Faith Facts

• Rev. Billy Cerveny serves as associate rector at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Jacksonville, Florida
• The pastor shared insights on Tucker Carlson’s program about addiction, brokenness, and redemption through Christ
• Those who have experienced deep brokenness and repentance can become powerful instruments for God’s kingdom work

A Florida pastor is offering hope to those struggling with addiction and brokenness, explaining how God can transform lives through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

Rev. Billy Cerveny, associate rector at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Jacksonville, Florida, appeared on Tucker Carlson’s program this week to discuss the redemptive power of the Gospel for those who have hit rock bottom.

“Want to know what God loves the most? Watch what Satan attacks most aggressively.” The Rev. Billy Cerveny on spiritual war.

0:00 The Moment Rev. Cerveny Heard God’s Calling
8:20 The Uniqueness of the Relationship Between a Father and Son
16:53 How Does Spiritual Warfare… pic.twitter.com/8yqADK66sT

— Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) August 17, 2026

The pastor emphasized that brokenness is not the end of the story for believers but rather can be a catalyst for encountering God’s transforming grace. Those who have struggled with addiction and come to genuine repentance, he explained, often become some of the most effective witnesses for Christ.

“We are more than conquerors,” Cerveny said, referencing the Apostle Paul’s declaration in Romans 8:37 that believers triumph through Christ who loves them.

The message comes at a critical time when addiction rates continue to devastate American families and communities. Rather than viewing addiction solely through a secular lens of disease management, the Christian perspective offers genuine hope through spiritual transformation and the power of the Gospel.

Cerveny’s insights remind believers that no one is beyond the reach of God’s redeeming love. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to anyone who turns to Him in faith and repentance, regardless of their past struggles or failures.

This testimony underscores a foundational Christian truth: God specializes in taking broken vessels and making them whole again. Throughout Scripture, from the Apostle Paul to the woman at the well, God has used people with troubled pasts to accomplish His purposes and demonstrate His mercy.

The pastor’s appearance on Carlson’s platform also represents the continued importance of Christian voices speaking truth in the public square, offering biblical answers to the pressing social problems facing our nation.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Faith Facts

• Alex Kendrick and his brother Stephen are remaking their first Christian film “Flywheel” more than 20 years after its original release
• The remake is being produced in the Philippines with a new generation of filmmakers and cast
• Kendrick warns that Christian filmmakers face spiritual danger when they seek personal glory rather than honoring God

More than two decades after launching their groundbreaking ministry in Christian cinema, filmmakers Alex and Stephen Kendrick are returning to where it all began. The brothers behind beloved faith-based films like “Fireproof” and “War Room” are now overseeing a remake of their very first movie, “Flywheel,” but with a powerful twist that underscores their commitment to raising up the next generation of believers in filmmaking.

This time, the story is being retold thousands of miles away in the Philippines, with an entirely new cast and crew of Christian filmmakers eager to share the gospel through their craft.

The original “Flywheel” was created in 2003 on a shoestring budget of just $20,000 in Albany, Georgia. Despite its humble origins, the film resonated with audiences and laid the foundation for what would become one of the most successful Christian film ministries in modern history. The Kendrick brothers went on to produce several box office hits that have touched millions of lives worldwide.

Now, as the story gets new life in a different culture, Alex Kendrick is using the opportunity to share a crucial spiritual warning with Christian filmmakers and content creators everywhere.

In discussing the remake, Kendrick emphasized the spiritual dangers that come with success in Christian media. He cautioned that believers working in film and creative industries must constantly guard their hearts against the temptation to pursue their own glory rather than God’s.

“We have to resist the urge to make it about ourselves,” Kendrick explained, highlighting the subtle but dangerous shift that can occur when Christians in media begin to focus on personal recognition rather than Kingdom impact.

The decision to empower Filipino filmmakers to remake “Flywheel” reflects the Kendrick brothers’ commitment to mentoring and equipping believers globally. Rather than simply exporting American Christian films, they’re investing in indigenous storytellers who can reach their own communities with culturally relevant but biblically grounded messages.

This approach aligns with the Great Commission’s call to make disciples of all nations, recognizing that effective evangelism often requires local voices and cultural understanding.

The remake also serves as a testament to the enduring power of stories centered on repentance, redemption, and transformation—themes that transcend cultural boundaries. “Flywheel” tells the story of a dishonest car dealer whose life is turned upside down when he commits to living with integrity and honoring God in his business practices.

For Christian filmmakers and content creators, Kendrick’s warning about pursuing personal glory comes at a critical time. As faith-based media continues to grow in influence and profitability, the temptation to prioritize acclaim, awards, and recognition over faithful stewardship can become increasingly powerful.

The Kendrick brothers’ model offers a different path—one focused on equipping others, sharing resources, and ensuring that God receives the glory for any success that comes.

This commitment to humility and servant leadership has characterized their ministry from the beginning, and it continues to guide their work as they expand their influence globally.

As the Philippine remake of “Flywheel” moves forward, it represents more than just a new version of an old story. It’s a practical demonstration of what happens when Christian leaders prioritize raising up the next generation over building their own platforms, and when they recognize that God’s Kingdom work extends far beyond their own projects and productions.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Faith Facts

• Columbia Theological Seminary President Victor Aloyo Jr. announced his retirement effective end of 2025
• Aloyo has served as president since 2016, leading the Presbyterian institution through significant challenges and growth
• The president cited desire to spend more time with family as his primary reason for stepping down

Columbia Theological Seminary is entering a new chapter as President Victor Aloyo Jr. announced his decision to retire at the end of 2025. The announcement marks the conclusion of nearly a decade of leadership at the helm of the Presbyterian seminary.

Aloyo, who has served as president since 2016, made the first person of color to lead the historic institution. His tenure has been characterized by steady leadership through challenging times for theological education in America.

In his announcement, Aloyo emphasized his desire to prioritize family during this season of his life. The decision reflects the biblical principle of stewarding relationships and honoring the God-given responsibilities of family life, a value deeply cherished in the Christian conservative community.

“Led with wisdom, integrity and pastoral spirit,” colleagues noted in recognizing Aloyo’s contributions to the seminary. His leadership style has been marked by a commitment to both academic excellence and spiritual formation.

Under Aloyo’s leadership, Columbia Theological Seminary has navigated the evolving landscape of theological education while maintaining its commitment to training pastors and church leaders. The seminary has faced the same challenges confronting many Christian institutions in an increasingly secular culture.

The board and faculty praised Aloyo’s dedication to the mission of preparing ministers for service in Presbyterian churches across the nation. His pastoral approach to leadership has been particularly valued during his time at Columbia.

The seminary will now begin the process of searching for Aloyo’s successor. This transition comes at a critical time for Christian theological education, as seminaries across America work to equip the next generation of pastors to lead churches in a culture that increasingly challenges traditional Christian values.

Aloyo’s retirement provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of faithful leadership in Christian institutions. His decision to step back for family commitments serves as a reminder that even in significant ministry roles, believers must prioritize their God-given responsibilities to their families.

The Columbia community expressed gratitude for Aloyo’s years of service while preparing to support new leadership in continuing the seminary’s mission of training faithful ministers of the Gospel.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.