Religions Stories

Faith

Christ’s ascension ‘largely forgotten’ but recoverable this Easter, theologians say

Jesus’ ascension has been celebrated in various ways by different Christian denominations. Some remember the ascension with special prayers and Scripture readings. Many in the high church tradition observe Ascension Day annually 40 days after Easter by extinguishing a candle that symbolizes Jesus’ bodily presence on earth.
International

Israeli Christians serving Jesus amid missile blasts as Passover nears

Passover plans this April 1 are a tossup for Israel, including the nation’s 20,000 to 30,000 Christians.
International

FIRST-PERSON: Islamic eschatology and the war in Iran

“I’m lost,” the Iranian pilot cried into the microphone. I was a few months into my jet training course at Laredo Air Force Base, Texas, in 1971. At that time, the Shah of Iran, a close ally of the United States, sent his pilots for training in the United States. They were a friendly, capable lot, but this one became disoriented over the Southwest Texas terrain, ran out of gas, ejected from the aircraft and parachuted to safety. His cry of desperation still rings in my ears.
Faith

Lifeway Research finds churchgoers aim to serve in and out of church

Most churchgoers say they’re looking for ways to serve God as well as the people in their churches and communities, but many still struggle to make that a reality.
International

Religious persecution continues in Venezuela despite Maduro’s capture, CSW reports

Religious persecution and human rights violations continue in Venezuela under a firmly entrenched authoritarian regime, CSW reported March 9 as captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores await trial in the U.S.
International

Pray for ‘freedom in Christ, freedom of religion’ in Iran

Missouri Baptist and Southern Baptist leaders alike have called for prayer amid rising conflicts in the Middle East. God has been moving in Iran for many years, and He is continuing to work for the salvation of men and women in the region.
International

FIRST-PERSON: Persecution and protection of Iranian Christians

With the present war involving Iran, the United States and surrounding countries, a closer look at the history of Christianity in Iran may help place these events in context and guide believers in how to pray for Christians living there. Throughout Iran’s history with Christianity, there has been sporadic discrimination against and persecution of believers. When outside forces threaten Iran, the relationship between Iranian Christians and the ruling government has often changed.
Ethics

Protesting: How should churches respond?

The Evangelical world was shocked on Jan. 18, 2026, when a group of roughly 30 protestors invaded Cities Church in St. Paul, Minn., during a worship service. While Christians aren’t surprised when unbelievers sin, we were shocked to see the sacred space of religious worship attacked so blatantly. This remarkable action should lead Christians and churches to think clearly about what the Bible says regarding protesting and how churches should biblically respond.
Faith

Church of England abandons pursuit of spiritual blessings for same-sex couples

The Church of England has abandoned a three-year effort to establish church blessings for same-sex couples after voting in early 2023 to pursue such ceremonies, the church reported.
Faith

Most churchgoers regularly confess sin, according to Lifeway Research

Most churchgoers try to avoid sin before it happens and seek to confess it afterward. For many, confession is a regular part of their faith.
International

Together, Africans are ready to take the gospel to the nations

One hundred African leaders from 33 nations assembled in Johannesburg, South Africa, in early February to discuss the future of missions on their continent. A common theme reverberated from their lips: It’s time for Africa to embrace its potential as the world’s next great missionary sending force.
Faith

Key truths about heaven

The New Testament reveals many truths about the so-called intermediate state – the time between physical death and future resurrection. Followers of Jesus enjoy face-to-face fellowship with him in heaven while we eagerly anticipate the day we accompany him in his triumphant and glorious return to earth.

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