Friday Church News Notes
August 15, 2025 - Volume 26, Issue 33
The Friday Church News Notes is designed for use in churches and is published by Way of Life Literature. Unless otherwise stated, the Notes are written by David Cloud. Of necessity we quote from a wide variety of sources, though this does not imply an endorsement.
Matt Maher and family meet
Pope Leo XIV. (Instagram)
Pope Leo XIV. (Instagram)
CATHOLIC MUSICAL MISSIONARY RETURNS FROM ROME AND PRAISES UNITY (Friday Church News Notes, August 15, 2025, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - Nothing is more effectual in building the one-world “church” than contemporary Christian music. Consider Matt Maher, a Roman Catholic who is an influential contemporary worship artist. He recently spent a week in Rome participating in the Youth Jubilee and enjoying “a historic vigil with the Holy Father” (Leo XIV). He has led worship in the presence of three other popes (John Paul II, Benedict VI, and Francis). Maher calls himself a “musical missionary,” but he’s a missionary for Rome. Christianity Today says “Maher is bringing his music--and a dream of unity into the Protestant church” (“Common Bonds,” CT, Oct. 27, 2009). Maher’s wife is Methodist, and they are raising their son “in the Catholic Church,” while also taking him to Methodist services “so he can experience both traditions” (“Charismatic Catholic Rocker Finds Crossover Appeal with Evangelicals,” Charisma, May 20, 2013). That is the perfect recipe for building a one-world “church.” David Wang says Maher is “one of the most successful Catholic artists to cross over into mainstream Christian rock and find an audience among evangelicals” (“Catholic Rocker Matt Maher,” Religion News Service, May 17, 2013). Stuart Townend and Keith Getty (GTM) have affiliated with Maher and other Roman Catholics in ecumenical endeavors. Maher says that touring with Protestants like Michael W. Smith produces ecumenical unity because people come to the concerts and find themselves standing beside a priest or nun, and they learn that “we’re all in this family together.” But what family? The New Testament warns loudly and often of a great apostasy, of false Christianity, of widespread spiritual deception, of the leaven of error. These warnings were first given by Christ Himself (Mt. 7:15-23; 13:24-25, 31-33; 24:4-5, 11, 24) and were continued through the ministries of the apostles and prophets (e.g., Acts 20:28-31; Ro. 16:17-18; Eph. 4:14; Php 3:17-19; 2 Co. 11:1-4, 13-15; Col. 2; 1 Ti. 4:1-6; 2 Ti. 2:16-28; 3:1-13; 4:3-4; 2 Pe. 2; 1 John 4; 2 John 1; Jude). The apostles warned that there will be false christs, false gospels, and false spirits, and taught the churches to be perpetually on guard, testing everything by the absolute standard of God’s Word (Acts 17:11; 1 Th. 5:21; Heb. 5:12-14). They warned that false teachers would be deceptive, appearing as wolves in sheep’s clothing and ministers of righteousness. They warned about the “cunning craftiness” of false teachers and their ability to deceive through “good words and fair speeches.” These clear biblical warnings are typically ignored throughout the world of Contemporary Christian Music, and those who take them seriously are dismissed as unloving, judgmental Pharisees and divisive troublemakers who are encroaching on “liberty” and hindering God’s work.
PLANNED PARENTHOOD BEGINS CLOSING CLINICS (Friday Church News Notes, August 15, 2025, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - The following is excerpted from “Planned Parenthood,” Standing for Freedom Center, Aug. 7, 2025: “As pro-life Americans, we have long argued that taxpayer dollars should not support abortion providers. In 2025, that reality is finally catching up to Planned Parenthood. The nation’s leading abortion provider has announced that at least 38 facilities will close this year ... and a total of as many as 250 clinics will be shut down by next year. These clinic closures follow substantial cuts to Medicaid reimbursements and Title X funding and are a direct consequence of the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ that was signed into law on July 4. ... the closure of dozens of Planned Parenthood clinics in a single year is a historic moment in the fight for life. For decades, Planned Parenthood has operated with near-untouchable status in many states, benefiting from billions of dollars in taxpayer funding while performing the majority of abortions in the country. In fact, Planned Parenthood performed over 402,000 abortions in 2022-2023, according to its annual report, nearly 25 percent more than it did in 2013. The fact that more than one-third of Planned Parenthood clinics could be boarded up by 2026 is a signal that the pro-life movement is finally moving from defense to offense.”
MORE MOVES TO BAN MEN FROM WOMEN SPORTS (Friday Church News Notes, August 15, 2025, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - The following is excerpted from “Wagner College to Ban Men,” Standing for Freedom Center, Aug. 6, 2025: “On Friday the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) announced an agreement with Wagner College after the school allowed a male student to compete on its women’s fencing team, leading to a protest by female fencer Stephanie Turner. ... In April, video emerged of Turner taking a knee and removing her mask, refusing to compete against Sullivan in the women’s division of the Cherry Blossom Open in Maryland. Turner received a black card, the highest penalty in fencing, and was disqualified. She later received a 12-month probation from USA Fencing for her protest. ... On Friday, the DOE and Wagner reached a resolution agreement that will prohibit men from competing on the school’s women’s teams. ... Additionally, Wagner will also issue a personalized letter of apology to each female fencer from Wagner College, and to any female competitor from another school, who was forced to compete against a male. The agreement follows a similar settlement reached earlier this year with the University of Pennsylvania, which agreed to end its policy allowing male athletes to compete against females and to apologize to all women affected by the policy. In July, USA Fencing also updated its policies to align with U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committees, both of which adopted similar changes to comply with President Donald Trump’s executive order banning men from women’s sports.”
INDIAN LAWMAKER OFFERS CASH REWARDS FOR VIOLENCE AGAINST PASTORS (Friday Church News Notes, August 15, 2025, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - On June 17, Gopichand Padalkar, a lawmaker with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), offered cash rewards for violence against Christians. “We should keep prizes for those who bash up missionaries coming to convert people. Rs 5 lakh (500,000 rupees or $5,756 USD), should be declared for the first person thrashing such a missionary, the second one to be given Rs 4 lakh (400,000 rupees or $4,605 USD), while the third one to be given Rs 3 lakh (300,000 rupees or $3,454 USD) as prizes.” He also offered 11 lakhs (1.1 million rupees or $12,663 USD) for violence against Christian leaders (“Indian Lawmaker’s Cash Rewards,” Christianity Daily, July 31, 2025). Padalkar also called for the destruction of “unauthorized prayer houses.” Though he accused Christians of forced religious conversions, “he provided no evidence for such claims.” No criminal charges were made against Padalkar, but thousands of Christians demonstrated in Mumbai and Pune. “Religious rights advocates point to the hostile tone of the National Democratic Alliance government, led by the Hindu nationalist BJP, which they say has emboldened Hindu extremists across India since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took power in May 2014.”
LESBIAN APPOINTED ARCHBISHOP OF WALES (Friday Church News Notes, August 15, 2025, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - In the latest news from the extreme edge of end-time apostasy, Cherry Vann, a lesbian who lives with her “civil partner Wendy,” has been elected the 15th Archbishop of Wales. She is the first woman and the first “gay” to hold the office. Her predecessor, Andrew John, stepped down last month after evidence “involving sexual misconduct ... and excessive drinking,” not on his part but under his watch (“Christian group blasts Church,” Christian Post, Aug. 3, 2025). It is difficult to understand what would constitute “sexual misconduct” in a “church” that ordains lesbians. As for the drinking, choir members and priests were getting “catastrophically drunk” at pubs following services (“Former Archbishop of Wales Lament,” Christian Post, July 9, 2025). The Church of Wales is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, together with the Church of England, the Episcopal Church in America, and Anglican denominations in 165 countries. The Church of England was a man-made institution from its founding by King Henry VIII for the purpose of divorcing his first wife and marrying a second one.
62% OF AMERICAN JEWS DO NOT BELIEVE IN LIFE AFTER DEATH (Friday Church News Notes, August 15, 2025, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - A recent survey of Jews found that a large percentage do not believe in life after death: 62% in America and 42% in Israel (“Survey Finds,” The Times of Israel, May 7, 2025). The Pew Research Center survey “included more than 12,000 respondents, including an oversample of Jews.” The prophecy of dry bones in Ezekiel 37 describes a two-fold restoration of the Jews. First they will be raised in a spiritually dead condition; after that, they will be converted and given new life (Ezekiel 37:7-14). The first part of the prophecy has been fulfilled, and we are waiting for the last part, which will occur during the day of the Lord and the rampages of the Antichrist.
GOD’S OPTIC FIBERS (Friday Church News Notes, August 15, 2025, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - The following is from CreationMoments.com, July 1, 2025: “One of the areas in which modern technology is advancing most rapidly is fiber optics. Crystal clear telephone messages are carried on cables of special fibers that conduct messages in digital form, using laser light. Offices and industries now use computer systems in which processors are linked with fiber optic cables in order to increase speed. But man has only discovered this technology--he has not invented it, for God used fiber optics in providing for the needs of certain plants. Scientists have learned that sprouting oat, corn and mung bean plants use the principles of fiber optics so they can grow. When the tip of a young seedling first pokes its nose above ground, it gathers and sends light to the growth center--which may be half-an-inch, an inch or more below the ground. The conducted light then stimulates the growth center, providing energy for growth. Without this provision, the seedling could die, or at least growth retarded. Scientists have learned that the seedling stem is such an efficient optic fiber that it will even faithfully conduct a focused image of the light source. We are learning that just about every technological breakthrough made by man was already used by the Creator when He made the creation. There is hardly a stronger argument than this in favor of belief in an intelligent Creator! Ref: ‘Plants pipe light,’ Science 82, pp. 10-11.”
CONCLUSION: The Friday Church News Notes is designed for use in churches and is published by Way of Life Literature’s Fundamental Baptist Information Service. Unless otherwise stated, the Notes are written by David Cloud. Of necessity we quote from a wide variety of sources, but this obviously does not imply an endorsement. We trust that our readers will not be discouraged. It is God’s will that we know the times (1 Ch. 12:32; Mt. 16:3) and that we be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves. The News Notes remind us that the hour is very late, and we need to be ready for the Lord’s coming. Are you sure that you are born again? Are you living for Christ? “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (Ro. 13:11-14).
PLANNED PARENTHOOD BEGINS CLOSING CLINICS (Friday Church News Notes, August 15, 2025, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - The following is excerpted from “Planned Parenthood,” Standing for Freedom Center, Aug. 7, 2025: “As pro-life Americans, we have long argued that taxpayer dollars should not support abortion providers. In 2025, that reality is finally catching up to Planned Parenthood. The nation’s leading abortion provider has announced that at least 38 facilities will close this year ... and a total of as many as 250 clinics will be shut down by next year. These clinic closures follow substantial cuts to Medicaid reimbursements and Title X funding and are a direct consequence of the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ that was signed into law on July 4. ... the closure of dozens of Planned Parenthood clinics in a single year is a historic moment in the fight for life. For decades, Planned Parenthood has operated with near-untouchable status in many states, benefiting from billions of dollars in taxpayer funding while performing the majority of abortions in the country. In fact, Planned Parenthood performed over 402,000 abortions in 2022-2023, according to its annual report, nearly 25 percent more than it did in 2013. The fact that more than one-third of Planned Parenthood clinics could be boarded up by 2026 is a signal that the pro-life movement is finally moving from defense to offense.”
MORE MOVES TO BAN MEN FROM WOMEN SPORTS (Friday Church News Notes, August 15, 2025, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - The following is excerpted from “Wagner College to Ban Men,” Standing for Freedom Center, Aug. 6, 2025: “On Friday the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) announced an agreement with Wagner College after the school allowed a male student to compete on its women’s fencing team, leading to a protest by female fencer Stephanie Turner. ... In April, video emerged of Turner taking a knee and removing her mask, refusing to compete against Sullivan in the women’s division of the Cherry Blossom Open in Maryland. Turner received a black card, the highest penalty in fencing, and was disqualified. She later received a 12-month probation from USA Fencing for her protest. ... On Friday, the DOE and Wagner reached a resolution agreement that will prohibit men from competing on the school’s women’s teams. ... Additionally, Wagner will also issue a personalized letter of apology to each female fencer from Wagner College, and to any female competitor from another school, who was forced to compete against a male. The agreement follows a similar settlement reached earlier this year with the University of Pennsylvania, which agreed to end its policy allowing male athletes to compete against females and to apologize to all women affected by the policy. In July, USA Fencing also updated its policies to align with U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committees, both of which adopted similar changes to comply with President Donald Trump’s executive order banning men from women’s sports.”
INDIAN LAWMAKER OFFERS CASH REWARDS FOR VIOLENCE AGAINST PASTORS (Friday Church News Notes, August 15, 2025, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - On June 17, Gopichand Padalkar, a lawmaker with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), offered cash rewards for violence against Christians. “We should keep prizes for those who bash up missionaries coming to convert people. Rs 5 lakh (500,000 rupees or $5,756 USD), should be declared for the first person thrashing such a missionary, the second one to be given Rs 4 lakh (400,000 rupees or $4,605 USD), while the third one to be given Rs 3 lakh (300,000 rupees or $3,454 USD) as prizes.” He also offered 11 lakhs (1.1 million rupees or $12,663 USD) for violence against Christian leaders (“Indian Lawmaker’s Cash Rewards,” Christianity Daily, July 31, 2025). Padalkar also called for the destruction of “unauthorized prayer houses.” Though he accused Christians of forced religious conversions, “he provided no evidence for such claims.” No criminal charges were made against Padalkar, but thousands of Christians demonstrated in Mumbai and Pune. “Religious rights advocates point to the hostile tone of the National Democratic Alliance government, led by the Hindu nationalist BJP, which they say has emboldened Hindu extremists across India since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took power in May 2014.”
LESBIAN APPOINTED ARCHBISHOP OF WALES (Friday Church News Notes, August 15, 2025, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - In the latest news from the extreme edge of end-time apostasy, Cherry Vann, a lesbian who lives with her “civil partner Wendy,” has been elected the 15th Archbishop of Wales. She is the first woman and the first “gay” to hold the office. Her predecessor, Andrew John, stepped down last month after evidence “involving sexual misconduct ... and excessive drinking,” not on his part but under his watch (“Christian group blasts Church,” Christian Post, Aug. 3, 2025). It is difficult to understand what would constitute “sexual misconduct” in a “church” that ordains lesbians. As for the drinking, choir members and priests were getting “catastrophically drunk” at pubs following services (“Former Archbishop of Wales Lament,” Christian Post, July 9, 2025). The Church of Wales is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, together with the Church of England, the Episcopal Church in America, and Anglican denominations in 165 countries. The Church of England was a man-made institution from its founding by King Henry VIII for the purpose of divorcing his first wife and marrying a second one.
62% OF AMERICAN JEWS DO NOT BELIEVE IN LIFE AFTER DEATH (Friday Church News Notes, August 15, 2025, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - A recent survey of Jews found that a large percentage do not believe in life after death: 62% in America and 42% in Israel (“Survey Finds,” The Times of Israel, May 7, 2025). The Pew Research Center survey “included more than 12,000 respondents, including an oversample of Jews.” The prophecy of dry bones in Ezekiel 37 describes a two-fold restoration of the Jews. First they will be raised in a spiritually dead condition; after that, they will be converted and given new life (Ezekiel 37:7-14). The first part of the prophecy has been fulfilled, and we are waiting for the last part, which will occur during the day of the Lord and the rampages of the Antichrist.
GOD’S OPTIC FIBERS (Friday Church News Notes, August 15, 2025, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - The following is from CreationMoments.com, July 1, 2025: “One of the areas in which modern technology is advancing most rapidly is fiber optics. Crystal clear telephone messages are carried on cables of special fibers that conduct messages in digital form, using laser light. Offices and industries now use computer systems in which processors are linked with fiber optic cables in order to increase speed. But man has only discovered this technology--he has not invented it, for God used fiber optics in providing for the needs of certain plants. Scientists have learned that sprouting oat, corn and mung bean plants use the principles of fiber optics so they can grow. When the tip of a young seedling first pokes its nose above ground, it gathers and sends light to the growth center--which may be half-an-inch, an inch or more below the ground. The conducted light then stimulates the growth center, providing energy for growth. Without this provision, the seedling could die, or at least growth retarded. Scientists have learned that the seedling stem is such an efficient optic fiber that it will even faithfully conduct a focused image of the light source. We are learning that just about every technological breakthrough made by man was already used by the Creator when He made the creation. There is hardly a stronger argument than this in favor of belief in an intelligent Creator! Ref: ‘Plants pipe light,’ Science 82, pp. 10-11.”
CONCLUSION: The Friday Church News Notes is designed for use in churches and is published by Way of Life Literature’s Fundamental Baptist Information Service. Unless otherwise stated, the Notes are written by David Cloud. Of necessity we quote from a wide variety of sources, but this obviously does not imply an endorsement. We trust that our readers will not be discouraged. It is God’s will that we know the times (1 Ch. 12:32; Mt. 16:3) and that we be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves. The News Notes remind us that the hour is very late, and we need to be ready for the Lord’s coming. Are you sure that you are born again? Are you living for Christ? “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (Ro. 13:11-14).
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Distributed by Way of Life Literature, publisher of Bible Study Materials and reports for Fundamental Baptists and other fundamentalist, Bible-believing Christians. Established in 1974, Way of Life Literature is a fundamental Baptist preaching and publishing ministry based in Bethel Baptist Church, London, Ontario, of which Wilbert Unger is the founding Pastor. Brother Cloud lives in South Asia where he has been a church planting missionary since 1979. OUR GOAL IN THIS PARTICULAR ASPECT OF OUR MINISTRY (REPORTS AND FRIDAY NEWS) IS NOT DEVOTIONAL, BUT TO PROVIDE INFORMATION TO ASSIST PREACHERS IN THE PROTECTION OF THE CHURCHES IN THIS APOSTATE HOUR.
David Cloud, Way of Life Literature, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061, 866-295-4143, fbns@wayoflife.org
The Way of Life Literature preaching and publishing ministry is based at Bethel Baptist Church, London, Ontario, of which Wilbert Unger is the founding Pastor. A mail stop is maintained in Port Huron, Michigan.
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