Crosstalk America

Dr. Erwin Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church where he served as the senior pastor for 36 years. He is the speaker on the Running to Win radio broadcast and an award-winning author. Some of his titles include We Will Not Be Silenced, The Eclipse of God, When a Nation Forgets God, and The Cross in the Shadow of the Crescent. He's with us today discussing his book One Minute After You Die, a title with more than 700,000 copies in print. As we start the New Year, many of us look for new beginnings, new opportunities, and new resolutions. We think of vibrancy and all that we want to get accomplished during the year. Very few enter a new year thinking about death. Yet, death comes to all. It is critically important that we understand that death is not the end. As our guest today has written, "For some, death is the beginning of unending bliss. For others, it will be unending despair. Either you will be enjoying a personal welcome from Christ or you will be catching your first glimpse of gloom as you have never known it. One minute after you die, you will either be elated or terrified. And it will be too late to reroute your travel plans. Your future will be irrevocably fixed and eternally unchangeable." What can we expect one minute after we die? As we begin this New Year of 2025, it is critical for each of us to consider our own eternal destiny and to be a witness to others who also must come to this realization.

Jim began by quoting 1 Peter 5:8 which says, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." Jim began this way because as he also pointed out, our culture today is inundated with films, books, toys, games and other items designed to lure and attract people into the occult. Children and teens are constantly exposed to these efforts and worsening the situation are social media phone apps and popular online programs/games featuring occult themes. This program is a warning from Marcia Montenegro. Before becoming a Christian, Marcia was involved for many years in Eastern spiritual beliefs (Hindu and Buddhist), New Age, and occult practices. She was a certified, professional astrologer who taught Astrology for several years. She served as chairperson of the Astrology Board of Examiners and president of the Astrological Society in Atlanta. She came to Christ and is now engaged in her full-time ministry, Christian Answers for the New Age. She's spoken around the country and writes on New Age and occult topics published in magazines, journals and books. She is co-author of Richard Rohr and the Enneagram Secret and is author of the book discussed on this broadcast, Spellbound: The Paranormal Seduction of Today's Kids. Marcia began by defining the occult as a set of practices that involve either an attempt to contact an invisible/supernatural being or an attempt to use or manipulate some kind of supernatural source. It can also involve reading or finding hidden or secret meaning into things.

There was more from the never ending news cycle; news that's important to be seen from a Christian perspective. Sitting in for Jim Schneider, Dalton Windsor had much to present. Here's a sample of stories that were aired: --President Trump started his day in North Carolina to survey the situation surrounding those who suffered last year due to Hurricane Helene. He will head to Los Angeles and then Nevada. --Trump said on Truth Social that Governor Newsom refused to sign the Water Restoration Declaration that was put before him that would have allowed millions of gallons of water from excess rain and snow melt from the north to flow daily into many parts of California, including the areas that are currently burning in a virtually apocalyptic way. --California Democrats blocked a Republican amendment to add 1 billion dollars in wildfire prevention funding to the state's 2.5 billion dollar wildfire recovery bill during a simple procedural vote. --President Trump spoke to the World Economic Forum in Davos where he gave an America first presentation. --A news poll says 77% of Canadians want an immediate election to deal with Trump's tariff threat. --President Trump signed pardons for imprisoned pro-life Christians. --President Trump announced a purge of over 1,000 Biden appointees. --Former National Security Advisor John Bolton as well as Dr. Fauci have had their security details removed.

Mark Krikorian is a nationally recognized expert on immigration issues serving as the Executive Director of Center for Immigration Studies. They are an independent, non-partisan research organization examining and critiquing the impact of immigration on the United States. He has testified numerous times before Congress and has published articles in many outlets. On Monday, January, 20th, at 12 noon Eastern Time, immediate security changes were brought to bear on the U.S. border crisis as the open border policies of the Biden/Harris administration were brought to a decisive halt. The app used to secure appointments to enter the U.S. illegally was disabled. Hundreds of those who entered our nation illegally and that committed additional illegal acts have already been apprehended for deportation, including MS13 gang members and murder suspects. The result of all this? Fox News has reported that border encounters are said to be 35% lower than the final 3 days of the Biden/Harris administration. Mark noted that this decisive action is a refreshing change from the first Trump administration when they weren't prepared. He described that administration as like the dog who caught the car and didn't quite know how to proceed. He went on to note that because of this, it's almost better that Trump lost in 2020 because now his new administration is prepared. In fact, the nation itself is more ready to accept what Trump wants to do after seeing what Biden's anti-border administration was capable of doing. Whenever Mark appears on Crosstalk, much gets covered and this program was no exception. Mark commented on the Alien Enemies Act, the Laken Riley Act and much more.

Reverend Jim Harden is president and CEO of CompassCare Pregnancy Services in New York. Today is the 52nd anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision that brought about abortion on demand. Fast forward to today and we see that according to numberofabortions.com, since that day there have been more than 66.4 million abortions in the U.S. That equals approximately 20% of the current U.S. population that's been wiped out. Yes, the Dobbs decision has been released reversing Roe, but that sent the issue back to the states. Unfortunately, as Rev. Harden pointed out, this has caused abortions to increase. As this has taken place, many states, in their attempts to regulate abortion on their own, are literally enshrining the sanctioning of taking the life of the pre-born in their constitutions. The movement against life is not only targeting the pre-born but also those who are advocates for life. This includes pregnancy care centers and those who stand outside abortion centers and plead with women not to kill their pre-born children. In fact, Reverend Harden's care center was victim to an attack and the perpetrators have yet to be caught. This program featured discussion concerning many points of interest related to this topic including lawsuits against CompassCare Pregnancy Services, audio of Senator Josh Hawley grilling attorney general nominee Pam Bondi, abortion amendment news in Virginia, aborted babies being burned to produce energy and more. Callers wrapped up the broadcast with their thoughts.

Tom DeWeese is President of American Policy Center. Tom is one of the nation's leading advocates of individual liberty, free enterprise, private property rights, personal privacy, back-to-basics education and American sovereignty and independence and protecting our Constitutionally-guaranteed rights. After his inauguration as 47th president yesterday, Donald Trump wasted no time in signing numerous executive orders. Some that were dealt with on this broadcast included the U.S. departure from the Paris Climate Treaty, declaring a national energy emergency, termination of the electrical vehicle mandate, reopening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, separation from the World Health Organization and securing our borders. Outside of those executive orders, Tom also commented on other issues that require vigilance by citizens, our elected officials, as well as the need for a clear vision by our president. After all, the global 'left' continues to use various tactics to subvert our president. For example, Tom commented on who's advising the president, the California wildfires, a controversial plan to cut sunlight in order to combat global warming, a convention of states to amend the Constitution and more.

Mat Staver is Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. Mat is a constitutional attorney with three landmark cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. He is an author and the host of the radio broadcasts Faith & Freedom and Freedom's Call. Just a few hours ago Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States of America. Listen to hear his oath and several other audio clips. President Trump gave very stirring remarks in his Inaugural Address about the executive actions being taken today and a change of course from what we've experienced over the last four years. He proclaimed, "The golden age of America begins right now." Just minutes before the changeover of the presidency, The Daily Caller reported news that President Biden pardoned 5 family members: his brother Frank, his brother James, James' wife Sara Biden, his sister Valerie Owens and her husband John Owens. These are connected to Hunter Biden's business dealings with overseas partners. Early this morning many woke up to the news that in his final hours in office, President Biden issued pardons to Anthony Fauci, retired General Mark Milley, Liz Cheney and other members of the House Select Committee on January 6th. Pardons also were given to police officers who testified before this committee. Listen to here Mat Staver's comments on today's happenings and their impact on our nation.

From the L.A. wildfires to the inauguration and much more, Jim had much to present on this edition of the Round-Up. Stories included: --Israel convened its cabinet today to vote on the hostage cease-fire deal with Hamas. While some are celebrating it as a victory for Hamas, many Israelis are remaining uneasy. --Some of the terrorists who will be released due to the Israel/Hamas hostage deal will be sent to Judea and Samaria as well as eastern Jerusalem, contrary to the promises that were made earlier to the ministers. --President Biden extended for another year the executive order declaring a state of emergency at Judea and Samaria. This order enables the imposition of sanctions on settlers whom the administration defines as violent. --The U.N. has blocked aid to Gaza in order to fake a famine. --Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass cut tens of millions from the Los Angeles Fire Department months before the county fires erupted. We now have video of numerous Los Angeles Fire Department officials warning that the steep cuts could impact disastrous response. 21 days before the Palisades fire broke out, Los Angeles fire personnel jammed into the L.A. fire commission meeting with a dire warning about the consequences of the budget cuts. --Firefighters responded only 44 minutes after a prominent Pacific Palisades resident called 9-1-1 on Tuesday morning, January 7th, by which time the Palisades fire had begun burning out of control from high winds according to local residents. --Los Angeles residents are suing a California utility company for allegedly causing the deadly Eaton fire.

News broke yesterday of a hostage release deal combined with an Israel/Hamas cease-fire to take place in 3 phases. Israel National News was reporting that Hamas was making new demands while Israel's Prime Minister accused Hamas of reneging on parts of the Gaza cease-fire agreement in a bid to extort last minute concessions. He reportedly demanded that all details be finalized before taking a vote of the security cabinet. To present the latest news on this very fluid situation was Rick DeYoung. Rick is co-host of Prophecy Today, CEO of Shofar Communications, a graduate of Word of Life Bible Institute. Rick is also the son of Dr. Jimmy DeYoung Sr. Rick communicated that the hostage deal appears to be in the final stages. It's going before the Israeli cabinet tomorrow to be approved. So at this point there is excitement in the air with the hope that there's an end in sight and possibly a return to normalcy. Rick indicated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has had to "walk the line" between the pressure to make a deal and bring the hostages home while also balancing security and deterrence for Israel's overall population. That last point is a concern due to the large number of terrorists Israel would have to release under any deal. Keep in mind, as Rick also noted, Israel has been trying to end Hamas because Israel feels it no longer can be secure if Hamas is in control. So a deal could allow Hamas to retain some power. Overall, Rick believes the time is right for a deal, particularly with President-elect Trump about to take the reins in the U.S., as he's shown that he's a supporter of Israel.

Just before we get to our main topic, as announced a couple hours before the program, a hostage release deal combined with an Israel-Hamas cease fire reportedly has been reached. Donald Trump put out on Truth Social: "We have a deal for the hostages in the Middle East. They will be released shortly. Thank You." He said, "This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies. I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones." Since being elected to a second term, Donald Trump warned that the hostages must be returned prior to his coming into office. President Trump indicated a week ago he had negotiators in Israel. At the same time, President Biden is taking credit for the announcement. On today's program we want to take you to the Senate hearing room yesterday as Pete Hegseth, the nominee for Secretary of Defense, was on the hotseat. His opening statement was an arousing one and was interrupted by protestors 3 times. Mr. Hegseth testified of his faith in Jesus Christ and the change that has taken place in his life since. Many of you may have not heard his opening and some of the questions, so we want to bring this to you. Senate switchboard number: (202) 224-3121