I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist

Did Peter declare that water baptism is a requirement for salvation? In the book of Acts, Peter seems to indicate that all believers must be baptized in order to be saved and yet, the writings of Paul and the teachings of Jesus seem to suggest otherwise. How do we resolve this apparent contradiction? In this midweek podcast episode, Frank responds to one of several hostile emails we received after releasing a 60-second video on the topic of baptism. Using the S.T.O.P. method, Frank walks us through the correct interpretation of Acts 2:38 and provides seven reasons why Christians should NOT regard water baptism as a requirement for salvation. Frank also answers questions like: What is the significance of water baptism? Is the Book of Acts prescriptive or descriptive? Did Peter and Paul have opposing views on baptism? What did Jesus say about baptism? How can Christians have fruitful discussions when we disagree on theological points?   By the end of this episode, you will walk away with a better understanding of the expectations and purpose of water baptism as well as the basics of biblical interpretation. Understanding the Bible can be challenging for all Christians at times but taking a moment to S.T.O.P. and ponder the context will make all the difference! To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST, join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into great discussions with like-minded Christians while providing financial support for our ministry.  

Are you unknowingly being misled by false teachers or by misunderstanding certain passages in the Bible? One of the problems with being deceived or misled is that you are unaware that deception is taking place. How can you be assured that you are being led properly so that you can avoid being deceived? In today’s podcast episode, Frank sits down with popular Christian YouTuber and Dallas Theological Seminary graduate, Allen Parr, to discuss his online ministry and the motivation behind his brand-new book, ‘Misled: 7 Lies that Distort the Gospel (and How You Can Discern the Truth)’. Listen as Allen shares one of his own personal experiences of seeing how false doctrine negatively impacted a dear friend. Frank and Allen also touch on questions like: Where did the “Prosperity Gospel” come from? Are physical healing and wealth promised to all believers? Can Christians lose their salvation? How has prophecy been misused? What 3 C’s should Christians remember to avoid misinterpreting the Bible?   Sadly, very few churches teach Christians how to properly interpret the Bible. Allen is actively using this book, his online courses, and his Youtube channel ‘The B.E.A.T’ (which stands for ‘Biblical Encouragement and Truth’), to clear up as many false teachings as possible. Allen Parr will join CIA this year as a course instructor, so consider attending CIA to strengthen your presentation skills! To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST along with an EXCLUSIVE interview with Allen about his personal experience as a Christian YouTuber and online content creator, join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into great discussions with like-minded Christians while providing financial support for our ministry. Resources mentioned in this episode: Allen’s book: https://a.co/d/i3j62Sc Allen’s website: https://allenparr.com/ Allen’s YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/3P1kuJ1 Apply for CIA 2023: https://bit.ly/43LsjXo  

This generation of young adults is totally committed to the idea that they are their own authority. Is there a way to help them understand the biblical worldview and also prepare them to defend it against other counterfeit worldviews? In this midweek podcast episode, Frank interviews his friend and current president of Summit Ministries, Dr. Jeff Myers, to discuss this unique organization that has been active for more than 60 years! Summit Ministries focuses on helping teens and young adults to see the world through a biblical lens, regardless of where they are on their faith journey. Frank and Jeff also give practical tips to parents and youth leaders on how to engage this next generation in tough discussions about sexual issues and guide them in their search for objective truth without pushing them away. As you listen, you’ll find out why Summit Ministries has been so successful at giving its participants an unshakeable faith that lasts well into their adult years! Resources mentioned in this episode: Summit Ministries: https://www.summit.org/ The Dr. Jeff Show: https://bit.ly/3OVhn56  

Are miracles possible? Many academics have ruled miracles out completely, claiming that miracles are a violation of the laws of nature. But is that conclusion reasonable? In this week’s podcast episode, Frank provides reasonable arguments to defend the possibility of miracles. There is a popular philosophical assumption among scholars such as Bart Ehrman and David Hume that supernatural intervention is impossible, leading many to only believe in material causes. As Frank reflects on philosophical ideas and specific examples in history and science, you’ll see why miracles are not only possible, but at least likely to have occurred at various points in history. You’ll hear Frank answer questions like: How often do miracles occur in the Bible? Are miracles a violation of natural laws? What is the purpose of miracles in the Bible? What two things must be established in order to prove Christianity is true? What is the greatest miracle in the Bible?   To reject the possibility of miracles or the existence of God, you must concede that humans are nothing more than molecular machines or moist robots. Are you open to allowing a divine foot in the door? To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST, join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into great discussions with like-minded Christians while providing financial support for our ministry. Resources mentioned in this episode: Bart Ehrman & Justin Bass – Did Jesus of Nazareth rise from the dead? https://bit.ly/43FK4aA  

How can you witness to someone who is apathetic about Christianity? Those who are apathetic to Christianity often have an “I don’t know, and I don’t care” attitude. What’s the best approach to engage in conversation with them without being a nuisance? In this post-Memorial Day midweek podcast episode, Frank interacts with questions from listeners regarding the best Bible translation, gender dysphoria, and witnessing to those who are hostile or uninterested in God.  He also touches on the topic of when war is necessary in order to restore peace and prevent evil people from overrunning the innocent, and how it relates to the famous command that Jesus gave us, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST, be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into great discussions with like-minded Christians while providing financial support for our ministry. Resources mentioned in the episode: Christian Ethics by Dr. Norman Geisler: https://a.co/d/1N9yuZM  

How can you help secular people make sense of God? Cultural, emotional, and volitional obstacles often stand in the way of belief for skeptics, even when they are presented with reasonable arguments. How can we address those obstacles to move the skeptic towards faith in Christ? In this special edition ENCORE podcast episode, Frank interviews world renowned pastor and best-selling author, Dr. Timothy Keller, who recently passed away from pancreatic cancer. Recorded back in 2016, Dr. Keller discusses his book ‘Making Sense of God: An Invitation to the Skeptical’, which includes essential truths that are still relevant for both Christians and skeptics today. This is not your typical apologetics book, because it does more than provide factual evidence for the truth of Christianity. It aims to awaken the sense of transcendence that most of us have latent in our intuitions and desires—meaning, satisfaction, freedom, hope, justice (or a moral compass), and an identity grounded in something stable, something eternal. While we mourn the passing of Dr. Keller, we are truly grateful for the legacy he leaves behind. His contributions to the Church at large and Christian apologetics remain relevant and are sure to have a lasting impact on future generations. Memoriam for Tim Keller: https://bit.ly/3MXMlrS Buy Tim’s book: https://a.co/d/c7JrbG1 Sermons by Tim Keller: https://bit.ly/3IJojP0  

What happens when your job asks you to do something that conflicts with your religious beliefs? Do you just give in because it’s easier than rocking the boat? The same people who say they are fighting for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) often punish or intimidate those who commit the thought crime of disagreeing with transgender ideology (or homosexual behavior) even though these beliefs have NOTHING to do with workplace productivity. And really, why are we even talking about sex at work in the first place?! In this midweek episode, Frank shares what happened when he got fired from his corporate job and gives viewers advice on how they can respectfully engage with a supervisor who is challenging them, including an extensive list of clarifying questions you can present when you are asked to do something that violates your conscience as a Christian. Questions such as: I noticed that our company values tolerance as I do, but what does the company mean by tolerance? Are all employees required to have the same political, religious, or moral beliefs to work here? Does the company think it’s right to force employees to violate their conscience?   If you’re tired of having to hide your conservative or religious beliefs at work as if you live in a totalitarian state rather than America, then this is the episode for you! To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST, join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while providing financial support for our ministry. Resources mentioned during the episode: Sex at Work?: https://bit.ly/3Olx4SP Alliance Defending Freedom: https://adflegal.org/ Correct, Not Politically Correct (Expanded Third Edition): https://amzn.to/457PyMP   Download Transcript

How much truth can you tolerate? That may sound like a strange question, but people often have the tendency to suppress the truth when it doesn’t align with our own personal desires. Why? Because as Paul said in Romans Chapter 1, we want to go our own way! In this week’s podcast, Frank illustrates exactly what this looks like by reflecting on a past exchange he had with a biology student who passionately defended transgenderism during a recent college event but never responded to any of his arguments when he patiently answered her questions. You’ll also learn the 5 MAJOR flaws of transgender ideology, all of which are more heavily detailed in the newly expanded third edition of Frank’s book, ‘Correct, Not Politically Correct: About Same-Sex Marriage and Transgenderism’, which is now available for purchase! Frank also addresses questions like: What are some thought provoking questions to ask those who defend transgenderism? What is the best way to respond to loved ones who say they’re trans or support the movement? What’s more important than winning an argument? Has gender reassignment surgery proven itself to be a cure for gender dysphoria? How has gender reassignment surgery affected the people who have had the procedure?   By the end of the episode, you’ll see that while supporters of this movement seem determined to reject the truth, the consequences of denying reality affect all of us! To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST, join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while providing financial support for our ministry. Resources mentioned during the episode: Correct, Not Politically Correct (Expanded Third Edition): https://amzn.to/457PyMP Biologist Confronts Frank on Gender Theory (video): https://youtu.be/cRPjY-YyHSE Sex Change Regret: https://sexchangeregret.com/   Download Transcript

You want controversy? We’ve got it! In this midweek podcast episode, Phoenix Hayes joins Frank to discuss the expanded third edition of his book, ‘Correct, Not Politically Correct: About Same-Sex Marriage and Transgenderism’. The transgender movement has seemingly swept the Western world by storm, and the ripple effect has resulted in the ostracizing of conservative values, the crippling of women’s sports, and the mutilation of young children! Gender reassignment surgery and hormone replacement therapy has been marketed as the solution to those who believe they suffer from gender dysphoria (previously called gender identity disorder), but the data shows the exact opposite! Frank and Phoenix expose many of the shocking and horrific consequences of “transitioning”, show how same-sex marriage and transgenderism are ultimately harmful to our society, and answer some tough questions from our listeners! Including: Why has the Church been so silent on this issue? Why is transgenderism more common today in girls vs. boys? Should Christians use preferred pronouns? Should certain books be banned in schools? What is the definition of “tolerance” and how should the Church respond? What’s next for the transgender movement and what can we do about it?   To participate in private Q&A sessions with Frank, Phoenix, and other members of the CE team on a variety of cultural issues, 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. Correct, Not Politically Correct (Expanded Third Edition): https://bit.ly/3o0mTIP   Download Transcript

More than a dozen sites have been proposed for the true location of Mount Sinai. But does any one of them show more promise than the others? That’s exactly what award-winning investigative filmmaker Timothy Mahoney has been researching for over 20 years! This week, Frank catches up with Tim to discuss his exciting new film release, ‘Patterns of Evidence: Journey to Mount Sinai: Part 2′ where Tim continues his investigation of the six most popular locations proposed for Mount Sinai in an effort to pinpoint the mountain’s true location. Debuting in theaters on Monday (5/15) and Wednesday (5/17), Part 2 of the film brings even more jaw dropping evidence to the surface, pointing to what Tim believes to be a more accurate placement of this well-known mountain. The film will also explore new discoveries, never before seen by most audiences, including a massive split rock and a mysterious graveyard the size of 12-13 football fields! And just like in Part 1, viewers will have the opportunity to complete their own scorecard using the evidence provided in the second installment so you can determine for yourself which location makes the most sense! To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST along with an exclusive interview with Tim about his experience as an investigative filmmaker, join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while providing financial support for our ministry. Tim’s website: https://patternsofevidence.com/ Movie + ticket information: https://bit.ly/3LZi9uH Download scorecard: https://bit.ly/3g9yeSz