5 Inspiring Stories of Christian Courage with John Stonestreet

Why are we so miserable? We have everything we need in America, but anxiety, depression, and “identity confusion” are at an all-time high. Do we have everything to live with but nothing to live for? What’s going on and what is the solution to all this?

John Stonestreet, President of Colson Center, joins Frank to talk about the mission behind ‘Truth Rising‘–a documentary and small group study designed to catapult Christians out of complacency and into their God-given purpose. You’ll hear incredible stories of ordinary people who faced cancel-culture head on and stood firm in their faith, proving that real strength comes from the objective truth of Christianity. Tune in as Frank and John answer questions like:

  • What did Charlie Kirk say was the most important thing that young people need to understand?
  • What does a magnetic compass teach us about the true direction of life?
  • Why does a culture focused on self-esteem often produce despair instead of confidence?
  • What 4 things do you need to live with Christian courage in the world today?
  • How is the Colson Center the cure for “Happy Clappy” churches?
  • What does it mean to be “called” to do something? And how do you know you’re doing it “right”?
  • How did 5 different people respond with courage, clarity, and a Christ-centered vision against all odds?

If you have ever felt hesitant to live your Christian faith out loud, let these stories of unbelievable perseverance encourage you to step up, speak out, and live with intentionality and purpose. Become a part of the ‘Truth Rising’ story and see for yourself that there is nothing more compelling than a life lived in the light of the TRUTH.

If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY USING THE LINK BELOW. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Donate to CrossExamined.org
Truth Rising – Documentary & Study
Colson Fellows Church Program
Colson Center

/by

What No One Ever Told You About the History of Iran with Bill Federer – Part 2

What’s next for Iran and is this current war a sign of the end times? For nearly five decades, millions of Iranians have lived under the harsh realities of militant Sharia law, while many in the West still misunderstand or even enable the system behind it. In this follow-up episode, historian Bill Federer returns to unpack how the 1979 Iranian revolution transformed Persia and why the consequences still ripple across the Middle East and beyond. Tune in as Frank and Bill tackle questions like:

  • What laws were immediately imposed when the Ayatollah seized power in 1979?
  • What president gave the Ayatollah the green light to take over?
  • What lies did this Ayatollah tell America in order to take power?
  • Who did he execute immediately when he took power?
  • What’s the difference between Iran and Iraq?
  • What is a fatwa, and how can it function as a tool of political and religious execution?
  • Why do many Middle Eastern leaders privately oppose Iran while publicly aligning with it?
  • How did U.S. foreign policy decisions help shape the rise of militant Islamist movements?
  • Why is the centuries-old Shia–Sunni divide still the key to understanding Middle Eastern conflict?
  • What is “Twelver” Islam theology and why does it make Iran uniquely dangerous on the global stage?
  • Is a democratic Iran even possible, and what would it take for regime change to occur?
  • How and when did Israel become its own nation?
  • What role does Israel play in the future balance of power in the Middle East?
  • What does Bill think is coming next for Iran and who is he praying will take over?
  • What does the Bible say about the land we now know as Iran?
  • Is this war a sign of the end times?

Pray for our leaders, and pray that the people of Iran are safe, but their evil government is dealt with justly. If you missed Part 1, be sure to go back and hear how Persia’s ancient past set the stage for today’s crisis. And for more information on this topic, be sure to check out Bill’s book, ‘What Every American Needs to Know About the Quran‘!

If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY USING THE LINK BELOW. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Donate to CrossExamined.org
What No One Ever Told You About the History of Iran with Bill Federer – Part 1
The American Minute
What Every American Needs to Know About the Quran by Bill Federer

/by

What No One Ever Told You About the History of Iran with Bill Federer

After 47 years, is a regime change in Iran finally on the horizon? Or are we about to repeat history yet again? As tensions rise and the U.S. and Israel work to counter the Ayatollah’s nuclear ambitions, many Americans know the danger but not the backstory.

In this episode, Frank sits down with historian Bill Federer to explain the “why” behind the war, trace Iran’s journey from ancient Persia to the Islamic Revolution, and uncover the historical forces that shaped today’s Middle East. Tune in as they answer questions like:

  • What happened when Frank traveled to Tehran in 2006?
  • What is the ancient history of Iran (previously known as Persia)?
  • What’s the difference between Shia and Sunni Islam?
  • What was the Islamic “Golden Age” and who brought it to an end?
  • How did the collapse of the Ottoman Empire lead to radicalism?
  • What is the chilling origin story of the word “assassin”?
  • How does the Sunni-Shia divide continue to fuel the fires of modern Middle Eastern conflict?
  • What was the real catalyst behind the fall of the Persian Shah and the rise of the current Ayatollah regime?
  • What was Winston Churchill’s “hiccup”?
  • What is the Muslim Brotherhood and what role did they play in the history of Iran?

Frank and Bill cover thousands of years of history in less than an hour, but this is only the beginning! Be sure to tune in next week as they continue their discussion on how the Ayatollah took power over Iran in 1979 and what may lie ahead.

If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY USING THE LINK BELOW. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Donate to CrossExamined

Download Transcript

/by

God’s Sovereignty: Mystery or Logical Contradiction? PLUS MORE Q&A

What are the most common questions Frank answers during his college visits and how do we distinguish between a legitimate theological mystery and a true logical contradiction when discussing God’s omnipotence, foreknowledge, and moral responsibility with skeptics?

In this midweek Q&A episode, Frank tackles the problem of evil and the deeper questions it raises about God’s goodness, justice, and mercy. Find out how free will, moral responsibility, and redemption fit into a MUCH bigger story that explains suffering while offering real hope in the midst of experiencing great pain. Frank will answer questions like:

  • What is classical Christian theology and how does it address the problem of evil?
  • What are the four major categories of Christian apologetics?
  • Where can you easily find answers to skeptics most commonly asked questions about Christianity?
  • Does God care more about our comfort or our character?
  • What are four major problems with macroevolution?
  • If God is good and all-powerful, why doesn’t He stop evil?
  • What does Frank say that redemption is more powerful than innocence?
  • When it comes to God’s omnipotence, is appealing to “mystery” a copout or is there a clear difference between a logical contradiction and a limitation in human understanding?
  • What are two powerful examples from Frank’s personal life where good emerged from a tragic event?

Later in the program, Frank also reacts to President Trump’s State of the Union address and what it reveals about the political divide in our country, including the dangers of blind loyalty. Do you have a question for Frank? Send it to hello@crossexamined.org!

If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY USING THE LINK BELOW. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Donate to CrossExamined
Download the CE app!
Stealing from God by Dr. Frank Turek
How Does God Use Suffering for Our Good? by Clay and Jean E. Jones
Armstrong William’s Facebook Post

Download Transcript

/by

How Does God Use Suffering for Our Good? Personal Life Lessons with Clay and Jean E. Jones

What does a ministry-minded Christian couple do when they experience five miscarriages, numerous disappointments, doubts, unanswered prayer, and incurable cancer? They PRAISE GOD and write a comforting and brilliant new book, ‘How Does God Use Suffering for Our Good?‘, that will help thousands of others who are experiencing pain and suffering.

This week, Frank sits down with Dr. Clay Jones and his wife of 50 years, Jean E., to explore the hard realities of suffering and the even harder truth that God can use the most devastating events in our lives for good–both now and in eternity.Clay and Jean E. share lessons from their own lives and the Scriptures while answering questions like:

  • If evil and suffering are happening to you is it all your fault? Do you just need more faith?
  • What was Clay’s first major life crisis and how did it shape his worldview?
  • How did Clay process learning he had incurable bone cancer and how is he feeling now?
  • How are some Christians misrepresenting the Gospel?
  • How did five miscarriages change Jean E.’s perspective and what good came from it?
  • How does suffering lead to glory and what does it REALLY mean to give glory to God?
  • What is God’s “Plan A” for your life?
  • How did keeping truth journals help Jean E. stay anchored in Christ during hard times?
  • What does it mean that Christians will ultimately reign with Christ?
  • What is the Jones’ best advice for those experiencing pain and suffering?

One thing is certain in this life: We will all experience hardship and pain. If you’ve ever asked, “Why me?” this episode is just for you. This is as real as it gets, folks. Read, listen, and be encouraged!

If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY USING THE LINK BELOW. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Donate to CrossExamined.org
How Does God Use Suffering for Our Good? by Dr. Clay & Jean E. Jones
Why Does God Allow Evil? self-paced online course with Dr. Clay Jones
Why Does God Allow Evil? by Dr. Clay Jones
What Is the Unpardonable Sin? – Christian Research Journal
The Lord Made Orgasms Possible
ClayJones.net
JeanEJones.net

Download Transcript

/by

Is Allah a Zionist? with the Apostate Prophet

Does the Quran actually support Zionism? If not, why does it say that the land we know as Israel was given to Israel by God? In this midweek episode, Frank welcomes back Ridvan Ademir, a.k.a Apostate Prophet, to continue their eye-opening conversation about the Hamas–Israel conflict. Together, they peel back the political headlines and examine the theological and historical roots driving the crisis in Gaza. Together, they tackle questions like:

  • Where do we see Israel mentioned in the Quran and what does it say?
  • Why isn’t “Palestine” mentioned in the Quran?
  • How and when did Palestine’s national identity emerge?
  • Why does the Quran say the Holy Land belongs to the Jews? Is Allah a Zionist?
  • What started the 1948 Israel-Arab War?
  • Why do Palestinians have multi-generational refugee status?
  • What are Hamas’ stated goals and why doesn’t the West take their charter seriously?
  • What roles did Presidents Winston Churchill and Bill Clinton play in the conflict?
  • Why did Yasser Arafat reject the 1993 land deal and launch an intifada?
  • Why have repeated peace negotiations failed and is a two-state solution even possible?
  • What is the irony behind leftist groups who support a pro-Palestine narrative?

You’ll learn how Islamic history shapes modern geopolitics and why Christians must think clearly about what’s unfolding in the Middle East. If you want more context beyond the headlines, be sure to listen in and check out Frank and AP’s previous conversations in the resources below. Understanding the proper history behind this conflict matters now more than ever!

If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY USING THE LINK BELOW. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Donate to CrossExamined

Why I Left Islam and Became a Christian (Part 1)

Why I Left Islam and Became a Christian (Part 2)

What No One Ever Told You About the Hamas-Israel Conflict

Were Jews In Israel Before 1948?

The Truth About Hamas in Their Own Words

Apologetics Roadshow with David Wood

The Hamas Charter 1988

AP’s YouTube Channel

Download Transcript

/by

What No One Ever Told You About the Hamas-Israel Conflict with Apostate Prophet

What can Christians learn from a former Muslim who now follows Christ? And how can Christians speak truthfully and lovingly with Muslims about Jesus? This week, Frank welcomes back Ridvan Aydemir, also known as the Apostate Prophet, to share more about his journey from Islam to atheism and ultimately to faith in Christ. Together, they tackle the Israel–Hamas conflict, the ideology behind Hamas, and why understanding Islamic theology is essential for effective evangelism. In this episode, Frank and AP will tackle questions like:

  • What ultimately led AP out of Islam, through atheism, and into Christianity?
  • How can Christians lovingly and wisely point Muslims to Christ?
  • What core memory of Christianity does AP still hold from his childhood?
  • What is AP’s new angle on the Islamic Dilemma and why is it such a powerful apologetics tool?
  • What’s the true purpose and worldview of Islam, including its moral framework?
  • What are some of the key differences between Islam and Christianity?
  • What does the Hamas Charter reveal about Islam’s view of Israel?
  • What was Ridvan taught about Christianity and the Jewish people as a young Muslim?
  • Where did Hamas come from and how did it rise to power in Gaza?
  • Why are so many leftist groups in the West sympathetic to Hamas?

If you’re trying to make sense of the chaos in Gaza—or want to have clearer, more compassionate conversations with Muslims about faith—you won’t want to miss this episode. Tune in as Frank and AP cut through misinformation, expose ideological contradictions, and point listeners toward truth, clarity, and Christ-centered evangelism.

If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY USING THE LINK BELOW. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Donate to CrossExamined
Why I Left Islam and Became a Christian (Part 1)
Why I Left Islam and Became a Christian (Part 2)
The Hamas Charter 1988
CE International Website
CE Arabic Website
AP’s Website
AP’s YouTube Channel

Download Transcript

/by

Are Miracles Illogical? PLUS More Q&A

Can a logical person REALLY believe in miracles? Frank responds to a challenge from our skeptic friend, Mike, while tackling the big question: do miracles contradict science and the laws of logic? From science and history to philosophy and faith, we’ll explore what God’s nature reveals about the probability of divine intervention. Tune in as Frank answers questions like:

  • Is it reasonable to believe in macroevolution?
  • What is the acronym L.I.F.E.?
  • Who else besides Christians question the theory of macroevolution?
  • Why must miracles be rare to be meaningful?
  • What are four ways Jesus demonstrates His divinity?
  • How many miracles do we find in the Bible?
  • In what three time periods do we see the most miracles in the Bible and why?
  • Does God have limitations–or is He truly all-powerful?
  • What’s the difference between overpowering and violating the laws of physics?
  • How did Jesus become the central figure of the human race?

During the end of the podcast, Frank also addresses concerns regarding the last podcast episode and Josh Howerton’s “proof of a propaganda war”. Did Josh only get it “half right”? If you’ve ever wondered whether miracles are reasonable, this conversation will pinpoint why faith in God actually makes sense!

If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY USING THE LINK BELOW. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Donate to CrossExamined
2026 ‘Change My Mind’ College Tour
Hollywood Heroes: How Your Favorite Movies Reveal God
3 BIG Reasons Why God May Choose to Hide Himself

Download Transcript

/by

Top 10 Ways Reality Supports the Christian Worldview + Proof of a Propaganda War

How do you make the case for Christianity? It seems that the burden of proof always falls on Christians, but there are certain aspects of reality that need to be explained regardless of your worldview (even atheism!). The question remains, which worldview fits the story of reality better than the others?

In this evergreen podcast episode, Frank breaks down 10 aspects of reality that support the Christian worldview by answering questions like:

  • What is the cosmological argument?
  • How is the universe fine-tuned at three different levels?
  • Why is atheism, not Christianity, at odds with science?
  • Where do the laws of logic come from?
  • Why doesn’t science say anything?
  • Where does objective morality come from?
  • How did Jesus Christ become the most influential person in human history?
  • Why is it essential to not make hasty generalizations about a whole group or worldview from single incidents?
  • What proof is there that you are in a propaganda war right now?

In the last part of the program, Frank explains why you can’t make firm conclusions about entire groups with insufficient data, which is especially true about short videos we see online (like ICE arrests). Don’t let propaganda poison your perspective! For more information on how to think clearly and logically be sure to check out the resources below!

If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY USING THE LINK BELOW. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Donate to CrossExamined
Stealing From God
I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist
You Are In a Propaganda War–Here’s Proof with Josh Howerton
Train Your Brain: An Introduction To Logic

Download Transcript

/by

Does LOVE Make a Family? Dismantling the #1 Lie of Modern Parenting with Katy Faust

It’s been over a decade since the 2015 Obergefell ruling that mandated same-sex marriage and the stats are in. Has redefining marriage strengthened families, or has it quietly harmed the most vulnerable among us? Frank sits down with Katy Faust, founder and president of Them Before Us, to confront the real-world consequences of so-called “gay marriage,” and introduce the brand-new Greater Than movement—a bold effort to return to the natural law and biblical definition of marriage on behalf of children. During their conversation, Frank and Katy answer questions like:

  • What personal experiences growing up make Katy uniquely qualified to talk about this topic?
  • Why was marriage and family such an important issue to Charlie Kirk?
  • What are the 3 institutions that God created and how are they related?
  • Why does the government care about marriage?
  • Who is statistically the most dangerous person in a child’s life?
  • What is the “Cinderella Effect”?
  • Why does Frank believe the term “gay marriage” doesn’t address the real issue?
  • Are all family structures equally beneficial for children?
  • Why are the biological distinctions between mothers and fathers so important to children?
  • What does the data show about biological parents vs. non-biological caregivers?
  • What are the 3 main goals of the Greater Than movement and how can you help?

In today’s society, children are often treated like trophies—spoken for, negotiated over, or reshaped to serve adult priorities. Greater Than works from a different premise: children’s rights should not be overridden by adult feelings or desires. To learn more and get involved, be sure to visit GreaterThanCampaign.com!

If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY USING THE LINK BELOW. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Donate to CrossExamined
GreaterThanCampaign.com
Correct, Not Politically Correct by Frank Turek

Download Transcript

/by