killed 5,000 civilians The United Nations released a report on Tuesday about human rights under Myanmar's military regime.  The military seized control of the Southeast Asian nation in 2021. The report found the regime has killed over 5,000 civilians since then. Nearly half of those deaths occurred between April 2023 and June 2024, a 50% increase compared to the previous year.  The military has also attacked hundreds of religious sites including churches. Christians who are often part of ethnic minorities have faced increased violence as well.  Myanmar is ranked 17th on the Open Doors' World Watch List of nations where it is most dangerous to be a Christian.  Thousands of Lebanese pagers injured 3,000, killed 12 Thousands of pagers detonated across Lebanon on Tuesday, injuring nearly 3,000 and killing 12 people.  The attack targeted fighters with the terrorist group Hezbollah but also killed civilians. The group had switched to using pagers instead of cell phones for security reasons.  In a second wave of attacks, hand-held radios detonated across Lebanon yesterday, killing 14 people and injuring over 450.  Lebanese and Hezbollah officials accused Israel of conducting the attacks. However, Israel did not take responsibility for the attack. But it did declare a “new phase” of war as it focuses on Hezbollah's army in Lebanon.  Court: Seattle evangelist now allowed to read the Bible and to evangelize Back in 2022, Seattle police arrested Pastor Matthew Meinecke twice for sharing the Gospel in public. Last week, he won his case against the Seattle police. The latest court proceedings mean he is now free to read the Bible and share the Gospel in Seattle. Nate Kellum with First Liberty Institute said, “Police have been put on notice that, if someone is peaceably speaking, you need to acknowledge those rights. You need to allow them to go forth with their First Amendment freedoms just like anyone else.” In Romans 1:6, the Apostle Paul wrote, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.” Christian ministries object to being required to cover abortion in insurance plan On Tuesday, a coalition of religious groups asked the U.S. Supreme Court to protect them from New York's abortion mandate. The mandate would require the groups to cover abortion in their employee health insurance plans.  New York state officials initially said they would allow religious exemptions to the abortion mandate. However, they ultimately decided to compel religious ministries to cover abortion. Noel Francisco, the lawyer on the case, said, “Religious groups in New York should not be required to provide insurance coverage that violates their deeply held religious beliefs. We are asking the Court to protect religious freedom and make clear that the mandate cannot be applied to this diverse group of religious organizations.”  Federal Reserve cut interest rates by half a percentage point The Federal Reserve cut interest rates yesterday for the first time in four years. The Fed lowered its benchmark rate by half a percentage point to a range of 4.75% to 5%. The rate defines short-term borrowing costs for banks. But it also has an effect on other forms of borrowing like mortgages, car loans, and credit cards.  The rate cut signals that the Fed believes inflation is shrinking to its target of 2%.  Only 50% of U.S. Christians are prepared to share their faith Lifeway Research reports that Christians want to share their faith with others, but few have done so recently. Eighty-one percent of self-identified Christians say they are open to a conversation about faith with a stranger.  However, in the last six months, only 40% of Christians had a conversation about faith with a non-Christian stranger. Thirty-four percent invited a stranger to church, and 30% shared the Gospel with a stranger. And only half of Christians say they're ready to share the Gospel with others. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” 5.2% of kids are homeschooled And finally, the U.S. Department of Education reports that homeschooling continues to grow. The latest survey found 5.2% of children aged 5-17 received education at home during the 2022-23 school year. This includes virtual education.  That's up from 3.7% during the 2018-19 school year before the COVID-19 pandemic.  Among the top reasons parents gave for homeschooling were a desire to provide moral instruction, emphasize family life together, and provide religious instruction.  Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, September 19th, in the year of our Lord 2024. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

It's Monday, September 16th, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Muslim Pakistani brothers abduct, forcibly convert, and marry two Catholic sisters  A high court in Pakistan has ordered police to recover two Catholic sisters, ages 13 and 18, who were kidnapped,  forcibly converted to Islam, and married to their abductors, reports The Christian Post. Police initially refused to make efforts to recover Neha Javed and her older sister, Saneha Javed, following their July 23rd kidnapping in the Kasur District in Punjab. Two Muslim brothers from their neighborhood broke in, locked the parents' bedroom, and abducted the girls, leaving behind six other siblings. On July 29th, the family received images of Islamic conversion certificates and Islamic marriage certificates of both girls from a relative's phone. The 13-year-old, Neha, was shown as 19 years old in the marriage certificate, while 18-year-old Saneha's age was declared as 21. The sisters' mother, Sumera Bibi, said, “The accused's family is pressuring us to stop pursuing the matter and even attacked my husband with an axe when he confronted them. How can we let them destroy the lives of our daughters? Neha is only 13, while her abductor-husband is more than double her age.” Please pray that the police successfully find and free 13-year-old Neha and 18-year-old Seneha. Psalm 10:1-2, 10-12, asks, "Why, Lord, do You stand far off? Why do You you hide yourself in times of trouble? In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises. He lies in wait to catch the helpless; he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net. His victims are crushed, they collapse; they fall under his strength. He says to himself, ‘God will never notice; He covers His face and never sees.'  Arise, Lord! Lift up Your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless.” Pakistan ranks seventh on Open Doors' 2024 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian. Pope Francis: “Every religion is a way to arrive at God.” On Friday,  Pope Francis told young people of different faiths that “every religion is a way to arrive at God,” reports LifeSiteNews.com. Addressing an inter-religious meeting of young people in Singapore, Pope Francis said this through his translator. TRANSLATOR: “One of the things that struck me about all of you here is your ability to engage in inter religious dialog. Every religion is a way to arrive at God. They're sort of like different languages in order to arrive at God.” The pope provided no explanation for how a Muslim, a Hindu, or a Buddhist, all of whom deny Jesus is God, could be saved if they deny the clear teaching of John 14:6 where Jesus proclaimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except through Me.” Trump: Kamala's open door policies resulted in 325,000 migrant children missing At a press conference on Friday in Los Angeles, Donald Trump revealed some of Kamala Harris' horrific record as California Attorney General, reports Fox News. TRUMP: “As Attorney General, she defined child sex trafficking, assault with a deadly weapon, and rape of an unconscious person as nonviolent crime. She put them in a new category as nonviolent.” Trump added that as Vice President, Kamala Harris facilitated “the largest wave of sex trafficking and human trafficking in history" by allowing cartels to operate on the U.S.-Mexico border. TRUMP: “Now, as Vice President, she's facilitated the largest wave of sex trafficking and human trafficking in history, the history of our country by far. Under this administration, 325,000 migrant children are missing. 325,000!  In other words, take your biggest stadium in California and you could fill it up five or six times. Those are all missing children. Many of them are dead. Many of them are sex slaves.” Tinder dating app facilitates casual sex, gives money to Planned Parenthood  The relationship between so-called hookup apps such as Tinder and the abortion industry has always been implicit. The digitization of the hookup culture—swipe left, swipe right, meet for sex—has simplified the dating landscape for those seeking casual sex. Since launching in 2012, Tinder facilitated 1.5 million “dates” weekly and has over 60 million users. While some certainly use Tinder to seek long-term relationships, its primary function is as a sexual marketplace.   As one recent Australian study found: “Tinder users were more likely to disagree with statements such as ‘I have a hard time respecting a girl who has casual sex' and more likely to agree with statements such as ‘Casual sex is acceptable.'” With millions of people meeting up for casual sexual encounters, it is inevitable that some of them will discover that the baby-making act has resulted in making a baby. It is also inevitable that many of those who become pregnant will seek abortions.   In 2021, the parent company of Tinder, Match Group, publicly opposed pro-life laws in Texas. Then, in 2022, the Guardian reported, the company went further: “Match Group has been a vocal advocate of abortion rights, especially after the Supreme Court's ruling in June. The company announced on Tuesday that it would add a ‘pro-choice' badge to users' profile options. Match Group also supports Planned Parenthood through in-app promotions.” Students raise $20,000 to buy custodian Jeep Wrangler And finally, STUDENT 1: “He's more than just a custodian; he's a dear friend to all of us. He's just a very kind, genuine person.” That's the way one student at James Madison High School in Vienna, Virginia, described custodian Francis Apraku, a Ghanaian man, according to a report from WUSA-TV. STUDENT 2: “He's a bundle of joy. I mean, he would always pray for us before our football games freshman year. And he would always support us no matter what.” A group of kind-hearted students created a GoFundMe account and raised $20,000 in just six months. The kids then partnered with an area car dealership and used the cash to buy Apraku a cherry red 2015 Jeep Wrangler. The students surprised their school's custodian with the new vehicle on Monday, September 9th, In fact, he was so excited, the janitor fell to the ground and began rolling around. APRAKU: “This day,  ninth September, I will never, ever forget today.” (applause) The janitor expressed gratitude to God through tears. APRAKU: “I don't believe this will happen in my life. I will give thanks to Almighty God for making today for me.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Monday, September 16th, in the year of our Lord 2024. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

It's Thursday, September 12th, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Muslims in Burkina Faso, Africa killed hundreds last month An al-Qaeda linked group killed hundreds of civilians in a town in Burkina Faso, Africa last month. The town of Barsalogho is home to about 90,000 displaced people. Most of them are Christians who fled Jihadist violence elsewhere in the west African country. Paul Robinson with Release International said, “Christians in Burkina Faso have been suffering attacks and displacement for several years now. … These militant groups have proved that they will stop at nothing to seize control and impose their interpretation of Islam on everyone by force.”  Burkina Faso is ranked 20th on the Open Doors' World Watch List of nations where it is most dangerous to be a Christian. Thousands of Brits march for life Thousands of people gathered in London on Saturday for the annual March for Life UK. SPEAKER 1: “Today, you are marching not just for the baby, not just for the woman, not just for the family, but for future generations.” The theme of the march was “Abortion isn't Healthcare.” SPEAKER 2: “We will not stop until the Fight for Life of the innocent preborn human is guaranteed -- from conception to natural death.” And another speaker addressed the proper definition of justice. SPEAKER 3: “Our most basic form of justice must apply to all, or it ceases to be justice and become selective privilege. Life is not a privilege to be earned, but a gift bestowed on us, at conception, by Almighty God.” Leaders from many denominations joined the event, including Patrick Regan King, an Evangelical pastor in London. He noted the pro-life cause is taboo in some of the evangelical church, saying, “People don't want to talk about it, they don't want to deal with it honestly from the pulpit, or only in very broad, vague terms. But the power of redemption is recognizing abortion for what it is, recognizing the sin that it is against God, but also recognizing that there's freedom.”  2 Timothy 4:2 says, “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and teaching.” Trump: I will not sign a national abortion ban On Tuesday, ABC News hosted the first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. The candidates engaged in a heated debate covering topics like abortion, immigration, healthcare, housing, the 2020 presidential election, the Israel-Hamas war, and the war in Ukraine. Unfortunately, religious liberty was not featured in the debate nor did either candidate mention God. On abortion, Trump accused Democrats of supporting abortion up to and after birth. He also reiterated that he would not sign a national abortion ban. Listen. TRUMP: “I'm not signing a ban, and there's no reason to sign a ban, because we've gotten what everybody wanted -- Democrats, Republicans and everybody else, and every legal scholar wanted it to be brought back into the states. “The states are voting, and it may take a little time. But, for 52 years, this issue has torn our country apart, and they wanted it back in the states. I did something that nobody thought was possible. 60% thought Harris beat Trump A new poll from CNN found over 60% of registered voters who watched this week's presidential debate thought Harris outperformed Trump. However, over 80% of viewers said the debate did not affect their choice for president. Leading up to the debate, the two candidates were neck and neck in a national survey from The New York Times and Siena College. Trump led Harris 48% to 47% among likely voters. The poll also found that 17% of black voters support Trump, up from 7% in 2020. And 42% of Hispanic voters support Trump, up from 31% over the same period.  Household income up, but not keeping up with expenses This week, the Census Bureau released its 2023 report on income in the U.S. Adjusted for inflation, the median household income was $80,610 last year, up 4% from 2022. It's the first increase since 2019. Although household income is back to pre-COVID levels, families have not seen a rise in living standards. That is in contrast to the years leading up to the pandemic. The median household income, adjusted for inflation, rose 14% between 2015 and 2019.   Americans becoming more liberal Lifeway Research released analysis of a recent Gallup survey on moral issues. Americans are becoming more liberal on morality while also becoming more pessimistic about the future. U.S. adults support abortion, suicide, and polygamy now more than ever before. Most adults also support birth control, in vitro fertilization, divorce, having a baby outside of marriage, and sexually perverted lifestyles. Nevertheless, most Americans say moral values in the country are getting worse, and about half say the state of moral values is already poor. Proverbs 29:18 says, “When there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but the one who keeps the law, blessed is he!” Four citizens blasted into space And finally, four private citizens blasted off for space from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday. The SpaceX rocket carried four crew members including billionaire Jared Isaacman. They are on a five-day mission, known as Polaris Dawn. ANNOUNCER: “T+ 35 seconds into the Polaris Dawn new mission.  Flying crew on board Dragon and Falcon 9 to new heights.” Their goal is to reach nearly 900 miles above the Earth's surface which is three times higher than the International Space Station. They are also attempting the first all-civilian spacewalk.  Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, September 12th, in the year of our Lord 2024. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.  

It's Thursday, September 5th, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Sudanese conflict has displaced 8 million International Christian Concern reports the body of Christ continues to suffer in Sudan, Africa after civil war broke out in the country last year. The conflict has displaced over eight million civilians, including many religious minorities. Christians are a minority in the northeastern African country and have faced persecution for decades. Both sides in the civil war have targeted Christians through attacks on churches and even killing religious leaders.  The Tahir Institute for Middle East Policy noted, “Muslims who converted to Christianity continued to be prosecuted and tortured, even though the ‘crime' of apostasy officially no longer existed in the statute books.”   Sudan is ranked eighth on the Open Doors' World Watch List of nations where it is most dangerous to be a Christian.  14-year-old Georgia student killed 2 students and 2 teachers A 14-year-old student named Colt Gray opened fire at a Georgia high school and killed four people on Wednesday morning, sending students scrambling for shelter in their classrooms — and eventually to the football stadium — as officers swarmed the campus and parents raced to find out if their children were safe, reports the Associated Press. The dead were identified as two students and two teachers at Apalachee High School in Winder, about an hour's drive from Atlanta. At least nine other people — eight students and one teacher — were taken to hospitals with injuries. Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith became emotional as he spoke during the briefing. SMITH: “I never imagined that I would be speaking to the media in my career over something that happened today, the pure evil that happened today. “This hits home for me. I was born and raised here. I went to school in this school system. My kids go to this school system. I'm proud of this school system. “My heart hurts for these kids. My heart hurts for our community, but I want to make it very clear that hate will not prevail in this county. Love will prevail over what happened today.” The gunman is in custody. African Methodist Episcopal keeps ban against homosexual “marriage” The African Methodist Episcopal Church held its General Conference in Columbus, Ohio last month.  The historically-black denomination, also known as the AME Church, has districts in the U.S. and Africa.  At the recent conference, AME voted to keep its ban on faux homosexual marriage. In contrast, the United Methodist Church voted in favor of such vile passion relationships earlier this year. Since Roe overturned, attacks on pro-life centers have increased The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade back in 2022. Since then, state governments have been increasing their attacks on pro-life groups. Daniel Schmid with Liberty Counsel told The Christian Post, “We saw attacks on pro-life centers significantly occur across the country after Dobbs, and now it has transitioned from criminals who are engaging in vandalism and threats to state efforts, government-backed efforts, to suppress the speech and views and sheer existence of the crisis pregnancy centers.” Pro-life groups are now having to fight for their free speech in states like New York and Massachusetts.  U.S. abortions are up Meanwhile, the number of abortions in the U.S. are up since the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The pro-abortion group Society of Family Planning released their latest data. The average number of abortions per month between January and March of this year was 98,990. Chemical abortions are on the rise through virtual visits, allowing doctors to ship abortion kill pills to other states. These so-called “telehealth abortions” averaged nearly 20,000 per month between January and March. In Matthew 15:19-20, Jesus reminds us, “For from the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual immoralities, thefts, false testimonies, slander. These are the things that defile a person.” Kamala leads in Wisconsin and Michigan; Trump leads in Arizona CNN released a new poll of voters in six battleground states ahead of the presidential election. Vice President Kamala Harris leads in Wisconsin and Michigan. Former President Donald Trump leads in Arizona. The two candidates are nearly tied in Georgia, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. However, many voters are undecided. Fifteen percent of respondents across the battleground states said they have not firmly decided their choice for president. Americans are getting more isolated and lonely The Survey Center on American Life released a report on social isolation in the U.S. The report noted Americans are losing touch with their social networks as loneliness and isolation increase. Americans are generally not involved in social groups with the exception of religious ones. Religious organizations draw from both the less educated and the college-educated. Although, those with less education are becoming increasingly unattached.  Also, young adults are also becoming unattached from the church. Only 28% are members of a religious organization compared to 43% of seniors.  Thief steals kids' lemonade stand money And finally, two children from Virginia have become a national example of forgiveness, reports CBN News. Over the heat of summer, 10-year-old Rebecca Caldwell and her 8-year-old brother Joshua opened a lemonade stand in front of their house in Chesapeake.  Sadly, a man dropped by seemingly for a drink, only to make off with the children's earnings of $40.  As the story spread, the Caldwells used it as an opportunity to talk about forgiveness. REPORTER: “Why did you pray for the man who stole your money?” JOSHUA: “Because I wanted him to become a Christian.” Rebecca had this thought. REBECCA: “I just think it's better to forgive than to just to always be mad at the guy, because then you're just always going to think back on the day and be like, ‘Oh, I'm so mad at that guy.'” And their mother, Mrs. Caldwell, weighed in about the importance of forgiveness. MRS. CALDWELL: “We've talked a lot about forgiveness in our interviews, Some people have asked why we choose to forgive. If God can do all this through a lemonade stand, he can do it through anything. He can do the impossible. “We just want people to know that God forgave us. So, we can forgive other people.” In response, the community organized a lemonade event that raised over $6,000 for the kids.  The youngest of 7 siblings, Rebecca and Joshua are giving some to their eldest sibling to fund her missionary trip to Asia.  In Mark 11:25, Jesus said, “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, September 5th, in the year of our Lord 2024. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

It's Wednesday, September 4th, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark 55,000 Nigerians killed between 2019 and 2023 The Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa released a report last month on Christian persecution in Nigeria.  Violence in the country has taken the lives of over 55,000 people between 2019 and 2023. Of those, over 30,000 were civilians, including 16,769 Christians. Radical Muslim Fulani herdsmen were responsible for over half of the Christian deaths. The observatory noted, “In states where attacks occur, proportional loss to Christian communities is exceptionally high. In terms of state populations, 6.5 times as many Christians are being murdered as Muslims.” Please pray for the persecuted church in Nigeria, ranked 6th on the Open Doors' World Watch List of nations where it is most dangerous to be a Christian.  Psalm 14:4, 7 asks, “Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up My people as they eat bread, and do not call on the LORD? … Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD brings back the captivity of His people.” People looking for leaders who will champion religious freedom Pew Research released a survey finding people around the world want leaders who stand up for religious freedom. In the U.S., 64% of adults said it is important to have a leader who stands up for people who share the respondents' religious beliefs. A majority of people in most other countries surveyed said the same thing.  Countries with high levels of support for leaders sharing their religious beliefs included Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, India, and Kenya. Countries with the lowest levels of support for this included France, South Korea, Japan, Spain, and Sweden.  7,500 pro-lifers attend India's March for Life Pro-lifers in India held their 2024 National March for Life last month.  The event took place in the southern city of Thrissur and drew over 7,500 people. It was the country's largest March for Life. India legalized abortion back in 1971. Now, mothers in the country kill 15 million of their pre-born children per year.  Bishop Gerald John Mathias attended the recent march and told Life Site News, “I'm grateful to the youth, particularly the youth taking interest. It's most encouraging for the future of the Church, future of the society, future of families.”  Donald Trump champions in vitro fertilization In the United States, former President Donald Trump said he would make in-vitro fertilization (IVF) free for Americans if he is elected. Last Thursday, Trump told NBC News' Dasha Burns “it's helping women [be] able to have a baby....We need great children, beautiful children in our country.”  Here's a soundbite from that interview. TRUMP: “So, we are paying for that treatment.” BURNS: “All Americans who want it?” TRUMP: “All Americans that get it; all Americans that need it. So, we're going to be paying for that treatment, or we're going to be mandating that the insurance company pays.” However, many oppose in vitro fertilization as undermining pro-life goals. CatholicVote noted, “We are opposed to any In Vitro Fertilization mandate and will work with [Trump] and his administration to make clear that IVF puts women at risk, and destroys countless innocent living human embryos.” Only 54% of Protestant Evangelical attend church in person Lifeway Research published analysis of a 2024 report by Grey Matter Research and Infinity Concepts entitled “Church After COVID.” The report found only 54 percent of Protestant Evangelicals attend church in-person every week. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic nearly 90 percent of Evangelicals were attending semi-regularly.  Online viewing of services has increased; however, many of those engaging online are also attending in person. The study also found about a quarter of churchgoers started attending their current church since the pandemic, marking significant changes in the makeup of churches post-COVID. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Archeological find from Biblical Jerusalem affirms Scripture And finally, the Israeli Antiquities Authority announced the discovery of a stone seal at the City of David National Park in Jerusalem. Archaeologists believe it is from the First Temple period, around 2,700 years old.  The seal bears a name inscribed in Old Hebrew script and a winged figure associated with pagan Neo-Assyrian influences. Ze'ev Orenstein with the City of David Foundation told Fox News the seal “joins the list of countless archeological discoveries in the City of David — the historic site of Biblical Jerusalem — affirming Jerusalem's Biblical heritage.”  Close And that's The Worldview on this Wednesday, September 4th, in the year of our Lord 2024. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

If you're honest, do you approach your faith like it is all you have? In this week's episode of The Missions Podcast, Scott Dunford sits down with Ryan Brown, CEO of Open Doors US. Together they discuss the growing persecution of Christians in the United States but also valuable takeaways from brothers and sisters around the world that are suffering deep persecution for their faith. Ryan Brown is CEO of Open Doors US. Open Doors US serves the global church by training leaders and raising awareness of the persecuted church. They were founded by a man named Brother Andrew who smuggled Bibles behind the Iron Curtain and since then have used many different platforms to engage and support the church in hard places. They annually publish a World Watch List of the top 50 countries that Christians are persecuted in and people can pray specifically for those people and places. Missionaries are being raised up to reach the nations, but many are unable to get to their field because of funding. Support a Prefield Missionary and help those that God has called to bring the gospel to the world get there faster. Do you love The Missions Podcast? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Podcast and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionspodcast.com/premium The Missions Podcast is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.

It's Thursday, August 22nd, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Nicaragua shuts down 1,500 religious groups The government of Nicaragua announced on Monday it shut down 1,500 non-profit organizations.  They include nearly 700 religious groups associated with Catholic, Evangelical, and Protestant denominations.  Previously, the central American government focused on suppressing Catholic dissent to the regime. Now, Evangelical churches face the crackdown as well.  Open Doors notes, “The situation has deteriorated significantly since 2018, when widespread protests broke out against the country's dictatorial regime. Christians have been among those to raise their voice—but it's coming at an alarming cost.” Nicaragua is ranked 30th on the Open Doors' World Watch List of nations where it is most difficult to be a Christian.  Geneva, Switzerland banned public baptisms An Evangelical church in Switzerland appealed to the European Court of Human Rights this week over public baptisms in Lake Geneva. Back in 2022, the Geneva State Council banned the church from celebrating baptisms in the lake. Earlier this year, a federal court ruled against the church, saying public baptisms could offend religious peace. Theologian John Calvin, whose ministry was based in Geneva in the 1540s, would have a cow! A press release from the church stated, “We stand up for the defense of the peaceful expression of faith and religious freedom, in private and in public.” Bulgaria Parliament banned sexual perversion promotion in schools Earlier this month, the Parliament of Bulgaria  passed legislation banning the promotion of sexually perverted lifestyles in schools. The measure bans “propaganda, promotion or incitement in any way, directly or indirectly, in the education system of ideas and views related to non-traditional sexual orientation and/or gender identity other than the biological one.” The southeast European nation only recognizes marriages as between one man and one woman. However, politicians warn that “gender ideology” is creeping into Bulgarian schools.  The radical Democratic Party Platform In the United States, the Democratic National Committee released its 2024 Party Platform on Sunday.  The document is nearly 100 pages, much longer than the 16-page Republican Party Platform. Despite being released nearly a month after President Joe Biden dropped out the presidential race, the Democrat platform mentions him nearly 300 times. The platform also continues to push liberal agendas like protecting abortion and sexually perverted lifestyles at the federal level.  Look at a fascinating side-by-side comparison of the Democrat Party Platform compared to the Republican Party Platform through a special link at www.TheWorldview.com. Oprah endorses Kamala Last night, in a surprise appearance at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Oprah Winfrey endorsed Kamala Harris for president. WINFREY: “Soon, and very soon, we're going to be teaching our daughters and sons about how this child of an Indian mother and a Jamaican father -- two idealistic, energetic immigrants -- immigrants -- how this child grew up to become the 47th president of the United States!” (cheers) How can economy be Trump's fault if Kamala is in there now? But, despite Winfrey's eloquence, CNN political analyst Scott Jennings, a former assistant to President George W. Bush, made a cogent point last night, reports RealClearPolitics.com. JENNINGS: “The gap that I still see in all these speeches -- as good as they were -- [Kamala Harris] is in the White House right now. Democrats have controlled the White House for 12 of the last 16 years, and for all of the talk about division and the problems in the country, and people are hurting, Democrats have mostly controlled this country. “Trump had it for four. The Obamas and Biden had it for the rest of the time, and somehow, it's still all Trump's fault, and somehow, she hasn't been at the center of it. “To me, that is the glaring hole in this campaign that hasn't yet been solved at the convention. How do you explain all of the problems that will be solved by the person who is currently in there for the last 3.5 years and who is supposed to be already working on solving it?” Seven pro-life activists found guilty A Michigan jury found seven pro-life activists guilty on Tuesday. Their names are Chester Gallagher, Heather Idoni, Joel Curry, Justin Phillips, Cal Zastrow, his daughter Eva Zastrow, and 89-year-old Eva Edl who survived a Nazi concentration camp. The Biden administration charged the pro-lifers for peacefully protesting outside an abortion mill. The so-called Justice Department used a conspiracy against rights charge that was originally designed for the Ku Klux Klan, reports the Daily Wire.  The pro-lifers face over 10 years in prison and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. Despite this, they expressed their joy in the Lord Jesus after the trial. In Matthew 5:11-12, Jesus said, “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in Heaven.” Weak U.S. job growth Job growth in the U.S. was weaker than expected over the last year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found the U.S. added about 800,000 fewer jobs than reported between April 2023 and March of this year.  It's the largest downward revision since 2009.  The sectors with the biggest downward revisions were all in the private sector like professional and business services; leisure and hospitality; manufacturing; and trade, transportation, and utilities. Two American astronauts trapped aboard Space Station And finally, two American astronauts have been stuck in space for over two months. NASA Astronaut Barry Wilmore and test pilot Suni Williams made it safely to the International Space Station in early June aboard a Boeing Starliner. They were supposed to return shortly thereafter; however, they found the new spacecraft had propulsion system leaks and thruster failures.  If the problems persist, they may not be able to return to Earth until next year. Despite this, the astronauts are holding on to their faith as fellow Christians pray for them on Earth.  CBN News reports, “Wilmore's wife Deanna recently said her husband is content under the circumstances, knowing the Lord is in control.” Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” And, we would add, even as you orbit the Earth. Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, August 22nd, in the year of our Lord 2024. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.