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What changes when a single Supreme Court case rewrites the playbook on faith in public life? We dig into the ripple effects of Coach Joe Kennedy’s victory, which not only vindicated a high school coach’s right to pray but also swept aside the Lemon test that fed government hostility to religion for decades. With that barrier gone, schools and communities now have clearer ground to protect student religious expression, respect teachers’ personal faith, and honor America’s history and traditions without fear or confusion.
We talk with Kelly Shackelford of First Liberty Institute about the legal momentum reshaping the landscape: Ten Commandments displays returning to public spaces, appellate courts signaling a new era for religious liberty, and updated Department of Education guidance that finally reflects the modern case law. Kelly explains how these changes empower local leaders to act confidently, why historical practice matters in constitutional analysis, and how misinformation about “separation of church and state” still clouds basic rights in classrooms and boardrooms.
Beyond the courtroom, we spotlight a national call to prayer—an hour a week with ten friends—to re-center hearts and communities. Then we turn to the nuts and bolts of civic influence: strategic voting in low‑turnout primaries, where choosing a viable values-aligned candidate can block bad outcomes and advance lasting change. If you want practical steps, we point you to resources like FirstLiberty.org and RFIA.org, where citizens can find model language, legal backing, and real-world projects to restore faith in their hometowns.
If this conversation helps clarify your rights or sparks an idea for your school or city, share it with a friend, subscribe for more, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway. Your voice—and your vote—can move the needle.
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How can teaching kids to read by using simple phonics help drastically improve reading proficiency in America? Tune in to The Public Square® today to hear more.
Topic: Education
The Public Square® with host Dave Zanotti
thepublicsquare.com
Air Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Some moments stay with us—not because we understood them at the time, but because of how deeply they moved us. Pastor Jonathan Evans brings us alongside three disciples who experienced an unforgettable encounter with Jesus—one that forever changed how they saw Him.
Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 6:12
The Bible is not a book of rules, but a book of principles. Rules can be manipulated and laws have loopholes, but principles are timeless and unchanging. Therefore, the Bible is a trusted source to cite when making daily decisions.
There are six positive principles to live by, and questions to ask ourselves for a proper daily practice of the Christian faith.
Expediency: Does this bring me to my appointed goal or does it hinder me?
"All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful...” (1 Corinthians 6:12). We ought to have God-given goals for our lives and a holy ambition to accomplish them. Our decisions should honor the direction we are going.
Enslavement: Am I brought under the power of anything other than Jesus Christ?
“...all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Corinthians 6:12).
Jesus came to set us free from our addictions, vices, and bad habits. Under His sovereignty alone can we experience true freedom.
Example: Even if this doesn’t hurt me, will it hurt somebody else?
Even if we do not struggle with certain vices, our endorsement of it could lead others to stumble.
Adrian Rogers says, “Don’t let your head run away with your heart; we are here to operate by love. Knowledge puffs you up, but love builds up.”
Edification: Does this build me up or tear me down?
"...all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify" (1 Corinthians 10:23). Everything we do will either build us up or tear us down; we should value friendships, conversations, and entertainment that refresh, renew and restore.
Exaltation: Is God glorified by what I’m doing?
Colossians 3:17 says, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…” Every decision we make either honors or dishonors the Lord. We should strive to exalt God in everything we do.
Evangelism: Is there anything that keeps me from bringing anybody else to Jesus Christ?
When you study God’s Word, are you looking for rules to follow or for principles to live by? Consider the principles above; ask yourself the questions presented.
Apply it to your life
When you study God’s Word, are you looking for rules to follow or principles to live by? Consider the principles above and ask yourself the questions presented.
God values who you’re becoming, not just what you get right.
Even the kindest intentions can’t erase the consequences of sin, for those who live in rebellion against God cannot inherit His kingdom.
Many teens wrestle with the challenge of fitting in — sometimes at the cost of losing themselves. On today's show, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents who share their stories of wearing masks to please others while chasing popularity. Both young women reveal how their struggles led to broken trust with family, poor choices and a sense of disconnection from who they truly are. Now, through honest conversations and counseling at Heartlight, they're learning how to embrace their authentic selves and feel more confident.
Interested in learning more about the Heartlight residential program? Go to heartlightministries.org today!
Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org.
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