WHAT’S ON WHAT’S UP TODAY:

God or Government?

Do our rights come from government or from GOD?

If they come from Government, then government can take them away.

Do we want those in power to decide what rights we have?

PLUS: Dr. Joannie DeBrito discusses the times we have bad days.

Mark Lanier, with Biblical Literacy with Champion Forest, continues has lesson: We are not condemned.

Pastor Jarrett Stephens, in the pulpit at Champion Forest, continues: Fighting for Strength.

Today’s Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for clothing me in the righteousness of your son.
I was once a slave to sin, bound for eternal darkness, but I have been redeemed. More below….

Discussed by Terry Lowry
with Host of the What's UP Radio Program

Host Terry Lowry interviews influential and knowledgeable guests on relevant topics for today.

GOD OR GOVERNMENT?

Discussed by Dr. Thomas Lindsay
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

In America, do our rights come from our Creator or from the government?

Thomas Lindsay, Ph.D., is a distinguished senior fellow for Next Generation Texas at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Dr. Lindsay has more than two decades’ experience in education management and instruction, including service as a dean, provost, and college president.

Click here to read Dr. Lindsay’s op-ed on this subject.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Speaker Mike Johnson recently stated that our rights come from God, not government. Do some disagree with his statement?

Did Abraham Lincoln believe that the law of nature and God preceded man’s laws and human governments?

Are too many government leaders too focused on redefining rights to appease the latest ideological fashion? Dr. Lindsay reminds us that absolute truths really does mean “absolute truth”.

Do law schools teach that the Constitution is a living, breathing document?

Why is slavery the biggest hot topic that the Left uses to justify their desire to change the Constitution?

In Dr. Lindsay’s opinion, is history taught in a perverse manner? Dr. Lindsay holds nothing back with his answer…

What did equality mean to the Founders?

Does America’s future depend on our moral values? Dr. Lindsay offers this warning: “ We will lose our soul if they succeed.”

What can each of us do to ensure our freedoms and liberties? Click here for a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Is God through with America? Has He turned His back on us?

What can each of us do? Click here to help support the Texas Public Policy Foundation

GOD BLESS THE U.S.A.

Discussed by Lee Greenwood
with Special Guest

Enjoy Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA”.

WE ALL HAVE BAD DAYS. SO WHAT?

Discussed by Dr. Joannie DeBrito
with Alive to Thrive (Learn.AliveToThrive.com)

We all have bad days. But what if we are constantly having “bad days”? Should we talk to someone?

Dr. Joannie DeBrito is the former Director of Parenting and Youth at Focus on the Family and helped design the content for Alive to Thrive, a FREE online resource for families. She also served on the Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Team for over a decade.

Click here for free mental health resources from Focus on the Family.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Do we all have days when we are a little off emotionally?

What type of behavioral changes could be displayed if we are depressed? Dr. DeBrito shares a few of the more common changes, but warns that some of these changes are tricky – especially with teenagers who are experiencing puberty.

How can we discuss mental health concerns with a family member or friend?

How can Christian principles aid in addressing mental health challenges? Dr. DeBrito reminds us to be like Jesus: show grace and truth.

When should families consider professional intervention?

If you or someone you know is experiencing overwhelming stress or anxiety, please call Focus on the Family at 855.771.4357 (M-F from 7 am – 9 pm Central Time) or click here.

Click here to help support Focus on the Family.

GOD NEVER GIVES UP ON YOU

Discussed by Max Lucado
with Max Lucado (www.maxlucado.com)

Inspirational piece adapted from Max Lucado’s book, “Six Hours One Friday”:

The next time doubt walks in, escort him out. Out to the hill. Out to Calvary. Out to the cross where, with holy blood, the promise was given: "God would give up His only Son before He'd give up on you."

Click here to order one of Max Lucado’s many books.

WE ARE NOT CONDEMNED

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2

DO YOU EVER BATTLE THE VOICES IN YOUR HEAD THAT SAY YOU AREN’T WORTHY OF GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS? HOW CAN WE SILENCE THOSE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS?

This week, Mark Lanier is back with his series on the book of Romans, giving us hope and encouragement as we seek to find peace in God in a noisy, messed up world.

To view Mark Lanier’s video for this lesson, click here.

If you have a prayer request, need Scripture encouragement, or would like a copy of Mark’s lessons each week, email wantmore@biblical-literacy.org

QUESTIONS / ISSUES DISCUSSED:

WHO SHALL BRING A CHARGE?

Who is our accuser? (Acts 19:38; Acts 23:28-29; Acts 26:2-7)

Who is accusing GOD?

Who were God’s chosen people? Are they still chosen? Mark references the book, “Paul and the Gift”, by John Barclay.

 What was the Roman Patron-Client System? Mark discusses the Dionysus of Halicarnassus.

For more information about Mark Lanier’s Biblical Literacy class, click here.

FIGHTING FOR STRENGTH

Discussed by Pastor Jarrett Stephens
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 2

WHY? THAT’S THE QUESTION: WHY? WHY DID I LOSE MY JOB? WHY DID MY SPOUSE DIE? WHY DID I LOSE MY BABY? WHY GOD? WHY?

This week, Pastor Jarrett Stephens continues in the FIGHT series, encouraging us to look past the WHY and focus on the WHAT. He says one profound statement on Friday: “Don’t trade what you know for what you don’t know.”

NOTE: Champion Forest will be hosting a special celebration for America’s 250th Birthday. Click here for more details and to register for the event.

Find Pastor Jarrett Stephens’ sermon here.

Find Pastor Jarrett Stephens’ sermon notes here.

 If you have questions about a sermon, please contact Champion Forest at questions@cfbc.org

QUESTIONS / ISSUES DISCUSSED:

THE “WHY” OF SUFFERING: GOD’S GLORY

Yesterday:

Pastor Jarrett shared the story from John 9, when Jesus healed the blind man. What questions did the disciples have?

Today:

John 11: The death of Lazarus. Does being a Christian mean we won’t get sick or experience pain?

Do our suffering and God’s glory go hand-in-hand? Pastor Jarrett reminds us: “In God’s economy, His glory is seen MOST in suffering and heartache.”

THE “WHY” OF SUFFERING: OUR FAITH

How does our suffering help grow our faith? (James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7)

Tune in tomorrow for more on trusting God through suffering.


If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, or if you have a prayer request, text: 281.688.2630 and follow the text prompts.

For more details about Champion Forest Baptist Church, click here.

PRAYER

Discussed by Terry Lowry
with Host of the What's UP Radio Program

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for clothing me in the righteousness of your son. I was once a slave to sin, bound for eternal darkness, but I have been redeemed.

My works did not save me. My earthly belongings did not save me. My government did not save me. Even my church did not save me.

It was your grace, Father, and my faith in your son, Jesus, that saved me. It was not my own doing, but it was a gift from you, my Creator.

Lord, I pray now for those who are lost and wandering, that they will come to the foot of the cross and cry out to Jesus, the savior of all.

I pray that the unbeliever will realize that there are no second chances and victory is found only in and through your son, Jesus.

May the unbeliever cry out for salvation, Father, and surrender their lives to serving you and you only.

Jesus, call out to them softly and tenderly. Holy Spirit, move across our land. May the harvest be abundant today.

Lifting this plea in and through the name of Jesus Christ,

Amen