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Today the Pugs welcome Dr. Scott Masson of Tyndale University onto the show. Scott is an Associate Professor of English and an authority on Romanticism. He also is known for his commitment to a recovery of classical learning. Today Scott reflects on the broken relationship between the humanities and theology and the disastrous consequences for higher education. He notes that this strikes right at the heart of the Christian faith because it separates the divine and human natures of the Son of God. He compares this to the broken sword Aduril from The Lord of the Rings and notes that the right ordering of our loves and the restoration of culture won't occur until the sword is reforged in the West. Join us for a great conversation. The Anduril Moment - A Call to Return to Christian Humanism: Dr. Scott Masson’s lecture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2IWBJcN5kk Dr. Masson’s Substack: https://drscottmasson.substack.com/ Paideia Today: https://www.paideiatoday.com/ Recommended videos from Dr. Masson’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/c/DrScottMasson i) How the Ideology of the French Revolution Destroyed Human Nature: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEYyIHiA0kE ii) The History of Literary Theory (An overview): https://youtu.be/0QsnNzFq9cs?si=yw06YOzRR1R6H0LN iii) The Legacy of Romanticism: https://youtu.be/2-ethRyqhzQ?si=K5KEkrlN0E77izN6 iv) The History of Cultural Marxism: https://youtu.be/lC7q26ddu2k?si=m1R03Cu3fYdDqzDk www.paideiatoday.com Support the Theology Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8 Learn more about First Pres. Battle Ground: https://www.solochristo.org/ Connect with WileyCraft Productions: https://wileycraftproductions.com/

The year doesn’t owe you anything. But it also doesn’t prevent you from getting what you can earn. The opportunity is still there. The customers are still buying. The problems are still solvable. You just have to stop expecting it to be easy. Instead, go into this year expecting resistance and setbacks. Expect things to go sideways. And instead of being shocked when they do, be prepared. Get after it and make it happen. You’re not owed anything.

Liberty Dispatch ~ January 10, 2026In this episode of Liberty Dispatch, host Matthew Hallick breaks down the recent American strike on Venezuela and the subsequent extradition of President Nicolás Maduro.Is it unprecedented? Is it a violation of “International law”? Or is it congruent with longstanding American foreign policy dating back over a century? What does it mean for geopolitics? Are we entering a New Cold War? And… what does it all mean for Canada? For full access to all our content, including the extended interviews, become a paid subscriber at: https://ldcanada.substack.com. Opening & Intro (00:00–00:44)Welcome & Introduction (00:44–01:49)AD: Rocklinc Investment Partners (01:49–02:59)– Invest with Rocklinc: info@rocklinc.com or call them at 905-631-5462;Segment 1 - NEWS: American Military Action in Venezuela (02:59–05:23):Segment 2 - The World’s Response (05:23–12:20):Segment 3 - Longstanding American Foreign Policy vs. International Law (12:20–27:10):AD: Bull Bitcoin (27:10–28:47)– https://mission.bullbitcoin.com/dispatch;Segment 4 - The “Pax Americana,” The Marshall Plan & Foreign Policy Hypocrisy (28:47–44:22):Segment 5 - Venezuela: A Failed Narco-State, Corruptocracy is a Threat to U.S. Security (44:22–51:30):Segment 6 - A New World Order (51:30–56:00):Segment 7 - The Canadian Implications (56:00–57:45):Conclusion: A New Cold War (57:45 –01:02:21)Outro (01:02:21–01:02:56)Source Citations:AP News: “Trump says U.S. will run Venezuela…”: https://apnews.com/article/e62f2c0d48bd3214529960c6edf6e753?utm_source=chatgpt.com The Guardian: UN condemnation of U.S. action: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/05/un-security-council-trump-attack-venezuela?utm_source=chatgpt.com Washington Post: Senate advances bill to restrict military action: https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2026/01/08/senate-venezuela-war-powers-trump/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Time (Reuters/AP): U.S. seizes Venezuelan oil tankers: https://time.com/7344992/oil-tanker-venezuela/?utm_source=chatgpt.com National Archives — Monroe Doctrine (1823): https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/monroe-doctrine?utm_source=chatgpt.com State Dept — Roosevelt Corollary: https://history.state.gov/milestones/1899-1913/roosevelt-corollary?utm_source=chatgpt.com National Archives — Marshall Plan: https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/marshall-plan?utm_source=chatgpt.com NATO — Founding Treaty: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_17120.htm Reuters — Trump warns BRICS nations on tariffs: https://www.reuters.com/world/trump-warns-brics-nations-could-face-100-tariffs-2025-02-13/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Government of Canada — Oil sands overview: https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy/energy-sources-distribution/oil-sands/18085 Government of Canada — LNG facts: https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy/energy-sources-distribution/liquefied-natural-gas/5859 EIA — Canada–U.S. Energy Trade: https://www.eia.gov/international/analysis/country/CAN Fraser Institute — Barriers to Canadian energy development: https://www.fraserinstitute.org/studies/barriers-to-oil-and-gas-investment-in-canadaSHOW SPONSORS:New Sponsor! Genesis Gold Group: https://bibleandgold.com; Invest with Rocklinc: info@rocklinc.com or call them at 905-631-5462; Diversify Your Money with Bull Bitcoin: https://mission.bullbitcoin.com/dispatch; BarterPay: https://barterpay.ca/; Barter It: https://www.barterit.ca/; Get freedom from Censorious CRMS by signing up for SalesNexus: https://www.salesnexus.com/; SUBSCRIBE TO OUR SHOWS/CHANNELS:LIBERTY DISPATCH PODCAST:https://libertydispatch.podbean.com;https://rumble.com/LDshow; CONTACT US: libertydispatch@pm.me STAY UP-TO-DATE ON ALL THINGS LD:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liberty_dispatch/; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LibertyDispatchCanada; X: @LDCanada - https://x.com/_LDCanada; Rumble: https://rumble.com/LDshow; YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@libertydispatch Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, RATE, & REVIEW, and SHARE it with others!

Today we start with a bit of China/Venezuela news, followed by my conversation with Luke, the Podcast Ninja (see notes below), and lastly a few minutes on how to pray for China this week (esp. Yugan)! Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast network! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city/county to pray for every day. Send any questions/comments to chinacompass@privacyport.com. Everything else can be easily found at PrayGiveGo.us! Also, I’m now on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/chinacompass), which not only allows for donations, but also conveniently lets me sort podcast episodes into various collections. Now Available on Amazon (+ free PDF): The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com) Venezuelan Oil & China: Four Things to Know https://asia.nikkei.com/business/energy/venezuelan-oil-and-china-4-things-to-know How to Pray for Venezuela (via Mr. Marquez) For churches and pastors to be used by God and bring words of encouragement to the lives of believers, as many are fearful and unsure of what to do during these times of tension. For peace, and a peaceful transition in Venezuela, without innocent victims. For believers to trust not in man, but in Jesus Christ, and remember that His kingdom is above any human kingdom. That God may protect His church, the evangelists, pastors, and those who visit the sick in Venezuela, as armed groups are intimidating citizens 24 hrs a day in many parts of the country. Conversation with the Podcast Ninja I met with the Podcast Ninja again the other day to catch up on our respective hunting seasons, basketball teams, and Indiana’s best-in-the-country college football team. We took some time to discuss the blessings (and possible pitfalls) of praying for the persecuted. After our conversation which was recorded in the middle of the week, I came back and updated everyone on a couple of things that were discussed… The hunt was fun, but no meat! The Podcast Ninja informed me that he did talk to his kids about Hebrews 13:3 at dinner Indiana University rolls over Oregon (gave me a chance to watch Thunder comeback) Now let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-jan-12-18-2026 Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Well, I've finally set up Patreon for those who are interested. There’s also a Paypal link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to give to our China ministry. Last but not least, for (almost) everything else we’re doing visit PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, therefore ask the Lord for more. Talk again soon!

Today I explain the dirty trick the U.S. Supreme Court played on the states to foist on them a new understanding of human meaning, a new anthropology. You will see how the Court degraded the high view of marriage expressed by Massachusetts and Connecticul statutes dating from 1879 to the constitutional protection of fornication in 1972!

On this episode of Crosspolitic at AmFest 2025, Pastor Toby and Gabe welcome on Mike Ring, CEO of Old Glory Bank, to talk about the issue of debanking and why Christians and conservatives are being systematically canceled by major financial institutions. Sign up for the FLF 2026 Holy Wars Conference for Early Bird pricing! https://tickets.flfnetwork.com/holy-wars-conference

Pastor and author CR Wiley and pastor Josh Howard discuss the "techno-utopia", trans-humanism, and what most modern postmillennials get wrong.

As the Ezra Institute looks ahead to 2026, Pastor Nate Wright is joined by Dr. Michael Thiessen and Jordan Cecile to share what’s coming next—and how listeners can get involved. In this episode, the team unpacks new Ezra Press projects, the Foundations curriculum for churches, the launch of the Ezra Ambassadors Network, and the continued growth of Ezra Media. They also highlight key in-person training opportunities, including the Worldview Youth Academy and the returning Cultural Leadership Academy. With candid conversation, humor, and behind-the-scenes insight, this episode invites listeners to move beyond listening and take an active role in advancing biblical cultural reformation.

On today's Prison Pulpit, we start and finish with Venezuela, as my Venezuelan teammate writes in with four ways to pray for his country at this time of both joy and uncertainty. But the bulk of today's podcast is a story from my good friend Uncle Bundo about what happened in Thomson Prison on New Year's Day 2025. Let his testimony warm and encourage you to pray for all those believers who are in prison! (Scroll down for more notes...) I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I present a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day. Please send any questions or comments to a new, secure email: chinacompass@privacyport.com. Everything else can be found at PrayGiveGo.us! One last thing: I’m now set up on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/chinacompass), which now only allows for donations, but also lets me sort podcast episodes into various collections, making it easier to find all the episodes on a certain topic or person, like Tibet, Pastor Wang Yi, or Richard Wurmbrand. (2:43) Venezuela no longer a prison: We have very close friends and teammates from Venezuela, so I understand the situation there better than most, however it dawned on me today that after the liberation of Venezuela from the dictator Maduro, I probably should have been praying for the people (Christians, especially) much more than I have. Their situation these past 10+ years especially has been very much akin to being in a prison cell. Hence, nearly ⅓ (8+ million) “escaped” during that time for survival’s sake. I may have more to say on a future podcast, but for now I want to point out that although we probably haven’t been praying for Venezuela as we ought to have done, I guarantee you that Venezuelan Christians (esp. those who had found freedom abroad) were quote “Remembering those in prison (back in Venezuela) as if they themselves were still bound with them”. In other words, they knew what it was like in that failed socialist state, and could pray as the author of Hebrews intended; not vague, faraway prayers, but knowledgeable, precise prayers as those who understood suffering and all that was at stake. For all those who prayed in such a way, whether Venezuelan refugees, concerned Christians around the world, or the Venezuelan people themselves, how awesome it is to see God so clearly answer prayer! (Note: with the current power vacuum there, we ought to continue to pray God would raise up humble, godly leadership during this dangerous transition time.) (7:26) Uncle Bundo’s New Year’s Prison Preaching Plan: In the summer of 2024, I interviewed a few of my friends who were being sentenced by the Biden DOJ for their participation in a peaceful prayer vigil while blocking the entrance to a (now shuttered) abortion clinic in Nashville back in 2021. Uncle Bundo was given 6 months in Federal Prison, which he served in rural Illinois. I share this by way of introduction, because I want to read you a story, a testimony, that Uncle Bundo shared on his Facebook page on New Year’s Day about what happened on LAST YEAR’S New Year’s Day. (23:07) Pray for Venezuela: 1) Churches/Pastors 2) Peaceful Transition 3) All Believers 4) Safety Follow China Compass Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! There’s also a donation link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to support our China ministry. For everything else, visit PrayGiveGo.us. Hebrews 13:3: Remember those who are in prison, “as bound with them”!

What if you want to get more done this year than just 3 things? That's great. So do I. So then set goals on a quarterly basis, instead of an annual one. 3 priorities for the next 3 months. You finish those, you can add some more. If you don't finish them, you keep at it for the next batch of 3 months. I look at my year 13 weeks at a time. Control how much food you put on your plate, and you'll be surprised how much healthier you'll be. You don't win by doing everything. You win by doing the right things well. And there are only a few right things. Set fewer goals. Hit more targets.

On this episode of CrossPolitic we celebrate our 10-year anniversary by taking viewers on a nostalgic journey through the most pivotal moments in American Christian history from 2016 to 2026, examining clips featuring Ben Shapiro, Matt Walsh, Jordan Peterson, Dave Rubin, and other major conservative figures to demonstrate why Christless conservatism has failed America and why only the lordship of Jesus Christ can lead the nation out of cultural chaos and into true revival. Sign up for the FLF 2026 Holy Wars Conference for Early Bird pricing! https://tickets.flfnetwork.com/holy-wars-conference

'Ello, Neighbor! We chat about accents and the fact that all roads are "on the way" home... Also--when giving directions, what does it mean when you say "turn at the next light?" Help us resolve a family debate! LATER: We're not saying that EVERY Democrat will be murdered by their own mentally-ill child... But, there are a few Leftist-leaning parents in the "community" who are wondering whether they may be next. Why are we treading so lightly on this topic? Email the Comedian's Family by emailing nextdoor@johnbranyan.com.

This is for those who want to dig a bit deeper into "understanding the times" that I explained last week using SCOTUSs decision in Eisenstadt v. Baird. Two short audio clips of TN Senator Marsha Blackburn's interrogation of then judge Ketanji Brown-Jackson and my explanation of them demonstrate the cosmological merry-go-round of metaphysical nihilism we are on. Don't miss understanding the cosmology she is writing into our law.

In this episode the Pugs engage some of the theological roots that gave rise and shape to Western empiricism, especially in the Scottish Tradition of David Hume. In particular, they engage how the pessimistic view of fallen human reason take on a distorted shape when severed from the rich theological setting of Augustine's theology, and then lead to secular reappropriations by secular thinkers like Hume and others. Support the Theology Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8 Learn more about WPC Battle Ground: https://www.solochristo.org/ Connect with WileyCraft Productions: https://wileycraftproductions.com/

If you feel motivated now, great. Use that motivation to build yourself a follow-through system. Motivation is a spark. Systems are the engine. Build the engine. Start boring. Finish strong. Systems beat motivation, every time.

Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast network! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Today I tell a few stories that I've never told before, especially the one about the temptation... Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city/county to pray for every day. Send any questions/comments to chinacompass@privacyport.com. Everything else can be easily found at PrayGiveGo.us! Also, I’m now on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/chinacompass), which not only allows for donations, but also conveniently lets me sort podcast episodes into various collections. Now Available on Amazon (+ free PDF): The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com) Also, check out last week’s episode where I talk about the Runaway Van @ 14,000 Feet https://chinacall.substack.com/p/runaway-van-14700-feet Now let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities, which include the city in Black Dragon River where I was tempted back in 2003… https://open.substack.com/pub/chinacall/p/pray-for-china-jan-5-11-2025 China's Family and Divorce News… Issues Chinese Women Face Today https://chinapartnership.org/blog/2025/03/issues-todays-chinese-women-face/ Divorce No Longer Taboo in China https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/divorces-in-china-on-the-rise-again-despite-mandatory-cooling-off-period https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/there-is-no-shame-divorce-less-of-a-taboo-for-women-in-china-as-attitudes-shift Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Don’t forget to follow me on X (@chinaadventures) and email chinacompass@privacyport.com with any questions or comments. Also, I've finally set up Patreon, but my favorite thing isn't the (potential) support, but the ability to create Collections of podcasts by topic, location, etc… There’s also a Paypal link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to give to our China ministry. Last but not least, for (almost) everything else we’re doing visit PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, therefore ask the Lord for more. Talk again soon!

Most Christians see the nature of the Christian life in this fallen world was a conflict between good and evil, the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan. that the conflict is almost between two equal forces. Rather than the biblical witness as a conquest over evil. https://mikedvirgilio.com/will-the-ra... Twitter/X handle https://x.com/mdvirgilio

Today, I explain how the United States Supreme Court came to understand the word “liberty” in the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause and the changes in society's understanding of the cosmos that influenced it. Understanding the evolution of that word is critical to everyone who wants to understand our times and know better how to “walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time” (Colossians 4:5 KJV). "Sons of Issachar" should not miss this one.

As a new year begins, Christians face mounting cultural pressure, constant bad news, and growing anxiety. In this opening episode of 2026, the Podcast for Cultural Reformation takes a pastoral turn—calling believers to lift their eyes from the chaos and fix them firmly on Christ. Ezra Institute Fellow Pastor Aaron Rock joins Joe Boot and Dr. Michael Thiessen to discuss fear, time, habits, and courage. Together they explore how constant media consumption shapes anxiety, why godly discipline matters more than short-lived resolutions, and how courage is cultivated through obedience, conviction, and love for God. This episode offers a steady, hope-filled call to faithful living—reminding Christians that victory in uncertain times is found not in fear, but in faithfulness to Christ.

We spend time talking through New Year’s traditions, mostly by noticing how much meaning we’ve managed to assign to them. We discuss eating out, the choices we make around food, and the responsibilities that come with traveling, all of which feel more complicated once we’re actually doing them. Along the way, we reflect on how these habits have become normal and why they continue to matter to us. We also talk about resolutions, confetti, and the symbolism we attach to small moments and objects. We touch on capturing memories, saying goodbyes, and the simple pleasure found in cancellations. The conversation rounds out with a look at choosing a “word of the year” and a light, humorous critique of how fast food mascots, especially Ronald McDonald—have changed over time.

On this episode of Crosspolitic recorded live at AmFest 2025, hosts Toby Knox and Gabe welcome Nick Freitas, former Green Beret and Virginia State Legislator, to talk about the issue of building faithful Christian men and families in a hostile culture and why the church must boldly stand for biblical truth while equipping believers to engage politically and culturally without compromise. Join us at our next national Fight Laugh Feast Conference Sign up for the FLF 2026 Holy Wars Conference for Early Bird pricing! https://tickets.flfnetwork.com/holy-wars-conference

Follow Us Across Social Media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ @CROSSPOLITIC X: https://x.com/CrossPolitic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ CrossPolitic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crosspoliticstudio Join our Email List: https://crosspolitic.com/ (found at the bottom of this page) iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crosspolitic-show/id1523382406 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1LNAL9P0bqodNbw987S3Jp?si=933a5597c836454a Also on Direct TV and Dish on NRBTV and anywhere else you can find us.

Welcome to this final episode of the year of the Prison Pulpit on the China Compass podcast! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I present a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day. Please send any questions or comments to a new, secure email: chinacompass@privacyport.com. Everything else can be found at PrayGiveGo.us! For much of the past year we have been working through a book by Richard Wurmbrand, entitled “Sermons in Solitary Confinement”. His past writings speak to us on behalf of those of the persecuted church who are currently, actively, being imprisoned and tortured for Christ, reminding us to pray for them. We haven’t gone through every Prison Sermon from this book, but probably more than half. And today is the final one. Sermons in Solitary Confinement (Free PDF): https://richardwurmbrandfoundation.com/pdfs/ssc-english.pdf By the way, for those who don't know who Richard Wurmband is, here's a brief introduction: Lutheran minister in Romania. 14 years in prison, including 3 in solitary confinement. After “escaping” abroad in the 1960s, published ”Tortured for Christ" and testified to Congress. Helped start Voice of the Martyrs (but his son Michael doesn’t trust VOM). Michael Wurmbrand’s VOM letter: https://www.billionbibles.com/michael-wurmbrand-vom.html Michael Wurmbrand’s ministry (more free books!): https://richardwurmbrandfoundation.com/ Clean Every Whit (China Call Substack) https://chinacall.substack.com/p/clean-every-whit Follow China Compass Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) or email chinacompass@privacyport.com with any relevant questions or comments. I’m now set up on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/chinacompass), which now only allows for donations, but also lets me sort podcast episodes into various collections, making it easier to find all the episodes on a certain topic or person, like Tibet, Pastor Wang Yi, or Richard Wurmbrand. One last thing: There’s also a donation link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to support our China ministry. For everything else, visit PrayGiveGo.us. Hebrews 13:3: Remember those who are in prison, “as bound with them”!

It has almost been one whole year of Trump admin 2.0. How did President Trump do? Host Casey Harper is joined by Family Research Council Action’s Matt Carpenter and The Washington Stand’s Mark Tapscott to unpack the actions and impacts of the second Trump administration. The three dive into what’s changed concerning the: immigration issue, Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, foreign policy, and abortion.

Vision without categories is a foreign language. People need frameworks to understand what you're talking about. They're imagination is limited to their current mental paradigms. Leaders create those frameworks, as they build the mental architecture that turns tasks into meaningful contribution. Leader create categories.

Follow Us Across Social Media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CROSSPOLITIC X: https://x.com/CrossPolitic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrossPolitic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crosspoliticstudio Join our Email List: https://crosspolitic.com/ (found at the bottom of this page) iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crosspolitic-show/id1523382406 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1LNAL9P0bqodNbw987S3Jp?si=933a5597c836454a Also on Direct TV and Dish on NRBTV and everywhere you can find us.

Pastor Chris welcomes Ethan Duclos, The Cleaner, to the Rebels Podcast, where they discuss such things as Bible Colleges, debating with your father, and cleaning out the church.

In this special Crosspolitic show at AmFest, Knox, Toby, and Gabe welcome Dr. Joe Boot from the Ezra Institute and Virgil Walker from G3 Ministries to talk about the issue of Christian unity in the political sphere and why believers can work together on mission despite theological differences.

Hey, Neighbor! Luke takes a risk and brings a quote to the table for discussion. He may not do that again after the way he was treated..."Servant-leaders don't lead by serving, they serve by leading." Does anyone use the term "servant-leader" anymore? (Certainly no one in the Fight Laugh Feast network thinks it's a helpful label.) Trends come and go very quickly in the Internet Age! THEN: The Worship Leader doesn't enjoy the prestige he used to! Aren't most Christian people aware of the stereotype now?... Do people still need convinced that the worship songs are too shallow, and that lyrics are theologically in error? LATER: What time is it RIGHT NOW? What does this hour call for? Do we need to keep talking about the threat of liberalism/Feminism and the trans-ideology? Or do we need to look ahead and see the ditch that our brothers are careening toward? (That ditch, by the way, is Conspiracy Theories and racism.) Email the Comedian's family at nextdoor@johnbranyan.com .

Today the Pugs reflect on an essay by Matthew B. Crawford (author of Shop Class as Soulcraft) from his Substack entitled: Craftsmanship in the culture industry. The event that prompted the essay is the bid by Netflix to buy Warner Brothers (the film studio). What particularly interests Crawford is something broader, the decay of craftsmanship in our world, and what "managerialism" has to do with that. If you care about film, or just craftsmanship generally speaking we think you will enjoy the conversation. Article: https://open.substack.com/pub/mcrawford/p/craftsmanship-in-the-culture-industry?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web Support the Theology Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8 Learn more about WPC Battle Ground: https://www.solochristo.org/ Connect with WileyCraft Productions: https://wileycraftproductions.com/

Consider raising your prices. Not arbitrarily. But strategically. Identify the customer segment that values what you do and is willing to pay for it. Then price for them. Yes, you'll lose some customers. That's the point. You're filtering them out. Stop pricing defensively. Start pricing strategically. Filter for quality, not volume. You get what you charge. Price is a filter, not a barrier.

After looking back at the most (and least) popular episodes from the past year or so, I share the story of almost dying when I lost my brakes (with five South African friends in tow) going down a 14,700 ft. mountain pass in Tibet. Then, we run through a few China stories that have been sitting on the backburner for awhile, followed by the final Pray for China of the year (Dec 29-Jan 4). Check out all the links/details below! Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast network (Christian Podcast Community)! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or county to pray for every day. Send any questions or comments to chinacompass@privacyport.com. Everything else can be easily found at PrayGiveGo.us! Also, I’m now on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/chinacompass), which not only allows for donations, but also lets me sort podcast episodes into various collections, making it easier to find all the episodes on a certain topic or region, like Tibet, North Korea, or Hong Kong. Check out this past week’s bonus Christmas episode with my wife and daughter… Speaking of old episodes, I want to do a sort of Year-End Round Up of the episodes which received the most downloads (and which ones were listened to the least). And since I didn’t do this at the end of last year, I’ll also give the top and bottom three from 2024 (my first year): Top 3 Episodes from 2025: Dec 5: Doug Wilson Joins China Compass (2286) Sept 13: Charlie Kirk: “America Must Shape Up, or China Wins” (1745) Virtual Tie- Apr 20: Easter in a Chinese Church │"Ignorant Hillbilly" Vance Insults China's Peasants (1551) Virtual Tie- Aug 30: Are All Chinese Students Commies and Spies? (Deace Says Yea, I Say Nay) (1548) Bottom 3 Episodes from 2025: Jan 1: More Prostitutes or Pastors in China? / Near Death on New Year's (Prison Pulpit)(967) Feb 7: In the Face of a Secret Trial, What Will I Do? (Prison Pulpit)(952) July 24: Syrian Pastor/Family Massacred (They Shot Patients In Bed) (Prison Pulpit) (903) Top 3 Episodes from 2024: Aug 24: Tim Walz: China Asset? + Black Dragon River & Double Duck Mountain (1864) Aug 17: From Chinese Reality TV to NSA, Chatting with Brent in Moscow (ID) (1743) Sep 14: Millions of Unadoptable Babies + China's 3 Forbidden "Ts" (& Martyrs of Tianjin) (1680) Bottom 3 Episodes from 2024: 11-21: Wang Yi on God's Use of China's "Unrighteous Politics" (Prison Pulpit #5) (1077) 11-15: Wang Yi on God Raising Up and Deposing Dictators (Prison Pulpit #4) (1006) 12-5: Wang Yi's Pre-Arrest Family Newsletter (Prison Pulpit #7) (1005) Bonus: Top 3 States (TX, CA, VA + WA) & Nations (CA, UK, AU) (+ Bottom States (WY, RI, DE) (Obscure stats: Fiji, Vanuatu, Georgia, 100+ total, 16 in Africa, China=WY, Romania vs Bulgaria) 15 Years Ago This Week (Dec 29): Runaway Van in Tibet @ 14,000 Feet https://chinacall.substack.com/p/runaway-van-14700-feet Now Available on Amazon (+ free PDF): The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com) Borden’s Missed Opportunity? Borden had a very fruitful ministry both at Yale and Princeton during his tenure as a student, and it strikes me that student ministry in China may have been a better use of his talents than what had been planned for him among the unreached Muslims of NW China. But hindsight is 20/20, and Borden never made it back to China at all (besides his first tour as a teenager). Campus ministry in China has been very fruitful for the past 40+ years, but has become much more difficult recently. Here’s a new article from within China that explains the current situation: Chinese Campus Ministry Troubles https://chinapartnership.org/blog/2025/12/changchun-reaching-campus/ No Tibetan in Chinese Schools https://www.rfa.org/english/tibet/2025/01/02/tibet-china-enforces-restrictions-students/ Chinese Refugee Church Planters? https://chinapartnership.org/blog/2024/12/immigrant-church-in-southeast-asia/ Is China Still a Developing Country? https://www.voanews.com/a/is-china-still-a-developing-country/7244652.html Taiwan Survives Another New Year Celebration https://asiatimes.com/2025/01/note-from-taiwan-the-players-on-the-eve-of-destruction/ Finally, let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… Dec 29-Jan 4: https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-dec-29-jan-4-2025 Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Don’t forget to follow me on X (@chinaadventures) and email chinacompass@privacyport.com with any questions or comments. Also, I've finally set up Patreon, but my favorite thing isn't the (potential) support, but the ability to create Collections of podcasts by topic, location, etc… There’s also a Paypal link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to give to our China ministry. Last but not least, for (almost) everything else we’re doing visit PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, therefore ask the Lord for more. Talk again soon!

Author Jay Rogers unpacks the impact the Puritans had on the cultural and spiritual formation of America, and their importance in retrieving their influence. https://www.forerunner.com/store/puritan-storm-rising-book

Today, I pass on my answer to a great question asked by a Christian state legislator who listened to last week’s podcast about working to restore God’s “ordered liberty”: If we are to do that, how should we have argued for the bill not allowing men to compete in women’s sports? Equally important is what can we learn about ourselves by thinking through the two different approaches?

What started for us as a cozy holiday podcast about baking and cheer immediately became a field report on why camels should not freelance in live nativities.We bounce from cookie dough confessions to seasonal overconfidence, discovering that December mainly exists to test how much butter one household can legally own.When the camel enters the story, we realize no one is ever emotionally prepared for an animal that treats biblical history as a suggestion.We then pivot hard into animal nutrition, confidently discussing what donkeys and goats should eat despite all available evidence suggesting goats reject authority entirely.A goat eating chili becomes our collective cautionary tale, complete with regret, dramatics, and the revelation that goats experience emotions mostly as performance art.We briefly wonder aloud about goat fight clubs, immediately deciding this is how podcasts accidentally get subpoenaed.Christmas gifting comes under review as we agree live goats are a liability, while goat-themed items offer the same charm with fewer emergency vet calls.

Merry Christmas from China Compass! After a few minutes to talk about The Millionaire Missionary's Last Christmas, my wife and youngest daughter join me to (mostly) talk about Christmas overseas, but also hit the following topics (and more)... Eating Chinese fish (or not) Internet Cafes on Christmas Eve Chinese Christian Christmas Talent Show Christmases long ago, including our first in China I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I present a new Chinese city or county to pray for every day. Also, I’m now set up on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/chinacompass), which not only allows for donations, but also lets me sort podcast episodes into various collections, making it easier to find all the episodes on a certain topic or region, like Tibet, North Korea, or Hong Kong. Send any questions or comments to chinacompass@privacyport.com. Everything else can be easily found at PrayGiveGo.us! Now Available on Amazon (+ free PDF): The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com) The Millionaire Missionary's Last Christmas The Millionaire Missionary, William Borden, of all people(!) could have stayed home an extra week to be with his family (his mother!) for Christmas. But he boarded his ship in New York on December 17th, determined to land in Egypt by New Year’s Day to begin his life overseas. https://chinacall.substack.com/p/a-mothers-final-farewell-part-i https://chinacall.substack.com/p/mothers-final-farewell-part-ii Kevin Belmonte’s biography of William Borden, Beacon-Light, which mostly borrows from early Borden biographies by close friends, as well as Mary Taylor’s Borden of Yale (the unabridged version of The Millionaire Missionary), provides a few more details from the trip (pgs 227-230). Christmas for Missionaries https://mailchi.mp/radiusinternational/was-the-great-commission-only-for-the-original-apostles-9217919?e=baba53761c As an adult, I’ve spent far more Christmases overseas than at home. Looking back, there is some sadness in what I missed, especially with loved ones who have since passed away. But there are no true regrets. And there are many happy memories, especially when God provided for loved ones to visit us and spend Christmas (or Thanksgiving) with us on the mission field! Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Don’t forget to follow me on X (@chinaadventures) or email chinacompass@privacyport.com with any questions or comments. Also, I've finally set up Patreon, but my favorite thing isn't the (potential) support. There’s also a Paypal link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to give to our China ministry. Last but not least, for (almost) everything else we’re doing visit PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, therefore ask the Lord for more. Talk again soon!

Christmas in Room Number Four: https://chinacall.substack.com/p/christmas-in-room-number-four-the Just as we did on Thanksgiving a few weeks ago, today I want to read a special story from Richard Wurmband’s book In God's Underground (https://richardwurmbrandfoundation.com/pdfs/IGU-english.pdf). Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast Network (and the Christian Podcast Community)! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I present a new Chinese city or county to pray for every single day. Please send any questions or comments to a new, secure email: chinacompass@privacyport.com. Everything else can be found at PrayGiveGo.us! One last thing: I’m now set up on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/chinacompass), which now only allows for donations, but also lets me sort podcast episodes into various collections, making it easier to go back and find all the episodes on a certain topic or region, like Tibet, North Korea, or Hong Kong. Now Available: The Millionaire Missionary (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G94FKJJW/) For those who aren’t familiar with Richard Wurmband, here's a brief intro: Lutheran minister in Romania. 14 years in prison, including 3 in solitary confinement. After “escaping” abroad, published ”Tortured for Christ" in the 60s and testified to Congress. Founded Voice of the Martyrs with his son, but Michael Wurmbrand doesn’t trust VOM today. Michael Wurmbrand’s VOM letter: https://www.billionbibles.com/michael-wurmbrand-vom.html Free books (PDF) by Richard Wurmbrand: https://richardwurmbrandfoundation.com/ Follow China Compass Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) or email chinacompass@privacyport.com with any questions or comments. There’s also a Paypal link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to support our China ministry. For everything else, visit PrayGiveGo.us. Hebrews 13:3: Remember those who are in prison, “as bound with them”! Feliz Navidad

Christmas isn't just a story about salvation. It's a statement about creation. God entered the material world to redeem it, not escape it. That should change everything about how you view your business. The Word became flesh. Heaven invaded earth. Your business matters. The Incarnation Impacts Industry. Merry Christmas.

Crosspolitic is at AmFest 2025! We're here talking with Doug Wilson ( @blogmablog4870 ) and Seth Gruber ( @SethGruberShow ). Sign up for the FLF 2026 Holy Wars Conference for Early Bird pricing! https://tickets.flfnetwork.com/holy-wars-conference

Steve Deace joins the guys to discuss Ben Shapiro and Tucker Carlson's recent feud and their on-stage squabble at TPUSA AmFest. Sign up for the FLF 2026 Holy Wars Conference for Early Bird pricing! https://tickets.flfnetwork.com/holy-wars-conference

In this Advent episode of the Podcast for Cultural Reformation, Dr. Joe Boot and Dr. Michael Thiessen continue the Think Christianly series by asking a world-shaping question: Who is the child in the manger? Marking the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, they explore the Arian heresy, the church’s defense of Christ’s full divinity, and why the Nicene confession—“begotten, not made”—is essential to Christian worship, salvation, and culture. The discussion also shows how Arianism persists today wherever Jesus is reduced to a moral teacher rather than confessed as Lord. This episode calls Christians, especially during Advent, to stand with the historic church and boldly confess Christ as fully God and fully man—the Word made flesh, for the life of the world.

Hey, Neighbor, do you have any idea what Yuletide is? Never mind... Luke has been tinkering with John's new (used) car. Isn't it GREAT to have family members who can help you with skills you don't have yourself?! THEN: Showing John's video might have gotten a teacher fired... Kids need to be taught not to overreact and how to hold their bodies in a less-awkward way when they're on stage. (We list several other odd human behaviors, which maybe aren't so odd after all...) LATER: Some people don't have family because they have purposefully cut ties with everyone. We talk about why that's sad. Teach your kids to stay connected with their family! Emails us at nextdoor@johnbranyan.com to tell us what "odd" thing you do.

Every new initiative costs more than money. It costs focus, clarity, energy. And those are finite. The math might work, but that doesn't mean you should do it. Strategy isn't just about what you pursue. It's about what you're willing to walk away from. Don't fall prey to the dilution delusion.

The Millionaire Missionary is now available on Amazon! (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G94FKJJW/) Today's episode takes another long look at the life and times of Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong's most famous pro-democracy advocate, who is facing life in prison by the Chinese regime that he dared to criticize. (Also, the UK get's critiqued for not only doing nothing for Jimmy Lai, but instigating on British soil similar attacks against free speech!) We also take a deep look at a couple of spiritually needy areas in China, the special administrative regions of Tibet and Inner Mongolia, respectively. Pray for China (Dec 22-28): https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-dec-22-28-2025 Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast Network (Christian Podcast Community)! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I present a new Chinese city or county to pray for every day. Send your questions or comments to chinacompass@privacyport.com. Everything else can be easily found at PrayGiveGo.us! China Executes Former Senior Banker For Taking $156 Million In Bribes https://www.nst.com.my/world/world/2025/12/1333334/china-executes-former-senior-banker-taking-us156m-bribes#google_vignette Hong Kong Mogul Jimmy Lai Convicted by Pro-CCP Kangaroo Court Last year's Jimmy Lai episode: https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/audio/podcasts/30293/episodes/49 Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai was convicted in a landmark trial seen by critics as a symbol of the financial hub's deteriorating freedoms. Found guilty of colluding with foreign forces under the National Security Law that China imposed on Hong Kong in 2020, and of publishing seditious materials through his now-defunct newspaper Apple Daily, Lai denied all charges, and faces the possibility of a life sentence. Now, Britain should be ashamed for doing nothing to stand up for one of its own citizens being bullied by Beijing. https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/jimmy-lai-a-hong-kong-rags-to-riches-media-tycoon-who-became-fierce-critic-of-beijing/article70397910.ece https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/hong-kongs-legal-clampdown-on-jimmy-lai-tycoon-and-china-critic https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/hong-kongs-jimmy-lai-found-guilty-of-sedition-foreign-collusion https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/reaction-to-hong-kong-tycoon-jimmy-lais-guilty-verdict-in-national-security-trial https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/12/15/hong-kong-authoritarianism-hides-behind-legalistic-facade/ Let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… Pray for China (Dec 22-28): https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-dec-22-28-2025 Here’s the full interview with Denny, who tells the story about being chased all around Alashan in Inner Mongolia: https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/audio/podcasts/30293/episodes/12 Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Don’t forget to follow me on X (@chinaadventures) or email chinacompass@privacyport.com with any questions or comments. Also, I’m working on getting set up for sponsorships at Ko-Fi & Patreon. There’s also a Paypal link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to give to support the China ministry. Last but not least, for (almost) everything else we’re doing visit PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, therefore ask the Lord for more. Talk again soon!