The assassination of Charlie Kirk has left many reeling, searching for meaning amidst tragedy. In this deeply moving episode, we navigate the complex emotions of grief while offering a distinctly Christian perspective on death and legacy.

We begin by examining what Scripture teaches about mourning with hope. Unlike those without faith, believers can find comfort knowing death is merely a doorway to eternal life. As Tim Barton notes, "Charlie is living his best life right now." This doesn't diminish our loss, but it transforms how we process it. We explore the fascinating parallel between Jesus standing to welcome the martyr Stephen in Acts and how Christ might similarly welcome modern martyrs.

But how should we respond to such evil? The temptation toward anger and retaliation is strong, yet we're called to something higher. David Barton challenges listeners to "overcome evil with good" by doubling down on Charlie's approach – confronting dangerous ideologies while showing genuine love to the confused individuals influenced by them. This balanced approach requires both courage and compassion.

We also celebrate recent victories for religious liberty, including Liberty Council's continued legal success defending Good News Clubs in public schools nationwide. These constitutionally-protected after-school programs allow teachers to share the gospel with students, providing much-needed moral foundation. Additionally, we discuss President Trump's announcement of new Department of Education guidelines protecting prayer in public schools and his strong defense of the foundational American principle that rights come from God, not government.

The episode concludes with Abraham Lincoln's timeless challenge from the Gettysburg Address – to take "increased devotion to the cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion." In honoring Charlie's legacy, we're called not to civil war, but to civil discourse; not to hatred, but to renewed commitment to truth spoken in love.

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September 11, 2025 marks not only the anniversary of 9/11 but now the day after Charlie Kirk's assassination—a profound loss that has shaken the conservative movement and faith communities across America. Charlie, martyred at just 31 years old while speaking to students in Utah, lived a life of extraordinary impact that far exceeded what most accomplish in decades of public service.

The shocking news reached us during a pastor's briefing in Washington DC, transforming what should have been a routine gathering into a somber prayer vigil as we awaited updates on Charlie's condition. What makes this tragedy particularly striking is the remarkable spiritual journey Charlie had traveled in recent years. Already wildly successful with Turning Point USA, Charlie demonstrated uncommon humility by seeking out pastoral mentorship that transformed his approach to public engagement. While he always possessed the courage and intellectual prowess to engage in reasoned debate, his growing willingness to center his message on Christ reflected a spiritual maturity that continually evolved.

Charlie's practical impact on American politics cannot be overstated. His grassroots ballot initiative work across ten states proved decisive in securing Donald Trump's electoral victory—work that political parties traditionally handled but had largely abandoned. Beyond politics, Charlie's murder reveals a disturbing consequence of rhetoric that frames words as "violence," creating justification for actual violence against effective communicators. Yet even in death, Charlie's influence grows. Social media has erupted with unprecedented discussions of faith, prayer, and Jesus—precisely what would have mattered most to him.

As we process this loss while remembering 9/11, we recognize both events as products of dangerous ideologies willing to employ violence against those with differing viewpoints. The most fitting tribute to Charlie's legacy is continuing his work with even greater determination—standing boldly for truth, mentoring the next generation, and courageously speaking about faith in the public square. Like biblical Samson, Charlie's greatest impact may come through his death, igniting a movement of believers willing to stand with similar conviction.

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america250tour.com

America is about to embark on its most ambitious anniversary celebration ever. The upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence promises to dwarf the bicentennial celebrations of 1976, with hundreds of organizations coordinating thousands of events nationwide in what David Barton calls an "orchestrated, spontaneous, grassroots movement."

Kimberly Fletcher of Moms for America joins us to unveil her organization's spectacular contribution to this historic milestone: a 50-state, 50-week tour covering 250,000 miles across America. This isn't just another historical commemoration—it's bringing the celebration directly to communities that might never have the opportunity to visit major historical sites.

The America 250 Tour features "Patriot Village," a traveling experience complete with five semi-trucks, five RVs, and multiple vehicles creating a county fair atmosphere dedicated to American history. At its heart stands America's Wall of Honor, a breathtaking 60-foot monument honoring military and first responders that comes alive with light, sound, and pyrotechnics during special presentations. The tour will focus on communities under 250,000 population while remaining accessible to larger metropolitan areas, ensuring maximum participation.

What makes this celebration truly special is its grassroots nature. Unlike the 1976 bicentennial, which was primarily government-directed, the 250th anniversary emerges from a nationwide groundswell of patriotic energy. The tour will highlight 26 flagship locations chosen for their significance to American history—from Florida's Space Coast to Hollywood's film industry to the engineering marvel of Hoover Dam—each telling a unique chapter of America's story through concerts, reenactments, and immersive experiences.

For those who can't attend in person, virtual participation opportunities include a national "Where's Liberty" photo contest connecting Americans across the country. The celebration kicks off December 31st in Huntington Beach, California, and will continue through July 4, 2027, providing ample opportunity for every American to connect with our founding principles and shared heritage.

How will you participate in America's 250th? Visit America250Tour.com to discover how this celebration is coming to your community and how you can be part of this historic moment in our nation's story.

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whitehouse.gov/america250/america-prays

Something extraordinary is happening in America's relationship with faith. President Trump's recent appearance at the Museum of the Bible marks a pivotal moment in what appears to be a national spiritual revival. Trump didn't just speak about faith—he donated his personal family Bible, used at both his inaugurations, to become part of the museum's permanent collection.

The event centered around a meeting of Trump's Religious Liberty Commission, tasked with addressing attacks on faith and developing recommendations to secure religious freedom. Speaking without teleprompters, Trump addressed controversial topics with remarkable directness, demonstrating a boldness that suggests a significant shift in how faith is discussed in the public square.

Most significantly, Trump announced that "prayer belongs in public schools" and revealed that both the Department of Education and Department of Justice are developing guidance to protect student prayer—potentially reversing six decades of court decisions that have progressively removed religious expression from educational settings. Rather than waiting for lengthy court challenges, this administration is taking direct action to restore religious liberty.

Complementing these efforts is the White House's "America Prays" initiative, which encourages Americans to gather weekly in groups of ten to pray for the nation through the 250th anniversary celebration. This unprecedented government promotion of prayer draws inspiration from America's founding moments—including the first Continental Congress, which began with a two-hour prayer session studying four chapters of the Bible.

For many observing these developments, they represent the restoration of America's historical connection between faith and civic life. After generations of seeing religious expression pushed to the margins, we're witnessing what could be a fundamental realignment in American culture. The unlikely champion of this revival? A president many religious voters initially questioned.

Join this movement by visiting whitehouse.gov/america250/america-prays and becoming part of what could be the most significant spiritual renewal in modern American history.

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www.ffroa.com

America stands at a crossroads of civic understanding. As Senator Tim Kaine recently proclaimed that believing our rights come from God rather than government is "dangerous," we witness the troubling disconnect between many leaders and America's founding principles.

The chasm between immigrant and native-born civic knowledge tells a sobering story. While 91% of immigrants seeking citizenship pass their civics test on first attempt, a mere 3-4% of American high school students can pass that same test. This isn't merely a statistical curiosity—it's a warning sign about our ability to sustain self-governance when so few understand its foundations.

The founders recognized that unity requires common knowledge. E Pluribus Unum—"out of many, one"—only functions when diverse people share fundamental understandings about rights, governance, and purpose. Today's fragmentation stems largely from the erosion of this shared civic foundation. When two people can't "walk together unless they agree," as scripture teaches, how can 350 million Americans maintain cohesion without common civic understanding?

Vanessa Faura from the Foundation for the Restoration of America offers a beacon of hope through their work preparing legal immigrants for citizenship. Their approach goes beyond memorizing test answers to instilling genuine appreciation for America's exceptional system. Ironically, those newest to our shores often demonstrate the deepest gratitude for freedoms many native-born citizens take for granted.

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we face a critical opportunity to revitalize civic education across all segments of society. The citizenship test represents a baseline of knowledge that should be universal among Americans—whether born here or legally immigrated. This revival of civic understanding isn't partisan; it's essential to preserving the American experiment for generations to come.

Join us in recommitting to the principles that made America exceptional. Listen, learn, and share the timeless truths that unite us as Americans—that all are created equal, endowed by their Creator with unalienable rights, and worthy of a government that secures rather than bestows those sacred freedoms.

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What happens when prayer meets policy? This episode reveals the powerful convergence of spiritual conviction and political action creating tangible change across America.

The conversation opens with news of Trump's executive order transforming federal grant funding. For decades, taxpayer dollars have supported initiatives most Americans wouldn't voluntarily fund - from drag shows in Ecuador to critical race theory training programs. This shift requires all federal grants demonstrate clear benefits to American lives and interests, representing a meaningful return to constitutional principles and responsible stewardship of public resources.

In Florida, we witness an extraordinary story of persistence and redemption. For 23 years, an abortion facility operated in Fort Lauderdale until Love Life, led by Ezra and Shannon Dean, organized prayer walks that grew to include 110 churches. Their spiritual commitment, combined with Florida's heartbeat legislation, not only led to the facility's closure but culminated in Love Life purchasing the building to provide life-affirming alternatives. This beautiful transformation embodies the biblical partnership between prayer and action.

Perhaps most surprising is Washington DC's dramatic crime reduction following federal intervention. After initial resistance, Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser publicly praised the results: carjackings down 87%, violent crime down 32%, robberies down 47%, and homicides down 60%. This rare moment of bipartisan acknowledgment demonstrates how effective policies can transcend political divisions when they produce undeniable improvements in citizens' daily lives.

The episode concludes with thoughtful exploration of constitutional questions regarding federal authority in local law enforcement matters, highlighting the complex balance between federal power and states' rights in addressing national challenges.

Join us at wallbuildersshow.com to access all our programming and consider supporting our leadership training initiatives for pastors, legislators, and young people by contributing at wallbuilders.com.

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A Christian professor working in the liberal stronghold of academia sparks a fascinating conversation about whether American universities can ever return to their historical Christian foundations. David Barton offers a powerful perspective rooted in historical patterns, showing how institutional transformation—from the early Christian church to the Protestant Reformation—has always been a multi-generational effort requiring patience and strategic discipleship.

Drawing from these historical examples, Barton presents a compelling vision for academic renewal through intentional mentorship. He challenges Christians in academia to invest in at least one student who can carry biblical values forward, creating a multiplication effect over decades. This approach stands in stark contrast to our culture's demand for instantaneous results but aligns with how lasting change has always occurred throughout history.

The conversation shifts to examine two significant yet often overlooked historical events. First, the team unpacks the 1832 Nullification Crisis when South Carolina attempted to nullify federal tariff laws, revealing how this confrontation between state and federal authority planted seeds that would later blossom into the Civil War. Andrew Jackson's response highlights the complex nature of historical figures who could take principled constitutional stands despite other problematic positions.

Equally illuminating is the discussion of Tulsa's "Black Wall Street," a remarkably prosperous Black community that faced devastating racist violence in the early 1900s. This story captures both the incredible achievements of Black entrepreneurs and the tragic consequences of racial hatred that continue to resonate today.

The episode concludes by addressing misconceptions about Thomas Jefferson's Bible compilations, explaining how his 1820 collection of Jesus's moral teachings has been widely misrepresented as evidence of Jefferson's rejection of supernatural elements of Christianity.

Through these diverse topics, the episode demonstrates how accurately understanding our past provides essential context for addressing present challenges. Whether you're concerned about the state of education, curious about overlooked historical events, or interested in the religious views of our founding fathers, this discussion offers rich insights that will expand your perspective and deepen your understanding of America's complex heritage.

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Godtalks.com

What if everything you believe about "lost causes" is wrong? That's the powerful question at the heart of our conversation with former F-18 fighter pilot Ed Rush, who brings a revolutionary perspective on transforming both personal destiny and national identity.

Drawing from his military precision and spiritual insights, Rush challenges the defeatist mindset many believers have adopted toward states like California. "People have been saying to me for years, 'California is going down the tubes,'" Rush explains. "But if you're speaking that over your state, you're actually creating a prophetic prediction, and God listens." Rather than abandoning hope, Rush reminds us that California once produced presidents like Nixon and Reagan—evidence that political landscapes can dramatically shift.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Rush unveils the neurological foundation of transformation. As author of "God Talks," he explains how our brains physically rewire themselves based on our thought patterns. "I can literally show you videos of the brain reconnecting as you think a new thought," he shares, bridging the gap between neuroscience and scriptural truth. This isn't just positive thinking—it's understanding how God designed our minds to function.

Most compelling is Rush's framework for developing a consistent, tangible conversation with God. Through specific questions asked over seven days, believers can break through mental barriers and establish natural communication with their Creator. "My experience is that God is always speaking," Rush explains. "If you're not experiencing that in a vital daily way, it just takes a little training—like my journey from nearly crashing my first flight to becoming lethal by my 500th."

As America stands at a crossroads, Rush offers a timely challenge: will we choose activation or complacency? The window of opportunity is open—now is the time to double down on divine connection and discover your specific purpose for this season of national renewal.

What conversations with God might transform your perspective—and our nation? Listen now and discover how to tune your spiritual antenna to heaven's frequency.

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What makes the difference between a spiritual revival that touches individual hearts and a Great Awakening that transforms an entire culture? At the Patriot Institute, we're betting on discipleship – the deep, intentional equipping of young leaders who will become what we call "the Navy SEALs of civics."

The traditional path from high school to college is increasingly problematic. Even Christian universities often fail to deliver on their promise of preparing students within a biblical framework. As Krish Dhanam, Dean of the Patriot Institute, boldly promises parents: "Send them to us for a year, and we'll give you back a better kid." This isn't empty rhetoric – it's backed by a curriculum designed to challenge students intellectually, spiritually, and practically.

Unlike conventional education that often remains theoretical, our students engage with difficult concepts through the Socratic method, confronting opposing viewpoints head-on. They don't just learn about church history chronologically; they examine it vertically across the globe to understand why different people think differently. They don't just study American exceptionalism in isolation; they place it in the context of world civilizations to appreciate why America's biblical foundation made it uniquely impactful despite being "the youngest of all civilizations."

What makes this moment particularly promising is the unique receptivity of today's young people. For the first time in polling history, we're seeing generations (Gen Z and Millennials) willing to be mentored by people much older than themselves. They don't care about age gaps – they care about authenticity and wisdom. This openness creates unprecedented opportunity for transferring knowledge across generations.

With just a few slots remaining for our September 15th start date and $15,000 scholarships available, we invite you to explore the Patriot Institute at patriotacademy.com/institute. Join us in developing the next generation of culture-shaping leaders who will carry biblical principles into every sphere of influence.

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Americanminute.com

The story behind the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) is far more fascinating and consequential than most Americans realize. In this eye-opening conversation with historian Bill Federer, we uncover how a simple commitment by one young attorney sparked a movement that would change the world.

Charles Finney, a 29-year-old lawyer in 1821, walked into the woods seeking God and emerged with a life-altering decision. When a client arrived the next morning, Finney declared, "I have a retainer from our Lord Jesus Christ, and I can no longer plead yours." This bold commitment began a revival that would eventually birth the YMCA through George Williams, a 21-year-old drapery salesman in London who was inspired by Finney's teachings.

What unfolds from there is a remarkable chain of influence that few people know about. Did you realize basketball was invented by a YMCA instructor specifically as an evangelism tool? Or that volleyball, racquetball, and the modern concept of summer camps all originated at YMCAs? The organization's reach extended to the formation of the Boy Scouts, the USO, and even played a role in establishing Black History Month through Carter Woodson's Negro Heritage Week.

Perhaps most fascinating are the spiritual giants whose ministries were shaped through YMCA involvement. DL Moody began as a humble volunteer at the Chicago YMCA, cleaning bathrooms before establishing Bible classes for inner-city children that even President Lincoln would visit. Billy Sunday transitioned from Chicago White Stockings baseball player to pioneering radio evangelist through YMCA connections. A young Billy Graham would later attend one of Sunday's crusades, continuing this extraordinary legacy of impact.

The ripple effects of these interconnected stories reveal an important truth: young people committed to courageous Christianity can change the world. You don't need to wait until you're older or more established. At 21, 23, or 29 years old, these ordinary individuals made decisions that ultimately reached hundreds of millions of people across generations.

Discover the full, remarkable story in Bill Federer's new book "Courageous Christianity," available at AmericanMinute.com. Let this hidden history inspire you to consider what impact your own commitment might have on future generations.

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