- Todd Bentley, the popular and controversial Canadian evangelist who attracted thousands to Lakeland, Florida, for four months of faith healings and revival meetings (“Leaving Lakeland“), ended his ministry there earlier than expected amid reports that he had separated from his wife. The board of directors of Bentley’s Fresh Fire Ministries said Bentley “has entered into an unhealthy relationship on an emotional level with a female member of his staff,” and would “refrain from all public ministry for a season to receive counsel in his personal life.”
- Israeli archaeologist Eilat Mazar, who in recent years reportedly discovered Nehemiah’s Wall, foundation stones from King David’s Palace, and other biblical finds (“Wall Eyed“), has now discovered a seal impression with the name “Gedaliah, son of Pashur.” Three years ago, Mazar had discovered a seal impression of “Jucal, son of Shelemiah” a few meters away from the Gedaliah impression. The Book of Jeremiah says Gedaliah and Jucal were officials in the court of Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, and had conspired to kill the prophet Jeremiah (Jer. 38). Some critics said Mazar was drawing too close a connection between the names and the biblical text.
- LifeWay Christian Resources, the Southern Baptist Convention’s publishing and retailing arm, announced that it is cutting its workforce by five percent, or about 100 of its 2,000 jobs. LifeWay spokesman Rob Phillips told the Associated Baptist Press that 2008’s income was outpacing 2007’s revenue of $458.7 million, but was falling below projections.
- After 99 issues and 26 years, Christianity Today sister publication Christian History & Biography has ceased its print publication. Christianity Today International, which purchased the quarterly magazine from the Christian History Institute in 1989, says it will continue to publish the title online at ChristianHistory.net.
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News Briefs columns are available from the August 2008, July 2008, June 2008, May 2008, April 2008, March 2008, and earlier issues of Christianity Today.
