There are 1.6 million people displaced in Iraq due to the genocidal military campaign of ISIS, and the conflict in Syria. Over 100,000 Christians who fled Mosul have sought refuge in the Christian quarter of Erbil. Roughly 400,000 Muslims are scattered outside the city, with no help at all because nearly every relief organization has left the area. Join us for this timely discussion and find out what you can do to help. Participants: Sean Malone, Dan Elmendorf

Have you ever approached the Bible and asked yourself the question: "How does God want me to read this book?" What is the Bible? What is the purpose of the Bible? Is the Bible meant to be read primarily in isolation? What about in community? Are there different genres evident in the Bible? Participants: Dr. Kevin Chiarot, Dan Elmendorf

What is a key goal of education? Is there a foundation for a good education? Is education only related to learning data and facts, and then being able to pass tests? Join us as we talk with one of the teachers at Chapel Field Christian School for a refreshing discussion of education. Participants: Rev. Bill Spanjer, Dan Elmendorf

In this follow-up episode we review the time frame of the United States getting involved in the war. Then finally, how the war was closed out. What were the restraints that were placed on Germany and how did that all work out? What is Communism and Marxism? We also review the tremendous technological advances evident in the early 20th century. Participants: Dr. Hans Vought, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf

The anniversary of the start of WWI was July 28 of last month. In this episode of A Plain Answer, we look at why the war started and the alliances involved. WWI was called "The Great War" at the time, and it was perceived as the war to end all wars. Obviously it didn't. Participants: Dr. Hans Vought, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf

Why is preaching important? In this episode of A Plain Answer we interview the Senior minister of Historic 10th Presbyterian church in Philadelphia. Our topic is on preaching. Our guest reviews the fact that God talks. He communicates to us via his word the Bible, and that word is meant to be heard. When we hear the preacher, we are hearing a living voice speak to us and the message comes from God who is living. We hear the human voice of the preacher. We also review the fact that the office of the preacher is analogous to the office of the prophet. The preacher re-speaks God's word to the people. The preacher serves the role of a "herald," in this work. We also discuss the modern day tendency of preaching becoming very conversational. The modern change has taken it from being a proclamation, to a conversation. We do not see this as positive. Also addressed is the doctrine of the church as it is gathered for worship. Preaching can be a high point of that worship as God's people are assembled together. Finally in the interview we hear a personal testimony of how God called a man to be a minister of the gospel and to preach. Questions regarding this important topic of preaching can be addressed to [email protected]. Participants: Dr. Liam Goligher, Dan Elmendorf

This week we have a book review on three topics: Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood; Christopher Columbus the 15th Century navigator/explorer, and America's independence which took place in the 1770's timeframe. Three books are reviewed, and the salient features considered for each. Participants: Dr. George Grant, Dan Elmendorf

How does the church select its elders? And what is "organic officer training?" In this edition of A Plain Answer we review four key conditions that should be positively identified before a man is ordained to be an elder: 1) There has to be a desire in a man for the work of oversight. 2) There have to be the graces that the Scriptures require. 3) The man must possess the gifts to do the job. 4) Finally there has to be recognition by the congregation that a man has these gifts/graces. Please join us for a soul searching and helpful treatment of this timely subject. If you have a question for Pastor Bill Shishko about the matter of elders, please feel free to email him. His address is: [email protected]. Participants: Rev. Bill Shishko, Dan Elmendorf

What happens on a missions trip that has a medical/evangelical focus? In a recent trip to Nicaragua did you know that there were a total of 48 people who went to help others? Indeed, 10 doctors, 6 nurses, 2 pharmacists, 5 dentists and the rest were logistical support people - all these went with love in their hearts to help those in need. One of the young people from a local church joined in, and found that this experience was just wonderful. Medical missions not only deals with medicine but also sports evangelism with the teenagers in Nicaragua. High quality Study Bibles are given to Pastors there. Why would Christians want to take their time, resources, etc, and do this sort of thing? One of the driving reasons comes from the Lord Himself: "And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen." Matthew 28:18-20. To contact Dr. Frank - his email address is: [email protected]. To contact the Christian Medical and Dental Association so that you can support this effort, that website is at: www.cmda.org. Participants: Dr. Frank Imbarrato, Dan Elmendorf

Have you ever wondered how to minister to men who are in prison? Our Lord said: "for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'" Matthew 25:35-40 Kairos is a prison ministry and is looking for volunteers - perhaps this is a venue in which you could serve.

Participants: Bruce Hempel, Jake Jacobsen, Dan Elmendorf