Bill Federer, a best-selling author and historian, sheds light on the intricate foundations of modern-day Israel. He discusses the miraculous re-establishment of Israel in 1948 and how a mere 600,000 Jews triumphed over five invading armies. The conversation dives into the implications of Wahhabism, the complex dynamics of U.S. foreign policy, and historical Arab-Jewish relations. Federer also explores Palestinian displacement, the influence of radical ideologies, and critiques U.S. military interventions, all while advocating for a message of peace.

Historian and author Bill Federer joins the podcast to discuss the history of modern-day Israel. Topics include the establishment of Israel, archaeological evidence supporting their claim to the land, the role of oil in fueling antisemitism, and the ongoing dispute over land. Stay tuned for the upcoming episode to delve even further into the history and conflict between Israel and Palestine.

We all witnessed the footage and truly disturbing reports following the 10/7 Hamas attack on Israel, but just how bad was it? With a death toll of 1400+ and hostages who are still in captivity, the devastation caused at the hands of the "religion of peace" can't be understated. What's happening in Israel today and what can the Church and Americans do to help? It's a brand-new year and we're kicking it off by getting an eyewitness account of what's really been going on in Israel since it was invaded by the Hamas terrorist group. For this midweek podcast episode, our friend, president of All Things Possible Ministries, and former member of the military, Victor Marx, joins Frank LIVE from Israel to talk about what he's seen in the aftermath of the recent attacks. How are Victor and his team helping to heal trauma among Israeli citizens? Should Americans be worried about possible attacks in the U.S.? How can we pray for Israel and America? All these questions and more will be addressed in this informative but difficult discussion. Please be forewarned, this conversation may be tough for some to hear and may not be age appropriate for a younger audience. That being said, we feel it's a much needed subject to tackle in light of these current events and pray that this episode provides encouragement and awareness for our listeners. To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry. You can also SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE. DONATE to Victor's work in Israel: https://victormarx.com/israel/ Download Transcript

The statistics show that skepticism, atheism, and agnosticism are on the rise among American adults today, along with hostility towards the Christian faith. But what if these current statistics aren't telling the whole story? Could it be that people are just as curious about God today as they've always been? It's the final podcast episode of 2023 and we're going out with a bang! This week, Frank talks with the one and only Lee Strobel about his brand-new book, 'Is God Real: Exploring the Ultimate Question of Life.' Aiming to answer today's biggest objections to God's existence (the problem of evil and divine hiddenness), Lee uses his latest book to unpack some of the best philosophical, scientific, and historical evidence for God. During their conversation, Frank and Lee will answer questions like: What makes this book unique in comparison to Lee's previous work? How has the attitude towards atheism evolved in recent decades? Why doesn't God make His existence more obvious? Which top scholars did Lee interview for the book? Why is faith in God (seemingly) on the decline in America? Which argument for God is most difficult for atheists to counter? What is the Apologetics Pyramid and how do you use it as a tool for evangelism?   As you'll hear during the episode, not a second goes by without someone (about 200 someones to be exact!) Googling the question: "Is God Real?" which leads to a digital tidal wave of information that generates more confusion than answers. On the contrary, Lee's book is an easy, yet compelling and logical explanation that pulls the apologetic cookies from the top shelf to the bottom shelf for anyone open and interested in learning more about the evidence we have for God's existence. And for those who want to go even further in their studies, consider enrolling in the Lee Strobel Center for Evangelism and Applied Apologetics at Colorado Christian University! To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry. You can also SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE. Resources mentioned on the podcast: Lee's Book: Is God Real? Lee's website: LeeStrobel.com The Lee Strobel Center at Colorado State University Download Transcript

Is Harvard ready to embrace THE truth or is it doubling down on President Claudine Gay's "truth"? Just a couple weeks ago, Frank discussed the rising antisemitism on college campuses like Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, and MIT. During this midweek episode, Frank continues the conversation and briefly addresses President Gay's plagiarism scandal and the Harvard Crimson's censorship of Alan Dershowitz, a Jewish liberal and former Harvard professor who recently wrote an opinion piece on the matter. He also takes a look at Harvard's surprising history and how this so-called esteemed institution has totally gone off the rails. Later in the show, Frank also takes the time to respond to some listener questions surrounding objective morality, the real meaning of Christmas, NDEs (near death experiences), and confronting heresy among fellow believers. Is there a war between Christianity and science? What do NDEs tell us about Christianity? How do you navigate conversations with professing Christians who believe heresies? All of these questions and more will be discussed in this jam-packed midweek podcast episode you definitely don't want to miss! To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry. You can also SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE. Article: The Harvard Crimson Refuses to Publish My Letter Critical of President Claudine Gay Blog Post: He Gets Us, But Do We Get Him? The Case for Criticizing False Teachers Download Transcript

Have you ever wondered where Christmas traditions come from? Better yet, is there any CHRISTIAN truth to these traditions, or are they all rooted in paganism? And what's the deal with Santa Claus? Where did he come from and how did he become such a legend in the hearts and minds of both children and adults? The answers may surprise you! Back by popular demand (and just in time for the holidays), nationally known speaker and best-selling author, Bill Federer, joins Frank to discuss the TRUE history of Christmas and debunk some of the popular myths circulating online about its origins. During this episode, Bill will unpack the story of St. Nicholas as detailed in his popular book 'There Really Is a Santa Claus', and explore the various Christmas traditions that have evolved across different cultures over time. Listen as Frank and Bill answer questions like: Was Jesus really born on December 25th? Is Christmas a copycat of Sol Invictus? What role did St. Nicholas play at the Council of Nicaea? Where did the Christmas tree come from? How did Martin Luther change Germany’s Christmas traditions? Is it ok for Christians to use the term X-mas and where did it come from? Should Christians teach their kids that the mythical Santa Claus is real? What is the true meaning of Christmas?   And so much more! As you'll hear in this fascinating conversation, Bill is an amazing historian, storyteller, and fan favorite of the CrossExamined community. His wealth of knowledge on this subject will not only encourage you to defend the Christmas holiday, but also help you to see how it ultimately points to the plan of redemption. For more fun facts about history, be sure to sign up for Bill's email list by visiting his website, AmericanMinute.com. To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry. You can also SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE. Bill's website: American Minute You can purchase Bill's Christmas book on his website HERE. Download Transcript

Investigative reporter Megan Basham discusses the infiltration of leftist ideologies in churches, focusing on the influence of secular LGBTQ organizations, biases in Christian media, and the questionable stances of pastors. The pressure to renounce Christian beliefs and combat cultural influence is examined, along with the importance of identifying false teachers and avoiding manipulation. The distinction between policy debates and moral issues is explored, emphasizing the need to use biblical language and reject ideologies that rebel against Jesus in churches.

Why has antisemitism exploded on college campuses and around the world? In the aftermath of the horrifying Oct. 7th Hamas attack on Israel, students and even faculty members of some of our most prestigious institutions have gone on record to support the senseless and evil slaughtering of innocent Israeli citizens. As blatant acts of bullying and harassment have now been redirected toward Jewish college students, are the aggressors involved being held accountable? During this week's podcast episode, Frank reviews some disturbing headlines regarding antisemitism on college campuses and also talks about the recent congressional testimony of not one, but THREE (!) university presidents from Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, and MIT who clearly stated on record that calling for the genocide (death) of Jews only constitutes harassment "depending on the context". Frank will also play clips from the congressional meeting so that you can hear the madness for yourself! Listen as Frank answers questions like: Where must we draw the line when it comes to freedom of speech? Where does Harvard president Claudine Gay TOTALLY drop the ball when it comes to objective truth and morality? What "truths" are colleges like Harvard and Penn actually teaching their students? If freedom of speech is so important to Harvard and Penn, how do they currently rank according to the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression?   When Ivy League presidents like Claudine Gay can't come right out and say that calling for the murder of Jews is objectively wrong, we have a BIG problem. Is a gaslight apology coupled with the lighting of menorah candles enough to vindicate leaders who unashamedly defend the violent pro-Palestinian agenda? Frank will discuss all this and more in this eye-opening and emotional podcast episode. To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry. You can also SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE. Resources mentioned during the podcast: The Most Extreme Anti-Israel, Hamas-Sympathizing Moments on College Campuses Since the 10/7 Attacks ‘I Am Sorry’: Harvard President Gay Addresses Backlash Over Congressional Testimony on Antisemitism The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression Download Transcript

Who (or WHAT) is discipling you and your family? We often talk about discipleship in Christian circles, with most of us instinctively associating it with some form of ministry training. While this is certainly an aspect of discipleship, it doesn't quite encapsulate the concept as a whole. Is it safe to assume that the Church has been exclusive in its pursuit of producing disciples? Or has the culture managed to make a few disciples of its own? In this midweek podcast, Phoenix Hayes sits down with former public school teacher, OCC instructor, and Biola certified Christian apologist, Shanda Fulbright, to talk about some practical ways to make faithful disciples. With help from Daniel and his Jewish friends, Shanda will explain what Christians can learn about discipleship from their experience in Babylon. During the episode, Phoenix and Shanda will answer questions like: What are three key ingredients to effective discipleship? Is Christian discipleship just another form of "indoctrination"? Why were Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego targeted by Babylon? How many professing Christians in the U.S. actually hold a biblical worldview? What can parents (and the Church) do to curtail culture's influence on their kids?   As you'll hear during this episode, the unwavering faith of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego didn't happen by accident. What was it that gave them the courage and the confidence to stand against the culture of their day? Listen and learn! Do you need help discipling your 6-8th grader? Then don't miss the opportunity to enroll your child in Shanda's upcoming PREMIUM COURSE, 'Let's Get Real: Examining the Evidence for God', which kicks off on January 8th! During this 12-week course, each student will participate in 11 LIVE Zoom discussions with Shanda, and the 12th week will feature a LIVE Q&A session with Frank! Class starts soon so don't delay, enroll your child HERE today! To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry. You can also SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE. Connect with Shanda online: https://www.shandafulbright.com/ Take one of Shanda's online courses: Train Your Brain: An Introduction to Logic - Self-Paced version for KIDS or ADULTS Let's Get Real: Examining the Evidence for God - PREMIUM course for 6-8th graders starts on 1/8! Grab a copy of our new comic book just in time for Christmas! HARDCOVER - $11.99 SOFTCOVER - $3.99 Download Transcript

Dr. William Dembski discusses using mathematics to detect design in nature, exploring concepts like biological systems, specified complexity, and probabilistic hurdles. They also delve into the challenges faced by materialists in explaining the origin of life and analyze the flaws in Richard Dawkins' argument for 'Climbing Mount Improbable'.