In this episode of Ezra Interviews, Dr. Michael Thiessenis is joined by Ezra team members, Pastor Nate Wright, Jordan Cecile, and Matthew Hallick, to preview the upcoming ReformCon '25 and the importance of thinking Christianly while building culture out of the ashes of our decaying secular society.

UPCOMING CONFERENCES:
REFORMCON '25 | "Out of the Ashes" | April 24-26, 2025 @ Tucson, AZ: https://reformcon.org/;

The WAIT is OVER!!! Pre-order your copy of the NEW updated and expanded version of Dr. Boot’s Mission of God with a brand-new study guide! Get it here: https://ezrapress.ca/products/mission-of-god-10th-anniversary-edition;

Think Christianly about politics with the help of Dr. Boot’s latest book, “Ruler of Kings:” https://ezrapress.ca/products/ruler-of-kings-toward-a-christian-vision-of-government;

Got Questions? Would you like to hear Dr. Boot answer your questions? Let us know in the comments or reach out to us at https://www.ezrainstitute.com/connect/contact/;

For Ezra’s many print resources and to join our newsletter, visit: https://ezrapress.com.

Stay up-to-date with all things Ezra Institute: https://www.ezrainstitute.com;
Subscribe to Ezra’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPVvQDHHrOOjziyqUaN9VoA?sub_confirmation=1;
Fight Laugh Feast Network: https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/audio/podcasts/8297;
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ezra-institute-podcast-for-cultural-reformation/id1336078503;
Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dW1gDarpzdrDMLPjKYZW2?si=bee3e91ed9a54885.

Wherever you find our content, please like, subscribe, rate, or review it; it truly does help.

Easter is the perfect time for Christians to reflect on the providence of God in constituting our nation in such a way that the Free Exercise Clause codified a great gospel doctrine. It brings to a particular resolution the history of a debate that can be traced back to 16th century English theologian, William Perkins. Presidents George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson wrote of it. So, whenever someone says to you that the Constitution is a secular instrument because it doesn’t mention God—and it doesn’t— the information in today's podcast will allow you to share with him or her what is at the heart of the Gospel.

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If you have any questions or thoughts that you’d like to share, reach out at [email protected]

Check out Annie’s new website! AnnieRench.com

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The hosts explore a variety of topics ranging from nostalgic references to the classic show Dragnet, to discussions about fishing laws, the struggles of sea turtles, the behavior of killer whales, and the unique migration patterns of crabs. They also delve into culinary curiosities, debating the edibility of various unusual foods and the experiences of trying new things. The conversation is light-hearted and filled with humor, making it an enjoyable listen for anyone interested in nature and food. In this lively conversation, the hosts explore a variety of topics ranging from the taste of raw and sweetened coconut to the unique Japanese method of wood preservation known as Shoshugiban. They discuss the practicality of flooding a restaurant with clean water as a protective measure and share humorous anecdotes about dining experiences. The conversation also touches on MIT's booby trap tradition and the complexities of sharing music preferences among friends, highlighting the intersection of personal privacy and social connections. In this conversation, the hosts explore various themes surrounding music, church culture, and societal norms. They discuss the evolution of romantic music, the changing landscape of church music, and the cultural references that shape modern church services. The conversation takes a humorous turn as they analyze a controversial church advertisement that coincides with 420, leading to deeper theological discussions about God and suffering. The hosts also reflect on the irony and humor found in religious contexts, particularly in relation to societal expectations and norms.

Welcome to this special episode of the China Compass Podcast, #26 in the weekly “Prison Pulpit” series! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. You can follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I post daily reminders to pray for China (http://PrayforChina.us). To learn more about our various ministry endeavors and to get any of the missionary biographies I’ve published, visit www.PrayGiveGo.us!

First, I want to remind everyone why I started this second weekly podcast within China Compass. I wanted to remind people to pray for Pastor Wang Yi (as Hebrews 13:3 says) by reading some of his own words and sermons. Today I want to take a minute and remind everyone of Wang Yi’s current situation… https://www.bushcenter.org/publications/the-struggle-for-freedom-the-christian-pastor-convicted-of-subversion-against-the-chinese-regime

Next we turn to Richard Wurmbrand to give us a beautiful Easter testimony from Room Number 4:

Richard Wurmbrand was a Romanian Lutheran minister who spent fourteen years in prison (three in solitary confinement) and published ”Tortured for Christ" after his release in the late 1960s.

He later founded Voice of the Martyrs, but son Michael does NOT recommend VOM’s ministry today. (Read his “Open Letter” about VOM here: https://www.billionbibles.com/michael-wurmbrand-vom.html) 

Michael Wurmbrand now runs his own ministry, and has made most of his father’s books (and formerly unpublished writings) available for free: https://richardwurmbrandfoundation.com/.

Last week I took a break from the Sermons in Solitary Confinement series to read an excerpt from Richard Wurmband’s longer book of prison stories & meditations, In God's Underground (https://richardwurmbrandfoundation.com/pdfs/IGU-english.pdf). Today I will do the same. 

Here is the text version of this week’s story from prison: 

https://open.substack.com/pub/chinacall/p/gafencus-two-lumps-of-sugar

Follow China Compass

Follow or subscribe to China Compass wherever you are listening. You can also email any questions or comments to contact @ PrayforChina . us or send me a DM on X: @chinaadventures. Hebrews 13:3

In this episode of the Podcast for Cultural Reformation, Pastor Nate Wright and Dr. Michael Thiessen examine the world and life view of Sikhism.

Episode Resources: Subscribe to our Rumble Channel - https://rumble.com/c/c-6444461;

CHAPTERS:
00:00 ReformCon '25 AD
00:46 Cold Open: Sikhism
03:04 PCR Intro
03:28 Welcome
05:00 Sikhism is Discipleship
05:40 Basics of Sikhism
08:08 Sikh Gurus
09:18 Sikhism: A Reactionary Religion
14:50 Core Beliefs of Sikhism
18:14 Naam Japna, Ik Onkar & the Impersonality of the Sikh God
20:39 Equality & Social Justice in Sikhism
28:13 Sikhism's Ironic Dualism
32:20 False Theology Leads to a Disastrous Anthropology and Teleology
36:06 By What Standard?
38:15 How is Community Built: Sikhism v. Christianity
46:13 The Incarnation & True Discipleship
49:01 Conclusion
50:46 Outro

The WAIT is OVER!!! Pre-order your copy of the NEW updated and expanded version of Dr. Boot’s Mission of God with a brand-new study guide! Get it here: https://ezrapress.ca/products/mission-of-god-10th-anniversary-edition;

UPCOMING CONFERENCES:
REFORMCON '25 | "Out of the Ashes" | April 24-26, 2025 @ Tucson, AZ: https://reformcon.org/

For All Ezra Events: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/events/;

Think Christianly about politics with the help of Dr. Boot’s latest book  “Ruler of Kings:” https://ezrapress.ca/products/ruler-of-kings-toward-a-christian-vision-of-government;

Got Questions? Would you like to hear Dr. Boot answer your questions? Let us know in the comments or reach out to us at https://www.ezrainstitute.com/connect/contact/;

For Ezra’s many print resources and to join our newsletter, visit: https://ezrapress.com.

Stay up-to-date with all things Ezra Institute: https://www.ezrainstitute.com;
Subscribe to Ezra’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPVvQDHHrOOjziyqUaN9VoA?sub_confirmation=1;
Fight Laugh Feast Network: https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/audio/podcasts/8297;
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ezra-institute-podcast-for-cultural-reformation/id1336078503;
Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dW1gDarpzdrDMLPjKYZW2?si=bee3e91ed9a54885.

Wherever you find our content, please like, subscribe, rate, or review it; it truly does help.

In a world where everything feels temporary, this Resurrection Week conversation centers on the one thing that never changes—the cross of Christ. The Washington Stand’s Jared Bridges is joined by Dr. Stephen Wellum and Pastor David Schrock to discuss the lasting significance of the cross and resurrection in a fleeting world. They explore why the cross is central to God’s plan, the importance of Jesus’ dual nature, and how Christians can develop a deeper theology of Christ. A timely reflection on the hope and permanence found in Jesus.

Resources