Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us ~ 1Corinthians 5:7.

Preamble:

Happy Easter Sunday, beloved friends and brethren. This is not just another Sunday; it’s Easter Sunday, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.The Son of God walked among us as a Son of Man, died a sacrificial death once for all, but He arose and now lives forever(Hebrews 10:5‑14). Alleluia!

Easter is the oldest and the most deeply Christian feast of the year, which is celebrated with greatest excitement, joy and hope in the hearts of all true believers. Unarguably, it’s one of the greatest and most momentous events in human history.

Christ’s resurrection is the key-stone of the arch of our holy faith and, therefore, very central to true Christianity. It’s the firm foundation, promising restoration and eternal life for all humanity through our Saviour Jesus Christ.

During Easter, we celebrate the almightiness of God, the incredible depth of His redeeming love, the vicarious sacrificesof Jesus Christ and the matchless power of the Holy Spirit that raised Him from the dead.

Yes indeed, the Cross was really heavy, but the love was very much stronger. Thus, we can always find reasons to rejoice in the glorious hope that is now ours because of the gracious event of the first resurrection morning.

Jesus Christ Is Our Passover Lamb

Some people erroneously claim that Easter is related to some ancient pagan worship. This is a very big error, which is based on mere speculation and shoddy scholarship.

In early Christian times (150–600 AD), this feast of the celebration of Christ’sResurrection was universally known as “Pascha”, being the original Aramaic word for the “Passover” (Hebrew, Pesach). Christians took over this word, “Pascha”, because Christ, our Passover Lamb, died and rose from the dead around the time of the Jewish Passover feast (Exodus 12:3-11).

Meanwhile, historical records also indicate that when Christian missionaries reached England around 600 AD, which was many centuries after “Pascha” began, they decided to use the English term “Easter” for the “Pascha” when speaking English. In other words, the Christian world referred to this festival as “Pascha” for centuries before anyone in England mustered the idea of calling it “Easter”.

We’re quite aware that, over the years, the claimants of this erroneous idea have frantically tried to tie the “Paschal Celebration of Christ’s Resurrection”, otherwise known as “Easter” to one so-called goddess of theirs named “Eostre”, whose honour feast was said to have been celebrated in those days. 

Meanwhile, I find this very curious, absurd, misleading and highly entertaining. Why? The fact that a culprit answers a name that sounds very close to mine doesn’t automatically make me a criminal. And, the fact that a murderer shares the same birthday with me doesn’t necessarily mean that I should stop celebrating my birthday.

Whatever the case is, it should always be remembered that this glorious Christian celebration of “Christ’s Resurrection” is called “Easter” only by English-speaking Christians. The rest of the world calls it some other derivatives of that. For instance, the Yorubas call it “Odun Ajinde”, meaning “the Festival of the Resurrection”.

Today, with greatest excitement, the real Christian world commemorates theresurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, our “Passover Lamb” (1Corinthians 5:7). By His vicarious sacrifices, death and resurrection, He changed the world about 2025 years ago. Those who know this and truly believe it certainly enjoy it. Alleluia!

The Evergreen Message of Easter for All People

The Resurrection of Christ is not just a historical event, but a present reality. This victory of Jesus Christ over death is not just a testament to His divine power, but also a promise of new life for all who follow Him in true faith.

Easter is not only about the Resurrection of Jesus, but also about the resurrection of all who believe in Him. Easter commemorates our resurrection from a life of sin, godlessness and mediocrity, and this was made possible by Christ’s resurrection.

Personal resurrection was made possible for Peter, who turned away from Jesus after His crucifixion, but was restored and rehabilitated after Christ’s Resurrection. It was made possible for Thomas also, who doubted Jesus but became a passionate believer in Him after Christ’s Resurrection.

The resurrection must have the same tremendous effects upon our lives as we express our faith in Jesus Christ and put our implicit trust in Him even now.

Furthermore, through His resurrection, we now have the noble opportunity and the matchless grace to rise above the shadows of despair and hopelessness that life sometimes casts upon us.

Of a truth, we all occasionally face challenges that leave us feeling trapped and without a ray of a coming sunshine. We all experience times that look like valleys of despondency, when we need our hopes to brighten up again on our career paths, in our life’s assignments, in family life, or in our health.

Particularly, these are difficult times, globally! There are wars, insecurity, socio-political issues, as well as stress and distress in many quarters of the world, resulting in economic conundrums and downturns, with a large chunk of the populace finding things unpalatable and depressing on many fronts. Suffering and struggling to barely survive, many have resigned to eating their bread without butter!

Yes, we might counsel that governments at all levels should do better to devise more effective ways of reaching the masses with some interventions or palliative measures. That’s always an easy, necessary and generic counsel to offer.

Nevertheless, I dare say that there’s a better way to live. It is by living, walking and operating in the resurrection power of Jesus Christ, every day. With these, we can engage grace to make true  progress in life despite all the economic realities around us.

When we open our hearts to the power ofChrist’s love, we will allow Him to work in us and through us, bringing new life and virtues to even the darkest situations of our lives.

In Christ’s victory over death, we find confidence that no circumstance is beyond supernatural intervention, no lack is beyondHis sufficiency, and no social challenge is beyond the turnaround that He gives.

Christ’s resurrection demonstrated God’s supremacy over death. Death, the last enemy of man, was swallowed up in victory publicly, perfectly and permanently (Revelation 1:18). Consequently, there should be nothing left to fear. This truth should instill confidence in us, and make us fearless, no matter what happens around us.

We should also allow this resurrection season to revive us, and increase our faith, hope and confidence in God for the emergence of better and greater human communities. Christ’s victory that culminates in His resurrection must assure us that even amid trials, God is at work to give us joy in the place of our mourning.

Alleluia! Jesus Christ died for us, but He didn’t stay dead. Easter Sunday came after the grim Good Friday, and the grave couldn’t hold Him captive! He arose on the third day at the first resurrection morning, and He lives on forever more!! Yes indeed, He is alive, even today!

This enduring truth should provoke in us boundless joy as we celebrate the Lord this season and every day! We must cling to this hope and allow it to fill our hearts with courage and peace, no matter what challenges we face, any day. Thereafter, the resurrection power will truly avail for us. You won’t miss it, in Jesus name. Amen. Happy Resurrection Sunday!

____________________

Archbishop Taiwo Akinola,

Rhema Christian Church,

Otta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Connect with Bishop Akinola via these channels:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bishopakinola

SMS/WhatsApp: +234 802 318 4987

In 1997, I rented a building in Victoria Island, Lagos for two years for N1.5 million. When I did, God told me He had given the building to me, even though I was only a tenant. I believed Him because I have a mind of Christ. He says to me, “Blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear.” (Matthew 13:16).

The mind of Christ hears the voice of Jesus and believes the word of God. Jesus says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27). Jesus’ sheep do not lean on their own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5). It did not make sense to presume I would own an expensive house in an exclusive part of Lagos when I was just the tenant.

“Nevertheless, at Your word (Jesus).” (Luke 5:5). So, I spent N6 million renovating a building not my own, but promised to me.

After two years, when my tenancy expired, the landlady’s lawyer approached me. She said the landlady would like to sell the building and would like to sell it to me. I never even asked to buy it. She told me the landlady’s father willed the building to her. She had never even seen it before. She lived in Chicago with her American husband.

She wants to sell the building in Lagos so she can buy a building in Chicago.

So, in 2000, I bought a building in Victoria Island, Lagos, at the ridiculous price of only N26 million. I did not even have the money to pay for it. I paid in instalments over four years, and God miraculously provided the final N10 million.

Fast forward 25 years, and I now understand that the building is worth N3 billion. That is now the cost of the land. That is what Jesus does. “It is He who gives (us) power to get wealth.” (Deuteronomy 8:18).

Nouveau Schools 

In 2010, I established a school in the building. It grew to comprise 104 children. But then I lost most of my international children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

So, God gave me a dream in 2020, at the height of the pandemic. I saw a classroom in the school full of children. Next door, I saw my assistant. I knew even if heaven and earth passed away, this dream would not pass away. 

“For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” (Habakkuk 2:3). 

So we started looking for additional space to accommodate the increased number of children God promised to bring. 

We found a suitable building just two doors away from us. This building seemed purpose-built for us. It had about 24 rooms, and it was vacant. 

I went to inspect the building with two delegations. The first time, with people from the school. The second time, with my wife and family. We all agreed the building was ideal. But when we asked how much it would cost to rent it, we were told N25 million naira a year. 

That immediately put paid to our plans. The money was just too much. There was no way we could afford it. In any case, the additional children had yet to arrive.

A few years later, we went back to enquire about the place. We were told the landlord was tired of waiting for us but had rented it to someone else. That “someone else” has spent a lot of money renovating it. It is now an exceptionally beautiful building two doors away, with colourful flower decorations.

Blunder Upon Blunder

The Bible says about the church in the wilderness. “Again and again they tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.” (Psalms 78:41).

I have now discovered that that is precisely what happened to us. We limited Jesus, the Holy One of Israel. That was why we thought we could not afford the N25 million rent. 

A few weeks ago, a colleague, Simon Ezeh, alerted me about some people who could help us develop our own property into a high-rise building. They said they would give me N300 million to relocate, while the new building was being constructed.

I then realised that I had made a big blunder in 2021. Why did I think God could not provide me with the N25 million rent? I did not think so because I limited the Holy One of Israel. I forgot that with God, nothing will be impossible. (Luke 1:37). I did not think it was possible because I reverted to the mind of a man instead of the mind of Christ.

Jesus says, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.’” (Matthew 17:20). 

Unanswered Questions

Why did God give me the dream at the time he did? Why was the perfect house vacant at that particular time when I could not afford the rent? Why did the agent tell us the landlord was tired of waiting for us? Do coincidences exist? Certainly not! God is not a coincidental God. “He works all things according to the counsel of His will.” (Ephesians 1:11).

The mind of Christ recognises that everything he needs is at hand. He automatically meets everyone God has appointed to help him. He is led to everyone that God has appointed for him to help. The psalmist says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.” (Psalm 37:23).

When I am broke, God tells someone to register their child in my school. Or He tells my wife to buy me lunch. Or He tells my niece to send me some money.

“The Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.” (Jonah 2:10).

The God who speaks to fishes surely speaks to men. Indeed, He speaks to so many people without speaking to them and they do what he wants them to do. They think they are the ones doing it, but no, it is the Lord.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8).

The person who has the mind of Christ recognises that God is the determinant of everything. He proclaims:

“I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure,’ Calling a bird of prey from the east, the man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed, I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it.” (Isaiah 46:9-11). TO BE CONTINUED.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; www.femiaribisala.com

Diane Schrader

Western culture has been weaponized for many decades to legitimize whatever narrative the powerful want to push.

This should be self-evident after the COVID-19 debacle, where nearly everything that was labeled a "conspiracy theory" turned out to be true, and nearly everything the powerful told us turned out to be false. Remember President Biden threatening us with a “winter of death” or promising that the shot would prevent contracting COVID?

Christianity is a complete, evidence-based worldview that stands on its own

But it goes back much further than that, and it isn't always about following the money, although that's a pretty reliable measure of who's benefitting from any particular research study.

Now, in the "I didn't see that coming" department, there was a recently published peer-reviewed medical journal article that criticizes corrupt medical journals and their corrupt peer-reviewed studies. Um, what?

Since virtually all the "science" that gets reported in the media — the "science" on which public policy is made and the "science" that subsequently affects our everyday lives in countless ways — tends to stem from peer-reviewed research in medical journals, this is a significant admission.

Obviously, our mainstream media has not reported it, but we can come back to that another day. For now, I want to focus on the result of the faulty assumption that "science" provides unassailable answers to any questions — much less life's biggest searches for truth. Because for many decades now, the most unquestionable, absolutely carved-in-solid-rock "truth" from "science" is this: Everything evolved from something else, and we are all a product of nothing but random chance.

But that is simply not true.

God's word isn't fooling around

When Moses, the author of Genesis, wrote the first five books of the Bible, he was not writing metaphorically.

Moses recorded history in great detail, beginning with the origin of time all the way through Israel's exodus from Egypt to God's faithfulness in the wilderness. But what I want you to see is how Moses records the first seven days of creation.

At the end of every divine act of creation, Moses records God uttering a holy declaration over His finished work: "And God saw that it was good," and in the case of humans, "very good." The reality is that until the Fall, described in Genesis 3, there was no death in the world God had created.

This is where the theory of evolution crumbles, according to scripture.

The theory of evolution requires death — and a lot of it — before humans even come on the scene. But if death had been part of God's original creation, He would not have described it as "good." The Bible, therefore, easily discredits the "science" of secularism's evolutionary golden calf.

Our uniqueness in God's creation

But Genesis 1 and Genesis 2 both teach that God made humans in His image. In fact, He made us with His own hands and breathed into us His spirit to bring us to life. In contrast, all of the other creatures and the rest of natural creation were simply spoken into existence.

It bears repeating: God made humans in His image. Animals are not equivalent to humans. Nature is not equivalent to humans. Each and every human being is a precious creature made in the image of God. This is why believers must be pro-life and opposed to any philosophy that places any other creature or creation above human life.

This, of course, has political ramifications.

We are not going to support, for example, protecting a tiny fish with a policy that puts human life at risk (looking at you, California). Of course, if you think you are just an advanced form of a monkey, you don't really have any grounds on which to say you're more important than the little fish. And many people in the world put themselves in that category according to their worldview.

But the scriptural worldview — that God created the world and He specially designed humans — is just one of the preliminary arguments that explain why believers must not try to fit the "evolution square peg" in the "creation round hole."

Do people have to understand and believe in biblical creation to be saved? No, they do not. But once we place faith in Jesus, we want to learn as much as we can about Him, and that means understanding the beginning of creation.

We should not acquiesce to a theory that has never and can never be proven; a theory that tells us we are random cogs in a wheel with no greater meaning; a theory that is presented as “the science” without the evidence to back it up.

I’m confident stating this: Christianity is a complete, evidence-based worldview that stands on its own — and the whole Bible, including the opening chapters, supports that big picture.

The Blaze

The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) bounced back on Thursday as market capitalization increased by N240 billion, driven by renewed investor interest in Nigeria Breweries and 22 other stocks.

The All-Share Index (ASI) advanced by 381.93 points (0.37%) to close at 104,233.81 points, while market capitalization climbed to N65.499 trillion.

The market upturn was fueled by price gains in large and medium-capitalized stocks including Nigeria Breweries, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), Oando, Custodian Investment, and Fidelity Bank.

Looking ahead to post-Easter trading, analysts at Vetiva Dealings and Brokerage anticipate a slow start: "With the market heading into the Easter break, we expect a quiet beginning to the next session as activity typically decreases after holidays. However, recent momentum in banking and consumer goods sectors could maintain mild positive sentiment, though this week's weak buy-side turnover may temper overall risk appetite."

Market breadth showed slightly positive sentiment with 24 gainers versus 23 losers. Abbey Mortgage Bank led the gainers with a 9.94% increase, closing at N8.96 per share, followed by Nigeria Breweries (9.86%, N36.20), ABC Transports (9.23%, N1.42), Livestock Feeds (9.20%, N9.50), and ETI (8.94%, N29.25).

On the losers' side, SUNU Assurance topped with a 9.91% decline to N5.00, followed by Ellah Lakes (-9.76%, N3.05), Cornerstone Insurance (-9.44%, N2.59), Sovereign Trust Insurance (-9.18%, N0.89), and Universal Insurance (-7.55%, N0.49).

Trading volume increased by 7.01% to 376.292 million units valued at N7.906 billion across 11,204 deals. Universal Insurance led activity with 89.266 million shares worth N44.369 million, followed by Fidelity Bank (49.529 million shares, N915.905 million), Access Holdings (32.857 million shares, N715.327 million), Zenith Bank (15.577 million shares, N685.443 million), and Nigeria Breweries (15.418 million shares, N555.571 million).​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked the newly resettled Yamtake community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, killing two soldiers and an unspecified number of civilians. The assault occurred around 11:15 pm on Thursday, with insurgents storming a military formation before reinforcements could arrive.

Ali Ndume (senator representing Borno South) confirmed the attack, praising troops for repelling an attempted infiltration of Gwoza town afterward. He called for stronger community defense forces and military support, including advanced technology and equipment, to counter persistent insurgent threats.

This attack follows recent violence in Borno, including an April 12 landmine explosion that killed eight on the Damboa-Maiduguri highway and a January raid on Malam-Fatori military base that left 22 soldiers dead.

In a separate incident, gunmen suspected to be bandits raided Faruruwa village market in Kano’s Shanono LGA on Thursday evening, killing two—including a man named Rabilu—and abducting a villager. Witnesses said the attackers targeted a businessman whose wife had previously been kidnapped for ransom.

Kano police spokesperson Abdullahi Kiyawa acknowledged the incident but said details were still emerging. The area, near Katsina State, has seen increased military patrols due to bandit activity.

Authorities in both states are yet to release official casualty figures as investigations continue.

Suspected armed militia launched deadly attacks on communities in Logo and Ukum Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State, killing at least 17 residents, the state police command has confirmed.

The violence comes just days after gunmen killed 15 people in separate assaults on Otobi-Akpa, Emichi (Otukpo LGA), and Utonkon (Ado LGA) earlier in the week.

In a statement on Friday, Benue Police Public Relations Officer, Sewuese Anene, said five people were killed in Ukum and 12 in Logo, with many others injured and hospitalized.

According to Anene, security forces received intelligence late Thursday that a large militia group was mobilizing to attack communities in the Sankera axis, particularly Gbagir in Ukum.

"Upon receipt of this report, the Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabanet, immediately deployed tactical teams to reinforce officers on the ground," she said.

The police, alongside other security agencies, engaged the attackers and repelled them in the early hours of Friday. However, five bodies were recovered in Gbagir and later confirmed dead at a hospital.

"Simultaneously, another attack was carried out in Logo, where 12 persons were killed before police arrival, bringing the total fatalities to 17," Anene added.

Security forces pursued the assailants as they retreated toward forests near the Taraba border.

Benue has witnessed a surge in violent attacks in recent months, with armed groups frequently targeting rural communities. Authorities have yet to identify the perpetrators behind the latest killings.

Israeli strikes hit dozens of targets in Gaza as ceasefire efforts stall

Israeli airstrikes hit about 40 targets across the Gaza Strip over the past day, the military said on Friday, hours after Hamas rejected an Israeli ceasefire offer that it said fell short of its demand to agree a full end to the war.

Last month the Israeli military broke off a two-month truce that had largely halted fighting in Gaza and has since pushed in from the north and south, seizing almost a third of the enclave as it seeks to pressure Hamas into agreeing to release hostages and disarm.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he would make a special statement on Saturday evening but gave no detail on what it would be about.

Palestinian health authorities said that at least 43 people were killed in strikes on Friday, adding to more than 1,600 deaths since Israel resumed airstrikes in March.

The military said troops were operating in the Shabura and Tel Al-Sultan areas near the southern city of Rafah, as well as in northern Gaza, where it has taken control of large areas east of Gaza City.

Egyptian mediators have been trying to revive the January ceasefire dealthat broke down when Israel resumed airstrikes and sent ground troops back into Gaza, but there has been little sign the two sides have moved closer on fundamental issues.

Late on Thursday Khalil Al-Hayya, Hamas' Gaza chief, said the movement was willing to swap all remaining 59 hostages for Palestinians jailed in Israel in return for an end to the war and reconstruction of Gaza.

But he dismissed an Israeli offer, which includes a demand that Hamas lay down its arms, as imposing "impossible conditions".

Israel has not responded formally to Al-Hayya's comments, but ministers have said repeatedly that Hamas must be disarmed completely and can play no role in the future governance of Gaza.

On Friday, Defence Minister Israel Katz repeated that Israel intended to achieve its war aims.

"The IDF is currently working towards a decisive victory in all arenas, the release of the hostages, and the defeat of Hamas in Gaza," he said in a statement.

The ceasefire offer it made through Egyptian mediators includes talks on a final settlement to the war but no firm agreement.

Katz also said this week that troops would remain in the buffer zone around the border that now extends deep into Gaza and cuts the enclave in two, even after any settlement.

Reuters

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

US will abandon Ukraine peace push if no progress soon, Trump and Rubio say

The United States will walk away from efforts to broker a Russia-Ukrainepeace deal unless there are clear signs of progress soon, U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday.

"Quickly, we want to get it done," Trump told reporters at the White House. "Now if for some reason one of the two parties makes it very difficult, we're just going to say, 'you're foolish, you're fools, you're horrible people, and we're going to just take a pass. But hopefully we won't have to do that."

Trump's comments followed remarks by Rubio, his top diplomat, who said the sides had just days to show progress or Washington would walk.

"We're not going to continue with this endeavour for weeks and months on end. So we need to determine very quickly now, and I'm talking about a matter of days, whether or not this is doable in the next few weeks," Rubio said in Paris after meeting European and Ukrainian leaders.

"If it's not possible, if we're so far apart that this is not going to happen, then I think the president is probably at a point where he's going to say, 'well, we're done'."

Trump, when asked, declined to set a specific deadline for how long he was willing to wait.

"Marco's right in saying ... we want to see it end," Trump said. Asked if Russian President Vladimir Putin was stalling, Trump replied: "I hope not."

Over the past few weeks, Trump officials have acknowledged privately that the chances of a quick peace deal in Ukraine have grown elusive. Rubio's comments, three European diplomats said, reflected growing frustration in the White House over Russian intransigence to end the war.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said some progress on a peace settlement had already been made but that contacts with Washington were difficult. He said Russia was striving to resolve the conflict while ensuring its own interests. Moscow remained open to dialogue with the United States, he added.

U.S. officials were also frustrated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's comment this week that Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, was "spreading Russian narratives," and said that was not helpful to the process, one U.S. official said.

The talks in Paris on Thursday were the first substantive, high-level and in-person talks on Trump's peace push that have included European powers. Rubio said a U.S. peace framework he presented received an "encouraging reception." Zelenskiy's office called the talks constructive and positive.

Vice President JD Vance, speaking in Rome as he met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, said he was optimistic the United States could help end this "very brutal war".

A U.S. official said the sides would re-engage in London next week, giving Ukraine time to agree fully to a "term sheet" presented by Washington. Kyiv was ready for a comprehensive ceasefire over sea, land and air for at least 30 days or longer, the official said.

GROWING FRUSTRATIONS AS PEACE DEALS PROVE ELUSIVE

Trump promised during his election campaign to end the war in Ukraine within his first 24 hours in the White House. He moderated that claim on taking office, suggesting a deal by April or May as obstacles mounted.

He has pressured both sides to come to the negotiating table, threatening tougher sanctions on Russia or an end to billions of dollars in U.S. military support for Kyiv.

Both Ukraine and Russia showed up for U.S.-brokered talks in Saudi Arabia, which resulted in a partial ceasefire, but nothing more. Meanwhile, the war has continued, including a recent Russian missile attack that hit Sumy in northeastern Ukraine, killing 35 people - an attack Trump called a "mistake".

A source familiar with internal deliberations said Trump had made clear to his team he was questioning whether it was worthwhile sticking with the talks to break the impasse.

The first U.S. official said Rubio's comments were reflecting Trump's frustration with the issue and a concern that this will soon be "Trump's war."

If Washington walks away, efforts to broker a peace would likely founder because no other nation is able to bring similar pressure on both Moscow and Kyiv.

Other impacts are unclear. The United States could keep its current policy on the conflict unchanged, maintaining sanctions on Russia and keeping U.S. aid flowing to Kyiv. Alternatively, Trump could decide to halt payments to Ukraine.

Trump said on Thursday he expected to sign a minerals deal with Kyiv next week after an attempt in February fell apart following Zelenskiy's Oval Office clash with Vance and the Republican president.

Rubio said he spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov after the Paris talks and briefed him on elements of the U.S. peace framework.

Putin has said he wants Ukraine to drop its NATO ambitions, permanently cede to Russia the four regions it has lost and limit the size of its army. Kyiv says those demands are tantamount to demanding its capitulation.

However, Bloomberg reported on Friday that Washington was prepared to recognize Russian control of the Ukrainian region of Crimea, annexed by Moscow in 2014, as part of a broader peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv.

Rubio said the Europeans had a central role to play in any peace pact, especially as their sanctions on Russia would likely need to be lifted to secure an accord.

He said the issue of U.S. security guarantees came up in the Paris talks, adding they were an issue "we can fix in a way that's acceptable to everyone." But, he cautioned, "we have bigger challenges that we need to figure out."

RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

Russian troops liberate four communities in Donetsk region over week — top brass

Russian troops liberated four communities in the Donetsk region over the week of April 12-18, including the settlement of Valentinovka in the past 24 hours in the special military operation in Ukraine, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on Friday.

"Battlegroup South units liberated the settlements of Kalinovo and Valentinovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic through active operations… Battlegroup Center units liberated the settlements of Yelizavetovka and Preobrazhenka in the Donetsk People’s Republic through decisive operations," the ministry said in a statement.

Russia hammers Ukrainian military-industrial sites in nine precision strikes over week

Russian forces delivered nine strikes by precision weapons and attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on Ukrainian military-industrial sites over the week, including a strike on the morning of April 18, the ministry reported.

"On April 12-18 this year, the Russian Armed Forces delivered nine combined strikes by precision-guided weapons and attack unmanned aerial vehicles, hitting enterprises of Ukraine’s military-industrial complex, the infrastructure of military airfields, warehouses of armament, ammunition, missiles, attack unmanned aerial vehicles and uncrewed boats, UAV operator training centers and temporary deployment sites of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries," the ministry said.

On the morning of April 18, the Russian Armed Forces "delivered a combined strike by long-range precision weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles on key production sites of unmanned aircraft systems and infrastructure facilities of Ukraine’s military airfields," it said.

The goals of the strike were achieved and all the designated targets were struck, the ministry reported.

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicts over 1,900 casualties on Ukrainian army in week

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 1,900 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed six enemy tanks and 39 armored combat vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the week, the ministry reported.

"During the week, Battlegroup North units continued destroying Ukrainian armed formations on the territory of the Kursk Region. Combat aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and artillery struck manpower and equipment of a tank brigade, four mechanized brigades, three air assault brigades and an assault regiment of the Ukrainian army, a marine infantry brigade and five territorial defense brigades," the ministry said.

In the Belgorod and Kharkov directions, Battlegroup North units inflicted losses on formations of five mechanized brigades, a motorized infantry brigade, an air assault brigade, a coastal defense brigade and an assault regiment of the Ukrainian army and four territorial defense brigades, it said.

The Ukrainian army lost more than 1,900 troops in that frontline area over the week. Sixty-four Ukrainian service members surrendered to Russian forces, the ministry said.

In addition, Russian forces destroyed six tanks, 39 armored combat vehicles, 99 motor vehicles, six multiple launch rocket systems, including two US-made HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, 46 field artillery guns, two surface-to-air missile systems, eight electronic warfare and counterbattery radar stations and ten ammunition and materiel depots of the Ukrainian army in those frontline areas over the week, it specified.

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicts over 1,730 casualties on Ukrainian army in week

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 1,730 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed 30 enemy artillery guns, including seven NATO weapons in its area of responsibility over the week, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup West units gained better lines and positions and inflicted losses on manpower and equipment of five mechanized brigades, a jaeger brigade, two assault brigades and an artillery brigade of the Ukrainian army, three territorial defense brigades and a National Guard brigade," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army lost more than 1,730 personnel, two tanks, 13 armored combat vehicles, including three US-made M113 armored personnel carriers, 45 motor vehicles, 30 field artillery guns, among them seven NATO 155mm self-propelled artillery systems and howitzers, 12 electronic warfare and counterbattery radar stations and 21 ammunition depots in that frontline area over the week, it specified.

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicts over 2,170 casualties on Ukrainian army in week

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted more than 2,170 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed 35 enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the week, the ministry reported.

During the week, Battlegroup South units "inflicted losses on formations of seven mechanized brigades, an airmobile brigade, three assault brigades, an artillery brigade, an unmanned aircraft systems regiment of the Ukrainian army, three territorial defense brigades, three National Guard brigades and the Azov special operations brigade [outlawed in Russia as a terrorist group]," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army lost more than 2,170 personnel, two tanks, 27 armored combat vehicles, including four M113 armored personnel carriers and a Stryker armored fighting vehicle of US manufacture, 74 motor vehicles, 35 field artillery guns, among them four Western-made 155mm weapons, six electronic warfare stations, 27 ammunition, fuel and materiel depots in that frontline area over the week, it specified.

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicts over 2,680 casualties on Ukrainian army in week

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 2,680 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed 20 enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the week, the ministry reported.

During the week, Battlegroup Center units "inflicted losses on manpower and equipment of six mechanized brigades, two assault brigades, an airborne brigade, three jaeger brigades, an unmanned systems brigade and an assault regiment of the Ukrainian army, a marine infantry brigade and four National Guard brigades," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army lost more than 2,680 personnel, two tanks, 20 armored combat vehicles, including seven US-made M113 armored personnel carriers, 35 motor vehicles and 34 field artillery guns, among them six 155mm US-manufactured Paladin, French-manufactured Caesar and Polish-manufactured Krab self-propelled artillery systems in that frontline area over the week, it specified.

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicts over 1,020 casualties on Ukrainian army in week

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicted more than 1,020 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed 18 enemy artillery guns in its area of responsibility over the week, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup East units kept advancing deep into the enemy’s defenses and inflicted losses on formations of two mechanized brigades, a jaeger brigade, an airmobile brigade, an air assault brigade and a mountain assault brigade of the Ukrainian army, a marine infantry brigade, three territorial defense brigades and a National Guard brigade," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army lost more than 1,020 personnel, a tank, eight armored combat vehicles, 20 motor vehicles, 18 field artillery guns, among them three NATO weapons and four electronic warfare stations in that frontline area over the week, it specified.

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr inflicts over 540 casualties on Ukrainian army in week

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr inflicted more than 540 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed a US-made HIMARS multiple launch rocket system and 16 enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the week, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup Dnepr units gained better lines and positions and inflicted losses on manpower and equipment of three mechanized brigades, a mountain assault brigade, three coastal defense brigades of the Ukrainian army and three territorial defense brigades," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army lost more than 540 personnel, four armored combat vehicles and 56 motor vehicles in that frontline area over the week, it specified.

In addition, Russian forces destroyed a US-made HIMARS multiple launch rocket system, 12 field artillery guns, nine electronic warfare and counterbattery radar stations and 16 ammunition depots of the Ukrainian army, it said.

Russian air defenses down F-16 fighter, 1,618 Ukrainian UAVs over week

Russian air defense forces shot down an F-16 fighter aircraft and 1,618 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles over the week, the ministry reported.

"Over the week, air defense capabilities shot down a Ukrainian Air Force F-16 aircraft, 45 JDAM guided aerial bombs and 29 rockets of the HIMARS multiple launch rocket system of US manufacture and 1,618 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles," the ministry said.

Overall, the Russian Armed Forces have destroyed 661 Ukrainian warplanes, 283 helicopters, 52,592 unmanned aerial vehicles, 603 surface-to-air missile systems, 22,920 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 1,541 multiple rocket launchers, 23,820 field artillery guns and mortars and 34,317 special military motor vehicles since the start of the special military operation, the ministry reported.

Reuters/Tass

Hedieh Mirahmadi

The Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Sunday is often shrouded in mystery and anticipation. While the crucifixion and resurrection command our attention, we must not overlook the profound significance of that silent Saturday.

It was a day filled with palpable tension, a day suspended between the agony of the cross and the triumph of the empty tomb. In that solemn silence, the world held its breath, waiting for the dawn of redemption that was yet to come.

What transpired in the depths of that day? What divine mysteries unfolded as the world waited? Let us explore the Scriptures, shedding light on the enigmatic journey of Jesus during those hushed hours.

What does God’s Word tell us about what happened that Saturday?

While some mysteries will remain unanswered until we get to Heaven, the Bible provides all we need for today, revealing not only past events but also timeless truths. 

One theory suggests Jesus proclaimed His victory to imprisoned demons from Noah's era. 1 Peter 3:18-20 tells us: 

“Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring us to God. He was put to death in the flesh but made alive in the Spirit, in which He went and preached to the spirits in prison, those who were disobedient during Noah's time.”

Ephesians 4:7-9 speaks of grace given according to Christ's gift: “When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men.” This implies a descent into the lower parts of the earth before His ascent above the heavens.

Both passages suggest Jesus proclaimed victory to rebellious spirits, but He did not suffer in Hell, contrary to some teachings. David's words in Acts 2:24-29 echo this theme, as Peter recounts how God raised Jesus, ending death’s agony, fulfilling David’s prophecy that the Holy One would not be abandoned to Hades or undergo decay.

Could Jesus have gone to Hades to announce His victory and release men of faith?

Isaiah 61 foretells Jesus setting captives free, implying His descent to Hades was for those awaiting the Messiah, who accepted His call and were brought to Heaven. Men of faith who died before Christ couldn't enter Heaven without His atoning blood. Their sacrifices covered sin but didn't pay sin’s price.

After descending to Hades, Jesus ascended. On the cross, He assured the thief in Luke 23:42-43 that he would be with him in paradise. Jesus was with the Father in Heaven, alongside the faithful who died believing in Him.

As believers, we may find ourselves in “Silent Saturdays,” too, where God seems absent and our prayers unanswered. We feel tormented, wondering if God is angry or if we have disappointed Him. We see our struggles and question why He doesn't intervene.

However, we must remember that God's silence does not equal His absence. Just because we don't see it doesn't mean He isn't working. Just as Jesus knew God would not leave Him in the grave, we need to know that God will not leave us alone in our struggles. These “Saturdays” have a purpose: they allow us to experience the full force of God's strength and appreciate His intervention.

Though our waiting may feel like anguish, we have the opportunity to rest in the Father's security. In our suffering, we can experience a closeness to God that brings comfort, peace, and even joy. We can find Paradise in our pain because we know that Sunday is coming.

Jesus, with God's authority, declared freedom to souls held captive. The righteous dead, who had waited for redemption, saw their Savior. The chains of death started to break, as the Light of the World shone in the darkness.

This wasn't just a visit; it was a victory. He took the keys of death and Hades. Back in the tomb, His body remained, showing His full acceptance of humanity's fate. Yet, it was ready for glory. His descent into Hades ended sin's power, bridging the cross and the empty tomb. As Saturday ended, the world rested, unaware that the King had stormed death's gates, preparing for life to reign again. There, He faced the powers of darkness. Hades’ gates shook at His presence. Satan, who thought he'd won at the cross, now faced the One whose death was an act of love.

For these reasons, God allows a Saturday between our Fridays and Sundays. If today is a Saturday for you, take a moment to appreciate the wondrous, unseen events unfolding around you and the victory in Christ that awaits you on a future and glorious Sunday yet to come.

** Hedieh Mirahmadi was a devout Muslim for two decades working in the field of national security before she experienced the redemptive power of Jesus Christ.  She dedicates herself full-time to Resurrect Ministry, an online resource that harnesses the power of the Internet to make salvation through Christ available to people of all nations, and her podcast LivingFearlessDevotional.com. She is the author of the International Bestselling book"Living Fearless in Christ-Why I left Islam to Win Battles for the Kingdom."

A group of unidentified flying objects spotted by Navy sailors is raising eyebrows after witnesses reported watching the oddly-shaped aircraft rise from the ocean before jetting off in a synchronized fashion last year. 

The four aircraft were spotted by sailors aboard USS Jackson while off the coast of California last year, Jeremy Corbell, co-host of the "Weaponized" podcast, told Fox 11. 

"[This] is a machine that is able to outpace, outmaneuver, and outperform anything that we know of that's been made by technology and terrestrial nations," Corbell said. 

The UFOs reportedly emerged from the Pacific Ocean and were spotted by sailors before showing up on the ship’s radar, an unnamed witness told Corbell. 

Footage recorded by the Navy warship and obtained by Corbell shows the four aircraft grouping together before racing off in unison. 

"Everybody on the ship knew they were seeing something extraordinary," Corbell said. "So obviously people thought it was important to document and then finally witnesses came forward." 

The Navy and Corbell did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. 

Corbell noted the footage shows the objects do not have a wing or tail, raising questions regarding the aircraft’s ability to fly. However, Corbell does not believe the unidentified objects are nefarious or operated by a foreign adversary. 

"I'd rather these things be from another planet than an adversarial nation, because if it was an adversarial nation then their ability to weaponize that technology would be unprecedented," Corbell said. "Luckily, we don't see a fingerprint for that."

However, military officials claim the sighting was never recorded.

"[The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office] has no record of this alleged UAP incident," a Pentagon spokesperson told Fox News Digital in a statement. 

The flying objects draw striking similarities to the infamous "Tic Tac"-shaped aircraft sighting by USS Nimitz off the coast of Southern California in 2004. The incident drew national attention in 2017, exposing previously unknown programs within the Department of Defense relating to UFO research. 

In 2020, the Pentagon released three unclassified Navy videos from November 2004 and January 2015. 

"The aerial phenomena observed in the videos remain characterized as ‘unidentified’," the Pentagon said in a statement. 

Last year, a Pentagon official testified to Congress that the Pentagon had solved a well-known mystery surrounding a flying object spotted by USS Theodore Roosevelt in 2016. 

The UFO spotted flying at high speeds above the Atlantic Ocean was nothing out of the ordinary, but instead a trick of the eye causing objects to appear as if they were moving much faster, referred to as a "parallax," according to Dr. Jon Kosloski, the director of the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office. 

"Through a very careful geospatial intelligence analysis and using trigonometry, we assess with high confidence that the object is not actually close to the water, but is rather closer to 13,000 feet," Kosloski said. 

As for the four aircraft spotted by Navy sailors last year, Corbell believes there is no cause for alarm. 

"This UFO phenomenon has been here for a long time, this is not something new, it's nothing to worry about," Corbell said. "It is something that we need to face head on and that's what Congress is trying to do, is get people to get past the stigma so we can know and understand what is this technology, who is operating it and what is the intent."

Fox News