Top 10 Podcast Episodes of 2025 | Cross Examined

In 2025, we had unforgettable conversations with some of today’s leading apologists, archaeologists, pastors, theologians, philosophers, and Christian influencers who joined Frank to unpack today’s most compelling arguments and evidence for the Christian faith. From digs in the Middle East to Bible studies and political commentary, we covered a lot of ground and hopefully were able to help you answer some of the questions you’ve asked and encountered surrounding faith, freedom, and philosophy.

We’ve kept up with the biggest news headlines and impact events, keeping you informed and engaged amidst the ongoing culture war from a Christian perspective. And then out of nowhere, we were hit with the most devastating tragedy, the martyrdom of our great friend Charlie Kirk–an event that not only shocked the nation, but by God’s grace, rippled forward to a tsunami of worldwide conversions to Christ.  We’ve grieved together and grappled with the “why” questions, yet we’re still on mission to #makeheavencrowded with a whole new year ahead. If you missed out on any ‘I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist’ podcasts, now’s the time to catch up. We recommend you start with what our statistics say are the most popular episodes of 2025 based on listens and views!

You can view the full playlist on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU-nJq1k5wmgSh2gx9po2V07kBVzOxotS

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#10. Why the Foundations of Islam Are Now Crumbling with Dr. Jay Smith – Part 2

What’s behind the mass exodus from Islam? Christian apologist Dr. Jay Smith joins Frank in this two-part series to expose the lack of historical evidence for the world’s fasting growing religion. Watch it HERE!

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#9. Charlie Kirk Conspiracy Theories That Lead to Death Threats with Seth Dillon

Babylon Bee CEO and founder Seth Dillon stops by the podcast to discuss why baseless internet conspiracy theories surrounding Charlie Kirk’s death are no laughing matter. Watch it HERE!

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#8. Why the Foundations of Islam Are Now Crumbling with Dr. Jay Smith

Part one of this epic conversation with Dr. Jay Smith dives headfirst into growing skepticism surrounding the true origins of Islam. Watch it HERE!

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#7. If God, Why Evil? Honoring the Life & Legacy of My Friend Charlie Kirk

In the aftermath of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Frank delivers his first public speech to answer the ultimate question. Why does God allow evil? Watch it HERE!

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#6. MAKE HEAVEN CROWDED and Take a BOLD Stand Christ with Jack Hibbs

With over 35 years of ministry experience, Jack Hibbs joins Frank to reveal the keys to standing firmly for the truth (like Charlie Kirk) in a godless age. Watch it HERE!

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#5. What’s Next for Turning Point USA? Continuing the Legacy of Charlie Kirk with Mikey & Rob McCoy

How will TPUSA continue the fight for freedom, faith, and patriotism now that Charlie is no longer with us? Charlie’s best friend and Chief of Staff Mikey McCoy and his father, Pastor Rob McCoy share TPUSA’s plan to carry Charlie’s legacy forward. Watch it HERE!

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#4. 12 Biblical Archaeological Discoveries You’ve Never Heard of Before with Dr. Titus Kennedy

Archaeologist Dr. Titus Kennedy shares 12 of the most recent archaeological finds that corroborate people, places, and events documented in the Bible. Watch it HERE!

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#3. Behind the Scenes at Charlie Kirk’s Memorial Service

Frank shares what went on behind the scenes leading up to the historic Memorial for Charlie Kirk and why this was the perfect opportunity to share the Gospel with the world. Watch it HERE!

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#2. Charlie Kirk Conspiracy Theories? Homicide Detective Speaks Out with J. Warner Wallace

Cold-Case Detective J. Warner Wallace joins Frank to debunk some of the most disturbing myths and conspiracies surrounding Charlie’s death and how criminal investigations are handled prior to the trial date. Watch it HERE!

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#1. The Greatness of Charlie Kirk: An Eyewitness Account of His Life and Martyrdom

In the first podcast episode following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Frank gives his eyewitness account of the tragedy while focusing on the power of the Gospel in light of the problem of evil. Watch it HERE!

Recommended Resources:

Answering Islam by Dr. Frank Turek (DVD Set, Mp4 and Mp3)
Correct not Politically Correct: About Same-Sex Marriage and Transgenderism by Frank Turek (Book, MP4, )
I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist (Paperback), and (Sermon) by Norman Geisler and Frank Turek
If God, Why Evil? (DVD Set), (MP3 Set), and (mp4 Download Set) by Frank Turek

The post Top 10 Podcast Episodes of 2025 appeared first on CrossExamined.

Source: Top 10 Podcast Episodes of 2025

7 Amazing Sites That Confirm Old Testament History

How trustworthy are the Old Testament Scriptures? Join Frank and Dr. John Ferrer as they explore seven sites from their recent visit to Jordan and Israel that corroborate with people, places, and events found in the Bible. You won’t want to miss this footage straight from the Holy Land!

Source: 7 Amazing Sites That Confirm Old Testament History

Witness Wednesday: Is There A Case To Be Made For Deconstruction Being A Good Thing? | Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

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It’s Witness Wednesday! Questions of deep theology and practical application are addressed in a must-hear question and answer segment during Todd’s recent trip to Oklahoma State University. If you want to see the Christian worldview brought to bear in real-time on real-world questions, you’ve come to the right place.

Segment 1

• Bishop Tom Brown questions the trend of evangelical deconstruction, and asks if there can be a positive element to it.

• Todd explains that most who deconstruct are not interested in putting the pieces back together again.

• A young man in the audience asks how we can feel RIGHTLY – how we can balance our emotions without denying them totally.

Segment 2

• Laney asks Todd how we can reach the portion of society that isn’t interested in actually finding the truth – and may not think it exists at all.

• A young man asks how husbands should rightly lead their families in the era of post-modernity and radical subjectivity that we live in.

• Ben asks how to reach the agnostics in society who don’t care what Christianity has to say.

Segment 3

• Student Brennan asks about the weighty question of God’s sovereignty and goodness when considered against the pain and suffering that is allowed in this world.

• Todd goes in depth showing how the existence of evil in this world, far from disproving God, actually necessitates God’s existence.

• Alec asks: how can we dispel the notion in the minds of unbelievers that Christianity is just a bunch of stuff we have to do to get on the “nice list”?

Segment 4

• Todd continues his answer to the last question, showing how Christianity is not burdensome but, rather, the most liberating thing for God’s creatures.

• Todd is asked a heavy philosophical question about the metaphysical presuppositions of the ancient world, and how Christ shows us truth in every area – even philosophy.

• As helpful as apologetics can be in certain circumstances, Todd shows us the primacy of Christ and sharing the gospel in attempting to win souls – not arguments.

Source: Witness Wednesday: Is There A Case To Be Made For Deconstruction Being A Good Thing?

The Letter to the Church in Philadelphia dictated by the Lord Jesus Christ | CRN

“We do best when we take God’s Word at face value, keep it in context, and use scripture to interpret scripture instead of subjectivism. We should also understand that the Bible is God’s gift to His people to reveal Him and His truth to them for their edification and His glory.”

(Mike Ratliff – Possessing the Treasure) 7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: This is what He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says: 8 ‘I know your deeds. Behold, I have given before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 9 Behold, I am giving up those of the synagogue of Satan, those who say that they are Jews and are not but lie. Behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and make them know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11 I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the sanctuary of My God, and he will never go out from it anymore. And I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name. 13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ Revelation 3:7-13 (LSB)

One of the big errors of our time in the visible Church of the 21^st Century is the misguided concept that truth is subjective. In other words, truth is what you want it be. This concept is, of course, simply borrowed from the world, which loves it. While I do not contend that I know when our Lord will return, I do know that it will be at the end of this age prior to the age to come….

I know that He has been given a people for Himself from the Father. I know that His blood purchased them at the cross. I know that those whom He saves must live in this sin-sick world in order to be sanctified, to mature in Christ, and for their lives to glorify God. These truths, and so many more from God’s Word, are not subjective.

We do best when we take God’s Word at face value, keep it in context, and use scripture to interpret scripture instead of subjectivism. We should also understand that the Bible is God’s gift to His people to reveal Him and His truth to them for their edification and His glory.

When our Lord Jesus Christ gave John the book of Revelation, He was told to write what he saw in a book and send that to the seven churches, to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. He was told specifically what to write.

19 Therefore write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things. Revelation 1:19 (LSB) 

In this post, we will look at the letter to the church in Philadelphia.  Our Lord Jesus Christ is dictating this letter. He is the holy one, the true one, and he has the key of David. He opens and no one will shut. He shuts and no one opens. This is a statement of authority. Our Lord has all authority.

18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Matthew 28:18 (LSB) 

Only God can give this authority. It has been given by God to our Lord Jesus Christ who is both God and man. He is both. This authority is given to Him because He completed His mission to live a sinless life as a man then go to the cross willingly so that He could fulfill His role as the Lamb of God. He was the propititiation for the sins of His people, those given to Him by the Father. He rose from the dead on the third day. He won a tremendous victory at the cross. He released the captives. All those who belonged to Him have been given the gift of being free from the power of sin. Because of His obedience, the Father has given Him all authority in heaven and on earth. Our Lord Jesus Christ has the authority to admit to or exclude people from God’s Kingdom and this cannot be reversed.

8 ‘I know your deeds. Behold, I have given before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Revelation 3:8 (LSB) 

Keeping in mind what we learned about our Lord’s authority in v7 let us carefully read what He tells this church. First, our Lord knows their works. He is God and knows everything. He is omniscient. His telling this church that He knows their deeds or works is spoken to make it clear to these people that there are no excuses. They cannot contend that they are doing what they are not doing or not doing what they are doing. No excuses. Then He says “Behold!” This word in Greek simply means, “Look!” What is this “open door?” He had just told these people that it is by His authority that doors are open for those who belong to Him to go through in obedience. That is the sense here. He is calling these people, even though they are weak, they do belong to Him so they are being exhorted to walk in obedience in service to Him. They are being exhorted to walk by faith, not by sight. Our Lord has all authority so they should respond in boldness instead of self-focused fear. This seems so much like many Christians I know personally. They do belong to the Savior, but they are timid and self-conscious so instead of walking through the door of obedience, they become fixed in non-involvement and self-protection. They have not denied the name of Christ, and they have kept the Word of Christ, but they are spiritually weak.

9 Behold, I am giving up those of the synagogue of Satan, those who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie. Behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and make them know that I have loved you. Revelation 3:9 (LSB) 

The synagogue of Satan is mentioned here and in 2:9.

 9 ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Revelation 2:9 (LSB)

Much of the persecution of the early Church came from the Jews. The synagogue of Satan refers to religious Jews by birth or genealogy, however, our Lord tells us here that, even though they are Jews by birth, they are not Jews by faith. The children of Abraham are his by faith (Romans 4). Therefore, these references to the synagogue of Satan in these two passages in Revelation are referring to those 1^st Century Jews who were not children of Abraham by faith, but were enemies of the Church and all who belonged to our Lord Jesus Christ. This bowing down before these believers by these “Jews” must refer to the age to come when all accounts are settled after the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will never be hurt by the second death.’ Revelation 2:10-11 (LSB) 

What does our Lord mean here about keeping those with patient endurance from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world? Never forget my brethren, God’s Word nowhere promises to spare believers from suffering or martyrdom, but instead, to shield them from His wrath and to transform martyrdom into triumph (Revelation 6:10-11; Revelation 12:11). This promise to keep those with patience and endurance from the hour of trial is God’s promise to safeguard and remain faithful to believers who endure patiently in the midst of “that trial that is coming on the whole world.” In other words, this passage does not imply that God will take believers out of the world at that time, but instead, they will be protected and kept from the outpouring of His wrath upon the wicked.

Never forget my brethren, the one making these promises is the Lord Jesus Christ. He has all authority. No one can stay His hand or open what He shuts or shut what He opens. There is undoubtedly, according to this passage, going to be a trial coming on the whole world. This will probably include a period of intensified persecution for the church along with escalating manifestations of god’s wrath against “those who dwell on the earth.” These trials could be financial and then escalate into ever more terrible things, but throughout it all, our Lord’s people will be persecuted, but will not experience God’s wrath.

Personally, after much study of Revelation, Zechariah, Daniel, Malachi, and Matthew along with listening to many Bible teachers I respect, I believe The Lord may very well come and take the Church out of world before things get really bad during the Tribulation. In fact, the disappearance of all the true Christians from the World would be devastating to the civilization as we know it. Just a theory. I have no input as to the timing of that. Sorry…

Source: The Letter to the Church in Philadelphia dictated by the Lord Jesus Christ

The Moments That Sustain Us | In Touch Ministries Daily Devotions

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How can we quiet our distractions long enough to hear God’s voice?

Source: The Moments That Sustain Us

The “Jesus Plus” Gospel Is Not the Gospel

Christ has done what the law could not do. He has carried the burden we could not bear. The church stands or falls on this truth. Christ saves fully. Christ keeps completely. Nothing more is required.

 

There is a subtle temptation to believe that something must be added to grace to make faith complete.

“But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.”
Acts 15:11 (NKJV)

The sharpest conflict in these chapters comes not from outside the church, but from within it. A question presses to the front and will not go away.

Is Jesus enough?

Some were saying, “Yes, but…” Faith in Christ is good, they argued, but it needs something added to it. Something you can measure. Something you can point to. A mark in the flesh. A rule kept. A box checked.

Read More

The Key to Contentment – Part 2 | Daily Radio Program with Charles Stanley…

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Would you say that most of your days are filled with contentment or anxiety? Dr. Stanley teaches that anxiety is not something God gives but something we bring upon ourselves. Learn how you can overcome obstacles to peace.

Source: The Key to Contentment – Part 2

10 Verses That Teach Us How to Love

Here are ten verses about love in the Bible that help us to understand how God wants us to define it.

Source: 10 Verses That Teach Us How to Love

God of Jew and Gentile | From the MLJ Archive on Oneplace.com

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Romans 10:11-13 — How does someone receive salvation? Paul says in Romans 10:11–13 that the first principle of salvation is belief and more specifically, belief in Christ Jesus. Paul just told the church in Rome that they must confess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord and now he says that they must believe in Him. All who believe will never be put to shame. Although the law and the devil may work against the Christian, the Lord has conquered all these things so that nothing in the whole cosmos could shame His people. In this sermon on Romans 10:11–13 titled “God of Jew and Gentile,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones points out that this specific passage thoroughly and completely emphasizes that salvation and belief are open to whoever calls on Christ, meaning that it equally applies to the Jews and the Gentiles. All are born under Adam, which means that all people groups are under the same condemnation. Paul is sharing that despite what they previously thought, the Jews have no special standing in regard to salvation. The hope is that all people are saved by believing in Christ. Once that is done, God’s salvation is perfect and secure for all eternity.

Source: God of Jew and Gentile

A Prayer for Determination When You Feel Depleted – Your Daily Prayer – January 29

When you’re running on empty but life won’t slow down, this prayer will help you lean into grace that carries you when strength runs out.

Source: A Prayer for Determination When You Feel Depleted – Your Daily Prayer – January 29

“Living Faith” | Grace to You on Oneplace.com

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As a Christian, you can expect your unbelieving neighbors, coworkers . . . and even members of your family . . . to antagonize you because of your faith. So, how can you keep your faith strong in a world that opposes God and His people?

Source: “Living Faith”

January 29 – Telling our children | Reformed Perspective

“We will not hide them from our children, telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and His strength and His wonderful works that He has done.” – Psalm 78:4

Scripture reading: Psalm 84:1-12

For almost a month now we have been reflecting together on the marvelous teaching of Lord’s Day 1 of the Heidelberg Catechism. This teaching must remain precious in our hearts. And while Lord’s Day 1 is intensely personal, it may never remain only personal. If children have been entrusted to our love and care then, certainly they must hear from our lips, the source of their only comfort found in belonging to Jesus.

As I write today, my wife and I have just returned from attending the funeral of a young child whom the LORD brought to Himself at 3 and a half. This young child was learning to delight in the testimony of Psalm 84–the lovely dwelling place where we learn of our eternal comfort and the blessing of those who trust in the LORD.

Parents have a blessing and duty to tell, to give evidence of a living and lively faith, and to encourage their children to follow the LORD. While parents cannot give their children faith, they can model this great gift of grace. The best treasure in life is to belong to Jesus, to know His covenant and the promises that cannot fail. Parents pray often for wisdom to be found faithful.

“God’s purpose is that the Holy Spirit should take possession of our sons and daughters for His service; that they should be filled with the Holy Spirit, consecrated for service. They belong to Him and He to them.”  – Andrew Murray

Suggestions for prayer

“I belong to Jesus; He will keep my soul when the deathly waters dark round about me roll” (TPH 187:5).

Rev. Vellenga is presently serving as a ‘here and there’ preacher who preaches across several Reformed denominational/federational lines. Peter and his wife Judith reside in Delaware, Ontario and are blessed with eight children and a growing quiver of grandchildren. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.

Source: January 29 – Telling our children

BCL Online Picks — January 29, 2026 | Beautiful Christian Life by BCL

Photo Credit: Jonatan Pie on Unsplash

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning Beautiful Christian Life LLC may get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through its links, at no cost to you.

What do “ridiculous faith,” the biblical covenants, conviction, the sacraments, and Barnabas have to do with living out the Christian faith? Find out in this week’s online picks!

1. From Silence to Complexification to Capitulation

In this Clearly Reformed article, Kevin DeYoung shows how evangelicals often move from silence on LGBTQ issues to confused complexity and finally to acceptance, revealing how theological drift happens gradually rather than all at once. The tension between orthodoxy and cultural pressure underscores why the church must speak clearly at the earliest stages to resist reshaping biblical convictions to fit the spirit of the age. Read it here →

2. What Is a Sacrament?

In this Core Christianity article, Leah B. explains what a sacrament is and why baptism and the Lord’s Supper matter for the life of the church. She emphasizes that the sacraments are gifts given by Christ himself, not traditions invented by the church, and that they are meant for the good and strengthening of believers. Read it here →

3. The Ridiculous Faith of George Müller

In this Medium article, Zack Duncan reflects on the “ridiculous faith” of George Müller, whose steadfast trust in God’s provision sustained a vast orphan ministry without public fundraising. The piece invites readers to consider how faith that looks unreasonable to the world can be a powerful testimony to God’s faithfulness. Read it here →

4. Becoming Barnabas: The Example Of Encouragement (Part 1): Introduction

In this Heidelblog article (part one of a two-part series), theologian Harrison Perkins reflects on the oft-overlooked figure of Barnabas in Acts, the “son of encouragement,” and why his example matters for Christians today. Perkins highlights how Barnabas consistently built up others amid controversy and church growth, inviting readers to cultivate the same spirit of encouragement in their own church communities. Read it here →

5. The Christian’s Battle with Sin

In this Substack article, pastor Matthew Adams reminds readers that the Christian’s battle with sin is not a sign of failure but evidence of new life in Christ. He explains that while the spiritually dead are at peace with sin, those made alive by the Spirit grieve over it and resist it. The very struggle itself, he argues, is a sign of genuine spiritual life. Read it here →

6. 5 Ways Covenant Theology Applies to Everyday Life

In this Ligonier Ministries article, Sarah Ivill explains how covenant theology isn’t just an abstract theology but a gospel-shaped way to understand everyday life. She outlines how the biblical covenants remind us of God’s faithful promises, the centrality of Christ in Scripture, and our identity as members of God’s people who are sustained by grace. The piece encourages readers to let the covenantal storyline of Scripture shape their daily trust in God’s promises and their life together in community. (Many thanks to The Aquila Report for bringing this article to our attention.) Read it here →

7. What Is a Liturgy?

In this Ligonier Ministries article, pastor and author Jonathan Landry Cruse explains what “liturgy” really means—simply the ordered work of worship that every church practices, even if it doesn’t use that word. Drawing on Scripture and Reformed principles, he shows how a healthy liturgy both reflects our encounter with God and shapes the way God’s people hear, respond to, and proclaim the gospel together. Read it here →

Recommended:

• BCL Online Picks — January 22, 2026
• BCL Online Picks — January 15, 2026
• BCL Online Picks — January 8, 2026
• BCL Online Picks — January 1, 2026

The post BCL Online Picks — January 29, 2026 appeared first on Beautiful Christian Life.

Source: BCL Online Picks — January 29, 2026

Fundamentalism, Modernism, and the Dangerous Middle (Part 3) | SHARPER IRON

In my last two posts (read them here and here), I laid out the danger of those that seek a middle ground between biblical fidelity (biblical fundamentalism) while also chasing acceptance by the liberal/modernist/progressive church and academy. Those that have sought acceptance in this way often find that they have made a deal with the devil that brings about either a theological slide, or forces them to abandon the hope of ecumenical cooperation because the stakes are too high.

These historical examples are worthless if we don’t stop and take some time to consider what this means for the situation in the church today. Certainly some of those that tried the middle ground and failed would warn us if they were still living (You can read about some of Billy Graham’s regrets here). So, how can history help and warn us?

Considerations for Today

I wish I could teach this subject as an odd historical lesson that we have learned from we should now move one, but we have not. Today the same faulty logic is being promoted among many conservative Christians, churches, and denominations.

Consider how many Christians today do not think that doctrine is important, but only what one feels about Christ? How many evangelicals see Roman Catholicism as basically compatible with Protestant Christianity, and say things like, “We believe the same things and worship the same God.” This same false idea is spoken of by some regarding Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Oneness Pentecostals, and other aberrations of historic Christianity. The whole Charismatic Movement is driven by emotions over doctrine.

Fearing that they would be seen as judgmental, many Christians are content to accept all that come in the name of Christianity without question. The results have been disastrous. London pastor Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones spoke in 1966 about the dangerous middle-ground that Christians in the 20^th century were mired in regarding the idea that doctrine divides and we mustn’t judge people’s faith by what they believe:

I argue that people who do not believe the essentials of the faith, the things that are essential to salvation, cannot be guilty of schism. They are not in the church. If you do not believe a certain irreducible minimum, you cannot be a Christian, and you are not in the church. Have we reached a time when one must not say a thing like that? Have evangelicals so changed that we no longer make an assertion like that?¹ (D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)

Seeing what was on the horizon of the theological compromise in America, J. Gresham Machen said in 1924:

Paganism has made many efforts to disrupt the Christian faith, but never a more insistent or insidious effort than it is making today. There are three possible attitudes which you may take in the present conflict. In the first place, you may stand for Christ. That is the best. In the second place, you may stand for anti-Christian Modernism. That is next best. In the third place, you may be neutral. That is perhaps worst of all. The worst sin today is to say that you agree with the Christian faith and believe in the Bible, but then make common cause with those who deny the basic facts of Christianity. Never was it more obviously true that he that is not with Christ is against Him.² (J. Gresham Machen)

I certainly agree that the Bible speaks against a brawling, pugnacious spirit (1Tim 3:3; Titus 1:7). This is good and true, but the Bible also calls us to fight for some things, including doctrine (1Tim 1:18-20; 6:12; 1Cor 10:4-6). This is the basis or our spiritual war.

Like the modernists who followed Friedrich Schleiermacher, many in conservative Christian churches affirm his idea that Christianity is less about what you believe and more about what you feel in your heart. This dangerous idea sets the stage for the outright rejection of all orthodox doctrines of our faith. We are seeing the ravages of this idea among our young people leaving the faith because they have no doctrinal anchors for their souls. They are adrift upon a sea of subjectivity and the church has aided that.

Today, the church and denominations often function like big money corporations that are very slow to change and reluctant to put at risk the surface sense of unity for fear of putting at jeopardy the large amount of financial giving that benefits it. Because of this, “statesman” leaders arise within the church and denomination that seek to walk the middle ground and keep peace among all parties. This is a long cry from Jesus words:

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. (Matthew 5:10–13 (ESV)

Many have lost their saltiness because they refuse to suffer hardship, persecution, and being reviled for their faith. The middle ground has proven to be not only ineffective, but deadly. May the Lord raise up more courageous Christians who are not afraid to speak up for truth, even if it may cost them friends and influence in this life.

Notes

¹ D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, “Evangelical Unity: An Appeal,” in Knowing the Times, (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth Trust, 1989), 254.

² Quoted in Beale, 159.

Source: Fundamentalism, Modernism, and the Dangerous Middle (Part 3)

How to Pray the Will of God

Discover how to align your prayers with God’s will by deepening your knowledge of Him and practicing stillness. Learn to move beyond personal desires to embrace a prayer life that reflects divine purpose, leading to more impactful and aligned answers.

Source: How to Pray the Will of God

Glorifying God Through Productivity | Ligonier Ministries

The world’s vision of personal productivity promises to help you make more money, secure greater fulfillment, and achieve your desires—it’s personal productivity for personal gain. However, Christians see God’s glory as their ultimate aim, and they see productivity as a set of skills to maximize their effectiveness in reaching that end.

Because productivity is often associated with worldly ambition, believers can be tempted to write off the topic as something reserved for the business world or for those who have an ungodly obsession with avarice and achievement. The truth, however, is that there is no group for whom productivity is more important than Christians. Believers in Jesus Christ can leverage the skill of personal productivity to bring glory to God in at least three ways.

1. Personal productivity helps believers glorify God by making us more intentional in bearing the fruit of good works.

In John 15, Jesus uses the metaphor of a vine and branches to teach His disciples how good works are a byproduct of their union with Christ, saying: “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

The fruit of good works comes via our connection with Christ, the true vine. But Jesus goes further, stating, “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples” (John 15:8). Here, He connects the bearing of much fruit with glorifying God the Father. To be productive in bearing the fruit of good works is to bring glory to God.

Personal productivity certainly does not replace our connection with the vine in fruit-bearing. It can, however, act as a trellis for our fruit-bearing. Connected to Christ, Christians can grow in the skills of goal setting, time management, and prioritization in our efforts to bring glory to God.

2. Personal productivity helps us glorify God by improving our ability to redeem the time.

Time management is one of the most essential productivity skills. In Ephesians 5:15–16, the Apostle Paul emphasizes its importance for our Christian walk: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:15–16).

God’s Word calls us to make “the best use of the time,” or as the King James Version puts it, to “redeem the time.” Acknowledging this truth is one thing, but it is quite another to seek to grow in effective time management purposefully. Christians who want to glorify God should eagerly pursue the skill of time management.

Redeeming time requires wisely choosing commitments, effectively managing a schedule, and the settled determination to avoid wasting time and employ each moment as faithfully as possible. We live in a fallen world that requires work among thorns and thistles, rest, and attention to unanticipated needs. Even still, as we learn to better manage our time, we increase our capacity for faithfulness and thereby glorify God with the time and tasks He sets before us.

3. Personal productivity helps us glorify God by improving our stewardship.

In the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14–30, Jesus tells a story of three servants entrusted with varying amounts of money while their master leaves on a journey. The servants represent followers of Christ, and the master is Jesus. In the story, upon the master’s return, the first two servants are praised and rewarded because they invested the money and made a good return (Matt. 25:15–16; 19–23). The third, however, is chastised and punished because he does not even attempt to use the master’s money wisely (Matt. 25:18; 24–28).

Both of the faithful servants are commended and rewarded similarly (Matt. 25:21, 23). What differentiated them from the third servant was not the amount the master lent them but their diligence in productively employing those resources in the master’s name. They were efficient, going “at once” to invest the money—effectively, “trading with them”—and as a result, they were productive, earning “five talents more” and “two talents more,” respectively (Matt. 25:16–17).

Likewise, faithful Christians wisely and diligently invest whatever God has entrusted to them—be that time, talent, or treasure—motivated by a desire to see His name magnified. We glorify God when we view our lives as a stewardship from God and act accordingly.

The Christian life is not something we approach passively. Vigor must mark our pursuit of the kingdom, as we joyfully pursue bearing much fruit, numbering our days, and stewarding our time. So, pursue the skill of personal productivity not for self-aggrandizement but for the glory of God.

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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on September 11, 2024.

Source: Glorifying God Through Productivity

A New World Order | Part 1 | Love Worth Finding on Oneplace.com

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In this message, Adrian Rogers gives insight on the arguments against Christ’s return, as well as our assurance as believers that He is coming soon.

Source: A New World Order | Part 1

The Discipline Of Silence – Part 1 of 2 | Running To Win on Oneplace.com

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Our lives are filled with clamor and noise, and we often prefer it that way. But when we draw near to God in the silence, all that remains is the still, small voice of God. In this message from Psalm 62, Pastor Lutzer answers key questions for waiting in silence before the Lord. Imagine how silence in His presence would transform our anxious hearts.

Source: The Discipline Of Silence – Part 1 of 2

01/29/26 “Erase Me?” | ChuckLawless.com by Chuck Lawless

Exodus 30-33

Some days I wonder how much I love people. Or how deeply I’m willing to intercede for others.

In today’s reading, the people of God had created the golden calf, an undeniable idol formed by human hands. The people wanted gods because Moses had been so long on the mountain. They brought their earrings to Aaron, who fashioned them into the idol that would be remembered centuries later.

The people sacrificed to the false god, and then they partied! It’s amazing how deeply even the people of God can fall into idolatry.  Such is the power of the enemy’s lures.

Nevertheless, their leader Moses began to intercede dramatically for the people: “Oh, these people have committed a grave sin; they have made a god of gold for themselves. Now if You would only forgive their sin. But if not, please erase me from the book You have written” (Exo 32:31-32).

Did you catch his words? Moses was willing to suffer judgment himself if the sins of his people were not forgiven. In fact, he was willing to be erased from God’s book. That’s amazing to me. I don’t know if I love people that way. I pray that I do, and that I will intercede for others accordingly.

RESPONSE: Intercede for someone today.

Source: 01/29/26 “Erase Me?”

Choosing Humility Over Pride – Part 1 | Pathway to Victory

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Many Christians believe that humility is a nice character quality, though it’s not absolutely necessary. But according to Scripture, God places a premium on humility and has promised to judge the sin of pride with a vengeance. Today on Pathway to Victory, Dr. Robert Jeffress identifies four negative effects of pride in our lives.

Source: Choosing Humility Over Pride – Part 1