| | Hurricane Ian leaves 2.5 million without power in Florida | | Curated for you byCP Editors | | Good afternoon! It's Thursday, September 29, and today's headlines include details on Hurricane Ian, a CNN article claiming people are suffering from "rapture anxiety," and the 33rd annual See You at the Pole event. | | More than 2.5 million homes were without power in Florida amid catastrophic floods and life-threatening storm surge early Thursday, hours after Hurricane Ian made landfall near Cayo Costa as a Category 4 storm with maximum, sustained winds of 150 mph. The hurricane's winds weakened to 65 mph early Thursday, downgrading the system to a tropical storm as it made its way over central Florida. Orlando had a record-breaking rainfall of 11.94 inches from 4 a.m. Wednesday through 4 a.m. Thursday, according to weather historian Christopher Burt, as quoted by The Weather Channel. Up to 14 inches of rain has already fallen in parts of the state. The tropical storm was forecast to continue lashing Florida for most of Thursday before making a likely second landfall on the Atlantic Coast Friday. Evangelical relief group Samaritan's Purse said it is mobilizing disaster response specialists and tractor-trailers packed with relief equipment to affected areas. The organization said it is closely tracking the storm and working with local authorities and church partners to determine the greatest areas of need, with Franklin Graham, the organization's president and CEO, stating, "We are praying for everyone in its path and already mobilizing our team to respond in Jesus’ Name." Continue reading. | | P.S. Get rewarded for sharing our newsletters! We are excited to announce the CP referral program—the more you share, the more you earn. Scroll to the bottom of this newsletter to get started today! |
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| CNN preaches 'rapture anxiety,' claims rapture is a fringe teaching | | A recent article published by CNN condemned teachings about the eschatological doctrine of the imminent return of Jesus Christ for His Church, claiming that such teachings are resulting in "rapture anxiety." Detailing this "religious trauma" as a "chronic problem," the article points to "exvangelicals" on social media—former Evangelical Christians who have since turned to unbelief—who were subjected to "violent rapture-themed films" or spent their childhood years "crying themselves to sleep thinking about people and pets that would be left behind when the end finally came." The article, which was not categorized as an opinion piece, appears to take aim at Evangelical churches by describing the rapture as a fringe teaching of "dispensational premillennialism," adding that such teaching "is not prevalent in Catholic or mainline Protestant denominations like Episcopalianism or Presbyterianism, and is most commonly adhered to in Evangelical and fundamental churches." Read more. | | New Jersey: Middle schoolers must learn about 'anal sex,' 'pregnancy options' | | The New Jersey Department of Education is requiring that school districts comply with sex education standards that teach middle school students about anal sex and pregnancy options like abortion or face potential "disciplinary action," including the loss of state funding. Under the rules, by the time students reach the end of the eighth grade they must be able to define "vaginal, oral, and anal sex" and "describe pregnancy testing, the signs of pregnancy, and pregnancy options, including parenting, abortion, and adoption." The rules also state that children by eighth grade should be able to "differentiate between gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation," and schools should "develop a plan ... to promote dignity and respect for people of all genders, gender identities, gender expressions, and sexual orientations in the school community." Read more. | | Also of Interest... | | NJ law forcing schools to teach LGBT history is about 'indoctrinating' students, critics sayNew bill would defund schools that hide students' chosen gender identity from their parentsFlorida school board rejects 2 sex-ed books after parents voice objectionsMassachusetts school district promotes book telling students how to use gay sex apps | | VA performs first abortion under new Biden admin. rule | | The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical system committed its first abortion a few weeks after the Biden administration announced it would provide abortions for eligible veterans and beneficiaries following the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade in June. VA Secretary Denis McDonough confirmed the abortion was carried out while giving testimony before the Veterans Affairs Committee last week. As NBC News reported, a spokesperson for the department did not disclose the name of the woman who underwent the abortion or where it was performed, citing privacy reasons. Read more. | | Also of Interest... | | Senator warns VA that providing abortions to veterans and their families is illegalBiden admin. will allow abortions at VA hospitals despite state bans after Dobbs decision |
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| Beware of fake, manipulative pastors | | In this editorial, Oscar Amaechina writes about pastors who are wolves in sheep's clothing and why believers must be careful when it comes to Church leaders. Noting that "fake pastors also preach from the same Bible" that genuine pastors do, Amaechina warns Christians not to fall prey to manipulation and brainwashing: "They talk about Jesus but quote the Bible out of context. Their interpretations of the Word always tilt towards earthly gains and the cross of Christ is completely sidelined in their messages. Salvation and the coming Kingdom are seldom mentioned by these fake pastors." Read more. | | Calling on the American Nazarites | | Resurrect Ministry's Hedieh Mirahmadi explains how the root word Nazir in the original Hebrew means "to separate oneself" and how Christians today can live out their faith by staying the course despite opposition. Mirahmadi describes the ways local and national labor organizations are contributing to the degradation of public education and shares why she believes now is the time for Christians to speak up and fight evil—even when facing persecution. Read more. |
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| Students gather for 33rd annual See you at the Pole | | Students across the United States and worldwide gathered for the 33rd annual See You at the Pole on Wednesday morning. Each year, students gather in a circle around their school's flagpole to pray together on the fourth Wednesday of September. The student-organized movement sees participants from elementary, junior high and high schools, as well as universities worldwide. Adults can also participate by praying at the same time at their work, church or at their local city hall. This year's theme was "Aflame," specifically focusing on Romans 12:11-12 proclaiming, "Never let the fire in your heart go out. Keep it alive … PRAY!" Read more. |
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| Maverick City Music pauses relationship with Dante Bowe | | Grammy Award-winning worship group Maverick City Music has announced via Instagram that they are putting a "pause" on their relationship with Dante Bowe due to "behavior inconsistent" with what the band says is their "core values and beliefs." The group did not give further details about the behavior that led to the decision but said, "Dante is a brother in Christ and as such he has our full commitment and unwavering support as he continues to navigate his path forward." Bowe also took to his personal Instagram to announce that he would be taking a break from social media, explaining, "Years ago, when I dreamt of all I would accomplish one day, I didn’t account for the pressure and opinions that would come with it. It’s important for everyone to know when to step back and refocus." Read more. | | | | | | | | Thank you for spending part of your day with us. We look forward to seeing you again tomorrow! -- CP Editors |
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