Hello World,

PRAY.COM, the No. 1 app for prayer and faith-based audio and video streaming content, announces – just in time for Easter –  the exciting second season of its innovative and action-packed “Heroes in the Bible” series with Pastor Dr. Tony Evans, with this new season focusing on the miraculous life of Jesus.

Beginning with the foretelling of the Messiah’s arrival and the birth of John the Baptist, the second season of this series casts a light on the life of Christ—from His humble birth to His sacrificial act of redemption. This series uncovers the extraordinary within the miraculous, narrating His life’s events with cinematic flair, inspiring listeners through the transformative power of the Bible by exploring the Jesus of the Gospels, whose teachings and actions have shaped the course of history.

“We are humbled and honored once again to have Dr. Evans lend his remarkable voice and presence for this epic series, which ranked No. 1 on Apple podcast charts with 3.7 million downloads,” said PRAY.COM founder and CEO Steve Gatena. “We couldn’t be more excited about releasing these new episodes, and we know that millions will be blessed by this podcast about the most important Bible hero of all time.”

Dr. Evans powerfully shares these incredible experiences in his characteristic teaching style, captivating listeners with the transformative power of the Bible. Each episode reinvigorates these biblical narratives, masterfully enacted by a diverse cast of voiceover talent. The soundscapes, richly detailed and meticulously crafted, are complemented by custom musical scores, offering an enveloping auditory experience.

“When we reflect upon the goodness of Christ, we are granted a deepened reverence, gratitude and hope,” said series host Dr. Evans. “In that blessing, we receive peace and excitement to share that same message with others. This is the most valuable gift we could ever give—the hope that can only be found in Jesus.”

PRAY.COM co-founder Matthew Potter adds “The story of Jesus is what the Bible is all about, and we greatly appreciate how Dr. Evans helps us all understand how Jesus is the hero in every one of our stories.”

Recognized as one of the country’s most respected leaders in evangelical circles, Dr. Evans is a pastor, teacher, author and speaker, serving the body of Christ through his unique ability to communicate complex theological truths using simple, yet profound, illustrations. New and veteran pastors alike regard him as a pastor of pastors and a father in the faith. Learn more about Dr. Tony Evans at https://tonyevans.org/.

“We are so excited to bring the story of Jesus to life for our members, in our signature cinematic story-telling style,” said PRAY.COM VP of Content Max Bard. “Of all the biblical figures, Christ is the most important, and only someone with the voice and the depth of Dr. Tony Evans could do it justice.”

In addition to “Heroes in the Bible,” PRAY.COM hosts podcasts from leading Christian pastors and speakers, meditative and reflective prayers and Bible-based resources to aid listeners wherever they may be in their spiritual growth journeys. Find “Heroes in the Bible” and other prayer and faith-based audio content at www.pray.com/podcasts, iHeart Radio or Apple.

About PRAY.COM  

Founded in 2016 with a mission to grow faith and cultivate community, PRAY.COM is the world’s No. 1 app for daily prayer and Bible-based audio content.Reaching more than 16 million people worldwide through its mobile app and website, PRAY.COM is the easiest way to incorporate prayer into your daily life. PRAY.COM provides encouragement and inspiration through daily devotionals, Pastor podcasts, and Bedtime Bible Stories. PRAY,COM founders are Steve Gatena, Michael Lynn, Ryan Beck and Matthew Potter.  See more at www.alarryross.com/pray-com.

About Tony Evans

Dr. Tony Evans has served as the senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship for over 40 years, witnessing its growth from ten people in 1976 to now over 10,000 congregants with over 100 ministries. Dr. Evans also serves as president of The Urban Alternative, a national ministry that seeks to restore hope and transform lives through the proclamation and the application of the Word of God. His daily radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, can also be heard as a podcast and on the Tony Evans App. 

Any thoughts?

The post Pastor Dr. Tony Evans and Pray.com Partner on ‘Heroes in the Bible’ Podcast appeared first on After the Altar Call.

Hello World,

So in addition to folk getting up in arms about the ticket prices to Beyoncé ‘s “Renaissance World Tour,” which was announced last Wednesday, folks are also criticizing Tasha Cobbs Leonard for praying for Beyoncé. More specifically, they are criticizing her for the actual prayer that she prayed. Below is her prayer that she posted on her IG page.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tasha Cobbs Leonard (@tashacobbsleonard)

I don’t necessarily see anything wrong with that prayer although it probably could have been a private prayer but in our social media-driven lifestyles, much of what we formerly kept to ourselves is now fodder for our feed…

Marcus Rogers, whom I must admit I’ve never heard of before today, but who is a minister according to his website,  did not respond to the prayer in the way that Tasha Cobbs Leonard anticipated. Below is his response:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Marcus Rogers (@marcusrogerschildoftheking)

How do I feel about his prayer? I feel he has a right to pray in the way that he wants to just as much as Tasha Cobbs Leonard has a right to  pray the way she wants to…I will let the good Lord decide which prayer He intends to answer. Or may He may answer both but it may not be in the way that either of them intended when they prayed…I will say this, after the pandemic, if your personal relationship with God doesn’t include discernment regarding spiritual matters, you should pray for discernment because otherwise you will be dumb out here…I would not go to a Beyoncé concert for spiritual direction and furthermore, she does not market herself as an artist who provides spiritual direction…I would go for entertainment purposes only as I enjoy some of her music. However, on the other hand, there are some secular artists who openly provide spiritual direction. I went to a Kem concert (Soul II Soul Tour) last night, and he had everyone stand up and give God praise for making it through the pandemic so…

Incidentally, this spring, the powerhouse women of Gospel and Christian music are coming together for a must-see worship experience. Kicking off on Tuesday, April 25 at James L. Knight Center in Miami, FL. GRAMMY-winning artists Naomi Raine and Tasha Cobbs Leonard, 9x GRAMMY-nominee Natalie Grant and globally renowned vocalist TAYA will join together for “It’s Time Tour 2023.”

“It’s Time” will visit 21 cities across the U.S. including Atlanta, New York and Houston. Fans can expect to see solo performances from each artist. The co-headliners will also share the stage for a few songs each night.

IT’S TIME 2023 TOUR DATES:

Tues., Apr. 25 | Miami, FL | James L Knight Center

Wed., Apr 26 | Bradeton, FL | Bayside Community Church

Thurs., Apr 27 | Orlando, FL | Calvary Orlando

Fri., Apr. 28 | Jacksonville, FL | Florida Theater

Tues., May 02 | Atlanta, GA | Fox Theatre

Wed., May 03 | Charlotte, NC | Ovens Auditorium

Fri., May 05 | New York, NY | Hulu Theatre at Madison Square Garden

Sat., May 06 | Philadelphia, PA | The Met

Sun May 07 | Washington, DC | The Theater at MGM National Harbor

Tues., May 09 | Boston, MA | Boch Center Wang Theatre

Thurs., May 11 | Wallingford, CT | Toyota Oakdale Theatre

Thurs., May 18 | St. Louis | Faith Church

Sun., May 21 | Houston, TX | 713 Music Hall

Mon., May 22 | San Antonio, TX | Summit Christian Center

Wed., May 24 | New Orleans, LA | Saenger Theatre

Thurs., May 25 | Birmingham, AL | BJCC Concert Hall

Fri., May 26 | Southaven, MS | Landers Center

Sat., May 27 | Nashville, TN | Ryman Auditorium

Tues., May 30 | Cincinnati OH | Princeton Pike Church of God

Wed., May 31 | Indianapolis, IN | Murat Theatre at Old National Centre

Thurs., Jun 01 | Wyoming, MI | Grand Rapids First Church

Click HERE to buy tickets…

Anyway, that’s all I have to say about that…

What say you?

Any thoughts?

The post Tasha Cobb Leonard’s Prayer for Beyoncé As She Goes on ‘Renaissance’ Tour Causes Controversy… appeared first on After the Altar Call.

Hello World,

On Sunday, Rickey Smiley, a popular comedian and host of The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, announced the death of his oldest son, 32-year-old Brandon Smiley, who was also a comedian. Rickey brings so much joy to so many people so it is even more heartbreaking that he and his family have to grapple with such a sad loss. At this time, Rickey has not shared how his son died, but he has shared precious memories of his son. One particularly poignant memory was his son getting baptized in November of 2022. See the video below.

Glory to God that Brandon chose the Lord before his untimely death. It is stated in the Word that those who die in the Lord will live again!!! Hallelujah!

But your dead will live, Lord;
their bodies will rise—
let those who dwell in the dust
wake up and shout for joy—
your dew is like the dew of the morning;
the earth will give birth to her dead.  Isaiah 26:19

I imagine that Rickey knows this miraculous truth and that is why he shared it with his followers. Let’s pray for Rickey Smiley and his family during this time of grief and bereavement. Rickey’s best friend  Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III, senior pastor of the historic Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Nashville, Tennessee is certainly trying to encourage him at this time…

Any thoughts?

The post Comedian & Radio Personality Rickey Smiley Announces the Death of His Oldest Son Brandon Smiley, However Son Was Recently Baptized… appeared first on After the Altar Call.