There is something very special to the Christian about the next 4 weeks. The Advent season is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. In this episode of A Plain Answer, we step back and take a look at the Christian worship service. What is liturgy? What is the Christian calendar? Does using old, time-tested prayers negate the working of the Holy Spirit? Join us for a thoughtful discussion, and enjoy the coming season of Advent! Participants: Rev. Ben Miller, Dan Elmendorf

Are you truly thankful to God for His kind mercies and benefits? In this episode of A Plain Answer, we go back in time and look at the Pilgrims. What were some of the hardships they faced and how did they respond? What were some unusual providences? When did the day of Thanksgiving become nationally recognized? We also briefly touch upon the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address, which occurred on November 19. Participants: Dr. Hans Vought, Rev Mark Diedrich, Bill Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf

A magazine article recently appeared which documented the EPA-imposed shutdown of the last remaining primary lead smelter plan in the United States. While this doesn't seem like a big deal, it really is. In this discussion, the Senior editor of The New American magazine joins us to talk about this far-reaching news item. A primary lead smelter plant takes the raw ore and produces new lead for us to use in many of our products. Lead is used in automobile batteries, wheel chair batteries, UPS batteries (used in computer server environments), medical equipment, solar-powered off grid systems, and more. Of special interest also is that lead is a primary component of ammunition. For those of us who enjoy the outdoors, including hunting and target practice, this move by the EPA will have dire consequences. The EPA is merely an agency of the Federal government. It was established by an executive order from President Nixon and has been funded by Congress. Join us for this discussion of lead and why we need primary lead smelter plants in the United States, rather than having our hands forced to purchase from China and other countries. Participants: William F. Jasper, Dan Elmendorf

Christian radio takes many forms. In this installment of A Plain Answer, our morning host Cal Carter joins us to discuss how the Lord uses radio as an outreach to people who need the Lord. We discuss this missionary aspect of radio and the call of the gospel that can occur via this important medium. Also we cover the help that Christian radio gives to church members. Finally we give an inside look at a brand new project to plant a powerful 7000 watt signal in southeast Maryland, in St. Mary's county, for Redeemer Broadcasting. Participants: Cal Carter, Dan Elmendorf

What did Jesus mean when He spoke of the Kingdom of God? Is this only a spiritual kingdom? Does it only have its fulfillment in the eschaton? What does kingdom life look like this side of eternity? Is there biblical warrant for expecting all aspects of this world to be brought under the kingship of the Lord Jesus Christ? Participants: Rev. Troy Greene, Dan Elmendorf

The Cornwall Alliance is a network of evangelical theologians, scientists, economists, and others. There are about 60 scholars in the network, and they are involved in promoting: 1. Biblical earth stewardship (enhance the beauty, fruitfulness and safety of the earth). 2. Economic development for the very poor. 3. The proclamation and defense of the gospel of Christ. One subject we discuss is the modern environmentalist movement and whether it is consistent with the Christian faith. Participants: Dr. E. Calvin Beisner, Dan Elmendorf

What about the Christian and grief? What kinds of emotions are experienced as we go through the grievous losses in our lives? Are there feelings of guilt or regret as we are faced with the finality of our loss? What if you feel like your faith will not be able to survive your loss? Sometimes with the death of a loved one, we feel an almost unremitting sorrow when it sinks in that we can no longer have this person in our lives. For the person who is dying, sometimes there is intense sorrow that they have to leave things undone. What is the dynamic that life in this fallen world "plays" on us? What about the Scripture - how does it provide comfort for the child of God? What about the feelings of loss with divorce, or perhaps a job loss? There is a Pioneer - One who has forged the way, and has defeated death, and has been raised from the dead. Please join us for this honest discussion of a serious topic. Participants: Dr. John Vance, Rev. Kevin Chiarot, Dan Elmendorf

Why is it that we as Christians are so short sighted in modern 21st century America? In today's discussion we take a look at God's Redemptive plan in history. God's unfolding of His plan often takes much longer than we think with our puny understanding. We talk about having an eschatological perspective and frame that within the relative slowness of God's moving. We talk about Abraham, and the bondage of Israel for 400 years! The advance of God's kingdom takes time and we are to be encouraged as we diligently serve our Lord with keen focus. We know that God is on His throne and that His Kingdom will be successful. Participants: Rev. Kevin Chiarot, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf

The Christian man and his God given roles - this week we look at the Christian man in the World, or you could say, society. God said "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. (Gen. 1:26)" What did He mean by this? What about the times when we as men sin - what are we to do? What should be our perspective with respect to work? Things are bad, so is there any reason to be optimistic? Yes there is! Listen to this podcast to find out more. We also talk about callings. Quite often our callings are not the same as what we do to earn money. It's nice when they can match but often they don't match. Sometimes later in life we are blessed with the opportunity to do our callings full time. Regarding callings, just suppose you passionately see something that needs to get done; and others just don't see it like you do. Well, very possibly you are looking at a calling for your life. Participants: Dr. George Grant, Dan Elmendorf

The Bible never uses the word Trinity, and yet the concept is undeniably present in the Scriptures. We start our discussion by reviewing another monotheistic religion, namely Islam. The unique position of Christianity is that we believe in one God, and yet there are three persons in the Godhead: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory. Participant: Dr. John Vance, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf