Faith Facts

• Moving beyond comfort exposes what holds us back spiritually and personally.
• Even when wandering, God’s grace can draw us back with love.
• A fresh perspective through action can reveal the truth about our freedom.

Sometimes, the chains that bind us are only felt when we try to move forward in faith or challenge the status quo. Remaining still may seem easier, but true freedom is found when we recognize and respond to God’s call to growth.

Jesus experienced both acceptance and rejection as He confronted traditions and pointed His followers toward deeper discipleship.

“Those who don’t move, don’t notice their chains.”

The parable of the prodigal son shows that even in our worst moments, God’s loving embrace is strong enough to guide us home. Grace is a chain that draws us back to Him.

Taking a step in faith can change our perspective and reveal comfortable habits that may hold us captive. Realizing what restrains us gives us the choice to break free and walk boldly in truth.

This year, may we seek God’s purpose, courageously move beyond our boundaries, and embrace the freedom Christ provides.

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Faith Facts

• Zohran Mamdani will be sworn in as New York City’s first Muslim mayor, using multiple versions of the Quran for his oath.
• His private midnight ceremony will feature Qurans from his grandfather and historian Arturo Schomburg, with the oath administered by State Attorney General Letitia James.
• Senator Bernie Sanders will conduct the public ceremony, where Mamdani will use Qurans connected to both his grandfather and grandmother, highlighting heritage and faith.

Mamdani’s inauguration marks a historic moment for New York, emphasizing the intersection of faith, family heritage, and public service in American life.

This event has sparked conversations about religious expression and the foundational values of the United States, with some critics expressing concern over Islamic symbolism in public leadership.

“It’s a highly symbolic choice because we’re about to have a Muslim mayor swearing in using the Quran but also a mayor who was born on the African continent, in Uganda,”

said Hiba Abid, curator at the New York Public Library.

Former Congressman David Brat voiced concern about the use of the Quran for the oath, underscoring differing worldviews between Islam, Christianity, and socialism in America.

Other notable leaders, such as Rep. Ilhan Omar and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, have also sworn in using the Quran.

President Trump, after meeting with Mamdani, acknowledged areas of agreement on practical issues impacting New Yorkers and emphasized the importance of serving the people regardless of differences.

These developments remind us to pray for our leaders and remain steadfast in defending Christian values and constitutional freedoms.

Stay informed and engaged as we work together to uphold faith and liberty for all Americans.

Source: The Christian Post

Faith Facts

• A South Australian mother is considering legal action after her daughter was exposed to explicit sexual content at school without parental consent.
• The session, led by an external group through Headspace, included unsupervised presentations involving graphic material and mentions of bestiality and sibling relationships.
• The Department of Education admitted procedural failures, with the content described as “unacceptable” by officials; the external provider was suspended.

Nicki Gaylard, mother of six, is seeking justice after her 14-year-old was among Year 9 girls shown graphic sexual material in a school lesson without prior notification to parents, challenging both transparency and parental rights in education. The unsupervised presentation not only shocked students, but also resulted in distress among participating girls, raising deep concerns about safeguarding and the state’s responsibility to protect children’s innocence.

“I’m looking to take this forward for the sake of other kids across the country who shouldn’t have to go through what my daughter went through; and for all the parents who should never be sidestepped in this way,” said Gaylard.

The incident involved images and terms violating Christian values regarding purity and family, with the offending material presented under a claim of teaching diversity. Gaylard’s response—removing her children to homeschool—highlights a parent’s God-given duty to protect children from harmful teachings that undermine biblical morality and threaten parental authority.

“How can they be happy to show to children what they are ashamed to show to adults? Let children be children.”

Robert Clarke, Director at ADF International, emphasized, “No parent should be kept in the dark about what their child is being taught, and no child should be placed in an unsupervised session dealing with adult themes.” Clarke warned that broader trends in radical sex education compromise Christian family values and sideline parents, underscoring the need for faith-based vigilance and restoration of transparency and moral standards in public schools.

School authorities acknowledged they failed to review lesson content, did not ensure teacher supervision, and neglected parental notification. Department leaders publicly condemned the session, affirming such content is unacceptable in classrooms. Faithful parents are urged to stay alert, advocate for their God-given rights, and defend children against harmful ideologies that threaten both innocence and biblical truth.

Read the full report at Christian Daily