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- [00:00]
Dr. Tim Clinton
This is an I heart podcast. Guaranteed human.
- [00:05]
Heidi St. John
I think when you're diagnosed with cancer,
- [00:07]
Dr. Tim Clinton
you crave a semblance of normalcy and control.
- [00:10]
Heidi St. John
And so work allowed me to be me. So I think it's really important that companies stay flexible. Cancer in a diagnosis can be all consuming, but it doesn't have to be.
- [00:21]
Gary Bauer
Research shows there is a significant connection
- [00:24]
Dr. Tim Clinton
between the ability to continue to work and cancer recovery.
- [00:28]
Gary Bauer
We can make work a better place
- [00:30]
Dr. Tim Clinton
for healing, learn more and sign the pledge@workingwithcancerpledge.com why should you listen to Armstrong and Getty on demand? We're not boring. A lot of news is boring and tedious and depressing and makes you angry. You don't want to live your life like that. Hey, I'm Jack Armstrong.
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Pastor Alan Jackson
He's Joe Getty.
- [00:47]
Dr. Tim Clinton
We're Armstrong and Getty. We try to bring you the truth and help you figure out this crazy modern world. How about something about a comedic tone? We have a winner.
- [00:57]
Pastor Alan Jackson
Yes.
- [00:58]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Listen to Armstrong. You get it on Demand on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your PODC. The Joel Osteen Daily Podcast.
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Pastor Alan Jackson
God's plans for you are for good.
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Dr. Tim Clinton
Be inspired.
- [01:10]
Pastor Alan Jackson
Get ready.
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Dr. Tim Clinton
God is about to exceed your expectations. Joel Osteen Daily Podcast. You are coming out of that dry place into more than enough daily encouragement
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Bishop Calvin Colbert
right when you need it.
- [01:22]
Dr. Tim Clinton
There are opportunities in your future bigger than you can imagine. Listen to the Joel Osteen Daily podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. This episode is brought to you by Navy Federal Credit Union. At Navy Federal, they want you to know that if you need a positive sign towards achieving your goal of home ownership, this is it. Because even though today's housing market may seem discouraging, the Homebuyer's Choice loan offers members down payment options as low as 0% with no required private mortgage insurance. Look for your sign today. Navy Federal Credit Union. Navy Federal is insured by NCUA Equal Housing Lender. Terms and conditions apply. Loans subject to approval and eligibility requirements. Learn more@navy federal.org Zerodown brought to you by Navy Federal Credit Union. Welcome in to Real America's Voice. This is Sunday, the Road Forward. Stay with us as we discuss the intersection of faith, culture and everyday life. I'm Dr. Tim Clinton. I'll be your host. Our special guest joining us this week, he's the senior pastor of World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He's the founder of the Alan Jackson Ministries. Pastor Alan Jackson is with us, and she is the bestselling author, speaker, podcaster. Heidi St. John is back, and he is the president of American Values and senior vice president for public policy for the Dr. James Thompson family Institute. Gary Bauer is back with us. He's lead pastor of New Life Church International in Plant City, Florida. Bishop Calvin Colbert is back with us. Thanks for watching. Out of the darkness to your glorious day. You call my name and I went out of my dream. Out of the darkness to your glorious day. Witnessing the rise of socialism in America, the rise of communism, really. The radical left representing Democratic Party seems to be cascading literally off the cliff. Open borders, abortion on demand, up to birth, reckless spending that's driving up inflation, abolishing ice, emptying prisons, abolishing pretty much our current way of life. It's just unbelievable. Even more, the radical left is saying wild things like you're a white supremacist if you're polite or if you're on time. It's so lost, it's unbelievable. Only the only Democrat pushing back is John Fetterman. John Thune said this, that the Senate GOP would welcome John Fetterman into the fold if he decided to lead the Democratic Party. People like Fetterman who have views that reflect historically moderate Democrat positions are kind of people without a home anymore. Hey. All eyes continue to lock in on the war in Iran. Strikes are continuing. Even right now. President Trump is clear he's going to end Iran's nuclear threat. For 47 years, they've been rogue, they've been defiant. Last week, they killed a couple of our soldiers. President Trump isn't having it over the last couple weeks. He's embalming, literally, the life out of him, the opportunity to make a deal. He wants everyone to know it's still on the table. And I think everyone wants Iran to do that. We need to continue praying for our leaders and praying for the peace. And in the Middle east, this I know. Our hope, our strength comes from the Lord. Here's a great verse to hold onto this week. Colossians 3, 15, 17. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you are called to peace. Be thankful. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father through Christ, all this and more as we jump headfirst into our discussion here on Sunday, the road forward. I'm going to pray. We're going to get started. God be with us. Bless our conversation. Thank you for your goodness and grace. Father, thank you for your mercy in our lives. Thank you for the gift of salvation. I pray you would bless again our conversation. Let it be pleasing in your sight. In Jesus name, amen. So let's get started. For more encouragement and to stay connected, follow Dr. Tim Clinton on Facebook, Instagram and X. We love being a part of your life. Joining us now is Pastor Alan Jackson. He currently serves as senior pastor of World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He's the founder of the Alan Jackson Ministries. His new book out Lead with Faith, It's Powerful, A Manifesto for Christian Engagement. Pastor Jackson, welcome. Thank you for joining me.
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Pastor Alan Jackson
Oh, it's my privilege. It's always good to be with you.
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Dr. Tim Clinton
Hey, here we are wrapping up July. It's been quite a month. America250 Pastor, we're in that phase where people are chanting America's back. You know that. And what I love too, is faith is back. We did rededicate America in May. It was powerful. God is moving in amazing ways. You're seeing Bible sales soaring. You got today's generations are showing up in church. It's amazing to me that today's generations are the ones who are there in the pew. And then you've got research showing that young men like 42% under the age of 30 are saying that their faith is important in their everyday life. We've got revivals happening on college campuses. But I want to ask you, what are you seeing? What are you hearing from people across the country?
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Pastor Alan Jackson
Well, I agree with you completely. I think God is moving in the earth in the most remarkable ways in our nation and around the earth. I think we're going to see the name of Jesus welcomed in the streets of Tehran before very long. I pray we see it in Cuba. I pray we see it all over the earth. But no question God is moving. But I also think we see unprecedented expressions of evil. And I think that's where the Christian community is caught a bit. I think we tend to focus on the darkness and the threats and those challenging things that we see. And I think we've got to stay more tuned in, more aware, keep our hearts focused on what God is doing, so we can join him in that.
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Dr. Tim Clinton
Pastor Jackson, a few years ago, I was in a room with a man of God that you and I both loved, Dr. James Dobson. He's gone now, but I remember him saying a statement that just caught me. And he was lamenting what was happening in culture. And he said, we need to pray. And these religious leaders were around the room. I don't even know why I was in there. But he emphatically said we need to pray that the church would awaken and take her rightful place. He said, until then, parachurch organizations have to kind of stand in the gap. But the power, the hope we have is in the Church of Jesus Christ. Alan, you have become a real strong voice for righteousness and culture. You've built a strong church outreach program down there in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. God's using you in amazing ways. But God, I think, spoke to you about the church. Can you take us back about what he put in your heart and what your passion and what your drive's all about?
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Pastor Alan Jackson
Absolutely. My spiritual formation didn't take place inside the church. I came to faith in a home. I was baptized in the Atlantic Ocean in Fort Lauderdale in front of the Sheraton. What I learned about faith, at least early parts of my journey, didn't come from the church. And so it was time for me to make some decisions about my life as an adult. I didn't have any enthusiasm for the church. And somehow, by the spirit of God, Matthew 16:18 came alive in me, where Jesus said, I'll build my church. And I thought, well, if that's what you're doing, then I'll help any way I can. I'll sweep the floors, I'll clean the bathrooms, I'll pour the concrete, whatever needs to be done. I want to be engaged in the strengthening of the church. And then if I can add one verse to that, it says in the New Testament that God gave Jesus to be the head of the church. The church wasn't subordinated to Jesus. We weren't subjected to the authority of Jesus. The gift God gave to the church was Jesus to be the head. So the one who's the creator of all things, the one before whom every knee will bow, God gave that person to the church to be our head. So what else could a human being give their life to, or their heart to, or their energy to that would have greater potential for impact in time and eternity than the church? So I have become an unrelenting, unyielding, I hope untiring advocate for the church of Jesus Christ in the earth.
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Dr. Tim Clinton
I love that. Alan, when you look back, it's been a pretty tough go, especially since COVID You know that. And people have struggled. Social media has been. It's been rough. And a lot of people of faith have gone up there and maybe tried to do a post or something like that about standing for Christ, and they got hammered, beat down, and you Have a culture that it's coming against the church. But there's also a challenge inside the church. A lot of people are saying, hey, the deafening silence of the church has been screaming forever and it's time for the church again to awaken. We don't need a weak church. This is not a time for a weak church. And a lot of people are saying, ah, we don't want to get political. Alan, what I'm finding is these issues that we're talking about today, like transgender ideology and life in Israel and so much more, those are biblical issues, they're not political issues. And if we don't find out and stand for truth, what are we doing? Who are we?
- [11:11]
Pastor Alan Jackson
No, Tim, I think you're exactly right. And I think you have identified the heart of this issue. You know, for too long we have gathered in our churches and we've done rather exhaustive studies and had ongoing discussions about the culture of the first century so we could understand the context of the New Testament. Or maybe we went to seminary or you studied and you learned the culture of the 10th century BC so you could understand the culture from which the Israelite monarchy emerged and understand parts of the Hebrew Bible better. And I think all of those things are appropriate. But the point of all of that learning is to help us be the expression of the faith in the 21st century. And to do that, we have to engage 21st century culture. That isn't a choice to be political. Politics is an expression of the spiritual health of the nation. We'll have godly political candidates when we have a healthier church because politicians want to vote. So a discussion of marriage between a man and a woman, a discussion of sexuality and immorality, a discussion of transgenderism, God made us male and female. I mean, all those things, those are not political conversations. Those are biblical conversations. And so what I've been inviting the church to do, our churches are filled with men and women who have been our leaders of world class skills in all sorts of arenas. Education, business, science, healthcare, the legal community. But we have taught them not to talk about their faith in those arenas. And we've been wrong. We have been highlighting a theology that's focused on salvation. And I believe in conversion, the new birth, being born again. But that's the initial point then to go take the Jesus story and into all the world. So I'm doing my best to encourage, equip and motivate men and women to go lead with their faith, whatever their professional orientation is. Stop being silent. A biblical worldview has a Right to a place in the public square, in the corporate boardroom, in academia. And we've got to have the courage to take that back or we will lose our influence and our liberties and freedoms.
- [13:14]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Alan, people get confused when they hear others or leaders come out and say, well, hey, I'm just going to love everybody, okay? And we know we're called to love one another. We get that. But sometimes you get speak the truth in love. Somewhere in the midst of this journey, Alan, we've got to get to a place where the loving thing to do is to speak the truth, not just be tolerant or accommodating. You know what I'm saying? And can you speak to that a little bit? How do you help your people work their way through that maze, if you will?
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Pastor Alan Jackson
Well, I think there's two images that will help. If you go to a doctor and the doctor says, you know, I just want to have a practice that's a loving practice. And so I'm not going to give anybody bad news. I'm going to be an oncologist, but I'm not going to tell anybody they have any unhealthy symptoms. I'm just going to give them some vitamins. We would call that malpractice and that doctor a quack. Because love and good practice means telling people both good and bad news. Jesus did that consistently. And the church has wanted to focus on love out of a misappropriated sense of self preservation. We don't want to deal with the pushback. And then I think we have wedded that to the idea that inside the church, we can say whatever we want to, but when we leave the church, we're to love everybody we meet, that we have one message inside the church. And I think that is as misunderstood as if I said, you know, when I'm at home in the evenings, I'm married, but when I leave my house in the morning to go to work and go out into the broader community, you know, that commitment is not in play because there's lots of other relationships that need to be developed. And I don't want to hurt anybody's feelings. We both understand, we all understand that to be absurd. If you're married at all, you're married everywhere you go. And if you're a Christ follower, you're a Christ follower with an assignment to be an ambassador for Jesus wherever you go, inside the church and outside the church. And if you don't, I question whether you have a legitimate faith at all.
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Dr. Tim Clinton
Yeah, Alan, in the midst of it, and I know what you're doing with your congregation down there, you're challenging every person in the pew that they have influence. I love to say this as a dad, you cannot not have influence today by what you said or didn't say, by what you did or what you didn't do.
- [15:34]
Gary Bauer
Dad.
- [15:34]
Dr. Tim Clinton
You cannot not have influence. You influenced your son or daughter. Same thing in the faith, Alan. You cannot not have influence. I know up front you talked about, you know, listen, you better get some pieces right, because we're challenged to be on our guard, to stand firm in our faith, to be courageous, to be strong. And when you have a choice and you do nothing, it's a choice. You say. This silence in the face of evil is affirmation. If you fail to respond, you'll increasingly become overcome by the evil that you're standing against. That caught my spirit. Because you know what? You're right. Alan, speak to us. This new book, lead with faith, using your influence for God's purpose. A manifesto for each of us to, quote, live out the purposes of God in our everyday life.
- [16:24]
Pastor Alan Jackson
Well, I would invite everybody that's listening to join in. And being an ambassador for Jesus, whether you're a butcher, a baker, or a candlestick maker, take your faith with you. You don't have to condemn other people. Be excited about what God is doing. Tell your God story. Encourage people to read their Bibles. Invite them into the communities of faith you're a part of. When you go to the ball fields to watch your children or your grandchildren talk about what God is doing in the earth, express an opinion on the cultural discussions that are happening around human sexuality or transgenderism, you're entitled to an opinion. Not everybody will cheer, but our goal isn't to make everybody happy. Our goal is to be advocates for Jesus. And we can all do this. If we will do this with the sphere of influence that God has given us, he will multiply our influence. If you wait to have a larger arena or a larger following, you're not trustworthy. Start where you are, and God will multiply your influence. I have seen it time and time again. It's an exciting time to be a Christ follower. I don't want to miss out on my opportunity, and I don't want you to miss out on yours.
- [17:26]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Yeah, I was going to say that. A lot of people are saying, come, Lord Jesus, this is awful. At the same time, what an exciting time to be alive and to be an ambassador for Christ. You know that. To stand strong and to bring, hey, hope, light into the darkness. Closing word from you about hope. Seriously, a lot of people are afraid. They get lost in all this. How can they calm themselves in the midst of this raging kind of storm that we're in?
- [17:56]
Pastor Alan Jackson
Well, I mean, we have the promise that Jesus said he would never leave us or forsake us. If he comes tomorrow, be ready. If he's not coming for another thousand years, let's live as if we can make an impact for the kingdom of God in this world with our lives. God will meet every need that we have. He will take us through. Our goal isn't comfort and convenience. Our goal is to be faithful to the King. And if we will do that, everything in front of us is hopeful and triumphant.
- [18:22]
Dr. Tim Clinton
If people want to learn more about you, maybe how to get a copy of Lead with Faith. Pastor Jackson, where can they go?
- [18:28]
Pastor Alan Jackson
That's simple. Just go to alanjackson.com it's a L L E N jackson.com they'll have access to all the content.
- [18:35]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Pastor Jackson, what a delight to have you. Thank you for joining me.
- [18:38]
Pastor Alan Jackson
Keep up the good work, Dr. Clinton. We all appreciate it.
- [18:42]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Coming up next, she's a best selling author, speaker and podcaster. Heidi St. John is back.
- [18:47]
Pastor Alan Jackson
About 40% of veterans need some mental health assistance each year. These problems include PTSD or post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and substance use disorders, and a host of other behavior problems.
- [19:02]
Military and First Responder Mental Health Coach Narrator
We all know the mantra of the military no man left behind. It's a promise, a commitment that no one fights alone. And yet today, far too many veterans, first responders and military families are navigating their greatest battles by themselves. That's why we created the Military and First Responder Mental Health Coach training program. And that's why we launched the no One Left behind initiative. As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, we are reminded that freedom has never been free. Through a partnership between the American association of Christian Counselors, Christian Care Connect, the International Board of Christian Care, Luke and the Human Flourishing alliance, we are equipping a new generation of helpers across America. Through this training, you'll gain practical, evidence based and faith integrated tools to support veterans, military families and first responders, he said.
- [19:54]
Dr. Tim Clinton
A week after my first gunpowder, I'm sitting in the bleachers with my wife watching our daughter in a swim meet. A starter's gun went off when I didn't expect it.
- [20:02]
Bishop Calvin Colbert
Boom.
- [20:03]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Heart pounded, gasping for air, drenched with sweat. His wife thought he's having a heart attack. He didn't know what was happening. Well, it was a panic attack and it's normal.
- [20:14]
Military and First Responder Mental Health Coach Narrator
Together we're working to equip 5,000 new helpers across America because those who protected our freedom should never have to fight their battles alone. Join the No1Left behind initiative today. Become a military and first responder mental health coach and help us ensure that no one gets left behind.
- [20:36]
Dr. Tim Clinton
For more encouragement and to stay connected, follow Dr. Tim Clinton on Facebook, Instagram and X. We love being a part of your life. Joining us now is Heidi St. John. She's a best selling author, podcaster, speaker, mom to seven bunch of grandchildren. She's a strong and fearless voice for the family and righteousness and culture. Heidi, welcome back. Thank you for joining me.
- [21:03]
Heidi St. John
It's great to be here. Good to see you, Tim.
- [21:05]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Heidi recent trip to Washington D.C. spent a little time at the Capitol. Got to spend some time with Speaker Mike Johnson, host of others, Willie Robertson. Others were there in, in the House, if you will. Heidi, tell us about your trip there. What, what took place?
- [21:20]
Heidi St. John
Well, it was extraordinary. I think my big takeaway is that the Christian roots of this nation are absolutely undeniable. They are literally etched in marble in our state capital. And there are people in this country right now who are trying to erase the Christian roots of our nation. The Judeo Christian values that have made this nation the greatest nation on the face of the earth. And they're trying to bring communism into into our country, starting with the inability to pass the SAVE Act. It's astonishing to me. I mean, our country is at the jumping off place. And if we can't have free and fair elections, if we can't agree as Republicans and Democrats that it's important that we be able to present the fact that we are U.S. citizens before we vote in a U.S. election, we're going to be in trouble in the very, very, very near future.
- [22:09]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Heidi, what's the attraction? I sit back and try to think my way through it. I heard Kirk Cameron recently talk about the purple hair brigade. And I'm like, I think, okay, I can look at their light, I get that piece. But what is the attraction? Just to general people. It reminds me like this promise of we're going to give you everything. You get a car, you get a house, you get a cat, you get a dog. I mean, we're going to give everybody everything they want in return. And that's the old adage. They'll give you their freedom is what they will.
- [22:41]
Heidi St. John
Yeah, well, we did that in Covid, right. For a virus with a 99.9% survival rate, we gave them our freedom. We gave them Our freedom to feel safe. People are willing to give them their freedom to feel comfortable. Right. We love free things in this country and we've raised the grievance culture. It goes back to the education system. I'm going to keep saying it, Tim. The education in this country is a five alarm fire. And it does not. It will not matter if we win this election or the one that's five years from now or eight years from now, because out of our public school system, we are cranking out by the hundreds of thousands into the voting pool every May and June, kids who hate the country. They've been told that communism is a good idea. And these kids are voting. And we've raised a grievance culture. They believe that capitalism is inherently evil because they've been taught from the time they were 7 years old that, that America has not been a force for good across and around the world. We're not the shining city on the hill. And Speaker Mike Johnson talked about this. He talked about what happens when he goes into public universities and the horrific response of the students when he says, tell me if you think America is a force for good. A lot of them think it is not a force for good because they've been educated to believe that communism and socialism and Marxism are forces for good and not for evil. Even though the evidence is all around us that these systems of governance have been responsible for the murder and the deaths of millions of people around the world. And we're importing it into our country right now. Case in point, Dearborn, Michigan, New York City. Mandami There he. This guy is a nightmare for the United States and we need to wake up from this thing before we lose our country.
- [24:27]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Yeah. Heidi, I'm thinking about this battle for our kids that you referenced. You know, we've had many conversations about they're not educating anymore. They're indoctrinating is what they're doing. And they don't even really hide it anymore. And whoever wins the battle for our kids. You're right. Wins the future at the end of the day. And you've got these kids being pounded with transgender ideology. You're right. They're teaching them to be ashamed of America and more. And Heidi, you're. I saw where you were talking to Glenn Beck and he said, you know what? The only way you win that, by the way, isn't this. It's legislation. All this stuff's important. We get it. We got it. The truth is you really win it at home at the dinner table.
- [25:08]
Heidi St. John
That's right.
- [25:09]
Dr. Tim Clinton
You Know what with parents who say they are not going to give up their influence in the, in their children's lives. And so they're the ones who are showing up at the school board meeting saying, no, no, no, no, we're not, we're not going to do this stuff. Or by the way, how do they're moving their kids out to private school or they're homeschooling them.
- [25:24]
Heidi St. John
Yep.
- [25:25]
Dr. Tim Clinton
They're doing whatever they need to do to get this done.
- [25:27]
Heidi St. John
Yeah. Parents need to understand that the education system in this country is not we, you can't reform it. It's literally baked into the cake. You can take it all the way back to the 1700s. Your listeners should Google a guy named Arrestus Brownson and Robert Owen back in the 1700s. These are the people that instituted and created the Massachusetts Board of Education, which became the Federal Education Department, which has been the guiding light for the National Education Association. Marxism and socialism are literally baked into the cake of our education system. And what needs to happen is we need to give parents an off ramp from this broken system of education so that generations to come are not going to be automatically put into it. We've got to stem I I. The way I've been referring to it lately is we've got to put a tourniquet and stem the bleeding of communism and Marxism and socialism that is coming from our education system. It is a five alarm fire. I'm going to keep screaming about this as long as the Lord gives me breath because our children matter. We're talking about I, you and I both have grandchildren and it matters to me. I want to preserve freedom for my grandchildren and for their children. And we're not that far off. And it sits on this generation to actually do something. We got a lot of armchair warriors out there, people who are talking about it. We need to do something. A little less talk and a lot more action.
- [26:48]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Yeah, Heidi, this is personal. This isn't really about, hey, President Trump, get it done. We need strong leadership in Washington, in our states and more. But at the end of the day, this is a personal responsibility that God calls each, each and every one of us too. We have a responsibility to represent Christ in the public square and to tell people that your Christian faith needs to, quote, be hid under a blanket or something like that and everybody else can get out there and do it. All you're doing is giving a platform for those, quote, beliefs or whatever they are. You hear what I'm saying? And we're muzzled. And it's just like no, no, that's not what this is all about. Closing word. Maybe some hope. Heidi, are you encouraged?
- [27:28]
Heidi St. John
Well, listen, I am encouraged because we live in the greatest nation on the the earth. It is not too late. The question is, will God's people engage? We need to stop with this baloney of the separation of church and state and the fact that churches believe they should stay out of politics. These are not left and right issues. They are not Democrat and Republican issues. These are issues of right and wrong. These are issues that are important to God. And if God speaks about them, we should speak about them too. And I think that if we do that, and Speaker Johnson said this as well and it was so encouraging for me to be there. I came back with so much more, Tim. It's hard to imagine, but I came back was so much more fire in my belly for this country and the beautiful place that we are inheriting and believe in my heart it is not too late. We need to rally the troops. We need to be William Wallising all over this country to say she's worth fighting for, she's worth defending. And God hears our prayers. The Bible says that the prayers of a righteous man are both powerful and effective. God hears our prayers. This country is rife with story after story after story of miraculous last minute interventions by the Lord of Heaven. He's waiting for us to ask him for his help and to intervene and to do our part. It's not too late and this country is worth fighting for.
- [28:44]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Yeah, I think the radical insanity that we've been seeing, I think they might have poked the bear. Heidi, let's go poke the bear.
- [28:52]
Heidi St. John
Heidi, St. John's a mama bear. Poke me. Let's see what else.
- [28:54]
Dr. Tim Clinton
I love it. Heidi, always great to have you. Thank you for joining me.
- [28:57]
Heidi St. John
Thanks for having me.
- [29:00]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Coming up next, he's president of American Values and senior Vice President for Public policy for the Dr. James Dobson family Institute. Gary Bowers with us. Do people ever come to you asking for help? Maybe hope, encouragement? How about for prayer? Do you ever wish you understood the issues better that people were wrestling with or how to use the Bible more effectively in caring for people? If so, I'd love to get a copy of our Caring Counsel Bible in your hands. Featuring 116 topics written by some of the world's leading mental health ministry experts. I think you're going to love it. It covers today's most challenging issues in every phase of life. This Bible provides clinical expertise and insights on topics like discouragement, abuse, depression, divorce, anxiety, abortion, and so much more so you can learn more about these issues and how to use again the Bible more effectively. How to share passages of scripture with others, Maybe send sitting down over a cup of coffee or maybe it's just a resource to help you get through a tough time. You know what I love most about this Bible? It's so easy to use. You right up front are going to find an index with subjects, key passages of scripture, personality profiles and so much more. The Karen Council Bible is retailing for $85, but we're going to make it available to you right now, our listeners and viewers for just $50 plus share again. I think you're going to love it. For more information about how to get this Bible right now, go to care. That's careandcouncil.com join tens of thousands of people have received this beautiful new King James version, Care and Counsel Bible. I'm Dr. Tim Clinton, President of the American association of Christian Counselors. Get your copy of the Care and Counsel Bible right now at our special price while supply supplies last. Go to careandcouncil.com that's careandcouncil.com
- [30:59]
Pastor Alan Jackson
for more
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Dr. Tim Clinton
encouragement and to stay connected, follow Dr. Tim Clinton on Facebook, Instagram and X. We love being a part of your life. Joining us now is Gary Bauer. Bauer served in President Ronald Reagan's administration for eight years as under secretary of education and chief domestic policy advisor. Today he serves as president of American Values, an educational nonprofit organization based right there in Washington, D.C. he's also senior vice president of public policy for the Dr. James Dobson family Institute. Gary, welcome back. Thank you for joining me.
- [31:37]
Gary Bauer
Thank you. Tim. It's been a few weeks. I know we've both been busy, but it's great to be back with you to talk about.
- [31:42]
Dr. Tim Clinton
I was excited to know that we're here. We're on the docket together today. Gary, I want to go straight to this whole issue, social media, everything's blowing up about socialism, this rise of socialism. Hey, and I'm going to say rise of communism in American culture. The radical left, Democratic Party, they seem to be like cascading off the cliff. It's unbelievable. Open borders, abortion on demand, up to birth, reckless spending, driving up inflation, get rid of ice, empty prisons, abolish basically everything in terms of our current way of life. Gary, it's beyond the pale. I can't even believe it. President Trump said this. He believed that the greatest threat to American soil, our country, was communism. Gary, your take on all this.
- [32:31]
Gary Bauer
Yeah. You know, it's interesting Tim, that's a great summary. And when President Trump said that the reaction proved what he was saying, the media immediately accused him of engaging in a red scare, which is the word that was used in the 50s about the people that were trying to identify communists that had infiltrated the United States. Now, look, Marxism, it's like the walking dead. Every time you think it's over and finished, it rises up again. And unfortunately, in our country, we have a lot, particularly young people, that don't know what communism is like. They've been taught in universities whose faculties have more socialists and Marxists on them than they have Republicans. Those studies have shown that consistently. So we're in a really scary moment. And how ironic, right, that this would be happening on the 250th birthday of the birth of the United States of America, that we would now be facing an existential threat like this.
- [33:37]
Dr. Tim Clinton
You know, what concerns me, Gary, is it seems like the strategy of the left has always been go as far as you can radical, and then pull back a little bit. You know that. And what they do is they take territory by doing that very move. It concerns me seeing how insane everything is getting. And then, yeah, well, we'll just back up a little bit. But no, what they're doing is they're seeding culture. They really are. You know, Bishop Robert Barron this week said, friends, when voices today praise tyrants, we've got to take them at their word. History teaches us a clear lesson. When God is taken out of the equation, basic human rights go out the window. It's time for my fellow co believers to speak up. Gary, I know you've been shouting, hey, suit up. Show up and speak up. I mean, it's just like a mantra of yours and you can't scream it loud enough. But it really is time for believers to, quote, embolden themselves to truth. What the Lord has proclaimed, we've got to what, defend.
- [34:43]
Gary Bauer
No question about it. Tim. Look, you know, we were not alive when the Civil War took place or the American Revolution. Most of us weren't alive during World War II, the greatest generation. But it ends up that almost every generation has a battle to wage to save this great country, this shining city on a hill, a country that Lincoln called the last best hope for mankind. And this is our chance, our opportunity, and our responsibility to rise to the occasion. I do not want historians to look back and record that it was our generation that failed to preserve American liberty and pass it on to our children and grandchildren. So this is a time for all of us to get off our duffs and work like crazy to save this great country.
- [35:35]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Gary, I want to talk about Iran for a moment. Everybody continues to watch what's going on. The strikes on Iran that are happening right now, President Trump is clear. They're not going to have a nuclear weapon, period. They're not going to be a nuclear threat, period. 47 years, they've been rogue, defiant. Last week, they killed a couple of our soldiers. President Trump didn't have it. He's done with all that stuff. But the opportunity to make a deal is still there. I think everybody's hoping and praying. Gary, just where's your spirit on this whole thing right now, and what are you praying for?
- [36:12]
Gary Bauer
Well, I. I'm praying that radical Islam is defeated all around the world. It's one of the major threats to Western civilization, and as we just been talking about, it's making this alliance radical Islam and Marxists, and that's a powerful marriage. They've got a lot of things they disagree about, but they hate Judeo Christian civilization and they want to take us down. So this challenge in Iran is significant. We don't have a united country. The Democrats actually seem like they're rooting for America to lose this war. I've never seen anything like it in my life.
- [36:48]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Unbelievable.
- [36:48]
Gary Bauer
So we need to pray for the brave men and women that are carrying out the orders of the commander in chief. And I believe that if we stick to it, we've got a chance to win this in time for people to realize in the November elections that the president actually did what no other president was willing to do.
- [37:07]
Dr. Tim Clinton
You know, over the last couple of months, Gary, I've been reflecting on the power of faith and how it really is the backbone of our country. Eric Metaxas, author of that new book Revolution, recently said this. America's founders didn't declare independence from a king without declaring dependence on the king of kings. I love that, Gary. I know we're not a perfect nation. We've got work to do. But we're still the greatest country on the planet, if you will. And to close us out with a word of challenge and hope in the midst of all this, it really is about light in the dark darkness.
- [37:49]
Gary Bauer
It is, Tim. And just to emphasize that if tomorrow, God forbid, something happened and America would no longer existed, it wouldn't take decades. In a matter of a few months, the world would sink into another dark age. That's how important we are for the survival of freedom around the world. So we need to pray. We need to have faith. We need to work. We need to be Christian citizens. We need to do everything we can to preserve and defend this great nation, this shining city on a hill that our founders referred to it as. It is the last great hope for mankind. And young Americans, many of them have no idea that the rest of the world is nothing like this country, which they take for granted.
- [38:38]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Gary, I always appreciate your voice, your influence in culture. Hey, by the way, if people want to support you, want to learn more about you, maybe get your newsletter, what have you, where can they go? Gary, thanks.
- [38:50]
Gary Bauer
Thanks for asking, Tim. You can go to our O U r our americanvalues.org find out about us there. And signed up for my end of day report.
- [39:01]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Gary Bauer, always great to have you. Thank you for joining me.
- [39:04]
Gary Bauer
Great to be with you, Tim. God bless.
- [39:07]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Coming up next. And he's the lead pastor of New Life Church International, Plant City, Florida. Bishop Calvin Koberis is back with us.
- [39:13]
Pastor Alan Jackson
About 40% of veterans need some mental health assistance each year. These problems include PTSD or post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and substance use disorders, and a host of other behavior problems.
- [39:28]
Military and First Responder Mental Health Coach Narrator
We all know the mantra of the military, no man left behind. It's a promise, a commitment that no one fights alone. And yet today, far too many veterans, first responders and military families are navigating their greatest battles by themselves. That's why we created the Military and First Responder Mental Health Coach Training program. And that's why we launched the no One Left behind initiative. As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, we are reminded that freedom has never been free. Through a partnership between the American association of Christian Counselors, Christian Christian Care Connect, the International Board of Christian Care, Luke and the Human Flourishing alliance, we are equipping a new generation of helpers across America. Through this training, you'll gain practical evidence based and faith integrated tools to support veterans, military families and first responders.
- [40:19]
Pastor Alan Jackson
He said.
- [40:20]
Dr. Tim Clinton
A week after my first gunpipe, I'm sitting in the bleachers with my wife watching our daughter in a swim meet. A starter's gun went off when I didn't expect it. Boom. Heart pounded, gasping for air, drenched with sweat, his wife thought he's having a heart attack. He didn't know what was happening. Well, it was a panic attack and it's normal.
- [40:40]
Military and First Responder Mental Health Coach Narrator
Together we're working to equip 5,000 new helpers across America. Because those who protected our freedom should never have to fight their battles alone. Join the No1Left behind initiative today. Become a military and first responder mental health Coach and help us ensure that no one gets left behind.
- [41:03]
Dr. Tim Clinton
For more encouragement and to stay connected, follow Dr. Tim Clinton on Facebook, Instagram, and X. We love being a part of your life. Now it's Bishop Calvin Colberis. He currently serves as lead pastor of New Life Church International in Plant City, Florida. He's a member of the National Faith Advisory Board and strong voice for righteousness and culture. Bishop, welcome back. Thank you for joining me.
- [41:31]
Bishop Calvin Colbert
Good morning, Dr. Clinton. Thank you for having me.
- [41:33]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Bishop, you and I have had a lot of conversations together about our faith, righteousness, and culture. But, Bishop, I'm noticing a more serious tone in you. Something is shifting. You want to talk a lot more about civics, the church, and theology. You think people are being a little softer on truth? I saw a slogan recently, what our Lord has proclaimed, we will defend your thoughts.
- [42:02]
Bishop Calvin Colbert
That's exactly where my thoughts are. I think that the church is becoming too quiet and becoming too silent when the world has gone wild. And I think that it's important that the pulpits raise their voices over the propaganda and speak the truth and encourage the congregation to engage in civics to help us realize that that's our faith obligation and duty.
- [42:23]
Gary Bauer
You.
- [42:24]
Pastor Alan Jackson
You.
- [42:24]
Dr. Tim Clinton
I think you're a little tired of the. The donkey and the den and the. The elephant, if you will. People talking too much about Democrats and Republicans. You are calling for kingdom people. Bishop, tell us what you mean.
- [42:36]
Bishop Calvin Colbert
Yeah, I mean, the word of God is very clear that thy kingdom come, that will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Jesus did not come riding on a donkey or elephant. He came as the king of king and the Lord of Lord. And yes, we understand all of the agendas of parties, but right now, as Christian believers, it's not about taking sides. It's about standing for what is right. And what is right is the truth of the gospel, the truth of the word of God. And if we have been influenced as a Christian nation, I believe that we should uphold Christian values in all of our decision making.
- [43:08]
Dr. Tim Clinton
And, Bishop, you and I know there's a lot of tension and division out there, but, boy, it's nice when people kind of come together. And it's been interesting over the last couple of weeks. We were privileged to watch the World cup here on our land, in our country. I'm not a big soccer guy. I like football. I like baseball. I like basketball. I've never done the soccer thing too much, but I found myself Bishop because a lot of energy. And then I realized how competitive this game was, that I was drawn to watching the competition and Bishop. It was fun. Everybody watched the president and then everybody show up for the championship game. That was. That was wild. Bishop. I love it when I hear people chanting USA and things like that. I know your heart is to reconcile people together. You want to bring people
- [44:03]
Gary Bauer
together
- [44:05]
Dr. Tim Clinton
to find joy and strength and hope and to bring light into the darkness. Bishop, Talk to us about maybe some of the things that you're doing to advance that.
- [44:16]
Bishop Calvin Colbert
Well, some of the things that we're doing to try to bridge people together is one. My Bridge Builders network is big about racial reconciliation. Those who want to stir the plot of the past and try to keep people divided today and make everything a race issue, we have to work against that. We have to push back and teach people that we are one blood, since we are one blood, we're one family, and we need to learn to respect each other as humans and as children of God. And that's one approach. The next approach is uniting people around civic engagement and the church realizing that this is not about party size. This is about us as Christian believers, followers of Christ, upholding the agenda of God over the agenda of man. And I believe that it's important. If we're going to unify, it doesn't always mean that we're going to agree, but we can find common ground, that even if we have to agree to disagree on certain issues, we're not going to disagree on the issues that surround morals and values and what makes us who we are as a country and a people of God.
- [45:13]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Bishop the battle for our kids. Probably no place that has alarmed me more than this battle over our children. They're trying to teach our kids everything from imposing, you know, drag queen dance parties and stuff, and transgender ideology to being ashamed of America. Seriously, this indoctrination is not. It's not education, it's indoctrination. I saw a piece by Glenn Beck this week when he said this. The battle for our kids will not be won in D.C. but rather with parents who won't give up their influence. Bishop. Speak to us about this very thing, because what he was saying was influence isn't, quote, just in Washington. It starts with each and every one of us that God has called us to what, be image bearers and to stand boldly for and with the truth.
- [46:08]
Bishop Calvin Colbert
Joshua 24 says, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. And in the Cabarrus household, I lift up the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the values of America, and I love America, and I would not allow my children to speak against this country or to speak against the blessings that we enjoy for being a part of this country. But rather I educate them. I help them understand our historical context. I help them understand the dark moments, the good moments. But how God, throughout all of those different eras and times, has lifted us up and blessed us as a nation. And I think that that's where it starts. Everything starts at home. And parents have the responsibility to make sure that the foundation of truth, the foundation of values, the foundation of morals are laid down at home, that we appreciate God, his values and appreciate the country that he has given us to be liberated in.
- [47:03]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Bishop God is expanding your platform. You're speaking everywhere. You're out there rubbing shoulders with a lot of people. Are you encouraged?
- [47:15]
Bishop Calvin Colbert
I am encouraged, Dr. Clinton. I'm encouraged because I believe that light causes darkness to disperse. I believe that truth causes hearts to be convicted and changed. I believe that when my voice is used, someone will hear the words and hear the truth and it will set them free. And despite all of the negativity, all of the propaganda, everything that the enemy is using to try to tear us down, I read the end of the book and the end of the book says we have the victory. We are more than overcomers. So I'm going to keep preaching the truth, keep standing for the word of God and keep pointing people in the direction of Jesus Christ.
- [47:53]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Amen. And amen. Bishop Calvin Kouveris, thank you for joining me. For more encouragement and to stay connected, follow Dr. Tim Clinton on Facebook, Instagram and X. We love being a part of your life.
- [48:10]
Military and First Responder Mental Health Coach Narrator
Foreign.
- [48:16]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Closing I know these are unprecedented times. They're difficult times. But I know that God's in control. I believe he's at work. I hope you'll press in close to him in his heart and know that he loves you and that he wants to be in your life. Our hope, our strength comes from the Lord. Here's a great verse again, encouraging verse to hold on to from the Bible this week. Colossians, chapter 3, verses 15 and 17. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body you were called to peace and be thankful. And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. I hope you know that you can look to God for wisdom and direction in your everyday life. Let me also say, however, I've learned as a a professional counselor that it's easy, normal to have concern, maybe some fear to begin to worry, especially when life isn't the way it's supposed to be. But I have also learned too that if you aren't careful to begin to consume you, it can control you. It's easy to lose perspective for some. They feel like they've maybe lost hope. It can get so dark. Some might even feel like life would be better off without them. I say this every week. You don't have to live like that. Simply taking a step, reaching out for help. It's often the gateway to a new day or a new you. And if you or someone you love is struggling, I hope you'll do that. Reach out for help. There are wonderful counselors and pastors who care who can help you find the hope, the answers that you're looking for. And there are also, by the way, a lot of wonderful resources. Love to connect you with some of those. You can learn more@aacc.net that's our website aacc.net or check out our new website if you were looking for a Christian mental health professional in your area. ChristianCareConnect.com that's ChristianCareConnect.com if you don't have a personal relationship with God, you know what? You can do that right now by asking him to come into your life. Ask him to forgive your sin and become your Lord and Savior. Simply pray a prayer like this one from your heart to his. You can pray with me right now. Lord Jesus, I need you. I know I'm a sinner. I know that you died for my sins. I want to turn from them. I want to invite you into my heart and my life. I want to trust you and follow you as my Lord and Savior. Thank you for loving me, for giving your life on the cross for me. Thank you for the gift of grace and forgiveness and eternal life in heaven. I pray all this in Jesus name. Amen. You know what the Bible says? The Bible says in Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and you believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, the Bible says this, you will be saved. I believe you prayed that prayer that you now are a child of God. Best thing you can do is go tell someone what you just did and give your heart and live your life for him. God will give you the strength to do that. If you're struggling and you'd say to me, tim, it's really dark. I feel pretty hopeless. I hope you'll just pick up the phone right now and dial the suicide hotline. It's simple. 988. Just dial 988 and start a conversation with someone. Hey, before we go, maybe God's gifted you with a heart to help other people. I'd love for you to consider being a part of our Mental Health Coach first responder training program. You can enroll right now and be on your way to becoming a board certified mental health coach. Over 80,000 people have enrolled. Everything you need to know about this program is@lightuniversity.com mental health coach right there on your screen. Lightuniversity.com mental health coach it's a 42 hour training program featuring some of the world's leading mental health and ministry experts, all on video. You can study 247, 365. The best news, it's a $2,400 program. There might be a scholarship up there for someone just like you. Go up on lightuniversity.com mental health coach hey, and finally, in closing, I want to acknowledge a friend of the AACC contributor here on Sunday, the Road Forward. A good man that we lost and we mourn the passing of my good friend. Dr. Tim Murphy passed away suddenly last week at the age of 73. Many knew Dr. Murphy as a former congressman. We knew him as family. As a leader of the AACC's military division, he was instrumental in shaping our military and first responder Mental health Coach training program, equipping thousands of caregivers to help serve those who serve us. As a psychologist and Navy Reserve commander, he personally treated wounded warriors. He never stopped advocating for the mental health of active duty service members, veterans, first responders and their families. Hey. During his time in office as a congressman, he wrote and sponsored the Helping Families and Mental Health Crisis Act, a landmark piece of legislation that became law in 2016 and expanded access to treatment for individuals living with serious mental illness and the families who love them. He's also the author of the Christ Cure, a book he was so proud of. 10 biblical ways to heal from trauma, tragedy and PTSD. Helping people work through trauma with the hope that we have in Christ. We're grateful for his life, his service and his friendship. Our prayers are with the Murphy family. I'm Dr. Tim Clinton. As always, thanks for watching. See you next week right here on Sunday, the Road Forward on Real America's Voice.