How Does God’s Promise To “Bless Those Who Bless Abram” Apply Today?

Podcast: Download (Duration: 50:47 — 8.7MB)

Dr. Will Varner, Professor of Bible and Greek at The Master’s College

“Now the LORD said to Abram … I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing; and I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse.  And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed” (Genesis 12:3).

The above passage from Genesis has been a topic of debate for time immemorial?  (It came up last week in our discussion about Ron Paul’s views on Israel.)  So what exactly does it mean God will “bless those who bless Abram”?

Was that blessing for those who lived just during the time of Abram or did it extend to his descendants as well?  And if to his descendants, does that mean both Jews, from his son Isaac, and also Arabs from his son Ishmael?

And how are we to “bless Abram”?  Does “we” refer to individuals or nations or both?  What does “blessing Abram” mean for the United States and our relationship with the secular state of Israel?  And what about the common Christian belief that the Jews and the nation of Israel have been replaced in the “favored” or “chosen” category by the church?

As you can see, there are lots of questions to ponder when it comes to understanding what God’s call for Christians is when it comes to the Jews and Israel.  Fortunately, our guest on Saturday, Dr. Will Varner, has insight and experience with this issue.  Dr. Varner is professor of Bible and Greek at The Master’s College and is the director of their Israel Bible Extension program.

We will also hear from Dr. Wess Stafford, the president of Compassion International, one of the world’s most respected, gospel-centered child development organizations.  If you haven’t had the chance yet to find a child to sponsor as part of The Christian Worldview FaithWorks Initiative with Compassion International, click here or call toll free 1-855-549-7535.

Are Ron Paul’s Views Consistent With A Biblical Worldview?

Podcast: Download (Duration: 50:47 — 8.7MB)

“For it [governmental authority] is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil” (Romans 13:4).

There are now just four Republican presidential candidates remaining who are vying for their party’s nomination to run against President Obama in this fall’s general election.  Only one of them professes to be a born-again Christian of the Protestant kind — Ron Paul.  (Mitt Romney is a Mormon and Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich are Roman Catholics.)

If you’ve watched any of the Republican debates, Ron Paul doesn’t fit the modern Republican mold.  Not only does he look much older than the other candidates (Paul is 76), but his views, especially as they relate to foreign policy and personal liberties, are outside the Republican mainstream as well.

But should they be considered outside the biblical Christian mainstream?  While most “experts” say Ron Paul is “unelectable” and “out of step”, his blend of conservative and libertarian positions on the issues attracts many followers.  Even prominent pastor Voddie Baucham recently explained in a column why he is voting for Ron Paul.

In The Christian Worldview’s continuing series of analyzing various aspects of the presidential candidates (for example, we discussed Romney’s Mormonism in Nov. 2011), we’ll take a closer look this Saturday at some of the more controversial views of Ron Paul to see whether they are consistent with a biblical worldview for government.

Being a Light in a Culture of Darkness

Podcast: Download (Duration: 50:22 — 8.6MB)

Guest: Vasko Kohlmayer, columnist, Washington Times

“This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil” (John 3:19).

One would only need to compare an evening of network television today with the 1950’s to conclude that American culture has become more openly crude, immoral, and depraved.  There’s no doubt that sin was in existence back in the “good ol’ days”, but generally speaking, sin wasn’t applauded and goodness wasn’t scorned.

Yet that is exactly where America is today.  For example, an upstanding Christian man like Tim Tebow would have been almost universally praised as a role model 60 years ago, but now a vocal segment of the country tears him down.  Or how about the ABC sit-com, Modern Family, airing an episode this week where a two-year-old is portrayed as saying the f-word?  Do you think that would have gotten laughs a couple generations ago?

This Saturday on The Christian Worldview, Vasko Kohlmayer, Christian columnist for the Washington Times, will join us LIVE from Russia to discuss what becomes of a nation when it loves darkness rather than light and what Christians are called to be and do in that kind of culture.  Vasco was born and raised under communism and is now an American citizen living and working in Moscow.

Tim Tebow and the Worship of Darkness – Vasko Kohlmayer

How Much Should Christians “Wear Their Faith on Their Sleeves”?

Podcast: Download (Duration: 50:42 — 8.7MB)

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16

It is impossible to deny that a 24-year-old football quarterback has sparked a national conversation.  Maybe “furor” or “mania” would be better words to describe it.  Not since Billy Graham has one Christian struck such a nerve in this country with his life, words, and works.

Discussion about Tim Tebow crops up everywhere.  He is polled as the most popular athlete in America.  Republican presidential candidates want his endorsement.  Nearly 50 million people watched him lead the Denver Broncos to a startling victory last Sunday over the Pittsburgh Steelers and most likely even more will tune in Saturday evening as the Broncos face the vaunted New England Patriots and their star quarterback, Tom Brady.  It really is “Tebow Time” in America.

One of the common questions people are asking is, “What is driving Tebow mania?”  Of course it has something to do with his “miraculous” football victories, but the way Tebow “wears his faith on his sleeve” also elicits huge reaction, both positive and negative.  He prays openly during games and thanks “my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” in post-game interviews, win or lose.  His charitable foundation pays for sick children to attend his games and also builds hospitals and health care facilities in the Philippines and America.  Tim Tebow is unabashedly public with his faith in Christ.

The question we will discuss this Saturday on The Christian Worldview is “how much should Christians wear their faith on their sleeves?”  For example, Jesus says in Matthew 5 that Christians should be “salt and light” in this world and then in Matthew 6 says Christians should “pray in secret”.  So how public should we be with our faith?  Tune in this weekend to find out!

Additional Articles:
Tim Tebow’s Role Model
Poll Finds 43 Percent Of People Believe God Helps Tebow Win
Tebow: The man behind the mania
Tim Tebow takes time to meet families in crisis amid hoopla of playoffs

Behind the Scenes of The Christian Worldview

Podcast: Download (Duration: 50:45 — 8.7MB)

This Saturday, you will get a behind the scenes tour of The Christian Worldview Radio Program.  First, the question I always ask first-time guests will be turned around on me: “What is your background and how did you become a follower of Jesus Christ?”  In other words, you’re going to find out a little more about the host!

From there, you will hear how topics are chosen each week and how the program goes from a studio in Minnesota into your car, living room, or iPod.  We are also going to leave some time for you to call or email us with questions about past programs from this year and suggestions for topics in the coming year.  Take advantage of that!

This will be our last LIVE broadcast of the year.  On the final two Saturdays of 2011 — December 23rd and 30th — we will be airing two of the most popular programs from this year.

So be sure to tune in this Saturday for a rare behind the scenes tour of The Christian Worldview.  And may each one of you have a joyous Christmas focused on Jesus Christ!

Year-End Letter

Our YEAR-END PRINT LETTER that was mailed out in early December is now available for you to read online.

JUST A REMINDER that donations to The Christian Worldview must be postmarked or received online on or before Friday, December 31st for the donation to be tax deductible for the 2011 tax year. As always, we are committed to operating The Christian Worldview as our financial condition allows and not presuming upon or pressuring listeners to meet certain budgetary “needs”. If you’d like to make a tax deductible gift, you can do so one of three ways:

• ONLINE: go to OvercomerFoundation.org (the name of the 501c3 non-profit for The Christian Worldview)
• PHONE: call us toll-free at 1-888-646-2233
• MAIL: send a check to The Christian Worldview Box 401 Tonka Bay, MN 55331

“Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.” I Peter 1:22-23

On behalf of our volunteer board and staff, thank you for supporting  The Christian Worldview Radio Program. We hope you have a meaningful Christmas and all of God’s best to you in 2012.

For His glory,

David Wheaton
Host, The Christian Worldview Radio Program

A Discussion on the Eternal Reality of Heaven and Hell (part 2 of 2)

Podcast: Download (Duration: 50:43 — 8.7MB)

Guest: Randy Alcorn, author, “Heaven”

Last Saturday, we talked with author Randy Alcorn about the horrible reality of hell for those who reject Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice.  This Saturday, Randy will join us for part 2 of our discussion to talk about a place where everyone should desire to spend eternity: heaven.  What is heaven really like?  Where is it located?  How does one go there?  And how should the reality of heaven change the way we live on earth?

Randy Alcorn, founder of Eternal Perspective Ministries and the author of “Heaven”, one of the most significant and comprehensive books on the subject, will answer all these questions and more this Saturday on The Christian Worldview Radio Program.

Our thank you to you for your support!  We have selected “Heaven” for our Book Club from December through March and would like to send you this beautiful hardcover book that covers every possible angle of the Christian’s greatest hope as a thank you for your tax-deductible donation of $25 or more to The Christian Worldview.  Or, for a donation of any amount, we will send “Heaven Touchpoints” by Randy Alcorn, a shorter and smaller paperback book full of questions and answers on heaven.

Click here to receive “Heaven” or “Heaven Touchpoints” or call us toll-free at 1-888-646-2233.  You can also mail your donation to The Christian Worldview PO Box 401 Tonka Bay, MN 55331.

A Discussion on the Eternal Reality of Heaven and Hell (part 1 of 2)

Podcast: Download (Duration: 50:48 — 8.7MB)

Guest: Randy Alcorn, author, “Heaven”

“What happens to me after I die?”  “Is there really a heaven and hell, and if so, what are they like?”  These questions have been among the most asked, pondered, and discussed for as long as man has walked the earth.  We know what life is like here, but what about the hereafter?

This year as a result of Rob Bell’s best-selling book, “Love Wins”, the traditional, biblical notion of hell as conscious, eternal torment in the lake of fire has come under direct attack.  As for heaven, many Christians picture a place where saints with wings float on clouds and play harps for eternity.  But what does the Bible really say about heaven and hell?  A lot, it turns out, and it may change the way you think about each.

Popular author Randy Alcorn joins us for the next two Saturdays (Dec. 3 and 10) on The Christian Worldview to talk about heaven and hell.  He is the director of Eternal Perspective Ministries and the author of “Heaven”, one of the most significant and comprehensive books on the subject.

Read more

Support The Christian Worldview and Receive Our New Fleece Vest

Get our NEW fleece vest with your donation of $50 or more!

Just in, The Christian Worldview’s NEW fleece vest.  The perfect gift for those who strive to “Think Biblically and Live Accordingly!”  Featuring a cozy, mid-weight brown fleece complete with zipped outside pockets, top zipper cover, inside pockets, and waist draw-cord, this vest is sure to be a Christmas success!

What You Should Do About Your Christian Son, Daughter, or Friend Who is Not Dating or Engaged “In The Lord”

Podcast: Download (Duration: 50:47 — 8.7MB)

“A wife is bound as long as her husband lives; but if her husband is dead, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 7:39

You’ve probably heard the old adage that the second most important decision you make in life is who you marry (the first being the decision to repent and place your faith in Christ for salvation).

Since who you marry is this important and since marriage is described as “till death do us part” and “two becoming one” and a picture of Christ being wedded to His church and God’s covenant relationship for humans to bear and raise children, then why do so many professing Christians date and marry unbelievers?  And why aren’t the Christians in their lives — parents, pastors, friends — falling on the tracks to warn them to not go forward and be unequally yoked in dating and marriage?

It seems today that the clear biblical prohibition of an unequal yoke in dating and marriage is being neglected.  This Saturday morning on The Christian Worldview, we’ll discuss why marrying “in the Lord” is not just a nice suggestion but a serious command and what parents and friends who see a person involved in an unequally yoked relationship can and should do about it.

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