Today we talk with a pastor who has been with the Presbyterian Church in America since its founding in 1973. He shares with us his background. He has taught at Greenville Presbyterian Seminary. Currently he serves a part time pastor at Antioch Presbyterian Church (PCA), in Woodruff, SC. This is a sort of fireside chat as we discuss church life. Of special interest is his answer to the question of what to look for in a pastor. The context is a church that is seeking for a senior pastor - what are some things to look for. First is a godly man with a godly family (1 Tim 3 and Titus 1). Secondly, he must be confessional. Third, he must be a good solid, interesting preacher. Finally, he must have a pastor's heart and be willing to be in people's homes. Participants: Dr. Joey Pipa, Dan Elmendorf

VOM just came out with their new 2026 Global Prayer Guide. The biggest �news� for this year�s Guide is the increase of persecution in Latin America, including Nicaragua now being considered a restricted nation due to the government�s crackdown on churches and pastors. 2026 VOM Global Prayer Guide at www.persecution.com/todd

Regarding the upheaval in Iran, the authorities often use that as a pretext to arrest and harass Christians. When you�re already arresting thousands of people, it�s easy to grab up the pastors you�ve been watching at the same time without drawing a lot of attention to your persecution. We also know that in the past year the charges and the prison sentences have become more severe for Christians who have been arrested and tried. Pray for the church of Iran, which has seen much growth. The persecution of Christians continues in China, and particularly the sadly brilliant way that the Communist government there is hiding their efforts to close down churches. Voice of the Martyrs website is at vom.org Participants: Todd Nettleton, Dan Elmendorf

There are now approximately 730 Million Christians in the continent of Africa. It wasn't that long ago, in the years of David Livingston that there were 5 Million. David Livingstone (1813�1873) was a Scottish missionary and explorer who mapped the interior of Africa from 1841 until his death in 1873. Amazing growth! Between now and the year 2050, it is estimated that the number of Christians will grow to 1.4 Billion! With this growth there are also challenges. There is a very urgent need for Bibles. Its estimated that there are only 150 Million Bibles in Africa right now. The scarcity is so great, that some pastors don't even have their own Bible and have to borrow one. Is likely that about 500 Million church goers have no Bible. Today we talk with the founder of Frontline Missions in South Africa. He oversees the shipment of 200 tons of Bibles each year! On their website, is a way to give via "GiveSendGo" towards this good work.

https://www.givesendgo.com/africanindigenousbibles

Website: https://www.frontlinemissionsa.org/

Participants: Dr. Peter Hammond, Dan Elmendorf

There is much activity in the USA right now, with Islam taking over cities and followers forcing their way of life on us. Rather than merely reacting to the virtual invasion, we settle down with a seasoned pastor-educator for a discussion. Our guest while being a very committed Christian, also studied Islam academically. He understands it well. He taught Islam at the university level. He points out that Islam is a religion of conquest. The intention is to make the Koran and the Hadiths normative for the world. Within Islam, there is a divide. About 90% of the world's Muslims are Sunni. The remainder are Shia. An example of Shia Islam can be found in Iran, which is ancient Persia.

Once Islam conquers a land, then they require Muslim Sharia law. In Sharia, the purpose is not to convert everybody, although they do give an option - Convert or submit, by paying a sort of head tax. You become a second class citizen. Typically, if you don't submit or pay, then you face a beheading. This is historically the case. Remember, the goal is to establish Islamic authority throughout the world.

You can continue to be a Christian or Jew in an Islamic nation, but you always will be a second class citizen and you must pay. This is called a Jizya, which is a historical tax levied in Islamic states on non-Muslim adult males. This is essentially a head tax, or poll tax.

Our guest discusses some of the texts from the Koran and how it excludes those who are not Muslims. He concludes that Islam is not compatible with Western culture.

Towards the end of our discussion we consider the distinctives of America's founding, and how our founders would talk about religion. What they presupposed in all these discussions was the Christian religion. Our guest points out the writings of Augustine and how his understanding helps in navigating between the earthly world in which we live presently and the eternal reality. This is not a "Radical Two Kingdom" assertion, but more of a biblical view of the coexistence of the two realms.

Participants: Dr. John Vance, Dan Elmendorf

Our guest today points out that "we live in precedented times"(Not unprecedented). We have been through things like this before. Yes, New York City now has a Muslim mayor who is a Communist. It's shocking, but we are not to fret. The Lord has not left His heavenly throne and Christ is still ruling and reigning. We briefly discuss what it means that Christ is ruling and reigning. We consider the meaning of 1 Cor. 15:25 and the statement "For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet." Participants: Pastor Paul Murphy, Dan Elmendorf

Today we take a bit of time and discuss Somaliland. Have you heard of it? It is sometimes referred to as the Republic of Somaliland, and is a self-declared sovereign state in the Horn of Africa. While it is internationally recognized by most countries as an autonomous region of Somalia, it has operated with a de facto independent government since 1991. Many people don't realize this and don't make the distinction between Somaliland and Somalia.

Why the interest in this? Well, here in America, we have heard of the mess in Minnesota that is there because Somalis were imported to change the demographic and effect votes in that part of our nation. The scheme has worked. But finally some honest reporting is occurring with people like YouTuber Nick Shirley, who visited nearly a dozen day care facilities looking for evidence of fraud. The fraud exists and the people are upset that it is being exposed. Some day care centers had no children.

So these things are related, and so we are interested.

Our guest today, is a missionary in Africa. He is He has pioneered evangelistic missions in war zones across Africa, including Angola, Mozambique, and Sudan. His work often involves delivering Bibles and relief aid to persecuted Christians. Our guest holds a Doctorate in Missiology and an honorary Doctorate of Divinity. His most well-known books include Slavery, Terrorism and Islam: The Historical Roots and Contemporary Threat, Faith Under Fire in Sudan, and The Greatest Century of Missions.

Participants: Dr. Peter Hammond, Dan Elmendorf

December 25th is behind us, and we are fast approaching the New Year. For us here at Redeemer, we are still airing Christmas music. Kind of a 12 days of Christmas approach. So, what about this coming New Year? Do you have hopes and even resolutions? A resolution is not the same as a vow, so it's appropriate to make them. A special principal we hold to is the providence of God. We can rest in Him because He works all things out for his honor and glory and our good. Join us today as we talk with Pastor Vance - a seasoned minister of the gospel. Participants: Dr. John Vance, Dan Elmendorf

Today we talk about some of the simple things pertaining to Christmas. Personal traditions like cookies, a family member who gets up early on Christmas, good Christmas music and a favorite artist. At the same time of our celebration, we reflect on Charles Dicken's statement, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," and we acknowledge the tremendous suffering that exists for many people around the world. This prompts our guest to point out what Christ means in a world like this. A book comes to mind that was written by Joachim Jeremias, it's title is "Jerusalem in the Time of Jesus." Out guest briefly touches upon it. We discuss King Herod the Great and that he had a twisted, diseased mind. King Herod ordered the execution of all male children aged two and under in and around the town of Bethlehem. Just think about what all those parents had to go through. By contrast we mention the tremendous benefit of Christ to the world. Our guest is familiar with other religions and is not afraid to interact with them. Participants: Dr. John Vance, Dan Elmendorf

Here are the hymn lyrics to Jesus Shall Reign. This hymn aptly describes what we talk about in this program.

1 Jesus shall reign where'er the sun

does its successive journeys run,

his kingdom stretch from shore to shore,

till moons shall wax and wane no more.

2 To him shall endless prayer be made,

and praises throng to crown his head.

His name like sweet perfume shall rise

with every morning sacrifice.

3 People and realms of every tongue

dwell on his love with sweetest song,

and infant voices shall proclaim

their early blessings on his name.

4 Blessings abound where'er he reigns:

the prisoners leap to lose their chains,

the weary find eternal rest,

and all who suffer want are blest.

5 Let every creature rise and bring

the highest honors to our King,

angels descend with songs again,

and earth repeat the loud amen.

Today we talk with Dr. Peter Hammond. The Founder and Director of Frontline Fellowship, Dr. Peter Hammond, has personally carried out over 140 missions in the war zones and presented over 18,000 sermons, Bible studies and lectures in 38 countries. In the course of their missionary activities some Frontline missionaries have been ambushed, come under artillery bombardment and mortar fire, been stabbed, shot at, beaten by mobs, arrested and imprisoned. The Frontline mission base and high school in Sudan repeatedly came under aerial bombardment by the government of Sudan Air Force (10 times in 18 months). Over the years, 20 people in have been imprisoned in Marxist or Muslim countries. Yet, by the grace of God, everyone was freed in response to persistent prayer and pressure (Luke 18:1 � 5).volved in Frontline Fellowship outreaches

2 To him shall endless prayer be made,

and praises throng to crown his head.

His name like sweet perfume shall rise

with every morning sacrifice.

Participants: Dr. Peter Hammond, Dan Elmendorf