In this episode of Christian Perspective on the News, host Brad welcomes journalist and analytical strategist Mike Barnard as they begin 2026 with a powerful faith-based discussion on global events. From South Africa’s spiritual journey to the geopolitical shockwaves of the Venezuela oil raid, US foreign policy, energy security, Israel, Iran, China, and Russia, this conversation unpacks what the headlines don’t say.

Mike offers a biblical lens on world affairs, reminding believers that global instability calls for deeper dependence on God, intentional transformation of the mind, and Christ-centered leadership. This episode challenges listeners to rethink power, sovereignty, service, and personal renewal in a rapidly changing world—while affirming that God remains firmly in control.

Perfect for listeners seeking a Christian response to current affairs, geopolitics, and intentional faith living in 2026.

This impassioned discussion centers on the Great Commission as the supreme priority for every Christian. The call is not merely to make converts but to make disciples of individuals, families, and entire nations, teaching obedience to all that Christ commanded.

Amid a crisis where 75% of young people from churchgoing homes abandon their faith within three years of entering university, Dr. Peter Hammond emphasizes the urgent need for a robust Biblical Worldview Summit. This intensive program, running for over 30 years, equips young Christians to counter secular humanism, evolutionism, and other anti-Christian ideologies prevalent on campuses and in the workplace. The summit provides practical training to help participants understand the "world war of worldviews," defend their faith intellectually, and win others to Christ.

Terwyl die jaar ten einde loop, daag Ds Jannie ons uit om na ons lewens en ons land te kyk deur die lens van die "halfvol glas". Hy erken die werklikheid van gebrek, misdaad en teleurstellings in Suid-Afrika, maar beklemtoon die groot belang van dankbaarheid en die "belofte" wat in elke situasie lê.

In hierdie kragtige Woensdagoggend-boodskap spreek Dr. Braam drie dringende sake aan: die wêreldwye skade van sosiale media op jeugdiges (waar hy beklemtoon dat ouerlike liefde, nie net wetgeving, die antwoord is), die emosionele reaksie op die moord op Karen van Aart en hoe dit ons moet aanspoor om op te staan teen álle onskuldige geweld in ons land, en laastens die verskriklike realiteit van 'n derde wêreldoorlog wat op verskeie fronte woed.

In hierdie insiggewende gesprek deel Prof Arno sy persoonlike ondervindinge van 'n onlangse besoek aan Israël, waar hy 'n kultuur van innoverende samewerking en veerkragtigheid tussen Israeliërs en Moslems raakgesien het - 'n strydbeeld teen die algemene persepsie van apartheid. Hy skuif dan na die huislike front en analiseer president Ramaphosa se onlangse waarskuwing dat die ANC "sal moet aanpas of sterf". Hy bespreek die diep morele, etiese en ideologiese krisis binne die regerende party en wat dit vir die 2026-verkiesing en die land se toekoms kan beteken

Dr Hammond's analysis addresses the significant diplomatic and economic fallout from South Africa's handling of the G20 presidency, citing strong criticism from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The critique centers on the ANC-led government's policies of "racial grievance," redistribution, corruption, and a foreign policy that has alienated traditional allies like the United States. The segment argues that these choices have led to economic stagnation, rampant unemployment, and South Africa's effective exclusion from future G20 summits. Drawing from Proverbs and Isaiah, the discussion frames the nation's plight as a spiritual and moral crisis, condemning the "politics of grievance" and hateful rhetoric.

Ds Jannie gryp aan by president Cyril Ramaphosa se onlangse oproep dat Suid-Afrikaners "saam lewe, werk, leer, lag, speel, bid, treur en vier". Teen die agtergrond van ons polariserende politiek en die G20-krisis, vra hy: Hoekom bid ons op Sondag en veg ons op Maandag? Hy daag ons uit om die evangelie in praktyk te bring en werklik as 'n eenheid, sonder trots en teenstrydighede, ons uitdagings saam te oorkom.

In hierdie Desember-aflevering bied Dr. Braam Hanekom ’n helder perspektief op drie brandpunte in die nuus: die buitensporige geweld teen die landbousektor (waar hy waarsku teen die afleidende debat oor die term “volksmoord”), die gespanne diplomatieke verhouding tussen Suid-Afrika en die VSA ná die G20, en die “Oxford-woord van die jaar” – ragebait.

In this reflective Monday news analysis, Mike Burnard shifts the focus from headlines to the heart of the Christian calling. Against the backdrop of Middle East tensions, including Netanyahu's political future and Pope Francis's peace mission to Lebanon, Mike draws powerful parallels to our own season of reflection.

Sharing a profound moment from the Bekaa Valley, he emphasizes that the Church today is God's instrument to "bring heaven to earth," offering hope in places like Syria and Gaza that have lost it. The discussion challenges believers to move beyond defensive arguments and comfortable circles, following Jesus's example of first revealing Himself to those on the margins.