Faith
Finnish MP Faces Supreme Court for Bible Tweet
Faith Facts
- Finnish parliamentarian Päivi Räsänen faced the Supreme Court of Finland over a tweet quoting the Bible.
- She was previously acquitted twice by lower courts, along with Bishop Juhana Pohjola, but both were retried for alleged “agitation against a minority group.”
- The case could set a precedent for religious freedom and free speech across Europe.
Päivi Räsänen, a committed Christian and former interior minister, was tried again for quoting Scripture while defending biblical values on marriage and sexuality. Authorities reopened her case years after a tweet questioning her church’s support for pride events, leading to extensive investigations and charges.
Bishop Pohjola, charged for publishing a pamphlet co-authored by Räsänen in 2004, stood with her in defense of Christian teachings. The prosecution cited her tweet, the pamphlet, and an interview as grounds for the charges.
“I stand here not only to defend my own right to speak freely, but to defend the freedom of every person to express deeply held beliefs without fear of punishment,” she declared outside the court.
Räsänen has refused to retract her statements, standing firm in her conviction that her position reflects the truth of God’s Word. She warned that a guilty verdict could signal increased persecution of Christians beyond Finland.
“I said that ‘I will not apologize.’ It’s not only my view; it is what the word of God says,” she affirmed.
Räsänen expressed gratitude for the opportunity to witness to the Gospel through this trial, sharing her Christian faith publicly. Some individuals, including those from the LGBT community, came to Christ during this process.
Paul Coleman of ADF International cautioned that “Criminalizing peaceful speech through so-called ‘hate speech’ laws not only silences important conversations — it endangers democracy itself.”
The Finnish Supreme Court will announce its ruling in the coming months. A guilty verdict could lead to harsh fines and censorship, threatening not only free speech but also the ability to share biblical truth openly. Christians everywhere should pray for continued courage and stand united for faith, family, and freedom.
Faith
Faithful Journeys in France: Trials and Triumph
Faith Facts
- A missionary journey to France highlighted the faith and endurance required during unexpected challenges.
- Christian communities in France are reviving old monasteries and convents for ministry and education.
- Personal stories of perseverance underscored the importance of prayer, fellowship, and God’s provision.
Before dawn in Chartres, France, weary travelers navigated the medieval city’s sidewalk detours while seeking their rideshare to the airport. Street repairs and roadblocks made the journey difficult, but the sense of partnership and prayer offered encouragement.
“Hello, I am your driver,” the driver assured in a message, confirming arrival before a tense wait ended with successful pickup.
A friend’s suggestion led to this journey, focusing on churches restoring abandoned monasteries and spreading Christian outreach across France. Each visit testified to the persistence and hope within God’s family, despite language barriers and physical setbacks.
Acts of kindness from locals helped the travelers overcome obstacles, reminding them of how God provides through others. Personal challenges, such as illness and injury, were met with gratitude and faith that God opens doors and sustains His children during trials.
This trip showcased believers in France dedicating renewed spaces for ministry and learning. Even amidst the exhaustion of travel, the reassurance of God’s guidance brought comfort and strength.
“Please stay put,” the traveler requested, trusting language and intentions would be understood in a foreign land.
In every challenge, faith, prayer, and Christian fellowship reminded these travelers—and readers—how God works through perseverance and trust.
Read more about Christian journeys in France at Christian Chronicle.
Faith
European Parliament Prayer Breakfast Unites Christians
Faith Facts
- Over 550 Christian leaders and parliamentarians gathered for the 28th European Parliament Prayer Breakfast in Brussels.
- The event emphasized prayer, fellowship, and unity, with each attendee praying the Lord’s Prayer in their native language.
- The European Evangelical Alliance facilitated sessions on Christian advocacy and biblical integrity, encouraging a courageous evangelical voice.
Christian parliamentarians and leaders from across Europe assembled in Brussels for the significant 28th European Parliament Prayer Breakfast, focusing on prayer, fellowship, and collaboration firmly rooted in biblical values. The event’s humble cafeteria setting brought believers together to seek God’s guidance for Europe amid today’s challenges.
“It was a wonderful experience to worship and pray with 550 Members of the European Parliament, Christian politicians from many other countries, and Christian leaders at the European Parliament Prayer Breakfast,” Janet Epp Buckingham shared.
The European Evangelical Alliance welcomed leaders from many countries, emphasizing unity in Christ and intentional networking for greater impact. Strategic discussions and prayer reinforced a shared commitment to strengthening Christian witness and encouraging action for the common good.
The Prayer Breakfast continues the vision of Europe’s founding Christian leaders, prioritizing relationships and sacrificial love modeled after Christ’s teachings. Let us remain steadfast, praying for leaders to act with courage and biblical conviction as they serve Europe in these pivotal times.
Faith
Isaiah 41:10 Leads Global Scripture Surge
Faith Facts
- YouVersion named Isaiah 41:10 as its most engaged verse for the fourth time in six years.
- Global Bible Month in November drove record-breaking Bible engagement on the app.
- YouVersion’s Bible App family surpassed one billion installs, offering Scripture in more than 2,300 languages.
God’s Word is reaching hearts worldwide as millions turn to Scripture for comfort and guidance, especially amid anxious times. Isaiah 41:10’s enduring message of divine strength and presence continues to reassure believers across the globe.
“I think this verse keeps rising to the top because it addresses one of our deepest needs, the assurance that we’re not alone.”
Bobby Gruenewald, Founder and CEO of YouVersion.
YouVersion’s historic November marked the highest Bible engagement yet, with over 19 million people opening the app on a single day and a 19% increase in daily use compared to the previous year. The 30-Day Bible Challenge inspired enduring habits of daily reading, reflecting a growing hunger for spiritual truth.
On January 1, more than 3 million individuals subscribed to year-long Bible reading plans, while Holy Week sparked a surge in prayer creation and scripture sharing. Unusual patterns of increased weekly engagement from late August through November highlight a global movement of spiritual awakening.
“We’re witnessing a global movement.”
Bobby Gruenewald.
“People are hungry for what’s real and true… These numbers represent millions of changed lives.”
Bible engagement soared in every region, with remarkable rises in Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and North America. Top search topics on the app included “love,” “anxiety,” and “peace.”
Each second this year, believers completed Bible Plan days and interacted with verse features in ways that reflect a thriving global Christian community. Anchored in faith, YouVersion continues to equip families to read God’s Word daily, promoting biblical values and unity across cultures.
Stay rooted in Scripture and help spread God’s truth by sharing this resource with your community.
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