Crosstalk America

Here's your glimpse at news headlines from this past week, with more details to be had when you review the audio of this Crosstalk broadcast. --President Trump issued a blunt threat to Hamas saying in a Truth Social post that, "...if Hamas continues to kill people in Gaza, which was not the Deal, we will have no choice but to go in and kill them." --Hamas has called on mediators to push for the next steps under the cease-fire. --Due to what was described as the mediators' leniency regarding Hamas' refusal to disarm, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain have issued warnings that the effort to end the war is at risk of collapsing. --The FBI has arrested a suspect in Louisiana who allegedly participated in Hamas in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. --Demonstrators will be taking to the streets across America Saturday against the Trump administration as they participate in "No Kings" protests. --Federal officials are warning that Saturday's nationwide "No Kings" demonstrations could attract extremist elements linked to the Antifa movement, seeking to insight violence and disrupt public order. --A New Mexico County judge and his wife were indicted last week after they were caught housing illegal immigrants, including a suspected Tren De Aragua gang member. --Virginia's Republican Attorney General, Jason Miyares, kicked off a debate on Thursday with text messages in which his Democratic opponent, Jay Jones, wished death on a political rival. --Border "Czar" Tom Homan said his family has been in hiding due to death threats while reporters try to find out where his family is located.

We now have a Middle East peace plan. The problem is, how do you suddenly erase a tenet of Islam that demands the killing of infidels (Christians and Jews)? How do Islamic nations that want to wipe Israel off the face of the earth all of a sudden accept Israel as a nation? Is peace with Islam attainable or is there a deception underway that is going into silence for a time only to resurge with a greater fury than ever? Returning to Crosstalk to address this subject was Usama Dakdok. Usama is founder of the Straight Way of Grace Ministry. He is the speaker on the daily radio broadcast, Revealing the Truth About Islam. Hamas, Hezbollah, ISIS, the PLO...the name doesn't matter. According to Usama, they're all on the same team. This is the key point to understand, particularly as it pertains to whether or not Hamas is really ready to recognize Israel's right to exist. This would not seem to be the case as Jim indicated that Qatar and Turkey want to rebuild Hamas, not Gaza. As audio from an Islamic cleric showed, the goal is to make America an Islamic nation. In light of that, what are we to make of the security guarantees made to Qatar and the training of their military pilots on U.S. soil? Is this a "Trojan horse" that President Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth are somehow not aware of? Jim also reported that Pope Leo is opening a Muslim prayer room at the Vatican. All of this shows how the world appears to be rolling out the "red carpet" for Islam, but will its adherents show thanks in the form of lasting peace? How can it when the term Islam means "submission"? Hear what Usama's experience and research shows.

Micah McCurry is an evangelist & director of Bible Tracts, Inc., a ministry with a faith-driven commitment to share the Gospel far and wide with excellence. He's host of the radio program, Bible Tract Echoes. This broadcast explores why sharing our faith seems so difficult, yet on the other hand, why you should be excited to do it. For example, there are various things you can incorporate that can help along the way beginning with your personal testimony—your story! Remember, no one can tell your story quite like you can. You'll also learn how you can respectfully take conversation from the natural to the supernatural. Then there's the issue of sharing Bible tracts. Does that seem rather old-fashioned? Micah understands that sentiment. However, as he noted, like seeds, tracts need to be planted and Bible Tracts, Inc., can help you do that by supplying various types of tracts, even some for law enforcement and EMS personnel. So supercharge your personal evangelism efforts by listening to this edition of Crosstalk and learn more, including details about an exciting project: an autobiography of Bible Tracts, Inc., founder, Paul Levin.

Pastor Jim Scudder Jr. is senior pastor of Quentin Road Baptist Church in Lake Zurich, IL. He's an author and also is the speaker on the program InGrace which airs on WVCY Television, VCY.tv and on VCY America Radio. Pastor Scudder has a passion for souls and a desire to teach others about our Savior's love. He also has a special love for the nation of Israel and the Jewish people. For 738 days, people around the world had been praying for the release of the hostages, brutally taken by Hamas on October 7th, 2023. Then in Egypt yesterday, President Trump, along with world leaders from Egypt, Turkey and Qatar, signed the Gaza peace plan. This has resulted in 20 live hostages being returned along with the bodies of four deceased hostages, leaving another 24 behind. Listen and get details regarding the hostage release you won't get from mainstream media as Pastor Scudder, from Israel, discusses comments from the captors regarding President Trump and Kamala Harris, what he encountered at Hostage Square, the significance of Joy of Torah, Trump's quote of "peace forever," why Israel is a miracle nation and much more.

Jim began the program with news out of Israel that all remaining live hostages taken by Hamas were returned to Israel amidst great joy and celebration. He also noted that as part of this, President Trump made an address before the Israeli Knesset. Be listening to Crosstalk tomorrow where we will have more on this story as details continue to unfold. While the celebration of Halloween in America goes back many years, it's become such a phenomenon that spending on this holiday is forecast to reach a record high of over 13 billion dollars, with the average person spending just over $114. Is this day and its various activities just innocent fun or is it something that glorifies Satan and the occult and therefore should be avoided? Returning to Crosstalk to answer that question was Dr. David Brown, Pastor Emeritus of the First Baptist Church in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Dr. Brown began the discussion regarding Halloween with a Bible verse that should put to rest any controversy surrounding this issue. That verse is 1 Timothy 4:1 which says: "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;" From that basis, Dr. Brown continued by providing some background information to get listeners to see exactly why the Bible contains this warning. So this edition of Crosstalk you'll learn about: The history of Halloween going back to the days of the Druids. The history of Halloween costumes, bonfires, trick or treat and jack-o'-lanterns. "White witchcraft"--Is it really different? The astonishing number of people relying on astrology, tarot cards, fortune tellers and horoscopes.

Jim presented news items from many parts of the world with initial emphasis on Middle East peace, China and the government shutdown. Here's a sample of stories that were highlighted: --After more than six hours of debate, the Israeli government voted to approve the first stage of a U.S. brokered plan to end the war in Gaza and return the hostages. --Yesterday, the Trump administration announced that the U.S. is sending approximately 200 troops to Israel in order to monitor the peace deal in Gaza. --Yesterday President Trump confirmed that he will visit Israel to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and deliver a major address to Israel's parliament. --President Trump said that he would try to attend an official signing ceremony for the agreement in Egypt but said the exact timing for the meeting still needed to be determined. --In New York City, on October 7th, on the second anniversary of the terror attack on Israel, Muslims yelled out in protest. Jim provided audio. --The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuela's opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado. --Russian strikes in recent days have wiped out more than half of Ukraine's domestic natural gas production, likely forcing the war-battered nation to spend about 2.2 billion dollars on fuel imports in order to survive the upcoming winter. --The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned more than 50 individuals, entities and vessels involved in the export of Iranian energy. --China has unveiled sweeping new export restrictions on rare earth minerals and related technology. --The U.S. State Department has fired a diplomat over his relationship with a woman alleged to have ties to the Chinese Communist Party

Dr. Jimmy DeYoung Jr. is a speaker, teacher, Mideast guide, videographer and speaker on Prophecy Today. He lived and worked in Jerusalem for many years before he returned to the States for continued ministry. He is a fully credentialed journalist and has led numerous tours to Israel. Yesterday the news broke. Hamas had agreed to the first phase of a peace deal that would free the remaining hostages, while Israel's troops would withdraw from Gaza. In addition, Israel will have to give back about 250 terrorist Palestinian prisoners who are serving life sentences, along with about 17 others who were arrested after the October 7th massacre. When will the remaining Israeli hostages be able to walk free? Will releasing 250 terrorist Palestinian prisoners merely reset the clock for the rebuilding of Hamas? Has the IDF stopped fighting in Gaza? What affect is all this having on the Israeli cabinet? These are just some of the questions that are answered on this edition of Crosstalk, as Jim and Dr. DeYoung discuss: Operation: Returning to Their Borders, which is based upon Jeremiah 31:16.

We continuously hear of the atrocities happening in Central Asia. Then there's the devastation of Russia's war with Ukraine with thousands of lives lost. There's the Taliban's control of Afghanistan with those living there having to flee to other nations. As devastating as these issues are, what must not be ignored is the fact that the persecution of believers continues. In spite of this, the Gospel is flourishing. People are coming to Christ and churches are being planted. The burden of the laborers is heavy. They need help to take care of physical needs to grant relief to many who are hurting or suffering. That opens the door to Gospel ministry. Are you willing to help? Appearing on Crosstalk to tell us more was "Timlar Kovalchuk" (Koh-vul-chook) (a pseudonym used to protect him and others). Timlar has been actively involved as a missionary in evangelism for nearly 28 years, the last 15 in outreach to Muslims in Central Asia. Beginning with Ukraine, Timlar noted how it's getting increasingly worse around the Kiev area. In spite of that, he's seen military members coming to Christ while other individuals have come to Christ via camp ministry. Timlar also recounted plans for a youth camp in Turkmenistan. Somehow the secret police (KGB) found out about it, followed up on the youth contacts and began to threaten the parents with loss of work as well as jail time. This is just two examples of what Timlar and his co-laborers in the Lord are having to face, yet the Gospel is moving forward. In fact, as it pertains to the Gospel's impact in Ukraine he said "...it's been beautiful to watch." Listen in as Timlar recounts more!

Some days will forever live in infamy. In America, the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and the Islamic attack on New York on September 11th of 2001, are two such instances. Another such day is October 7th, 2023, when Islamic terrorism struck America's greatest Mideast ally, Israel, in a horrendous and barbaric attack. Afterward, many nations, media sources and even politicians flipped their narrative and have actually blamed Israel, accusing them of genocide. Returning to Crosstalk to look back at this day in Israel's history was Dr. Richard Schmidt. Dr. Schmidt is pastor of Union Grove Baptist Church, and founder of Prophecy Focus Ministries. He is the speaker on the weekly TV program, Prophecy Focus and the radio broadcast, Prophecy Unfolding. He spent 32 years in law enforcement until his retirement in which he was acting sheriff of Milwaukee County. He has authored several books including: Are You Going to a Better Place?, Daniel's Gap Paul's Mystery, Tribulation to Triumph: The Olivet Discourse, Globalism: The Great World Consumption and Artificial Intelligence: Transhumanism & the De-Evolution of Democracy. Dr. Schmidt covers a lot of ground on this broadcast starting with his review detailing how the attack on Israel went down and the satanic nature of the abuse that the hostages had to endure. As the conversation moves along you'll find out what worldview was behind the attack, if Israel can accurately be accused of committing genocide, the latest on President Trump's 21 point peace plan and much more. Get a perspective on this subject you won't hear from the mainstream media when you listen to this edition of Crosstalk.

How old is the earth? According to The Planetary Society it's 4.54 billion years old and we're told that the evidence for that age is overwhelming. On the other hand, creationists that hold to the literal teachings of the Bible believe that the earth is roughly 6,000 years old. They, too, will say that the evidence is overwhelming for their position. What is the reason for this massive discrepancy and what exactly does the evidence show? Joining Jim to answer that question was Dr. Terry Mortenson. Dr. Mortenson has a PhD in history of geology from Coventry University in England. He is a speaker, writer, and researcher with Answers in Genesis. How could there be such a drastic difference in opinions regarding the age of the earth? Are both sides looking at the same evidence? Dr. Mortenson noted that both sides are looking at the same rocks and fossils, the same radioactive isotopes, the same erosional features and more. The problem is that each side is interpreting the evidence through two different sets of assumptions. Evolution stems from a uniformitarian worldview. This assumes that nature is all that exists and everything must be explained via time plus chance plus the laws of nature working on matter. Finally, they assume that the processes of geological change continue at the same rate, frequency and power as they always have. Evolutionists use this as their starting assumption. From there the program moves to discussion concerning the fossil evidence and how they form, the Grand Canyon, the gap theory, what the Bible's genealogies tell us about the age of the earth, why 2 Peter 3:8 is not proof of an old earth, and more.

Chris Katulka is vice president of North American Ministries at The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry and host of The Friends of Israel Today radio program. He is a Bible teacher and writer for Israel My Glory magazine and is author of the book, Israel Always. Jim opened the program with news that unless 7 Democrats join Republicans, there's going to be a government shut-down at midnight tonight. Yesterday at the White House, President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the multi-point Gaza peace plan. As you can imagine, there's mixed reaction. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt previously said that this plan would leave both sides unhappy. Israel National News reported that hundreds of wounded IDF soldiers wrote to Netanyahu and told him not to adopt any plan that would lead to ending the fighting without a decisive defeat of Hamas. Jim had Chris break down this peace plan, look at the reactions to it, find out what the next step is, discuss whether Israel will be allowed to annex the West Bank, and much more. Callers brought their opinions and questions to the broadcast as well.

This Crosstalk aired something many governments of the world don't want the public to hear. What we're referring to is the content of a speech given at the U.N. this past Friday by Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. When the prime minister was to give his speech, many countries didn't show up. Then when his name was announced, representatives from other nations that were there, stood up and walked out in protest. In fact, Jim referenced a story from Ynetglobal indicating that according to Israeli officials, 77 delegations were either absent or walked out as Netanyahu was announced. Also, rather than talk about the content of his speech, the media instead focused on the delegations that left the room. That's why, via this edition of Crosstalk, you'll have an opportunity to hear what Benjamin Netanyahu had to say so you can form your own opinion.

News headlines from around the nation and around the globe. It's the Friday News Round-Up & Comment broadcast. Here's a sample of stories presented during the first quarter hour: --President Trump communicated that he will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. --Delegates at the U.N General Assembly stormed out as Netanyahu took the stage to speak. --President Trump's 21 point plan is a framework envisioning a multi-week cease-fire during which all 48 remaining hostages would be released, followed by a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. --Iran has likely carried out an undeclared missile test at its Imam Khomeini Spaceport according to satellite photos analyzed by the Associated Press. --Israeli police arrested a man for threatening to assassinate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. --Israeli Defense Forces have completed the encirclement of Gaza City. --Hamas declared the UK's decision on Sunday to recognize a Palestinian state was a victory and justice for their cause. --The Egyptian government sympathizes with the people of Gaza and is determined to keep those who wish to leave that war zone bottled up in the strip. --Europe will pay for the reconstruction of Gaza--Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Commission is creating a donor group for Palestine. --UNICEF admitted this week that armed men stole food meant for 2,700 children in Gaza. --The National Counterterrorism Center issued a sobering memo warning that the U.S. designated terrorist group al-Qaida and its Yemen-based affiliate, al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, remain intent on striking America.

Jeff Miller is pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel, Pittsburgh North. He is author of Forgiven People Forgive: A Biblical Response to Forgiveness. On Sunday, September 21st, a memorial service was held for Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA, who was killed by an assassin's bullet on September 10th. In addition to President Trump and other dignitaries, also taking the platform during the memorial service was Charlie's widow, Erika. In reference to the assassin, she said, "I forgive him." She went on to note that this is what Christ did, what Charlie would do and that the answer to hate is not hate. What is forgiveness? Do we need to tolerate sinful behavior just because we forgive someone? Jeff answers these and numerous other questions while also providing insight on key elements in his book. For example, there are those who feel they have good reason for not forgiving, so they may say: I just can't respond to the person. The other person doesn't want to reconcile. (Does that take us "off the hook"?) Well, they'll just do that again! I will forgive, but I won't forget! They have to come to me. (If they don't, is the pressure off the person making that statement?) In the end, Jeff teaches that we are to forgive because we have been forgiven by Christ. In fact, to not forgive can lead to bitterness, hindering our testimony for Him. Learn more, and hear how listeners responded, by reviewing this edition of Crosstalk.

As the broadcast began, Jim brought listeners news concerning yet another tragedy. He quoted from a Fox News story indicating that at least three people were shot with two of them killed at an Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas, Texas. Jim also provided information on the bullet casings and quotes from various officials concerning the rhetoric that appears to be contributing to such violence. In another story, prior to President Trump's Tuesday speech before the United Nations, word got out about the Secret Service dismantling an imminent threat from a network of electronic devices located throughout the New York tri-state area that were used to conduct multiple telecommunications related threats directed toward senior U.S. government officials. Then in yet another story related to the president's U.N. appearance, the White House was demanding an investigation amid reports that U.N staffers intentionally stopped the escalator as President Trump and his wife Melania were attempting to use it. Later, as the president was about to speak, his podium teleprompter failed to work. Were these elevator and teleprompter failures mere coincidence? Eight Western nations formally recognized a state of Palestine on Sunday and Monday as the U.N. General Assembly convened in New York. Jim provided multiple excerpts from President Trump as he described his offer to build the U.N. complex, he mentioned the U.S. fight against drugs, the migration problem across the world, what he called "the green energy scam" and more. Listeners wrapped up the program with their thoughts and opinions.

We are just shy of two weeks since Charlie Kirk was assassinated. Charlie sought to dialogue with those who disagreed to prove him wrong. Those who hated him, hated him fiercely for his beliefs, both his conservative political beliefs, which flowed from his spiritual beliefs, but also his belief in Christianity and Jesus Christ. However, Charlie was not about riots and uprisings; he believed in dialogue. This was the very matter as you'll hear in an audio clip of Van Jones as he sat with Anderson Cooper to describe his relationship with Charlie Kirk last week on CNN. Next, Jim referenced a New York Post article that noted how some 200,000 people turned out to honor Charlie Kirk on Sunday, including President Trump, who called Charlie a "patriot who's heart still had so much to give." State Farm stadium had a capacity of 73,000 yet filled up within hours. Next up were members of President Trump's Administration who were not shy when talking about the spiritual impact of Charlie. This included audio clips from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. While many Crosstalk listeners may have heard Erika Kirk's address, there are many who have not. Jim shared it in its entirety courtesy of TPUSA.com along with final comments from Christian apologist Frank Turek and Charlie's pastor, Rob McCoy.

Marilyn Boyer is a descendant of a Revolutionary War soldier and daughter of a World War II veteran. She is deeply patriotic and passionate about our Christian history. As the wife of an Air Force veteran, mother and home educator of 14 children, and grandmother of 31, Marilyn's dedication to family and country is unparalleled. She is an author. Earlier this year we spoke with her regarding her set of books, What a Character: Notable Lives from History. In that series she captures the remarkable stories of historical figures who shaped our nation. In the early 1980s, Marilyn and her husband were pioneers of the modern home education movement. Together, they founded The Learning Parent ministry and Character Concepts, authored dozens of books, and traveled extensively to speak at homeschool and Christian parenting conferences. Their mission is to encourage, inspire, and challenge parents who are training the next generation of Americans. She appeared on Crosstalk to discuss the Legends of Faith set including Early Church Fathers and Famous Preachers and Evangelists. Beginning with discussion on the book, Early Church Fathers, you'll learn a bit about Polycarp (Bishop of Smyrna and an apostle of John), Irenaeus (a disciple of Polycarp), William Tyndale (the Bible smuggler), English Puritan John Owen and Scottish minister John Knox. Discussion then moves to the book, Famous Preachers and Evangelists where you'll hear about Scottish/Baptist preacher John Harper (who witnessed to those perishing on the Titanic), George Mueller (the beloved father of orphans), Peter Cartwright and Francis Asbury.

Can't keep up with the news cycle? We're here to help. It's the Friday News Round-Up & Comment! Here's a sample of what Jim passed along: --Jim presented audio of a Christian author who gave an eye-witness account of what happened immediately after Charlie Kirk was shot as he was in the SUV with Charlie. --The Secret Service has been designated to provide security for Sunday's memorial service for Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium near Phoenix, Arizona. --A teenager has been arrested after she said she'd open fire at a vigil for Charlie Kirk. --The Turning Point USA board unanimously elected Erika Kirk, Charlie's widow, to serve as the new CEO and chair of the board for the organization. --The Senate yesterday afternoon unanimously approved a resolution designating October 14th as the national day of remembrance for Charlie Kirk (His birthday). --The House of Representatives adopted a resolution to honor the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk. The measure received bipartisan support. --Two individuals close to Charlie Kirk have rejected speculation that he was threatened by the Israel lobby. --Dozens of Christians and Jews gathered on the Temple Mount Wednesday to honor the late Charlie Kirk. --Jim presented audio of an Imam preaching that Charlie Kirk was a racist. --Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Education Agency have announced that more than 100 educators are under investigation and could face suspension of their teaching certifications for social media posts related to the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Dr. Les Ollila is founder and director of Building Great Leaders. As a regular conference speaker, his ministry provides instruction, encouragement and resources for Christian leaders. He's a former pastor, staff evangelist, and former president of the former Northland Baptist Bible College. In addition to his Building Great Leaders ministry, he is campus chaplain at Faith Baptist Bible College and is a member of the VCY America Board of Directors. He has courses on the VCY Bible Institute at vcy.bible and is the Author of God's Glory in Clay Pots and the book, A New Normal. There have been numerous news stories expressing concern about the mental health of America. According to the National Institutes of Health, major depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the country. How should we view this from a biblical perspective? While you may have read Psalm 77 before, you perhaps never realized just how detailed this text is as it relates to depression. This program looks biblically at its symptoms, Asaph's rhetorical questions and the need to change our focus from "me" to the works, ways, wonders, worship and shepherding of God. Whether this is your battle or that of someone you care about, listen to find out how God speaks to the hurting heart on this edition of Crosstalk.

Exactly one week ago, Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA was shot and killed while giving an address at Utah Valley University. Tributes of various kinds have been pouring in worldwide. Jim began this edition of Crosstalk with one such tribute as he presented audio from Vice President J.D. Vance who hosted the Charlie Kirk Show this past Monday. Jim then segued into audio from Charlie's wife, Erika, who with amazing strength and courage, spoke last Friday evening to Turning Point USA supporters, just a little over 48 hours after the shooting. Jim followed Erika's address with news headlines related to the shooting. After this, the phone lines were opened for several minutes to allow listeners the opportunity to express their thoughts to round out the broadcast.