Frederick Faith Debate

The world seems inside out and upside down.  Many say the church is adrift, the world is in peril.  Is the end near?  Some people think so.  Perhaps the return of Jesus Christ is just around the corner.  Here to talk about this are…

Troy Skinner.  930 WFMD Host/Moderator of The Faith Debate.

Jonathan Switzer.  Senior Pastor of Crossroads Valley Church, Past-President of Frederick’s Evangelical Ministerial Fellowship, Founder of “Frederick 48” (which has morphed into The Unity Campaign for Frederick County), former candidate for School Board in Frederick County, Co-Founder of The Faith Debate (having co-starred on the show during its first 12 years).

Chris Jackson.  A Baptist minister who has served in many different ministry capacities including prison ministry, homeless ministry, and Bible teaching.  He is organizer of Life Bible Baptist Ministries, a teaching ministry that seeks to “Rebuild lives on the Foundation of God’s Word.”  See http://lifebible1.wixsite.com/life.

The wreck of the Titanic in April of 1912 helps illustrate many lessons that relate to ministry, mission, evangelism, discipleship, and religious instruction. Even in disasters, even in the pagan nudity adorning the public square, even in what many call a “Godless Culture” there are analogies to be highlighted for Bible students. Are you looking for them?

Panel: Troy Skinner, 930 WFMD Host/Moderator of The Faith Debate. Tim May, Pastor at Pleasant View Church of the Brethren (and co-host of WFMD’s “Mid-Maryland Live” program which airs weekdays 3p-6p). Bernie Beall, Co-Founder of Great Commission Families.

Did you ever consider that the DC cherry trees help illustrate the Gospel? How about spiritual lessons to be learned from battlefields in Gettysburg and Antietam? Even Harper’s Ferry, the C&O Canal, and the life of Francis Scott Key. If looking for it, one can find the hand of God at work in Maryland and in the Grand Experiment that is the United States of America.

Panel: Troy Skinner, 930 WFMD Host/Moderator of The Faith Debate. Tim May, Pastor at Pleasant View Church of the Brethren (and co-host of WFMD’s “Mid-Maryland Live” program which airs weekdays 3p-6p). Bernie Beall, Co-Founder of Great Commission Families.

What should Christians think about the National Anthem/American Flag controversy? What about the Christian religious symbolism found on the Maryland flag (and even the Frederick City flag)? To aid one’s understanding it can be useful to examine direct sources, such as quotes from America’s Founding Fathers and the words written directly in government legislation.

Panel: Troy Skinner, 930 WFMD Host/Moderator of The Faith Debate. Tim May, Pastor at Pleasant View Church of the Brethren (and co-host of WFMD’s “Mid-Maryland Live” program which airs weekdays 3p-6p). Bernie Beall, Co-Founder of Great Commission Families.

What should Christians think about the Confederate flag controversy?  What about Confederate statues or even Christopher Columbus statues?  It is fascinating to examine the intersection of History, heritage and His providence.

Panel: Troy Skinner, 930 WFMD Host/Moderator of The Faith Debate.  Tim May, Pastor at Pleasant View Church of the Brethren (and co-host of WFMD’s “Mid-Maryland Live” program which airs weekdays 3p-6p).  Bernie Beall, Co-Founder of Great Commission Families.

The movie and the book “The Shack” has been a phenomenon over the past decade, stirring up quite a bit of controversy along the way.  The question swirling among Christians:  Does The Shack present a biblical view of God?

Due to technical difficulties that led to timing pressures, Tom Weil (Pastor with The Church of God) was unable to participate in this final leg of our journey.  So, Troy shares some additional thoughts about the subject as a “solo artist”.  In the future look for an additional series of shows on this topic, with even more depth provided.  This program is the third of a three-part series.

Panel: Troy Skinner, 930 WFMD Host/Moderator of The Faith Debate.

William Paul Young’s very successful book has become resource material for Sunday school classes in many Christian churches.  The follow-up movie, released to theaters in early 2017, is now on DVD and is likely to be a popular Christmas gift this year.  “The Shack” is more than just a story, as the author and promoters state that it makes theological claims.  Is what the book and movie teach about God accurate from a biblical perspective?  Troy takes the “con” position and Tom takes the “pro” position.  This program is the second of a three-part series.

Panel: Troy Skinner, 930 WFMD Moderator.  Tom Weil, Pastor with The Church of God.

William Paul Young’s book has now sold more than 22 million copies. The movie was in theaters worldwide in early 2017 and is now available on DVD. So, the story has had wide distribution, and exceptional influence on the theological beliefs of many people. Is the theology of The Shack biblical? Troy takes the “black hat” position and Tom takes the “white hat” position. This program is the first of a three-part series.

A Unitarian Church in Massachusetts flew a rainbow flag in support of the LGBT community. An 85-year old who had been a member of that church for 25 years said she didn’t think that was right, because she has seen friends die with HIV and AIDS. The response from her townsfolk and from the editors of the local newspapers has reportedly been an effort to silence her. The panel weighs in.

A baby in British Columbia is given an ID listing the sex as “U” (instead of either “M” of “F”). Gender-neutral birth certificates could be the norm in Ontario as soon at 2018. In parts of Canada health cards are already “gender-free” and driver’s licences have “X” as an option for biological sex designation. Again, the panel weighs in.

Panel: Troy Skinner, 930 WFMD Moderator. Julius Shern, Pastor of St. John’s Bible Fellowship Church in New Market. Kendall Lovelace, Evangelist at St. John’s Bible Fellowship Church in New Market. Daniel Razvi, JD from Oak Brook College of Law (and also part of Conquered By Love Ministries).

Leaders in the Polish government declare that their country is under the protection of the “immaculate heart of Mother Mary”. Bishops in Poland, with support of the Polish president, pronounce that their country’s king is Jesus Christ. The governing party (known as the Law & Justice Party) move to knit the church and state closer together. What is a biblical response to this?

Fifty interfaith protesters gathered in the nations Capitol to voice opposition to Medicaid cuts in the GOP healthcare bill. Eleven of the protesters, including clergy members were arrested outside Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s office. Should pastors focus on such things?

Panel: Troy Skinner, 930 WFMD Moderator. Julius Shern, Pastor of St. John’s Bible Fellowship Church in New Market. Kendall Lovelace, Evangelist at St. John’s Bible Fellowship Church in New Market. Daniel Razvi, JD from Oak Brook College of Law (and also part of Conquered By Love Ministries).