Bridge Church Radio

Top News Stories Mar 17, 2026 – 04:00 PM CDT

Top News Stories Mar 17, 2026 – 02:00 PM CDT

A top counterterrorism official is resigning over the Trump administration’s war against Iran. Joe Kent, the director of the U-S National Counterterrorism Center, is stepping down, saying he “cannot in good conscience” support the war. In a statement announcing his resignation, Kent said that Iran “posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel.” His resignation reflects unease among some of Donald Trump’s MAGA supporters about the war.

Americans support evangelism

VERBATIM:  According to the Becket Fund’s latest Religious Freedom Index, 75% of adults in this country support the right of people to tell others about their faith.  Becket says this is one of the highest numbers on record on this question and is being driven by interest in faith amongst younger Americans.  Becket spokesman Lori Windham says “Religious freedom isn’t limited to only what happens in houses of worship. It’s about how people live their lives and build their communities.”  MH REPORTING

More states are encouraging businesses to help employees sign up for universal healthcare. They’re using a policy backed by President Donald Trump to do it.

POSSIBLE OUT CUE: Obamacare enrollment has already dropped by more than 1 million this year, with further decline expected.

VERBATIM: President Trump explained why he didn’t support an extension of government subsidies that made Obamacare plans more affordable for millions. Those subsidies have now expired, sending premiums soaring. But Mr. Trump has continued to support a 2019 rule issued in his first term that allowed states to offer tax credits to businesses that help employees enroll in Obamacare plans.

That offer is now finding more takers, among Republicans and Democrats, as state lawmakers look for ways to keep the uninsured rate down. At least six states are looking at offering the tax credits to businesses that adopt the Trump policy… to stem the damage.

Bernie Bennett reporting.

Culture doesn’t drift toward truth by accident. It’s shaped by whoever shows up with conviction, skill, and staying power and that’s exactly why we’re talking about faith beyond church walls. We dig into what it means to live as “biblical citizens” who bring the gospel into every calling, from politics and education to media, medicine, and the fine arts. If you’ve ever wondered whether your work really matters to God, this conversation makes the case that your profession can be a mission field when you practice excellence and refuse to compartmentalize your beliefs.

Elizabeth Carlisle joins us to share her new book, “Americans Who Pray: Uniting a Nation in Faith and Freedom,” a collection that blends her own prayers with prayers from 80 inspiring Americans. We talk about the power of prayer in American history, why George Washington’s dependence on God still speaks to the moment we’re in, and how humility changes leadership. Elizabeth also describes the story behind First Freedom Art and the legacy of Arnold Freeberg, the artist behind “The Prayer at Valley Forge,” now seen by hundreds of thousands at the Museum of the Bible.

We also tackle the “Seven Mountains of influence” idea in a grounded way: don’t get stuck on labels, just engage every sphere of culture instead of surrendering institutions by default. Along the way, we point you to practical resources, including historic prayer proclamations and examples you can bring back into public life. If you care about faith and culture, Christian leadership, prayer for America, and restoring beauty and truth in the arts, this one’s for you.

Subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review with one area of culture you’re ready to step into next.

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Today's Bible verse: Romans 8:34

Top News Stories Mar 17, 2026 – 03:00 AM CDT

Greg Koukl provides concrete ways to take a stand for our beliefs. He focuses especially on issues within the culture that cause most Christians to falter when faced with challenges from non-believers. He trains us to use questions to whittle away arguments and bring God’s truth to light.

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Top News Stories Mar 17, 2026 – 01:00 AM CDT