It’s Tuesday, January 23rd, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard at www.TheWorldview.com.  I’m Adam McManus. ([email protected])

By Kevin Swanson

Chinese Communists sentence pastor to 14 years in prison

A Chinese pastor with a large online presence has received a sentence of 14 years in prison.

Kan Xiaoyong, his wife Wang, and four other church members all received prison sentences at the hands of the despotic communist government, reports Bitter Winter Magazine.

Pastor Kan has supported the House Church movement with what he called the Home Discipleship Network for the last four years.  Both the pastor and his wife were tortured for two to three hours by Chinese authorities, reports Radio Free Asia. 

Indian prime minister doubles down on Hinduism

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is moving more nationalist and more committed to a Hindu state. That will mean more persecution for Christians and those of other minority religions.

His enthusiastic support for the false god “Lord Ram” and a new Hindu temple in northern India’s Ayodhya is an attempt to create what Modi has called “The New India.”

Hindus for Human Rights is protesting, calling this an attempt to “weaponize Hinduism in the name of the BJP’s repressive nationalist ideology, ahead of national elections in May.”

Brazil floods kill 32

Torrential rains in Brazil led to severe flooding last week, resulting in the deaths of at least 32 persons and the displacement of 5,000 others, according to The Brazilian Report.

And The Christian Daily reports that the Rio de Janeiro flood left 12 dead.

The Brazilian Evangelical Alliance is calling for prayers and volunteers to help with the clean up efforts for church communities affected by the flooding — reported to be the worst in 90 years. 

Brazil critical of Israel

Also, in relation to the Israeli-Hamas War, Brazil has joined South Africa and other Arab nations to bring charges of genocide against Israel in the International Court of Justice for Israel’s defending itself after being attacked by the Muslim terrorist group on October 7th.

The United States, Canada, and Germany have criticized the motion.

Ron DeSantis withdraws from presidential race

Ahead of today’s first-in-the nation primary in New Hampshire, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has pulled out of the presidential race, and he’s putting his support behind former president Donald Trump.

Listen.

DeSANTIS: “I can't ask our supporters to volunteer their time and donate their resources if we don't have a clear path to victory. Accordingly, I am today suspending my campaign.

“It's clear to me that a majority of Republican primary voters want to give Donald Trump another chance. They watch his presidency gets stymied by relentless resistance, and they see Democrats using lawfair to this day to attack him. While I've had disagreements with Donald Trump, such as on the coronavirus pandemic and his elevation of Anthony Fauci, Trump is superior to the current incumbent, Joe Biden.

“He has my endorsement because we can't go back to the old Republican Guard of yesteryear.”

Trump leads Haley, 50-39%, in New Hampshire

 

A CNN poll finds that Trump’s lead over second place Republican candidate Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina Governor, is now 50-39% in the New Hampshire primary today, where Haley has her best shot. 

Real estate market hitting recession

The real estate market has hit recession levels. Existing-home sales waned by 1 % in December to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.78 million, reports the National Association of Realtors.

That’s the lowest level since the 2010 recession.

Court: 18 to 20-year-olds can carry guns

The U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the rights of 18 to 20-year-olds to carry arms. 

The court ruled that a Pennsylvania law, which prohibits the right of these young adults from carrying firearms in public during a state of emergency, was unconstitutional. 

U.S. Circuit Judge Kent Jo

It’s Monday, January 22nd, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard at www.TheWorldview.com. I’m Adam McManus. ([email protected])

By Adam McManus

Muslims in Sudan, Africa set fire to church

On Friday, January 12th, Muslim extremists from the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group formerly operated by the Government of Sudan, set a church building on fire in Wad Medani, Sudan, reports Morning Star News.

The blaze destroyed Bibles, hymnbooks, important documents and chairs  in the building. A pastor said Christians in Sudan fear they are being increasingly targeted.

The Rapid Support Forces has killed civilians, raped women and girls, and looted homes and shops since taking control of the state in December.

In Matthew 10:22-23, Jesus said, “You will be hated by everyone because of Me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another.”

In the Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, Sudan now ranks #8, up from #10 the previous year.

Trump: Nikki Haley “has no chance”

Appearing on Sean Hannity’s Fox News talk show, former president Donald Trump said that Nikki Haley doesn’t have a chance of winning the New Hampshire primary tomorrow.

TRUMP:  “She's not going to make it. She has no chance. She's got no way. MAGA – [Make America Great Again] -- is not going to be with her.”

Hannity discussed why he thought the New Hampshire GOP primary was unfair.

HANNITY: “I don't like their primary system for one reason. They have what's called an open primary. Already we know that nearly 4,000 Democratic voters have switched affiliation to Republican or undeclared, meaning independent, ahead of the primary, according to the Secretary of State's office.

“Even [Republican] Governor [Chris] Sununu, not a friend of yours, told our own Neil Cavuto, that it's troubling that many of these people that will switch as Democrats and vote in the Republican primary, that, when push comes to shove, that they would choose Biden in the end over any Republican.”

TRUMP: “So Democrats are allowed to vote. They're gonna vote for her because they don't want to run against me. They want to run against her. …  We are leading Biden in every poll. Michigan just came out -- we're leading by 11.  Georgia just came out -- we're leading by 13 points. We're leading everywhere now.”

Nikki Haley: Trump lost the House, the Senate, & White House

On January 18th, Nikki Haley spoke with reporters in New Hampshire about targeting Trump, reports RealClearPolitics.com.

HALEY: “We were focused on DeSantis in Iowa. We’re no longer focused on him. It’s Trump in New Hampshire and Trump in South Carolina.

“Trump says things. Americans aren’t stupid to just believe what he says. The reality is, who lost the House for us? Who lost the Senate? Who lost the White House? Donald Trump, Donald Trump, Donald Trump. Nikki Haley will win every single one of those back for us. I’ve proven that. So. he can say whatever he wants.”

Tens of thousands participate in annual March for Life

Tens of thousands of pro-lifers braved the snow and the frigid cold on Friday, January 19th to participate in the nation’s capital for the 51st annual March for Life, reports LifeSiteNews.com. Check out a link to a time-lapse video which shows the impressive size of the turnout at www.TheWorldview.com.

Pro-lifers from across America gathered at the National Mall and marched a 2-mile route to a concluding spot between the U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court, celebrating the 2022 overturn of Roe v. Wade and building on that victory by urging Congress to take further action. 

Former NFL player Benjamin Watson explained that even though Roe v. Wade was overturned, there is a lot of pro-life work yet to be done.

WATSON: “I've been calling the period of time we're in right now, the New Fight for Life.

“Roe is done, but we still live in a culture that knows not how to

It’s Friday, January 19th, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard at www.TheWorldview.com. I’m Adam McManus. ([email protected])

By Adam McManus

North Korea’s hostility to Christianity

A North Korean young woman, named Ji Ho, said, “They came for my father while I was at school. When I opened the gate to our house that day, I heard shouting and saw state security agents with shovels, digging in the garden,” reports Open Doors.

She said, “As they dug outside in our small garden, they found [my father’s Bible], wrapped in plastic. One of the policemen came inside, holding the book, looking triumphant. He kicked over our small table as we cowered in the corner, flinging dishes everywhere, and threw the book down at my father’s feet.

“My father and I both sobbed. In that moment, we knew we’d never see each other again.”

For years, her father had loved to read her stories out of the book. He said, “A wise man sat on a mountain and began to teach. He said, ‘When salt loses its taste, what good is it?’ People are like salt. If we lose our kindness for others, we lose our humanity. Always keep your saltiness, Ji Ho.’”

Years later, Ji Ho providentially stumbled upon a Christian station broadcast out of South Korea and she heard those same words from Matthew 5 about being the salt of the earth.  She felt convicted to share the meager vegetables from her garden with her neighbors who had no garden.

She said, “I’m a Christian now, serving the same Jesus as my father and the people on the radio. I might be the only Christian in North Korea. I hope that someday, I can meet another follower of Jesus.”

Open Doors operates a radio broadcast each day to help strengthen the secret church in North Korea and to grow the faith of believers inside that spiritually dark country.

Romans 10:15 declares, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring Good News!”

U.S. hit anti-ship missiles of Muslim Houthis

On Tuesday, the United States launched a new strike against the Yemen-based Houthis, a Muslim terrorist group, hitting anti-ship missiles in the third assault on the Iranian-backed group in recent days, reports The Associated Press.

The strike came as the Iranian-backed Houthis claimed responsibility for a missile attack the same day against the Malta-flagged bulk carrier Zografia, in the Red Sea. The ship was hit, but no one was injured. The vessel had been heading north to the Suez Canal when it was attacked.

The American strike destroyed four Houthi ballistic missiles that were prepared to launch and presented an imminent threat to merchant and U.S. Navy ships in the region.

Despite the massive U.S. and British assault on the group, bombing more than 60 targets in 28 locations using warship- and submarine-launched Tomahawk missiles and fighter jets, there has been no let-up in Houthi attacks on shipping in the region.

Vice President Harris: “We should all be scared” Trump could win

Vice President Kamala Harris discussed the 2024 election campaign during an appearance Wednesday morning on ABC's "The View," reports RealClearPolitics.com.

Here is the set-up question from Joy Behar.

JOY BEHAR: “Some heavy-hitting Democrats are sounding the alarm. Behind closed doors, President Obama reportedly has said that he thinks the Biden campaign is too complacent when it comes to Trump. Representative Jim Clyburn has said the campaign isn't breaking through the [Make America Great Again] wall. Michelle Obama says she's terrified, as we are, about the potential outcome of the election.

“Now, are you scared? First of all, what could happen if Trump ever became, God forbid, president again? And what are you going to do to stop the crazies?”

KAMALA HARRIS: “I am scared as heck."

BEHAR: “Yeah.”

HARRIS: “… which is why I'm traveling our country. You know, there's an old saying that there are only two ways to run for office: either without an opponent or scared. We should all be scared.”

41 weather-related deaths across

It’s Thursday, January 18th, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard at www.TheWorldview.com. I’m Adam McManus. ([email protected])

By Jonathan Clark

North Korea, Nigeria, and China remain on Persecutor List

Open Doors released its 2024 World Watch List yesterday on the 50 worst countries for the persecution of Christians. 

Over 365 million Christians faced high levels of persecution last year. That’s one in seven Christians. Believers suffered over 4,000 detentions, nearly 5,000 murders, and 15,000 attacks on property or church buildings.

North Korea ranked number 1 again, where becoming a Christian is effectively a death sentence. Nigeria, at number 6, saw the most violence, with 82% of killings happening there. And China, at number 19, perpetrated the largest number of church closures.

1 Corinthians 12:24-27 says, “God has so composed the body . . . that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”

The seeds of China’s one-child policy

Speaking of China, the country’s population declined for a second year in a row.

The nation had 1.4 billion people at the end of 2023, a decrease of over two million compared to 2022.

Once the world’s most populous country, China has record-low birth rates following its one-child policy from the 1980s. India now has the largest population globally. 

Also, China’s latest economic data shows the country grew at one of the slowest rates in decades last year.

Javier Milei to World Economic Forum: Socialism and abortion are bad

Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland yesterday.

The libertarian came into office last year, promising to reign in government bureaucracy and spending. 

He called out socialism and abortion during his speech at the forum. He said, “I am here today to tell you that the West is in danger . . . because those who are supposed to defend the values of the West have been co-opted by a vision of the world that inexorably leads to socialism.”

Milei also said, “Another conflict presented by socialists is that … we human beings damage the planet which should be protected at all cost, even going as far as advocating for … the bloody abortion agenda.”

(You can watch Milei’s 26-minute speech, translated into English, in a special link in our transcript today at www.TheWorldview.com. It begins at the 6:05-mark.)

Psalm 2:1-2, 4 asks, “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against His anointed. ... He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision."

National Religious Freedom Day

In the United States, Tuesday marked the 21st annual National Religious Freedom Day. 

Coinciding with the event, the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty released the fifth edition of their Religious Freedom Index.

The report found American’s support for religious freedom reached 69 on a scale 0 to 100. It’s the highest score on the index since it started in 2019.

Mark Rienzi, president and CEO of Becket, said, “Despite some efforts to turn religion into a scapegoat for our nation’s problems, most Americans believe that religion—and religious freedom—are key to solving them.”

U.S. Supreme Court’s pro-trans ruling

On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed a lower court ruling to stand that was in favor of transgender bathrooms.

Indiana’s Metropolitan School District of Martinsville had barred a girl, pretending to be a boy, from using the boys’ bathrooms.

The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against the school district in the matter. And the U.S. Supreme Court denied the district’s request to hear the case, continuing its trend of turning down transgender cases.

Microsoft passes Apple

Last Thu

It’s Wednesday, January 17th, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard at www.TheWorldview.com. I’m Adam McManus. ([email protected])

By Jonathan Clark

Surge in persecution in India

The United Christian Forum reports a surge in persecution against Christians in India during the last week of 2023.

Believers faced about three incidents of persecution per day during the period. Leading up to Christmas, they were already experiencing two incidents per day. 

Overall, the United Christian Forum received reports of 720 incidents last year in the country. 

India is ranked 11th on the Open Doors’ World Watch List of nations where it is most difficult to be a Christian. Pastors often face assaults from the community, as well as arrest, under anti-conversion laws across the country.

British Christian teacher vindicated for street preaching on own time

A Christian teacher in England  won a settlement against a high school in a religious liberty case.

In 2022, the Temple Moor High School fired Andy Nix for street preaching in his spare time. He challenged the school’s decision with the help of Christian Legal Centre, winning a settlement worth nearly $9,000.

Nix said, “How the police have treated street preachers [here] in recent years has been appalling. The two-tiered policing against Christian and conservative beliefs I believe has encouraged young people to believe street preachers are fair game who they can attack and discriminate against at will. The experience has, however, helped me grow in resilience and reminded of the cost involved in following Jesus Christ.”

Jesus said in Luke 14:27-28, “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?”

Gender dysphoria diagnoses skyrocketing

In the United States, gender dysphoria diagnoses are up over recent years, according to a report by Definitive Healthcare.

The pro-transgender group reports the identification of gender confusion increased significantly across 49 states between 2018 and 2022. Virginia led with a 274% increase. A third of U.S. states saw increases of over 100%. South Dakota was the only state that had a decrease, seeing a 23% drop in gender confusion diagnoses.

Transgender mutilating surgeries were also up since 2018. Nearly 20 states have now enacted bans on the surgeries as well as transgender drugs.

Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”

Tax breaks for parents and business owners

Bipartisan lawmakers in Congress announced a deal Tuesday to expand the child tax credit and give businesses some tax breaks as well.

The deal would increase the maximum credit per child from $1,600 to $2,000 until 2025. 

It would also bring back several tax write-offs that businesses enjoyed under the Trump administration.

30% of Americans behind on debt payments

A new study from LendingTree found that nearly 30% of Americans across the country’s 100 largest cities were behind on debt payments last year.

Consumers across the south, as well as younger generations, were the most likely to be behind on debt payments. 

In total, American households increased their debt to over $17 trillion last year. The leading debt categories included mortgages, credit cards, and student loans.

U.S. centenarians quadrupled

The U.S. Census Bureau projects the number of Americans aged 100 and older will quadruple over the next 30 years.

There are now about 100,000 people in the U.S. over 100 years old, known as centenarians. That’s up from 37,000 in 1990. By 2054, that number could reach 420,000. 

Currently, 78% of centenarians are women, and 77% are white. 

The U.S. centenarian population is the second highest in the world behind Japan with 146,000 people over 100.

Correction on number of Evangelical NFL quarterbacks

Yesterday, T

It’s Tuesday, January 16th, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard at www.TheWorldview.com. I’m Adam McManus. ([email protected])

By Kevin Swanson

Nigerian Muslims killed 295 Christians over Christmas

Fulani Muslim militants killed 295 Christians, men, women, and children in Bokkos, Nigeria and surrounding areas several days over last Christmas, reports TruthNigeria.com.  

Directly following the attacks on January 4th, the Nigerian police and military arrested 20 civilians, armed with sticks and hunting rifles, who were attempting to protect the remaining villages.  No arrests of the terrorists have been recorded as yet.

Thousands of grieving women flooded the army and police headquarters for eight hours, publicly wailing and singing Gospel songs in protest of the civilian arrests.

Since then, Boko Haram Muslim terrorists killed another 15 Christians in attacks on two villages in northeastern Nigeria. 

We pray with the psalmist, “Arise, O Lord! O God, lift up Your hand! … Break the arm of the wicked and the evil man. … Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear, to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the Earth may oppress no more.” (Psalm 10:12-18)

North Korea’s hypersonic missile test

Pyongyang Times reports that the North Korean military has just conducted a successful test of a hypersonic missile.

North Korea began testing hypersonic delivery vehicles in 2021.  The Communist country joins the small club of Russia and China, both of which have implemented this technology for delivering nuclear weapons.  The purpose? To assure there will be little or no warning.

The United States has still to prove out the technology. 

British conservatives set for big loss

According to a YouGov survey, the Conservative Party in the British parliament is set to lose big time in the upcoming election — with Labour ahead by 385 to 169.

This would represent the biggest collapse for a governing party in a hundred years. 

Taiwan’s new president: We want to be independent from China

Taiwan has a new president, William Lai, of the Democratic Progressive Party. He was the most outspoken candidate who insisted on Taiwan’s independence and self-rule.  

China responded, stating that the reunification of Taiwan and the motherland is “inevitable.”  The communist country called William Lai a “trouble maker” and warned the voters not to vote for him prior to the election. 

Argentinian president looks to transform socialist government

Argentina’s new president, Javier Milei, has presented a 351-page omnibus bill to the nation’s parliament.

It includes a proposal to privatize 41 publicly-owned companies and to abolish price fixing on rent and gasoline. And, according to the Buenos Aires Times, it also calls for the implementation of "a public emergency in economic, financial, fiscal, pensions, defense, tariff, energy, health, administrative, and social matters until December 31, 2025,” to give the executive branch powers to act in these areas.

Milei said if the nation’s Congress refuses to pass his reforms, he will call for a national referendum.

Trump wins Iowa Caucus

Here in America, former President Donald Trump has captured the 2024 Iowa caucus, according to multiple early projections, reports The Epoch Times.

The Associated Press declared a victory for the former president just 32 minutes into the voting process on Monday night, January 15.

With 77% of the vote tabulated, Fox News reported Trump with nearly 51% of the vote, Ron DeSantis with 21%, Nikki Haley with 19%, and Vivek Ramaswamy with 7%. On Monday night, Ramaswamy dropped out of the race and endorsed Trump.

TRUMP: “We want to thank the great people of Iowa. Thank you. What a turnout. What a crowd. And I really think this is time now for everybody, our country, to come together. We want to come together. Whether it's Republican or Democrat or liberal or conserv

It’s Monday, January 15th, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard at www.TheWorldview.com. I’m Adam McManus. ([email protected])

By Adam McManus

Finnish Christian parliamentarian found not guilty of hate speech

In a win for religious freedom, the Helsinki Court of Appeal found Christian Member of Parliament Päivi Räsänen and Lutheran Bishop Juhana Pohjola not guilty, reports Alliance Defending Freedom International. The two had been accused of inciting hate-speech after sharing their beliefs on biblical marriage between a man and a woman.

Räsänen, who expressed her beliefs on social media, was facing charges under a section in the Finnish criminal code titled “War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity.” And Pohjola faced charges for publishing a booklet on biblical marriage, which Räsänen wrote almost 20 years ago.

Paul Coleman, Executive Director of Alliance Defending Freedom International, was exuberant.

COLEMAN: “This crucial ruling upholds the fundamental right to freedom of speech, making clear that free speech extends to opinions some people might disagree with.  This battle has been won, but the war against censorship around the world continues.

“In a free society, everyone should be allowed to share their convictions, faith-based or otherwise, without fear of censorship. Criminalizing speech through so-called hate speech laws shuts down public debates and poses a grave threat to our democracies.”

In John 16:33, Jesus said, “In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Trump reiterates claim that Heartbeat laws are political losers

Last Wednesday, when the remaining GOP presidential contenders were debating one another, former president Donald Trump appeared in a Town Hall meeting on Fox News with Brett Baier and Martha MacCallum.

Mary Margaret Olohan, a senior reporter for The Daily Signal, asked about his recent statement indicating that a Heartbeat Bill is  “terrible,” reports LifeSiteNews.com.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, one of Trump’s rivals for the GOP nomination, signed a Heartbeat Bill into law in April 2023 which protects babies in the womb whose heartbeats can be detected, typically at the sixth week of pregnancy.

On NBC’s September 17, 2023 edition of Meet the Press, Kristen Welker asked Trump about DeSantis’ decision to sign the Florida Heartbeat bill into law.

TRUMP: “DeSanctus was willing to sign a five-week and six-week ban.”

WELKER: “Would you support that? You think he went too far?”

TRUMP:  “I think what he did is a terrible thing and a terrible mistake!”

With that background in mind, here is Mary Margaret Olohan’s question from last Wednesday in Iowa.

Listen.

OLOHAN:  “For me, it all comes down to this question between you, sir, President Trump and Ron DeSantis because you both talk a lot about pro-life, your record. And that's my number one issue and the cry of my heart.”

TRUMP: “Good.”

OLOHAN: “… is justice for all people.  I've been, you know, vocal and celebrating with you all of your pro-life victories from the past. But then, in this campaign, you've also blamed pro-lifers for some of the GOP losses around the country, and you've called Heartbeat Laws, like Iowa's, terrible. And so I’d just like some clarity on this, because it's such an important question to me.”

TRUMP: “Okay.”

OLOHAN:  “I'd like for you to reassure me that you can protect all life, every person's right to life without compromise.”

After recounting his success in appointing three Supreme Court Justices – Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett – who helped to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022, Trump said this.

TRUMP: “I happen to be for the exceptions, like Ronald Reagan, with the life of the mother, rape, incest. … But I will say this, you have to win elections. Otherwise, you're going to be back where you were, and you can't let that ever happen again. You’ve got to win elections.

“Ron DeSantis, his poll numbers have gone down to a lev

It’s Friday, January 12th, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard at www.TheWorldview.com. I’m Adam McManus. ([email protected])

By Adam McManus

Nigerian Muslim kidnappers keep pastors hostage despite getting ransom

Two Nigerian pastors kidnapped along with others last month remain captive despite their denomination paying the ransom for their release, reports Morning Star News.

Rev. Elkanah Ayuba and Rev. Simon Ezra, both of the United Methodist Church, were among at least 20 people kidnapped on December 19th from Yorro County in Taraba State.  

On January 4th, Rev. Micah Dopa, president of the Southern Conference of the United Methodist Church, said, “As a Body of Christ, we mobilized and paid $12,264 for our members to be released, but the terrorists decided to release only the Muslim victims in their custody. It is clear that the terrorists’ activities are a plot to erase Christians in the area.”

Chris Christie dropped out

Just days before the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie dropped out of the Republican presidential race on Wednesday at a townhall meeting, reports LifeNews.

CHRISTIE: “My goal has never been to be just a voice against the hate and the division and the selfishness of what our party has become under Donald Trump. It's also been to win the nomination and defeat Joe Biden and restore our party and our country to a new place of hope and optimism in this country.

“I've always said that there came a point in time in this race where I couldn't see a path to accomplishing that goal that I would get out. And it's clear to me tonight that there isn't a path for me to win the nomination which is why I'm suspending my campaign tonight for President United States.”

10 pro-life rescuers go to trial next week

On Friday, March 5, 2021 at 8:30am, some faithful pro-life Christians sought to rescue pre-born babies from certain death at an abortion mill, innocuously named Carafem Health Center, in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee.

As they peacefully blocked the door to the baby-killing center, they prayed that God would convict the mothers who had scheduled the executions of the babies in their wombs to choose life instead. Because the pro-life rescuers refused to leave, the police arrested them, reported NewsChannel5 in Nashville.

To its shame, Biden’s Department of Justice indicted these 10 rescuers on October 5, 2022 on charges of violating the misguided Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act and a conspiracy to violate the so-called constitutional right to abortion in the pre-Dobbs era.  The trial, which could lead to astronomical fines and up to 11 years in federal prison, begins next Tuesday, January 16th.

Coleman Boyd, one of the indicted pro-life rescuers, videotaped part of that March 5th, 2021 rescue.

Listen.

BOYD:  “I will follow You, Lord and obey you. You show me what you want me to do, and I’ll follow You and obey. What I can tell you it doesn't mean is comfortable American Christian living while babies are being murdered, while souls are slipping into hell. That I know it doesn't mean. So, whatever He's calling you to, you've got to seek the Lord. You've got to cry out to God and you've got to have a heart that I'm going to obey. ‘Be imitators of God as dear children and walk in love, just as Christ also loved us.’” (Ephesians 5:1)

Later, when Boyd saw a couple outside the Tennessee abortion mill coming towards him, he said this.

BOYD: “Good morning, guys. Can I give you some literature? It's the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You know that Christ Jesus came to give life. He came to lay down His life for us.

“I’m not sure why you're here at this building today, but if you're here for this abortion clinic, I plead with you today: Turn away from abortion, turn away from death, and turn to Jesus Christ. You know that Jesus laid down His life so that you can have life. Please talk with us.”

As The Federalist recently declared, “If peacefully pro

It’s Thursday, January 11th, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard at www.TheWorldview.com. I’m Adam McManus. ([email protected])

By Jonathan Clark

Vietnam imprisoned or put on home detention 258 people

International Christian Concern reports that Vietnamese Christians feature prominently in a recent report from Defend the Defenders.

The report found that Vietnam has imprisoned or put on home detention 258 prisoners of conscience. Each of them faced harassment, arrest, and imprisonment for exercising free speech and religion. The targets for persecution include religious leaders. 

One example is Mr. Trần Văn Bang. The Christian leader is serving four years in prison. He has opposed communism in Vietnam and openly shared his faith in Christ.

Vietnam is ranked 25th on the Open Doors’ World Watch List of nations where it is most difficult to be a Christian.

Jesus said in Matthew 10:32, “Whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in Heaven.”

Christians are leaving India for United Kingdom

The Guardian reports that churches in the United Kingdom are getting a boost from Christians migrating from India. 

Over the last decade, Christian identification has fallen from nearly 60% of the U.K. population to under 50%. Meanwhile, the number of Indian Christians in the country has surged from 135,000 to over 225,000. 

Local pastors report Indian families also have large numbers of children who tend to show more interest in religion than British young people.

Biden rolls back conscience protections

Yesterday, the Biden administration continued to role back conscience protections for Americans.

Under the Obama administration, the Department of Health and Human Services issued a mandate forcing employers to pay for abortifacients in their health insurance plans. However, religious organizations were able to get exemptions after challenging the mandate in court. And the Trump administration expanded these exemptions to businesses. 

The latest rule from Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra claims to balance respect for religious beliefs and a so-called “right” to contraception. 

Tom McClusky with CatholicVote commented, “Is this a win for religious freedom? I’d say it could have been much worse. The onslaught of public protest prevented HHS from sending us back to 2011. But the rule definitely leaves Americans at the mercy of Becerra’s whims – and whether he feels that the protections we do have are even worth enforcing.”

U.S. House approves $1.6 trillion spending deal

U.S. Congressional leaders agreed to a $1.6 trillion spending deal Sunday ahead of a potential government shutdown later this month.

The agreement includes nearly $900 billion in defense spending and over $700 billion in non-defense discretionary spending. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and Democrat Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer negotiated the deal.

The agreement accelerates $20 billion in cuts to funding for the Internal Revenue Service and rescinds $6 billion in unspent pandemic aid. 

However, conservatives with the House Freedom Caucus  criticized the deal for too much spending, calling it a “total failure.”

20% of office space is vacant

Moody’s Analytics reports 20% of office space in big U.S. cities was unleased at the end of last year.

It’s the highest number on record for commercial buildings.

Working from home has become more common since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Moody’s also noted the 1970s and 1980s saw overbuilding in the commercial space.

Texas had the top three cities for office vacancy rates: Houston, Dallas, and Austin.

Scientists confirm destruction of Biblical city of Gath

And finally, scientists from several universities in Israel believe they have confirmed the destruction of a Biblical city as described in Second Kings.

Chapter 12:17 says, “Then Hazael king of Syria went up, and fought against Gath, and took it: and Hazael set his face to go

It’s Wednesday, January 10th, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard at www.TheWorldview.com. I’m Adam McManus. ([email protected])

By Jonathan Clark

Biden failed to include India and Nigeria on naughty list

The U.S. State Department released its annual report on religious freedom violators last Thursday. 

The report listed Countries of Particular Concern which included Myanmar, China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Saudi Arabia. 

However, religious freedom groups are criticizing the Biden administration for not including India and Nigeria on the list.

McKenna Wendt with International Christian Concern said, “During the Christmas season, hundreds of Christians were slaughtered in Nigeria. And in India, anti-conversion laws, mob violence, and extremist ideology continues to suppress the Christian community. ICC stands in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Nigeria and India, and we call on the U.S. State Department to hold these governments accountable.”

Hebrews 13:3 says, “Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.”

World economy slowing again

The World Bank announced it expects global economic growth to slow in 2024 for a third year in a row.

The institution projects the economy worldwide will grow by 2.4 percent this year. That's down from 2.6 percent last year, 3 percent in 2022, and 6.2 percent in 2021.

The economic stagnation will hit developing countries the hardest in the wake of the pandemic era. 

The World Bank also projected slower economic growth for the United States at 1.6 percent this year, down from 2.5 percent last year.

America’s $34 trillion of debt

Speaking of the U.S. economy, the federal government’s total debt crossed $34 trillion for the first time at the end of 2023.

The new record comes just three months after the government crossed the $33 trillion threshold.

Federal deficit spending has surged under recent administrations, both Democrat and Republican.

Over the last year, credit rating agencies have downgraded their outlook on the government’s credit standing.

Proverbs 22:7 says, “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.”

Apple vs. the Bible

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ruled that Apple Inc. cannot exclude a free speech resolution from its 2024 annual meeting.

The American Family Association put forward the resolution over concerns that the tech company is “limiting content access within its online services based on viewpoint and that it does so based on vague and subjective terms of use.” Apple has used its vague guidelines to ban content that promotes Biblical views on marriage and sexuality. 

Jeremy Tedesco with Alliance Defending Freedom said, “Major corporations like Apple shouldn’t be hiding from shareholders who are concerned about the company’s impact on free speech.”

U.S. Supreme Court hears Trump Colorado ballot case

Last Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a case over Colorado’s removal of Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot.

Last month, Colorado’s Supreme Court ruled that the former president was disqualified from the office based on the insurrection clause in the Constitution’s 14th Amendment in Section 3.

Trump appealed the decision. The U.S. Supreme Court said it would fast-track the case with oral arguments scheduled for February 8th. Trump is also appealing a similar decision in Maine to keep him off the ballot there.

Will Missouri remove Biden from ballot?

Meanwhile, in Missouri, a state official has indicated he may try to remove President Joe Biden from the ballot.

Last Friday, Missouri’s Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft  spoke out on X.  He tweeted, “What has happened in Colorado & Maine is disgraceful & undermines our republic. While I expect the Supreme Court to overturn this, if not, Secretaries of State will step in & ensure the new legal standard for @realDonal