Before SHADES OF GRAY, “Dating Naked,” or even Harlequin romance novels, there was Song of Solomon, the “sexy” book of the Bible. From the best-selling book of all time, the racy Song of Solomon has inspired a new movie THE SONG opening nationwide this Friday.

Athanatos Christian Ministries has been hosting Christian novel contests for more than five years as part of their mission to use the arts to defend the Christian faith. The 2014 grand prize winner is Paul Bennett, who won with his story, “A Fall of Sparrows.” Second place went to Luke Ainsworth for his story, “Everything that Rises.”

Cleveland, TN—Members of the Church of God Council of Eighteen gathered Tuesday, September 23 at the International Offices for the first meeting since the group was elected at the 75th International General Assembly this past July. The Council of Eighteen, combined with the five members of the Church of God Executive Committee, forms the International Executive Council (IEC).

More than 200 police raided a house church on Sunday, eyewitnesses told International Christian Concern. More than 100 church members, including children, were arrested during the Sunday service in Foshan City, in China’s Guangdong Province. As of Monday evening, more than 24 hours later, 30 parishioners still remained in police custody.

Redeemer City to City (CTC) and Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS) are pleased to announce a strategic partnership to provide a seminary education in New York City. This advances the vision of RTS to provide graduate theological education globally and that of Redeemer Presbyterian Church and its founding pastor, Dr. Timothy Keller, who started CTC to prepare ministry leaders, pastors and church planters for New York and cities internationally.

A new book that helps readers answer life’s major questions is being offered for free download for a limited time.

The Psalmist encourages us to pray for Israel, but believers may not fully appreciate the reasons why God instructs us to pray specifically for Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6). Yet, our motivation to pray for the peace of Jerusalem is embedded in the very words of the Psalmist themselves:

Sevierville, TN–Recently, the Church of God Smoky Mountain Children’s Home conducted its monthly all-staff meeting where Sevierville’s mayor, Bryan Atchley, joined with them in welcoming the new director, Dr. Walt Mauldin and his wife, Tammie. Mayor Atchley presented to Dr. Mauldin a proclamation from the City of Sevierville. The Mayor’s presentation proclaimed September 10, 2014 as “Dr. Walt Mauldin Day” in the City of Sevierville. Mrs. Betty Ogle, Smoky Mountain Children’s Home board member, presented a gift basket on behalf of the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce. Mauldin officially assumed his new position August 10, 2014 following an appointment by the Executive Committee of the Church of God.

The death toll from the collapse of a church guesthouse in Lagos has risen to 115, South African government minister Jeff Radebe said on Monday, urging the heavily criticized Nigerian government to investigate the “tragedy.”