Displaying items by tag: Praise

Jesus’ final words on the cross - 'It is finished' (Tetelestai) - were not spoken with regret but with triumphant certainty. Unlike our own flawed works, the finished work of Christ on Calvary left nothing undone. His sacrifice was not a last-minute rescue plan but the fulfilment of a divine purpose set in motion from the beginning of creation. In Genesis, God called His creation 'very good’, but sin entered through Adam and Eve’s disobedience, fracturing the harmony. From the first shedding of animal blood in Eden to the Old Testament’s repeated sacrifices, a pattern emerged: atonement required blood. Yet these sacrifices could not fully cleanse sin: they pointed to a greater Lamb. Jesus, the spotless Son of God, took upon himself the world’s sin at the cross, fulfilling what the Old Covenant foreshadowed. His resurrection confirmed his victory over death. The cross wasn’t a divine error or a regretful necessity: it was the plan of God’s love to restore what was lost in Eden.

When Christian singer Colton Dixon and his wife Annie welcomed their daughter Ava in 2020, joy turned to terror. Despite a smooth pregnancy and natural labour, complications arose, and Ava was delivered via emergency C-section without a pulse or breath. The Dixons were suddenly thrust into a moment of crisis - faced with a choice between fear and faith. Choosing faith, they began boldly praying over their daughter, declaring life over her tiny, unresponsive body. Surrounded by medical staff, their desperate cries to the Lord filled the room. Colton says they didn't care how strange they may have seemed: they knew God was still a God of miracles. Miraculously, Ava began to breathe and her pulse returned. The Dixons believe it was either God’s direct touch or His hand guiding the doctors and nurses, but either way, they experienced a powerful answer to prayer. This moment reaffirmed their trust in God’s promises. Today, Ava is thriving, and Colton’s testimony is a reminder that even in the most desperate moments, God can still intervene.

St Stephen’s Church, Bradford, has found a creative and compassionate way to care for the homeless - by installing a lockable sleeping pod on its grounds. The initiative, in partnership with Shine and Hope Housing, offers more than shelter: it provides dignity, safety, and community. The pod includes a bed and toilet; guests also have access to showers and hot meals through the church. All guests are referred through trusted homeless organisations, and although designed for temporary stays, many have used the pod longer while awaiting permanent housing. Michelle, a mother recovering from years of addiction, credits the pod for helping her stay clean, describing it as a sanctuary where she feels safe and 'on God's ground'. Apart from shelter, the church offers lasting friendship and spiritual support. Some former guests have even become part of the church family. St Stephen’s demonstrates that true Christian compassion includes walking alongside the vulnerable, offering not just practical help, but long-term love, restoration, and hope in Christ.

New research suggests a 'quiet revival' may be underway in the UK, with church attendance rising significantly - particularly among Generation Z. A study commissioned by the Bible Society found that 12% of UK adults now attend church at least once a month, up from 8% in 2018. The biggest increase was among 18- to 24-year-old men, rising from 4% to over 20%, with similar growth seen among young women. One-third of Gen Z non-attenders said they would go to church if invited by a friend. The report also highlights increasing diversity within UK churches, with ethnic minorities now accounting for one in five regular attenders. Churchgoers were also found to report higher life satisfaction, lower anxiety, and stronger community engagement. Paul Williams, CEO of the Bible Society, said the findings challenge the narrative of church decline, revealing instead that the Church in England and Wales is growing and offering real hope. Pentecostal and Roman Catholic congregations showed especially strong growth during the study period.

A quiet yet courageous resistance is growing among evangelical leaders in Russia who are risking their freedom to oppose the war in Ukraine. Bishop Albert Ratkin, pastor of Word of Life Church near Moscow, has been labelled a 'foreign agent' by the Kremlin and has had his church raided. Despite the risks, Ratkin continues to speak publicly against the war, declaring that Christians must not support violence. Other pastors, such as Nikolay Romanyuk and Yuri Sipko, have faced imprisonment, persecution, or have fled the country entirely. Romanyuk is currently facing prison for urging Christians not to enlist, while Sipko fled to Germany after authorities called his sermons 'enemy propaganda’. Pastor Andre Furmanov helps church members obtain military exemptions but avoids public protests to avoid jeopardizing lives. These men represent a small group of faithful believers whose conscience, shaped by the gospel, compels them to stand for peace and truth. Despite repression and persecution, they remain committed to proclaiming Christ’s message of love and justice.

Christopher Gunderson was born with complete gastroparesis, unable to eat normally and reliant on feeding tubes for 16 years. Told by doctors he might not survive, he experienced daily pain and severe limitations. But at a ministry event in 2011, after prayer and a powerful encounter with God, Christopher felt what he describes as a 'lightning bolt' through his body - a shock that he believes restarted his stomach. That night, he ate a full meal for the first time ever - without pain. Over the following weeks, he was able to eat normally and eventually had his feeding tubes removed. His doctors were stunned. Today, Christopher shares his testimony widely, proclaiming the healing power of Jesus and the reality of miracles.

Seventeen-year-old Canaan Hill, an aspiring preacher from Dallas, Texas, wowed the American Idol judges with a powerful rendition of 'I Need Your Glory' by Earnest Pugh, earning him a rare platinum ticket. Hill, who graduated early to pursue God’s calling, left judges in awe, with Lionel Richie declaring his performance 'spectacular' and praising his spiritual gift. Carrie Underwood described his voice as 'velvet' and 'powerful’, while Luke Bryan joked about the revival-style impact his singing must have in church. Hill humbly replied, 'To God be the glory’. He joins a growing list of bold Christian contestants on the show, including previous runner-up Megan Danielle and worship leader Warren Peay, all using their talents to glorify Jesus on a national stage.

The extraordinary events of the Asbury revival continue to inspire hearts two years after they first captivated the world. Pastor Zach Meerkreebs has reflected on the powerful move of God he witnessed firsthand. He describes the experience as the 'honour of a lifetime’, often bringing him to tears due to its profound impact. There were remarkable miracles, including healings, deliverance, and conversions. He recalls a basketball player who came to Christ midweek and later prayed for someone whose tumours vanished. These events, he says, demonstrate the transformative power of God's presence. Having grown up Jewish, Meerkreebs credits Jesus' incarnation with revealing true humility. His initial struggles with pride were dismantled during the 2023 Asbury outpouring, a time when students and the community gathered for continuous prayer and worship. Central to this revival was radical humility, where individuals emptied themselves to make room for God's Spirit. Meerkreebs believes such humility, countercultural in today's self-centred world, can profoundly transform lives.

Evangelist Mario Murillo continues to witness remarkable growth in his outdoor crusades, repeatedly outgrowing his tents. Over four years, his tent size has quadrupled, now reaching 40,000 square feet. Murillo began focusing on California's Central Valley, known for its struggles, where many found hope in Christ. His next crusade is set for Charlotte, North Carolina. Murillo's journey started in San Francisco during the Jesus Movement. By 1970, his student ministry at UC Berkeley drew thousands. In 1982, a planned four-day meeting in San Jose extended to 22 weeks with nightly crowds of up to 4,000. He credits the Holy Spirit's guidance for his ministry's second wave. 'The Lord told me to buy a tent, and miracles followed’, he recalls. His emphasis on preaching Scripture and seeking God's direction has been pivotal. Murillo stresses humility and integrity in using spiritual gifts. 'When truth is preached to a broken audience in Jesus' name, powerful things happen.'

‘“The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy” (Isaiah 35:1). Spending an afternoon in the garden with my grandchildren brought unexpected joy. As we worked, my grandson discovered tiny snails and shared them with his sister, who excitedly named them and took them home. Amidst the simple beauty of spring’s arrival, my heart rejoiced. Spring symbolises hope and new beginnings. Just as crocus shoots break through the soil, God renews our weary hearts. Isaiah 43:18-19 reminds us that He is always doing a new thing, making a way in the wilderness. Jesus, too, experienced a wilderness season, yet He overcame temptation, fulfilling His mission. We face trials, but we are never without God’s grace. His mercies are new every morning. As we step into each day, let us rejoice in the promise of resurrection and renewal.’