U.S. Christians Support Solution With War, Satanic Temple Display at Iowa & John 3:16

Most American Christians have been following the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Ultimately, they say they want negotiations, Hamas to be subdued, and a result that benefits both Israel and Palestinians.

Almost 9 in 10 self-identified Christians in the U.S. have kept up with the current war between Hamas and Israel, according to a Lifeway Research study sponsored by The Philos Project. More than 2 in 5 say they have been following the events closely since the war began (44%). Another 42% say they have heard several updates since the war began. Few (13%) say they knew the two sides were fighting but not much more. Only 1% say they weren’t aware of the war at all.
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The Satanic Temple’s display at the Iowa Capitol has spurred outrage, debate and prayer as many spar over the boundaries of free speech.

A mannequin depicting the pagan idol Baphomet, candles and the temple’s seven core beliefs comprise the display, adjacent to a less graphic setup from Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers. A Nativity scene is also on display.

While the Satanic Temple states on its website that it doesn’t believe in Satan and is not a religion, the Internal Revenue Service recognizes the national group as a religion, Forbes.com reported Dec. 13.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, responding to requests to remove the display, instead invited Iowans to join her Dec. 12 at the Iowa State House to display the Nativity and pray for peace. The Nativity will remain through Dec. 26, while the Satanic Temple display ends a two-week spree Dec. 15.
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Good News for Today is sponsored by The Voice of the Martyrs

Good News for Today is made possible through our friends at The Voice of the Martyrs, a nonprofit organization that serves persecuted Christians around the world. Founded in 1967 by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, VOM is dedicated to inspiring believers to deepen their commitment to Christ and to fulfill His Great Commission — no matter the cost. Find out more and sign up for their free monthly magazine at vom.org/goodnews.
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In the Baptist Press Toolbox, Mark Dance provides a perspective on the very first Christmas based on John 3:16…a very popular Bible verse spoken by Jesus to the Jewish priest Nicodemus.

For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

Dance says of Nicodemus, “He was an expert in religious and civil law, but tensions were high between the authorities and Jesus, so he visited Jesus at night to ask Him about eternal life. Nicodemus had a hard time wrapping his sharp mind around this simple, generous gift — and so will some of our lost friends, family, and neighbors.

“We are all objects of God’s love and the intended recipients of history’s first Christmas present. The Christmas story is a true love story of rescue and redemption that deserves to be both celebrated and shared this month with anyone who is willing to listen.”