A TRUE Story That Will Change Your Life Forever with Greg Koukl

Why is the world the way it is? Why are we here and how does the whole story of history—from the very beginning to the very end—fit together in a way that makes sense?

Frank sits down with Greg Koukl, CIA 2025 Instructor and president of Stand to Reason, to talk about his classic and bestselling book, ‘The Story of Reality: How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important That Happens in Between‘. Think of it as a beginner-friendly guide to both systematic theology and apologetics, showing readers how God’s story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration explains everything we see in the world today. Tune in as Frank and Greg answer questions like:

  • What is it that some Christians don’t fully understand about their worldview?
  • What are the problems associated with the atheist’s story?
  • What makes Christianity different from every other religion?
  • Does evil disprove God? Or does it point to His existence?
  • Is consciousness just an illusion?
  • Why is Jesus the only solution to humanity’s biggest problem?
  • What are the five essential elements that form the narrative backbone of the Christian story?
  • Why is the personal God of Christianity the best explanation for the world as we know it?

Biblical Christianity is more than just another religion. It’s more than just a personal relationship with God or a source of moral teaching. Christianity is a picture of reality. Consider this an invitation to hear a story that explains the world in a way that nothing else will. A TRUE story that will change your life forever!

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

Resources mentioned during the episode:

The Story of Reality by Greg Koukl
Stand to Reason
STR Weekly Podcast
STR #Ask Podcast with Amy Hall

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What Are You Going to Do With Your Guilt? with Dr. Bobby Conway

Guilt. Everyone has it. Where does this feeling come from, can it actually be good for us, and what can we do with it? Dr. Bobby Conway joins Frank from CIA 2025 to unpack his doctoral research on guilt, exploring how thinkers like Freud and Darwin tried to explain and resolve it without God, and why those attempts ultimately fall short. During their conversation, Frank and Bobby answer questions like:

  • Why did Bobby choose to do his doctoral thesis on the topic of guilt?
  • How can guilt be used as evidence that God exists?
  • What does our guilt reveal about the character of God?
  • Can sin ever be justified even if we don’t feel guilty?
  • How has unresolved guilt fueled cancel culture?
  • Why is secular psychology failing to fix today’s guilt-driven mental health crisis?

As Greg Koukl puts it, “We feel guilty because we ARE guilty.” Frank and Bobby unpack why the Gospel offers the only real solution to guilt—and how this universal human experience points directly to the existence and nature of God. If you’re burdened by the weight and consequences of your own bad decisions, pull up a chair and learn how you can find freedom through the saving grace of Jesus Christ!

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

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Bobby’s new YouTube channel: The Graphite Apologist
Good God: The Theistic Foundations of Morality by David Baggett
Uncomfortable Thoughts on Christians & Therapy with Josh Howerton

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How to Give Evidence of the Resurrection WITHOUT Using the Bible with Allen Parr

What if you’re talking to someone who flat-out rejects the Bible despite its historic credibility—can you still make a good case for the Resurrection? The answer is…YES!

Popular Christian YouTuber, Allen Parr from The B.E.A.T., joins Frank from CIA 2025 to explore some of the most convincing evidence for the resurrection of Jesus. While the New Testament documents have proven to be reliable and trustworthy, Frank and Allen demonstrate how extra-biblical sources can guide skeptics toward the historical truth of Christianity—even if they don’t trust the Bible (yet!). They’ll answer questions like:

  • What two facts must be established in order for Christianity to be true?
  • Why do many skeptics like Bart Ehrman trust the New Testament documents as having historically reliable information?
  • What are the five strongest pieces of biblical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus?
  • Could the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus be explained by hallucinations?
  • What’s an important question to ask someone who says they don’t trust the Bible?
  • What are 6 facts that non-Christian sources confirm about the historical Jesus?
  • What is the “minimal facts” argument and how does it help defend the Christian faith?
  • What are 5 alternative theories to the resurrection and are any of them valid?
  • Is a transformed life the strongest argument we have for Christianity?

Whether you’re talking to a skeptic, a curious friend, or even a Christian with doubts, this episode will equip you with historical tools to build confidence in the resurrection—without needing to quote the Bible first!

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

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Allen’s website: https://www.allenparr.com/
Allen’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thebeatagp
The Earliest Non-Christian Testimony to Jesus May Be Authentic (Josephus) with Sean McDowell

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Why Are Christians Supporting Unbiblical Positions? with Megan Basham, Alisa Childers, & Natasha Crain

Why are so many popular figures who claim to be Christians supporting anti-Christian positions and is there anything we can do about it? In this special midweek podcast episode recorded LIVE from CrossExamined Instructor Academy 2025 in Charlotte, NC, Frank sits down with Megan Basham, Alisa Childers, and Natasha Crain to discuss some of the popular secular ideas that plague the modern Church and answer questions like:

  • Does calling out sin and false teachers cause division in the Church?
  • What are four secular beliefs that promote the authority of self vs. the authority of God?
  • What are some incentives for going along with the flow instead of standing up for biblical truth?
  • Why are truth claims seen as power grabs for those who push back against biblical Christianity?
  • What does sourdough baking have to do with deceptive ideas?
  • Why is it important to get uncomfortably specific when it comes to calling out false teachers and their ideas?
  • What are some good resources for both adults and kids who want to embolden their Christian faith?
  • Are we on the verge of another great awakening or revival in the Church?

Be sure to check out some of the valuable resources for both kids and adults that were mentioned during the episode in the list below, and stay tuned for more podcast episodes recorded from CIA 2025!

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

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Fearless Faith Self-Paced Online Course – https://bit.ly/4kmld3g
Train Your Brain (online logic course for kids & adults) – https://bit.ly/4lMq6ni
Shepherds for Sale by Megan Basham – https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063413442
World Watch News – https://worldwatch.news/
Natasha’s books – https://natashacrain.com/books/
Alisa’s books – https://alisachilders.com/

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The Top 5 Principles of Proper Biblical Interpretation with Mike Winger

Does your church teach you how to interpret the Bible? Sadly, many Christians never learn the tools to read Scripture well, and that leads to all kinds of confusion about theology. But how can we know if we’re handling God’s Word the right way?

This week, Frank sits down with the one and only Mike Winger, a former pastor turned popular YouTuber, who’s dedicated his channel to helping Christians understand the Scriptures. In this episode, Mike shares what led him to take his ministry online and explains the five core principles he uses when studying the Bible—principles many churches don’t talk about, but every believer should know! During their conversation, Frank and Mike will dive into questions like:

  • Why do some churches seem to avoid the topic of how to interpret the Bible?
  • What are some commonly misinterpreted verses in the Bible?
  • What does it mean to “turn the other cheek”?
  • How can you avoid reading your presuppositions into the Bible?
  • Were Jesus’ brothers really his cousins?
  • What’s the real context of Matthew 7 (“Don’t judge”) and Matthew 5 (“Eye for an eye”)?
  • Why is understanding proper word usage so important?
  • How has Bart Ehrman misled people about the Gospel of Mark
  • What’s one thing that makes the Gospel of Mark so unique?
  • Why does Mike feel compelled to call out false teachers?

From spiritual gifts and women in ministry to Catholicism, false teachers, and misunderstood passages, Mike isn’t afraid to tackle the tough issues. With 1,000+ videos and a weekly Q&A livestream, Mike’s YouTube channel is a goldmine for anyone who wants to explore a deeper understanding of the Christian faith. Subscribe to Mike’s channel, visit his website BibleThinker.org, and learn how to study your Bible like never before!

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

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Mike’s website: BibleThinker.org
Mike’s YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@MikeWinger
‘How to Interpret Your Bible’ Self-Paced Course

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Is Judging the Ultimate Sin? Unpacking the Chip & Joanna Gaines Controversy PLUS Q&A

HGTV’s favorite home-renovating duo, Chip & Joanna Gaines, recently found themselves at the center of controversy after featuring a same sex couple on their new show. While they’re known for flipping houses, some Christians are now asking, have they flipped their theology too?

In this solo midweek podcast episode, Frank addresses the cultural pressure Christians face when it comes to affirming homosexuality, and whether it’s ever wrong for believers to judge the sinful behavior of others. Tune in as Frank reacts to the backlash coming from both sides and answers questions like:

  • Did Jesus tell us never to judge?
  • Is it wrong to address sinful behavior that can hurt other people?
  • What’s the difference between judging and being judgmental?
  • What are the 4 most popular secular and cultural beliefs that have made their way into Christianity?
  • Are our feelings a trustworthy guide for moral decisions?
  • How did Chip Gaines miss the mark during his recent tweet directed towards “modern American Christians”?
  • What’s the best way to correct someone without being obnoxious?

Later in the show, Frank also answers more of your listener questions including:

  • Is there a New Testament version of Jeremiah 29:11 that can be applied to modern-day Christians?
  • Can people be saved if they believe baptism is essential for salvation?
  • What are biblical chiasms, and how do they affect biblical interpretation?
  • What evidence shows the disputed long ending of Mark WAS in the original?

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

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Would Jesus Attend a Gay Wedding? with Becket Cook & Dr. Robert Gagnon
Faithfully Different by Natasha Crain
Hollywood Heroes by Frank & Zach Turek
The Longer Ending of Mark is Authentic! (Part 1) with Dr. Warren Gage

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Standing for Christ on the NBA Court with Jonathan Isaac

Standing for Christ on the NBA Court with Jonathan Isaac

Would you compromise your Christian faith to save your job, your relationships, and your reputation? Or would you have the courage to stand up for what you believe, no matter the consequences?

On July 31, 2020, the Orlando Magic starting forward, Jonathan Isaac, was the lone NBA player not to kneel for the national anthem amid a league-wide demonstration in support of Black Lives Matter. This week, Frank sits down with Jonathan to talk through his inspirational story of faith, conviction, and courage in the face of overwhelming pressure. In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • How did Jonathan first become a Christian?
  • What apologetics arguments solidified his quest for seeking out the truth?
  • How did Jonathan overcome panic attacks and find his true identity beyond basketball?
  • What was it like being the only player on his team not to kneel during the national anthem and how did his teammates react?
  • What kind of backlash (and unexpected blessings) followed his decision?
  • What are some of the unique psychological struggles associated with being a professional basketball player?
  • Why did Denzel Washington say “fame is a monster” and how does Jonathan stay grounded in Christ amid the fame, money, and pressure of the NBA?
  • What surprising thing happened after Jonathan was dropped by Nike?

We hope this episode encourages you to boldly live out your Christian faith, even when it’s unpopular. To learn more about Jonathan’s powerful story, grab a copy of his book, ‘Why I Stand‘, and check out his sneaker and Christian apparel line at WeAreUnitus.com.

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

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Why I Stand by Jonathan Isaac
Unitus Faith-Forward Footwear & Apparel

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Why the Foundations of Islam Are Now Crumbling with Dr. Jay Smith - Part 2

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

How much do you really know about Islam? Is it possible that we’ve never been told the full story about the historic origins of Muhammad, Mecca, and the Qur’an? In this midweek episode, Frank continues his fascinating conversation with Islam expert, Dr. Jay Smith, who has dedicated his life to evangelizing Muslims. Together, they expose the shocking lack of historical and manuscript evidence for the Qur’an, the prophet Muhammad, and even the city of Mecca itself. Together, Frank and Dr. Smith address questions like:

  • What is the earliest manuscript evidence for the Qur’an, and why do over 2,000 variants raise serious concerns?
  • Are parts of the Qur’an based on Christian hymns?
  • Is Islam a Christian heresy?
  • Who is John of Damascus and why did he call parts of the Qur’an despicable, terrible, and evil?
  • Why did a top a Muslim scholar recently admit that we don’t have good historical evidence for anything written about what Muhammad said or did?
  • Why are most Muslim scholars so hesitant to talk about the Qur’an’s apparent problems?
  • What’s the problem with the Black Stone of Mecca located in Saudi Arabia?
  • Could Islam have originated somewhere other than Mecca?
  • Is it possible that the Muhammad of Islam never existed?
  • What are the four major claims Muslims make about the Qur’an and how do they compare to Jesus and the Bible?
  • What is Dr. Smith’s advice for Muslims and Christians when it comes to responding to this material?

This riveting conversation will not only expose the inconsistencies in Islam’s origin story, but also highlight the unmatched reliability of the Christian faith in contrast. We should encourage our Muslim friends to consider a better Man and a better Book–Jesus and His Word!

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

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Why the Foundations of Islam Are Now Crumbling – Part 1
Dr. Jay Smith’s Website
Dr. Jay Smith’s YouTube channel
HOT OFF THE PRESS! Muslim Scholar Throws the Historicity of Muhammad UNDER THE BUS!
Two New Findings That Muhammad Didn’t Exist
Investigating Islam
Dismantling Islam PowerPoint Slides

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

 

Did the prophet Muhammad actually exist? How did the Qur’an come into existence? And did Islam really begin in Mecca? If you think you know a lot about the historic origins of Islam–think again!

Frank welcomes Dr. Jay Smith to the program, a legendary defender of the faith and top Christian apologist to Muslims who spent over two decades at the legendary Speaker’s Corner in London. Dr. Smith shares personal experiences from his years evangelizing Muslims, challenging Islamic claims, and navigating the theological and historical issues at the core of Islam. During this eye-opening conversation, Frank and Dr. Smith tackle questions like:

  • What was it like to evangelize at Speaker’s Corner in London for 25 years and why is it a magnet for Muslims?
  • How did the events of 9/11/2001 change the dynamic between the world’s two largest competing religious worldviews–Christianity and Islam?
  • Why is using the Qur’an helpful when sharing the Gospel with Muslims?
  • What is the “three-legged stool” that supports Islam and how does it compare to Christianity?
  • If Mecca is so old, why is there no evidence historically?
  • What are the four genres of S.I.N. (the Standard Islamic Narrative) and why are they being thrown under the bus by some Muslim scholars?
  • Why are there currently 30 official versions of the Qur’an even though it claims to be eternal and unchanged by human hands?
  • Why are the Qur’an’s earliest manuscripts shockingly incomplete and why was the biography of Muhammad compiled by a German scholar?

This is just part one of a riveting two-part discussion, so be sure to tune in next week as Frank and Dr. Smith continue unpacking the historical and theological cracks in the foundation of Islam. And don’t miss the helpful resources in the list below, including the slides from Dr. Smith’s recent presentation at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills!

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

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Dr. Smith’s Website
Dr. Smith’s YouTube channel
HOT OFF THE PRESS! Muslim Scholar Throws the Historicity of Muhammad UNDER THE BUS!
Two New Findings That Muhammad Didn’t Exist
Investigating Islam
Dismantling Islam PowerPoint Slides

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Has the Holy Spirit Stopped Working? PLUS Is the Bible All We Need?

 

Why does the Church seem so ineffective (and sometimes corrupt) when it claims to carry the truth? Does this mean the Holy Spirit is no longer at work? And why does Frank recommend so many books on his podcast: isn’t the Bible all we need? Tune in this week as he tackles these pressing listener questions and quickly recaps last week’s popular series on the Book of Revelation and the end times while addressing other questions like:

  • Why would God allow His Church to be so corrupt, chaotic, and unfaithful?
  • Do we need to sense the Holy Spirit working in our lives in order for Christianity to be true?
  • Despite its shortcomings, what positive impact has the Church made in the West and all over the world?
  • What is the contrasting difference between Jesus and Muhammad that many people don’t understand?
  • What is Sola Scriptura? Does it mean everything we need to know is in the Bible?
  • What are the three tiers of understanding the Bible?
  • What are the three ways to gain wisdom?
  • What is prolegomena and why is it essential to a proper understanding of Scripture?
  • What’s the #1 subject kids (and adults) should learn in addition to the Bible?
  • Why is redemption better than innocence?

Do you have a question for Frank? Send it to hello@crossexamined.org for a chance to be featured on a future episode!

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

Resources mentioned during the episode:

The Revelation YouTube playlist with Dr. Chip Bennet & Dr. Warren Gage
Person of Interest by J. Warner Wallace
Train Your Brain Self-Paced Course
How to Interpret Your Bible Self-Paced Course
Digging Up the Bible PREMIUM Course starts 9/8/2025!

 

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