Breakpoint Podcast — Five Courageous Christians
Host: John Stonestreet (Colson Center)
Date: November 10, 2025

Overview

In this episode of Breakpoint, John Stonestreet reflects on how God works through ordinary people, raising courageous Christians in challenging cultural moments. Using the biblical story of Elijah as a springboard, Stonestreet introduces the new documentary “Truth Rising,” which profiles five modern-day Christians—Chloe Cole, Seth Dillon, Katie Faust, Jack Phillips, and Ayaan Hirsi Ali—whose stories exemplify remarkable faith and bravery in the face of adversity. The episode underscores that, just as in Elijah's day, God is still at work through His people.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Elijah’s Despair and God’s Faithfulness

• After Elijah’s victory against the prophets of Baal, he faces deep discouragement and fears he is alone ([01:11])

  “And yet, almost immediately, Elijah questioned whether God could protect him from Jezebel and he falsely believed he was the only true prophet left in Israel.”

• God responds compassionately—caring for Elijah’s needs and reminding him that “7000 people in Israel… had not bowed a knee to Baal.”

  “God was reminding Elijah that he was still very much at work in the world, and that he primarily works through his people.” ([02:21])

2. Modern Parallels: God Uses Ordinary People

• Stonestreet stresses that God still uses unexpected individuals as “courageous voices of truth” in culture.

  “God has his people everywhere. In fact, often he uses unlikely candidates to be courageous voices of truth.” ([02:37])

3. The Five Courageous Christians Featured in “Truth Rising”

a. Chloe Cole

• As a teenager, Chloe underwent a double mastectomy in pursuit of gender transition before detransitioning.
• She now advocates for the biblical truth of humanity made in God’s image, male and female.

  “She is a powerful voice pushing back against serious darkness.” ([03:11])

b. Seth Dillon (The Babylon Bee)

• The Babylon Bee, a satirical Christian website, was “canceled for saying something that was true.”
• Dillon refused to compromise, drawing inspiration from Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s philosophy to “live not by lies.”

  “Seth refused to take the shortcut around the truth. But God was at work. And how that story turned out shocked everyone.” ([03:37])

c. Katie Faust

• Initially a pastor’s wife blogging anonymously about children’s rights, Katie’s identity was exposed, subjecting her and her church to threat.
• This adversity transformed Katie into a global champion for children.

  “How God used that incident to make Katie a leading champion for the rights and well-being of children worldwide is absolutely incredible.” ([04:04])

d. Jack Phillips

• Baker Jack Phillips refused to create a cake with a message contrary to his faith, leading to 13 years of legal battles.
• His case resulted in a landmark First Amendment victory and drew many to the Christian faith.

  “...one of the most consequential First Amendment wins of our lifetime. And also a whole lot of people coming to Christ again. Here God was at work.” ([04:37])

e. Ayaan Hirsi Ali

• Formerly Muslim, then atheist, now Christian, Ayaan’s journey is remarkable.
• Ayaan believes her mission as a truth-teller is part of God’s plan in this cultural moment.

  “Ayaan has now found the freedom that she was always looking for. And she believes deeply that God has placed her as a truth teller in this crucial cultural moment.” ([05:00])

4. God’s Unceasing Work Through His People

• Stonestreet connects these contemporary stories with the biblical narrative:

  “What’s obvious in each and every one is how God is at work through his people just as much today as he was with Elijah after Mount Carmel. We are not alone.” ([05:30])

5. Call to Action

• Listeners are encouraged to stream the “Truth Rising” documentary for free and to recognize their own place in God’s ongoing story.

  “We have been called to this time, in this place, by God.” ([05:45])

• Directs to truthrising.com/colson for streaming. ([05:54])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• God’s kindness to Elijah

  “God sent an angel to Elijah to help him first sleep and then cook him food.” ([01:57])

• On standing for truth

  “Seth refused to take the shortcut around the truth. But God was at work.” ([03:47])

• On courage amidst persecution

  “That stand led to 13 years of attacks by the state of Colorado and one of the most consequential First Amendment wins of our lifetime. And also a whole lot of people coming to Christ again. Here God was at work.” ([04:45])

• Encouragement to the audience

  “We are not alone. Rather, we have been called to this time, in this place, by God.” ([05:35])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:02 – Introduction & cultural context for young Christians
• 01:11 – Elijah’s story: despair and divine encouragement
• 02:37 – God’s use of unlikely people
• 03:11–05:00 – Summaries of the five Christians featured in “Truth Rising” (Chloe Cole, Seth Dillon, Katie Faust, Jack Phillips, Ayaan Hirsi Ali)
• 05:30 – Summary reflection: God’s work today
• 05:45 – Call to action & documentary details

Final Takeaway

Using both ancient Scripture and modern testimonies, John Stonestreet highlights how God continually raises up His people to stand for truth and courage in every generation. The episode, shaped by both reflection and storytelling, encourages listeners to find inspiration and resolve, knowing they are not alone in today’s cultural challenges.