The Christian Outlook | Topics for Today's Believers

The Christian Outlook — December 21, 2024 Pastors Ray Pritchard and Dave Watson joined Kevin McCullough to discuss their books on Advent and how to prepare one’s heart for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Steve Estes provides a fresh application of the Proverbs for this Christmas season on the Georgene Rice Show. Alistair Begg helps create in us a sense of how much was fulfilled in the birth of the Christ child. Albert Mohler explains how many Christians get the Christmas story wrong. On the John and Kathy Show, Jerry Bowyer explains the social context of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Mike Gallagher shares how CBS fought almost everything related to the beloved “Charlie Brown Christmas” special when it first aired in 1965. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Christian Outlook - December 14, 2024 Greg Seltz asks J.P. De Gance, who recently penned a piece titled “Make the Family Great Again” about the collapse of the family and its societal impact. Georgene Rice invites Jenna Ellis, Senior Advisor at the American Family Association, to discuss key arguments of the Supreme Court case, United States v. Skrmetti, which challenges Tennessee’s law prohibiting puberty blockers and opposite-sex hormones for minors. Ellis also explores how the roots of the transgender debate tie back to the broader sexual revolution. Georgene Rice welcomes Pastor Allen Jackson of World Outreach Church in Tennessee. He discusses how our cultural and political crises are ultimately spiritual. He gives examples of ways Christians can be advocates for Jesus during the Christmas season. John Hall and Kathy Emmons talk with Kurt Bjorklund, Pastor of Orchard Hill in Pennsylvania, about taking Sabbath breaks from technology during the Christmas season and refocusing on God. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Christian Outlook - December 7, 2024 Scott Furrow talks with Albert Mohler about the British Parliament’s move to legalize assisted suicide and the dangers of reducing life’s value to "personal autonomy." Dr. Mohler explains why this legislation is incompatible with Christian ethics and emphasizes the need for believers to live faithfully in this cultural moment. Bill Bunkley invites Ray Comfort to share about Comfort's new book, Fifty Years of Open-Air Preaching. Reflecting on the impact of biblical principles, he highlights how the Gospel changes lives and calls Christians to boldly proclaim it in today’s culture Scott Furrow invites Scott Keith and Kurt Winrich from the ministry 1517 to discuss the enduring importance of Gospel clarity, rooted in the legacy of the Reformation. They reflect on how biblical theology addresses humanity’s deepest questions and equips Christians to share the good news effectively. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Christian Outlook – November 30, 2024 Bob Burney looks at how, even in the midst of struggle, we can still be thankful to God. Dr. Albert Mohler reminds us of the apologetic of Thanksgiving: being grateful and thankful should be directed towards the Giver of every good and perfect gift. John Hall and Kathy Emmons, of The Ride Home, talk with historian and NYT bestselling author Stephen Mansfield about the history of Thanksgiving and why it is deemed a controversial holiday when it shouldn’t be. Georgene Rice talks with Mark David Hall of George Fox University about his book, “Did America Have a Christian Founding?: Separating Modern Myth from Historical Truth.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Christian Outlook - November 23, 2024 Eric Metaxas speaks with Megan Basham, author of the recent book, Shepherds for Sale: How Evangelical Leaders Traded the Truth for a Leftist Agenda about evangelicals’ mixed reactions to Trump’s decisive win. They discuss the balance between faith-based concerns and political leadership. Tim Clinton asks Dr. Shannae Anderson to explain the mental health crisis tied to the transgender movement. She highlights the importance of parental rights in navigating this issue. Albert Mohler examines Australia’s new efforts to restrict social media access for youth under 16. Zach Clinton invites Allie Marie Smith of "Wonderfully Made," an organization aimed at helping girls recognize their God-given value, to discuss social media’s toxic impact on teens in America. Eric Metaxas interviews Jack Graham, author of The Jesus Book: Reading and Understanding the Bible for Yourself, about the centrality of Christ in Scripture. Graham reflects on the Bible’s transformative power and its relevance today. For the full conversation between Eric Metaxas and Pastor Jack Graham, click here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Christian Outlook - November 16, 2024 Georgene Rice speaks with Debbie Wuthnow of American Family Association Action about the impact of faith-based voters in the 2024 presidential election. Albert Mohler highlights the unexpected prominence of transgender issues in the 2024 campaign, with Trump's ads emphasizing controversies like male athletes in women's sports resonating strongly with voters. Georgene turns to Hans von Spakovsky of the Heritage Foundation to discuss the proactive efforts on election integrity and their impact on the results. Greg Seltz and Jerry Newcombe, spokesperson and co-host of the television program “Truth That Transforms,” highlight the importance of moral, educated citizens and argue that Christian values make for faithful and effective public servants, contrasting this with current cultural challenges like transgender issues in sports Eric Metaxas invites author and apologist Larry Taunton, to reflect on Trump’s victory and its implications for America’s spiritual and national direction, emphasizing the need for national repentance. Bob Burney encourages believers to pray fervently even after the election, urging Christians to seek divine guidance for Trump and his appointees. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Christian Outlook - November 9, 2024 This week’s episode covers the historic 2024 election, which saw President Trump win in a decisive landslide. Albert Mohler provides analysis on the cultural and political significance of Trump’s remarkable victory and takes a look at what's ahead. Scott Furrow invites Nicole Hunt from Focus on the Family to share her insight on what this election could mean for the pro-life movement, highlighting three key examples in states around the country that uniquely pushed forward the pro-life position. Chaim Goldman invites Victor Dawson from “As You Go” ministry to talk about the importance of sparking spiritual conversations and encourages believers to engage meaningfully with those around them. He discusses the Great Commission and shares how personal discipleship can create a ripple effect in the lives of others. Visit the Partners in the Gospel podcast, for the full conversation between Chaim Goldman and Victor Dawson. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Christian Outlook - November 2, 2024 Greg Seltz invites Paul Batura, of Focus on the Family, to explore the reasons behind pastors' reluctance to engage with social issues due to fears of backlash. Batura talks about the need for churches to provide a biblical framework for thoughtful engagement in the democratic process. Bill Bunkley invites George Barna to discuss the responsibility of Christians to engage in elections and influence culture based on biblical values, noting that 41 million born-again Christians plan to not vote, which could significantly impact the election outcome. Greg Seltz and Jay Richards, author of, “Fight the Good Fight: How an Alliance of Faith and Reason Can Win the Culture War,” assert that Christians are often shamed into silence regarding truth, emphasizing the importance of engaging in cultural battles rather than retreating from them. Bill Bunkley and Jonathan Turley, author of “The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage,” talk about how the First Amendment's protection of free speech as a natural, God-given right was a revolutionary idea that has been eroded over time due to an alliance between the government, corporations, media, and academia pushing for censorship. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Christian Outlook - October 26, 2024 Tim Clinton and Johnnie Moore discuss the gravity of the upcoming election, and its impact on fundamental American values like religious freedom and governance. They call for high voter turnout, especially among evangelicals, stressing the importance of protecting constitutional rights and the diverse voices within the community. Greg Seltz invites Dr. Michael Youssef of "Leading the Way," to discuss the confusion Christians face around voting. Dr. Youssef highlights portions of a free digital resource called, “A Biblical Worldview of Government: A Non-Partisan Perspective” to bring biblical clarity. He discusses the importance of balancing civic duties with faith, urging believers to engage responsibly in government while upholding biblical values. Dr. Youssef later explains that while political outcomes matter, Christians should not rely on the government for what God has entrusted to individuals, families, and churches. For the full Dr. Youssef interview, listen here. Georgene Rice invites Michael Barone, author of “How America’s Political Parties Change (and How They Don’t)” to discuss the long-standing resilience of America’s two major political parties. Barone examines historical challenges faced by both the Democrat and Republican parties, noting how each has survived major electoral defeats. Bob Burney underscores the importance of voting as both a privilege and a responsibility for believers, but also to not lose sleep over who wins or loses the election, considering that it is God who is in control. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christian Outlook - October 19, 2024 Chris Stigall talks with Troy Miller, President of National Religious Broadcasters, who addresses the apathy among Christian voters and urges them to recognize their shared worldview and take action in this election cycle. John Hall and Kathy Emmons talk with pastor Terry Timm about the importance of Christian involvement in politics, despite growing secularism and challenging political landscapes. Albert Mohler discusses the rejection of the creation order and the broader implications of the transgender agenda, including the impact on women’s sports and medical treatments. Georgene Rice talks with Andrew Carter, author of “The Privilege of Prayer: Find Healing, Transformation, and Answers,” about sharing insights on how a disciplined prayer life can help Christians navigate their personal challenges and the broader societal changes. Greg Seltz and Peter Demos, the author of “On the Duty of Christian Civil Disobedience.” speak on the growing threats, such as the conviction of a man in the U.K. for silently praying in front of an abortion clinic. They talk about how these actions reflect a shift toward Orwellian thought crimes and the need for Christians to stand firm in their beliefs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Christian Outlook - October 12, 2024 Host Scott Furrow reflects on the one-year anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, which claimed the lives of 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. The episode also highlights the unprecedented missile strike from Iran and Israel's defense efforts. Guests Albert Mohler and Reuven Doron, a Messianic Jew who was in Israel on that day, share their reflections on the tragic event. The conversation continues with Gino Geraci discussing Iran’s massive missile barrage against Israel and the media’s brief coverage of the incident. Scott Furrow also addresses the troubling rise in antisemitism following these attacks, noting the growing public support for terrorist organizations. Dennis Prager and Eric Metaxas explore the long history of antisemitism, often referred to as the world's oldest hatred, and its concerning resurgence today. The show concludes by questioning whether this hatred is becoming more prevalent in the U.S. The full episode between Prager and Metaxas is available on Rumble. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Christian Outlook — October 5, 2024 Don Kroah is joined by Max McLean who has brought to stage some of the classic works of Lewis. C.S. Lewis’s stepson, Douglas Gresham, explains the story behind Mere Christianity. Devon Brown, author of A Life Observed: A Spiritual Biography of C.S. Lewis was a guest of John Hall and Kathy Emmons. Eric Metaxas interviews Joe Laconte, author of A Wardrobe, A Hobbit, and Great War about Lewis’ friendship with J.R.R Tolkien. Eric Metaxas returns to interview C.S. Lewis scholar Michael Ward about his groundbreaking work, Planet Narnia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Christian Outlook - September 28, 2024 Greg Seltz invites Kerry Severino, president of the Judicial Crisis Network, to discuss the recent Supreme Court leak, which Severino argues is more serious than the Dobbs leak as it appears to involve internal deliberations among Supreme Court justices. Albert Mohler has an extended conversation with American sociologist and author James Davison Hunter about the cultural shifts Hunter observed in the late 1980s and how they mirrored historical conflicts. Hunter explains that his research revealed a new cultural divide where conservative religious groups united across traditions, while progressive religious groups did the same, marking a shift from political-economic concerns to moral and cultural authority. Albert Mohler and James Davidson Hunter discuss more from Hunter's book, “Democracy and Solidarity: On the Cultural Roots of America’s Political Crisis.” Hunter's focus in the book is on the implicit philosophical questions underlying every society, such as the nature of reality, truth, and community, which most people are not consciously aware of but still influence cultural conflicts. For more of Albert Mohler's conversation with James Davidson Hunter, check out the full episode on “Thinking in Public.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Christian Outlook - September 21, 2024 Charlie Kirk and Pastor Allen Jackson, author of Jesus, His Followers & Politics: This Is Our Time, discuss the reluctance of pastors to engage in cultural and political issues, contrasting it with past church involvement in public discourse. Jackson argues that churches must confront societal challenges with a biblical worldview. Bill Bunkley and Christian apologist, Alex McFarland, discuss concerns over Colorado’s gender policies and the lack of parental involvement in schools, citing recent controversies in Jefferson County Public Schools. McFarland criticizes the push for progressive agendas in public institutions, warning that abandoning traditional values and parental rights leads to societal decline. Eric Metaxas and Katy Faust, author of Pro-Child Politics: Why Every Cultural, Economic, and National Issue Is a Matter of Justice for Children, discuss why all policy decisions should prioritize children's rights, needs, and well-being. Faust argues that on issues like marriage, debt, and identity, children are being sacrificed for adult desires and calls for a societal shift to protect children's rights and well-being. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Christian Outlook - September 14, 2024 Albert Mohler discusses the Debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, closely examining the debate on abortion. Tim Clinton talks with Gary Bauer, who heads up a group called “American Values.” Bauer highlights the stark choices between policies of the Trump and Harris campaigns. Georgene Rice turns to Robyn Chambers of Focus on the Family to discuss the challenges that pregnancy resource centers are facing after the Roe v. Wade decision, and how the youth of today give her optimism. Eric Metaxas asks Seth Gruber about his book The 1916 Project, which examines the impact of Margaret Sanger’s opening of her first clinic and its connection to the rise of eugenics in America. Gruber argues that Sanger’s ideas, rooted in racism and evolutionary theory, laid the foundation for Planned Parenthood and influenced global atrocities, including those of Nazi Germany. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Christian Outlook - September 7, 2024 Albert Mohler responds to the terror group Hamas executing six innocent civilians, including an American citizen. Greg Seltz and Don Feder, a columnist for the Washington Times, look at why this is about much more than just Israel, it's about civilization vs. barbarism. Greg Seltz and Tim Goeglein, a VP with Focus on the Family, discuss how our society has drifted so far and what can be done to correct the course. Eric Metaxas invites Ken and Linda Koldenhoven, authors of "Connecting Around the Table,” to talk about how eating together as a family is a great way to forge deep and emotional connections. Scott Furrow and Christian singer/ songwriter Matt Redman talk about a return to the heart of worship: worshipping God in spirit and in truth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Christian Outlook - August 31, 2024 Albert Mohler shares about Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook, writing a formal letter to the House Judiciary Committee that accuses the Biden administration of limiting speech on the platform. Owen Strachan, host of the "Grace and Truth” podcast, invites Vanessa Sivadge, a courageous young nurse from Texas, to talk about her experience in speaking up over so-called “gender-affirming care” for minors, and how it ended up costing her job. For the entire conversation, click here. Eric Metaxas and pastor Erwin Lutzer, author of “The Eclipse of God,” address how secularism and philosophical influences, such as those from Marx, Darwin, and Freud, have led to a redefinition of God, resulting in moral and societal decay. Lutzer talks about how without laws rooted in the Creation account, justice becomes arbitrary. His book aims to bring people back to the God of Scripture. For the entire conversation, click here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Christian Outlook - August 24, 2024 Albert Mohler takes a look at the Democrats' strange and dark fixation on abortion as made evident by the abortion trucks at the 2024 Democrat Convention. Greg Seltz turned to Catholic pro-life activist Frank Pavone to look at the pro-abortion and pro-infanticide record of Tim Walz, the Governor of Minnesota, who is now the formal running mate of Kamala Harris. Bill Bunkley turns to Mat Staver of the Liberty Counsel to look at Amendment 4 in Florida, which would allow for virtually unrestricted abortion. Albert Mohler talks with Brad Wilcox, author of “Get Married: Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families, and Save Civilization.” They discuss the potential causes of the diminishing marriage rate and what to do about it. For the entire conversation, visit Albertmohler.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Christian Outlook - August 17, 2024 Greg Seltz and David Harsanyi of The Federalist discuss the importance of faith in politics, arguing that excluding religious values from political decisions is absurd. Harsanyi emphasizes that shared ideals, often rooted in faith, are crucial for national unity. Dr. Albert Mohler discusses voting your Christian conscience in the 2024 presidential election. He critiques David French's argument for voting Democratic to save conservatism, asserting that true conservatism must be rooted in theism and cannot align with the Democratic Party's views on reality and morality. Eric Metaxas discusses with Megan Basham, author of “Shepherds for Sale: How Evangelical Leaders Traded the Truth for a Leftist Agenda” how certain prominent evangelical churches, like Andy Stanley's North Point Church and Rick Warren's Saddleback Church, are increasingly influenced by LGBTQ-affirming and progressive agendas. For the full interview, check out Eric Metaxas' podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Christian Outlook – August 10, 2024 John Hall and Kathy Emmons talk with Sarah Zylstra, an editor for the Gospel Coalition, about the implications of social media on children. They address the concerns raised by the Surgeon General, highlighting the detrimental effects of social media on the mental health of our youth. Albert Mohler raises alarm about TikTok's harmful impact on teenagers and reminds parents to protect their children from the pervasive darkness and corrosive effects of social media. Scott Furrow invites Ryan Miller, founder of Share the Struggle, to share about the development of courses to help people manage various struggles. His organization aims to provide practical tools, foster community, and offer Jesus' love and healing. John and Kathy talk with John James, an editor with Crossway, about how social media distorts discussions about death, promoting inhumane and emotionally destructive responses. He emphasizes the need to be aware of the negative effects of internet life and the importance of protecting one's emotional well-being. Brian From asks Sarah Zylstra about her decision to leave social media, and she explained that witnessing the negative impact it had on Gen Z girls made her realize its detrimental effects on her own life, leading to shallow relationships and increased loneliness. Bill Bunkley discusses the Go Dark, Shine Bright initiative with James Spencer, who explained that the goal was to start a prayer movement by encouraging people to take a 10-day break from social media. The campaign aims to create a quiet space for individuals to focus on God, pray, and make wise decisions free from the distractions of social media noise. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.