We all need to give much more attention to what the Bible says. Pessimism is essentially emotional heterodoxy. We take a look at the promise to Abraham - the seed promise which bears fruit in the New Testament when our Lord tells us that all the nations are to be discipled. Psalm 72 is a beautiful picture of the blessing of the gospel that will go to all the nations. Kings will bow before the Lord Jesus Christ. After listening to this Podcast, we invite our listeners to learn more by listening to sermons available on Sermon Audio from the Franklin Square OPC church pertaining to this very subject. Just do a Google search for "Sermon Audio Franklin Square". Then scroll down to "Sunday PM" and detect. You will see a series listed there entitled "Salt and Light: Christianity in the Public Arena.

Participants: Rev. Bill Shishko, Dan Elmendorf

America is a nation of immigrants. Today's discussion looks at immigration and its constitutional mooring, and the advantages of it. We also look at illegal immigration. We look at the biblical concept of "aliens in the land," and the principles garnered from that and its application to us today. Participants: Dr. Hans Vought, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf

Has the Administration in Washington sidestepped our nation's legislative process? We look at Executive Orders, noting that both sides of the aisle have used the mechanism. The recent use of this power has virtually created new laws, which completely bypass Congress. President Obama has signed about 900 Executive Orders. Participants: Dr. Hans Vought, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf

Are you a church-goer? Church attendance may be frowned upon in some quarters, but we here at Redeemer Broadcasting love the Church and encourage listeners to attend a faithful church. The church is one holy, catholic and apostolic in its nature. Participants: Dr. John Vance, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf

A quick review of the history of the American Revolution, including an analysis of the religious fervor that was evident in 1776 and even 100 years prior. The providence of God is mentioned. From the Puritan days up until the great awakening, almost every person in the colonies considered themselves a British citizen. But something happened at a special event in history (approx. 1730-1750), such that the colonists started to see themselves as the "American people." 90% of the people at the time of the Revolution were Calvinistic. Participants: Dr. John Vance, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf

What should a student do who has completed High School? How do you choose a school and what about a Christian vs. Secular school? It is not as simple as you may think. What about going on to graduate school? The Christian grad schools may not be as well funded as needed. In this discussion we include a recent 4 year college graduate in our discussion. What about your passions? We encourage finding a match with your personal passions and gifts. Once on a campus, it is essential that you get involved with a Christian group and a church, independent of whether you attend a Christian or non-Christian school. Participants: Dr. John Vance, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Ian Keir, Dan Elmendorf

Today, June 17th, is the 200th anniversary of the start of the War of 1812. Congress declared war on that day. In this discussion we cover the background leading up to the war, what parties sided together, and what happened during the war. American ships were being ceased by both Britain and France on the high seas. Thus, there was interference in neutral shipping; but there was also impressment of Americans into the British naval service. We talk about Tecumseh and his efforts among the Indian nations. We also talk about Tecumseh's brother Tenskwatawa ("The Prophet") - who turned out to have a negative affect on the whole milieu. During our break midway through the discussion we will listen to the finale of the 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky. Even though the war was officially ended prior to the Battle of New Orleans, America won a very decisive battle there. It was important that America won, because if we hadn't, then Britain would have either kept the properties, or ceded them back to Spain. We remind the listener that our Constitution requires that is is Congress only, that legitimately declares war. We close our discussion with an excellent work performed by the US Air Force Band - The National Anthem. The lyrics of which actually come from "Defence of Fort McHenry", a poem written in 1814 by the 35-year-old lawyer and amateur poet, Francis Scott Key, after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by the British Royal Navy ships in Chesapeake Bay during the Battle of Fort McHenry. Participants: Dr. Hans Vought, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf - also sitting in with us was Bill Diedrich, Mark's Dad

In this edition of A Plain Answer we discuss the political theory and practice of "Anarchy." The participants today share a common concern over modern day cultural elites

lording it over the populace - that is, elites behind the scenes who are non-elected. However this concern is not the same as the so called anarchy movement. Anarchists believe that all forms of authority are unnecessary. This may include state, church, or some form of economic elite. The children of Israel went through a phase in which "everyone did what was right in their own eyes." Anarchy can be applied to some forms of revolution in history. However not all revolutions fall under the category of anarchy. For example, the American Revolution essentially replaced one authority with another authority, and was legitimate. Such was not the case with the French Revolution. We take a look at what the Scriptures have to say about civil authority. Participants: Dr. John Vance, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Ian Keir

Fellowship. Why is it necessary? What are its advantages? In this discussion we take a look at the meaningful relationships that are available to the Christian as he or she participates in the Body of Christ, the Church. Fellowship is the way we carry out the two great commandments of Scripture, namely, love God and love our neighbor. We discuss the unorthodox and destructive emphasis of Mr. Harold Camping, as he asserts that "Satan is in all the Churches." He tells people to leave the Church, and if they don't, they are in danger of going to Hell. Mr. Camping has blasphemed the Body of Christ, and indeed Christ Himself. Contrast this with the Bible's teachings. We are enjoined to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together. We are to hear the word of God preached and to observe the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper. God has given to us the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, and to take this away from people cuts us off from all that is good. To those former followers of Harold Camping, we would tenderly say: Now that it is clear that Harold Camping was wrong concerning his entire time line of history and the setting of dates, realize too that he was wrong about other his other unbiblical assertions as well. Return to Church. Return to those who love you. Yes, we are imperfect, but here you will find those who love and care about your soul and will come along side and give you loving support. Fellowship with the Body of Christ is the norm for the Christian. God is not done with His church, in fact He is building it with power and the gates of Hell shall not be successful against it! Return to those who really love you. It is time to come home to deep fellowship. Christianity was never intended to be lived out as a "Lone Ranger." Christ is calling you to return to His Body. Participants: Dr. John Vance, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf

We reflect on Pentecost - it is a Greek word meaning 50 days. It is based first, in the Old Testament. Yet it is in New Testament times, where we see the re-formation of the church which is the beginning of the New Testament church - and significantly, it includes Gentiles now! God uses a special gift of languages, or perhaps hearing, to convince the Jews then present that God was now folding into the covenant family, the Gentiles who believed on Jesus Christ. We also discuss the fact that when you receive Jesus Christ, you also receive the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:9 is one proof of that. Participants: Dr. John Vance, Rev. Mark Diedrich, Dan Elmendorf.