Newsmakers

Arch Kennedy, an author and former meteorologist, once lived a gay lifestyle before an encounter with Jesus changed everything. Kennedy, author of "The Weather's Fine: My Method for Navigating Life's Challenges," told CBN News he "grew up in the church" but went on to struggle with addiction and same-sex attraction. "They instilled Christian values in us as children," Kennedy said of his parents. "I left that as I moved through my life, through my 20s and 30s, and where I got into heavy alcohol addiction through a good ... chunk of my life." A few years ago, though, something changed. Kennedy said his sister, who is six years older, had been prodding him to join a Bible study. He was reluctant due to commitment struggles, but eventually the Lord convinced him to join. "I had never studied God's word," Kennedy said. "A lot of my life, I barely even got to church, but I called myself a Christian." Despite living a gay lifestyle, this backdrop of faith and devotion left Kennedy without negative views on faith and with an openness. At times, he had attempted to combine the Christian and gay lifestyles — but it was always a struggle to make that work. "When I also realized my same sex attraction, I was trying to juggle the two for many years," he said. "And I tried to reconcile the two and to be able to have my faith and also my lifestyle, which is something I knew I couldn't change as far as my attraction to males." Kennedy continued, "So ... that was a big struggle for many years of my life, and ... as I look back now, that's probably a reason why I didn't much go to church or didn't really pursue my faith through those turbulent years." But when his sister invited him to that Bible study in Atlanta three years ago, something changed. The men's group was the first time Kennedy truly studied God's word. Much deeper than the typical Bible verses or devotionals he had previously read, the men's group dove deep into Scripture. "That is when the same-sex attraction and my faith really started to collide and where I started to realize that I had to make a change," Kennedy said, noting that, though he had abandoned earlier debauchery by that point in his life, he was still living in sin. "I was still living in relationships — physical, sexual relationships, and I realized that had to change, that I could not continue to follow Christ, and have Christ in my heart, and carry on a physical relationship." Kennedy added, "I couldn't change the feelings of same-sex attraction, but I could change how I acted on it, and I realized that celibacy is what God was calling me to do." Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show each week on CBN News⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show on CBN's YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the free CBN News App⁠

Bill Maher, on his show on HBO, said some absolutely spot on things about the ongoing Christian genocide in Nigeria. CBN's Raj Nair and Billy Hallowell have the story. Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show each week on CBN News⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show on CBN's YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the free CBN News App⁠

On this week’s Newsmakers, we tackle faith and culture in a time of upheaval. Anne Graham Lotz unpacks biblical prophecy and the hope of Christ’s return, reflecting on the passing of conservative leader Charlie Kirk. Pastor Mike Signorelli shares how more than 500 people surrendered their lives to Jesus in the days following Kirk’s death. And Lucas Miles, pastor and TPUSA Faith director, offers a heartfelt tribute to Charlie’s life and legacy. Join host Billy Hallowell for powerful conversations on the end times, revival, and the enduring impact of a life lived for the Gospel. Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show each week on CBN News⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show on CBN's YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the free CBN News App⁠

Is slain conservative and Christian commentator Charlie Kirk truly a martyr? After Kirk's September 10 assassination, he was labeled a martyr, which has sparked discussion about the term and how it applies. Jason Jimenez, an apologist, author, and the leader of Stand Strong Ministries, joins CBN News to explain why he believes wholeheartedly that Kirk is a martyr, what the term means, and how it applies. Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show each week on CBN News⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show on CBN's YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the free CBN News App⁠

Christian music superstar Lauren Daigle just posted a passionate post about Charlie Kirk's assassination. CBN's Raj Nair and Billy Hallowell break down her emotional message. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show each week on CBN News⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show on CBN's YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the free CBN News App⁠

On this week's Newsmakers we have a solemn yet powerful broadcast. Host Billy Hallowell welcomes three influential voices—The Chosen creator Dallas Jenkins, evangelist Ray Comfort, and Pastor Sam Rodriguez—for heartfelt reflections on the shocking assassination of conservative Christian commentator Charlie Kirk. From Jenkins’ urgent call to reject divisive rhetoric, to Comfort’s bold challenge to stand firm in faith, and Rodriguez’s prophetic warning to America, this episode captures a nation at a crossroads and a church called to courage.

Christian music superstar Forrest Frank lost 30,000 followers for posting about Charlie Kirk. So did that sudden drop in followers make him second guess his post? Not exactly. CBN's Raj Nair Billy Hallowell have the story. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show each week on CBN News⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show on CBN's YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the free CBN News App⁠

"The Chosen" creator Dallas Jenkins is among those mourning the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk — and he's offering a warning about the dangers of out-of-control and unfettered rhetoric. "It's obvious he was killed for his beliefs," Jenkins said of Kirk, lamenting this tragic reality. Jenkins commended Kirk for his attempts to dialogue with people who ideologically opposed him. "The Chosen" director said he, himself, is used to being around people who disagree with him — even on the set of his hit TV show. Because of that reality, Jenkins said he's often around discussions and debates. "I'm on set, surrounded by probably more than 50% of my cast and crew, people who disagree with me politically and even spiritually," Jenkins said. "Most people know by now that a good chunk of our cast and crew are not traditional believers or evangelicals. Some have become so by doing the show, but others haven't." But while many people are willing and able to have these debates, he said that negative changes in culture are leading to some truly tragic conclusions. "We are in a time where people demonize the opposition — the political or spiritual opposition, so much that their death is a logical conclusion," Jenkins said. "If you tell enough people that someone or a group of people are Nazis, are a threat to your literal freedom and democracy, and in fact, your very life, I mean, why wouldn't you think that they should die, or at least be stopped in some dramatic way?" Listen to him explain. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show each week on CBN News⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show on CBN's YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the free CBN News App⁠

A popular pastor known for speaking out on contemporary issues believes Charlie Kirk's assassination must become a moment of reckoning for America. Pastor Samuel Rodriguez told CBN News that America is "bleeding morally" and is at a dire crossroads. "We have crossed the Rubicon," he said. "We're no longer what we used to be. The age of civility is officially over, and we've entered into the proverbial dark, slippery slope where rhetorical violence becomes physical violence." ⁠⁠⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show each week on CBN News⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show on CBN's YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the free CBN News App⁠

Dr. Ben Carson has had a fascinating career, working as a revered neurosurgeon before running for president in 2016 and subsequently serving as the former United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development during the first Trump administration. But it's Carson's Christian faith that has most defined his life, with the physician-turned-politician joining forces with the Christian Broadcasting Network for the new documentary "The Revival Generation," a film the explores the "powerful move of God ... stirring across college campuses" across America. Carson is one of the interview subjects in "The Revival Generation," which describes the story behind these powerful spiritual events unfolding on American campuses. At the heart of the movie is the story of Tonya Prewett, a mother who embarked on a movement of prayer and launched UniteUS, the revival movement at the heart of what many believe to be the beginnings of a genuine spiritual revival. Carson joins Prewett, Jennie Allen, Pastor JP Pokluda and many others in telling the powerful story. He told CBN News during the red carpet premiere of The Revival Generation" held at The Kennedy Center Wednesday night that he's excited about what's happening spiritually across the U.S. right now. "I've been thinking for a long time that we need a revival," Carson said. "We've had four of them in the history of our country, usually around pestilence or war." He continued, "We've got all kind of things going on. It's time for one, and I've been seeing some really encouraging signs as I travel around the country, particularly among young people." Carson said many of these youths have experimented with what the world has to offer and have come up short, realizing they're missing out on something profound. Both on a national level and a personal one, Carson believes it's time to stand up and reclaim biblical roots. "Maybe it's time to go back to our roots," he said. "Our founding document says that our rights come from our Creator. Why would we run away from that and try to be like everybody else?" Carson believes people are beginning to understand why they must turn back to the Lord. Despite struggles on the social and political levels that persist, he's confident the "good guys will win in the long run." When asked what he believes is causing so many Americans — and the culture at large — to shift more toward faith, Carson said "people are braver" and more emboldened these days. Watch him share the rest. ⁠⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show each week on CBN News⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show on CBN's YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the free CBN News App⁠

On this week’s Newsmakers, Dr. Ben Carson joins to share his heartfelt warning to America and the encouragement he’s finding in a new move of God. Carson is featured in CBN’s The Revival Generation. Plus, author Randy Kay opens up about his near-death experience and unforgettable glimpse of heaven. And Zach Bauer, CEO of Passages, explains how his organization is equipping the next generation to stand boldly against antisemitism. ⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show each week on CBN News⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show on CBN's YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the free CBN News App

Will the rapture happen on September 23rd? This controversial take has become a viral concept. CBN's Raj Nair and Billy Hallowell break down the implications of this trending prophetic topic. ⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show each week on CBN News⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show on CBN's YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the free CBN News App

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin faced intense backlash on social media after unwittingly inviting two Israeli fans on stage during a performance in London, where he told them they are "equal humans on earth" and said he wanted to "welcome people in the audience from Palestine." His comment came after some in the audience booed the Israeli fans. ⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show each week on CBN News⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show on CBN's YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the free CBN News App

This episode of Newsmakers covers three powerful stories of faith. First, we hear how New York high school senior Sabrina Steffens won the right to paint a Bible verse on her school parking spot, with insight from attorney Keisha Russell of First Liberty Institute. Next, filmmakers John Schafer and Tom Bancroft discuss their new animated feature Light of the World, bringing the story of Jesus to theaters. Finally, evangelist Ray Comfort reflects on five decades of ministry, the power of the Gospel, and why he rejects the “sinner’s prayer.” ⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show each week on CBN News⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show on CBN's YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the free CBN News App

Chip and Joanna Gaines are once again under fire for a show their network produced called Roller Jam. CBN's Raj Nair and Billy Hallowell take you through the latest debate. ⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show each week on CBN News⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show on CBN's YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the free CBN News App

A California school district is fighting a legal battle to defend opening prayer, arguing it's perfectly permissible to open meetings by invoking God. Joel Oster, an attorney for Advocates For Faith & Freedom, told CBN News Chino Valley Unified School District has taken decisive legal action to challenge what it believes to be an outdated injunction from the Ninth Circuit Court preventing the school board from opening with prayer. Watch him explain. ⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show each week on CBN News⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show on CBN's YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the free CBN News App

In this episode of Newsmakers, we go behind the headlines with three powerful conversations: Dean Cain shares why he chose to stand with ICE officers, opening up about law enforcement, immigration, and the importance of protecting American families. Judge Phil Ginn, President of Southern Evangelical Seminary, explains why he believes revival could be on the horizon for America’s college campuses—and what the church must do to prepare. Finally, a former psychic offers an urgent warning about the occult’s growing influence in culture and on social media, revealing the spiritual dangers facing today’s youth. Together, these interviews shed light on faith, culture, and the battles shaping our society.

A teenager who fought back after her public school wouldn’t allow her to place a Bible verse on her paid parking space has won her battle. “Sabrina Steffans will proceed with her original design that was previously rejected by the school because of its religious references,” First Liberty Institute, a religious liberty law firm, said in a statement. Here's the backstory. Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show each week on CBN News⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show on CBN's YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the free CBN News App

Former psychic medium Jenn Nizza opens up about her decades in the occult — and why she’s now sounding the alarm. From TikTok tarot readings to occult symbolism at major award shows, Nizza explains how New Age practices are infiltrating pop culture and targeting the next generation. She reveals why even seemingly “harmless” mediums are dangerous, how she’s faced backlash for speaking out, and why she refuses to stay silent. Her message is urgent: the spiritual battle is real, and eternity is at stake. ⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show each week on CBN News⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the weekly "Newsmakers" TV show on CBN's YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the free CBN News App

Rebecca St. James, who has long dominated Christian music, believes there's a powerful "momentum in the arts" right now when it comes to transformational Christian content. "[There is a] kind of ground that's being regained, I would say, when it comes to faith ... leading in culture," St. James told CBN News, going on to reference the success of films like "Jesus Revolution," "I Can Only Imagine," and "Unsung Hero," a movie in theaters now that tells her family's story.   More specifically, "Unsung Hero" recounts the rags-to-riches story surrounding St. James and her family, the Smallbones, (brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone are members of KING & COUNTRY), showcasing the tough, overcomer events in their lives preceding the artists' meteoric rise to fame. "Unsung Hero" pays homage to the incredible ways God worked in the family's life after they came to America with nothing, worked hard cleaning homes and doing yard work, and eventually landed record deals. The film has thus far been widely well-received.   St. James believes faith-based movies like "Unsung Hero" are attracting big audiences for a reason. "People are hungry for these messages," the singer said. "And when we show up in the theater, we say to Hollywood, 'We need more of this. We need more family content. We need more clean content. We need more God-honoring content.'" St. James said she's proud of the impact "Unsung Hero" is having, and reiterated her belief Christians need to show up and support projects like it.   "Where there's a call to action with us is, we have to vote, go on these weekends to the theater, bring your family, celebrate your moms," she said. "It's this moment in time where we can kind of say to Hollywood with our vote, with our movie ticket, 'We want more of this.'" The performer believes this is just the beginning of faith surging in Hollywood. "I feel this sense of anticipation of what God's doing and about to do, because I think there's this wave that we're going to ride," she said. "And that's very exciting to me."