Truth Changes Everything

Today, we're talking about something every follower of Jesus should consider carefully—influence. Whether we notice it or not, we're constantly shaping the people around us. But what does Christlike influence actually look like, and how do we steward it well? We'll explore how faith reframes our understanding of persuasion, leadership, and everyday impact—and why influence becomes most powerful when it flows "from above." My guest today is Brian Ahearn. Brian is the Chief Influence Officer at Influence PEOPLE and a faculty member at the Cialdini Institute. He's an international speaker, coach, and consultant, and one of only a dozen people worldwide to hold the Cialdini Method Certified Trainer designation, as well as the Pre-suasion Trainer certification. He's written four books on influence, including Influence PEOPLE, named one of the Top 100 Influence Books of All Time. His LinkedIn courses have reached more than 800,000 learners, and his TEDx Talk on pre-suasion has surpassed one million views. Please send us your feedback and questions to: podcast@summit.org.

Our world is being re-educated. Universities once devoted to truth and reason have become centers for ideology and activism, shaping a generation to believe that truth is relative, morality is subjective, and power is all that matters. But what happens when a culture loses confidence in truth itself? And how can Christians think clearly—and live faithfully—when the classroom becomes the battlefield of ideas? Today we'll be talking about how truth changes the way we think, the way we live, and the way we stand in a culture that's forgotten what truth even is. Our guest today is Corey Miller. Corey grew up in Utah as a seventh-generation Mormon. He came to Christ, and later became a pastor, philosophy professor, campus minister, and now serves as the president/CEO of Ratio Christi (RatioChristi.org). He has authored or edited five books, including his latest book, The Progressive Miseducation of America: Confronting the Cultural Revolution from the Classroom to Your Community. He holds three master's degrees, along with a PhD from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. His thinking centers on the intersection of faith, reason, and culture.  Please send us your feedback and questions to: podcast@summit.org.

Do you ever wonder if Jesus really claimed to be God? Maybe you've heard people say, "Jesus never said he was God," or you've been asked, "Why believe Jesus is divine if he never claimed it?" These questions don't just come from skeptics outside the church—they show up in church, too. Even if you're not coming from a place of doubt, you might still wonder how well what we're taught about Jesus matches up with what he actually said. So, did the historical Jesus really claim to be divine? That's what today's discussion is all about. Today we're honored to have on Dr. Mikel Del Rosario. Mikel is a professor of Bible and theology at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. He has coauthored 31 journal articles on apologetics and cultural engagement in Bibliotheca Sacra alongside his mentor, Darrell L. Bock. A member of the Evangelical Theological Society, Del Rosario hosts The Apologetics Guy Show, a podcast on YouTube and the Christianity Today Network, and previously hosted Dallas Theological Seminary's cultural engagement podcast, The Table. He lives in Chicago with his wife, where he enjoys teaching, writing, and engaging with culture. Please send us your feedback and questions to: podcast@summit.org

What if the people we overlook in church are the ones God calls indispensable? What if disability isn't a barrier to ministry, but a doorway to rediscovering the heart of Christ? Inclusion isn't just about access—it's about transformation. In a world shaped by ability and performance, the church has a chance to lead differently. This episode explores how embracing those with disabilities can reshape our communities, renew our mission, and reveal the true nature of the gospel. Our guest today is Russ Ewell. Russ is an author, minister, and social entrepreneur, as well as the lead pastor of Bay Area Christian Church. As a father to sons with Autism and Down Syndrome, he has found purpose in overcoming human limits through family, faith, and technology. As CEO of Digital Scribbler and founder of Hope Technology Group, E-Sports, and Deep Spirituality, he has created tools and communities that empower the silenced and marginalized. His work in AAC tech, inclusive sports, and spiritual leadership has earned a Jefferson Award and Congressional Citation. He inspires transformative thinking, leadership, and a personal, powerful relationship with God. Please send us your feedback and questions to: podcast@summit.org

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of helping your kids see the world the way God does? Or maybe parenting leaves you feeling a little disoriented—like you're spinning upside-down? You're not alone. We all love our kids and want them to have a flourishing faith and embrace God's upside-down Kingdom.  Today, we're honored to have Matt Jones and Janel Greig on the show. They are co-hosts of Summit's newest podcast: Upside-Down Parenting! In the podcast, they offer practical insights, biblical wisdom, and encouragement to help you navigate the tough times and everyday challenges of parenting. If parenting sometimes feels upside-down, that's okay. Following God's design often is upside-down compared to the world around us—and that's exactly what makes it so powerful. Subscribe to Upside-Down Parenting on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or subscribe on YouTube!

What happens when the church no longer sits at the center of culture? How do we make sense of a world where millions are leaving the pews, yet traces of Christianity still shape the very stories people tell about meaning, beauty, and truth? Beneath the surface of shifting cultural narratives lies a deeper question: how can we reawaken the memory of Christianity in hearts that no longer know its hope? This is where cultural apologetics steps in. Our guest today is Collin Hansen. Collin serves as vice president for content and editor-in-chief of The Gospel Coalition. He hosts the Gospelbound podcast and has written and contributed to many books, including Timothy Keller: His Spiritual & Intellectual Formation and Rediscover Church: Why the Body of Christ Is Essential. He is a member of Iron City Church in Birmingham, Alabama, and he is an adjunct professor at Beeson Divinity School, where he also co-chairs the advisory board. Please send us your feedback and questions to: podcast@summit.org  

Truth Rising isn't just a documentary—it's a call to courage for Christians navigating a culture redefining faith, identity, and morality. In this episode, Dr. Jeff sits down with John Stonestreet of the Colson Center as they explore the civilizational moment we're living in and why clarity and conviction matter more than ever for Christians. Through the lens of Truth Rising, they discuss how ordinary believers can make an extraordinary impact by choosing courage over fear and grounding their lives in Christ-centered truth. Truth Rising: The Study is a four-part small group study designed to move Christians from feeling powerless in the face of civilizational decline to realizing their God-given calling in history. Built on the framework of hope, truth, identity, and calling, each lesson teaches a key ingredient of the Christian worldview so Christians can be equipped with unshakeable confidence in the Truth. Then, each teaching video is followed by the inspiring story of a Christian who lived out the Truth to show what courage can look like in our cultural moment. Truth Rising: The Study is taught by John Stonestreet, President of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, featuring the inspiring stories of Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Jack Phillips, Chloe Cole, and Omega Buckner. Learn more at colsoncenter.org/truth.   

In this episode of Truth Changes Everything, astronomer Hugh Ross explores the ways God has revealed Himself through both Scripture and creation. Drawing from the "two books" God has given humanity—the Bible and the natural world—Hugh shows how evidence in the cosmos points to a wise and loving Creator. Parents will discover practical insights on helping their children understand God's handiwork and nurturing a faith that can stand up to questions about science, the universe, and belief. Send us your feedback and questions to: podcast@summit.org! 

Do you need to understand the culture in order to effectively share the truth? In this episode, apologist Tim Barnett examines the apostle Paul's culturally thoughtful engagement in Acts 17 and explores what it can teach Christians today. From Paul's interaction with the philosophers in Athens to his ability to connect timeless truth with the beliefs, values, and questions of his audience, Tim draws practical parallels to the cultural landscape worldwide.   Listeners will be challenged to think more carefully about how faith is communicated in a pluralistic society—and how cultural awareness, when grounded in truth, can strengthen Christian witness rather than compromise it. Send us your feedback and questions to: podcast@summit.org! 

What if investing wasn't just about profit, but about people? What if the way we work, spend, and steward resources could reflect God's heart for justice, beauty, and human flourishing? In a world driven by gain, every choice we make—how we work, spend, and invest—flows from what we believe about God and the world he made. If creation is good and every neighbor bears His image, then even our economics becomes a form of witness. This conversation explores how the gospel reshapes our view of wealth, purpose, and human dignity, and how faithful stewardship can point the world toward the goodness of God's kingdom. Our guest is Robin John. Born in a small village in India, Robin immigrated to the U.S. at age eight. His family settled in Boston as the only Indian family in an Irish and Italian neighborhood. After graduating from Tufts University, Robin entered the corporate world, where he saw firsthand the power businesses have to create value and blessings—or to cause harm. Robin is the cofounder and CEO of Eventide, an asset management firm dedicated to honoring God by investing in companies that pursue the common good. Eventide has become one of the largest faith-based asset managers, inspiring people to embrace "investing that makes the world rejoice." Send us your feedback and questions to: podcast@summit.org! 

Is Christmas just a story, or is it grounded in historical fact? Join us as investigative journalist and bestselling author Lee Strobel explores the evidence behind the nativity—examining prophecy, the virgin birth, and historical reliability. Discover whether the birth of Jesus rests on myth or truth, and what that means for faith in today's world. Lee Strobel is a former award-winning legal editor of the Chicago Tribune, a New York Times bestselling author, and a former atheist who became a teaching pastor at three of America's largest churches. His investigative approach has helped millions examine the claims of Christianity with clarity and confidence. Send us your feedback and questions to: podcast@summit.org! 

On this episode of The Truth Changes Everything Podcast, Dr. Jeff Myers welcomes Bible teacher, preacher, and counselor Jeremy Dehut to explore the documentary Out of Egypt. Jeremy shares his journey into the story of the Exodus, retracing the Israelites' path from slavery to the Promised Land while uncovering surprising connections between biblical history and ancient Egyptian culture. They dive into fresh insights from the Exodus story—how God uses familiar cultural symbols to reveal deeper truths, the challenge of events like the death of the firstborn, and the lessons of covenant faithfulness highlighted in episodes such as the Golden Calf. Jeremy also reflects on his experience climbing Mt. Sinai and how encountering the physical and spiritual weight of the mountain deepened his understanding of God's presence. Finally, they explore how Christians today can draw inspiration from the Exodus story, seeing Jesus as the ultimate deliverer and participating in God's mission of freedom and restoration in the world. Send us your feedback and questions to: podcast@summit.org

In this episode of The Truth Changes Everything Podcast, Dr. Jeff welcomes Kasey Leander for a timely conversation on antisemitism, political turmoil, and how Christians can respond with clarity, courage, and compassion. As global tensions rise and public discourse becomes increasingly polarized, many believers are asking: What does a faithful, biblical response look like? Kasey brings historical insight, cultural awareness, and gospel-centered wisdom to help us navigate these challenging times without fear or compromise. Whether you're a parent, pastor, student, or someone trying to make sense of the headlines, this conversation will help you think deeply and respond faithfully. Subscribe for more weekly conversations that equip you to navigate culture with a Christian worldview.

Every generation faces the pull to drift from orthodoxy—to chase the thrill of false teaching or to be carried along by the cultural tide. And every generation must be reawakened to the true thrill of orthodoxy: the wonder and surprise found in rediscovering the electrifying paradoxes at the center of the Christian faith. In this episode, Dr. Jeff talks with Trevin Wax about his book The Thrill of Orthodoxy. Wax turns the tables on the idea that Christian doctrine is narrow or outdated. Drawing from the church's historic creeds, he explains what orthodoxy is, why we can trust it, and how we often wander from it. By revealing how heresies always shrink the truth—elevating one idea at the expense of the whole—Wax shows that false teaching is ultimately dull and predictable, while orthodoxy is where the real adventure begins. To register for Summit Student Conferences, visit: Summit.org/students/ For additional free resources from Summit, go to: Summit.org/resources 

Is apologetics restricted to just a select group of people? Is it merely for academics? What if we *all* took seriously the call to have answers, a defense, for the hope within (1 Peter 3:15)?  Women in Apologetics (WIA) is a Christian non-profit organization dedicated to educating, equipping, and encouraging women in the art of Christian apologetics. Dr. Jeff Myers talks with leaders from this organization about the importance of empowering women to develop a reasonable and confident faith, grounded in Scripture. Inspired by Luke 10:27, WIA strives to cultivate a holistic approach to faith—loving God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind—while also loving and engaging our neighbors. Join us as we explore, learn, and grow together in faith and apologetics. To find out more about WIA, visit: https://womeninapologetics.com/ To register for Summit Student Conferences, visit: Summit.org/students/ For additional free resources from Summit, go to: Summit.org/resources 

Great civilizations have risen, flourished, and fallen—leaving behind ruins, museum artifacts, and chapters in history books. Today, many wonder: Is the West approaching its own civilizational moment? A civilizational moment is the tipping point when a culture loses the very ideas and moral energy that first animated it. At such crossroads, there are only three paths: • Renewal of the founding vision • Replacement by a new guiding worldview • Decline and eventual collapse In this conversation, Dr. Jeff and Os Guinness explore the foundational question facing the modern West: Are we still connected to the truths and vision that once shaped our flourishing—or have we severed our roots and begun to fade? Os Guinness offers a sweeping yet piercing analysis of our cultural moment, tracing the forces shaping our future and the worldview battles beneath them. But this is not merely a story of crisis—it is one of clarity, courage, and hope. For those who care about the future of the world, who long for a society that honors human dignity and freedom, and who are ready to stand for what truly matters, this episode offers both warning and invitation. To register for Summit Student Conferences, visit: Summit.org/students/ For additional free resources from Summit, go to: Summit.org/resources   

What if American culture isn't faltering because of aggressive secular voices—but because many influential Christian leaders have grown more aligned with secular elites than with the people in the pews? In this conversation, we explore why some leaders are embracing the cultural pressures surrounding issues such as biblical authority, science, sexuality, race, and religious liberty, and how this shift impacts the church and society. More importantly, we'll dig into the roots of this trend and share practical, hopeful ways you can help your family, church, and community stand for truth with clarity and courage. Join us for an eye-opening discussion—and discover how you can be part of the solution. Our guest today is Dr. John West. John is Vice President and Senior Fellow at the Discovery Institute, where he also directs the Center for Science & Culture, focusing on the influence of science and scientism on public policy and culture. Formerly a political science professor and department chair at Seattle Pacific University, he has also taught at California State University, San Bernardino, and Azusa Pacific University, and previously edited syndicated public affairs essays. Dr. West has authored or edited thirteen books, including Stockholm Syndrome Christianity, Darwin Day in America, and works on C.S. Lewis, American politics, and culture, and he has written and directed several documentaries, such as Human Zoos and Biology of the Second Reich, along with contributing to the Science Uprising series. Frequently interviewed by major media outlets, he holds a PhD in Government from Claremont Graduate University and has received numerous academic fellowships and honors. To register for Summit Student Conferences, visit: Summit.org/students/ For additional free resources from Summit, go to: Summit.org/resources

What if the secret to defeating sexual temptation isn't just more willpower—but clearer worship? Why do we trust the lies of a defeated enemy when the truth has already set us free? In a world soaked in compromise, one man is calling Christian men to courage, clarity, and Christ-centered battle. This episode confronts discontent, lust, and the subtle idols of the heart—and casts a bold vision for purity that flows from knowing who Jesus truly is. My guest today is Emeal Zwayne. Emeal "E.Z." is the president of Living Waters, host for the National Bible Bee Competition, and cohost of The Living Waters Podcast. He serves as an executive producer of the Way of the Master TV program and multiple Living Waters films. A passionate communicator, E.Z. speaks at events globally. His latest book, Fight Like A Man, presents biblical truth for combating the enemies of purity that seek to hold you captive in sin. Let's dive in! To register for Summit Student Conferences, visit: Summit.org/students/ For additional free resources from Summit, go to: Summit.org/resources

Does separation of Church and State mean we can't teach the Bible in school? Kori Pennypacker, of Bible2School shares how there's actual legal rules that ALLOW children to receive religious education during the school day--and how this is the biggest mission field closest to you!  Kori Pennypacker is passionate about the Word of God and how it can greatly impact the children in our lives. She serves as Bible2School's CEO. Kori speaks widely on the topic of children in schools. She and her husband, Blaine, have three adult sons and adore their grandchildren. Learn more about Kori and Bible2School. To register for Summit Student Conferences, visit: Summit.org/students/ For additional free resources from Summit, go to: Summit.org/resources

What if adoption were accessible, affordable, and filled with support on both sides? What if women in crisis were met with real help, not judgment—and hopeful families didn't have to navigate the journey alone? In a culture wrestling with the value of life and the meaning of family, a bold vision is reshaping the conversation. Through the love of Christ, faith, compassion, and action are coming together to make a lasting difference. My guest today is Heather Mellott, founder and president of Adoption Finder®. Since launching the organization in 2019, Heather has been on a mission to make adoption more accessible and affordable, support women facing unexpected pregnancies, care for foster youth, and save lives from abortion. She believes every life has intrinsic value and purpose and works to help families be built on love, hope, and lasting support. To register for Summit Student Conferences, visit: Summit.org/students/ For additional free resources from Summit, go to: Summit.org/resources