The Denison Forum Podcast - Christian perspective on current events, Christian news and culture, Biblical wisdom

Jesus said, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars.” So when terrorists strike, missiles are fired, and ground wars begin in the Middle East, it’s easy to question whether the end times are coming. To add to our anxiety, the words surrounding how Christians discuss the end times are daunting: Eschatology. Premillennialism. Postmillennialism. Dispensationalism. Replacement theology. What do they mean? Do they all have the same importance? Should we care about them today? In this episode of The Denison Forum Podcast, Dr. Jim Denison and his son Dr. Ryan Denison join Dr. Mark Turman for an insightful discussion on end-times thinking as it relates to the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza. In the end—whenever the end truly may come—let’s remember how Jesus completed his statement on the rumors of wars: “See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place” (Matthew 24:6). Topics (01:24): One month into the war, what’s going on in Israel? (06:24): What is eschatology? And why does it matter in the Middle East right now? (09:10): Why do many American Christians hold to a dispensational view of the end times? (16:07): Is having a right eschatology a primary doctrine of Christianity? (22:55): Is Israel our key indictor of the end times coming? (26:24): Are Israelites still God’s people? (31:03): Are Christians too focused on predicting the end times? (34:53): Why the end times matter for you right now (40:40): Closing prayer Resources Transcript (PDF) Is the conflict in Israel a sign of the end times? Are we living in the end times? More on the war in Israel by Denison Ministries The Gift of Immanuel: A 25-Day Advent Devotional About Dr. Jim Denison Jim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries. He speaks biblically into significant cultural issues at Denison Forum. He is the chief author of The Daily Article and has written more than 30 books, including The Coming Tsunami, the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series, and The Fifth Great Awakening. About Dr. Ryan Denison Ryan Denison, PhD, is the Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum. Ryan writes The Daily Article every Friday and contributes writing and research to many of the ministry’s productions. He holds a PhD in church history from BH Carroll Theological Institute after having earned his MDiv at Truett Seminary. He’s authored The Path to Purpose, What Are My Spiritual Gifts?, How to Bless God by Blessing Others, 7 Deadly Sins, and has contributed writing or research to every Denison Forum book. About Dr. Mark Turman Dr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture. About Denison Forum Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

The dangers of Christian nationalism Andrew L. Whitehead’s accessible book American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays the Gospel and Threatens the Church raises difficult but necessary questions about the influence of Christian nationalism in America. What is Christian nationalism? Why is it dangerous for our faith, our churches, and our country? How can Christians see through Christian nationalism as a false god that twists the good news of Jesus away from his call to “love your neighbor as yourself”? Many Christians have influence, power, and opportunity, but many of us also need to learn more holy ways to utilize power. We need to be wise and wary of the devil's call to fear and the culture's call to violence. God's call is for us to steward our salt and light well personally and in community so that all, and not just some, can flourish. Topics How to be faithfully American in modern America (01:59) What is Christian nationalism? (06:52) How does Christian nationalism differ from patriotism? (09:46) What does a US flag in a sanctuary represent? (12:54) The three idols of Christian nationalism: power, fear, and violence (19:03) The pervasive nature of nationalism (28:22) Defining white Christian nationalism (32:08) It’s not about rewriting history but expanding it (38:17) How does fear work against us in standing up to nationalism? (44:15) A clearer understanding of religious liberty (47:57) Concerning racism and immigration (52:57) Who were you writing for? (56:37) Resources Transcript (PDF) American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays the Gospel and Threatens the Church, Andrew L. Whitehead Andrew L. Whitehead’s extended bio About Andrew L. Whitehead Andrew L. Whitehead (PhD, Baylor University) is associate professor of sociology at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, where he codirects the Association of Religion Data Archives in the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture. He is the author of American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays the Gospel and Threatens the Church and the coauthor of Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States, which won the 2021 Distinguished Book Award from the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion. Whitehead has written for the Washington Post, NBC News, Time, and Religion News Service and speaks frequently about Christian nationalism. About Dr. Mark Turman Dr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture. About Denison Forum Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.  

Texas Baptist Men offers direct ways for you to help those in need.  Denison Forum seeks to help people think biblically and act redemptively as culture-changing Christians. In the midst of the war in Israel, we seek to inform believers with resources on how to think biblically about this current crisis. We are also calling on Christians to act redemptively by praying fervently, giving sacrificially, and going eagerly as the Holy Spirit directs. Texas Baptist Men is one of the most effective ministries through which believers can be that redemptive servant in this crisis. Topics Defining the BGCT, Texas Baptists, and Texas Baptist Men How is Texas Baptist Men involved in disaster relief? TBM’s worldwide disaster relief How is TBM assisting in Israel? Are TBM chaplains involved in Israel? How are both Israelis and Palestinians being cared for? What is it like in Israel and Gaza right now? How can we pray for the work of Texas Baptist Men? How can people partner with Texas Baptist Men? A prayer for the work of TBM and peace around the world Resources Transcript (PDF) Texas Baptist Men Donate to Texas Baptist Men for disaster relief More Denison Ministries resources on the war in Israel About John-Travis Smith John-Travis Smith is the Associate Executive Director/CFO for Texas Baptist Men (TBM). He grew up in Royal Ambassadors, where he earned the Legion of Honor Award and has served Texas Baptist Men in a variety of capacities, including as vice president for finance and a member of the TBM Forever Foundation board. He also was pastor to young adults at First Baptist Church in Bryan since June 2013. Previously, he served 11 years at First Baptist Church in Hempstead, first as youth minister, later as associate pastor and eventually as interim pastor. Smith manages overall financial operations for TBM, oversees the office staff and updates policies and procedures in areas ranging from accounting to human resources. Smith earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in finance from Texas A&M University and his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Kayla, have four children. About Dr. Mark Turman Dr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture. About Denison Forum Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.  

As Christians, have we lost our religion? Evangelical altar calls are urgent invitations to respond to the Holy Spirit and the truth of God with humility, repentance, trust, and renewed obedience. Why do American evangelical Christians need to hear and answer such a call? Have some evangelicals turned things like influence, authority, credibility, and stability into idols? How can Christians become better missionaries to our current culture rather than cultural warriors? Our guest Dr. Russell Moore deals with these and other questions in his newest book, Losing our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America. Dr. Moore also briefly discusses events happening in Israel. Topics (02:08) Defining evangelical and “altar call” (07:18) How do altar calls frame your book? (12:47) “What is not repaired is repeated” (18:36) When good becomes a god (24:11) Why we shouldn’t be culture warriors (32:10) On disagreement and dehumanizing (37:29) Are Christians moving away from seeking political power? (46:08) Moving past romanticized nostalgia (48:39) On the war in Israel Resources Transcript (PDF) Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America, Russell Moore The best and worst of evangelical Christianity in America: An excerpt from Losing Our Religion by Russell Moore American Christians Should Stand with Israel under Attack, Russell Moore ‘Bothsidesism’ About Hamas Is a Moral Failure, Russell Moore About Russell Moore Russell Moore is Editor in Chief of Christianity Today and is the author of Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America and many other books. About Dr. Mark Turman Dr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture. About Denison Forum Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

When your children ask hard questions about conflict in the Middle East, what will you say? Parents and grandparents may feel overwhelmed and underprepared when it comes to talking about the ongoing crisis in Israel, but children are still affected by what they see and hear—and they often see and hear much more than we think, especially in our media-saturated culture. So how much should you share? How can you educate yourself on the conflict to speak confidently about it? To speak biblically about it? And how can we encourage our children to make a difference where they live even when war seems so far away? Steph Thurling, Executive Director of Christian Parenting, talks with Denison Ministries CEO Dr. Jim Denison. Together, they offer keen biblical insight and practical ways to talk about this crisis with your children and grandchildren. Topics (01:48) A very short history of Israel and Palestine|  (04:21) Who’s occupying whom? (08:30) The difference between Palestine and Hamas (12:38) Why is Israel so important to so many? (14:43) What does the Bible say about the current crisis in Israel? (17:20) How can we talk with our kids about the Israel crisis? (24:10) How can families show support for Israel? (27:25) More resources on the crisis in Israel (29:54) A prayer for the Middle East Resources Transcript (PDF) Talking with your kids about the war in Israel, Steph Thurling The Christian Parenting Podcast Network The latest Denison Forum content on the Israel crisis Radical Islam: What You Need to Know, Jim Denison Texas Baptist Men Red Cross State Department Travel Advisories: Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Council on Foreign Relations A Middle East Wake-Up Call, (paywall) Walter Russell Mead About Steph Thurling Steph Thurling is executive director of Christian Parenting, host of The Christian Parenting Podcast, and a mom of three amazing kids! Steph has her master’s in youth, family, and culture from Fuller Theological Seminary and has a background in youth and children’s ministry. She is co-author of Raising Prayerful Kids, a book that shares easy, life-giving, and fun ways to teach kids to pray. She loves helping families grow closer to each other and to God through meaningful experiences and conversations. Steph is a frequent speaker at churches and mom groups and is known for her relatable stories, practical ideas, and gentle encouragement. About Dr. Jim Denison Jim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries. He speaks biblically into significant cultural issues at Denison Forum. He is the chief author of The Daily Article and has written more than 30 books, including The Coming Tsunami, the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series, and The Fifth Great Awakening. About Denison Forum Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.  

Dr. Jim Denison shares biblical insight and expert knowledge on the many questions swirling around the ongoing war in Israel: What is a kibbutz, and why was one so brutally attacked by Hamas? Is Hamas really a terror organization, or are they an oppressed group fighting for legitimate survival? Does Hamas truly and rightfully represent the Palestinian people, or are they self-appointed power mongers who refuse free elections and retain power by intimidation? If a group is oppressed or attacked, are all means of retaliation legitimate? Is all of history the story of one person oppressing another or one group or nation oppressing another? Does God love Palestinians and Israelites? Resources ●      Unedited transcript (PDF) ●      How can we pray for Israel? Foundations with Janet ●      Talking with your kids about the war in Israel, Christian Parenting ●      Current DF resources on the war in Israel About Dr. Jim Denison Jim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries. He speaks biblically into significant cultural issues at Denison Forum. He is the chief author of The Daily Article and has written more than 30 books, including The Coming Tsunami, the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series, and The Fifth Great Awakening. About Dr. Mark Turman Dr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture. About Denison Forum Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.  

The crisis between Israel and the terrorist group Hamas based in the southern region of Israel called Gaza is now in its fifth day. News media includes startling reports of horrific atrocities by Hamas. The Israeli government and military are mobilizing for a strong and significant response. Innocent people and children on all sides are caught in the middle. Countries around the world are on heightened alert as more violence is feared. Blame is being randomly assigned. How should Christians understand this conflict from a biblical perspective? How can people be so cruel and brutal to each other? Where can we find hope as we watch and pray and seek to help? Additional resources: Unedited transcript (PDF) Current DF resources on the war in Israel

As war in Israel begins, questions abound. What is the crisis in Israel? Who is Hamas, and why did they attack Israel? How is Israel responding? Why should Christians care, and how should we pray and help? What might this new conflict mean for larger nations? How is faith and religion sometimes used as a cloak to cover a relentless pursuit of power? Dr. Jim Denison discusses these and other critical issues connected to the new war between Israel and Hamas. Note: This episode was recorded on the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023. Topics ●      Who is Hamas? | 03:02 ●      How does Hamas view Christians? | 05:15 ●      Understanding Israel’s geography | 07:21 ●      Defining “occupied territory” | 12:30 ●      Why did Hamas attack now? | 19:10 ●      What are the larger ramifications of war in Israel? | 21:59 ●      Defining radical Islam | 29:14 ●      Cloaking power in religious garb | 36:08 ●      How should Christians view this conflict? | 41:46 ●      A prayer for the crisis | 51:25 Resources ●     Unedited transcript (PDF) ●     War in Israel resource page ●     Hamas and Radical Islam: What Christians need to know ●     How did the war in Israel happen? Israeli intelligence failures and spiritual warfare ●     “This is our 9/11”: Why did Hamas attack Israel? What comes next? ●     How to think biblically about Israel About Dr. Jim Denison Jim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries. He speaks biblically into significant cultural issues at Denison Forum. He is the chief author of The Daily Article and has written more than 30 books, including The Coming Tsunami, the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series, and The Fifth Great Awakening. About Dr. Mark Turman Dr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture. About Denison Forum Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.  

Can our faith be as bold as the first Christians’ faith? The Holy Spirit who moved through the first-century church is still the same today. God’s power is still just as powerful. So why aren’t most of us experiencing his power in our churches and in our personal lives? Dr. Jim Denison joins The Denison Forum Podcast to discuss Bold Faith: First-Century Lessons for Twenty-First-Century Christians, his biblical commentary on the Book of Acts. Topics How should we discuss the book of Acts? | 02:28 How do we discern abiding truth within the narrative parts of the Bible? | 03:49 Who should read Bold Faith? | 09:05 What is the kingdom of God? Why does it matter? | 11:28 The beauty and joy of obeying Christ as king | 15:37 Why does the Bible offer macro and micro stories? | 19:44 Do you believe in a big God? | 22:23 Every Christian needs an Acts 1:8 strategy | 24:30 What are we getting right, or wrong, about the Holy Spirit? | 30:05 On being Pentecostal, evangelical, and sacramental | 34:00 How does Acts 8 show God turning evil to good? | 42:00 Why God is concerned about all of us—and each of us | 49:30 Why the book of Acts is still relevant today | 55:10 Resources Unedited transcript (PDF) BOOK: Bold Faith: First-Century Lessons for Twenty-First-Century Christians, by Dr. Jim Denison ARTICLE: See the one: An excerpt from "Bold Faith" by Dr. Jim Denison BOOK: Evangelical, Sacramental, and Pentecostal: Why the Church Should Be All Three, by Gordon T. Smith PODCAST: “The most exciting moment in my lifetime for the gospel in Cuba”: A conversation with Proclaim Cuba About Dr. Jim Denison Jim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries. He speaks biblically into significant cultural issues at Denison Forum. He is the chief author of The Daily Article and has written more than 30 books, including The Coming Tsunami, the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series, and The Fifth Great Awakening. About Dr. Mark Turman Dr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture. About Denison Forum Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

“The early church is still walking and running around the streets of my Cuba.” With a population of more than 11 million people just ninety miles off the coast of Florida, Cuba was once considered the "paradise of the Caribbean," welcoming tourists from around the world. Today, its history, culture, and faith are shrouded in legend and myth.  But God has not abandoned Cuba. He is present, active, and igniting both revival in the church and awakening across this beautiful island.  In this episode, we talk with Cuban natives Pastor Carlos Alamino and his son Carly about their thirty-plus years of planting churches and creating relevant gospel ministries to children, students, women, and sports enthusiasts.  You'll also hear about Proclaim Cuba's strong work in discipleship and ministry training and its vision to plant seven hundred new churches and eighteen ministry hubs across Cuba. Topics The best of Cuba | 02:09 How Dr. Denison met Pastor Carlos | 04:40 Spiritual awakening in Cuba | 08:03 The power of ideas | 09:53 Visiting Cuba | 12:05 How Pastor Carlos Alamino came to faith | 14:32 Proclaim Cuba and the Cuban church today | 19:55 Proclaim Cuba’s sports ministry | 21:19 What is seminary like in Cuba? | 23:00 Equipping Cuban Christians to share the gospel | 27:13 Church planting in Cuba | 31:24 Establishing ministry centers throughout Cuba | 37:26 On being Christian in Cuba | 39:37 How to pray for Cuba | 48:17 A prayer for Cuba | 51:11 Resources Unedited transcript (PDF) Proclaim Cuba Proclaim Cuba’s resources Denison Forum articles on persecution About Proclaim Cuba Proclaim Cuba’s “ministry divisions include a seminary, church planting, pastoring pastors, children’s and youth ministries, women’s ministry, sports evangelism, intercessory prayer, an institute for the arts, and international missions” in Cuba. Their mission is to “reach Cuba and the nations for Christ.  Because we are empowered by God, we empower others. Much work still remains, but we know that God has been and always will be faithful. ‘To God be the glory, great things He has done!’” About Dr. Mark Turman Dr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture. About Denison Forum Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.