The Christian Optimist

In this episode Pastor Raef interviews Jenny Marcelene as they discuss a number of topics. We explore both her love for helping our kids form a deeper understanding of God's Global design for all nations, as well as how to disciple our children through the books they read and the books we read to them.Visit Jenny's website at https://www.jennymarcelene.com/Recommendations from JennyThe Penderwicks (Jeanne Birdsall) seriesHumphrey (Betty G. Birney) seriesTree Street Kids (Amanda Cleary Eastep) seriesRanger in Time (Kate Messner) seriesChristian Heroes: Then & Now (YWAM) seriesLives of Faith & Grace (Crossway) seriesGoldtown Beginnings (Susan K. Marlow) seriesAnything by Caroline Starr RoseNot a series, but a good book: The Songs of a Warrior: Saul and David: A Retelling (Katy Morgan)Here are two great family resources to foster prayer for the world:The Daily Grace Co.'s Around the World: Letters from Children Around the NationsWycliffe Kids' Around the World with Kate & Mack: A Look at Languages from A to ZAnd here's a list of some Christian publishers who publish fiction for kids:David C. CookP&R PressKregelB&H KidsMoodyStory WarrenNew Growth PressWorthy KidsThe Good Book Co.Calla Press Publishing

In this episode Pastor Raef interviews Luckson Duverne, as they discuss Luckson's miraculous testimony of God's provision. From growing up in Haiti, to surviving abuse in Florida, to Bible College, to leading an incredible ministry caring for underprivileged orphans in Haiti, Luckson's story is one that highlights the power of Christ in a life.Learn more about Faire Garden Foundation: https://www.fairegarden.org/

In this episode Pastor Raef interviews Ellen, a member of his Church and an ACBC Certified Biblical Counselor. They discuss the differences between Biblical Counseling, Secular Therapy, and Christian Counseling, and why Christians ought to prioritize true Biblical Counseling.

In this episode Pastor Raef considers Pete Hegseth's recent prayer and time of worship in the Pentagon, and the controversy that has erupted as a result. We'll look at a healthy definition of Christian Nationalism and determine how Christian's ought to think about such an idea.https://www.christianpost.com/news/pete-hegseth-leads-prayer-to-king-jesus-during-pentagon-event.htmlhttps://www.huffpost.com/entry/pete-hegseth-christian-prayer-pentagon_n_682ee21fe4b0ef574bf58a2ahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKcOA5ojMXo

In this episode Pastor Raef looks at the news that broke this week that the Roman Catholic Church has a new pope. We'll look at the history of the Roman Catholic Church and the Protestant Church and consider how we as Christians should think about the news of a new pope.Resourceshttps://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/should-know-pope-leo-xiv/https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/sola-scripture-three-views-in-church-history-on-the-relationship-between-tradition-and-scripture/https://www.modernreformation.org/resources/articles/solo-scriptura

In this episode Pastor Raef lets you into a conversation he had with a woman outside an abortion clinic in Chicago. Throughout the conversation you will see the illogic of the supporting abortion, and Raef provides commentary along the way to help understand the convo.Resourceshttps://www.factcheck.org/2015/09/planned-parenthoods-services/https://lozierinstitute.org/fact-sheet-planned-parenthoods-2022-23-annual-report/

Pastor Raef interviews Dr. Ben German to discuss what is happening in Illinois's law regarding Physician Assisted Suicide. We'll consider trends we've seen around the globe, what the law is in Illinois, and how we as Christians can think about this.

In this episode Pastor Raef examines a few stories that have made their way into the news cycle. Andy Stanley, from North Point Community Church put out a video for his Church on how to engage transgender youth. New statistics reveal young men are reading their Bibles and attending church far more. John Piper makes waves by saying... what the Bible says.Resourceshttps://protestia.com/2025/03/28/exclusive-leaked-lgbtq-training-video-from-andy-stanleys-church-reveals-shocking-instructions/https://www.christianpost.com/news/more-men-turning-to-the-bible-across-every-generation.html

In this episode Pastor Raef interviews Andy Coleman, author of the soon to be released book 'The Days of Darkness'. Andy's ministry focuses primarily on the persecuted church around the globe. Using his experience in some of the most persecuted environments, he shares not only how we can stay engaged with those who are persecuted for their faith around the globe, but also warns us how we can be aware of persecution in our own culture, and how to stand courageously for Christ in the midst of it.

A short episode where Pastor Raef looks at the historical missionary Patrick, who is celebrated every year in St. Patrick's Day.

In this episode Pastor Raef looks back at Richard Niebuhr's classic work Christ and Culture. And we think practically about what it means for Christians to live in a modern 21st century Constitutional Republic like America. What does it mean to engage culture and politics? How do we do this faithfully? How do we do this wisely? How do we do this effectively?

In this episode, Pastor Raef goes through three separate articles from this week's news and evaluates them from a Christian worldview. First, we examine President Trump's Executive Order making IVF Treatment more accessible to American families. Second, we look at the recent controversy around Wheaton College that erupted when they removed a Facebook post celebrating their alumni Russ Vought's confirmation as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Third we look at a surprising new statistic that shows young men from Gen Z making their way back to Church.Chapters1:17 Trump Signs Executive Order Expanding Access to IVG20:38 Wheaton College Rescinds Facebook Post Celebrating Russ Vought39:06 Gen Z Men Are Coming To Church In NumbersResourceshttps://apnews.com/article/ivf-vitro-fertilization-trump-executive-order-65972cc1b10151bf1a0d9390fe5754d9https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/02/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-expands-access-to-in-vitro-fertilization-ivf/https://www.christianpost.com/news/wheaton-college-rebuked-for-removing-russ-vought-post.htmlhttps://encountertoday.com/blog/2024/10/08/gen-z-men-going-to-church-more/

Pastor Raef interviews Pastor Joe Riccardi of Park Community Church Lincoln Park and discusses the topic of singleness, how to remain faithful to God, and experience his promises and blessings in and through one's singleness.ResourcesHoly Living: God's Design for Dating, Marriage, and Sex: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Q7w4mOhp130sEXSnNpH9M

In this episode Pastor Raef interviews his wife, Sara, to discuss motherhood, its joys, its challenges, and ultimately to discuss the call on mother's lives to mother to the glory of God.

This week we were horrified at the news of an American Airlines flight that collided with a blackhawk helicopter outside of Washington DC. How are we as Christians to understand such tragic events? Why do these kinds of things happen in this world? And why do we long for something other, something better? In this episode, Pastor Raef gives a primer on Covenant Theology, and demonstrates how having a solid footing in good theology, and particularly in Covenant Theology, provides a basis to understand the fallen world we live in, and hope for a better future.

In this interview, Pastor Raef sits down and discusses Donald Trump's new presidency, along with some of the most pressing issues that not only drove him back into the White House, but have already become central issues of his presidency. We'll ask how Christians should engage and think about some of these issues.

In this episode Pastor Raef Chenery interviews Joel Settecase, President of The Think Institute. We cover a range of topics from apologetics, to the history demons, to confessional theology.Visit thethink.institute to learn more about Joel's ministry.

In this episode Pastor Raef looks at the philosophical underpinnings of wokeism, and explores why Christians must reject this worldview and stand confidently on the Bible.

In this episode, Pastor Raef goes through a lengthy list of common questions surrounding abortion in America. Use the Table of Contents below to navigate to the questions you're most interested in.Table of ContentsWhen does life begin (Christianity & Science)? 5:10Isn't the pro life movement just men's efforts to control women? 20:44Was Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood, a Eugenicist? 25:48How many abortions occur each year and what phase of development do they occur in? 32:17Aren't abortion and miscarriage morally equivalent? 36:41What are the reasons women get abortions? 40:53Are late term abortions real and how do they work? 48:00Are late term abortions legal? 59:48What was the history of Roe v. Wade? 1:06:37What about ectopic pregnancies and life of the mother? 1:16:22What about a child with physical complications? 1:26:08Planned Parenthood does far more than abortion? 1:27:59What about all the children that will go into foster care if we end abortion? 1:31:04What about rape exceptions? 1:34:38Resourceshttps://www.prolifewi.org/blog/2021/7/7/explaining-the-exceptions-life-of-the-motherhttps://www.npr.org/sections/itsallpolitics/2015/08/14/432080520/fact-check-was-planned-parenthood-started-to-control-the-black-populationhttps://news.gallup.com/poll/321143/americans-stand-abortion.aspxhttps://news.gallup.com/poll/245618/abortion-trends-gender.aspxhttps://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2020/07/23/racism-eugenics-margaret-sanger-deserves-no-honors-column/5480192002/https://www.americamagazine.org/politics-society/2020/07/28/margaret-sangers-extreme-brand-eugenicshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/1374628/episodes/newhttps://www.foxnews.com/politics/illinois-gov-pritzker-signs-sweeping-abortion-protections-lawhttps://beta.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=077500550HArt%2E+1&ActID=3987&ChapterID=64&SeqStart=100000&SeqEnd=1100000

In this episode Pastor Raef compares and contrasts the American and the French Revolution, and explains why he believes much of secular America is in danger of preferring the French revolutionary ideals to the American revolutionary ideals.Sourceshttps://www.heritage.org/american-history/commentary/two-revolutions-freedomhttps://youtu.be/6w-lQjygygs?si=kxUy7wscsXEdLQ9z

In this episode Pastor Raef looks at a trend occurring in American politics, that of godless conservatism. We consider the roots of political conservatism and how it has historically been rooted in God's revelation, and why the sudden removal of that cornerstone truly puts Christians in a precarious situation politically as we look into the future.Resourceshttps://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/toward-christian-view-economicshttps://albertmohler.com/2024/07/17/the-impotence-of-secular-conservatism/https://kirkcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/API-Research-Kirk-The-Conservative-Mind.pdfhttps://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/01/opinion/republicans-religion-conservatism.html

In this episode Pastor Raef sits down with Aaron Renn, author of Life in the Negative World, and co-founder of https://americanreformer.org/. We got a chance to discuss his new book which considers what Christians need to do to think wisely and live rightly in our new "negative world", a world which is not only post-Christian, but in many ways anti-Christian.

In this episode Pastor Raef shares a message he prepared recently on Psalm 34:8 "Oh taste and see that the Lord is good."

In this episode we consider the zeal of Phinehas from Numbers 25, and we discuss the need for godly men in the Church to once again become bold and zealous men for God, who are willing to stand for God and against all that dares defy him.

In this episode Pastor Raef digs into the fascinating passage of Genesis 6:1-4 and the story of the Nephilim, half angelic, half human giants that roamed the Earth before the flood of Noah, and even after the flood. We'll consider the fuller story of this account in Genesis that is found in the extra-biblical book of Enoch as well. Enjoy!

In this episode we look at the American Bible Society's newest 'State of the Bible 2024' which came out just last week. There are both encouraging and discouraging points of data to consider as we look at Americans and their Bibles.See the full report here. https://1s712.americanbible.org/state-of-the-bible/stateofthebible/State_of_the_bible-2024.pdf

In this episode Pastor Raef digs into politics by considering what the Bible has to say about politics. We look at five different approaches that Christians throughout the ages have taken to politics and consider them in light of history and in light of the Word of God. We'll also dabble in some relevant political commentary, all to the glory of God!https://raefchenery.com/2023/05/05/five-approaches-to-christian-political-engagement/

In this episode Pastor Raef looks at the life of David Brainerd, an early American missionary to the Native Americans. By studying his life together, not only will we get a wonderful picture of a life lived for the glory of God, but we'll pull out three principles for living godly lives in our own day and age.https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/history-biography/five-pioneer-missionaries/

As we approach what America has labeled as "pride month," it is helpful to know two of the men whose ideas are often most celebrated as central to the LGBTQ movement, John Money & Alfred Kinsey. Warning, this episode is graphic and disturbing. But the facts of history ought to be wrestled with as we navigate these discussions.https://www.npr.org/2006/07/11/5549668/the-legacy-of-sex-researcher-john-moneyhttps://albertmohler.com/2004/11/15/kinsey-as-he-really-was-what-you-wont-see-in-the-movie/https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshuacohen/2023/06/06/increasing-number-of-european-nations-adopt-a-more-cautious-approach-to-gender-affirming-care-among-minors/?sh=3282b2867efbhttps://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/dr-john-money-pioneer-sexual-identity-dies-flna1C9439208

In this episode Pastor Raef first digs into a study on Titus 2:5 and considers what it means for women today in the Church. Then Sara jumps into the conversation to discuss her own journey as a homemaker. https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/16/sport/harrison-butker-commencement-speech-analysis-cec/index.htmlhttps://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-harvest-of-homemaking

In this episode Pastor Raef completes his review of Scientology's origin, by looking briefly at the second half of L Ron Hubbard's life and the fantasy world he created around him. Additionally we'll look more big picture at how Christians ought to handle cults, and what our responsibility is in the face of cults around us.See book, Inside Scientology: The Story of America's Most Secretive Religion by Janet Reitman

In recent weeks, scientology has opened up a new location right in the South Loop of Chicago, the very same neighborhood where Pastor Raef's Church exists. In this episode, Pastor Raef exposes the roots of Scientology. Particularly we'll dig into L Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, background with the occult. This episode largely follows the general flow of the first few chapters of Janet Reitman's book 'Inside Scientology: The Story of America's Most Secretive Religion'Helpful books referenced & quoted fromThe Kingdom of the Cults Handbook: Quick Reference Guide to Alternative Belief SystemsInside Scientology: The Story of America's Most Secretive Religion

In this episode Pastor Raef Chenery unveils the loneliness pandemic, particularly as it relates to men in our culture today. We'll look at the story of David and Jonathan and pull out five principles that men can consider when they think about building biblical faithful life-giving friendships in their lives.https://www.christianpost.com/voices/male-loneliness-the-new-epidemic.html

In this episode Pastor Raef explores Calvinism. What it is, and why he has been so personally impacted by this framework for understanding Scripture.

In this episode, Pastor Raef interviews Erica Carr who serves as the Head of School for a new ministry of Park Community Church, a Christian Classical School. Whether you are a prospective parent in Chicago, or simply tuning in to learn more about classical Christian education, this episode will provide a world of information to help you learn more.Visit chicagochristianacademy.org/ to learn more.

In this episode Pastor Raef discusses the issue of pornography in our culture, and provides biblical foundations for how we are to think about it, and how Christians are called to flee from it. To those who are battling habits and addictions with pornography, this episode will provide Biblical resources for overcoming pornography.https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/seven-promises-to-pray-against-porn

In this episode, Pastor Raef interviews Dr. Brian Thomas (Ph.D in paleobiochemistry from University of Liverpool) with the Institute for Creation Research as they discuss the topics of evolution and creation. Evolution is commonly believed to be "settled science." In reality, there is very little evidence directly supporting the evolutionary narrative, and very great evidence supporting the account of creation as provided in the Scriptures. https://www.icr.org/brian_thomas/

In this episode, Pastor Raef interviews Dave Childers who serves as the Sending Church Network Director for Upstream Collective. In the interview, they discuss God's heart for the nations, and current trends in missions around the globe.

In this episode Pastor Raef Chenery interviews Juan Riesco, with Love Life Ministries in Chicago to discuss how Christians can be more involved in standing for the sanctity of life in the womb.

In this episode Pastor Raef digs into a new claim widely circulating online, and soon coming out with a full documentary, claiming that the Christian position against homosexuality is simply due to a mistranslation of a bible in 1946. Is this true? How can we know if it isn't. Further, we will dig into two ministries that have become quite popular among the gay community, Revoice Conference, and Preston Sprinkle's Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender, and discuss why these ministries are so dangerous for the Church.Resourceshttps://raefchenery.com/2023/03/03/can-impulses-and-pre-choice-desires-be-morally-culpable-sin/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/dec/01/christian-homophobia-bible-mistranslation-1946-documentaryhttps://www.centerforfaith.com/about/statement-of-faithhttps://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4032467-americans-are-waiting-longer-and-longer-to-get-married/https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2021/11/08/whats-behind-the-growing-gap-between-men-and-women-in-college-completion/https://www.jstor.org/stable/2779118?searchText=church%20fathers%20homosexuality&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dchurch%2Bfathers%2Bhomosexuality&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&refreqid=fastly-default%3A05e39c417b59476a47ad9fe80c42dc35https://www.str.org/w/the-claim-about-homosexuality-in-the-film-1946-is-irrelevant

In this episode Pastor Raef looks at the classic understanding of how to understand the Old Testament law of God as a Christian. There is great confusion over this in modern years, and there ought not be. the Bible has much to say on this topic, and as Christians we should know how to handle our Bibles well, in order to honor God with our lives.

In this episode Pastor Raef talks about a Biblical vision for parenting. Before you think that this episode is only for parents, it's not. If you are a Christian, it is important for you to know what the parents in your Church are aiming to do, because you are in their Church with them. This episode is for everyone, and provides some basic historic Christian parenting tools that can assist you in raising Godly kids.

In this episode, Pastor Raef Chenery discusses the issue of legalized physician assisted suicide in Canada and how to think about this from a biblical worldview.Resourceshttps://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-services-benefits/medical-assistance-dying.htmlhttps://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2023/06/canada-legalized-medical-assisted-suicide-euthanasia-death-maid/673790/https://www.ncregister.com/cna/hungry-poor-and-disabled-canadians-now-seeking-assisted-suicidehttps://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/maid-canada-report-2022-1.7009704

We are in a season of history where war covers our news cycle. But how ought Christians think about war. What is the history of the theology of war. In this episode Pastor Raef looks at Just War Theory and considers how the history of Just War Theory can help us navigate our current times.ResourcesPiers Morgan Interview https://twitter.com/ReichmanShmuel/status/1722754621557350845?s=20Book, Ethics for a Brave New World, https://www.amazon.com/Ethics-Brave-Second-Updated-Expanded/dp/158134712X/Book, Moral Choices An Introduction to Ethics, https://www.amazon.com/Moral-Choices-Introduction-Scott-Rae/dp/0310536421/

In this episode, Pastor Raef jumps into one of the classic apologetics question, and frankly a question that many Christians often wonder about. After a survey of understanding what Christians believe about the Bible, we then dive into the four major categories of evidence that demonstrate the trustworthiness of Scripture.Resourceshttps://biblearchaeology.org/https://notthebee.com/article/joe-rogan-was-sad-that-theres-no-instruction-manual-for-human-existence-and-boy-do-i-have-good-news-for-him-

In this episode Pastor Raef discusses the tragic war that has begun in Israel, after they were attacked by the terrorist organization Hamas. We discuss how to think about this from a Biblical perspective, a historic perspective, and a prophetic perspective. ResourcesCNN Article: https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/09/middleeast/israel-hamas-gaza-war-explained-mime-intl/index.htmlMichael Rydelnik Book: https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Arab-Israeli-Conflict-Headlines-Havent/dp/0802426239/

In this episode, Pastor Raef interviews a member of the Church who shares his experiences with same sex attraction. We discuss how Christians ought to think about this topic, how it is connected to Original Sin, what our new nature in Christ has to say about it. And then, we have a brief discussion on our hyper sexualized culture and how the roots of what we are experiencing in culture today can be traced back to Karl Marx and Sigmund Freud.

A powerful interview with a member from our Church, telling the story of how Christ delivered him from an addiction to Heroin. A story of hope, and a reminder of the power of the Gospel in every Christian's life.

In this episode Pastor Raef shares the audio of a powerful evangelistic encounter that took place outside of an abortion clinic in Chicago. Throughout the episode, we pause to examine the conversation and what we can learn about evangelism from it.

In this episode Pastor Raef considers June in America, what has now been labeled as Pride Month. We'll consider Pride Month in general, what happened to Target, a new law regarding homosexuality in Nigeria, and then we'll take Listener Q&A focused specifically on navigating LGBTQ issues in the workplace.Articles Discussedhttps://wng.org/opinions/welcome-to-pride-month-christian-1654083759https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-65034343https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/25/business/target-lgbtq-merchandise-pressure-trans/index.html

In this episode Pastor Raef digs into one of the core divisions between Catholics and Protestants, the doctrine of Justification.This episode correlates to a blog post that Pastor Raef wrote on this topic that can be found here: https://raefchenery.com/2023/05/24/justification-the-great-division-between-protestant-catholics/RESOURCESAre We Together?: A Protestant Analyzes Roman Catholicism by RC Sproul https://www.amazon.com/Together-Protestant-Analyzes-Roman-Catholicism/dp/1567692826/