A TIME TO SPEAK with Brian Powell

One of the most controversial claims today is that Islam is a religion of tolerance. From both a theological and historical standpoint, that claim is difficult to defend. No Islamic nation currently practices full religious freedom, and throughout history Christian communities have faced persecution under Islamic rule. Scholars widely acknowledge that Islam expanded through conquest, and the Qur’an itself includes passages calling for violence against unbelievers. Today, Dr. Doug Hopkins joins the show to continue this important conversation.

Islam, as a system, is not ultimately compatible with Western civilization. In traditional Islam, submission to Allah extends into every sphere of life, including civil authority, which naturally moves toward governance and Sharia Law. Christianity, however, sees itself as belonging to a Kingdom not of this world. Our calling isn’t to rule nations but to bear faithful witness to Christ. This episode continues our conversation on Islam, Allah, and Muhammad.

For four consecutive years, thousands of Muslims have gathered in Times Square for public prayer during Ramadan. This year, they declared that they would not stop proclaiming Islam until it reaches every home. The scene is striking—in many ways, ironic. New York City, the place where Islamist terrorists brought down the Twin Towers, now has its first Muslim mayor. On today’s episode, we walk through the origins of the Muslim faith and the five pillars of Islam.

If you’ve found yourself grieving deeply these past few weeks, you’re not alone. It speaks volumes about the bold witness of Charlie Kirk—whose life and sacrifice continue to echo like a voice crying out from the ground. On today’s episode, Dr. Doug Hopkins joins the show for a powerful conversation about faith, courage, and the divine call to speak truth in the face of evil.

We understand people best when we’ve walked a similar path. Yet even when we haven’t, we can still lean in—listen, imagine their hurt, and choose to care. That’s the heart of empathy. Jesus is the perfect example. He didn’t just feel for us—He entered our world and lived with our limitations. He embodied empathy and compassion. As His followers, we’re called to do the same. So, how do we live like Jesus while navigating a culture that twists empathy into something it's not?

The greatest short story ever told—The Parable of the Prodigal Son—might just as accurately be called The Parable of the Lost Sons. As the story unfolds, we discover, not only did the younger son leave home looking for freedom, but the one who stayed home also became lost. Why do we give so much attention to the sons, when it’s the Father who stands at the center of the story? His response to both sons reveals the very heart of God—one full of compassion and grace. The real question is: Are we interested in becoming like the Father?

Your mind has the capacity to take you places that are very dangerous for your soul. This episode explores the Parable of the Prodigal Son through the lens of the older brother. This story really could be called the Parable of the Prodigal Sons (plural), because not only did the younger son lose his way, but the one who stayed home also became lost. Ultimately, getting lost has nothing to do with one’s physical location. We don’t have to run away to get lost. When we allow our minds to take us to dark places, it’s easy to get lost at home.

The things that preoccupy our minds expose the place we truly call home. This episode explores the Parable of the Prodigal Son through the lens of the younger brother. When we place ourselves in the story, it becomes clear that leaving home is more than a physical state; it’s a spiritual problem. In the far country, we become deaf to the voice of the Father. Leaving home is ultimately disbelief that God provides everything we need. 

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s story offers an excellent example of a life fully surrendered to Jesus. Their willingness to face the furnace is the embodiment of devotion to God. What looked like the end of their lives turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to them. Facing death over worshipping a false idol led to a divine encounter that forever marked their lives. Today’s episode reminds listeners to stand strong in challenging times because God is still meeting people in the furnace.

For the past few decades, American culture has shifted in ways few saw coming. At the forefront of this movement is the sacrifice and sexualization of our children. From the government to public education, healthcare to big tech, politics to entertainment—our culture is playing along. This neo-pagan sexual revolution brands itself as liberating yet leaves a trail of brokenness in its wake. What is the responsibility of Christians living in a culture that sacrifices their own on the altars of sexual gratification?