John Crist, a Christian comedian who’s been rebuilding his life after making “a lot of poor choices,” told Sadie Robertson Huff he clung to hope during his darkest time. Though Crist felt like an “outcast” whose story was over, God gave him another chance.

In 2019, the comedian faced allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment from five women, leading to his tour being canceled. Crist also struggled with addiction but has been sober for five years now. After completing rehab and returning to social media in summer 2020, he said he felt an “unbelievable amount of love” and “undeserved” support.

During an episode of Huff’s podcast titled “From Rock Bottom to Recovery,” Crist told listeners he’s “had to sit with the consequences” of his poor choices. “I don’t want to skirt responsibility,” he added, without going into detail.

The comedian, whose YouTube show “Emotional Support” has been viewed more than 2 million times since Feb. 18, said his performances are now “a thousand times more sincere.”

Amid Darkness, John Crist Dared To Hope

John Crist, 41, grew up in a large family in Atlanta, with a pastor father and a homeschooling mother. During the 2010s, his comedy career took off, and he eventually moved to Nashville.

RELATED: ‘This Generation Needs Fathers’—Michael W. Smith and John Crist Talk Faith, Deconstruction, and Smith’s Prodigal Son Moment

As he has mentioned before, Crist said he was in a “very dark place” in 2019 and “wanted to end my life.” He told Huff he saw no way forward and no future. But gradually he allowed himself to take baby steps of hope, thinking about simple pleasures such as eating Chick-fil-A and playing golf.

Although Crist didn’t think he’d ever return to the stage, he knew he could at least be alive. He compared the situation to that of a prisoner of war. Just hearing that someone will eventually come to your rescue can help you “endure an unimaginable amount of pain and suffering,” Crist said.

Quoting Hebrews 12:2, Huff pointed out that “Jesus endured the pain of the cross for the hope of heaven, and that we would get to join him.” Even if our circumstances don’t improve here on earth, she said, “There is a hope of heaven and that the Holy Spirit is going to help me right now. He will be the strength in my weakness.”

John Crist: Life Is ‘So Much Better’ With Jesus

Receiving grace after his public failures “kind of flipped my whole faith,” John Crist admitted. It was a contrast to the works- and performance-based teachings he had grown up with, where churches banished people for getting divorced and youth groups banished teens for getting pregnant. “Everybody knew everything about me, and they were like, ‘We love you,’” Crist recalled in amazement.

Shahar Isaac, who portrays Simon Peter in the hit show “The Chosen,” recently spoke in solidarity with the remaining hostages whom Hamas has not returned to Israel amid the ongoing war.

The current military conflict between Israel and Hamas began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched surprise attacks on Israeli civilians, committing horrific acts of violence and killing more than 1,200 people.

During the attacks, Hamas took 251 hostages and is still holding 59 hostages, 35 of whom are believed dead, according to the Associated Press. 

Isaac, known for his role as Simon Peter, is an Israeli citizen. Prior to being cast in “The Chosen,” he served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as is required of all citizens. Last year, Isaac was called into reserve duty for the IDF, causing him to miss the Los Angeles premiere of Season 4 of “The Chosen.”

RELATED: ‘We Are the Church’—Palestinian Pastor Calls for Unity Among Christians Amid Israel-Hamas War

During a recent press event for “The Chosen,” Isaac was wearing a yellow ribbon, which he said “represents the fact that we still have hostages—that we are waiting for a solution.”

“These guys are—a-year-and-a-half underground,” Isaac said. “We know that they’re treated in a way that’s beyond any humane capture. We know [what] they’ve gone through. The horrors that they’ve gone through, to be honest, it’s hard to talk about, because it’s a dagger in our heart, and the wound is still open.”

Referring to the hostages, Isaac said, “Some of them are definitely alive and in a condition that needs to be—every day that goes by…every day can save another life.”

“Whatever can be done needs to be done,” Isaac said. “We are now in the U.S., so whatever pressure this country can put on all the parties involved, it’s something we will be grateful for, something that needs to happen today.”

Since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began nearly 18 months ago, more than 49,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s health authorities. Much of the Gaza region has been reduced to rubble. 

RELATED: I Went to Israel Looking for Moral Clarity. Here Is What I Found.

Hamas and Israel entered into a ceasefire agreement earlier this year and have engaged in several prisoner-for-hostage swaps. 

A pastor in Duluth, Minnesota, has stepped down from his position at Revive City Church of Duluth following public outcry after it became widely known that he is a convicted sex offender. Ronald Allen, 59, was convicted of three counts of sexual misconduct for engaging in sexual acts with two 13-year-old girls from 2000-2001 while he was the youth pastor of a different church.

Allen and his wife, October, gave an interview to Fox 21 News that was published Thursday, March 20. In it, they defended Allen holding the role of a pastor, arguing that he committed his crimes over 20 years ago and that God has redeemed him.

“As a matter of fact,” Ronald Allen told Fox 21, “when I was coming into ministry, I even asked that question: Can I do this? Should I do this? You know, and there’s a number of pastors locally that said that God is a God of restoration.”

Editor’s note: This article refers to reports of child sex abuse, which some readers might find triggering and/or disturbing. Links in this article contain language some might find offensive.

Ronald Allen Steps Down as Pastor Following Tumultuous Week

Prior to stepping down from his position of church leadership, Allen was the pastor of Revive City Church of Duluth, which he and October founded in 2021. The couple, who each have been incarcerated in the past, have focused their ministry on helping people who struggle with addictions.

The church hosts a Celebrate Recovery group, and October runs the organization Grace Place, which provides housing and recovery support for people experiencing homelessness and dealing with addiction.

RELATED: Former Pastor at Church Founded by Jerry Falwell Sr. Convicted of Stalking Former Church Member

“Truth and transparency and authenticity are number one,” said October. “I think that’s what’s made Ron the people’s pastor.”

Court documents published by Fox 21 describe two victims, each 13 years old, who had sexual contact with Allen while he was 35 years old and serving as a youth pastor at Calvary Worship Center in Minnetonka. One girl was a babysitter for Allen’s family from 2000 to 2001, and the other girl was her friend. Allen was the youth pastor of the babysitter.

In January 2001, the babysitter’s friend reported that Allen touched her breasts and genital area for a period of about 45 minutes at Allen’s townhouse after the friends had finished watching Allen’s children. Allen admitted to these allegations in a non-custodial interview and “demonstrated knowledge” that the girl was 13.

Wine or drinking alcohol is mentioned in the Bible more than 200 times. Whether people call it “drunk,” “wasted,” or “smashed,” Pastor Ed Young of Fellowship Church in Grapevine, Texas, addressed the controversial topic of alcohol and whether or not Christians are allowed to drink.

Pastor Ed Young Says the Bible Gives Christians ‘Freedom’ To Drink Alcohol

In a recent sermon, Pastor Ed Young tackled the “most dangerous drug and the number one drug in America.” He began his sermon by bringing out a six-pack of beer, opening one, and pouring the contents into a mug. Young pointed out the number of emotions people had at that moment—mostly shock. He joked, “Ed, why don’t you drink the beer? Your sermon will be much better.”

Young recognized that listeners were from a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and opinions about drinking. Some were living life in the hidden grip of alcoholism. Others had a family history of alcohol abuse. Still others were defensive of either stance—acceptance of social drinking or complete abstinence. Alcohol is a “hotly debated topic,” said Young.

Other pastors, including Pastor Robby Gallaty of Long Hollow Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee, have also addressed the topic in sermons over the years.

“As someone who previously struggled with alcohol and drug addiction prior to salvation, I think we have an obligation as church leaders to speak openly about hard topics to help our people navigate present-day issues they are facing,” Gallaty told ChurchLeaders. “If we don’t disciple our people in biblical truth, the world will.”

The age-old question, “Can Christians drink alcohol?,” has been argued for years, and Young quickly answered the question with a resounding, “Yes.” While “the Bible does give us liberty—freedom—regarding consuming beverage alcohol,” drinking to excess or drunkenness is a sin, Young said, while quoting Ephesians 5:18.

Young argued that Paul uses alcohol as a metaphor. Instead of being controlled by alcohol, we’re to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. “What and who are you filling your life with?” was the bigger question presented by Young.

While intoxication can include any addictive substance, including weed or illegal drugs, Young focused on alcohol.

Young quoted theologian Dr. Wayne Grudem to help define drunkenness. Grudem lists specific traits associated with being intoxicated—including “a loss of good judgement, impaired thinking, diminished moral restraint, actions that harm personal or gospel reputation, compromised physical condition.”

RELATED: Pastor Ed Young Criticizes Saints QB Derek Carr for ‘Grabbing His Crotch’ During TD Celebration

There are benefits to alcohol consumption. Referring to Psalm 104:14-15, Young noted the benefits of drinking—it “gladdens the heart.” He also noted that Jesus’ first miracle was turning “H2O into Merlot.”

Worship pastor and songwriter Jon Reddick took to social media this week to share that his wife, Rebecca, has been diagnosed with colon cancer.

In his post, Reddick asked for prayer, expressed gratitude for an early diagnosis, and encouraged others to undergo regular screenings.

Reddick serves as worship pastor at Church of the City in Franklin, Tennessee. He has also been nominated for several Dove Awards, including for New Artist of the Year in 2023.

His most recent release is the single “No Fear,” which was released in January.

On Monday (March 24), Reddick shared his wife’s health update on Facebook.

RELATED: John MacArthur’s Kidneys Are Failing, but He Doesn’t Believe ‘God Is Through With Me Yet’

“Hey fam,” Reddick wrote, “I wanted to share some personal news.” 

“Last week, my wife Rebecca was diagnosed with early onset colon cancer. The diagnosis is positive as it was hopefully detected early enough,” Reddick said. “She will undergo surgery tomorrow, March 25th. We would appreciate your prayers for her, the team of doctors and staff, as well as our kids as we navigate this journey and she starts her road to recovery.”

“This is a deeply personal diagnosis as Rebecca lost her dad to colon cancer at this same age,” Reddick continued, “so as you can imagine we are extremely grateful for this early diagnosis and surgery.”

In light of the fact that March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, Reddick encouraged his fans and followers “to speak with your medical provider if you have any concerns or have a family history of colon cancer.”

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“It has been noted that colon cancer is being found in younger patients than the recommended screening age of 45,” Reddick added.

(RNS) — The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has issued its annual list of countries it considers to be the most egregious violators of religious liberty and urged the new Trump administration to appoint a new ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom.

The commission’s 2025 report, released on Tuesday (March 25), included a list of countries nearly identical to its 2024 list — a reflection, according to the report, that in most of those countries, things have not improved but often have worsened.

“The administration of President Donald J. Trump faces a complex international environment in which to build on its previous success of centering religious freedom as a cornerstone of foreign policy and global leadership,” reads the report. “Confirming this commitment to advancing freedom of religion or belief will require calibration and joint action with like-minded governments.”

The eight current commissioners of the bipartisan, independent agency asked Congress to halt the visits it receives from representatives of countries designated as the most egregious religious freedom violators.

“Lobbyists paid to represent the interests of governments that kill, torture, imprison, or otherwise persecute their populations because of what religion they practice or what beliefs they hold should not be welcome in the halls of Capitol Hill,” they stated.

The 2025 report also sought a successor to Rashad Hussain, whose ambassador-at-large post ended with the Biden administration. Hussain was recently announced as a distinguished senior fellow at the Institute for Global Engagement, a think tank that seeks to foster partnerships to build religious freedom.

“I think what’s critical here is an ambassador who has access, not only to Secretary (of State Marco) Rubio, but has access to the White House directly,” USCIRF Chair Stephen Schneck told RNS in an interview, though he noted that USCIRF does not play a role in the selection process for the ambassador. “It needs to be somebody, I think, of that level, given the surge of, the big uptick in violations of freedom of religion or belief around the world that we’re seeing right now.”

The bipartisan, independent commission, which was reauthorized last year by Congress through September 2026, annually recommends to the State Department a list of countries to designate as “of particular concern” for committing “systematic, egregious, and ongoing” religious freedom violations.

The 2025 report seeks the redesignation of these 12 countries: Burma, China, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, Nicaragua, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

It also seeks designation of four others: Afghanistan, India, Nigeria and Vietnam.

USCIRF sought the same redesignations and designations last year, with a request to add Azerbaijan.

This year, it requested that Azerbaijan remain on the State Department’s second-tier special watch list, along with Algeria.