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Far-left activist groups like the Human Rights Campaign are already calling on Democrats to pass pro-transgender legislation like the Equality Act. But a closer look at the 2026 election results would caution the incoming congressional majorities against interpreting the election as a mandate to do so. Although American voters elected Democrats in overwhelming numbers, voters in Democrat-controlled states still voted against transgender extremism.

The facts of this issue dawn slowly, as the relevant states count ballots slowly. Still, at 9:14 p.m. on Wednesday, the Associated Press decided there was enough information, with 68% of votes counted, to declare that Washington voters had chosen to restrict participation in school sports by biological sex by approving Ballot Measure 638.

According to the official ballot title, “this measure would prohibit students it defines as ‘biologically male’ from competing in certain school athletic activities intended for female students only. It would require verification of biological sex by students’ healthcare providers.”

Washington voters were asked, “Should this measure be enacted into law?” Thus far, 1,252,863 voters (56.6%) have voted “yes,” while 961,810 voters (43.4%) have voted “no.” That’s a lead of 290,000 votes (or 13.2% of the total votes cast), with two-thirds of the ballots already counted.

The dominant popularity of Measure 638 is evident from the county breakdown. The “no” votes hold a majority in only three of Washington’s 39 counties, and even in those counties the margins are relatively close. In far-north Whatcom (home to Bellingham, Wash.), “no” votes lead 50.6% to 49.4%. In King County (Seattle), “no” votes lead 57.2% to 42.8%; this county’s large population is the only reason the contest even took this long to determine. And, in sparsely-populated Jefferson County, “no” votes lead 57.5% to 42.5%.

In the other 36 counties, a majority of Washington voters preferred to protect girls’ sports. That includes counties with other large cities, including Snohomish (Everett), Pierce (Tacoma), Thurston (Olympia), Clark (Vancouver), Benton (Richland), and Spokane (Spokane).

When the suburbs of Seattle and Portland are voting against a transgender policy item, Democratic politicians would be wise to pay attention.

The vote was not some conservative fluke, where Washingtonians zigged right while the country zagged left. The very same Washington voters rejected Measure 645, which would have repealed the state’s millionaire tax, by a margin of 57.9% to 42.1%. Washington voters remain their usual progressive selves, but allowing confused boys to compete in girls’ sports is one wilderness trail they refused to hike.

Meanwhile, Arizona voters approved Ballot Proposition 318, which protected both girls’ sports and girls’ locker rooms. According to its title, it “requires all schools and athletic associations to designate athletic teams as male, female, or coed based on the biological sex of the athletes as defined at birth; [and] prohibits these entities from authorizing use of private spaces not designated for a person’s sex.”

As of Thursday, Arizona voters favored the proposition 58.9% to 41.1%, with an estimated 86.4% of the vote recorded (enough to make the outcome mathematically certain). While Arizona is less solidly Democratic than Washington state, it has grown steadily bluer; the same preliminary election results show Democrats flipping both legislative chambers to give them a governing trifecta in January.

Once again, the widespread appeal of the proposition is apparent at the county level. In only one of Arizona’s 15 counties did “no” votes outnumber “yes” votes. In Cococino County (Flagstaff), 54.1% of voters voted “no,” compared to 45.9% of voters who voted “yes.” Even this result defied partisan odds, as 61% of the county usually votes for Democrats.

A third western state offered voters the chance to protect girls’ sports on the ballot, and there the outcome appears to be closer. In deep-blue Colorado, with 87% of the votes recorded as of Thursday, the outcome of two transgender-related ballot measures remain too close to call.

Colorado Proposition 134 would:

• “require that all elementary through collegiate school-based athletic teams and sports be designated as male-only or female-only based on biological sex, unless the team or sport is designated as open to participation by individuals of any sex or gender;
• “require schools and school districts to implement policies to ensure that students are assigned to gender-designated teams that align with their biological sex; and
• “prohibit investigations of, or penalties for, a school that designates a team or sport as female-only.”

Current reporting shows 1,232,721 “yes” votes (52.7%) and 1,107,376 “no” votes (47.3%), for a lead of 5.4%.

Colorado Proposition 135 would:

• “prohibit surgeries on minors that alter their biological sex characteristics as a treatment in response to a minor’s perception of sex or gender, with certain exceptions; and
• “prohibit the use of state or federal funds or insurance coverage to pay for these surgeries.”

As of this writing, there are 1,224,683 “yes” votes (52.3%) and 1,118,057 “no” votes (47.7%), for a lead of 4.6%.

With an estimated 13% of the vote left to be counted, neither proposition is over the finish line yet. But they are certainly outperforming other propositions. On Colorado Amendment 81, which would require law enforcement agencies to coordinate with the Department of Homeland Security, “no” votes are leading 54.8% to 45.2%. This means that protecting girls’ sports and protecting children from irreversible, harmful surgeries is significantly more popular — even among Colorado’s progressive population — than enforcing federal immigration law.

It’s noteworthy that each of the transgender-related measures came in left-leaning states. This is because the legislatures in those states have refused to protect girls’ sports and gender-confused children on their own.

When more than half the state legislatures protected female athletes from male intrusion and children from gender transition surgeries, pro-transgender activists argued that these were irrelevant or niche issues, driven by “transphobic hate” and an activist class. In reality, these commonsense policies are popular even among voters in Democratic-leaning states. It is the transgender activists and the politicians they control who are truly out of touch.

Such results in ballot initiatives also invite another conclusion. Despite the Democrats’ historic victory in the 2026 midterm elections, the simultaneous success of girls’ sports initiatives in Democrat-controlled states suggests that voters did not choose them because they wanted to see radical pro-transgender policies implemented. If Democrats misinterpret their electoral victory as a signal to return to the radicalism of the Biden administration, they might provoke the type of voter anger that delivered victory to Republicans in 2024.

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This article was written by Joshua Arnold and origianlly published on The Washington Stand. For more content like this, visit Real Life Network.

This article is adapted from my conversation with Lawrence Reed on Rose Unplugged on the Real Life Network. Watch the full episode here: Lawrence Reed on the Founders History Left Out

I want to talk about where America came from — not the sanitized version or  the cynical version, but the true one.

History is full of revolutions. And almost every single one of them follows the same script — a people rise up against a tyrant, and when the dust settles, a new tyrant is sitting on the throne.

France found that out. Russia found that out. So did nation after nation that told its people “power to the people” and then handed that power straight to the next strongman in line.

America didn’t do that. And I don’t think that was an accident. I think it was providence.

Most of us were taught that our country began with a war. 1776. Muskets and cannon fire. But the truth is, the revolution that mattered most happened before a single shot was ever fired.

It happened in the mind. It was a revolution of ideas — liberty, personal responsibility, faith, and moral courage — and that revolution of thought is what produced the revolution in government. Not the other way around.

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You want to see where it really starts? Go back to 1620. Not a battlefield — a ship. The Mayflower, anchored off Cape Cod, nowhere near where these people had planned to land, no charter to govern them, nothing but open winter ahead.

And instead of chaos, forty-one men stood together and signed the Mayflower Compact — a promise to govern themselves, under God, for the good of one another.

Listen to their own words: they wrote that they undertook their voyage “for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith,” and that they would “covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic.” Before there was a Declaration, there was a covenant. Self-government, under God, freely chosen. That’s the seed everything else grew from.

And it wasn’t easy. Half that colony didn’t survive the first winter. But God, in His providence, sent a man named Squanto — who against all odds had learned English years earlier and showed up right when they needed him most, to teach them to plant, to survive, to endure.

Scripture tells us in Romans 8:28 that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him — and I believe that was evidence of that promise.

Fast forward a century and a half, and that same spirit shows up again and again. Patrick Henry doesn’t say “give me safety” — he says “give me liberty, or give me death,” because he understood something our culture has forgotten: liberty is worth more than comfort.

Washington kneeling in the snow at Valley Forge, in the darkest winter of the war. Franklin, in the middle of the Constitutional Convention, standing up and asking the delegates to pray — reminding grown men, framers of a nation, that “except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it,” straight out of Psalm 127. These weren’t men who saw faith and liberty as separate things. They saw them as two sides of the same coin.

That’s the part our culture keeps trying to erase. Scripture says in 2 Corinthians 3:17, “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” Not liberty and then faith bolted on as decoration — liberty because of faith.

Because you can’t sustain a free people who have no internal government of their own conscience. Take God out of the equation, and you don’t get more freedom. You get more Rome. You get more France. You get more Russia.

And listen — that’s not ancient history. That’s the choice sitting in front of us right now, this year, as we mark 250 years as a nation. Are we going to remember that our liberty was born of ideas — real, sacrificial, God-fearing ideas — or are we going to let it quietly rot into just another entry on history’s long list of revolutions that ate their own?

I don’t think we’re finished. I think the same providence that got a half-starved colony through a Massachusetts winter is still very much in the business of keeping nations.

But providence has always required a people willing to stand — like those forty-one men on that ship, like Henry, like Washington on his knees in the snow.

What Kind of Ancestors Are We Being?

So far we’ve been looking backward — to 1620, to Valley Forge, to a compact signed on a ship with no charter and no guarantee of survival. But I want to close by turning that lens around.

Because every single one of them — the ones on that ship, the ones at Valley Forge, the ones history nearly forgot like Phillis Wheatley and Peter Salem — none of them were thinking about themselves.

They were thinking about us. People they would never meet, in a country they weren’t even sure would survive the winter.

Proverbs 13:22 says, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” Notice it doesn’t say a good man leaves a fortune. It says an inheritance — and the Founders understood that the inheritance that lasts isn’t money. It’s character. It’s faith.

It’s the willingness to keep a covenant even when it costs you something. That’s what got passed down to us. The question standing in front of every one of us right now is simple: what kind of ancestors are we being?

Because here’s the sobering part. Rome didn’t fall in a single day, and it didn’t fall to an invading army first. It hollowed out from the inside — lost its virtue, lost its faith, lost its self-government — and only after all of that had rotted away did the barbarians simply walk through an open door.

Galatians 6:7 warns us plainly: do not be deceived, God is not mocked; whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. Nations do too. That’s not a threat, friends — it’s a mercy. It means the ending isn’t written yet. It means we still get a say in what we’re sowing, in our homes, our churches, our communities, right now, today.

And that’s really what separates our revolution from all the rest, isn’t it? France and Russia promised power to the people and handed it to tyrants instead. Ours kept its promise. That doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because people keep covenants — the way forty-one men kept theirs on the Mayflower, the way that generation kept its word at incredible cost.

Numbers 23:19 tells us God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. A promise-keeping nation was built by people who reflected a promise-keeping God. That’s not a coincidence. That’s the whole story.

So who’s still doing that today? Not just the names in the textbooks. It’s the mom teaching her kids to pray before dinner. It’s the dad showing up to coach a team he doesn’t get paid for. It’s the neighbor who keeps his word when it would be easier not to.

Anne Hutchinson never set out to be in a history book. Phillis Wheatley wrote poetry, not policy. Peter Salem picked up a musket because it needed doing. History is still, right now, being carried by people who will never be famous for it — and that includes you.

So here’s my charge to you, and to myself right along with you: don’t just admire what the Founders built. Ask what you’re building. Ask what you’re leaving behind — in your kids, your grandkids, the people watching how you live.

Because years from now, somebody’s going to be looking back at us the way we look back at 1620 today. Let’s give them something worth inheriting.

Keep your faith steady, your focus clear — and keep moving forward, because you are here for such a time as this.

The 2026 midterm elections delivered a sobering message. Democrats secured major victories, Republicans suffered significant setbacks, and the political landscape shifted in ways few anticipated. For many Americans, the results brought disappointment, frustration, and serious questions about the country's future.

But amid the uncertainty, Christians must remember a truth that no election can change: Our hope was never on a ballot.

Psalm 146:3 warns, “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings who cannot save.” Political leaders come and go. Parties gain and lose power. Congressional majorities change. Yet the authority of Jesus Christ remains unchanged.

That truth does not diminish the importance of elections or the consequences of public policy. Christians should care deeply about the direction of their country, the protection of religious liberty, the well-being of their neighbors, and the future of their families.

But political disappointment must never become spiritual despair. The same God who governed history before Election Day remains sovereign today.

A Political Reckoning for Republicans

The election results revealed serious challenges for the Republican Party, particularly in states that have traditionally provided a foundation for conservative political victories.

In Texas, Democrat James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton in a consequential Senate race. Democratic victories extended beyond the Senate contest, with Republicans also experiencing major setbacks in statewide races.

The results raised questions about whether Texas, long considered a Republican stronghold, could become increasingly competitive in future national elections.

Other states delivered difficult outcomes for Republicans as well. Democratic victories in Ohio, Kansas, Georgia, and Maine reflected a broader shift that cannot be dismissed as an ordinary midterm setback.

History offers some perspective. In 2010, Democrats lost 63 House seats and six Senate seats during Barack Obama's first midterm election. In 1994, Republicans gained 54 House seats and eight Senate seats under Bill Clinton.

Both presidents eventually recovered politically.

A difficult election does not necessarily determine the outcome of the next presidential race. Nevertheless, the results deserve serious reflection.

Americans are concerned about affordability, healthcare, energy prices, national security, and the financial pressures facing their families.

Political leaders may point to economic statistics, border security improvements, or other policy achievements. But when families continue struggling to afford groceries, gasoline, and everyday necessities, those concerns cannot simply be dismissed.

The political consequences of the conflict with Iran also deserve examination. Military decisions carry economic consequences, and higher energy prices affect nearly every aspect of American life.

Acknowledging these concerns does not require abandoning principles. It requires listening carefully to the people affected by public policy.

There were also examples of graciousness amid defeat.

Following the Texas Senate race, Ken Paxton congratulated James Talarico and pledged to pray for his success in serving Texas and the nation. In Ohio, Vivek Ramaswamy encouraged supporters to learn from setbacks and continue working toward a stronger country.

These responses demonstrate an important principle: Political defeat does not excuse bitterness, and disagreement does not remove the Christian responsibility to pray for those in authority.

The path forward requires more than identifying electoral mistakes. It requires humility, wisdom, and a renewed commitment to the principles that matter most.

Israel, Iran, and the Debate Over America's Future

One of the most consequential questions emerging from the election concerns America's relationship with Israel.

Within the Republican Party, disagreements over foreign policy, the conflict with Iran, and the future of American involvement overseas have become increasingly visible.

Vice President JD Vance has called for changes in America's approach to foreign policy, including its relationship with Israel. Those comments raise important questions about the direction of the Republican coalition and the priorities that may shape the 2028 presidential election.

The concerns driving these disagreements are understandable.

American families are tired of rising costs, prolonged conflicts, and uncertainty about the country's responsibilities overseas. Many want their leaders to focus more attention on the challenges affecting everyday life at home.

Those concerns deserve serious consideration.

Yet America's relationship with Israel involves more than the immediate political costs of a particular conflict.

Israel has long been an important American partner in intelligence, defense, technology, and regional security. Cooperation between the two countries carries significant implications for both nations.

For Christians who understand the biblical promises concerning Israel as continuing to carry significance today, the relationship also raises important theological questions.

Genesis 12:3 records God's promise to Abraham concerning those who bless him. Numbers 24:9 echoes the language of blessing and cursing in relation to Israel.

These passages have shaped the convictions of many Christians who believe that America's treatment of Israel should be approached with particular seriousness.

At the same time, biblical conviction should encourage thoughtful judgment rather than dismissing every legitimate question about foreign policy.

Supporting Israel does not require treating every decision by its government as beyond criticism. Nor does concern about American military involvement necessarily indicate hostility toward the Jewish people.

The challenge is to distinguish reasonable policy disagreements from genuine prejudice while considering the moral, strategic, and biblical dimensions of the relationship.

The threat posed by Iran's leadership and its regional activities also remains an important concern.

Iran's nuclear ambitions, its support for armed groups, and the security challenges facing Israel cannot be separated from the broader discussion about American foreign policy.

But difficult questions remain about military strategy, the costs of conflict, and how best to protect American interests while supporting important allies.

Those conversations will likely continue shaping both major political parties.

Political calculations may change from one election to the next, but Christians must evaluate the issues before them through enduring biblical principles rather than temporary partisan loyalties.

God's Sovereignty Is Greater Than Any Election

The most important lesson from the midterms is not found in the electoral map.

It is found in Scripture.

Psalm 20:7 declares, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

That distinction matters in moments of political uncertainty.

The strength of a nation is not measured solely by its economy, military capabilities, or political leadership. Proverbs 14:34 reminds believers that righteousness exalts a nation, while sin brings reproach.

America's challenges therefore cannot be solved through political strategy alone.

Better candidates, stronger campaigns, and more effective policies may produce meaningful improvements. But no political leader can transform the human heart or accomplish the mission entrusted to the Church.

Only Jesus Christ can save.

That truth should shape how Christians respond to both political victories and defeats.

When preferred candidates win, gratitude should be accompanied by humility. Political success is not evidence that every decision made by a party or leader is righteous.

When preferred candidates lose, disappointment should not become hopelessness. God's authority does not depend on congressional majorities or presidential elections.

The responsibility of Christians remains the same.

Continue sharing the Gospel. Make disciples. Strengthen families. Support faithful churches. Care for neighbors. Defend biblical truth. Pray for elected leaders, including those whose beliefs and policies differ from biblical convictions.

First Timothy 2:1–2 calls believers to pray for kings and all who are in authority. That command does not change when a different political party assumes power.

Pray for wisdom in government. Pray for justice and peace. Pray for leaders to recognize their responsibility before God. Pray that those who do not know Jesus Christ would come to saving faith.

And remember that political opponents are not beyond the reach of God's grace.

A nation cannot be renewed simply by winning an election. Lasting spiritual renewal begins with transformed hearts and lives shaped by the truth of God's Word.

That is why Christians must resist the temptation to measure the Church's success by the fortunes of a political party.

The Great Commission has not been suspended. The call to be salt and light has not been withdrawn. The responsibility to love God and neighbor remains.

The coming years may bring difficult political battles, disagreements over America's future, and further uncertainty about the direction of the country.

But uncertainty about politics does not require uncertainty about God.

Empires rise and fall. Political movements emerge and fade. Leaders who once appeared unstoppable eventually leave the stage of history.

Jesus Christ remains King.

There is no reason to abandon the work God has placed before His people. There is no reason to surrender joy to fear or allow disappointment to harden into bitterness.

Grief may be an understandable response to a difficult election. Despair need not be.

America's future remains worth caring about, its people remain worth serving, and its leaders remain worth praying for.

Most importantly, the hope of the Gospel remains as powerful today as it was before the first ballot was cast.

Remember who you are, whose you are, and who remains on the throne.

For more news, cultural analysis, and biblical perspective, watch The Daniel Cohen Show on Real Life Network.

I think the most fitting response to this week’s election results is found in Jesus’s words in Matthew 28: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

What’s the connection to the election? First, let’s look at the election numbers.

In the 2018 midterms, white evangelicals made up 26% of the vote. On Tuesday, according to NBC, it was 17%. That’s a decline of nine percentage points.

I’m not a big fan of the elastic term “evangelical,” and tracking only white evangelicals leaves about 40% of my church out of the equation. White evangelicals are one slice of a racially diverse community of people who believe the Bible and allow it to inform their views on moral and spiritual issues that have been deemed political.

However, a decline in the share of voters could reflect lower turnout, a decline in the number of evangelicals relative to the population, or both. As for turnout, we won’t have a reliable number on what percentage of evangelicals actually voted. But some suggest it declined, and that’s a problem. When evangelicals sit out an election, they give up an opportunity to shape its outcome.

So how does all this connect to the words of Jesus?

First, Jesus tells us to make disciples. That should prompt us to ask how faithfully we’ve carried out the Great Commission. We need a renewed emphasis on sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, making disciples, and baptizing them. Start with someone you know. Share what Christ has done in your life and invite that person to read Scripture with you.

I’m sure some critics of the church would say, “Focus on evangelism and stay out of politics.” Well, consider the second part of what Jesus said, the Cultural Commission: “Teach them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” The truth of God and obedience to it is not just a private matter.

Followers of Jesus, equipped and encouraged by pastors, need to share their faith and live it out in a way that impacts the world around them, including government.

My response to the election? Go make disciples for Jesus and teach them to impact the country and the culture with biblical truth.

If you’re looking for a way to put that into practice in your community, visit frc.org/chapters to learn about our Pray Vote Stand chapters.

If you’re discouraged, remember how Jesus began and ended those words. He began by saying that all authority in heaven and on earth had been given to Him. And He ended with a promise for us as we go. “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

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This article was originally published on The Washington Stand. For more content like this, visit Real Life Network.

The midterm elections are behind us. Some Americans are encouraged by the results, while others are disappointed, frustrated, or uncertain about what the next few years may bring.

For Christians, however, the most important truth has not changed. Our hope does not come from a politician, a political party, a candidate, or the outcome of an election. Our hope is in Jesus Christ.

Elections can change who holds power. They can affect laws, policies, and the direction of the country. Christians have good reason to pay attention and remain engaged. But no election has the authority to change God’s Word, alter His promises, or remove the assignment He has given His people.

Truth Is Still Truth

Political movements come and go. Public opinion shifts. Cultural values can change dramatically within a generation. God’s Word remains the same.

That is why Christians need biblical truth deeply rooted within them. When our beliefs depend on the cultural environment around us, an election result can leave us feeling as though everything has changed. When our foundation is Scripture, we can recognize that the most important things have not.

Jesus is still Lord. The Gospel is still true. God is still sovereign. Christians are still called to speak truth, love their neighbors, make disciples, serve others, and live faithfully.

Whatever happened at the ballot box, none of that has changed.

If You Feel Discouraged, Get Back Up

Political disappointment can be real. People invest time, energy, prayer, and concern in issues they believe will affect their families, churches, communities, and country. When the outcome is not what they hoped for, discouragement can follow. But Christians are not called to stay discouraged.

Isaiah 6:8 records the prophet’s response when God asks whom He will send: “Here am I! Send me” (NKJV). That is a useful posture after an election too. Instead of asking only what the government will do next, Christians can ask what God has given us to do next.

That assignment may be large or small. It may involve serving in a church, raising children who know biblical truth, helping a neighbor, speaking up when something is wrong, sharing the Gospel, strengthening a marriage, serving a community, or simply being faithful where God has already placed you.

There is still work to do.

Don’t Put Your Hope in Political Power

Christians can care about politics without expecting politics to save the country, the culture, or the human heart.

Political leaders can make wise decisions or foolish ones. Governments can protect freedom or restrict it. Policies can have enormous consequences. Those realities are reasons to stay informed and engaged, but they are not reasons to place our ultimate confidence in government.

Psalm 146:3 says, “Do not put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help” (NKJV). That warning applies whether your preferred candidates win or lose. A political victory should not produce misplaced confidence, and a political defeat should not produce despair. Our hope was never supposed to rest there.

Strengthen Your Walk with Jesus

One of the best responses to an uncertain political future is also one of the simplest: nurture your own walk with Christ.

Spend time in Scripture. Pray. Listen to the Lord. Know what you believe and why you believe it. The more confusing the culture becomes, the more important it is for Christians to be grounded in truth rather than carried along by every new headline or political argument.

That personal relationship with Christ also shapes the way believers engage the world around them. Christians should be known not simply for what they oppose but for the way they represent Jesus through truth, courage, compassion, integrity, and faithfulness.

Philippians 3:20 reminds believers that “our citizenship is in heaven” (NKJV). That does not remove our responsibilities here. It puts them in perspective.

Pray for the People Who Will Govern

Once an election ends, Christians have another responsibility: pray for the people who have been elected. First Timothy 2:1–2 calls believers to pray for those in authority. Scripture does not limit that command to leaders we supported, leaders from our preferred political party, or leaders who share our faith.

Pray that they will govern wisely. Pray that they will pursue what is right and resist what is wrong. Pray for their decisions, their advisers, their families, and the people affected by their leadership.

And pray for something even greater: that leaders who do not know Christ would come to know Him. A political opponent is not beyond the reach of the Gospel. A leader whose beliefs are far from biblical truth is not beyond God’s ability to change a heart. Christians believe in a God who does what human beings cannot. That should change the way we pray after an election.

The Church’s Mission Has Not Changed

No election can give the Church its mission, and no election can take that mission away. Pastors still need to teach the Bible faithfully. Parents still need to disciple their children. Christians still need to share the Gospel, defend truth, care for people in need, support their churches, strengthen their communities, and represent Christ wherever God has placed them.

There is no permission to quit because the political environment becomes difficult. If anything, challenging times make faithful biblical leadership and strong churches even more important.

Real Life Network exists to help believers stay grounded through Bible teaching, trusted news, Christian worldview programming, apologetics, documentaries, and other resources that point people back to truth. The goal is not simply to understand what is happening in the world, but to be equipped to live faithfully within it.

Keep Moving Forward

The midterms may have changed the political landscape, but they did not change who sits on the throne.

God was not surprised by the results. Christians therefore do not need to live as though the future has suddenly slipped beyond His control. We can pray for our leaders, stay engaged, stand for truth, and continue doing the work He has placed before us.

Most importantly, we can keep our eyes on Jesus. Political leaders will come and go. Parties will gain and lose power. Another election will arrive before long. But Jesus Christ remains “the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8, NKJV).

Whatever the political future holds, Christians still have reason to move forward with hope. Our confidence was never supposed to rest in an election result. It rests in the risen Christ, our King and our ultimate hope.

Stay grounded in biblical truth with free Bible teaching, trusted news, current events, and Christian programming on Real Life Network.

The religious decline in America is over for now. After years of decreasing church attendance, a recent report shows steady turnout rates since 2020.

Thirty-four percent of adults in the U.S. said they attended religious services in person over the last month, according to a June 2026 Pew Research Center survey. Forty-five percent said they either attended religious services in person or watched them online or on TV during the last month. The data shows both statistics at their highest levels since 2020.

“The latest Pew Research Center findings are encouraging in so far as they suggest that the decades-long decline in religious identification and practice may be leveling off,” David Closson, director of the Center for Biblical Worldview at Family Research Council, told The Washington Stand.

“For years, Americans have been told that secularization is inevitable and the Christian influence in public life will continue to diminish. These findings complicate that narrative. However, we should still be careful not to confuse religious identification with genuine Christian discipleship. From a biblical perspective, the most important question is not simply how many Americans identify with a religion, but whether people are repenting of sin, trusting in Christ, and ordering their lives according to God’s word.”

The study also points to a resurgence of faith among young people. Pew reports that 41% of young adults between the ages of 18-22 say they go to services at a church, synagogue, mosque, or other house of worship at least once or twice a month. Data also shows reasonable levels of stability in the religiosity of the age group since 2014.

“The relatively high rates of religious attendance among the youngest adults are encouraging, even as the broader data reveals a more complicated picture. My hope is that we are witnessing the beginnings of a renewed openness to Christianity among Gen Z, which has grown up amid significant moral and cultural confusion,” Closson continued.

“But increased church attendance must be accompanied by sound biblical teaching and a willingness to embrace the authority of Scripture, especially when the Bible’s teachings conflict with prevailing cultural assumptions. A renewed commitment to biblical Christianity would have implications far beyond Sunday morning worship, including how Americans approach the moral questions confronting our nation.”

For the cohort of young adults born between 2000-2003, Pew reports a slightly higher religious attendance rate than in 2022. “The 2022 reading may reflect a pandemic-era low point in religious attendance among members of this group. All the other indicators show no notable change in either direction. Estimates vary from year to year, but the percentages of people who say they pray daily, that religion is very important to them and that they identify with a religion are all about the same today as in 2022,” the report explains.

Those born in the 1990s show similar statistics. People aged 27-36 are somewhat more likely to say religion is very important in their lives in 2026 than in 2020.

Closson underscored that these numbers don’t necessarily point toward growth or regression in faith, which should serve as a reminder to pastors who have accepted the role of shepherding God’s flock.

“Pastors and ministry leaders should be heartened that the decline of church attendance has evidently leveled off, but we cannot mistake a higher church attendance among young adults as an overall leveling off of the decline in church attendance as necessarily evidence that the church’s mission is being accomplished,” he shared. “Ultimately, fidelity to God’s word and theological conviction is what’s most important. Pastors should take renewed confidence in aspects of this report and recommit to ensuring that their teaching points people to God’s inerrant, infallible, and unchanging word.”

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This article was written by Quinn Delamater and origianlly published on The Washington Stand. For more content like this, visit Real Life Network.

Teenagers today are growing up in a world filled with competing messages about truth, identity, morality, and purpose. Social media, entertainment, online influencers, and cultural trends all shape the way young people think—often long before they have the tools to evaluate those ideas carefully.

That reality has led many parents and church leaders to ask an important question: Are there biblical worldview shows specifically designed to help teens navigate today’s culture?

The answer is yes. Christian streaming platforms increasingly offer programs that help younger audiences think biblically about the world around them without sounding overly academic or disconnected from real life.

What Is a Biblical Worldview?

A biblical worldview is simply a way of understanding life through the lens of Scripture. It shapes how a person thinks about:

• Truth 
• Identity 
• Relationships 
• Purpose 
• Morality 
• Culture 

For teenagers, developing a biblical worldview means learning how to process difficult questions and cultural pressures through God’s Word rather than through constantly changing trends.

This kind of foundation becomes increasingly important during the teen years, when questions become deeper and outside influences become stronger.

Why Teens Need More Than Surface-Level Content

Today’s teens are exposed to serious questions earlier than previous generations. They are hearing conversations about:

• Faith and skepticism 
• Science and religion 
• Identity and belonging 
• Anxiety and purpose 
• Social pressure and morality 

Because of this, many young people are looking for honest, thoughtful answers—not simplistic responses or shallow clichés.

Christian streaming platforms are responding by creating content that respects teens’ intelligence while still remaining grounded in Scripture.

Biblical Worldview Programs on Real Life Network

Real Life Network offers several programs that help teens engage faith, culture, and truth thoughtfully.

The Creation Today Show

Hosted by Eric Hovind, The Creation Today Show explores science, creation, worldview, and biblical truth in a way that is accessible for students and families. The program encourages teens to think critically about what they hear in culture and education while remaining rooted in Scripture.

Why teens connect with it:
It addresses real questions about science and faith without talking down to viewers.

Bridge Bible Talk

This discussion-based program answers real-life questions about theology, Scripture, culture, and Christian living. Because the format is conversational, teens often find it easier to engage than traditional lectures or sermons.

Topics range from practical everyday struggles to deeper theological issues.

Why it works for teens:
It models thoughtful, biblical conversations rather than one-sided preaching.

I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist

Based on the apologetics ministry of Frank Turek, this program tackles difficult questions about Christianity, truth, morality, and evidence for faith.

For teens navigating skepticism or cultural pressure, apologetics-based content can help strengthen confidence and understanding.

Why teens appreciate it:
It helps answer the “why” behind Christian belief, not just the “what.”

Lamps Lit Youth Prophecy Conference

Designed specifically for junior high and high school students, the Lamps Lit Youth Prophecy Conference explores Bible prophecy and end-times topics in a way that is engaging and understandable for younger audiences.

Featuring speakers like Jeff Kinley, Todd Hampson, and Pastor Jack Hibbs, the conference connects biblical prophecy with hope, discernment, and Christian living.

Why teens respond to it:
It treats young people seriously while helping them see how Scripture relates to the future and the world around them.

Why Worldview Content Matters for Teens

Teenagers are not just learning facts; they are forming foundations. What they believe during these years often shapes how they approach adulthood, relationships, faith, and decision-making later in life. Biblical worldview content helps teens:

• Learn how to think critically 
• Understand Scripture more deeply 
• Build confidence in their faith 
• Navigate cultural confusion with wisdom 
• Ask honest questions in a healthy environment 

This kind of content becomes even more valuable when paired with conversations at home or church.

Streaming Reaches Teens Where They Already Are

One reason Christian streaming is effective for younger generations is because it meets them in the environments they already use.

Today’s teens naturally consume media through:

• Phones and tablets 
• Streaming apps 
• Podcasts and short-form video 
• Smart TVs and laptops 

Christian streaming platforms make biblical teaching and worldview discussions accessible within those same habits and rhythms.

Parents Still Play the Most Important Role

Even the best Christian content is not a substitute for relationships. Streaming works best when parents, pastors, and mentors stay involved. Simple conversations after watching a program can make a major impact:

• What stood out to you? 
• Did anything challenge the way you think? 
• What does Scripture say about that idea? 

These moments help teens move from passive viewing to active reflection.

How Real Life Network Supports the Next Generation

Real Life Network provides a curated environment where teens can explore difficult questions, hear biblical teaching, and engage cultural topics without being overwhelmed by conflicting messages or distractions.

By combining apologetics, discussions, documentaries, conferences, and Bible teaching in one place, RLN helps younger viewers develop a worldview shaped by Scripture rather than trends.

Teenagers today need more than entertainment. They need wisdom, discernment, and a strong biblical foundation for navigating an increasingly complicated world.

Christian streaming platforms are helping meet that need by offering worldview-focused content that speaks honestly, thoughtfully, and biblically to the next generation.

Explore biblical worldview content for teens anytime on Real Life Network.

“I have lived, Sir, a long time and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth — that God governs in the affairs of men.” Thus Benjamin Franklin exhorted the Constitutional Convention to prayer on June 28, 1787. Franklin was no born-again Christian, but even this man of the Enlightenment could recognize from experience the truth that Scripture proclaims from every page. In a chaotic election season, let Christians cling to this truth, lest an unbeliever show more faith in God’s power than we do.

The book of Daniel bears particular relevance to the current situation. It opens with God’s people in Judah sustaining a devastating political defeat. King Jehoiachin surrendered to the besieging Babylonian army, and Judah’s best and brightest were taken away into slavery and exile (2 Kings 24:10-16; Daniel 1:1-3).

Some exiles hoped for speedy deliverance, but soon Jeremiah wrote to inform the exiles that they would remain in Babylon for 70 years, “Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. … seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare” (Jeremiah 29:4-7).

Such a devastating message met with skepticism and doubt. “Really, God? Your people should seek the welfare of their enemies? You have placed us as an oppressed minority in a nation that defies your word! Worse yet, they ridicule your name when they gloat in triumph over us!”

The book of Daniel counters both the doubt of Israel and the gloating of their captors by showing beyond any doubt that the God of Israel is the sovereign ruler of history, and no one can thwart his purposes. The book proves its case with three arguments: God knows the future, God humbles the pride of human rulers, and God saves his people.

First, God knows the future. The book of Daniel is known for its apocalyptic visions, especially its detailed predictions of history through the Babylonian, Persian, and Greek empires (Daniel 8-11), and the strange, fourth beast in Daniel 7. This beast “shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time” (Daniel 7:25).

Why would God allow such a blasphemous ruler to “wear out the saints”? As Abraham Lincoln would say, “The Almighty has His own purposes.”

What we can know is the reason why God foretold these events to a prophet: so that God’s people would not become discouraged by bleak circumstances. After the beast rules, Daniel is told, “the court shall sit in judgment, and his dominion shall be taken away, to be consumed and destroyed to the end” (Daniel 7:26). “But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever” (Daniel 7:18). Sinful human governments have their moment, but God and his people will triumph forever.

In fact, God’s plan for the future is so secure that he can “call his shots” ahead of time, alerting hostile rulers to his future plans, as if daring them to stop him. Thus, God gave King Nebuchadnezzar a vision of “what will be in the latter days” (Daniel 2:28), which none of his advisors could interpret. Daniel interpreted the statue of different metals as different kingdoms of dwindling glory, going all the way down until the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed,” which “shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever” (Daniel 2:44).

Nebuchadnezzar admitted that Daniel’s God was “God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries” (Daniel 2:47), but then he turned around and built an image of solid gold (Daniel 3:1), as if defying the vision. But Nebuchadnezzar died, and his empire perished. And God has built a kingdom under the lordship of Jesus Christ that will never pass away.

It’s almost impossible to imagine such a revelation injected into American discourse today. Suppose that someone claimed: America will fall, China will fall, Russia will fall; the mightiest powers will all pass away, but the church of Jesus Christ will reign triumphant. Now suppose that God mystically revealed this to the most anti-Christian officials of our day, as if daring them: go ahead; try and stop me. Our God is the only one who “changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding” (Daniel 2:21).

Second, God humbles the pride of human rulers. As if the previous revelations were not enough, God gave Nebuchadnezzar another vision with a more personal warning: he would suffer seven years of madness and live like an animal (Daniel 4:13-16).

When Daniel provided the interpretation yet again, he exhorted his master, “Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you: break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, that there may perhaps be a lengthening of your prosperity” (Daniel 4:27). But Nebuchadnezzar did not heed the warning, and so the judgment came just as God had foretold — God was once again “calling his shots” (Daniel 4:31).

Nebuchadnezzar’s sanity only returned when he “blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever.” The king finally realized that “his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, ‘What have you done?’ … All his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble” (Daniel 4:34-37).

God taught a similar but more severe lesson to Nebuchadnezzar’s son (or grandson) Belshazzar. Despite knowing the history of chapter 4, Belshazzar drunkenly mocked the God of Israel (Daniel 5:2), a disembodied hand wrote a message of doom on the palace wall (Daniel 5:5), and the king was killed that very night (Daniel 5:30). God is still undefeated in every contest against a king who challenged him.

Third, God saves his people. Even when his people are up against the wall — nay, especially then — God loves to demonstrate his saving power. When Daniel’s three friends refuse to worship the golden image of Nebuchadnezzar, they survive a trip through the fiery furnace that scorched their captors without so much as the smell of smoke (Daniel 3:26-27). How is that possible? Only with God. When Daniel disobeyed an edict to pray to God, he survived a night in a den of hungry lions without so much as a scratch (Daniel 6:22).

Again, this is only possible through divine intervention. And it prompted King Darius to decree that “people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, for he is the living God, enduring forever; his kingdom shall never be destroyed, and his dominion shall be to the end” (Daniel 6:26).

This suggests an application still relevant for American Christians today. Instead of fretting over election results, let us resolve to keep following God. Love of neighbor should incite us to vote; but after we have done our duty, we can safely put the results in God’s hands. If the results turn out differently than we would wish, we can take comfort in the fact that God knows the future, that he can humble the pride of rulers, and that he can deliver us, too — both now and hereafter.

Daniel learned this as soon as he arrived in Babylon. Instead of succumbing to the enticement of Babylonian pleasures, he “resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank” (Daniel 1:8). His faithfulness to God’s word was put to the test, and he came out so much healthier than his peers that his boss ordered everyone else to follow Daniel’s lifestyle (Daniel 1:15).

God also delivers his servants in the final judgment. When “those who sleep in the dust” awake to everlasting life or everlasting contempt, “your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. … And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:1-3).

We can hope confidently in this because we worship the risen Son of Man, who came and proclaimed a kingdom. As Daniel saw, “to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed” (Daniel 7:13-14). Compared to such eternal dominion, what is a single election?

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This article was written by Joshua Arnold and originally published on The Washington Stand. For more content like this, visit Real Life Network.

Election Day 2026 is here.

Across the country, Americans are making decisions that will help determine the direction of Congress, state governments, local communities, and public policy for the years ahead. Tonight, attention will turn from campaigns and predictions to 2026 election results as vote totals begin coming in from races nationwide.

But Election Night is about more than watching numbers change on a screen.

The results will reflect months of debate over the economy, immigration, healthcare, education, public safety, abortion, foreign policy, religious liberty, government spending, and other issues that matter deeply to American families and communities.

That makes tonight an important time not only to follow who wins, but to understand what the results mean.

Real Life Network will be covering the evening live with America Speaks ’26: Election Night Live, bringing viewers election results, updates, conversation, and biblical perspective as the national picture develops.

Election Day 2026 Is Here

The November 3 election marks the culmination of the 2026 midterm campaign.

There is no presidential election this year, but the results will shape the U.S. House and Senate while also determining governors, state lawmakers, local officials, and ballot measures around the country.

Some of the most closely followed races will have national consequences. Others may never become national headlines but will significantly affect the states and communities where they are being decided.

Throughout the day, campaigns will make their final appeals and news organizations will continue covering developments from around the country. Once results begin arriving tonight, the focus will shift quickly toward which races can be called, which remain uncertain, and what the emerging results may mean for the political landscape.

Follow More Than the Numbers

Election results tell us who received the votes.

Understanding an election requires going further.

As returns come in tonight, pay attention to the issues that shaped individual races. A congressional contest may turn heavily on economic concerns. A governor’s race may center on education, taxes, public safety, or state policy. Ballot measures may reveal how voters in a particular state or community view questions that have also been debated nationally. Those differences are important.

A national map can show which party gained or lost seats, but it cannot fully explain why voters in different parts of the country made the choices they did.

That is why useful live election coverage should provide context alongside results.

Why Some 2026 Election Results May Take Time

Election Night moves quickly, but not every race will produce an immediate answer.

Early vote totals can change considerably as additional results are reported. Different jurisdictions report at different speeds, and the first results available may come from areas that vote differently from those reporting later.

Reputable news organizations therefore do not simply declare whoever is ahead at a particular moment the winner.

The Associated Press, for example, says it calls a race only when its analysts determine that the trailing candidate no longer has a path to victory. Many winners can be identified on Election Night, while particularly close contests may take longer.

That means phrases such as “too early to call” are an important part of responsible election reporting.

Tonight, some races may be decided quickly. Others may remain unresolved long after the evening’s coverage ends.

What Are the Key Issues Behind Election Day 2026?

The campaigns may be ending, but the policy debates will continue long after November 3.

Throughout the 2026 election season, Americans have heard competing arguments about affordability and the economy, immigration and border security, healthcare, education, abortion, public safety, foreign affairs, government spending, technology, and other issues.

Election results can help reveal how those debates played out in particular races and communities.

But a winning candidate does not necessarily mean every voter agreed with every position that candidate held. Elections involve candidates, parties, personalities, local conditions, economic concerns, and many other factors.

For that reason, be cautious about sweeping conclusions drawn from a single race or even one Election Night.

Understanding what voters decided is one question. Understanding why is often much more complicated.

News Matters Most When It Provides Context

Election nights generate an enormous amount of information.

Results flash across screens. Maps change. Analysts discuss trends. Candidates speak. Social media fills with reactions before many races have even been settled.

Having a reliable place to follow those developments matters.

Real Life Network approaches news and current events through a biblical worldview, helping viewers consider not simply what happened but why the issues behind the headlines matter.

Throughout the year, programs such as RLN News, The Daniel Cohen Show, Rose Unplugged, Cure America, and other RLN programming examine events affecting faith, culture, public life, and the nation.

Tonight, America Speaks ’26 brings that approach directly to Election Night.

A Christian Perspective on Election Night

Christians have good reason to care about elections.

Government decisions affect families, churches, businesses, schools, communities, religious freedom, public safety, and the lives of our neighbors. But Election Night can also tempt people to treat political victory or defeat as something larger than it is.

No election determines the truth of the Gospel. No political party replaces the Church. No candidate can carry the hope Christians place in Jesus Christ.

That does not make politics unimportant. It puts politics in perspective. Romans 13:1 reminds believers that governing authority ultimately exists under God’s sovereignty. First Timothy 2:1–2 also calls Christians to pray for those in authority. Those responsibilities continue regardless of tonight’s results.

Christians can follow Election Night closely, care deeply about its consequences, celebrate outcomes they support, feel disappointed by others, and still remember that their ultimate allegiance and hope rest somewhere higher than politics.

Follow 2026 Election Results Live on Real Life Network

Tonight, Real Life Network presents America Speaks ’26: Election Night Live, beginning at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT.

Pastor Jack Hibbs, Daniel Cohen, and other Real Life Network voices will follow major races across the country with live election results, updates, commentary, conversation, and biblical perspective as the evening unfolds.

The coverage is free to watch with a Real Life Network account and is available online or through the RLN app on supported devices.

Election Day is here. The campaigning is ending, the results are beginning, and the country will soon have a clearer picture of what comes next.

Sign up for America Speaks ’26 updates and join Real Life Network tonight for live Election Night coverage—news you can trust from a biblical worldview.

Nearly 5,000 Christians were killed for their faith in 2025 — 72% of them in Nigeria. For decades, the African country has been marked by bloodshed, and its government is complicit.

Brad Brandon, founder and CEO of the relief-work nonprofit Across Nigeria, told The Washington Stand that the instability Nigeria experiences festers as a genocide is happening against its own people, and the Nigerian authorities turn a blind eye.

But when it comes to covering up the facts, the government moves efficiently and doesn’t spare any expense. Reports in early 2026, verified by the Justice Department’s records, showed the Nigerian government paid $9 million to the Washington D.C. public relations firm, the DCI Group. According to Brandon, the investment enabled lobbyists to persuade members of Congress not to shine a light on the Christian genocide happening overseas.

In addition to paid lobbyists, Brandon claims the Nigerian government pays off mainstream media outlets — both international and American — to give minimal to no coverage to the genocide Nigeria is enabling. The nonprofit leader continued that Across Nigeria is building a case to expose possible corruption.

“[It looks like] they’re funneling money to the subset groups that are attached to these media outlets, and so we’re trying to sift through which of these subset groups are attached to which legacy media outlets,” he said.

Brandon explained that the more Across Nigeria researched the Nigerian government’s investments, the more they found. “In 2024, there was $547 billion that was divested from Nigeria, so foreign investors took that money out of Nigeria because of the instability. So, the logical conclusion is that Nigeria is trying to whitewash. They’re trying to clean up their global image, whitewash this genocide, so that they can attract those foreign investors back into the country.”

While radical Islamic terrorist groups massacre believers, Nigerian officials are slow to act, said Brandon. He recalled a time when he and others from Across Nigeria visited a community of widows in Nigeria, before getting called away to aid an attacked neighboring community. Local security forces were immediately notified — but took almost three hours to arrive on the scene, despite being stationed 20 minutes away.

“When we got there, there were 10 that were massacred, and we ended up burying them in a mass grave,” Brandon shared. “There’s no reason that it should have taken them two to three hours. And then, shortly after that, the security forces left. And later that night, that same village was attacked again, and five people were killed.”

“That was an attack against Christians. …The instability caused by radical Islamic groups like ISWA [Islamic State West Africa] and Boko Haram has opened the door to lawlessness throughout northern Nigeria, which has given opportunity to banditry groups to feel like they can walk into a community, slaughter 60 people, kidnap people, steal whatever they need to steal, and walk away and get away with it. And they do every single day because there’s no security forces being brought in to stabilize the region.”

Brandon noted that while the Nigerian government denies the attacks target Christians, he is not convinced. “We see the amount of Christians who are being killed and how they’re inordinately being targeted,” he asserted. “I think there’s a case to be made that the Nigerian government is complicit in this. The Boko Haram and ISWA are very strong political, not only terrorist organizations, but political organizations. In northern Nigeria, most of the political power is held in the north, and the north is mostly Muslim. It’s about 90% Muslim in northern Nigeria.”

While Brandon says the Nigerian government likes to boast of its “inclusivity” where Christians and Muslims are concerned, the country’s constitution mentions of Islam and Sharia law more than 100 times but makes no mention of Christianity.

“So, it does favor Islam in a major way,” Brandon explained. “The attacks in the north have been allowed to go on, and the security forces and the Nigerian government have done nothing in 15 years to secure it.”

While lives are lost almost every day, Brandon is sure the hope of God’s Word can heal the Nigerian nation.

“We believe that the gospel is the solution to this problem,” Brandon declared. “Governments can help, organizations can help, but the ultimate solution is the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

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This article was written by Quinn Delamater and origianlly published on The Washington Stand. For more content like this, visit Real Life Network.

Tomorrow, Americans will once again go to the polls.

Campaigns will end. Ballots will be cast. Representatives will be chosen. And for all the attention elections receive, Election Day also offers an opportunity to remember something bigger than any one race or candidate: the extraordinary responsibility of self-government.

That idea didn’t suddenly appear in 1776. Long before there was a United States of America, people on these shores were wrestling with questions of government, liberty, faith, responsibility, and how a community could order itself for the common good.

Those questions are woven throughout The American Story, the first Real Life Network Original documentary featuring Pastor Jack Hibbs and historian Tim Barton.

A “Civil Body Politic”

In 1620, before the Pilgrims even stepped onto the shores of Plymouth, the men aboard the Mayflower entered into an agreement that became known as the Mayflower Compact. They covenanted together to form what they called a “civil Body Politick” and to establish “just and equal Laws” for the good of the colony.

It was a small beginning. This was not yet the United States, nor was the Compact a blueprint for the Constitution that would come more than a century and a half later. But it reflected an idea that would become deeply important in the American story: people joining together, accepting responsibilities as members of a community, and participating in their own government.

The American Story returns to Plymouth to explore the Pilgrims, their faith, the hardships they endured, and the principles they hoped to pass on to future generations.

Liberty of Conscience

As the colonies grew, so did the debate over another principle that would become central to the nation: religious liberty.

In Virginia’s 1776 Declaration of Rights, the section on religion declared that faith could be directed only by “reason and conviction, not by force or violence” and called for people to be free to exercise religion according to conscience.

A decade later, the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom declared that no person should be compelled to support a particular religious ministry or suffer because of his religious beliefs.

These were significant ideas in an age when governments had often dictated religious practice.

Religious liberty was not conceived merely as permission to worship privately. The founding generation wrestled seriously with the relationship between faith, conscience, citizenship, and government. Those conversations helped shape the freedoms Americans continue to exercise today.

Liberty Requires Responsibility

America’s first president also understood that a free form of government placed responsibilities on the people entrusted with it. In his first inaugural address, George Washington spoke of the relationship between duty, morality, public prosperity, and the preservation of liberty. He described the future of republican government as an experiment entrusted to the American people.

That phrase is worth considering: entrusted to the American people.

Self-government assumes participation. It asks citizens to pay attention, seek wisdom, understand the issues before them, choose representatives, and accept responsibility for the direction of their communities and country.

Voting is one expression of that responsibility, but citizenship does not begin or end at the ballot box. It includes: 

• Understanding our history
• Knowing the principles behind our institutions
• Exercising our freedoms responsibly
• Serving our neighbors
• Speaking truthfully
• Praying for those in authority
• And remaining engaged long after the election signs have disappeared.

Before Looking Ahead, Look Back

That is one reason The American Story arrives at such an interesting moment.

Tim Barton takes viewers to Plymouth, Boston, Lexington, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Valley Forge, and other historic locations to examine the people and convictions behind events many of us have known about since childhood.

Pastor Jack Hibbs then brings those stories into the present, challenging Christians to consider what faithfulness, courage, and responsible citizenship look like in our own generation.

The film doesn’t merely ask us to admire the past. It asks us to remember it. Because before America chooses its next representatives, there is value in remembering the principles, sacrifices, and responsibilities that made representative government possible in the first place.

On Election Day, Americans will make many different choices at the ballot box. But whatever those choices may be, we share an inheritance worth understanding and a responsibility to steward the freedoms we have received.

Before America votes, remember where we began.

‍Learn more about The American Story and pre-order your copy today.

America’s history is filled with familiar names, places, and moments. Plymouth. George Washington. The American Revolution. Independence Hall. The Liberty Bell.

But behind those familiar pieces of history are remarkable stories of faith, courage, sacrifice, prayer, and a closely held belief that liberty comes from God.

The American Story, the first Real Life Network Original documentary, featuring Pastor Jack Hibbs and historian Tim Barton, goes beyond the familiar accounts to explore the people, convictions, and events that helped shape a nation.

And beginning today, you can pre-order it.

Go Back to Where the Story Happened

Rather than simply revisiting familiar events, The American Story looks beneath the surface to uncover the beliefs, sacrifices, and people behind the history.

Tim Barton travels to many of the places where America’s story actually unfolded, including Plymouth, Boston, Lexington, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Valley Forge. Standing at historic sites such as Plymouth Rock, the Monument to the Forefathers, Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Valley Forge, he brings context to people and events that can too easily become little more than names and dates.

You’ll encounter the Pilgrims and their vision for the New World. The pastors and revivalists whose preaching helped shape colonial America. George Washington and the faith that sustained him through extraordinary challenges. Samuel and John Adams. Benjamin Franklin. The Continental Congress. The fight for liberty.

Along the way, Pastor Jack Hibbs connects those events to something more than history. He asks what Christians today can learn from the faith, courage, and sense of responsibility demonstrated by generations who came before us.

The American Story is not simply about remembering the past. It is about considering what we will do with the inheritance we have received.

A Story Worth Passing On

America is celebrating its 250th birthday this year, making this an especially important time to know how our nation began and to pass that history to another generation.

That is why the pre-order offering includes more than the film itself.

The American Story bundle includes the DVD, digital access to the documentary, and the Give Thanks: A Holiday Kids Guide, a fun, faith-centered resource created to help children discover the history and meaning behind Thanksgiving.

While The American Story takes families deeper into America’s founding and Christian heritage, the kids’ guide gives younger family members an age-appropriate way to explore history for themselves.

Together, they create an opportunity to do something increasingly rare: sit down as a family, learn together, ask questions, and talk about the people and principles that helped shape the country we call home.

The Story Begins This Thanksgiving

The American Story arrives Thanksgiving Day, November 26.

It is fitting that a film about America’s beginnings would arrive during a holiday rooted so deeply in remembrance and gratitude.

This Thanksgiving season, go beyond the familiar version of the story. Visit the places where history happened. Meet the people behind the names. Discover the faith that influenced generations of Americans.

And then pass the story on.

Pre-order The American Story bundle today.

A Pew Research Center survey released earlier this year found that 66% of Americans believe churches and other houses of worship should stay out of political matters rather than address day-to-day social and political questions. Does that mean a pastor should avoid any subject politicians happen to debate?

Consider abortion, marriage, human sexuality, immigration, and justice. These are not merely political issues that divide the parties. They are moral and spiritual issues which Scripture addresses. If pastors were to cut every biblical passage that becomes controversial in Washington, our Bibles would look like Swiss cheese.

Perhaps the deeper question is whether we understand how frequently God’s people were called to bring God’s truth to bear on matters of civil government.

In a 2019 Pew survey of biblical knowledge, 79% correctly identified Moses, 78% David, 69% Abraham, but only 28% Esther.

Pew didn’t ask what those four had in common. Besides being Hebrews, each had a consequential encounter with political power.

Moses stood before Pharaoh and demanded freedom for God’s people. David became Israel’s model king. Abraham dealt with kings and rulers. Esther risked her life by approaching the Persian king to save her people from destruction.

And the list hardly ends there.

Joseph rose to authority in Egypt. Nehemiah served a Persian king before becoming governor of Judah. Prophets such as Nathan, Elijah, and Jeremiah confronted rulers when their actions violated God’s commands.

Then there was Daniel.

Daniel served under pagan kings in Babylon and, later, under Persian rule. Yet his proximity to power never silenced his allegiance to God. When King Belshazzar offered him rewards, Daniel refused them and delivered a message the king did not want to hear: God had weighed his kingdom and found it wanting.

Daniel understood something the church must rediscover: God’s people cannot remain silent on matters God has clearly addressed simply because those matters have been declared political.

This pattern continues in the New Testament. John the Baptist confronted Herod over his marriage. Paul asserted his rights as a Roman citizen and testified before governors and a king. Their witness did not stop at the palace gates.

Certainly, ancient Israel and Rome were not modern America, and Scripture does not offer a party platform or a position on every legislative detail. But it does establish moral truths that apply to nations, to their rulers and citizens alike.

Jesus called His followers the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Neither image suggests withdrawal. Both describe engagement that makes a difference.

So the issue is not whether the church should become political. It is whether Christians will remain biblical when biblical truth has political consequences.

Our calling is neither to become the mouthpiece of a party nor to retreat into silence. It is to stand on God’s word, defend what is right, confront what is wrong, and speak with courage — even when the culture would rather we remain silent.

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This article was orginally published on The Washington Stand. For more content like this, visit Real Life Network.

With the November 3 elections approaching, debates over immigration enforcement, economic policy, religious convictions, and America's relationship with Israel are taking center stage in several high-profile races. In Texas and Michigan, Democratic Senate candidates James Talarico and Abdul El-Sayed have become focal points of these disagreements, offering competing visions of government that raise broader questions about the country's political direction.

On The Daniel Cohen Show, Cohen used an unusual approach to examine those questions. Drawing inspiration from the classic film It's a Wonderful Life, he imagined a future in November 2027 in which Democrats controlled Congress and pursued their policy priorities.

The imagined future was not a prediction or an account of actual events. It was a rhetorical device designed to explore the possible consequences of proposals already being debated.

At the center of the discussion was a question extending beyond individual candidates: How might today's political decisions reshape the institutions, freedoms, and international commitments Americans have long taken for granted?

James Talarico's Economic Proposals and the Debate Over Christian Faith

In Texas, Talarico has attracted attention for combining progressive economic proposals with religious language. His approach emphasizes economic opportunity, government accountability, and a political vision that he presents as compatible with his Christian convictions.

During remarks featured on Cohen's program, Talarico called for an economy that produces fewer trillionaires and more millionaires. He also expressed support for higher taxes on wealthy Americans and restrictions on their political influence.

Those positions reflect a longstanding disagreement over the relationship between government intervention and economic prosperity.

Supporters of progressive taxation argue that it can help finance public services and address economic inequality. Critics contend that increasing the tax burden on successful businesses and investors can discourage entrepreneurship, reduce private investment, and ultimately limit job creation.

Cohen emphasized the role of business owners in generating employment, arguing that successful entrepreneurs create opportunities extending far beyond their personal wealth.

The disagreement also extends to the judiciary.

Talarico has expressed support for Supreme Court reforms, including binding ethics requirements and term limits for justices. He has also indicated openness to discussing an expansion of the Court.

Such proposals have prompted a national debate about judicial independence. Advocates maintain that reforms could improve accountability and public confidence. Opponents warn that changing the Court's composition for political reasons could undermine its role as an independent branch of government.

But perhaps the most distinctive element of Talarico's public profile is his use of religious language.

In remarks discussed on the program, he described God as love and suggested that Jesus would express particular concern for transgender children experiencing bullying.

For Christians who hold traditional interpretations of Scripture, those statements raise theological questions about the nature of God, biblical authority, and the relationship between compassion and moral teaching.

Cohen challenged Talarico's interpretation, arguing that Christian teaching cannot be separated from Scripture's broader claims about creation, human identity, and morality.

The dispute illustrates a growing divide over who gets to define Christian values in American public life and how those values should inform public policy.

Abdul El-Sayed Faces Questions Over Immigration, Iran, and Health Care

Michigan's Senate race presents another set of policy disagreements.

Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers have offered contrasting approaches to immigration enforcement, health care, and American foreign policy.

El-Sayed has criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement, suggesting that the country could return to an immigration system resembling the former Immigration and Naturalization Service. He has also advocated clearer legal pathways for immigrants seeking to live and work in the United States.

Supporters of immigration reform argue that enforcement agencies need stronger oversight and that legal immigration channels should be more accessible. Critics worry that weakening federal enforcement could create additional challenges for border security and immigration law.

Cohen portrayed El-Sayed's proposals as part of a broader shift away from traditional immigration enforcement. His program also questioned whether the candidate had adequately addressed concerns about the Iranian regime.

One exchange featured an Iranian American Christian student whose family, according to his account, had suffered persecution under Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The student asked El-Sayed to condemn the Iranian government and its treatment of protesters.

Rather than delivering the direct condemnation the student requested in the excerpt presented, El-Sayed responded by discussing America's role in international affairs.

Cohen argued that the response deserved greater scrutiny, particularly given the United States' ongoing security concerns involving Iran.

However, disagreements over foreign policy or the adequacy of a candidate's response do not, by themselves, establish sympathy for terrorism or ties to extremist organizations.

Health care is another major issue in the Michigan contest.

El-Sayed supports Medicare for All, a proposal intended to establish a comprehensive government-financed health insurance system. Supporters argue that universal coverage could reduce household medical expenses and simplify administration. Opponents question the cost, tax implications, and potential restrictions on private insurance.

Cohen focused particularly on whether voters were receiving a clear explanation of the financial trade-offs.

The distinction between lower personal medical bills and higher taxes is central to the debate. A government-financed system could change how Americans pay for health care without necessarily eliminating the underlying cost of providing it.

For voters evaluating competing proposals, understanding those trade-offs is essential.

Israel Becomes a Defining Issue in Democratic Politics

Beyond domestic policy, Cohen devoted substantial attention to the growing disagreements over Israel within American politics.

His program highlighted a Colorado congressional contest involving progressive candidate Melat Kiros, whose criticism of Israel's military operations and American financial support reflects a broader debate among Democrats.

Kiros described Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide and argued that American taxpayers should not finance the conflict.

The genocide allegation is highly contested, and determining whether military conduct meets the legal definition requires examination of evidence and the applicable international legal standards. Israel disputes the allegation and maintains that its military operations have been directed against Hamas following the October 7, 2023, attacks.

The disagreement extends beyond terminology.

Some progressive politicians have called for restrictions on American military assistance to Israel, arguing that U.S. support should be conditioned on humanitarian protections and compliance with international law.

Others maintain that continued military cooperation is essential to Israel's security, particularly amid threats from Iran and Iranian-backed armed groups.

Cohen approached the issue from a biblical perspective, emphasizing the importance of America's relationship with Israel and citing Genesis 12:3 and Numbers 24:9.

His argument reflected a conviction shared by many Christians that God's promises concerning Israel remain relevant and that the Jewish state's security deserves particular attention.

Not all Christians interpret those passages identically, and there is considerable disagreement over how biblical promises should inform contemporary foreign policy.

Nevertheless, the theological dimension remains significant in American political discussions, especially among evangelical Christians.

The debate over Israel now encompasses more than foreign aid, touching fundamental disagreements about national security, biblical interpretation, and America's responsibilities abroad.

Cohen concluded his imagined journey into 2027 by returning to the choices confronting voters today. His fictional scenarios included expanded government programs, changes to immigration enforcement, judicial restructuring, and reduced American support for Israel.

Those outcomes are not inevitable consequences of any election. They represent one commentator's concerns about the direction of competing policy agendas.

Still, the underlying questions are real. Americans must evaluate what candidates propose, what those proposals would cost, how they would affect constitutional institutions, and whether their foreign policy commitments align with the country's long-term interests.

For Christians, the discussion also invites reflection on the proper relationship between biblical conviction and civic responsibility. Political engagement requires more than reacting to campaign rhetoric. It calls for examining competing claims, understanding the consequences of legislation, and distinguishing theological principles from partisan assumptions.

As election day approaches, voters have an opportunity to consider those questions carefully rather than relying on slogans or imagined futures.

For more reporting and commentary examining politics, faith, and America's relationship with Israel, watch The Daniel Cohen Show on Real Life Network.

A good movie can do more than entertain for a couple of hours. Stories can introduce important questions, demonstrate courage, challenge assumptions, and give families something worth talking about after the credits roll.

That is one reason faith-based films can be such a valuable addition to family movie night. Instead of constantly searching through mainstream streaming libraries for something appropriate, families can choose stories that reinforce themes such as faith, forgiveness, perseverance, purpose, and trust in God.

Real Life Network offers Christian movies and documentaries free to stream, with options ranging from biblical stories and historical dramas to biographies and modern stories of redemption.

Here are five worth adding to your watchlist.

1. China Cry

Based on a true story, China Cry follows Nora Lam as she grows up in China during a period of enormous political upheaval and ultimately discovers faith in Christ.

Her Christian beliefs bring serious consequences, forcing her to confront persecution, fear, and questions of obedience when following Jesus becomes costly.

The film gives families with older children an opportunity to discuss religious freedom and the difference between believing something when it is easy and standing by that belief when there is something to lose.

It also introduces viewers to the experiences of Christians in parts of the world where faith cannot always be practiced openly.

Good conversation starter: What gives someone the courage to remain faithful when doing so comes at a personal cost?

2. Seven Days in Utopia

Families who enjoy sports movies may appreciate Seven Days in Utopia, which begins with a young professional golfer watching his career fall apart.

An unexpected detour brings him to the small town of Utopia, Texas, where he meets an older man who helps him reconsider what success really means. Golf remains part of the story, but the deeper questions concern identity, purpose, priorities, and what happens when accomplishment becomes the measure of a person’s worth.

Those themes make the movie especially relevant for teens growing up in a culture that often equates success with performance.

Good conversation starter: How can someone’s identity change when winning or achievement becomes more important than everything else?

3. C.S. Lewis: The Most Reluctant Convert

Before C.S. Lewis became one of Christianity’s most influential writers and apologists, he was an atheist.

C.S. Lewis: The Most Reluctant Convert dramatizes the intellectual and personal path that eventually led the author of Mere Christianity and The Chronicles of Narnia to belief in God and then Christianity.

The film is particularly useful for older teens and adults because Lewis does not arrive at faith through a simplistic emotional experience. His questions about reason, suffering, desire, and truth matter deeply to the story.

That makes the film a natural introduction to apologetics and an encouraging reminder that Christianity does not require believers to be afraid of serious questions.

Good conversation starter: Why do you think questions and doubts sometimes become part of a person’s path toward faith?

4. The Jesus Film

Sometimes the most valuable Christian movie is also the most foundational.

The Jesus Film presents the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus based largely on the Gospel of Luke. Rather than creating a fictional story inspired by Christianity, it brings the Gospel narrative itself to the screen.

That makes it especially useful for family viewing, outreach, or introducing someone to the life of Christ.

Parents can also use the film as a companion to Scripture. A family might read one of the Gospel accounts and then watch how particular scenes are portrayed, discussing what Jesus said, how people responded to Him, and why His death and resurrection are central to Christianity.

Good conversation starter: What do Jesus’ words and actions reveal about who He claimed to be?

5. The Pilgrim’s Progress

John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress has been encouraging Christians for centuries, and its animated adaptation makes the famous allegory accessible to a new generation.

The story follows Christian as he leaves the City of Destruction and begins his difficult journey toward the Celestial City. Along the way he encounters temptation, fear, discouragement, friendship, deception, and spiritual opposition.

Children can enjoy the adventure while older viewers recognize the deeper symbolism behind characters and events.

That makes The Pilgrim’s Progress particularly well suited to family movie night. Parents and children can watch the same story at different levels and then discuss what Christian’s experiences represent.

Good conversation starter: Which obstacle on Christian’s journey seemed most like something people struggle with in real life?

Christian Movies Can Give Families More to Talk About

Not every faith-based movie needs to become a formal Bible lesson. Families need opportunities simply to enjoy stories together.

But movies also create natural openings for conversations that can otherwise be difficult to start.

A sports drama can lead to a discussion about identity. A historical film can raise questions about courage and persecution. A biography can show how intellectual doubts are confronted. A biblical movie can bring families back to Scripture.

Those conversations are part of what makes Christian media valuable.

Choosing the Right Christian Movie for Your Family

“Christian” and “family values” do not necessarily mean every title is appropriate for every age.

Movies dealing with persecution, suffering, or complex theological questions may be better suited to teens and adults. Parents should still consider the maturity and sensitivity of their own children when choosing what to watch.

What faith-based streaming provides is a stronger starting point: stories intentionally chosen for their connection to biblical truth rather than a library in which families must continually sift through conflicting messages.

Real Life Network makes that choice even easier by offering its Christian programming free. There is no premium movie tier or additional subscription required to explore the library.

A family movie night can certainly be entertaining. But with the right story, it can also inspire courage, deepen understanding, reinforce biblical values, and lead to conversations that last far longer than the movie itself.

Explore free Christian movies, documentaries, and family programming anytime on Real Life Network.

A Virginia pastor is challenging the lawfulness of a proposed state constitutional amendment to codify same-sex marriage and spread gender ideology. The Founding Freedoms Law Center (FFLC) filed a lawsuit last week in Prince William County Circuit Court on behalf of Pastor Ben Purves of Occoquan Bible Church in Woodbridge, Va.

The Amendment 2 initiative on the ballot in the Cavalier State this November would “(i) remove the ban on same-sex marriage; (ii) affirm that two adults may marry regardless of sex, gender, or race; and (iii) require all legally valid marriages to be treated equally under the law” should the Supreme Court ever overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, according to the Virginia Department of Elections.

The amendment would repeal the provision of Article I, Section 15-A of the Virginia constitution defining marriage as a “union between one man and one woman,” and would instead say marriage is “one of the vital personal rights essential to the orderly pursuit of happiness,” explains the FFLC press release.

The legal group explained its reasoning for the lawsuit, stating, “This Complaint does not concern the wisdom or policy merits of the Proposed Amendment. It concerns whether the Proposed Amendment was brought forward to the November 2026 ballot through the process that the Constitution of Virginia requires. It was not. The Proposed Amendment reached the ballot through a process that departed from the mandatory requirements of Article XII, § 1 of the Constitution of Virginia through Virginia Code § 30-13.”

It continues, “Virginia Code § 30-13 requires the Clerk of the House of Delegates to have published and distributed copies of a proposed amendment to the clerks of Virginia’s circuit courts, and requires each circuit court clerk to post a copy ‘at the front door of the courthouse’ and make a second copy ‘available for public inspection,’ no later than three months before the intervening general election of members of the House of Delegates. These steps exist to inform the voters before the pivotal House of Delegates election. They were not performed before the November 4, 2025 general election by the Clerk of the House of Delegates or the Circuit Court Clerk or any other Virginia circuit court.”

The complaint asserts that even if the amendment is favored by most voters, it should be considered invalid.

Purves, the plaintiff on the Complaint, told The Washington Stand that it is the responsibility of a pastor to proclaim biblical truth when it comes to every issue, even the polarizing ones.

“It’s my hope that pastors will become more bold in proclaiming the gospel and the truth of God’s word, and not letting it be restricted to the church building or to church members’ homes. We really need to amplify truth in the public square, and if we do not, we will find it increasingly anti-Christian,” Purves asserted.

“Pastors — the shepherds — are called to care for their sheep,” he added. “That means giving their sheep the food of God’s word, and not just some of it, but all of it. And so, when churches are setting aside parts of Scripture and not teaching those parts, and not willing to proclaim those parts of Scripture to the world, they are failing in their duty as shepherds. And when pastors do not stand to protect their flock from wolves that will prey on their church and on the vulnerable in their community, they are failing in their pastoral duty.”

Over 400 pastors have signed a letter Purves helped orchestrate asking Virginians to vote no on Amendment 2, as well as an additional amendment to codify abortion in the Constitution of Virginia. The Pastors of Virginia group is also asking Virginia voters to participate in a day or prayer and fasting for the state on November 3.

“We call upon every voter to oppose these amendments to protect pre-born children, to defend the institution of marriage, and to stand against the destruction of transgender ideology. God created mankind as male and female as a part of God’s good and perfect creation (Gen 1:27). God creates life in the womb, and every child is a blessing (Ps 127, 139). God created the institution of marriage as a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman which is to be a portrait of Christ’s love for the church (Eph 5:32). Instead of defacing marriage, we must honor it (Heb 13:4),” the group stated.

Any pastor in the state who affirms the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Five Solas of the Protestant Reformation is eligible to sign the Open Letter from Virginia Pastors to the Commonwealth until voting closes after Election Day.

“To voters who are discouraged and maybe thinking of not voting — you should not lose heart,” Purves implored. “We’re called to be faithful, and we need to stand for truth, even when and if we are a minority. If we only stand for truth and we’re a majority, what does this say about us? So, it’s important for us to do the right thing and vote for the sake of truth.”

This article was written by Quinn Delamater and originally published on The Washington Stand. For more content like this, visit Real Life Network.

The riots that were supposedly about French school funding have fanned out across Europe, briefly even surrounding the Colosseum in Rome on Saturday. While more than 1,300 were arrested on Emmanuel Macron’s fiery streets, Greece, Albania, Italy, Belgium, and Spain are racing to contain their own pro-Palestine agitators, dispelling any doubts about the real roots of this unrest. “You might think that Saturday’s chaos was orchestrated by the same students who started the protests,” The Free Press’s Nora Bussigny warns. “But you would be wrong.”

While the frustration over the French education system is real enough, the storyline has been a convenient one for anti-republic factions to hijack, Bussigny insists. After spending more than a year undercover in the country’s anti-Israel movement, she knows the players well. “The convergence of radical leftists with political Islamists, brought together by their shared opposition to Western values and institutions — has become increasingly difficult to ignore, rearing its head from England to Germany to college campuses across the U.S. In other words, what we are seeing in France is only a symptom of a much larger problem.”

By Friday, the city of Paris was bracing for a second wave of terror that had looted and burned its way through iconic landmarks and beautiful old cobblestone streets. Troops stood guard under the Arc de Triomphe, while shops boarded their windows and doors. One local contractor told the AP that people were frantically reaching out for help in protecting their businesses. “I got the call last night,” he said, nodding at the optician’s office where he was working. “The owner seemed desperate. He said I was saving his life.”

Turns out, local merchants weren’t overreacting. On Saturday alone, the country responded to over 75 fires and at least two dozen store break-ins and robberies. David Bahnsen, founder and chief investment officer of The Bahnsen Group, believes that “behind the unrest is a much deeper economic problem.” He pointed to France’s catastrophic financial situation, noting that “government spending accounts for more than half of France’s economic output, while the country’s national debt is approaching 120% of their gross domestic product.” The irony, the economist told Family Research Council President Tony Perkins on “This Week on Capitol Hill,” is that despite shoveling billions of dollars into social programs, “many French citizens believe they’re getting less in return, and they don’t want government cuts.”

Unfortunately, that’s why socialist governments continue to be a failed experiment. They can’t afford what they promise to provide, and ultimately, the economy collapses under the weight of trying. France is an especially dramatic snapshot, Bahnsen notes, because the debts they’ve racked up can’t be paid, and the only solution — cutting back — is one the people won’t accept.

“That’s a huge problem. And that’s what most people focus on.” But it also crowds out the private sector and future growth, he notes. “Every dollar spent covering government programs is a dollar that can’t go into the productive side of the economy. France made a conscious decision to have a very large social safety net, very large social programs. … But the politicians were doing what the people asked for. [They] said, ‘Give us earlier retirement. Give us pensions you can’t afford.’ And then they complain that the chickens come home to roost.”

Now, outraged by inflation and the cost of living, the French resent the government they’ve chosen. And ironically, this is where the schools did not fail the country’s extreme elements. They may be short-staffed and underfunded, but they’ve still managed to turn out far-left ideologues with “an ultra-progressive ideology of extreme egalitarianism, anti-capitalism, and cultural hostility to France and its historical institutions and identity. That might almost be a blend of European socialism and American woke-ism,” NRO’s John Sullivan observes.

“There are no justifications for this upsurge of violent rebellion, of course — merely angry grievances by groups of discontented people, mainly young, many from immigrant backgrounds (even if born in France),” Sullivan notes, “all persuaded that they are either oppressed or uniquely sensitive to the plight of the oppressed.” Which, many argue, is how it was so easily commandeered by Gaza sympathizers and Muslim opportunists. “[T]he Palestinian banner has become the equivalent of the North Vietnamese flag in the 1970s,” Rich Lowry points out, “a symbol of resistance to the West, and in this case, fierce opposition to Zionism and so-called settler-colonialism.”

As angry as Macron was at President Trump’s suggestion that France’s open-borders policy was ruining the country, the American leader isn’t wrong. “I told Macron, when I first came in, I met him early. I said, ‘You are destroying France. You’re letting people come in that hate your country.’”

Vice President J.D. Vance agreed. “Western liberals imported the third world into France and other countries in the name of diversity and compassion. They ignored fundamental questions of assimilation and compatibility,” he posted on X. “They were told it would lead to this and they didn’t listen. I pray that France, a beautiful country of amazing people, will stop this madness before more of its landmarks burn. And I hope Americans are paying attention. This is the future congressional Democrats seek for your country.”

Some French leaders are brave enough to stand against the tide threatening to drag the nation under. Mayor of Nice Éric Ciotti was blunt in his assessment that “Islamo-leftism threatens the Republic. The massive presence of Palestinian flags and community slogans is a terrible reality in these demonstrations, just like the presence of movements close to the Muslim Brotherhood.”

While the rest of the West watches, Americans have plenty of cause for self-reflection. The warning signs are here, as DSA candidates and radical Muslims unite to battle for a foothold in U.S. politics. And while there are similarities between France and America, Bahnsen was careful not to compare the two countries. “I don’t want to diminish the risk going on. And I also don’t want to overstate it. … [But] as a national reality, America has a long way to go until we actually embrace the socialist impulse. And that’s a good thing.” He paused before adding, “But the problem is it moves marginally. It moves incrementally. And that’s what I think we have to resist.”

As troubling as the spiritual markers have been in the U.S., Europe is decades ahead of us in secularism, the economist stresses. “It’s a perfect inverse correlation there: decline of faith has coincided with an embrace of more state. The government [becomes] a sort of Messiah. And of course, we see it here in the States as well — not quite to the same degree, but Europe has proven to be a long-term test case of how a society that abandons Christian principles embraces more statist principles. … It’s not good.”

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This article was written by Suzanne Bowdey and originally published on The Washington Stand. For more content like this, visit Real Life Network.

Adapted from my conversation on Rose Unplugged with Derek Maltz, former Acting Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Watch the full episode here: Is China Waging Chemical Warfare on America? 

There is something coming for your family. Whether you live in a city or a suburb. Whether your kids are in middle school or college. Whether you think this is someone else's problem — or you've already lived it.

It is the drug crisis pouring across our border. Not one drug. Not one cartel. Not one route. A flood. And it is changing — and ending — American lives every single day.

Not a Single-Drug Crisis

I want to be clear about something from the start, because the news often focuses on one drug at a time, and that gives us a false sense of the scale of what we're facing.

Yes — fentanyl is the headline. And it should be. It’s the deadliest drug ever to hit this country. It’s synthetic, lab-made, and lethal at just two milligrams — the weight of a few grains of salt.

It's driving the majority of overdose deaths in America. At the peak of this crisis, we were losing more than 70,000 people a year to fentanyl alone. That’s nearly 200 lives every single day.

But fentanyl isn’t coming alone. Methamphetamine, cartel-produced, and ultra-potent, is flooding communities from coast to coast. It's not the meth of 20 years ago. It's cheaper, stronger, and more widely available than ever.

Cocaine trafficking remains massive and increasingly, it's being laced with fentanyl without the user's knowledge.

And now there are emerging threats most Americans have never even heard of: xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer mixed with fentanyl that Narcan can't fully reverse, and nitazenes, a synthetic opioids so powerful they make fentanyl look mild by comparison.

This is not a single-drug crisis. This is a chemical assault on the American people. And it is being orchestrated deliberately by foreign adversaries and transnational criminal networks that don't care how many of us they kill.

Even with a decline of nearly 24% in overdose deaths — and yes, we should acknowledge that progress — we are still talking about roughly 87,000 overdose deaths in a single year. That’s not a statistic. That’s a national emergency.

Drug overdoses remain one of the leading causes of death for American adults. And for every death, there are dozens more lives derailed; families broken, futures stolen, and communities hollowed out.

Follow the Supply Chain

So where is all of this coming from? Because this is where truth gets complicated and where the political noise gets loudest.

Here is what the evidence shows: The precursor chemicals, the building blocks, are largely manufactured in China. They are shipped to Mexican drug cartels. The cartels synthesize, press, and package the drugs. And then they move them north into the United States.

Now, here is the part that gets lost: the vast majority of these drugs are not being carried across open desert by migrants on foot. They are being driven through legal ports of entry. In passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, and in cargo shipments often by U.S. citizens.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized over 19,000 pounds of fentanyl in 2024 alone. And fentanyl now makes up nearly 90% of all opioid seizures at the border.

Which means this is not just a border wall conversation. It is a technology conversation. An intelligence conversation. A cartel conversation. And a China conversation — because none of this happens without China supplying the chemicals.

A Counterfeit Answer

This is not just about policy. When a nation loses its sense of purpose, when truth becomes relative, and when emptiness fills the space where meaning used to live, people look for escape.

And what is crossing our border right now is not just a drug. It is a counterfeit answer to a real spiritual hunger. One that ends in destruction.

We need stronger enforcement. Absolutely. We need to go after the cartels and hold China accountable. Without question. But we also need something no government can legislate. We need restored families. Engaged parents. Communities that are awake. And young people who know their worth — not from culture, but from their Creator.

This Is a Spiritual Battle

Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Xylazine, Cartels, all weapons of destruction. But the scale of this, the sophistication of the networks, the multiple poisons being unleashed on our families — all of it confirms something I believe with everything in me.

This is not just a policy fight. This isn't just a border fight. This is a spiritual battle. And we need to start treating it that way.

In 1 Peter 5:8 we are told:

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8, NASB)

Think about that word — devour. Not inconvenience. Not discourage. Devour.

And “be of sober spirit” — not just physically, but clear-minded, alert, and aware. Because the danger isn't always obvious. It doesn't announce itself.

It comes as a pill that looks like medicine. As meth that looks manageable. As cocaine that looks like recreation. As something a friend hands you and says — it's fine.

But Scripture also tells us in John 10:10:

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. (John 10:10, NASB)

Steal innocence, and kill potential. Our families or being destroyed. And if we are honest, with every drug coming across that border, that is exactly what we are watching play out.

Ephesians 6:12 tells us:

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12, NASB)

Which means this: if we only fight this battle at the surface level and if we only debate policy and argue about which party deserves the credit or the blame, we will always be reacting. And reacting is not the same as overcoming.

Yes, we need stronger enforcement across every drug, every route, every cartel. Yes, we need to hold China accountable for the chemical warfare they are enabling. Yes, we need the technology and the intelligence to stay ahead of networks that never sleep.

But we also need something that no legislation can provide. We need discernment. We need truth spoken in our homes, in our churches, and our schools. We need families and communities that are not just alarmed but awake. We need to fight a spiritual battle on our knees. Collectively.

To the Young People

I want to speak directly to young people for a moment. I don't care what it was called. I don't care how it was offered or who gave it to you. What's being disguised as relief, escape, or just a good time has a body count.

And I want you to know — really know — that your life has value. Not because of what the culture tells you. Not because of what shows up on your screen. But because you were created on purpose, for a purpose.

And there is nothing, no substance, no moment, no amount of pressure from anyone worth trading that for.

To Every Parent

To every parent reading this: the time to lean in is now. Not when you find something. Not when the call comes. Now.

Talk to your kids about all of it — not just fentanyl. Talk about the counterfeit pills made to look like medicine. The meth that doesn't look like meth anymore. The pill some other kid promises will help them get through an exam. The powder hidden in something they never even knew to question.

Not out of fear, but out of love. Because silence is not protection anymore. Awareness is.

Darkness Does Not Win

Romans 12:21 tells us:

Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21, NASB)

That’s not wishful thinking. That is not passive. That is a call to action.

Darkness may be real. The threat may be sophisticated. The enemy may be relentless. But darkness does not win.

Not when truth is spoken. Not when families are engaged. Not when communities stand up and say — not here. Not our children. Not on our watch.

So yes, this is about drugs, fentanyl, meth, and the poisons being trafficked across our border. It’s also about cartels and chemicals and a fight that is far from over.

For More Information check out my guest’s website; Lost Voices of Fentanyl https://lvof.org

Former President Barack Obama is back on the campaign trail as Americans prepare to vote on November 3, bringing renewed attention to his administration's record on Iran, immigration enforcement, and national security. Meanwhile, political controversies involving Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and congressional candidate Brad Lander are fueling broader questions about government transparency, media accountability, and America's relationship with Israel.

With elections approaching in both the United States and Israel, the consequences of political leadership extend beyond domestic policy. Decisions made in Washington affect American families, international security, and the lives of people facing threats across the Middle East.

On The Daniel Cohen Show, available through Real Life Network, these developments raise a central question: Are political leaders and the media giving Americans the full picture, or are important facts being lost in partisan narratives?

Obama's Iran Deal Returns to the Spotlight

As Obama campaigns for Democratic candidates, his defense of the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement has reignited debate over one of his presidency's most consequential foreign policy decisions.

The agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was designed to restrict Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Obama has defended the arrangement as an example of diplomacy preventing a nuclear-armed Iran without military intervention.

Critics, however, argue that the agreement failed to address the broader threat posed by the Iranian regime.

One enduring controversy involves a $1.7 billion settlement paid to Iran in 2016, including an initial $400 million payment delivered in foreign currency. The Obama administration described the settlement as the resolution of a longstanding dispute over military equipment purchased before Iran's 1979 revolution.

Critics questioned the timing of the payment, which coincided with the release of American detainees, and raised concerns that money reaching Tehran could strengthen a government accused of financing terrorist organizations.

The distinction matters. The settlement itself is documented, but claims that specific payments directly financed particular terrorist attacks require evidence beyond the fact that Iran received the funds.

Nevertheless, the underlying concern remains significant.

Iran has supported militant organizations throughout the Middle East, including Hezbollah and Hamas, while continuing to pose security challenges for Israel and American interests.

The nuclear agreement also contained provisions under which certain restrictions would expire over time, prompting critics to question whether it offered a lasting solution.

The debate over Iran is ultimately about whether diplomatic agreements can effectively restrain a hostile regime while protecting Israel and America's national security interests.

For Israelis who have experienced missile attacks and repeated security alerts, these questions are not theoretical.

They affect families who must prepare for emergencies, communities living under the threat of violence, and military personnel responsible for protecting civilians.

Obama's return to the political spotlight has also renewed scrutiny of other controversies from his presidency, including the administration's initial public explanations following the 2012 Benghazi attack and his promises about Americans retaining their health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act.

These episodes remain subjects of political debate, but they also underscore a broader principle: Public officials should be evaluated according to their records, not merely their ability to deliver persuasive speeches.

Immigration Enforcement, Ilhan Omar, and Media Accountability

Immigration enforcement has emerged as another major dividing line between the parties.

The Trump administration has emphasized deportations and border security as central components of its national security strategy. Supporters argue that enforcing immigration law is necessary to protect American communities and maintain confidence in the country's legal system.

Critics have raised concerns about due process, family separation, and the treatment of immigrants during enforcement operations.

The political debate becomes more complicated when considering the record of previous administrations.

During Obama's presidency, Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted removal operations involving individuals who had entered the country unlawfully. His administration faced criticism from immigrant advocacy organizations for the scale of deportations.

That history complicates claims that immigration enforcement itself is a uniquely recent development.

Policies, priorities, and enforcement methods can differ substantially between administrations, but the federal government's responsibility to administer immigration law has remained.

The discussion also extends to Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, whose personal background and immigration history have been the subject of longstanding political allegations.

Recent claims discussed on the program concern her identity, family relationships, and purported federal investigative activity. Such allegations are serious, but the transcript does not independently establish their accuracy.

Claims involving searches, seized documents, or possible criminal violations require confirmation through reliable court records or official statements before being reported as fact.

Public officials should be accountable for their conduct, but allegations must be distinguished from proven wrongdoing.

The same standard applies to the media.

Journalists have a responsibility to investigate legitimate questions involving elected officials without assuming guilt or dismissing allegations solely because of political affiliation.

A trustworthy press should apply consistent standards of evidence and scrutiny, regardless of whether the subject is a Republican or a Democrat.

That principle extends beyond immigration.

Cohen also raised concerns about social media moderation after describing restrictions on his own accounts while reporting on Israel and Hezbollah.

The broader debate over online speech involves competing concerns about misinformation, platform policies, public safety, and freedom of expression.

Private platforms have their own moderation rules, while government restrictions on speech raise distinct constitutional questions.

For Americans, understanding those distinctions is essential to evaluating claims about censorship and protecting meaningful public debate.

Israel, Political Activism, and the Responsibility to Tell the Truth

The final major issue concerns Israel and the growing political tensions surrounding its military operations and security policies.

New York congressional candidate Brad Lander traveled to the West Bank, where he participated in an olive harvest and was detained by Israeli authorities.

Lander described the incident as an example of the restrictions faced by Palestinians and those supporting them.

Israeli officials, according to the program, offered a different explanation, saying the group entered a restricted security area without the necessary coordination.

These competing accounts illustrate how quickly events in Israel become part of American political campaigns.

For some activists, visits to the West Bank provide opportunities to draw attention to Palestinian experiences and Israeli policies. Critics question whether certain high-profile visits are designed primarily to generate political publicity.

Determining what happened requires examining the circumstances of the detention, the applicable restrictions, and the accounts of those involved.

But political disagreements over Israel should not overshadow the continuing threat of violence.

The program also addressed a shooting attack near Hebron and criticized news coverage that Cohen believed failed to adequately identify the perpetrators or recognize the Israeli soldiers affected.

Reporting on such incidents requires precision. The identities of victims, the circumstances of an attack, and the evidence identifying those responsible should be verified rather than assumed.

The larger concern is how media coverage can shape public understanding of a conflict in which the language used to describe violence often becomes controversial.

For families mourning loved ones, the consequences are immediate and personal.

Israel's soldiers and veterans also face lasting physical and psychological challenges, particularly after prolonged military operations.

Organizations such as Friends of the Israel Defense Forces provide support for soldiers, veterans, wounded personnel, and bereaved families, including assistance related to rehabilitation and mental health.

These needs highlight the human costs of conflict that can be overlooked when public attention centers entirely on political arguments.

For Christians, the debate over Israel also invites reflection on the responsibility to pursue truth and justice.

Proverbs 26:24-26 warns about deception concealed beneath persuasive words, reminding readers that outward appearances do not always reveal a person's true intentions.

The passage should not become a license to assume hidden motives without evidence. Instead, it encourages discernment and a serious commitment to honesty.

That commitment applies equally to politicians, journalists, activists, and voters.

Biblical discernment requires Christians to examine competing claims carefully, reject deception, and refuse to let political loyalty determine what they accept as true.

As Americans prepare for November 3, questions about Iran, immigration, free speech, and Israel remain central to the national conversation.

The challenge is not simply deciding which political leaders are most persuasive. It is determining which claims are supported by evidence, which policies deserve scrutiny, and which principles should guide decisions affecting the nation.

Christians have an opportunity to participate thoughtfully, pray for those in authority, and evaluate public affairs through the lens of Scripture without confusing partisan allegiance with biblical faithfulness.

For continuing coverage of national security, Israel, and the issues shaping America's future, watch The Daniel Cohen Show on Real Life Network.

Real Life Network will also present America Speaks '26: Election Night Live on Tuesday, November 3, beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern / 5 p.m. Pacific, featuring election results, guests, and analysis from across the United States and Israel.

With the November 3 midterm elections approaching, Minnesota is drawing attention as a potentially consequential battleground in the fight for control of the United States Senate. Questions about government accountability, immigration, national security, and voter turnout are shaping the political debate as candidates make their final appeals.

Former Minnesota congresswoman Michele Bachmann believes the state could deliver one of the election's biggest surprises. During a conversation on The Daniel Cohen Show, available on Real Life Network, Bachmann discussed Minnesota's political future, the growing appeal of socialism, America's relationship with Israel, and the responsibility of Christians to participate in elections.

The conversation highlighted a broader question facing American voters: How should concerns about government leadership, national security, and biblical convictions influence civic engagement?

Minnesota's Senate Race and the Debate Over Government Accountability

Minnesota has traditionally favored Democrats in statewide elections, but Bachmann believes growing dissatisfaction with state leadership could create an opportunity for Republicans in 2026.

The Senate contest between Republican Michele Tafoya and Democrat Peggy Flanagan has become a focal point of that discussion.

Bachmann pointed to allegations of widespread fraud involving publicly funded programs in Minnesota as a major source of voter frustration. High-profile investigations have raised serious questions about financial oversight, the administration of public assistance programs, and whether government officials responded adequately to warning signs.

These investigations have also become politically contentious, with Republicans questioning Democratic leadership and Democrats defending their records while addressing failures in oversight.

The existence of fraud cases does not establish wrongdoing by an entire immigrant community or prove that particular candidates participated in criminal activity. Determining responsibility requires evidence, investigations, and appropriate legal proceedings.

Nevertheless, the political consequences of government oversight failures can extend well beyond the individuals directly involved.

Voters want to know whether public resources are being used responsibly, whether elected officials are accountable, and whether state agencies can identify misconduct before it becomes widespread.

Government accountability depends on protecting taxpayer resources, investigating wrongdoing fairly, and holding responsible individuals accountable regardless of political affiliation.

Bachmann also expressed concern about election administration and mail-in voting. Although she raised questions about the possibility of improper ballot handling, the interview did not provide evidence establishing that such misconduct would occur.

Election integrity is a legitimate public concern, but allegations of fraud should be supported by verifiable facts rather than speculation.

For Minnesota voters, the Senate election ultimately presents competing visions of government leadership, public spending, economic policy, and national priorities.

Bachmann believes turnout will be decisive.

Even a competitive race can produce an unexpected outcome when participation differs from polling expectations. But polling uncertainty alone cannot establish which candidate will win.

The same principle applies nationwide as Americans prepare to elect representatives who will shape federal policy over the next two years.

National Security, Israel, and the Future of American Leadership

Beyond Minnesota's political landscape, the discussion turned to national security and the United States' relationship with Israel.

From immigration enforcement to international terrorism, security concerns have become prominent issues in the closing weeks of the midterm campaign.

Bachmann criticized Representative Ilhan Omar and raised allegations concerning her family history and immigration background. These are serious accusations that require independent verification and should not be presented as established facts without substantiating evidence.

The discussion also addressed the broader question of how immigration policy intersects with national security.

Effective immigration enforcement requires appropriate screening, lawful procedures, and the ability to identify genuine security threats. At the same time, individual wrongdoing should not be attributed to entire national, ethnic, or religious communities.

The conversation then shifted to the Middle East, where Bachmann emphasized the importance of the relationship between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

She described their political partnership as a significant opportunity to confront the Iranian regime and its support for militant organizations throughout the region.

Iran's relationship with groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas has long complicated regional security and contributed to tensions involving Israel and its neighbors.

For the United States, decisions concerning Iran involve military readiness, diplomatic strategy, economic sanctions, intelligence cooperation, and the protection of American allies.

But Bachmann sees the relationship between America and Israel as more than a matter of international politics.

She believes Scripture establishes an enduring covenant between God and the Jewish people, one that remains relevant to how Christians understand Israel today.

This conviction shaped the interview's discussion of replacement theology, the belief, in some theological formulations, that the church has superseded Israel in God's covenantal purposes.

Bachmann rejected that interpretation, arguing that God's promises to Israel have not been revoked.

She pointed to biblical passages concerning God's covenant with Abraham and the prophetic significance of Israel, including Joel 3.

Within the Christian church, interpretations of these passages differ. Some traditions emphasize a continuing national role for Israel in biblical prophecy, while others understand the covenant promises through their fulfillment in Jesus Christ and His church.

These differences have significant implications for Christian eschatology and the interpretation of biblical prophecy.

The question of Israel's future is not merely political for many Christians; it is closely connected to how they understand God's covenant promises and the fulfillment of Scripture.

At the same time, biblical convictions and contemporary foreign policy require careful consideration. Supporting Israel's security does not mean every action of its government is beyond scrutiny.

Christians can affirm the importance of Israel, oppose antisemitism, and seek the protection of innocent people while thoughtfully evaluating the decisions of political leaders.

Why Christian Voter Turnout Matters in the 2026 Midterms

The conversation concluded with an appeal for Christians to recognize the significance of their participation in American civic life.

Bachmann expressed concern that many believers have become disengaged from politics, even as debates over education, religious freedom, economic systems, and national identity continue to shape the country.

She specifically criticized the growing appeal of socialism among younger Americans, arguing that public education has contributed to changing attitudes toward free-market economics.

The relationship between education and political ideology is complex, however, and broad claims about what schools teach require supporting evidence.

Nevertheless, the growing debate over socialism reflects genuine disagreements about the role of government, economic opportunity, taxation, and individual responsibility.

These disagreements deserve careful examination rather than automatic dismissal.

For Christians, political engagement also raises questions about how biblical principles should inform decisions at the ballot box.

Bachmann argued that voting is an opportunity Americans should not take for granted. She encouraged churches to help believers recognize the importance of participating in elections and evaluating candidates according to their convictions.

Scripture provides principles that can inform those decisions.

Micah 6:8 emphasizes justice, mercy, and humility. Proverbs 12:22 underscores the importance of truthfulness. First Timothy 2:1-2 instructs believers to pray for those in authority.

These passages do not supply a party platform, but they establish moral responsibilities that extend beyond election season.

Christians should consider whether candidates demonstrate integrity, how proposed policies affect their neighbors, and whether political leaders exercise authority responsibly.

Biblical faithfulness in public life requires more than casting a ballot; it calls for truthfulness, discernment, prayer, and a commitment to justice.

That responsibility also includes recognizing that Christians may disagree about the best policies for achieving legitimate moral goals.

A shared commitment to protecting human life, supporting families, and promoting religious freedom does not necessarily produce identical conclusions about every candidate or legislative proposal.

Political participation should therefore be informed by conviction without allowing partisan identity to replace allegiance to Christ.

With Election Day approaching, voter turnout remains one of the most important factors in determining the makeup of Congress.

Minnesota's Senate contest may attract national attention, but the larger election will influence decisions affecting the economy, national security, foreign policy, and the direction of federal government.

For Christians, the challenge is to participate thoughtfully while remembering that political outcomes are not the ultimate measure of God's faithfulness.

Elections matter. Leadership matters. The responsibility to pursue truth, seek justice, and love one's neighbor remains unchanged regardless of which party controls Washington.

For more election coverage, discussions about Israel, and biblical perspectives on the issues shaping America's future, watch The Daniel Cohen Show on Real Life Network.

Over the last two decades, we’ve seen increasing rhetoric from the Left, media sources, and the up-and-coming generation claiming that Islam is a religion of peace. My challenge to that assumption is how and where do you find grounds to believe that Islam is a peaceful religion? Is it the history of the Ottoman conquest? The vicious attacks against Israel over the last 50 years? The 9/11 attacks?

When I look at all these examples, I see a religion that has paved the streets with blood, tears, sexual violence, and pain. I’ve heard too many stories that show the brutality of a religion that is being described as peaceful. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10). He told His disciples to go low and to be servant-hearted. Yes, He came with a sword in His mouth, and He flipped tables and offended the Pharisees. But everything He did, He did for the love of His people, to establish the Kingdom of God, to free the captive, and to fulfill Isaiah 61.

Islam, however, does not espouse this love of God, but rather a thirst for conquest. And the religion is spreading. The Pew Research Center states that Islam is the fastest-growing religion worldwide. This should cause great concern among Christians. This change is primarily because Christians are simply not getting married and having enough children to repopulate. But perhaps the biggest problem is that many Christians don’t understand why this is concerning.

Since its inception, Islam has not been as welcomed or embraced as it is now. Why should Islam’s quick ascent to popularity concern Christians? Islam’s tenets are in direct opposition to Christianity, and its eschatological doctrine (their beliefs on the end times) seeks the destruction of Israel and its people.

Islam prides itself on being a religion that provides you the biggest upgrade to heaven if you commit suicide and bring others with you, also known as mujahid. Granted, not all Muslims practice to this extent, but this is concerning at best and is in complete opposition to Christianity at worst. Were people killed during the Christian Crusades? Yes, but did Christians go around killing people hoping to gain a better afterlife with more virgins and more spoils of the flesh? Absolutely not.

A few passages in the Quran that demonstrate this lust for martyrdom are listed below:

• “Indeed, Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their properties [exchanging them] for that they will have Paradise. They fight in the cause of Allah, so they kill and are killed. [It is] a true promise [binding] upon Him in the Torah and the Gospel and the Qur’an...” (Surah Al-Tawbah 9:111).
• “Allah guarantees that He will admit the person who goes out to fight in His cause (and nothing compels him to go out except jihad in His cause and belief in His words) into Paradise, or He will return him as a winner to his home with rewards or booty” (Tasfir 4:84-4:87).

Perhaps one of the biggest concerns Christians should have with Islam is its eschatological view on Israel and Jesus. First, Muslims don’t believe Jesus is the Son of God, or that He died on the cross. They say he will come back as Isa and descend to liberate the Islamic people from their oppression.[i] The Bible refutes that, warning against these false religions:

“Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. ... Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist — denying the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also” (1 John 18-19, 22-23).

What this scripture tells us is that any religion that challenges the deity of Christ is of the anti-Christ spirit. This anti-Christ spirit continues to fill and deceive this generation. Wrapped up in this doctrine is also the belief that a false messiah will arise out of Israel while their messiah arrives. This false messiah will be the sign that they are to wipe out the entire Jewish population. Their literature states:

“Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah said, “The Last Hour will not come until the Muslims fight against the Jews, until a Jew will hide himself behind a stone or a tree, and the stone or the tree will say: ‘O Muslim, there is a Jew behind me. Come and kill him,’ but Al-Gharqad tree will not say so, for it is the tree of the Jews” Riyad as-Salihin 1820 (Book 18, Hadith 13).

Israel’s existence is preeminent in the Christian perspective of the end times and in Scripture. It’s not just a minor detail — it’s a necessary part of the fulfillment of thousands of years of prophecy. Our very own messiah arose out of Israel, so for Islamic literature to say that their anti-Christ will arise out of Israel is a direct contradiction of two very different religions. In fact, many pastors, writers, and scholars even argue that our anti-Christ is their messiah, and our messiah is their anti-Christ.

The great battle for earth started when Adam and Eve were in the garden, but it continues today and until Jesus returns. As we look at the cultural moment, we are in, we must pause and ask the Lord what His will would be for the church as we watch a false doctrine that seeks to destroy our homeland, our history, and our faith rise across the world. Islam is a religion that directly contradicts Christian values and seeks the destruction of Israel, a historically, politically, and spiritually vital nation. As Christians, we must take a stand, refusing to compromise or sit quietly while a religion that does not please the heart of God seeks to overrun our nation and the nations of the earth.

What can you do? First, educate yourself and share the gospel! Remember, they do not have a savior or helper to get them to the finish line. So, remind them that Jesus came to help and save them through His sacrifice! Second, go to your local city halls and meetings. Push back when legislation to build communities ruled by Sharia law is presented, as what recently occurred in Texas. Stand against the influence they have in our nation. This is a Western country — don’t be ashamed of that. Lastly, pray that the Holy Spirit would open their eyes to see the deception of Islam and that they would come to know the true Messiah.

“Therefore, do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

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This article was written by Rebekah Harper and originally published on The Washington Stand. For more content like this, visit Real Life Network.

A settlement has been reached in the fight for religious liberty in the case of LifeWise Academy against the Everett Public School District in Washington state. In December 2025, the Christian nonprofit that seeks to evangelize to public school students through a release time program sued the school district after it established various oppressive limitations to its venture.

The settlement will require the Board Everett Public Schools Board of Directors to undergo religious liberty training, make changes to the district’s policies governing religious activities, issue a public written apology for its actions visible for six months, and pay $275,000 in attorney’s fees, according to an October 13 press release by First Liberty Institute.

Holly Randall, counsel at First Liberty Institute, the firm that defended LifeWise, detailed the ministry’s road to justice during a Friday appearance on “Washington Watch.”

“[The LifeWise] program allows students to attend Bible education classes on a voluntary basis during school hours, provided that they take place off school property. So, it all happens sort of pursuant to a Supreme Court decision from 1952. This is long been the law,” Randall said. “The program at Everett was operating successfully, but then the school started implementing different burdensome restrictions and sort of obstacles to its operation. So, they implemented a permission slip process that was incredibly burdensome for parents.”

Randall shared that the district also prohibited LifeWise from participating in community affairs with other organizations.

“And it required students to pack up their Bible and other religious literature they were given at LifeWise in sealed packages to take back to school, and they were unable to access them during class even if it was an appropriate free reading time. So, they were just adding challenges to the program that we saw as sort of unconstitutional obstacles that the school district was putting in LifeWise’s way,” Randall elaborated.

She further explained that just because a student is on public school property doesn’t mean they don’t have the right to religious liberties. “You don’t shed your constitutional rights when you enter the schoolhouse gate. That’s another long settled Supreme Court law. … The school was restricting the exercise of students and parents’ constitutional rights to direct the religious upbringing of their children.”

In April 2026, a federal judge in Washington issued a preliminary injunction against Everett schools, a ruling that was good news for LifeWise. “So, that’s how we’ve arrived at where we’re at now, which is the district acknowledging it’s probably wise to settle this and eliminate some of those burdens that are happening to the LifeWise program,” Randall clarified.

Randall went on to recall one of the most remarkable aspects of the case was the Everett school board’s unfriendliness towards LifeWise. “The judge’s order on the preliminary injunction was that the statements board members were making while at board meetings were expressing hostility toward LifeWise. And then they were taking actions that reflected that hostility.”

“The apology that the school district is being required to make, [and] the attorneys’ fees they’re being required to pay are really a reflection that school board members can’t just say whatever they want from the dais, express that hostility, take hostile actions, and get away with it. So, we’re hoping that this sends a message to board members across the country that they need to be careful when they’re speaking about religious organizations and treat them equally, not with hostility.”

Randall concluded by observing that the students who participate in LifeWise are the true heroes of the story.

“The students that attend that program are really the brave ones in this situation,” asserted Randall. “They are the type of students we want to be able to bring more Bible education to and expand their access. … The impact of a student in elementary, middle, or high school, hearing the word of God can only lead to life change and good.”

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This article was written by Quinn Delamater and originally published on The Washington Stand. For more content like this, visit Real Life Network.

Election Day 2026 is less than two weeks away.

By now, campaigns are entering their final stretch, political advertising is intensifying, and attention is beginning to shift from what might happen on November 3 to what Americans will actually see when 2026 election results begin coming in.

There is still time to prepare.

Before Election Day arrives, finish researching the candidates and measures on your ballot, make sure you understand the issues at stake, and know where to find authoritative election information for your jurisdiction.

Then think ahead to Election Night itself.

Results will begin arriving from across the country at different times, major races may develop quickly, and some contests may remain unresolved well after Election Night ends. Knowing what to expect can help you follow the results without getting lost in the constant stream of numbers, projections, reactions, and commentary.

Finish Researching What’s on Your Ballot

If there are still names or measures on your ballot that you know little about, now is the time to research them.

National headlines may be dominated by control of Congress and prominent statewide races, but your ballot may also include state legislators, judges, county or city officials, school boards, and ballot initiatives.

Return to the questions that matter:

• What authority does this office have?
• What has each candidate actually said or done?
• What policies are being proposed?
• What would a ballot measure change?
• Which claims come from campaigns or advocacy organizations, and which can be independently verified?

By this point in the election cycle, voters are surrounded by persuasive messaging. Going back to original sources, public records, full interviews, policy proposals, and reliable reporting can help separate useful information from the final rush of campaign rhetoric.

Review the Issues That Matter in Your Races

The national political conversation includes the economy, immigration, healthcare, education, abortion, public safety, foreign policy, government spending, technology, and many other concerns.

But not every office has authority over every issue.

Before November 3, connect the issues you care about with the candidates and offices that can actually influence them.

A congressional candidate and a school board candidate may both talk about education, but their responsibilities are very different. A governor, state legislator, mayor, and U.S. senator can each affect public policy in different ways.

That context can make the difference between simply following political debate and understanding the choices in front of you.

Use Reliable Sources as Election Day Approaches

The final days before an election can generate a remarkable amount of information, and not all of it deserves equal trust.

Old videos may resurface without context. Unverified claims can spread quickly on social media. Campaigns may make last-minute accusations against opponents. Commentary can sometimes be mistaken for reporting.

Slow down before accepting or sharing something simply because it confirms what you already believe.

Look for original statements. Read beyond headlines. Compare reporting from credible sources. Pay attention to when information was published and whether new facts have emerged since then.

Christians in particular should value truth more than partisan advantage. Proverbs 12:22 says, “Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who deal truthfully are His delight” (NKJV). Election season does not make accuracy less important.

What Happens When Election Night Results Begin Coming In?

Once voting concludes around the country, election reporting shifts rapidly from campaigns to results.

You will begin seeing vote totals, percentage reporting figures, maps, and race calls. But those numbers require context.

An early lead does not necessarily determine who will ultimately win a race. Different jurisdictions report results at different speeds, and the portions of the vote reported first may not resemble those reported later.

That is one reason reputable election-news organizations do not simply call a race because one candidate happens to be ahead.

The Associated Press, for example, says it declares a winner only when its analysts determine that the trailing candidate no longer has a path to victory. Some races can be called relatively quickly; closely contested races may take days or, occasionally, longer.

So on Election Night 2026, pay attention to more than the percentage of votes counted. Listen for explanations of where reported votes are coming from, how much remains outstanding, and why a race has or has not been called.

Not Every 2026 Election Result Will Be Known That Night

Election Night creates an expectation of instant answers, but elections do not always cooperate with television schedules.

Some races will become clear early in the evening. Others may remain uncertain as additional results are reported. Particularly close contests can require more time before a reliable winner can be identified.

That does not necessarily mean anything unusual has happened.

The United States does not have one centralized national vote-counting system. Elections are administered at the state and local level, and reporting practices differ across jurisdictions.

That means patience is sometimes part of following election results responsibly.

A responsible news source should be willing to say “too early to call” rather than turn uncertainty into speculation.

Watch the Larger Election Night Picture

Individual races matter, but Election Night 2026 will also tell a broader story.

• Which issues appeared to motivate voters?
• How are congressional races changing the makeup of Washington?
• What happened in major governor’s contests?
• Which state and local results could affect policy in the years ahead?
• Did ballot measures reveal important differences between states or regions?

As results accumulate, the evening gradually moves from individual contests toward a national picture.

That broader context is one reason thoughtful election coverage matters. Numbers tell you who is ahead. Good reporting also helps explain what those results mean.

Christians Can Follow Election Night Without Losing Perspective

Political outcomes matter because government decisions affect real people, families, churches, communities, and institutions.

But Christians can care deeply about elections without treating politics as the source of their hope.

Whatever happens on November 3, God remains sovereign. The Gospel remains true. The responsibility to love your neighbor, speak truth, pray for leaders, serve your community, and faithfully follow Christ does not change when political control changes.

That perspective can be especially valuable on Election Night, when political coverage often encourages viewers to treat every development as an emergency or every victory and defeat as permanent.

Stay informed. Pay attention. Care about what happens. But keep politics in its proper place.

Follow Election Night 2026 With Real Life Network

When the results begin coming in on Tuesday, November 3, Real Life Network will bring viewers America Speaks ’26: Election Night Live.

Coverage begins at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT and will include live election results, updates, commentary, conversation, and biblical perspective as major races unfold across the country.

Pastor Jack Hibbs, Daniel Cohen, and other Real Life Network voices will help viewers follow the evening’s developments and consider the larger issues behind the results.

RLN is free to watch, and creating an account ahead of Election Night means you can simply sign in and follow the coverage when November 3 arrives.

The campaigns will soon end. Then America will begin hearing from the voters.

Sign up for America Speaks ’26 updates and join Real Life Network live on November 3 for Election Night coverage beginning at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT.

Violent unrest in France, political divisions in Michigan, and deadly attacks against Christians in Nigeria are raising urgent questions about religious freedom, national security, and the responsibility of government to protect its citizens. Although these developments are unfolding in different parts of the world, they share a common concern: what happens when violence, extremism, and political instability threaten the institutions people depend on?

With the November 3 midterm elections approaching, Americans are also considering how immigration policy, public safety, religious liberty, and foreign affairs could shape the nation's future.

For Christians, these conversations involve more than political preferences. They raise questions about discernment, the protection of innocent life, and the responsibilities that accompany citizenship.

As these issues receive attention on The Daniel Cohen Show, available through Real Life Network, the biblical image of a watchman provides a framework for understanding the importance of recognizing danger and responding wisely.

France's Unrest and the Challenge of Protecting Religious Freedom

Recent reports and footage of unrest in France have brought renewed attention to the country's challenges involving public safety, immigration, social integration, and political extremism.

Images discussed during the unrest include damaged businesses, confrontations between demonstrators and police, and destruction of public property. Such scenes raise serious concerns about the government's ability to maintain order while protecting the rights of peaceful demonstrators and ordinary citizens.

France has experienced devastating Islamist terrorist attacks over the past decade.

In January 2015, gunmen attacked the offices of Charlie Hebdo, killing 12 people. Later that year, coordinated terrorist attacks in Paris, including the massacre at the Bataclan concert hall, killed 130 people.

In July 2016, a terrorist drove a truck into crowds celebrating Bastille Day in Nice, killing 86 people. That same month, two attackers murdered Catholic priest Jacques Hamel during a church service in Normandy.

The murder of schoolteacher Samuel Paty in 2020 further exposed the dangers posed by violent extremism and threats against freedom of expression.

These attacks remain significant reminders of the consequences of radicalization and failures to prevent terrorism.

However, understanding contemporary unrest requires distinguishing between peaceful political demonstrations, criminal violence, and ideologically motivated terrorism. The presence of religious or political symbols at a protest does not establish that every participant supports violence.

Protecting a nation's security requires confronting violent extremism without abandoning the religious freedoms and individual rights that make a free society worth defending.

For France, these questions are particularly important because its population includes people from many religious and cultural backgrounds. Government leaders face the difficult responsibility of maintaining public order while preserving freedom of conscience and equal protection under the law.

The biblical principle of responsible leadership offers an important perspective.

Romans 13 describes civil authority as bearing responsibility for restraining wrongdoing. Government is not simply an administrative institution. Its decisions have consequences for the safety and well-being of the people entrusted to its care.

The failures of political leaders deserve scrutiny, especially when innocent people suffer. Yet that scrutiny must remain grounded in truth rather than treating entire religious communities as responsible for the actions of extremists.

Michigan's Senate Race and the National Security Debate

Across the Atlantic, similar concerns about national security, political leadership, and public trust are influencing the 2026 midterm elections.

Michigan's Senate contest between Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has become a focal point for debates involving foreign policy, Israel, healthcare, and the direction of the federal government.

Rogers, a former congressman and chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, has emphasized his national security experience. El-Sayed, a physician and former public health official, has focused heavily on affordability, healthcare, and economic concerns.

The candidates represent different approaches to the responsibilities of government.

Their disagreements have also prompted scrutiny of their political statements and positions concerning the Middle East.

Questions have been raised about past Muslim Brotherhood associations attributed to members of El-Sayed's family. Such claims warrant careful examination, but a relative's political history does not independently establish a candidate's personal beliefs, affiliations, or wrongdoing.

Voters should distinguish documented evidence from allegations and evaluate candidates according to their own records, statements, and proposed policies.

That standard applies equally to every candidate, regardless of political party or religious identity.

Meanwhile, some longtime Democratic voters have publicly expressed support for Rogers. Former Pontiac City Council member Melanie Rutherford has described reconsidering her traditional party allegiance after examining the candidates and their priorities.

Other Michigan Democrats have raised concerns about healthcare proposals, particularly the implications of a Medicare for All system for existing private insurance arrangements.

These disagreements illustrate how political coalitions can change when voters place greater emphasis on individual policies than longstanding party loyalties.

They also demonstrate why national security cannot be separated entirely from domestic policy. Senators influence defense spending, intelligence oversight, immigration legislation, and the nation's relationships with allies.

The debate over Israel remains especially consequential.

Former President Barack Obama's criticism of Israeli policy and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's defense of the Jewish people's historical connection to Israel reflect deeply contested questions about territory, national identity, security, and peace.

Jewish historical and religious ties to the land extend back thousands of years. At the same time, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict involves competing national claims and a history of displacement, warfare, and unsuccessful diplomatic efforts.

Responsible analysis should recognize that complexity while unequivocally condemning terrorism and attacks against civilians.

Voters should demand clarity from candidates on national security, religious freedom, and foreign policy while refusing to substitute accusations or political slogans for verifiable evidence.

Proverbs 18:17 reminds readers that the first account of a dispute may appear convincing until another examines it. That principle is particularly valuable during election season, when political advertisements and selective reporting can obscure important context.

Persecuted Christians and the Biblical Call to Remain Watchful

While Americans debate their political future, Christians in other parts of the world face threats far more immediate than an election result.

Nigeria continues to experience devastating violence involving armed militant groups, communal conflicts, and attacks against vulnerable villages.

Reports highlighted by International Christian Concern describe deadly attacks on Christian communities in Plateau State, including the killing of a pastor and numerous other residents.

The human cost extends beyond casualty figures.

Families lose loved ones, churches lose their leaders, and entire communities confront the possibility of further violence. Survivors may be forced to leave their homes, abandon farmland, or live with the uncertainty of future attacks.

Some attacks have been attributed to armed Fulani militants, while the wider violence in Nigeria involves overlapping religious, ethnic, criminal, and land-related tensions. Not all Fulani people are militants, and the circumstances of individual attacks require careful investigation.

Nevertheless, violence directed against Christians because of their faith demands international attention.

The suffering of these communities should challenge believers elsewhere to consider how they respond to persecution.

Ezekiel 33 describes the responsibility of a watchman who sees danger approaching and sounds a warning. The passage emphasizes the seriousness of recognizing a threat and responding before lives are lost.

That biblical image speaks to the importance of vigilance, but it also requires wisdom.

Christians must be careful not to confuse fear with discernment or assume that every political controversy represents the same kind of danger.

Scripture calls believers to exercise sound judgment, seek justice, defend the vulnerable, and speak truthfully.

The biblical command to love one's neighbor does not disappear when that neighbor belongs to a different religious or political community.

Nor does love require ignoring genuine threats.

Christian discernment means recognizing real danger, defending innocent people, and responding with courage rather than allowing fear or hostility to determine our actions.

For Americans, the approaching midterms provide an opportunity to consider these responsibilities within a constitutional system that allows citizens to participate in selecting their leaders.

Political engagement can be one expression of responsible citizenship, but it must never become the measure of someone's faithfulness to Christ.

No candidate or political party can provide ultimate security. Governments remain accountable for their actions, and Christians remain accountable to God for how they conduct themselves.

That responsibility includes prayer for persecuted believers, concern for victims of terrorism, thoughtful examination of political claims, and a commitment to religious liberty for all people.

France's struggles with public order, Michigan's debates over national security, and Nigeria's ongoing violence against Christian communities are different situations requiring different responses. Yet each illustrates why truth, responsible leadership, and the protection of human life matter.

The challenge is not merely to recognize warning signs. It is to respond with wisdom, justice, and faithfulness.

For more reporting and biblical perspectives on international developments, religious freedom, and the 2026 midterm elections, watch The Daniel Cohen Show on Real Life Network.