Thanks to technology, Charisma’s latest opportunity might be the biggest yet—and you can be a part of it

When I felt led to start a small church magazine 36 years ago, I barely knew what God had in store. Yet I dreamed back then that maybe somehow we’d reach a million people.

That was 1975, before the personal computer was invented and when the electric typewriter I worked on was considered high tech. Fast-forward more than three decades and there are now ways to communicate via digital that are almost beyond belief.

We’ve been covering the digital revolution since churches began using computers back in the 1980s and when the Internet appeared in the early 1990s. Technology didn’t seem to affect us much; we still communicated by printing words on paper (even about technology) and mailed it to readers. read more

Even If you don’t trek to the usual Holy Land hotspots, you’ll find God’s footprints in these biblically rich sites

Few places compare with Israel. Though the country is relatively small (about the size of New Jersey), it’s filled from end to end with biblical history. If there is one place on earth that every Christian needs to visit, it’s Israel. Why? Because being there is the only way to physically experience God’s eternal story that runs through the ancient sites and historical wonders. It is the land where the Bible comes alive.

Many Christians who go to Israel are challenged to new levels of discipleship. Some are healed, renewed, empowered and blessed. The experience of one pilgrim sums it up best: “It was like visiting with the Lord in His home,” she said. When you go, visit the well-known sites but also set aside time to take in some of the land’s best-kept secrets. Here are 10 we suggest you see. You won’t be disappointed. 

1. TEL DAN

Seconds into Israel’s 
Tel Dan Nature Reserve and all else is forgotten. You’ll want to get lost under shady trees as you’re serenaded by the sounds of the rushing Dan River—the Jordan’s largest source—and its flowing streams and gentle springs. But if you keep going, you’ll come across three sites: the ruins of the Canaanite city once captured by the tribe of Dan; one of the “high places” from the time of King Jeroboam; and the ancient Canaanite “Gate of the Three Arches.” read more

What every believer needs to know before traveling to Israel

Are you planning to visit Israel or thinking about it? As the owner of Sar-El Tours & Conferences, I have been providing travel services to Christian visitors to Israel for almost 30 years. Here are a few suggestions that will help you prepare for your visit, which for every Bible believer is a truly life-changing experience.

Group On

An organized tour with a licensed guide is the most effective way to see as many of the interesting and significant biblical sites as your time in the Holy Land allows. It ensures that all your travel needs are met: hotels, meals, itinerary, air-conditioned bus and expert guide. Moreover, you travel with people who have similar views and beliefs. Look for an agency that provides what we call “regular tours” for individuals who want to join a group.

When to Go

Determine which season is best for you to travel. Summers can be quite hot, and the coastal and Galilee hotels are very expensive and filled with Israeli and European vacationers enjoying the beaches and outdoor activities. read more

Using new technologies, Bible organizations now can reach more people than ever with digital—and often free—versions of scripture. But is this the good news traditional bible publishers were hoping for?

Among the Bhojpuri-speaking people of India, an accident left a man named Anil paralyzed and unable to walk. He was discouraged and even thought about suicide. One day Anil’s family brought him an audio version of the New Testament, explaining that if he listened to it he would hear from God.

After hearing the story in John 5 in which Jesus cures a man who had been an invalid for 38 years, Anil called out to Jesus until he fell asleep. When he awoke he asked for his brother and said: “While I was sleeping, Jesus spoke to me! He said, ‘I will make you well.’ He said that I would talk about it, and others would listen and know my words were true.” Anil then stood up and showed his brother he could walk.

Anil went to see his doctor, who could hardly believe Anil was walking. Since then, Anil’s entire family has been baptized, and many have accepted Christ through his incredible testimony. read more

Could tablets and the digital revolution be a godsend for Christian television?

Dropped like a rock. 

That’s how the Inspiration Network (INSP) felt after cable television provider Dish Network suddenly decided, amid ongoing rate negotiations between the two, to no longer carry the faith-based network’s programming. The decision came in early August, and within minutes of discovering the news, thousands of faithful INSP viewers flocked to social media sites to voice their outrage.

Using Facebook, Twitter, email and other online vehicles, the army of supporters lobbed a massive yet organic onslaught of complaints toward Dish and furthered the attack with a digital petition demanding that INSP’s family-friendly programming be returned. Dish even removed posts from its Facebook wall because of the swell of people complaining. And by the end of the month, the two sides reached an agreement and INSP returned to its familiar channel 259 spot.

“Social media has democratized the flow of information in this country,” INSP Chief Strategy Officer Bill Airy said during the ordeal. “It’s not a one-way process anymore. People who never had a voice now have one. It’s phenomenal to see how many people have seized on social media as a way to express themselves.” read more