Stand Up For The Truth Podcast

Mary welcomes back Juan Valdes of Reasons for Hope to discuss the hows and whys of critical thinking in a post-truth world. Humans bring many biases, indoctrinations and emotions to so many issues of the day, and seem content to take most things at face value instead of thinking things through in context. Words have meaning, and even before we speak, our thoughts have already given birth to a multitude of possible words - and actions. No believer can ever hope to be an effective apologist without understanding the importance of thinking things through - with the goal of giving an answer to all who ask about our hope. Social media, in fact, is probably the main contributor to the destruction of meaningful discourse in the public square. We talk about how critical thinking is indispensable in our lives at any age. Juan is the senior pastor of a Spanish-speaking congregation in Florida and has worked at a Christian school as both a chaplain and a teacher for more than 20 years. His educational background includes graduate work at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and master’s degrees from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary and Logos Graduate School. He has a Doctor of Ministry in Apologetics from Southern Evangelical Seminary. As an educated and experienced teacher of apologetics, Juan has taught Bible and Introduction to Philosophy at the High School level, and Theology, Bible, and Apologetics at the seminary level, in both English and Spanish. Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A

What does it mean to be ready to explain your hope in Christ? In this thought-provoking episode, Dave Wager welcomes Joel Settecase of the Think Institute to unpack the biblical foundation of apologetics. With 1 Peter 3:15 as the anchor, the two dive into how believers of all ages—from kids to college grads—can share and defend their faith with boldness, grace, and simplicity. Whether you're a lifelong Christian who's never questioned God's existence or someone who regularly engages skeptics, this conversation offers practical insights on how to communicate truth with confidence. From explaining the Greek word apologia to navigating the objections of today’s culture, Joel outlines a three-step method rooted in Scripture: ask good questions, expose contradictions, and point people to Christ. Dave brings it home with down-to-earth illustrations (yes, even a pen becomes a teaching tool), reminding listeners that God doesn’t need us—but He wants us. If you've ever felt unqualified to talk about your faith, this episode will equip and encourage you to stand up for the truth—wherever God has placed you. Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A

Mary welcomes back Bible teacher, student and watchman Lee Brainard to discuss sensationalizing Bible prophecy, especially in the areas of politics and events in nature. Today, with biblical illiteracy at an all time high, it stands to reason that Christians have no meat on their bones when it comes to the systematic study of prophecy. Whereas formerly, the topics of prophecy were centered around Israel, a global government, a global spirituality and a world wide economy powered by technology, suddenly everything is prophetic, and it's getting noisier out there. Time to bring things back into focus. And there are more blood moons coming, which means sensationalizing the heavens will also be rampant. Who is teaching this and why? We also discuss the New Wine Pentecost movement. What is it, is it biblical? Is it date setting at the core? Who is promoting it and why should we care? Sometimes following social media Bible prophecy sites more resembles a nursery rhyme than the truth. A cat, playing a fiddle, a cow and the moon makes more sense most days. And that dish that ran away with the spoon? Stay tuned. Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A

Mary welcomes back Russ Miller to talk about science in general, and how not all science is reliable, except of course that which originates from God - and constitutes truth. Truly, the point of divergence between secular, historical science and operational science paradigms is TIME. Genesis starts out with "in the beginning", and humans who refuse the literal interpretation of creation have decided that the earth must be billions of years old, and that eventually, time and chance would produce mankind, after an extended period of death. Now, that sounds crazy to the believer but if you insist on proving the Bible wrong, this is your starting point, to claim mankind just appeared and there was no original sin. Secular Nobel scientist George Wald puts it perfectly: “Time is in fact the hero of the plot...given so much time, the impossible becomes possible, the possible probable, and the probable virtually certain. One has only to wait; time itself performs the miracles...” A quote only those who refuse to believe the Bible could love! Talk about exchanging the truth of God for a lie! Russ helps us understand the differences between operational and historical science, and why believers must understand how this forms our worldview. An eye opening hour with one of the most articulate creationists of our day. Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A

Tim and Mary come bearing headlines for another round of news and commentary. Today we discuss persecution in America, as anti-Christian rhetoric ramps up in diverse places. Last week we chatted with Todd Nettleton of Voice of the Martyrs to learn about our church family overseas; today we talk about perils in the US - and opportunities to stand firm for the faith. We also look at the latest with the IRS statement allowing pulpits to promote political candidates. Good, bad, ugly? Freedom of speech is always good, and just because it comes from the side of those who preach morals and are pro-life, doesn't make it less valuable. In fact, the world needs more words of value spoken by God's people on many subjects. But, we also have people in pews who think differently about politics and candidates. Is this a breeding ground for divisiveness, and what about those who really don't come to church to hear about politics on any level? Just askin'. We also talk about the 2-state solution and hostility against Jews. Did we really think we would be left out of that danger zone, where our Jewish brethren are suffering for their beliefs but not the church? Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A

Mary welcomes back prophecy teacher Britt Gillette who also brings a lot of financial expertise with him to the podcast. Today we talk about the stock market, something many of us don't truly understand but has a deep impact on our economy, both national and international. What does it mean that the market is over 40,000 when in 1968 it closed at just over 900? We also look at the real estate market. Then we venture into AI when it comes to relationships. There are people out there, those we might call unstable, who are looking to chatbots for deep relationships. What a friend we have in -- AI? Is it time to unfriend these platforms? Especially when we consider that AI could deceive on a biblical level when people look to it to recreate their post-mortem loved ones. Why do people see AI as having human natures? Is this an emotional attachment that is due to a lack of real people in their lives? At the deepest level, this is not just disturbing but very sad. An eye-opening hour with Britt. Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A

Mary welcomes back Todd Nettleton of Voice of the Martyrs to give us perspective on one of those things that should drive us to our knees: our persecuted brethren around the world. Todd is the Chief of Media Relations and Message Integration for The Voice of the Martyrs—USA and host of The Voice of the Martyrs Radio. Todd serves as an advocate for persecuted Christians, inspiring US Christians with the faithfulness of Christ’s followers in 70+ nations where they face persecution for wearing His name. VOM is constantly ministering to and providing resources for our church family that has truly counted the cost of serving Jesus Christ. We talk about the latest hotspots, some of the faces and stories he encounters, and how the church can come alongside. In the 2nd half of the podcast, Mary wraps up another week with some pertinent headlines, including some fascinating stories about Britain's lead in technology, the ramping up of violence toward American churches, and Pope Leo's green agenda. NO VIDEO PODCAST TODAY.

Today, Mary takes on a topic that may be hard to hear, but is necessary, and few in the church are speaking out about it. The passage is 2 Timothy 3:1-5. When the Bible talks about perilous times, we tend to think about those headlines that appear suddenly and stand the world on its head - birth pangs, wars and rumours, Israel. And yet these verses point to a peril no one wants to talk about: the human heart. And not of unbelievers, but in the church. How in the world did we get here, loving self more than God? And yet, churches are battling this ill more and more to the point where believers are staying away. Yes, lack of sound doctrine plays a part - sometimes. But when narcissism begins to work its evil throughout a church, flowing primarily from controlling and unaccountable leadership, who is watching out for the sheep? What is a "form of godliness"? Why does Paul say to avoid such? What are the qualifications for pulpit ministry? Christians tend to be gracious and put up with a lot of mischief from leadership, as long as the doctrine is sound. But what does God think about those who mistreat His people? Let's let the Word do the talking on this one, but talk about it we must. The gentiles lord it over others, but it should "not be so among you". A challenging hour on an elephant-in-the-room topic. PDF transcription - click here. Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A

Tim and Mary take on the news cycle this week by talking about the latest with Israel, Islam, the culture around us, and more. We talk about the death of the abortion pill inventor at 98; a Middle East roundup centered on Netanyahu's visit with Trump this week; and a health watch segment. What is a corporate farm exactly, and why should we care whether we have happy contented cows? Lots of reasons, and we also look at RFK Jr's take on health "wearables" - those devices that we are promised will make life easier if we are tracked 24 hours a day and our biometric markers are seen by whomever gets a hold of our data. What could possibly go wrong? Finally we look at Toyota's "Woven City" - a smart city on steroids, that is either the crowning achievement of technocrats or the creepiest thing I have ever read about. Your call. Does it seem like it's getting darker, earlier? A full hour of news and commentary. Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A

NOT Elijah Abraham Mary welcomes back Elijah Abraham to catch up on his travels and discuss the "civilizational shift" that Islam is aiming for around the globe. Elijah has a pastors' heart for the lost, and to communicate the dangers of the spread of Islam around the globe, including in the US. We will talk about his trips to various nations to spread the gospel and equip pastors to defend the faith. His ministry, Living Oasis, exists to make the most of every day and season to warn the church about the true intentions of Islam and the subjugation of all non-Muslims, or "infidels". We talk about what's currently going on in Texas and New York, as well as other areas of our nation. Why are officials seemingly turning a blind eye to the establishment of Islamic communities right under our noses? Will they lead to establishment of Sharia law then naturally? Is there any way to keep Islamic politicians from gaining positions of influence in our major cities? How can the church engage the local Muslim community and get to know them on a more personal level? A timely update from Elijah. Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A

It’s a new episode of Stand Up For The Truth with host Dave Wager, featuring a heartfelt conversation with longtime friend and guest, Heidi. Heidi shares her journey of faith that began as a young camper at Silver Birch Ranch, where she first trusted Christ—and how that same faith is carrying her now through a cancer diagnosis. With honesty and warmth, she and Dave reflect on God's provision in the midst of trials, drawing from Psalm 119:71: “My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.” This episode offers an encouraging reminder that even in hardship, God is not absent—He is teaching, refining, and holding us steady. Listeners will hear personal stories of how Heidi and her family are walking through treatment with peace and purpose. From the faithfulness of God in hospital rooms to the small acts of love from her children at home, her testimony points to a deeper truth: suffering doesn’t define us—God does. If you’ve ever wondered how to trust God when life takes a hard turn, this conversation will meet you where you are and gently lift your eyes to the One who never lets go. Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A

NEW PODCAST: On this special solo edition of Stand Up For The Truth, Dave Wager asks a loaded question many of us don’t stop to think through: What are we really asking when we sing “God Bless America”? This isn’t just about waving flags or reciting patriotic songs. Dave unpacks the biblical reality that blessing always comes with responsibility. Drawing from Psalm 33:12—“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord”—he challenges listeners to consider whether we’re seeking comfort or commissioning. Have we used our blessings to glorify God and serve others, or have we settled into comfort and forgotten the Giver? From the roots of Irving Berlin’s famous song to the fiery furnace of Daniel 3, Dave walks us through what true loyalty looks like—loyalty to God first, even when national pride gets loud. Patriotism isn’t wrong, he says, as long as it doesn’t eclipse obedience to the Lord. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego didn’t start a rebellion, but they drew a clear line. The call is the same for us today: respect authority, pray for leaders, and live lives marked by godliness and dignity—but never bow to what contradicts God’s Word.

In today's installment of headline news, Tim and Mary take a look at the continued quest by Islam to rule and reign, especially in the West. Immigration is only a part of the tale, because the end game is vast and if we didn't have the peace of Christ, we might just be alarmed. But the world, the political factions, should be very afraid; perhaps the media is waking up to what is at stake. When Trump went after Iran, could anyone be so naive as to think there wouldn't be ramifications beyond protecting Israel? Two sides of the same coin should tell us that Trump poked a hornet's nest and Iran is going to show its fury at some point, the complexity of the Middle East should tell us that. Meanwhile, the NYC dem is under a vast microscope, being that he is a "twelver" - part of Islamic eschatological thought. Will America get Islamic politicians across the fruited plain? That's what Islam is hoping for. Texas was just the beginning. We also discuss earth religion and more. Not as the world gives, the peace of Christ is beyond understanding. Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A

Mary welcomes back David Bowen to discuss the existential aspect of AI. Those who study the end times from the perspective of the human heart and the angst that biblical events will create probably already understood where this was going. Humans tend to gravitate toward something or someone to worship that preferably doesn't include accountability to a just and holy creator God. They would rather have a spurious, arbitrary God than one that holds them accountable for their sin and the rejection of the One that represents our deepest need. One that has a beginning and an end so they can philosophize about how brilliant they themselves are. Worship of self, intellect, and general idolatry are the general categories of the Church of AI. Yet the Ai-theist knows full well that this is an impersonal, cold god of their own making. Interestingly enough, they have a catechism, creeds and practices. Since they borrow so heavily from Christianity it is difficult to take them seriously but that's clearly not any of their concern. As we have seen, intelligence that is real has a creator, as does intelligence that is artificial, but both cannot possibly be a source for truth that is beyond the human intellect. Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A

In this emotional episode of Stand Up For The Truth, Crash Connell chats again with Scott Schara, father of #GraceSchara, a 19-year-old with #DownSyndrome who died in 2021 under what he calls "state-approved euthanasia" at a Wisconsin hospital. Scott walks through the shocking details of the recent #MedicalMalpractice trial—how the hospital administered lethal meds without proper #InformedConsent and placed a #DNR without family approval. Despite compelling testimony and expert witnesses, the jury sided with the defense after only 15 minutes. Scott believes this case exposed how deeply the #MedicalSystem is protected by a corrupt #LegalSystem. Scott says the case was never about money—it was about #Justice, #Truth, and protecting others. He warns of a growing culture of #Collectivism in medicine, where convenience and cost are prioritized over individual life. He sees the verdict as part of a larger #SpiritualBattle and encourages believers to wake up and take responsibility for their own health. He continues to speak out at OurAmazingGrace.net, urging the remnant to stand firm, stay alert, and remember that #GodIsSovereign.

Mary welcomes back Jim Fletcher to discuss the growing malevolent force of Jew hatred around the world, particularly in Europe. The walls are closing in on the Jewish people and the level of hate is astonishing. There seems no possibility of stemming the tide either, so since it will only increase, how late is it? What is the end game? We look at systemic antisemitism that is as old as time, so we should not be surprised but in the modern era, are we really unable to police the hate in the hearts of humans? Not in these times, is my conclusion. And unfortunately, it appears the church has taken their eye off the ball on this. We look at the seriousness of this and other observations about the current headlines regarding Israel. Jim is an Israel expert, regarding their history, their current state, the church, and what is to come. A sobering but essential talk on what is really going on around the world with God's chosen people. His prophecy blog, "The God That Answers", can be found on Patreon here. Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A

Dr. JB Hixson Mary welcomes back JB Hixson for our regularly scheduled visit talking about irregularly scheduled events. With such a short window to discuss the details each day, the goal is to stay as current as possible, with a focus on a God Who changes not. Today we discuss shape-shifting movements that represent fundamental transformations in many areas that our parents would have never conceived of. In one short generation, maybe 2 depending on the math, our world has become a very dangerous place filled with those who wish to plot the next course of humanity. The Technocrats have for many decades longed to rule the world, and as the tech infrastructure seems to show no signs of leveling out, AI is going to ultimately realize a civilizational shift in every area of life. We talk about the NAR crowd and their true colors when it comes to Israel. We also look at antisemitism, the future Ezekiel war, and much more. PRODUCER NOTE: AUDIO ISSUES TODAY - BE ADVISED: 30 SECONDS BETWEEN SEGMENTS TODAY! Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A

Tim and Mary Danielsen take on some headlines, hopefully before they self-destruct. Did you ever feel like you are in a fog of uncertainty because of constant media speculation? But sitting still and waiting for the headlines to come to us is just futile, and so we continue to dig and be amazed. Today we take on a land grab built into the Big Beautiful Bill. Western land is up for grabs - and more than likely designated already to big money green projects. America being what it is and has been, apart from the citified areas, we tend to think that the wide open parts should be left to the ranchers, coyote, hikers and cowpokes, but soon, depending on the outcome of this legislation, serious acreage could be handed over to renewable energy companies and foreign conglomerates. Also, we look at the Minnesota murders of State Representative Melissa Hortman, a Democrat and her husband, and injuring State Senator John A. Hoffman, also a Democrat, and his wife. Melissa Hortman was the highest-ranking Democrat in the Minnesota House. Why is this so bizarre, and will we ever be able to connect all the dots? We predict it will be looked at no further. We also explore whether or not other nations can turn around and supply Persia with nukes; EU censorship; and military contracts to use AI to fight our battles - turning suit types into occasional soldiers. Yeah, you can't make this stuff up. Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A

Mary welcomes back Alex Newman to chat about what everyone already knows: events in this world continue to highlight the traps of technology that can change day to day happenings into the stuff of dystopian nightmares. I think we all know that tech is neutral - but the potential for misuse and abuse in the hands of evil men is off the charts. Our phones already track us but we just pull the covers up over our ears and hope for rest. Truth is, we have every right to believe there are monsters under the bed who wish us harm, especially when we're not being watchful. We also discuss the Deep State and the tentacles of the Federal Reserve. When the wealthiest in the world gathered at Jekyll Island, Georgia for many winters in the latter 19th and early 20th centuries, their goal was to build a banking cartel impervious to bank panics and bank runs. Long after they are dead and buried, the legacy lives on as the Federal Reserve continues to control and manipulate US finances. Where are we at with their influence today? Then we look at SEL in the schools, Social Emotional Learning - its occultic roots and how it's making global citizens out of our youngsters. A fascinating hour with Alex. TODAY'S VIDEO IS ON RUMBLE! Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A

Mary welcomes back author, speaker and blogger Jonathan Brentner whose latest book, "A Lavish Feast", brings together Proverbs and prophecy, and the hope we have of the soon return of Christ for His church. Watching prophecy unfold is fascinating these days. Sometimes a foot is on the accelerator, and other times, we seem to be on "pause" as events play out. Meanwhile, it behooves the church to never stop studying the Bible - and not just prophecy passages, but God's nature as well, and the over-arching view from 10,000 feet. How does God's plan of the ages speak to us from outside of time, space, and matter? We seek wisdom about so many passages in Scripture, but do we seek wisdom about prophecy? God is a giver of wisdom, and liberally. He already has told us via Abraham in Genesis 18 that He does not judge the righteous with the wicked. So instead of pet doctrines and dangerous teachings such as Replacement Theology and Dominion Theology, why not ask God what HE thinks, and proceed according to His revealed Word? Where is the fear of the Lord in this area, and does anyone tremble at His Word (Isaiah 66)? A very insightful look at where wisdom and prophecy intersect in the heart of the Lord. It's all about Jesus, not our pet interpretations. Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A