Today we interview the author of the book: "A Pope and a President: John Paul II, Ronald Reagan, and the Extraordinary Untold Story of the 20th Century." We learn what was behind the assassination attempt on John Paul II. John Paul II was friends with Ronald Reagan. Did these men communicate on key occasions? Find out what view these men shared. We talk about the "almost" invasion of Poland during the time. Participants: Dr. Paul Kengor, Dan Elmendorf

What is happening in our society? What are some of the problems we face? Why is everything so political? How about our colleges and universities? The news media has by and large become hostile to traditional American values. What is the origin of our present divisiveness and polarization? We hear the terms liberal, conservative, progressive - what do these terms mean? Have their meanings shifted over the past 100 years? What about the gender pronoun movement? Today we talk with a seasoned pastor who also taught at the university while he was a full time pastor. Participants: Dr. John Vance, Dan Elmendorf

Are you discouraged by the seemingly overwhelming influence of secularism? There is a sort of moral free-fall that our society is experiencing. We need to remember the message of the prophet: "Behold your God!" Our guest references the story of Chicken Little. An acorn hits chicken on the head and he runs around proclaiming that the "sky is falling." By contrast, history gives us perspective. Our guest tells the true story of Jerome and his misinterpretation of the events around him and how he died in a cave. We are reminded that God's kingdom is unshakable. Learn about Polycarp and how he stood up for the Christian faith and was martyred. The historical record mentions the leaders at the time, and mentions the reign of Christ. We can have confidence in God because He alone is sovereign. We are called to contend for the faith. Participants: Dr. Stephen Nichols, Dan Elmendorf

We hear of proposals regarding state-run health care (sometimes called "single-payer"). On the surface some of these may sound good - that is, until we look at the underlying costs. Costs in terms of money, and costs in terms of loss of personal autonomy. Do you really want for example, to have big government tell you that private health plans are outlawed? Most people want freedom to choose their own health plans. Regarding the financial cost, the �Medicare for All� bill (S. 1804) would cost a breathtaking $32.6 trillion over 10 years! That number is so large that it's hard to fathom it. In fact, this adder is larger than our national debt, which is about $21.48 trillion. Whoa! Now that is an adder! How to pay for this you may ask - well, "the government will pay for it!" But people need to realize that when they say the government will pay for it, that it translates to higher taxes and less take-home pay. The Sander's plan pushes for a 40% reduction in pay to doctors and hospitals. On the surface, this too, may sound nice - but just think for a moment of reality. When is the last time you were at the hospital? Nurses are carrying more and more of a load, as they work 12 hour shifts. Some hospitals are having a hard time keeping their doors open. Part of the problem is excess regulations, that don't help health care.

Here is a link to the original article upon which this interview is based: https://www.heritage.org/health-care-reform/commentary/new-study-shows-huge-cost-sanders-medicare-all-plan

Participants: Dr. Robert Moffit, Dan Elmendorf

This past week we have seen a rather embarrassing display of "statesmanship," at the Kavanaugh Confirmation Hearings. Today, we lay aside the partisan nonsense and take a look at Kavanaugh himself. Is he a judge that would meet the criteria for a Supreme Court Justice? What is the difference between an impartial judge and a political judge? What kind of Supreme Court Justice would Kavanaugh be if confirmed? Has there been a distortion of Kavanaugh's record? Is a Judge a Player or an Umpire? These questions and more are discussed in this timely edition of A Plain Answer. Our guest is Deputy Director of the Edwin Meese II Center for Legal and Judicial Studies and a Senior Legal Fellow. He references a paper that may be useful to young people who are interested in civics and our Constitutional Republic, and it is The Heritage Guide to the Constitution. A free link is found here: https://www.heritage.org/constitution/#!/ Participants: Thomas Jipping, Dan Elmendorf

Now and then you see a bumper sticker that reads "Jesus is Lord." But what does this mean, really? Is Jesus Lord over all things, or is His Lordship limited to the specific area of the church and her confines? There are many areas in this world - business, education, economics, government, etc. Is Jesus Lord over these areas too? What about the concern that we all have, for making sure that civil government does not impose a religion on people? Today we talk with a New Testament scholar who has written many books and who teaches at Westminster Theological Seminary. He also shares with us a website: https://frame-poythress.org/

Participants: Dr. Vern Poythress, Dan Elmendorf

Health care has been on the national radar screen for some time now. The goal of health care of course, is to promote human flourishing. However the system that we find ourselves a part of, is broken on many fronts. Our guest analyzes the problems with our current system, including some cause and effect. How does a Christian doctor work within this system and still serve Christ? And what does health care look like as it becomes Redeemed by the gospel? Our guest discusses how to put "health" and "care," back into health care. Our guest discusses God as Healer and what we can give to other people through peacemaking and "whole-ism." We discuss the body, mind, soul and spirit. A doctor or nurse is encouraged to be a praying health provider who is led by the Spirit. We also discuss human touch and words of affirmation. Here is the link to the journal that our guest mentions: journal.cjgh.org

Participants: Dr. Daniel O'Neill, Dan Elmendorf

What is the advantage of creeds and confessions in the Christian church? Why isn't this statement sufficient?: "No Creed by Christ, No law but love?" Find out more as we discuss this critical subject that affects the health and well being of Christ's church. Participants: Dr. Carl Trueman, Dan Elmendorf

Our guest today reflects on the phrase sojourners and exiles in the world, used in 1 Peter 2:11. What does it mean for Christians to interact with "the world?" Is holiness simply the idea of saying no to certain activities and food that other Christians say yes to... or is it much more? This interview has a lot of give and take, and our guest asks that we "think out loud" with him as he honestly explores this topic of us being "resident aliens" in exile. Are we like Israel in the wilderness? Are we like Israel in exile in Babylon? Or, are we somewhere in between? Peter is quoting from the Greek Old Testament (the Septuagint) from Genesis 23. Abraham is in Canaan our guest points out, and the fulfillment is the conquest under Joshua. Daniel foresees history of his time in Babylon. He sees the Kingdom of God in various forms. The forth kingdom will be small, unimpressive and yet becomes a mountain to fill the world. We reflect on re-thinking our models. We are living in land owned by our Lord and Savior Jesus. We await the day as the gospel advances, where the knowledge of the Lord covers the earth as the waters cover the sea. It is important that we don't deflect attention away from the final eschaton, where the Lord brings in the new heaven and earth. Yet at the same time, we must work and expect the long range advance of the gospel and victory of Christ until He has placed all enemies under His feet. We expect the transformation of culture. Our guest has his Juris Doctor (JD) Degree, he passed the bar, but then the Lord called him into the Christian ministry as a pastor of word and sacrament. Participants: Rev. Ben Miller, Dan Elmendorf

�Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you." Do we really believe this command/promise of God? It originally was stated in Exodus 21:12. The command resurfaces in Ephesians 6:1-3 which says: �Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. �Honor your father and mother��which is the first commandment with a promise� �so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.� This is a life-giving command with a wonderful promise. Today we talk with the Director of Frontline Fellowship. He shares a number of stories, including how the Lord drew him to Himself. He also honestly shares his faults and how the Lord helped him grow in Christ. Parents are so very important, and in the Puritan perspective, we have fathers in the faith that also must be honored. If you wish to support Frontline Fellowship, their web address is: https://frontlinefellowship.net/support

Their mailing address is:

Frontline Fellowship USA

PO Box 728

Manitou Springs, CO 80829

719-685-2899

Participants: Dr. Peter Hammond, Dan Elmendorf