Crosstalk America from VCY America

Pastor Jim Scudder Jr. is senior pastor of Quentin Road Baptist Church in Lake Zurich, IL. He's an author and also is the speaker on the program InGrace which airs on WVCY Television, VCY.tv and on VCY America Radio. Pastor Scudder has a passion for souls and a desire to teach others about our Savior's love. He also has a special love for the nation of Israel and the Jewish people. For 738 days, people around the world had been praying for the release of the hostages, brutally taken by Hamas on October 7th, 2023. Then in Egypt yesterday, President Trump, along with world leaders from Egypt, Turkey and Qatar, signed the Gaza peace plan. This has resulted in 20 live hostages being returned along with the bodies of four deceased hostages, leaving another 24 behind. Listen and get details regarding the hostage release you won't get from mainstream media as Pastor Scudder, from Israel, discusses comments from the captors regarding President Trump and Kamala Harris, what he encountered at Hostage Square, the significance of Joy of Torah, Trump's quote of "peace forever," why Israel is a miracle nation and much more.

Jim began the program with news out of Israel that all remaining live hostages taken by Hamas were returned to Israel amidst great joy and celebration. He also noted that as part of this, President Trump made an address before the Israeli Knesset. Be listening to Crosstalk tomorrow where we will have more on this story as details continue to unfold. While the celebration of Halloween in America goes back many years, it's become such a phenomenon that spending on this holiday is forecast to reach a record high of over 13 billion dollars, with the average person spending just over $114. Is this day and its various activities just innocent fun or is it something that glorifies Satan and the occult and therefore should be avoided? Returning to Crosstalk to answer that question was Dr. David Brown, Pastor Emeritus of the First Baptist Church in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Dr. Brown began the discussion regarding Halloween with a Bible verse that should put to rest any controversy surrounding this issue. That verse is 1 Timothy 4:1 which says: "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;" From that basis, Dr. Brown continued by providing some background information to get listeners to see exactly why the Bible contains this warning. So this edition of Crosstalk you'll learn about: The history of Halloween going back to the days of the Druids. The history of Halloween costumes, bonfires, trick or treat and jack-o'-lanterns. "White witchcraft"--Is it really different? The astonishing number of people relying on astrology, tarot cards, fortune tellers and horoscopes.

Jim presented news items from many parts of the world with initial emphasis on Middle East peace, China and the government shutdown. Here's a sample of stories that were highlighted: --After more than six hours of debate, the Israeli government voted to approve the first stage of a U.S. brokered plan to end the war in Gaza and return the hostages. --Yesterday, the Trump administration announced that the U.S. is sending approximately 200 troops to Israel in order to monitor the peace deal in Gaza. --Yesterday President Trump confirmed that he will visit Israel to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and deliver a major address to Israel's parliament. --President Trump said that he would try to attend an official signing ceremony for the agreement in Egypt but said the exact timing for the meeting still needed to be determined. --In New York City, on October 7th, on the second anniversary of the terror attack on Israel, Muslims yelled out in protest. Jim provided audio. --The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuela's opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado. --Russian strikes in recent days have wiped out more than half of Ukraine's domestic natural gas production, likely forcing the war-battered nation to spend about 2.2 billion dollars on fuel imports in order to survive the upcoming winter. --The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned more than 50 individuals, entities and vessels involved in the export of Iranian energy. --China has unveiled sweeping new export restrictions on rare earth minerals and related technology. --The U.S. State Department has fired a diplomat over his relationship with a woman alleged to have ties to the Chinese Communist Party

Dr. Jimmy DeYoung Jr. is a speaker, teacher, Mideast guide, videographer and speaker on Prophecy Today. He lived and worked in Jerusalem for many years before he returned to the States for continued ministry. He is a fully credentialed journalist and has led numerous tours to Israel. Yesterday the news broke. Hamas had agreed to the first phase of a peace deal that would free the remaining hostages, while Israel's troops would withdraw from Gaza. In addition, Israel will have to give back about 250 terrorist Palestinian prisoners who are serving life sentences, along with about 17 others who were arrested after the October 7th massacre. When will the remaining Israeli hostages be able to walk free? Will releasing 250 terrorist Palestinian prisoners merely reset the clock for the rebuilding of Hamas? Has the IDF stopped fighting in Gaza? What affect is all this having on the Israeli cabinet? These are just some of the questions that are answered on this edition of Crosstalk, as Jim and Dr. DeYoung discuss: Operation: Returning to Their Borders, which is based upon Jeremiah 31:16.

We continuously hear of the atrocities happening in Central Asia. Then there's the devastation of Russia's war with Ukraine with thousands of lives lost. There's the Taliban's control of Afghanistan with those living there having to flee to other nations. As devastating as these issues are, what must not be ignored is the fact that the persecution of believers continues. In spite of this, the Gospel is flourishing. People are coming to Christ and churches are being planted. The burden of the laborers is heavy. They need help to take care of physical needs to grant relief to many who are hurting or suffering. That opens the door to Gospel ministry. Are you willing to help? Appearing on Crosstalk to tell us more was "Timlar Kovalchuk" (Koh-vul-chook) (a pseudonym used to protect him and others). Timlar has been actively involved as a missionary in evangelism for nearly 28 years, the last 15 in outreach to Muslims in Central Asia. Beginning with Ukraine, Timlar noted how it's getting increasingly worse around the Kiev area. In spite of that, he's seen military members coming to Christ while other individuals have come to Christ via camp ministry. Timlar also recounted plans for a youth camp in Turkmenistan. Somehow the secret police (KGB) found out about it, followed up on the youth contacts and began to threaten the parents with loss of work as well as jail time. This is just two examples of what Timlar and his co-laborers in the Lord are having to face, yet the Gospel is moving forward. In fact, as it pertains to the Gospel's impact in Ukraine he said "...it's been beautiful to watch." Listen in as Timlar recounts more!

Ralph Sutera is an evangelist who saw revival in Saskatchewan, Canada

Some days will forever live in infamy. In America, the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and the Islamic attack on New York on September 11th of 2001, are two such instances. Another such day is October 7th, 2023, when Islamic terrorism struck America's greatest Mideast ally, Israel, in a horrendous and barbaric attack. Afterward, many nations, media sources and even politicians flipped their narrative and have actually blamed Israel, accusing them of genocide. Returning to Crosstalk to look back at this day in Israel's history was Dr. Richard Schmidt. Dr. Schmidt is pastor of Union Grove Baptist Church, and founder of Prophecy Focus Ministries. He is the speaker on the weekly TV program, Prophecy Focus and the radio broadcast, Prophecy Unfolding. He spent 32 years in law enforcement until his retirement in which he was acting sheriff of Milwaukee County. He has authored several books including: Are You Going to a Better Place?, Daniel's Gap Paul's Mystery, Tribulation to Triumph: The Olivet Discourse, Globalism: The Great World Consumption and Artificial Intelligence: Transhumanism & the De-Evolution of Democracy. Dr. Schmidt covers a lot of ground on this broadcast starting with his review detailing how the attack on Israel went down and the satanic nature of the abuse that the hostages had to endure. As the conversation moves along you'll find out what worldview was behind the attack, if Israel can accurately be accused of committing genocide, the latest on President Trump's 21 point peace plan and much more. Get a perspective on this subject you won't hear from the mainstream media when you listen to this edition of Crosstalk.

The Old Rugged Cross is one of the most beloved - and most claimed hymns! Our Christian Heritage has been to the Old Rugged Cross church on Pokagon, MI where it was first performed in its entirety and we've interviewed the couple that restored the church. We've also been to Sturgeon Bay, WI where the Friends Church is that it was first partially performed. But on this stop we're at the site where it was written - in an apartment of a professor of Albion College that became a fraternity house before it was demolished in the 60s. This marker was recently restored after the previous was destroyed in a car crash in 2020.

How old is the earth? According to The Planetary Society it's 4.54 billion years old and we're told that the evidence for that age is overwhelming. On the other hand, creationists that hold to the literal teachings of the Bible believe that the earth is roughly 6,000 years old. They, too, will say that the evidence is overwhelming for their position. What is the reason for this massive discrepancy and what exactly does the evidence show? Joining Jim to answer that question was Dr. Terry Mortenson. Dr. Mortenson has a PhD in history of geology from Coventry University in England. He is a speaker, writer, and researcher with Answers in Genesis. How could there be such a drastic difference in opinions regarding the age of the earth? Are both sides looking at the same evidence? Dr. Mortenson noted that both sides are looking at the same rocks and fossils, the same radioactive isotopes, the same erosional features and more. The problem is that each side is interpreting the evidence through two different sets of assumptions. Evolution stems from a uniformitarian worldview. This assumes that nature is all that exists and everything must be explained via time plus chance plus the laws of nature working on matter. Finally, they assume that the processes of geological change continue at the same rate, frequency and power as they always have. Evolutionists use this as their starting assumption. From there the program moves to discussion concerning the fossil evidence and how they form, the Grand Canyon, the gap theory, what the Bible's genealogies tell us about the age of the earth, why 2 Peter 3:8 is not proof of an old earth, and more.

As Dalton sat in for Jim Schneider, here's a selection of stories he presented for the first half of the broadcast: --Last Sunday at least 4 victims died and multiple people were injured during a shooting at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Michigan. The assailant drove their vehicle through the front doors of the building, then got out and proceeded to shoot people. That suspect was later killed in a firefight with police. --A synagogue attack on Yom Kippur killed 2 in Manchester, England. --The U.N. added 68 companies to a blacklist they maintain are firms that do business with Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria. --Dalton read 9 signs that the world is preparing for war from Charisma Magazine. --Vladimir Putin has ordered the conscription of over 135,000 men by the end of 2025. --The FDA approved a new generic version of the abortion drug Mifepristone. --Planned Parenthood announced that their facility in Houston, Texas, the largest abortion facility in North America, is closing down.

Pastor Dave Barba has been engaged in full time ministry since 1974. He's ministered in at least 450 different churches and has been an avid church planter. He leads Press On Ministries and is speaker on the broadcast Pressing On! He is the author of Press On! You Can and Draw Swords: Daily Devotions to Suit Up for the Battle. This month is Pastor Appreciation Month so this edition of Crosstalk sought to inform listeners about the role and ministry of pastors and how you can be engaged as a special encourager of your pastor, not just in October, but throughout the year. This was highlighted as the following questions were answered: What motivates Pastor Barba to continue in vocational ministry? Does the average church-goer really understand the pastor's trials, challenges and ministry? Pastors are said to live in a "fish bowl." What does that mean? What impact has the cell phone had on pastors? Is the call of a pastor really just another job choice? How can you pamper your pastor? There's much more to hear and learn on this broadcast that will have you developing a greater appreciation for all Bible believing, Bible teaching pastors!

This edition of Crosstalk began with news concerning the government shutdown or more specifically, the "Schumer Shutdown." The House GOP passed what's called a clean, continuing resolution to keep the government open and operating. "Clean" simply means to keep funding the government with items neither added nor taken away. 3 times this has failed. The Senate requires 60 votes but the Republicans don't have a 60 vote majority in the Senate. While a few Democrats have joined the Republicans, this still falls short of that needed for a majority. Senator Schumer and his party are holding out as they want to restore funding for PBS and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, as well as restore health care dollars previously pulled out from the "One, Big, Beautiful Bill" including that which gives benefits to illegal aliens. Those wishing to communicate with their senators can call the Senate Switchboard at 202-224-3121 or go to senate.gov. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth summoned about 730 U.S. military generals, admirals and senior enlisted troops from around the world for a gathering at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia. He, along with President Trump, addressed those in attendance. Hegseth stated without apology that, "From this moment forward, the only mission of the newly restored Department of War is this: war-fighting, preparing for war and preparing to win." He emphasized numerous times the idea of peace through strength. Jim presented most of Hegseth's speech, giving you the opportunity to get a look inside our military and the posture they seek to pursue, as they work to protect the United States of America.

At St. Thomas Church, Leipzig, Luther debated authority versus Scripture, embraced Hus's teachings, while Bach's grave and pastor memorials remind us of faith, legacy, and life's fleeting nature.

Chris Katulka is vice president of North American Ministries at The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry and host of The Friends of Israel Today radio program. He is a Bible teacher and writer for Israel My Glory magazine and is author of the book, Israel Always. Jim opened the program with news that unless 7 Democrats join Republicans, there's going to be a government shut-down at midnight tonight. Yesterday at the White House, President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the multi-point Gaza peace plan. As you can imagine, there's mixed reaction. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt previously said that this plan would leave both sides unhappy. Israel National News reported that hundreds of wounded IDF soldiers wrote to Netanyahu and told him not to adopt any plan that would lead to ending the fighting without a decisive defeat of Hamas. Jim had Chris break down this peace plan, look at the reactions to it, find out what the next step is, discuss whether Israel will be allowed to annex the West Bank, and much more. Callers brought their opinions and questions to the broadcast as well.

This Crosstalk aired something many governments of the world don't want the public to hear. What we're referring to is the content of a speech given at the U.N. this past Friday by Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. When the prime minister was to give his speech, many countries didn't show up. Then when his name was announced, representatives from other nations that were there, stood up and walked out in protest. In fact, Jim referenced a story from Ynetglobal indicating that according to Israeli officials, 77 delegations were either absent or walked out as Netanyahu was announced. Also, rather than talk about the content of his speech, the media instead focused on the delegations that left the room. That's why, via this edition of Crosstalk, you'll have an opportunity to hear what Benjamin Netanyahu had to say so you can form your own opinion.

Our Christian Heritage goes "On Location" with Randy Melchert to the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville, TN. Today most people don't know the man considered the most powerful president of the first half of the nineteenth century, or the religious questions he faced during his life. Join us in Nashville as we examine President James K. Polk's life.

News headlines from around the nation and around the globe. It's the Friday News Round-Up & Comment broadcast. Here's a sample of stories presented during the first quarter hour: --President Trump communicated that he will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. --Delegates at the U.N General Assembly stormed out as Netanyahu took the stage to speak. --President Trump's 21 point plan is a framework envisioning a multi-week cease-fire during which all 48 remaining hostages would be released, followed by a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. --Iran has likely carried out an undeclared missile test at its Imam Khomeini Spaceport according to satellite photos analyzed by the Associated Press. --Israeli police arrested a man for threatening to assassinate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. --Israeli Defense Forces have completed the encirclement of Gaza City. --Hamas declared the UK's decision on Sunday to recognize a Palestinian state was a victory and justice for their cause. --The Egyptian government sympathizes with the people of Gaza and is determined to keep those who wish to leave that war zone bottled up in the strip. --Europe will pay for the reconstruction of Gaza--Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Commission is creating a donor group for Palestine. --UNICEF admitted this week that armed men stole food meant for 2,700 children in Gaza. --The National Counterterrorism Center issued a sobering memo warning that the U.S. designated terrorist group al-Qaida and its Yemen-based affiliate, al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, remain intent on striking America.

Jeff Miller is pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel, Pittsburgh North. He is author of Forgiven People Forgive: A Biblical Response to Forgiveness. On Sunday, September 21st, a memorial service was held for Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA, who was killed by an assassin's bullet on September 10th. In addition to President Trump and other dignitaries, also taking the platform during the memorial service was Charlie's widow, Erika. In reference to the assassin, she said, "I forgive him." She went on to note that this is what Christ did, what Charlie would do and that the answer to hate is not hate. What is forgiveness? Do we need to tolerate sinful behavior just because we forgive someone? Jeff answers these and numerous other questions while also providing insight on key elements in his book. For example, there are those who feel they have good reason for not forgiving, so they may say: I just can't respond to the person. The other person doesn't want to reconcile. (Does that take us "off the hook"?) Well, they'll just do that again! I will forgive, but I won't forget! They have to come to me. (If they don't, is the pressure off the person making that statement?) In the end, Jeff teaches that we are to forgive because we have been forgiven by Christ. In fact, to not forgive can lead to bitterness, hindering our testimony for Him. Learn more, and hear how listeners responded, by reviewing this edition of Crosstalk.

As the broadcast began, Jim brought listeners news concerning yet another tragedy. He quoted from a Fox News story indicating that at least three people were shot with two of them killed at an Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas, Texas. Jim also provided information on the bullet casings and quotes from various officials concerning the rhetoric that appears to be contributing to such violence. In another story, prior to President Trump's Tuesday speech before the United Nations, word got out about the Secret Service dismantling an imminent threat from a network of electronic devices located throughout the New York tri-state area that were used to conduct multiple telecommunications related threats directed toward senior U.S. government officials. Then in yet another story related to the president's U.N. appearance, the White House was demanding an investigation amid reports that U.N staffers intentionally stopped the escalator as President Trump and his wife Melania were attempting to use it. Later, as the president was about to speak, his podium teleprompter failed to work. Were these elevator and teleprompter failures mere coincidence? Eight Western nations formally recognized a state of Palestine on Sunday and Monday as the U.N. General Assembly convened in New York. Jim provided multiple excerpts from President Trump as he described his offer to build the U.N. complex, he mentioned the U.S. fight against drugs, the migration problem across the world, what he called "the green energy scam" and more. Listeners wrapped up the program with their thoughts and opinions.

We are just shy of two weeks since Charlie Kirk was assassinated. Charlie sought to dialogue with those who disagreed to prove him wrong. Those who hated him, hated him fiercely for his beliefs, both his conservative political beliefs, which flowed from his spiritual beliefs, but also his belief in Christianity and Jesus Christ. However, Charlie was not about riots and uprisings; he believed in dialogue. This was the very matter as you'll hear in an audio clip of Van Jones as he sat with Anderson Cooper to describe his relationship with Charlie Kirk last week on CNN. Next, Jim referenced a New York Post article that noted how some 200,000 people turned out to honor Charlie Kirk on Sunday, including President Trump, who called Charlie a "patriot who's heart still had so much to give." State Farm stadium had a capacity of 73,000 yet filled up within hours. Next up were members of President Trump's Administration who were not shy when talking about the spiritual impact of Charlie. This included audio clips from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. While many Crosstalk listeners may have heard Erika Kirk's address, there are many who have not. Jim shared it in its entirety courtesy of TPUSA.com along with final comments from Christian apologist Frank Turek and Charlie's pastor, Rob McCoy.

Harold Vaughan guest hosts this episode as he interviews two mentors of his: Ralph and Lou Sutera of the Canadian Revival Fellowship. The Sutera brothers are evangelists who saw revival in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Marilyn Boyer is a descendant of a Revolutionary War soldier and daughter of a World War II veteran. She is deeply patriotic and passionate about our Christian history. As the wife of an Air Force veteran, mother and home educator of 14 children, and grandmother of 31, Marilyn's dedication to family and country is unparalleled. She is an author. Earlier this year we spoke with her regarding her set of books, What a Character: Notable Lives from History. In that series she captures the remarkable stories of historical figures who shaped our nation. In the early 1980s, Marilyn and her husband were pioneers of the modern home education movement. Together, they founded The Learning Parent ministry and Character Concepts, authored dozens of books, and traveled extensively to speak at homeschool and Christian parenting conferences. Their mission is to encourage, inspire, and challenge parents who are training the next generation of Americans. She appeared on Crosstalk to discuss the Legends of Faith set including Early Church Fathers and Famous Preachers and Evangelists. Beginning with discussion on the book, Early Church Fathers, you'll learn a bit about Polycarp (Bishop of Smyrna and an apostle of John), Irenaeus (a disciple of Polycarp), William Tyndale (the Bible smuggler), English Puritan John Owen and Scottish minister John Knox. Discussion then moves to the book, Famous Preachers and Evangelists where you'll hear about Scottish/Baptist preacher John Harper (who witnessed to those perishing on the Titanic), George Mueller (the beloved father of orphans), Peter Cartwright and Francis Asbury.

Can't keep up with the news cycle? We're here to help. It's the Friday News Round-Up & Comment! Here's a sample of what Jim passed along: --Jim presented audio of a Christian author who gave an eye-witness account of what happened immediately after Charlie Kirk was shot as he was in the SUV with Charlie. --The Secret Service has been designated to provide security for Sunday's memorial service for Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium near Phoenix, Arizona. --A teenager has been arrested after she said she'd open fire at a vigil for Charlie Kirk. --The Turning Point USA board unanimously elected Erika Kirk, Charlie's widow, to serve as the new CEO and chair of the board for the organization. --The Senate yesterday afternoon unanimously approved a resolution designating October 14th as the national day of remembrance for Charlie Kirk (His birthday). --The House of Representatives adopted a resolution to honor the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk. The measure received bipartisan support. --Two individuals close to Charlie Kirk have rejected speculation that he was threatened by the Israel lobby. --Dozens of Christians and Jews gathered on the Temple Mount Wednesday to honor the late Charlie Kirk. --Jim presented audio of an Imam preaching that Charlie Kirk was a racist. --Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Education Agency have announced that more than 100 educators are under investigation and could face suspension of their teaching certifications for social media posts related to the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

In Wittenberg, Luther challenged indulgence abuses with the 95 Theses, emphasizing heartfelt repentance over purchased forgiveness, sparking the Reformation, advancing religious freedom, and showing small actions can have global impact.

Dr. Les Ollila is founder and director of Building Great Leaders. As a regular conference speaker, his ministry provides instruction, encouragement and resources for Christian leaders. He's a former pastor, staff evangelist, and former president of the former Northland Baptist Bible College. In addition to his Building Great Leaders ministry, he is campus chaplain at Faith Baptist Bible College and is a member of the VCY America Board of Directors. He has courses on the VCY Bible Institute at vcy.bible and is the Author of God's Glory in Clay Pots and the book, A New Normal. There have been numerous news stories expressing concern about the mental health of America. According to the National Institutes of Health, major depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the country. How should we view this from a biblical perspective? While you may have read Psalm 77 before, you perhaps never realized just how detailed this text is as it relates to depression. This program looks biblically at its symptoms, Asaph's rhetorical questions and the need to change our focus from "me" to the works, ways, wonders, worship and shepherding of God. Whether this is your battle or that of someone you care about, listen to find out how God speaks to the hurting heart on this edition of Crosstalk.

Our Christian Heritage goes "On Location" with Randy Melchert to Dayton, Tennessee to visit the historic Scopes Trial Courtroom.

Exactly one week ago, Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA was shot and killed while giving an address at Utah Valley University. Tributes of various kinds have been pouring in worldwide. Jim began this edition of Crosstalk with one such tribute as he presented audio from Vice President J.D. Vance who hosted the Charlie Kirk Show this past Monday. Jim then segued into audio from Charlie's wife, Erika, who with amazing strength and courage, spoke last Friday evening to Turning Point USA supporters, just a little over 48 hours after the shooting. Jim followed Erika's address with news headlines related to the shooting. After this, the phone lines were opened for several minutes to allow listeners the opportunity to express their thoughts to round out the broadcast.

Mike Gendron is founder and director of Proclaiming the Gospel Ministry. Mike was a devout Roman Catholic for over 3 decades and was taught to rely upon the authority of the church above all else. Mike searched the Scriptures and was amazed to find that what he read in Scripture contradicted the teaching and tradition of the church he had been a part of for so long. He trusted Jesus as his Savior and now the Bible has become his sole authority in all matters of faith. Mike is the author of the books, Preparing for Eternity and Contending for the Gospel and has produced numerous videos with warnings concerning false teachings vs. the truth of the Scriptures. Recently, Pope Leo XIV presided over his first saint-making ceremony at St. Peter's Square. At this ceremony he declared a British born, Italian teenager, Carlo Acutis, who died in 2006, to be the first millennial saint. As this broadcast explains, in order to become a saint according to Catholic teaching, a person has to have lived an exemplary life, die, then have 2 miracles attributed to them. After the first miracle the individual is beautified, with the second miracle qualifying the individual to be canonized. On the other hand, how does a person become a saint according to the Bible? Is the Catholic Church truly honoring God in this regard? Is it possible that this is just a marketing ploy to make the Catholic Church more relevant to youth? Also, new images are coming out of Mary over the Mercy Seat between the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant. What's the background on this and is this just another example of the worship of Mary replacing the worship of Jesus?

William J. Federer is a nationally known speaker, historian, author, and president of Amerisearch, Inc. He's the speaker on The American Minute daily broadcast. He has authored numerous books including, America's God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations, Who is the King in America?, Socialism: The Real History From Plato to the Present - How the Deep State Capitalizes on Crises to Consolidate Control and the newly released, Silence Equals Consent: The Sin of Omission. Much has been said and continues to be communicated concerning the late Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA, who was assassinated last week. William has his own personal testimony concerning Charlie; another unique insight into a young man who glorified God in life, but as William reveals, he's also glorifying God in death. The discussion continues as William lays out the history and principles that led to the creation of the by-laws of our nation, known as the Constitution. The holiday to celebrate this document, Constitution Day, is celebrated on September 17th and is designated to commemorate the signing of this document which took place on September 17, 1787, in Philadelphia.

Harold Vaughan guest hosts this episode as he interviews two mentors of his: Ralph and Lou Sutera of the Canadian Revival Fellowship. The Sutera brothers are evangelists who saw revival in Saskatchewan, Canada.

As Jim noted, "There's more paper than minutes," so much ground was covered on this edition of the "Round-Up." Here's a sample: --Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA was killed earlier this week while speaking at Utah Valley University. Jim provided audio from Governor Spencer Cox of Utah who commented on the killing, along with news that the alleged perpetrator (Tyler Robinson) had been captured. --Vice President J.D. Vance escorted the casket of Charlie Kirk home to Arizona. --President Trump said he will award the nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, to Charlie Kirk. --President Trump said that Charlie Kirk's widow Erika, wants to keep Turning Point USA, Charlie's conservative youth organization, operating following his assassination. --Secret Service agent Anthony Pough said Charlie Kirk, a Christian husband and father to two young children, deserved to be murdered in cold blood. --Conservative podcaster Steven Crowder has announced that his company has been subpoenaed by the ATF after he received a leaked document from within the agency claiming that a weapon found near the site of Charlie Kirk's assassination was equipped with cartridges etched with symbols and phrases tied to transgender and Antifa ideology. --Audio of Charlie Kirk presenting the Gospel in 70 seconds. --The Secret Service is tightening security for President Trump in the wake of the assassination of Charlie Kirk. --Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska stabbed to death on the light rail system in Charlotte, North Carolina, allegedly by repeat offender Decarlos Brown.

Pastor Lutzer reflects in Luther's monastery cell, describing the monks' harsh lives, Luther's despair, and his discovery of justification by faith—that salvation comes not by works, but through Christ's righteousness alone.

Mat Staver is founder & chairman of Liberty Counsel. Mat is a constitutional attorney with three landmark cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. Charlie Kirk, 31, promoter of conservative politics and founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated yesterday as he was struck by a single bullet while speaking on the campus of Utah Valley University. At the time of this broadcast, it was reported that images of the shooter had been released as the manhunt was still underway. Mat began by reminding listeners that this killing took place, not because of anything Charlie did to anyone, but because of his views. Jim and Mat expanded on this thought as they also discussed the following: An MSNBC analyst implied that this assassination was justified as though Charlie, because of his words, was guilty of causing his own assassination. Charlie's messages engaged young people via respectful, back-and-forth dialogue, designed to get them to think. Usama Dakdok is founder of the Straight Way of Grace Ministry. He's the speaker on the daily radio broadcast, Revealing the Truth About Islam. The U.S. was hit 24 years ago by Islamic terrorism. Since that time we've been hearing more and more about Islamic proliferation around the nation, all centering around the lie that Islam is a religion of peace, which Usama debunks. Usama also addressed the following: Muslims that see the Charlie Kirk assassination as a victory. Mayor Eric Adams of New York City wants to give Mohammed's birthday holiday status. A 10 million dollar mega-mosque planned for the Bronx. Some Houston businesses warned to stop selling products that Allah hates.

Dr. Elizabeth Lee Vliet is president and CEO of Truth for Health Foundation. Since February 2020, she has been part of the team of frontline physicians treating COVID early at home. With Dr. Peter McCullough, she is a co-author/editor of the Guide to COVID Early Treatment: Options to Stay Out of Hospital and Save Your Life. Discussion began by looking at President Trump who was demanding answers from the pharmaceutical companies related to the COVID shots. He indicated that the CDC is being ripped apart over the question of the shots and he wants an answer as to whether the drug companies can justify the success of the various COVID drugs because there are those who disagree. Elizabeth referred to a Trump post on Truth Social from Labor Day where he claimed he was given secret data by the pharmaceutical companies showing benefits. Such data was not released to the public. She believes President Trump was "horribly deceived by the deep state players," all who had been involved in the planning of "Operation Warp Speed" before we had ever heard of COVID and before President Trump was in office. In other words, the president was not the architect of this operation. She believes Anthony Fauci indicated that in 2017. Also, in 2017 at Davos, there was a PowerPoint presented by Bill Gates and Klaus Schwab that outlined the plan for pharma profits from the new, experimental vaccines based upon mRNA technology. Elizabeth believes that President Trump knew all along that he was being deceived yet was not in a position to take on the deep state, the vaccine cartel and the other nefarious players that had been crafting this plan.

Our Christian Heritage goes "On Location" with the Hymn History of The Old Rugged Cross. Written over a hundred years ago, and performed in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Friends Community Church has an outdoor memorial commemorating the first public performance of the hymn, and we take you there!

Tom DeWeese is president of American Policy Center. Tom is one of the nation's leading advocates of individual liberty, free enterprise, private property rights, personal privacy, back-to-basics education and American sovereignty and independence and protecting our constitutionally-guaranteed rights. Private property is under attack again and this time the targets include Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio. The reason? A carbon capture pipeline and the use of eminent domain to take whatever property is allegedly needed for the cause. Join Jim and Tom as they discuss the 900 miles of proposed pipeline to go through these 3 states, the lack of solid science behind this, the known ramifications, why corporate forces are keeping quiet about the pipeline route, and the Republican legislators in Ohio that are actually pushing for this pipeline to become reality. Also discussed is the non-availability of affordable, single family homes and why we are seeing the mass building of so many apartment complexes. Is it really due to a housing crisis or is something else going on? Listen to find out how you can make your voice heard on this issue and hear what Crosstalk listeners had to say as they presented their thoughts.

Robert Morgan is a Bible teacher, associate pastor and podcaster. He speaks at church conferences and conventions across the country and around the world. He was a caregiver for his wife, Katrina, who battled MS and went home to be with the Lord in 2019. He is the author of numerous books including The Red Sea Rules, Then Sings My Soul, The 50 Final Events in World History, and 100 Bible Verses That Made America. His most recent book is titled God Hasn't Forgotten You in which he presents "24 Remarkable Ways God is Working in You and Through You." Have you ever felt abandoned by God? Perhaps you've gone through a time of depression, discouragement or despair and wonder, "God where are you?" Perhaps you have felt all alone and isolated thinking that God doesn't care or doesn't remember you. You may feel He is unaware of the circumstances you're going through which causes you to feel that you've been abandoned. If that's the case, you're not alone. In the Scriptures we learn of people like Job who experienced great suffering and loss. He no doubt felt abandoned. Here's what is said in Job 30:20: "I cry unto thee, and thou dost not hear me: I stand up, and thou regardest me not." At times Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, felt abandoned by God. Then there was Elijah who had a great victory on top of Mt. Carmel against the prophets of Baal. But after Jezebel threatened his life, he was discouraged and ran and said as recorded in I Kings 19:10b, "I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away." In each of these cases God let them know that they were not abandoned by Him.

Emilee Nelson speaks about her grandfather, Ed Nelson, an evangelist and church planter in Colorado, and the subject of the book A Sinner Saved By Grace

The News Round-Up is your pipeline to what's taking place around the nation and the world. Here's a sample of what Jim presented this week: --President Trump is concerned that China's Xi Jinping is conspiring against the U.S. with the leaders of Russia and North Korea as they gathered for a military parade in Beijing marking the anniversary of China's defeat of the Japanese in WWII. --The leaders of China and Russia were caught on a "hot mic" discussing increasing longevity through organ transplants. --China and Russia have green-lit a new cross border natural gas pipeline. --Russian President Putin claimed he never refused a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and invited him to come to Moscow. --North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country would fully support Russia's army as a fraternal duty. President Putin called the ties of the two nations, "special." --The Trump administration has approved 825 million dollars in weapons sales to Ukraine. --Leaders from 26 nations have pledged to commit troops to Ukraine as part of the post-war security guarantees. --A federal grand jury in Dayton, Ohio, has indicted 3 U.S. citizens, 22 Chinese citizens and 4 Chinese pharmaceutical companies in international drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracies. --The House overwhelmingly passed a bill seeking to stop the flow of fentanyl from China. --Federal officials have called the capture of 1,300 barrels of substances coming in from China to Mexico, the largest seizure of precursor chemicals in the history of U.S. law enforcement.

With all that's taking place in the world today, the family unit is under attack on many fronts including marriage and the killing of babies in the womb. Then there's the attacks being leveled by the entertainment industry. Our educational establishment seeks to get young people to trust them over and above their parents and grandparents. There's also the grooming of children by teaching them that they can switch genders. So rather than report on more such attacks, Jim felt it would be a good idea to do a program that strengthened the family by honoring grandparents as Grandparents Day is this Sunday, September 7th. This broadcast includes background history describing the genesis of this holiday, along with listener responses to the following questions: How did a grandparent impact your life? If you are a grandparent, what is the most important matter that you want to instill in your grandchildren?

Martin Luther's first mass revealed his deep reverence and fear before God's holiness, yet he later learned salvation comes not through the mass, but through faith in Christ's blood alone.

Some states in our nation are "coming apart at the seams" as they've capitulated to an agenda that's contrary to biblical authority and morality. Texas, however, is fighting this trend. Providing details was Jonathan Saenz. He's president and attorney for Texas Values, a nonprofit group dedicated to preserving and advancing a culture of family values in the state of Texas. Prior to leading Texas Values, Jonathan headed the First Liberty Institute offices in Austin where he served as Director of Legislative Affairs as well as Attorney for First Liberty Institute. He's been involved in numerous court cases including those before the Texas Supreme Court as well as the United States Supreme Court. Jim had Jonathan comment on numerous issues including: The Texas heartbeat law, Men invading women's sports (The Save Women's Sports Act and the Texas Women's Privacy Act), chemical abortion drugs, prayer in public schools, and more. Find out how Texas is handling these issues, learn about the Texas Faith Fest, and how you can make a difference in your state, on this edition of Crosstalk.

Our Christian Heritage goes "On Location" with the Hymn History of Fanny Crosby who penned "Safe In The Arms Of Jesus" and I Shall Know Him". See the Bridgeport Library, her church, home, and grave.

William F. Jasper is an investigative reporter and senior editor at The New American Magazine. He's an author, journalist and commentator. For more than three decades he served as an accredited correspondent at the United Nations in New York and UN summits around the world. The World Economic Forum (WEF) has been operating since 1971. They indicate that they're bringing together government, business and civil society to improve the state of the world. However, when you realize the number of initiatives they're involved in, it's actually not about improving the state of the world, but rather taking control of the world. The tentacles of this organization reach far and wide throughout all segments of society via numerous "centers" that include: The Center for AI Excellence, the Center for Cybersecurity, the Center for Energy and Materials, the Center for Financial and Monetary Systems, the Center for Frontier Technologies and Innovation, the Center for Health and Healthcare, the Center for Nature and Climate, the Center for Regions, Trade & Geopolitics, the Center for New Economy and Society, and finally the Center for Urban Transformation. This program covers other facets including Klaus Schwab, the Council on Foreign Relations, how the funding of non-governmental organizations (NGO's) is actually funding our own destruction, what's meant by "digital dictatorship," and much more. Don't miss this opportunity to become educated on this very powerful institution that's basically a private, strategic partnership between globalists and communists in concert with the United Nations, world governments and the World Bank International Monetary Fund.

Pastor Ken Spilger was invited by some other pastors to fly with them to a Pastor's Conference. He was the sole survivor when it crashed just short of the runway. He tells of his near death experience of surviving a plane crash and what this did for his walk with the Lord

In Erfurt's monastery, Luther sought salvation through strict vows and monastic rigor but found no peace—ultimately discovering only Christ's righteousness saves, echoing Hus' legacy and igniting a world-changing Reformation.

This week's news was highlighted by the shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis where 2 children were killed. Jim provided additional related stories as well as the following: --On Wednesday, the FBI said they're investigating the Minneapolis church shooting as domestic terrorism and a hate crime and that the person said to be responsible (Robert (Robin) Westman) was a transgender person born a male but who self identified as a female. --The issue of transgender mental illness and violence has quickly moved front and center in the media and online. In fact, the term trending on X is "trans terror." --Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced that there will be new studies launched into the effects of some anti-depressant drugs and their use by those who turn out to be killers. --Robert (Robin) Westman's mother is allegedly not cooperating with law enforcement. --Comments from the father of one of the two victims who died in the Minneapolis shooting. --Former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki offered comments criticizing prayer in regard to the shooting in Minneapolis. --The University of Michigan hospital system is suspending its gender transition practices on minors. --On August 30th, Children's National Hospital, in the nation's capital, will become the latest institution of its kind to cease offering all remaining gender transition drugs to minors thanks to the Trump administration's rules for federal health dollars. --Parents are outraged after a Massachusetts school district allegedly forced students to take a survey that their parents had recused them from.

Fred Pry is Vice President of Administration for Child Evangelism Fellowship, an international, nonprofit, Christian ministry that is dedicated to see every child reached with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, discipled and established in a local church. Sadly, every 47 seconds, a child is abused or neglected. Also, every 3 hours and 33 minutes a child or teen ends their own life as suicide is the 8th leading cause of death among children ages 5-11. What is bringing such desperation to the lives of some children? Fred pointed to the loss of hope and the influences of the world that provide hollow answers that don't last. There's also the issue of social media. Fred indicated that 40% of children ages 8-12 use social media. This means that these children are impacted by peer pressure, the messages claiming they deserve certain things or that they should look or act in a certain way. Worse yet is the fact that social media can become an addiction and in the end, when the world doesn't deliver, anxiety and depression can set in. As a response, in partnership with local churches, Child Evangelism Fellowship offers its Good News Clubs. Fred described these as one day a week, high powered Sunday schools that meet throughout the school year. While there are over 4,000 such clubs in the U.S. operating in public schools, there are over 70,000 public elementary schools in the U.S. This means your help is needed so that many more children will hear the Gospel. As Jim noted, if we don't reach children, the world's system will.

William J. Federer is a nationally known speaker, historian, author, and president of Amerisearch, Inc. He is the speaker on "The American Minute" daily broadcast. Polls seem to show that Gen "Z" voters (age 18-29) are drawn to socialism and therefore it's this demographic that appears to be the source for the current popularity of candidates like Zohran Mamdani who is a New York State Assembly member running for mayor of New York. What's behind this appeal for socialism? William explained that there's two ways for people to give up their freedom: fear and free stuff. After WWII and the cold war, the communists couldn't defeat America from the outside so they tried doing it from the inside. It's the idea of making everyone dependent. He used the example of wild pigs. You put a post in the ground and throw some corn down. The pigs come and eat the corn and ignore the post. You keep adding posts and throwing down more and more corn. Eventually all you'll have left is a small opening for the pigs to enter the circle. The pigs will still squeeze their way in. Eventually, you shut the gate behind them and you've caught yourself some wild pigs. In other words, you've trapped them by dependency. Drug dealers use a similar approach in order to take over a neighborhood. They can cause fear by use of guns or they can be so nice that for a time they give away free drugs. They may do this until you are hooked at which point you are dependent upon the dealer as the source to supply your addiction. These examples are known as the Cloward-Piven Strategy, named after Richard Cloward and Frances Piven who were professors at Columbia University.

Our Christian Heritage goes "On Location" with Randy Melchert to a Princeton, NJ cemetery to find the grave of America's Founding Pastors: Jonathan Edwards, Samuel Davies, and John Witherspoon. Explore the intertwined histories of Princeton University and the prominent religious figures who shaped its early development. It highlights the legacies of Jonathan Edwards, Samuel Davies, and John Witherspoon, demonstrating how these influential ministers – pivotal figures in the Great Awakening and champions of religious freedom – also served as presidents of the institution and profoundly impacted the intellectual and spiritual landscape of America. The narrative underscores the original purpose of Princeton as a training ground for ministers dedicated to spreading the Gospel, and connects these academic leaders to the broader narrative of American patriotism and the founding of the nation.

Andrew Arthur is Resident Fellow in Law and Policy for the Center for Immigration Studies. He began his legal career as a clerk to an Administrative Law Judge at the United States Department of Justice, Executive Office for Immigration Review. Crosstalk receives daily updates from the Department of Homeland Security listing the arrests of what they call: The worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens. Jim listed a number of recent offenders originating from South Korea, Colombia, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Laos. Supporting such individuals are governors and mayors who are "digging in their heels" and who apparently would rather sacrifice the safety and security of their residents than remove those individuals who are here illegally. In addressing this issue, Jim had Andrew comment on a wide variety of concerns. For example: The legitimacy of asylum claims and whether this is overwhelming the judicial system. What we can learn from the news story of the illegal alien who made a U-turn that took the lives of 3 people while driving an 18 wheeler in Florida. How the Biden administration's border policies had border patrol agents so overwhelmed, personnel were very limited in terms of what they could do to stop illegal drugs from crossing the border. The latest on Kilmar Abrego Garcia, obstruction attempts such as those to shut down "Alligator Alcatraz," unaccompanied alien children and much more.