Worthy Brief - 12/26/2025
Friend, walking free from condemnation!
Romans 8:1-2 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
Condemnation is one of the enemy’s most effective tools against the people of God. It does not always shout; often it whispers. It speaks in the language of shame, regret, and accusation, quietly trying to pull the believer back into an identity that Yeshua (Jesus) has already buried. But the new creation life begins where condemnation ends. Freedom is not a future promise—it is a present reality for those who are in Yeshua.
Paul’s declaration in Romans 8:1–2 is not conditional or tentative. It is absolute: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Messiah Yeshua, for the law of the Spirit of life in Messiah has set you free.” Condemnation does not coexist with the cross. It has no legal authority where the blood has spoken. Shame may attempt to revisit the past, but it no longer holds jurisdiction over the redeemed.
New creation people learn to recognize the voice of condemnation and refuse it. Conviction draws us toward God; condemnation drives us away from Him. Conviction leads to repentance and restoration; condemnation leads to hiding and despair. The Spirit exposes in order to heal, while the enemy accuses in order to imprison. When we mistake condemnation for conviction, we surrender ground that was never meant to be lost.
Walking free from condemnation requires agreement with heaven. It means believing what God says over what we feel, and standing on truth when emotions rise up in protest. The mind may remember failure, but the Spirit declares freedom. The conscience may tremble, but the Word stands firm. Identity in Messiah silences the accuser and restores boldness to approach God without fear or shame.
Freedom from condemnation does not lead to careless living—it leads to confident obedience. When shame is broken, intimacy deepens. When accusation is silenced, joy returns. When the soul is no longer burdened by guilt, righteousness becomes a delight rather than a duty. The new creation does not walk bowed under yesterday’s failures; they walk upright in the victory of today’s grace.
Friend, cast off the voice of condemnation and stand in the truth of who you are in Messiah. Break agreement with shame, regret, and every accusing thought that rises against you. The cross has spoken, and its verdict is freedom. Lift your head and walk boldly into the presence of God without fear. You are not condemned—you are redeemed. You are not defined by your past—you are anchored in His righteousness. Let the Spirit of life breathe liberty into your soul and restore joy to your steps. Refuse the voice of shame, embrace the truth of grace, and walk forward as a new creation—free, forgiven, and fully alive.
Shabbat Shalom, until Monday! Enjoy the holiday season!
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George & Baht Rivka (Mississippi)
Millions Of Ukrainians Without Power After Deadly Christmas Strikes
Millions of Ukrainians spent Christmas without electricity after Russian strikes on energy infrastructure killed civilians and triggered widespread power outages, Ukrainian officials said.
Christmas Quiet Across China as Authorities Tighten Restrictions on Christian Celebrations
Christmas Eve passed with little public observance across much of China this year as authorities under the Chinese Communist Party intensified restrictions on religious gatherings, public celebrations, and even seasonal decorations, according to pastors, Christians, and residents who spoke to The Epoch Times.
U.S. Launches Christmas-Day Strike on ISIS Targets in Nigeria Amid Rising Attacks on Christians
The United States carried out a targeted military strike against Islamic State terrorists in northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day, acting in coordination with Nigerian authorities, U.S. President Donald Trump announced in a series of social media posts.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel–Syria Security Talks Advance Toward Possible Agreement, Syrian Source Says
Talks between Israel and Syria over a potential security agreement have advanced significantly in recent weeks and could be finalized soon, according to an exclusive report by i24NEWS citing a Syrian source close to Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa.
IDF, Shin Bet Eliminate Senior Quds Force Operative in Lebanon
Israeli security forces announced Thursday that the Israel Defense Forces and the Shin Bet eliminated a senior operative in Iran’s Quds Force during a strike in northeastern Lebanon.
Israel Prime Minister Pledges To Protect Christians In Christmas Message (VIDEO)
In a Christmas message, Israel’s prime minister pledged that his Jewish nation will protect Christians following an arson attack near a Latin Catholic parish church in Jenin, in the West Bank, also known Biblically as Judea and Samaria.
Inside the United States
Democrat States Sue as HHS Moves to Cut Federal Funds for Child Gender Procedures
A coalition of 19 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia has filed a lawsuit challenging new federal restrictions on so-called “gender-affirming” medical treatments for minors, arguing the policy unlawfully threatens health care access and state Medicaid programs.
Even After Near-record Returns, CA State Retirement Fund Still $166b Short
A booming stock market propelled California’s main state retirement fund to near-record returns, but the fund is still $166 billion short on its obligations, according to the Reason Foundation. With the taxpayer-funded Legislative Analyst’s Office warning the state should be ready for a possible stock market peak and downturn as weak economic conditions persist, the 12-figure pension shortfall could widen once again – and leave taxpayers with the bill.
Christian News
Arson Attack Damages Church Property in Jenin Ahead of Christmas
Minority Christians in Palestinian territories faced a tense Christmas after church officials confirmed that “an arson attack” damaged a Christmas tree and a Nativity grotto at the Holy Redeemer Church in Jenin.
Millions Of Christians Forced To Mark Christmas In Secret Amid Global Persecution
Millions of Christians around the world are marking Christmas in secret amid persecution, violence, and discrimination, according to investigators.