Faith
Embracing God’s Design for Our Heritage
Faith Facts
- Christian identity does not erase our God-given ethnicity.
- God uses our unique backgrounds as blessings for His Church.
- Honoring one’s heritage can lead to spiritual transformation and healing.
Scripture teaches that in Christ, we are made new, but this truth does not mean we discard the heritage and upbringing God has given us. Our ethnic backgrounds are uniquely crafted by the Lord to bring glory to Him and serve His people.
Many Christians struggle with feeling caught between cultures, often facing shame or discomfort about their roots. These experiences can shape identity, even affecting how believers relate to each other and to God.
One believer shared how, after immigrating as a child, there was embarrassment in embracing their heritage, leading to a sense of not fitting in either culture. Such feelings can linger for years, quietly impacting self-perception and relationships.
“I pretended not to understand my childhood language during a visit back to my homeland, just to fit in with those around me.”
Formative experiences, from family traditions to seemingly unusual customs, can sometimes be a source of embarrassment rather than pride. But God sees these details as part of His beautiful design.
Conversion to Christ often focuses on spiritual rebirth, yet some believers find themselves neglecting or even rejecting their cultural background. It is easy to believe that ethnic identity becomes irrelevant after salvation, but God can redeem and use every part of our story.
Everything changed for one Christian after hearing the testimony of a persecuted believer from their homeland—someone who endured great suffering for the gospel. This story brought a breakthrough, revealing God’s purpose in their heritage and an inheritance of faith handed down by previous generations.
“For the first time in my life, I felt profoundly grateful to be who God made me. It was like discovering a priceless treasure that had always been mine.”
This new understanding led to repentance for hidden prejudices and began a journey of spiritual healing. By embracing every aspect of God’s design, including ethnicity, believers can become powerful witnesses and instruments of unity, reconciliation, and love within the Body of Christ.
Let us give thanks to God for making each of us unique and for weaving every culture into His plan for redemption. Ask the Lord to show how your story can be a blessing and testimony to others in the family of faith.
Faith Facts
- Rev. Franklin Graham was unable to attend a Christian revival in Nagaland, India, due to a visa timing issue.
- Though his visa was officially approved, it came after he needed to leave to attend the event honoring his father’s legacy.
- Colleagues and local leaders expressed disappointment and concern over the situation’s implications for religious freedom.
Rev. Franklin Graham’s planned participation in a powerful Christian gathering in Nagaland was hindered by timing issues with his visa approval.
This event was meant to honor his late father, Rev. Billy Graham, whose 1972 crusade inspired a generation of believers in the region.
A spokesperson for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association clarified that although the visas were granted by Indian authorities, the approval arrived too late for Graham’s intended journey.
The ministry thanked local pastors, the Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Niephiu Rio, and the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C. for their ongoing support.
Robert Cunville, an associate evangelist and close friend to the Graham family, stepped forward to proclaim the Gospel in Franklin Graham’s stead.
Organizers, including local church fellowships, pressed on with the revival, emphasizing the enduring impact of the Billy Graham ministry on Nagaland’s Christian community.
Some Indian and American leaders voiced strong concerns that the delay in granting Graham’s visa raises questions about faith freedom in the world’s largest democracy.
Rep. Adrian Smith of Nebraska called the incident
“a troubling affront to Indian Christians and the Indian constitution’s protections for freedom of religion.”
For over forty years, Franklin Graham’s leadership with Samaritan’s Purse has resulted in humanitarian aid for India, reflecting the Christian commitment to compassion and service.
Chief Minister Rio reminded attendees of the seeds of faith sown by the original 1972 crusade that continue to flourish today.
“Many in our state still cherish the memory of that crusade. It sowed seeds of faith, awakening, and spiritual renewal that continue to bear fruit even today.”
As believers, we remain steadfast, lifting our voices in prayer for the continued freedom to worship and for the enduring witness of Christ in every nation.
Faith Facts
- Rev. Frederick Douglass Haynes III announced his candidacy for Texas District 30 after Rep. Jasmine Crockett declared her Senate run.
- In a recent sermon, Haynes challenged his congregation to confront injustice and pray for courageous leadership.
- Crockett faces public scrutiny over ethics, finances, and workplace environment during her congressional tenure.
Rev. Haynes, leader of a large Dallas church, stepped forward to run for Congress as Rep. Crockett aims for the Senate. His decision follows a passionate sermon encouraging believers to resist injustice and pray for God’s guidance.
He urged Christians to stand against moral and social ills, highlighting the challenges facing communities today. Haynes prayed specifically for protection and wisdom for Crockett, framing political service as a God-given responsibility.
“Is anybody tired yet of the politics of gaslighting, where lies come from the highest office in the land as they erase our history?”
Crockett, praised from the pulpit, also faces notable controversies and concerns regarding her conduct in office. These issues remind Christians of the ongoing need for integrity and accountability in leadership.
Now more than ever, believers are called to engage thoughtfully in civic affairs, upholding the righteous standards established by faith, and praying for honest, God-fearing leaders.
Faith Facts
- A Christian teacher was dismissed for telling a Muslim student that Britain is a Christian country.
- The teacher addressed rule-breaking about feet washing and highlighted Britain’s Christian heritage.
- He was initially banned from working with children, but successfully overturned the ban and is pursuing legal action.
The Free Speech Union is supporting the teacher, emphasizing his right to share truthful facts about Britain’s traditions.
This case highlights concerns over Christian freedoms and the importance of biblical truth in public life.
“This teacher lost his job and almost ended up being barred from the profession for life just because he pointed out to a class of Muslim schoolchildren that the national religion of England is Anglicanism.”
“Things have reached a pretty pass in this country if a teacher can be branded a safeguarding risk because he says something that’s incontestably true. If he’d claimed that Islam is the official religion of England, even though that’s not true, I doubt he would have got into any trouble.”
Standing up for Christian values takes courage—let us continue to pray for those working to preserve faith, truth, and freedom in our nation.
-
Self-Reliance8 months agoTrump’s Bold Move Uncovers Massive Social Security Fraud
-
News9 months agoGovernor Walz’s Rhetoric Sparks National Controversy
-
Faith8 months agoNew Clues Emerge in Noah’s Ark Mystery
-
Family9 months agoTexas Lawmaker Targets Furries in Schools
-
News8 months agoMel Gibson’s ‘The Passion of the Christ’ Sequel Title Announced
-
Freedom9 months agoMaine Lawmaker Challenges Sports Fairness Controversy
-
Family7 months agoCanada’s Controversial Policy Sparks Ethical Debate
-
Faith2 weeks ago
Congress Hears Pleas for Nigerian Christians