One of the problems with the American church today is a lack of foundation on the Scriptures and on Christ alone. Research from Barna, Pew, and others have backed up the fact that one of our biggest problems is biblical illiteracy. There are many reasons for this, but watered-down teachings are certainly a factor as well as the infestation of the cult of liberalism within modern Christianity.

One thing we have lost is our love for the truth of God's Word, for spiritual things, for Israel, and particularly for the Old Testament. With many mega-church pastors preaching seeker-sensitive sermons and some either ignoring or even criticizing the Old Testament, it's easy to understand part of the reason we are where we are today. We live in a country where culture has more influence on the church than the church does on culture.

THIS MUST CHANGE. But how? Let's start today by reinforcing the reliability of the Bible.

Our guest today is pastor and teacher, John Haller. John is known for his prophecy updates, but he has been a trial lawyer for almost 40 years, and lives in Columbus, Ohio. John taught and served as an elder in a church, and also served for 25 years on the board of a Christian college and seminary. In 2013, John and his wife Pam helped start Fellowship Bible Chapel where he is an elder and pastor. His prophecy updates are available on the FBC YouTube channel and are touch on Bible prophecy, discernment, apologetics and worldview issues.

Which of us does not struggle with King David being called "a man after God's own heart" when he later committed adultery and murder? How can a man with such grievous sins be given such a high title?

Author Jeff Middleton joins us this morning to discuss his new book "The Treasured King", which looks at the life of King David and explores the life of a simple shepherd boy who went on the be Israel's greatest King.

In our final segments, Mike and David look at more stories of verbal and legal intimidation of Christians simply trying to exercise their freedom of religious expression and discuss how long it might be before the true church in America is driven under ground.

Today’s guest is Pastor Carl Gallups with a brand new book out: Gods of Ground Zero. He explains the importance of the Garden of Eden and how it is related to the holy mountain. Gallups points to the pivotal chapter of Genesis chapter 3.

Much of the real message of the Garden of Eden has been adjusted over time. Think of the eternal ramifications of that truth. Literally everything wrong with the world and our own personal lives, as well as the continual deluge of filth that you read in today's headlines is directly linked to the Garden of Eden. Why is it then that we so frequently insist upon turning that vital chapter into an almost childlike bedtime story?

Mike and David also cover more of the disturbing trend of demonizing anyone who dares uphold a biblical view of sexuality. This time, Chicago Cubs' pro baseball player, Daniel Murphy is coming under fire for comments he made back in 2015.

Our guest today is Thomas Meyer, author of the new Memorization Study Bible. We discuss the importance of knowing and memorizing Scripture which will help us apply what we know. The Word of God also helps us during trials as well as allows us to be prepared to respond to others with biblical truth in our conversations. We also talk with Thomas about - not only the benefits - but the importance of memorizing Scripture.

From the Amazon page: "Technology has information at our fingertips. But our relationship with God needs to be one of the heart, not the smartphone. Get engaged with the Word of God in a refreshing and amazing new way! Memorize verses, chapters, and even whole books of the New Testament using the Bible Memory Man Prof. Tom Meyer's powerful techniques that he learned while studying in Jerusalem, Israel. Go deeper into Scripture and command a greater knowledge, insight, and understanding of God!

Here are some of today's Listener questions/comments:

How long will we in America elevate man's teachings over God's Word?

Those who don't know Scripture well end up following people like Andy Stanley

Are some pastors really keeping their followers ignorant of deeper things of God's word?

My husband and I are struggling with our church of 11 years whose leadership is committed to Bill Hybels and the Willow Creek Assoc. We're divided on whether or not to leave. Any advice?

Catholics are hurting over the priests sexually abusing children, and many are hurting. This may be an opportunity to reach them with the true gospel.

The Roman Catholic Church's extensive history of abuse, coverup, and hypocrisy.

Does social media play into anorexia and bulimia?

It is idiotic to want plastic surgery in order to look better in your selfies. What causes this warped thought process?

Can you explain the difference between a fornicator and an adulterer, in other words is lusting in the heart truly considered adultery?

There is a huge difference between "bashing the church" and confronting and exposing error.

Can you clarify Paul's teaching in Romans 13 about submitting to governing authorities?

For those who say division is always wrong, how about the Reformation?

I'm a former Catholic and used to trust the church (institution) over God's Word. Any advice on how to engage Catholics in discussions about Scripture and true doctrine?

There is a huge political, ideological and spiritual battle taking place in our nation. Our nation has not been this polarized or angry since the Civil War; in fact many believe we are once again entering a "civil war" that might just rip our nation apart.

The Far Left, which touts its movement as "progressive" claims it wants to reform systems to make them more just and fair. But is that the real goal of progressive leaders? Or is their goal total destruction of Western Civilization, our Constitution and most importantly Biblical Christianity?

John Loeffler of Steel on Steel Radio has studied and talked about this phenomenon for years and he joins us to look behind the curtain and see what is really going on behind the scenes. We'll also look at the crisis in the Roman Catholic Church over the discovery of hundreds of Priests sexually abusing young people for decades, along with assessing the future of the Evangelical Church in America.

1 Corinthians 4:18 tells us the cross and gospel is "foolishness" to those who are perishing. And we who share the gospel of salvation are increasingly seen as fools for our beliefs and passion to see the lost come to saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Ray Comfort of Living Waters Ministry knows well the accusations of "fool" that the world throws at those who share the good news, and he has produced a movie about it titled "Fool". Ray joins us in our second segment to discuss his new movie.

We also look at the growing culture of death in our society in two articles. First, the sad growth and acceptance of euthanasia of young people in Europe and the U.S.; And secondly how liberals like Chelsea Clinton justify abortion as a moral decision.

When we take our eyes off Israel and the Middle East, we tread on dangerous ground. The Bible tells us the final days before Jesus' return will find Israel and The Middle East front and center. And a lot is happening there these days that the secular media is choosing to downplay, misrepresent, or ignore completely.

In Ezekiel, God says he will drag Israel's enemies toward her to set off a great conflict, ushering in the final days. And today we see Russia and China increasing its might and influence in the Middle East. And we see increasingly powerful enemies like Turkey and Iran stirring up trouble against Israel.

Gary Kah of Hope For the World has studied and written about the coming One World Government and religion, and studied biblical prophecy for decades. He joins us this morning for an important update and reminder for Christians to be about the Father's work in these uncertain times.

If you are naive enough to think that simply because the Supreme Court gave a narrow victory to cake baker Jack Phillips earlier this year means our religious freedoms are secure - you're living in a fantasy world. Do not underestimate the intolerance and vile hatred of the radical left as well as the LGBTQ movement toward God and Christianity.

The ink was barely wet on the Supreme Court decision favoring Philips, and now he is back in court accused of a similar "crime" in the minds of the Colorado Civil Rights Commission. This time, a man claiming to be a woman filed a lawsuit against the Christian baker. The Colorado Commission will this time claim they are sensitive to Phillips' religious beliefs, but that this type of "discrimination" just cannot be tolerated. Mike and David will look at the complaint in detail to help you understand how Christians are being set up for badgering and intimidation, all in the hopes of shutting us up.

In our first segment, Mike and David discuss church security with retired Police Office, Joel Benson, who has a passion to equip churches to protect their members when they assemble to worship God.

It's the Listeners Show where Mike and David tackle your questions and comments from this week (... and a few weeks prior that we could not fit in). Here are some of the questions and comments from today's program.

Is it a sin to not have children if there's a serious risk of birth defects?

What are "biblical conjunctives"?

Legalism in the church

I disagree with you on prosperity and healing

Christians should not support President Trump

Why aren't more believers equipped to disciple and do ministry?

Why do you have guests on your show who are Calvinists, then have other guests who are anti-Calvinists?

My pastor says all you guys do is bash the church, but he can't give me specific examples

Should a large church cater to new visitors, particularly in its Sunday sermons?

Shouldn't Charles Stanley refute the heresy that his son Andy Stanley is teaching?

Our church brought in a consultant who helped set up a "Leadership Model" following the Willow Creek example to carry out the pastor's vision. Sadly, we are leaving this church immediately.

Why aren't more believers equipped to disciple and do ministry?