NewsChat: Daily Podcast with Jack Norton – News 12/26/24
Deadbeat Dad Arrested, Rewriting Christian History, Weight Loss Tied to Values
Tune in daily to NewsChat, the podcast that brings you the truth in news. Hosted by Jack Norton, this show delivers honest, straightforward reporting on the day’s top stories, paired with a thoughtful, sensible take. Presented by the Jack and Kitty News Network in association with Voices of Faith Ministries, NewsChat keeps you informed with clarity, integrity, and honest insights. Stay updated with news that matters and perspectives that guide.
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Deadbeat Dad Arrested
This is NewsChat: your source for the Truth in today’s news. Today is December 26, 2024 and I’m your host Jack Norton from JackAndKitty.com.
A Kentucky father, Dominic Weaver, was arrested in Miami, Florida last week after returning from a cruise vacation. The 47-year-old has racked up over $100,000 in unpaid child support, with the total now ranging between $114,000 and $120,000.
Despite being sentenced to five years of probation for flagrant non-support in 2019, Weaver failed to make any payments toward his obligations. He had been evading authorities for years and was even featured on a 2021 list of parents owing large sums for child support.
Authorities in Kentucky are now pushing to revoke his probation and seek a jail sentence of up to four years. Weaver’s arraignment is scheduled for January 6.
You know, the Bible is clear on the role parents play in providing for and caring for their children. In 1 Timothy 5:8, it says, “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” This verse underscores the serious obligation parents have to support their children, not just financially, but emotionally and spiritually as well.
Weaver’s actions reflect a disregard for this Biblical teaching. His refusal to fulfill his financial obligations to his children for years shows a lack of commitment to his role as a father. This story calls for reflection on how we, as individuals, are fulfilling the responsibilities God has entrusted to us. While grace and forgiveness are key elements of the Christian faith, it is also clear that there are consequences for neglecting duties, especially when it comes to the care of vulnerable children.
Rewriting Christian History
An 1,800-year-old silver amulet found in a grave near Frankfurt, Germany, is offering new insights into the history of early Christianity. The amulet, which is the oldest known Christian artifact discovered north of the Alps, contains a Latin inscription that could shift historians’ understanding of how Christianity spread in the Roman Empire.
The inscription, which includes phrases like “Holy, holy, holy!” and references to Jesus Christ, is significant because it is entirely Christian and written in Latin, a rare combination for early Christian amulets.
Researchers used advanced CT scanning to digitally unroll the amulet and analyze the text, revealing that the man buried with it likely valued his Christian faith during a time when practicing Christianity was dangerous and often done in secrecy. The discovery suggests Christianity had spread further into the Roman Empire earlier than previously believed.
This find is not only important for its historical implications but also for its rarity in Western Europe. While similar amulets have been found in the eastern Mediterranean, their presence in Germany challenges the timeline of Christianity’s reach across Europe. Experts believe the amulet’s inscription could push back the history of Christianization in Western Europe by 50 to 100 years, providing a new lens through which to view the early spread of Christianity.
The discovery is an exciting and affirming find that highlights the early and deep roots of Christianity in Europe. For believers, the inscription referencing Jesus Christ, “Holy, holy, holy!” and invoking His name for protection and well-being is a powerful reminder of the unwavering faith of early Christians, even in the face of intense persecution. It is remarkable to see such a clear and direct affirmation of Christian doctrine—particularly the invocation of Jesus Christ as Lord—preserved in such a tangible form.
This amulet not only serves as evidence of early Christian practices but also speaks to the central role that faith played in the lives of believers, regardless of the risks involved. The fact that this man chose to be buried with the amulet, signifying the importance of his Christian faith, reflects the deep commitment many Christians held to their beliefs in a time when following Christ could lead to brutal consequences. The use of Latin in the inscription may also be seen as an early step in the global spread of the Gospel, demonstrating that Christianity was never a regional or limited faith but one that was intended for all nations and peoples from the very beginning. For Christians today, this discovery reinforces the historical authenticity of their faith and the enduring power of Christ’s message across centuries.
Weight Loss Tied to Values
Finally, it’s getting to be that time of year when we start thinking about New Year’s Resolutions. If you’re like me, maybe weight loss is a goal of yours. You know, in the pursuit of weight loss, experts say understanding your personal “why” is crucial for long-term success.
By connecting your goals to your core values, such as health, family, or confidence, you create a deeper sense of motivation that goes beyond just numbers on a scale. Identifying your values and setting goals that reflect them—like wanting more energy to be active with loved ones or improving physical fitness—can lead to sustainable lifestyle changes.
During tough times, remembering your “why” helps you stay focused and motivated, making it easier to overcome challenges. Aligning your weight loss journey with your values doesn’t just change your body, but transforms your overall well-being for the long haul.
For us Christians, the concept of connecting weight loss goals to one’s values is an opportunity to reflect on how our bodies are a gift from God. The Bible teaches us in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, which calls us to honor and care for them. Pursuing health through weight loss is not just about outward appearance but about stewarding the physical bodies God has given us.
When we align our goals with biblical values—such as living a life that glorifies God, being a good steward, and serving others—our motivation shifts from selfishness to a purpose-driven life. Rather than focusing on external results, we can see our journey as a way to honor God with every step, knowing that He desires us to be well, not just in body but in spirit.
Ultimately, by connecting our weight loss goals to our Christian values, we can transform not only our physical health but also deepen our relationship with God and reflect His love in all areas of life.
Thanks for listening to NewsChat – now if the good Lord’s willing and the creek don’t rise, I’ll see you again tomorrow morning. I hope you’re having a great day – enjoy the last of your Christmas ham, left overs and egg nog, cause the new year is coming soon! Seriously though, remember, Jesus loves you and you deserve to feel good today! Take care.
NewsChat is a co-production from the Jack and Kitty News Network and Voices of Faith Ministries, visit us at JackAndKitty.com. Have a news tip, prayer request or just want to say hi? Email us: hello@jackandkitty.com. NewsChat is written and producted by Kitty Norton, with additional research by our reporters Maria Garcia, Todd Johnson, Thomas Miller and Emma Smith. It is recorded and hosted by me, Jack Norton and edited by Todd Johnson. Music composed and performed by Jack and Kitty Norton.
Did you hear about the guy who decided to hang mirrors for a living? It’s something he could see himself doing.
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