Tag Archive for: morality

Top Ten Ways to Advance the Gospel at Holiday Dinners – 2024 Edition

Are you dreading the upcoming holiday dinners where you’ll be in close proximity with friends, family, and loved-ones who aren’t Christians? Let’s face it—holiday gatherings with friends and family who don’t share your worldview can feel awkward. But they’re also incredible opportunities to share the Gospel! If you’re in search of some practical tips to make faith conversations a little less painful this Thanksgiving and Christmas, listen up!

In this week’s podcast, Frank shares 10 practical strategies to help you navigate holiday faith conversations with confidence and without making a scene. He’ll answer questions like:

  • Are you setting realistic goals for sharing your faith?
  • Why is listening often more impactful than debating?
  • What role should prayer play when evangelizing?
  • What are 3 tactical questions that you can ask and what common objections should you anticipate?
  • How can you combat scientism and logical fallacies when they arise? And how should you respond if politics comes up?

As tempting as it may be, don’t be a homebody this year! Use the upcoming holidays to plant seeds and help others think critically about life’s most important questions. If you need backup, download the CrossExamined app for quick access to helpful resources! And from the CrossExamined family to yours: Happy Thanksgiving and happy seed-planting!

Did you enjoy this episode? HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING THE PODCAST HERE.

Resources mentioned during the episode:

CrossExamined App: https://crossexamined.org/app/
Tactics: https://a.co/d/3k19L4e
The Four-Point Case for Christianity: https://bit.ly/416ovSi
Hollywood Heroes: https://bit.ly/3Or82Ax
Online Christian Courses: https://www.onlinechristiancourses.com/
Books and DVD sets: https://impactapologetics.com/
How to Avoid Political Turmoil with Your Relatives This Thanksgiving: https://bit.ly/3ZmwqcZ
Top Ten Ways to Advance the Gospel at Holiday Dinners: https://bit.ly/40JrsWO

 

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Walking in Unity with Monique Duson and Krista Bontrager

If you say the wrong thing about race, even innocently, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll be convicted and cancelled in the court of public opinion and maybe even the church. In fact, the election revealed a divide between ethnic groups in the church. So how can we come together as Christians to discuss this controversial issue without losing friendships in the process?

This week on the podcast, Frank is joined by two people who are no strangers to difficult conversations when it comes to race and religion, Monique Duson and Krista Bontrager, co-founders of The Center for Biblical Unity and co-authors of the brand-new and much anticipated book, ‘Walking in Unity: Biblical Answers to Questions on Race and Racism.’ Together, Frank, Monique, and Krista tackle the following questions:

  • Why has the black community historically voted for Democrats?
  • Why did more black men vote for Republicans in this past presidential election?
  • What’s the historical connection between slavery and abortion?
  • Why is equating race to LGBTQ+ issues a fallacy?
  • What does Darwinism have to do with racism?
  • Where did the concept of “race” originally come from and is it biblical?
  • What’s the definition of systemic racism and how is it different from systematic racism?
  • Why is defining our terms so important?
  • Why do we see such a high percentage of black men committing crimes and going to prison? Is systemic racism to blame?
  • What is the ultimate solution to all of this?

You may be tempted to avoid the subject of race and racism at all costs during your everyday conversations, but as Christians we have a moral obligation to walk towards problems and not away from them. As you listen to the program, you’ll be encouraged by Monique and Krista as they discuss with grace and clarity the tough issues that the larger culture has brought into our churches. Be sure to grab a copy of their book, ‘Walking in Unity‘, for an even more in-depth look at these issues along with clear and concise explanations for why we’re all brothers and sisters in the family of Christ!

Did you enjoy this episode? HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING THE PODCAST HERE.

Resources mentioned during the episode:

The Center for Biblical Unity: https://www.centerforbiblicalunity.com/
Walking in Unity: Biblical Answers to Questions on Race and Racism: https://a.co/d/hEuCdwe

 

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How to Make Disciples by Exploring Doubts with CORE Apologetics

What impact has CORE Apologetics made since its launch just a year ago? At last year’s SES Steadfast conference, CrossExamined Board Member Dan Hodges sat down with Dr. Ben Shaw, CORE’s president and protégé of Dr. Gary Habermas, about the mission of this new apologetics ministry. Now, one year later, CORE has made exciting strides in reaching young people and truth seekers on a journey to discover the facts about Christianity.

In this midweek podcast episode, Dr. Ben Shaw returns, joined by CORE’s founder Dr. Ron Davis, to share the latest updates and breakthroughs the ministry has achieved. Join Dan as he catches up with Ben and Ron who will share how CORE is training up a new wave of apologists, how they’re making disciples, engaging Gen Z, and helping believers and skeptics tackle their doubts. During the conversation, they’ll answer questions like:

  • What are the three types of doubt and why is it important to identify the type of doubt that a person may be dealing with?
  • How can exploring doubts strengthen your faith as a Christian?
  • What has the latest Barna research uncovered about Gen Z’s interest in religion?
  • Why are young people beginning to lose faith in social media?
  • Why is it important to have an intellectual and emotional confidence in the Gospel? And what is the value in learning New Testament reliability?

Curious to learn more about CORE’s mission and how you can support their work? Visit their website to explore free resources, consider donating, and check out Ben’s new book, ‘Trustworthy‘, designed to help introduce believers to the evidence surrounding the Resurrection in a unique way.

Did you enjoy this episode? HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING THE PODCAST HERE.

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Core Apologetics ministry: https://www.coreapologetics.com/

Trustworthy: Thirteen Arguments for the Reliability of the New Testament: https://a.co/d/0IRe2Rf

 

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Pastor Responds to Blowback from His “Vote Like Jesus” Sermon with Pastor Josh Howerton

Why do people remain shocked that a majority of Christians (and the nation) voted for Donald Trump? How is that voting like Jesus?

This week, Frank invites Pastor Josh Howerton of Lakepointe Church in Dallas, TX to talk about Josh’s recent (and somewhat controversial!) political sermon, ‘How to Vote Like Jesus‘. In it, Pastor Josh points out that when the government moves past things like building roads and teaching kids their ABCs, to redefining marriage, promoting transgender ideology in public schools, and reframing infant murder as “reproductive rights”, it should be clear that Christians need to be involved. But with so much confusion going around about “legislating morality” and “the separation of Church and State”, how can Christians (and their pastors) develop a proper theology of politics?

In this podcast, Frank asks Pastor Josh to answer questions like:

  • What kind of feedback did he receive after his politically charged sermon?
  • What are the three types of leaders that we find in the Bible and how do they relate to the recent presidential election?
  • Who is at the top of the Political Org Chart in America, and why do Christians have a responsibility to be involved?
  • What is the key difference between the current Democrat and Republican platforms that some Christians are overlooking?
  • Is the Church becoming more political? Or have politics become more spiritual?
  • Is it really necessary for Christians to vote if both candidates are morally corrupt?
  • How can pastors effectively disciple their congregations in the area of politics?
  • How do you respond when someone accuses you of trying to legislate morality as a Christian?

As Frank and Pastor Josh reflect on the overlap between Christian morality and government legislation, they’ll explore how a robust theology of politics can help Christians uphold moral standards that limit evil and support a flourishing society. Now that the election is behind us, will the American Church take advantage of God’s extension of mercy on our country? Or will we once again drift into complacency? All this and more will be discussed in this entertaining and educational podcast episode!

Did you enjoy this episode? HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING THE PODCAST HERE.

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Follow Pastor Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josh_howerton/
Pastor Josh’s sermon ‘How to Vote Like Jesus’: https://youtu.be/SitsLDo6X_Y
Lakepointe Church in Dallas, TX: https://lakepointe.church/
Calvin Robinson’s Oxford Union Speech: https://youtu.be/ymbTb2HS5Rc
George Barna article on 2024 Election Results: https://bit.ly/3YRHopn

 

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Is the Shroud of Turin the Burial Cloth of Christ? with Dr. Gary Habermas

Is the Shroud of Turin a genuine relic of Christ’s burial or an elaborate medieval forgery? One of the most fascinating artifacts tied to Christianity, this ancient cloth continues to puzzle scientists and historians. What does the latest research reveal about the Shroud and what should we conclude about its validity based on the available evidence?

This week on the podcast, CrossExamined board member Dan Hodges sits down with New Testament scholar and resurrection expert, Dr. Gary Habermas, at the SES Steadfast Conference for an in-depth exploration of the Shroud of Turin. In their discussion, Dan and Dr. Habermas examine the complex history and preservation of the Shroud, digging into why it has captivated both scholars and skeptics for decades. Together, they’ll tackle questions such as:

  • What are the most crucial questions for assessing the Shroud’s authenticity?
  • Could the burial cloth of Jesus truly have survived for nearly 2,000 years?
  • What evidence supports or refutes the theory that the Shroud was created in the Middle Ages? Could it depict someone other than Jesus?
  • How do non-biblical sources, archaeology, and medical research contribute to our understanding of crucifixion practices?
  • What kind of event could have imprinted the image of a 6 ft., 180 lb. man on this ancient cloth?

As Dr. Habermas unpacks over 40 years of Shroud research, discover why this remarkable artifact continues to be a point of discussion in Christian apologetics and Church history. Has Gary’s research brought him closer to confirming its connection to the historical Jesus, or is there still room for skepticism regarding its origins, mysterious markings, and worldwide impact? Tune in for the answers from one of the leading experts himself!

Did you enjoy this episode? HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING THE PODCAST HERE.

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Gary’s website: https://garyhabermas.com/
On the Resurrection, Volume 1 (Evidences) : https://a.co/d/1iufB8j
On the Resurrection, Volume 2 (Refutations): https://a.co/d/8O4Yc78

 

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Fired for Faith? Media Deception? Frank Ignoring Facts? Plus Q&A

Frank responds to listener questions and a charge that he is ignoring facts. He also exposes media deception in this election cycle, and shows the shocking connection between the abortion pill and Zyklon B (the gas the Nazis used in the gas chambers). Questions include:

  • What is the most important question that humans can ask and why can’t we discuss it in public schools?
  • What’s the best way for Christian teachers to discuss faith matters with students without referring to the Bible?
  • How can Christians vote for someone who doesn’t act like a Christian? Does that make us hypocrites?
  • How has the media repeatedly taken Donald Trump’s statements out of context?
  • What are some good and fair media sources?
  • If the majority of abortions are “pharmaceutical” what’s the big deal?
  • Are late-term abortions a myth?

You’ll also want to see Seth Gruber’s revealing documentary about the history of abortion and Planned Parenthood called The 1916 Project (NOT the bogus 1619 Project) which is available for FREE for a short time on X. It has over 1 million views in 24 hours!

And as you continue to prepare for the upcoming election, be sure to visit VoteYourFaith.net where you can use the iVoterGuide and other helpful resources to get a breakdown of all the candidates and their policies on your local ballot!

Did you enjoy this episode? HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING THE PODCAST HERE.

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Seth Gruber’s The 1916 Project: https://bit.ly/4hkJUgu
Helpful Resources & Voting Guide: VoteYourFaith.net
Just Facts: https://www.justfacts.com/
Does the Media Lie About Donald Trump? https://bit.ly/3Yarxli
NewsBusters: https://newsbusters.org/
AllSides: https://www.allsides.com/
The Parasitic Mind: https://a.co/d/c0gFqtF
Undercover Planned Parenthood video: https://bit.ly/3BFt6jQ
Calling a Late-Term Abortion Facility: https://bit.ly/3BWfDEo

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Fired for Faith? Media Deception? Frank Ignoring Facts? Plus Q&A

Frank responds to listener questions and a charge that he is ignoring facts. He also exposes media deception in this election cycle, and shows the shocking connection between the abortion pill and Zyklon B (the gas the Nazis used in the gas chambers). Questions include:

  • What is the most important question that humans can ask and why can’t we discuss it in public schools?
  • What’s the best way for Christian teachers to discuss faith matters with students without referring to the Bible?
  • How can Christians vote for someone who doesn’t act like a Christian? Does that make us hypocrites?
  • How has the media repeatedly taken Donald Trump’s statements out of context?
  • What are some good and fair media sources?
  • If the majority of abortions are “pharmaceutical” what’s the big deal?
  • Are late-term abortions a myth?

You’ll also want to see Seth Gruber’s revealing documentary about the history of abortion and Planned Parenthood called The 1916 Project (NOT the bogus 1619 Project) which is available for FREE for a short time on X. It has over 1 million views in 24 hours!

And as you continue to prepare for the upcoming election, be sure to visit VoteYourFaith.net where you can use the iVoterGuide and other helpful resources to get a breakdown of all the candidates and their policies on your local ballot!

Did you enjoy this episode? HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING THE PODCAST HERE.

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Seth Gruber’s The 1916 Project: https://bit.ly/4hkJUgu
Helpful Resources & Voting Guide: VoteYourFaith.net
Just Facts: https://www.justfacts.com/
Does the Media Lie About Donald Trump? https://bit.ly/3Yarxli
NewsBusters: https://newsbusters.org/
AllSides: https://www.allsides.com/
The Parasitic Mind: https://a.co/d/c0gFqtF
Undercover Planned Parenthood video: https://bit.ly/3BFt6jQ
Calling a Late-Term Abortion Facility: https://bit.ly/3BWfDEo

 

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Biblical Inerrancy and the Young vs. Old Earth Debate | with Dr. Hugh Ross

Can you believe in biblical inerrancy AND hold to the old earth creation model? There’s been an intramural debate brewing between old earth and young creationists, and some evangelical scholars say it’s time to rethink the bedrock doctrine of biblical inerrancy in order for Christianity to remain viable in the intellectual sphere. But what do the Scriptures, along with what we can observe scientifically, reveal about creation and the age of the earth?

To help us answer that question is astrophysicist, Christian apologist, author, and founder of Reasons to Believe, Dr. Hugh Ross, who joins Frank from the SES 2024 Steadfast conference, right before his debate with young earth creationist, Dr. Terry Mortenson. In defense of the old earth position, Dr. Hugh Ross will unpack what Genesis 1 shows us about cosmology and will tackle questions like:

  • How does science demonstrate that there was a creation event?
  • Is Genesis 1 a polemic against the Egyptian creation story?
  • Does the Bible leave the age of the earth as indeterminate?
  • When was Adam created and what does Dr. Ross think of William Lane Craig’s view of the historical Adam?
  • Does a person’s belief about the age of the earth affect their salvation?
  • How do young earth creations address the scientific evidence for an old earth?
  • Did God artificially age the universe?
  • What about neanderthals?
  • Should Genesis 1-11 be interpreted differently than the rest of the book?

Whether you’re a young or old earth creationist, this podcast episode will be packed with plenty of information that could challenge or bring clarity to your perspective on when and how God created the universe. Listen as Dr. Hugh Ross highlights where young earth and old earth Christians agree and disagree, and how God faithfully reveals Himself both in the book of Scripture and the book of nature. Grab your pen and paper, because this SES Steadfast podcast edition is sure to stretch your mind!

Did you enjoy this episode? HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING THE PODCAST HERE.

Resources mentioned during the episode:

BOOK: Rescuing Inerrancy
HUGH ROSS’ MINISTRY: https://reasons.org/

 

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Toxic Empathy | with Allie Beth Stuckey Plus Q&A

Why are so many Christians being led astray by statements like “abortion is healthcare,” “trans women are women,” and “love is love”? These catchy phrases have convinced some believers and conservatives to adopt views aligned with social justice movements—even on issues like illegal immigration. But do these ideas truly align with biblical truth, or are they carefully packaged lies that distort Christian values?

This week, conservative commentator and Christian author, Allie Beth Stuckey joins Frank to talk about the inspiration behind her brand new book, ‘Toxic Empathy: How Progressives Exploit Christian Compassion‘, which explores real life examples of how compassion has been weaponized against Christians, ultimately shaming evangelicals into supporting and celebrating policies that violate the Christian worldview. During their conversation, Frank and Allie will answer questions like:

  • What are the 5 main issues that Allie tackles in the book?
  • How is toxic empathy causing Christians to become blind to the false narratives that are being promoted through secular media?
  • What events awakened Allie to the reality of toxic empathy invading evangelicalism?
  • How has God’s view of justice been distorted by the social justice movement?
  • What unique approach did Allie take in introducing each chapter that will help readers to show compassion towards the stories mentioned in the book?

Be sure to grab a copy of Allie’s book ‘Toxic Empathy‘, and stick around for the second half of the podcast episode where Frank will answer some listener questions. Does voting to ban abortion unjustly interfere with a person’s God-given free will? Is Frank avoiding calling out his friend Andy Stanley about his LGBTQ+ views? And is there really such a thing as a “Christian nation”? Find out in this week’s episode of ‘I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be An Atheist’!

Did you enjoy this episode? HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING THE PODCAST HERE.

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Allie’s Book: ToxicEmpathy.com
Allie’s Website:  AllieBethStuckey.com
Helpful Resources and Local Voting Guide: VoteYourFaith.net
Does Jesus Trump Your Politics? https://bit.ly/48eRJzP
Is It Wrong for Christians to Call Out Shepherds? https://bit.ly/3zTC7W3
Shepherds for Sale with Megan Basham: https://bit.ly/4hdo5Py

 

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Silence Equals Consent: The Sin of Omission | with Bill Federer

Why do so many Christians find it acceptable to stay silent in the face of evil? The idea that politics are merely “worldly” and that disengaging from culture is the best path forward has deceived far too many Christians into falling in line with cultural norms. But if the Church continues to withdraw from what’s going on in the world, who’s going to be left in charge?

This week, historian and bestselling author Bill Federer joins Frank to discuss his latest book, ‘Silence Equals Consent -The Sin of Omission: Speak Now or Forever Lose Your Freedom.‘ In this eye-opening episode, they dive deep into the Church’s history of political indifference and explore why now, more than ever, Christians must engage with the world to preserve (religious) freedom. Together, Frank and Bill tackle key questions, including:

  • How did God address globalism in the Bible?
  • What subtle tactics has Satan used to keep Christians silent?
  • How did America’s founders draw inspiration from ancient Israel’s covenant government?
  • What happens when Christians stop speaking up and lose their influence in society?
  • How should Romans 13 be interpreted in a self-governing republic versus a monarchy?

As the future of freedom hangs in the balance, will the Church step up to make a lasting impact? Listen as Bill unpacks powerful stories from history that will challenge us to rethink how we engage with the world around us. To learn more, be sure to grab a copy of ‘Silence Equals Consent‘—a must-read for anyone curious about how faith can shape the future of our culture and our country. And while you’re at it, be sure to check out the livestream Frank did with Bill last week, ‘The Shocking History of Open Borders‘, as well as other helpful resources at VoteYourFaith.net.

Did you enjoy this episode? HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING THE PODCAST HERE.

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Billi’s book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736959077
Bill’s website: https://americanminute.com/

 

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