Thinking Through “Rededicate 250” and Revival in the Nation

Thinking through Rededicate 250 and Revival in the Nation. That is the topic we'll discuss today on the Christian Worldview Radio program, where the mission is to sharpen the biblical worldview of Christians and to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. I'm David Wheaton, the host. The Christian Worldview is a non-profit, listener-supported radio ministry. Our website is thechristianworldview.org and the rest of our contact information will be given throughout today's program.

As always, thank you for your notes of encouragement, financial support, and lifting us up in prayer. This Memorial Day weekend, as we honor the sacrifice of so many members of the military over the generations who gave their lives in defense of our country and freedoms. We ought to also thank God for His goodness, patience, and protection on our nation. This year we commemorate two hundred and fifty years as an independent nation. The Declaration of Independence was signed in seventeen seventy six, and references God four times as the source of our rights, laws, guidance, and protection.

Indeed, early Americans in our history were overtly Christian. But as rebellion against God lurks in the heart of every man, We have strayed very far from that today. The Trump administration, along with public and private organizations, are seeking to change that. to rededicate our nation to God. One week ago, an event was held in Washington, D.C.

called Rededicate to 50. Promoted as a quote national jubilee of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving. Todd Friel, pastor of Elphoretta Bible Church in Georgia, host of Wretched T V and Radio, and executive director of the Fortas Institute, joins us to discuss several aspects of Rededicate two hundred fifty and whether it can lead to Christian revival in our nation. We will also discuss one of the reasons Americans have been persuaded away from God. the college campus.

Let's get straight to the interview with Todd Friel. Todd, I want to start out today talking about this recent event called Rededicate 250. And just from their website. This said on Sunday, May 17th, 2026. The National Mall in Washington, DC will be the scene of a historic gathering.

As Americans of every background across the country prepare for the nation's 250th birthday, With scripture. Testimony, prayer. and rededication to our country as one nation. to God. Rededicate two fifty is part of the broader Freedom two fifty, which is quote organized by a public-private partnership involving the White House Task Force two fifty.

federal agencies The America 250 Commission. And Freedom 250, a non-partisan organization led by CEO Keith Cratch. And then these are some of the speakers involved. Starts with civic leaders. Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson.

Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth. Senator Tim Scott from South Carolina. Ben Carson. former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

Faith leaders, Franklin Graham of Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Bishop Robert Baron, Bishop of the Diocese of Winona, Rochester, I'm assuming here in Minnesota and founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, also Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of New York. Pastor Jack Graham of Prestonwood Baptist Church. Rabbi Mir Soloveichich, Senior Rabbi of Congregation Sherith Israel in New York City. Pastor Robert Jeffress, a First Baptist, in Dallas. and Pastor Paula White, who is a senior adviser to the White House Faith Office.

Others involved are Jonathan Roomey, the renowned actor with The Chosen, radio host and author Eric Metaxas, Sadie Robertson Hough of the Robertson family, Doctor Alvida King, and Sissy Graham Lynch. of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Without some background, let me just play the audio, Todd, of Speaker Mike Johnson praying at the event. Almighty God, we ask that you hear these solemn petitions. Just as we in the beginning dedicated this land to your most holy name.

Today, here, Lord. in this 250th year of American ind independence. We hereby rededicate the United States of America as one nation under God. Look upon us with favor, upon your country, as we celebrate this momentous anniversary and let your Holy Spirit descend upon this land so that future generations will look back at this day and this present age and once again see your providential hand at work. I ask this today, Lord.

I pray it and I believe it in your holy name. In Jesus' name, amen. That was. Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, believe it's the third highest civic position, elected position. in the nation.

There is only one covenant nation with God. That's the nation of Israel. And there is only one covenant people, that's the church made up of Jews and Gentiles, true believing Jews and Gentiles. Let's talk first, Todd, about the intentions and purpose. Behind this rededicate 250 event to rededicate our country to honoring and being a nation under a God.

Psalm 33, 12 says, Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. Referring likely the psalmist was to the nation of Israel, but I think there's broader application there for a nation who honors the Lord. Do you think this event Rededicate 250. Is it comparable with our founders' actions and their vision for the country? I mean, Christianity and God are all over our founding documents and in much of our early American history.

The challenge in front of us right now is the changing complexity and the changing. Mixture of America, who we are as a people. Right now, the number of people who profess faith in Jesus Christ. And actually, practice the faith is diminishing. George Barna, Life Way, they all affirm that.

Now, positive note: if I could toss in a word for Bible teaching churches, they're growing. Bible-teaching churches are growing. Mainline Protestantism is on the decline. Evangelical Christianity, big Eva, if you will, is kind of holding steady. But as a rule, America is far less, I'll just use the word religious than we once were.

specifically the Christian religion.

So, when the nation was founded, I believe that there was. Overall agreement that we are all Christians and we are all making this agreement together that this will be a nation that is dedicated to God. But we've changed. We're no longer that people. In fact, We have at least half the country who is hostile to that notion.

They would even argue that there were any Christian underpinnings to this nation's founding. And so we need to recognize that In order for a nation to make any sort of an agreement with God, a dedication to God, All of the people need to be in. agreement Otherwise, I think we have some questions to ask about what it means. Do we have the ability? to dedicate our nation to God.

And I think in order to do that, we've got to go back to the Old Testament. You rightly said that the only nation that has had a covenant agreement with God is the nation of Israel. It started with the Abrahamic covenant, a threefold promise of the land, a nation, and a seed. But then we You see the quid pro quo covenant of the Mosaic covenant. And that was the agreement that was codified between God and the people.

In other words, the people didn't cut a deal. And say, This is what we're going to do, God. This was the covenant that God gave them to cut with them, to agree: if you follow my commandments, you'll be blessed. If you don't, you'll be cursed. Deuteronomy 28.

That was the status of Israel.

So, could Israel get together for a national day of dedication? Absolutely, they could.

Well, now we've got to ask some questions. Is America a covenantal nation? And I think we can all agree we're not.

Now, that doesn't mean we can't ask the question: can we dedicate ourselves to the Lord? And I think the answer to that is, yes, we can. if we all agree on it. Where I see that there can be some challenges with this rededicating America is that you've got. At the very least, half of the country that has no desire to be dedicated to the Lord.

So, I think a group of people can get together and say, We dedicate ourselves to you, Lord. We commit ourselves to your precepts, we desire to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. And the group of people that are of one mind. They can make that agreement and dedication together, but I'm not exactly sure how. a group of people that assembled together.

Can Dedicate a nation, meaning 330 million other people who aren't interested in being dedicated to the Lord. Much of what you've described on their website, David, I think we'd all affirm that. I think the one word that we would do well to bore down on is the word dedication. Can we dedicate? Can Christians dedicate?

an entire nation to the Lord. And I think that's a far more challenging challenging question to come to agreement on.

Now, President Trump was involved in this event as well, Todd. And now, President Trump, as far as I know, I think he's a believer in God. But I don't think he's a born-again believer. I've never heard him express any sort of repentance and trust in Christ as his Savior and Lord. And obviously, if you believe that, you'll confess it and profess it as well.

But nonetheless, He read from the Old Testament book of Second Chronicles, chapter seven.

So let me play some audio of that, then I'll follow up with a question for you. And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said to him, I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for a house of sacrifice. If I shut up heaven, that there be no rain, Or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people, if my people which are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways. Then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Here you have Donald Trump again likely And yet, very unusual, at least in my lifetime, where you'd have a sitting president.

Read and ex there was a much more to it. There was it was a long portion of scripture he read. for this event from Second Chronicles Yeah.

Now, as you mentioned in your first answer, there is such an anti-God movement in our country, maybe half the country. President Trump reading this, reading Scripture, the inspired word of God At least there's an attempt by this administration. to have a more moral And God-respecting nation of Christian values, more like in our founding. Maybe not to the degree of a regenerate people caused by the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. saving people But is that an objective in and of itself, Todd?

A more moral and God-respecting nation that pleases God? I think it pleases me that the government is more amenable toward Christian liberty and freedoms of religion. I think that's a good thing. In fact, I would say that that would really fall underneath their job description. Let people believe what they want, let people speak what they want, let people carry what firearms they want.

So I'm all for a government. That wants to promote liberty.

So I think we should celebrate that, and I think we should be grateful for that. Where, of course, this starts to get a little bit more complex, let's say. Is what role Christianity fills in that? Again, initially, I think as a nation. Vast majority of people professing believers, or would at least acknowledge there really is only one true religion, and that is Christianity.

Well, now today, you've got a multicultural nation. that has many different gods, many different beliefs.

So now you've got if the government is going to promote freedom of religion, I say. Amen to that.

Now, should the government be promoting a particular religion?

Well, that happens to be the debate of our day. That gets us into the subject of Christian nationalism, it gets us into the subject of separation of church and state. And that historic debate. But in general, David, I would say I'm grateful that the president wants to be more friendly toward religion, which, by the way, that's the word that he likes to use: religion. He thinks that America will be better with religion.

See, when I hear something like that, now this is to get theological. Do I think it's better if a nation is more religious?

Well, sure, but that's not Christianity. Christianity isn't about people behaving more morally. Christianity is about people believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. That's what Christianity is about.

So I think as we have this discussion, we need to draw some lines and be really, really clear. It's good if people follow Christian precepts, but that's not going to get anybody to heaven. Our primary concern, we're concerned about our nation, but our primary concern is the salvation of souls. Let me put it this way, if I might. What does it profit a nation if everybody behaves a little bit more morally?

But they lose their soul.

So, our chief concern, we're grateful for liberty, religious liberty, but our chief concern really shouldn't be just about moralism. It should be about regeneration. And David, if I could, if I might take a quibble. With this Bible verse that was read, I know people celebrate. The context is so crucial in 2 Chronicles.

We hear this statement of: if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, clearly it's talking about Israel, it's not talking about America.

Well, you could argue: well, if we're all called by his name, then we can claim this promise too. Debatable, but let me just bore down on what this promise actually is. If you go back to 2 Chronicles 7:13. God said at times I might shut up the heavens.

So that no rain falls, or I might command locusts to devour your crops. Or I might send plagues among you. All right, so. This is clearly God's saying. You've got a land problem because you don't have any rain.

You're getting plagues and you're getting locusts.

So, if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven, forgive their sins, and Heal their land from what? From plagues, from locusts, and from a lack of rain. This isn't a general healing. Like political parties are going to come together, politicians are going to be more moral. People will behave better.

Men won't watch as much pornography. Fewer people will get divorced. That is not in view in 2 Chronicles 7. It is a threefold promise. I'll heal your land, your literal physical land, because you need rain.

You got to get rid of the locusts and you don't want the plagues.

So, this really isn't a promise that America can be claiming. And if we're going to do that, we've got to recognize it's limited to plagues, locusts, and a drought. And one last thing. We can't pray that God would forgive the sins of unbelievers. That's not a prayer that we can utter.

That's included in this prayer in 2 Chronicles. I will forgive their sins and heal their land. The only people whose sins are forgiven are those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ. To use this as a reading for America today.

Well, I think it has principles that we could apply. To use it as directly as people do, I think is a misuse of scripture. Todd Friel with us today here on the Christian Worldview. He is the host of Wretched Television and Radio, also the executive director of Fortis Institute and the pastor of Alpharetta Bible Church. We'll take a short break to tell you about some ministry resources and then more with Todd as we think through rededicate 250.

I'm David Wheaton and you are listening to the Christian Worldview Radio program. The classroom and the dorm room students encounter at secular and yes, Christian colleges lead to as many as 50% of students who profess upon entering college to be born-again Christians not saying the same four years later.

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Our topic today is thinking through rededicate 250. and revival in the nation. And our guest is Todd Friel, host of Wretched TV and Radio and executive director of the Fortas Institute. Todd, one of the aspects of this event, and again, it wasn't a church-sponsored event, it was a public-private event, federal agencies involved and so forth.

So this isn't surprising, this isn't shocking, but there were quote-unquote faith leaders. From many different religious perspectives. You had people like Franklin Graham, of course, of Samaritan's Purse, and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Evangelical. But you also had, you know, Cardinal Timothy Dolan of the Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of New York. You had Rabbi Mir Soloveichik, who's a senior rabbi of Congregation Sherith of Israel in New York City.

Paula White. She is a Word Faith errant teacher. She's a senior advisor to the White House Faith Office.

So let me just play a short audio clip. Of a speaker, Jonathan Rumi, who listeners will probably know he plays Jesus in the Chosen series. And he had to say this in an interview. at the event. Playing Jesus has allowed me to have this sort of a Soul fusion.

with Jesus in a way that I never I never thought I would um experience before. It's Allowed me to walk deeper with the Lord in exploring. Everything from his friendships to most recently and most intensely his passion. and death and uh now I'm about to explore the resurrection.

So he talked about having a soul fusion. I don't think I've ever heard that term. He's Roman Catholic as well, if I'm not mistaken.

So at this event, it was a mix of true believers. unregenerate leaders, like I mentioned with President Trump. You had errant professing Christian teachers, and you had errant religions. The Roman Catholic Church teaches another gospel, a works-based gospel, and Judaism doesn't believe in Jesus Christ. Ecumenism, Todd, tends to confuse The true gospel.

And sound doctrine, and doctrine is nothing more than accurately representing who God is and His ways. How should true Believers view an ecumenical event like this, and should true believers can they be involved in some ways where there's a confusing messaging because of the different beliefs of those who are involved. Three responses to that, David. First of all, for the record, I think Franklin Graham is doing amazing ministry. His Samaritan's purse, just excelling beyond the Red Cross, government programs, and he preaches the gospel.

And furthermore, Mike Johnson, who prayed earlier. I like Mike Johnson. I genuinely believe he's a born-again believer.

So I like those guys. They clearly have a different view of ecumenism.

So, I would first of all affirm some of the people that were there. I don't think it's your intention, nor would it be mine. To trash our brothers that are good guys that have a different view of ecumenism. Second thing that I would say, David, is: I do think that there are some of us who can be too tightly wound. regarding an appropriate definition of ecumenism.

There are those, especially in the pool, the theological pool I swim in. Why, if you say the instead of thee, We think that thou art a heretic.

So I think we can be too tightly wound when it comes to ecumenism. Having said that, my third point would be. I think we can be too loose. And I personally wouldn't be able to participate and share a platform. With the aforementioned individuals that you've mentioned.

And the biblical support that I would have for that would be 2 John. John seems to be concerning himself with correct Christology. You've got to understand Jesus right. Or you're anathema, you are antichrist. And then he says something that culturally has an application for us today regarding events like this.

In 2 John 10, he said, if someone comes to your meeting, And doesn't teach the truth about Christ, don't invite him into your house or encourage him anyway. Anyone who encourages him. Becomes a partner in his evil work.

Now, this is both cultural and it transcends time and culture. The cultural reference that he's making is: if you let somebody into your house, that is the cultural way of saying, this guy is a friendly. I affirm I agree. You were putting yourself in alignment with your guest's theological views. And John says: if somebody doesn't believe in Christ rightly, don't do that.

Because then you're participating in the work. You're giving an endorsement to false Christology.

Now, That's what was being said in the first century. What would be the principle that we could carry forward to the 21st century? While we don't have the same cultural norm of inviting somebody into your house, I think we can affirm the principle would be there are things we can do as Christians. That would send the message to people that are watching. We agree with this person.

The question, then, of course, would be: Is sharing a platform and an event that is apparently about dedicating the nation to? God? Is sharing a platform telling the world we're okay with the Archbishop's theology? We're okay with word faith theology. We're okay with prosperity teaching.

We're okay with Roman Catholicism. I believe it does. And so, therefore. I just wouldn't participate in an event like that unless, David. I could say, hello, everybody.

I just want to let you know, I'm a born-again, Bible-believing evangelical Christian. And I disagree with that guy. I disagree with that woman. I disagree with that system. We do not believe the same things.

I believe that they're wrong. I believe they need to repent. Having said that, here's my message.

Okay, maybe I would do that, but that would probably be bad form.

So, I think events like this, we need to think very carefully. While I agree we can be too tightly wound when it comes to ecumenism. For me, I think this is crossing the line and simply sending the wrong signal. Again, Todd Friel is our guest today here on the Christian World View. You did a recent video on this particular event, and you said some of these things, and just quoting here.

That symbolic national ceremonies can create emotional encouragement. without producing true spiritual change. You talked about that already. Large Christian gatherings and patriotic events should not be confused with revival. Or regeneration.

Good point. I mean, we look at the situation with Charlie Kirk after he was assassinated in that incredible event they had after that. I think George Barner came out. They did a survey on that. It didn't really, they thought this is going to be a point of spiritual change in this country, and they really haven't seen that.

to any large effect at this point. You also said national transformation. does not come through ceremonies, political movements, Or public declarations, even though we like good public declarations of honoring God. True change comes through regeneration, regeneration. repentance and salvation.

Now our Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, Spoke at this event, and he was a. I don't know exactly his background, but I think he was a former Roman Catholic. But now it seems that he's in an evangelical church, maybe a Presbyterian church. He may be a true believer now. And he had a very compelling message at this event.

Here's some of that. Two and a half centuries ago, our forefathers gathered for the second time in as many years for a national day of fasting and prayer. The resolution of the Continental Congress called on the 13 colonies to humble themselves in preparation for the coming war. with true penitence of heart. and the most reverent devotion publicly to acknowledge the overruling providence of God.

It is no coincidence that America from the very beginning has occupied a unique and exceptional place in world history. Before the Christian West, most societies, and civilizations for that matter, thought in stagnant cycles. The flooding of the Nile, the return of the rains, the cycle of the harvest. History for them was a wheel to nowhere. It turned and turned only to end up back where it began.

But our faith calls us outwards into the limitless darkness of the unknown. It tells us to go forth and preach the gospel to the world as a witness unto all nations, unto the ends of the earth. From that command. Came America. Our nation, more than any other in history, was shaped.

by this Christian idea. We saw it at work already in 1630, more than a century before the Revolution, when John Winthrop stood on the deck of the Arabella in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and preached a sermon to his fellow Puritan colonists. We shall be as a city upon a hill, he told them. The eyes of all people are upon us. When I first heard that clip by Secretary of State Rubio, Boy, I I I felt myself welling up.

I mean, just to think about our founders and their faith and how The gospel has been exported in many places around the world because of this country. Christianity has flourished in this nation to think about. where we are now. And I think back, Todd, to the the Pilgrims, distinctly Christian, and the Puritans same way, What do you think it would look like? for our nation to day.

To be dedicated to God, to honor God. I know you mentioned a lot more of the population doing that. But how do you get there? I mean, these declarations, or this speech that Marco Rubio gave was just powerful. How do we get to that point?

Without faith no one can please God, without faith no one can see God. And so, if we want a people that is honoring God, living a life dedicated to God. Following his precepts, they need to believe in God. In the founding of the country, I think it's safer to assume that that was the general consensus that people were believers.

Now, whether they were genuine believers or not, true and false converts, we don't know, but the pilgrims certainly. Coming over to establish really a Protestant grouping, by the way, not Catholic, in fact. I don't know if you know this, but there were many states and cities that didn't want Roman Catholicism. A savannah actually at its founding, as I understand it, they wanted to outlaw alcohol. lawyers, and Roman Catholics.

So I think the original settlers We're in one mind. And they could go about together saying, let's make a compact that we are going to be a people dedicated to God.

Now, this is where it starts to get very confusing. What qualifies one as to dedicated to God? That's crucial in this conversation. Because an individual who does not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, they cannot dedicate themselves to God. They cannot live morally.

They cannot be pleasing to God. And so I think if we want to see a nation that is dedicated to God. And we want that. We want that. We all affirm that.

Nobody's trying to be some sort of cultural blanket here. We've got to take a step backwards. And that step backwards is toward regeneration. We need to be proclaiming the gospel. We need to see people getting saved.

And then when we've got the majority of people being saved. We see 90% of Americans professing faith in Jesus Christ. Then it's totally natural for us to say, hey, we, this group of people right here, right now, those people who believe in Jesus, we're dedicated to him.

So, in this entire conversation, which I understand it is big, it can be very complex and it can be very emotional. Can we all affirm this? If we want to see a godly nation, we need to see godly people. And the only way that people can be godly is if they hear the gospel, the Holy Spirit regenerates them, and then they desire to be godly.

So let's keep seeking a moral nation, if you will, but the means to morality. Is not an imposing of morals. It is furthermore not dedicating people to live by morals they do not affirm, but by proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ, people are born again and then they desire to be moral. What is more important in all of this? Is that we are rededicated to Preaching the gospel, making disciples, exalting Christ, proclaiming his excellencies.

That's our mandate. And if we go about the business of putting all of our energy into that, I promise you, more people get saved and we will have a more moral nation. The big takeaway here is that it's a good thing when a nation elevates Christian principles. But the most important thing, the highest priority Is the proclamation of the gospel where people are truly born again. Todd Friel is our guest today.

He is the host of Wretched TV and Radio and the executive director of the Fortas Institute. We'll take a two minute break and then in the final segment, Todd and I will discuss one of the main reasons our nation has been led away from God, and that is the educational system, particularly in college. I'm David Wheaton and you are listening to the Christian Worldview Radio Program. We are excited to announce that the Christian Worldview Journal is now available in digital format, meaning that it can be read on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. For the March-April issue, all Christian Worldview partners will be sent both the print version of the journal by mail and a link to the digital version by email.

For future issues, you can choose to receive only one format, print or digital, or continue to receive both. The Christian Worldview Journal is a bimonthly publication with compelling articles on current events and issues of the faith. It is sent to all Christian Worldview partners as a thank you for their support of this radio ministry. To become a Christian Worldview partner and receive the journal or to update your print and or digital preferences, call us at 188-646-2233, email us at support at thechristianworldview.org, or return the resource insert form in the March-April issue. The classroom and the dorm room students encounter at secular and yes, Christian colleges lead to as many as 50% of students who profess upon entering college to be born-again Christians not saying the same four years later.

So how can students avoid spiritual shipwreck? In my book, University of Destruction, Your Game Plan for Spiritual Victory on Campus, I give a scouting report on the three pillars of peril in college and provide a game plan to be an overcomer. This would be a meaningful gift for the high school or college students in your life. and there's a free study guide available as well. University of Destruction is soft cover, 176 pages, and retails for $17.

For a limited time, you can order signed copies for a donation of any amount to the Christian Worldview. Bulk discounts are also available. Go to thechristianworldview.org or call 188-646-2233. Thanks for joining us on The Christian Worldview. I'm David Wheaton.

Today's program and past programs, along with transcripts and short takes, are available at thechristianworldview.org. While there, you can also sign up for our weekly email and the Christian Worldview Journal print publication, order resources, and support the ministry. Our topic today is thinking through rededicate 250. and revival in the nation. And our guest is Todd Friel, host of Wretched TV and Radio and executive director of the Fortas Institute.

Now, Todd, one of the leading causes that has led people away from Christian mooring in this country is the educational system. which has an evangelization of its own, for students to go away from the Christian faith. What is it about the dynamic? in college Todd. That makes it so difficult for a Christian to walk on the narrow road.

And that takes non-Christians and just leads them even farther away into sin. I think it actually starts in youth group, David. We've decided that the youth group must have entertainment components. Youth group must be fun for the kids. And we got to fill their bellies and give them a little Bible.

So many of them today are driven on a model of amusement. We've got to make sure the kids think it's fun. If the kids don't enjoy themselves, they're never going to come back. And then we try to is. As painlessly as possible, teach them a little bit about Jesus Christ.

So, what happens? They see cool youth pastors. They do silly games. They consume a lot of pizza and they almost hear their youth pastor apologize for the Bible. Hey, everybody, quiet down.

We're gonna do this really quick. I'm just I just want to share this with you.

So just hang in there. Just give me like two minutes, everybody. They follow along, they do what their parents desire, but now. They're unleashed. And they fly off to university, and mom and dad aren't looking, and there's no youth group pastor to check in on them.

And what do they encounter there?

Well, they encounter. A University of Destruction. I've heard there's a good book by that title. And they also discover. Sex, drugs, rock and roll.

And ooh, is it ever tempting?

Furthermore, and here's, I think, the key issue, believe it or not. They go into classrooms where these erudite professors treat them with respect. They actually treat their subject matter as if it is important and they speak authoritatively, whether it is evolution, whether it is sexual revolution and gender ideology, or frankly, whether it's math these days. And these young people who saw their religion being treated in a trite way by some oftentimes silly youth pastors. suddenly find these guys and these women to be very credible.

And they're saying things that they've crafted over the course of decades to be anti-Christian. David, there is a genuine anti-Christian. an agenda at university campuses. Not a professor, certainly. But I think most.

I remember getting phone calls and texts. From my daughters when they were at university. Dad, can you, the doctrine of justification? How is that connected to sanctification? And my question would be: well, why are you asking?

Well, I'm in class. What class are you in? Biology? What's going on in your biology class? They were assaulting Christianity.

In biology class, So I think that these university students, they go. They've had a low presentation of their own faith. They're seeing a high academic presentation of a godless worldview, and they go for it. It's more credible. And these professors don't talk down to the kids.

They actually seem to respect the kids and they're challenging the kids. And the kids are going for it: hook, line, and sinker. Is that happening on university campuses? Absolutely. Where is the start of the problem?

I'm sorry, I think it's a youth group. You and Retchit have been on campuses recently engaging with students and answering their questions. I just want to play a sound clip. I've been watching some of your videos on campus, and here's just a clip of the types of questions you're receiving from students. What would you say to an unbeliever who's like, I don't want to be Christian because then I like, I have to do all these things to be fair.

What's your opinions on missions around the world? How can one develop a meaningful relationship with God if we're mainly just talking to him through prayer and reading about him through the Bible? What would you say to someone who maybe is feeling like there are contradictions in the Bible? What do you do with all the people in the world that have died? They never heard the name of Jesus.

How can we use the gospel to denounce Mormonism? Do you believe that Christianity is the only religion that has its spot saved in heaven? What do you make of just all the different questions that you receive on campus? And what are some of the most recurring ones that you think are important for? Christian students and even non-believing students to get answers to.

Yeah, I think we need to start by harmonizing some of the aforementioned statistics that you offered. There are people who are saying we've got increased Bible sales, some are claiming more people are going to church. And then you get kind of a vague statement: people are more interested in religion these days. I actually affirm that latter statistic. They are more interested in religion, but we've got to be careful.

Interest does not mean regeneration. Interest does not mean that you are actually believing in the object of your faith. It means you're interested. And the good news, David, is I think the Students are interested. And I think that it came long before Charlie Kirk.

I do believe that Charlie Kirk murdered. It increased the interest. But I think that it was already brewing on the campus because there was a bigger revolution that was taking place. I think a lot of the students were recognizing the secular worldview was not delivering on its promises. I think they were experiencing the sex, drugs, rock and roll.

Finding themselves feeling empty. They were looking at their parents. They were seeing mom and dad had a house. They maybe don't even have a mortgage anymore. They've got.

Kids and they can go on vacations. They own stuff, and we don't. They've got jobs, we can't get them. They've got a new car, we can't afford one. The mortgage rates are killing us.

We can't buy a new home until the age of 40 these days. And I think intuitively they're recognizing something's busted. I agree that that is a trend. I want to make sure, though, that we take advantage of that interest, but not confuse with actual. Regeneration.

Because we could deceive ourselves into thinking, oh, good, the kids are interested, they're talking more about spiritual things. And I affirm that is a good thing, but that's not enough. We want them to be born again.

So we need to go to the campuses and take advantage of the current zeitgeist. And start proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ authoritatively. They are asking questions. They are good questions. And the questions have changed, David.

When I went to Georgia Tech years ago, It was all evolution, evolution, evolution. Nobody's asking that. They're asking more profound questions, deeper. Existential questions like: What am I doing here? What's the purpose?

What's the point?

So they are groping. They are seeking. We need to get to the campuses. And might I make a suggestion as we do? We need to stop going as apologists.

Responding to, hey, what about the crusades? Hey, what about this doctrine? Hey, what about gender ideology? Hey, what about it? Yes, we need to be ready to give a reason for the hope that lies within us, a defense.

But that's not enough. There's nothing wrong with apologetics, but we need to remember: apologetics saves nobody. It does not have the power to save. It has the power to explain, but only the proclamation of the word does. That is where the regenerating power exists: by the power of the Holy Spirit to convict of sin, righteousness, and judgment.

An apologist that goes to campus, I always see the posture of being one who leans back. I think we need to go to campuses pressing in. I think we need to go on Joe Rogan's program and stop defending the faith and start pressing in. Joe, Jesus Christ is God. You must deal with him.

Jesus Christ is the God-man who died for sinners. He's the only way to be reconciled to God. What are you going to do about this? And furthermore, as we press in with the gospel, we need to be exalting Christ. Why wouldn't you want to submit to King Jesus Christ?

There has never been a more benevolent king, there's never been a A more kind king than Jesus Christ. You're a fool to not run to him. Why would you not want to love that king? That needs to be our message. And if we can do that, David.

I think we'd be taking advantage of this cultural moment because the kids, they are trying to sort of. Todd, Christian parachurch organizations on secular campuses like Crew, formerly Campus Crusade for Christ, or Navigators or the Salt Company, can vary widely in their fidelity to the faith. due to who the leadership are. on that specific campus. How to be discerning about these, and also talk about the importance of being involved in a sound local church when in college.

There's two wise things that a student can do. Number one would be, To be incredibly obscuring. David, there's some really good campus ministries out there. There really are. We've been working with them.

We were at Oklahoma University, excellent, Oklahoma State, North Georgia here in Atlanta. You got to find them and you've got to be discerning. Ask them questions, drill into what they teach. What is their methodology? What are their goals for the students.

Because I think it's excellent for a Christian to go to university and find a group of like-minded Christians. use discernment The second thing that I would say, David, that is even more crucial. If you're a Christian or going off, I don't care if it's a secular or Christian university, the single best thing that you can do for your soul is to join a local Bible teaching church. I know that it sounds weird. My family goes to church at home, have joint membership, have a dual membership.

Your pastor will affirm that because he wants you under the protection of a local church. Because when you don't show up on Sunday, you're going to have some people chasing after you when you don't show up for three weeks. When they see you kind of mopey and maybe kind of looking a little disheveled, they're going to want to get involved in your life to see what's happening. They're going to care for you. Please become a member of a Bible teaching church, and they can even help you identify the different campus ministries that are good.

Maybe they even have one. I'm a fan of campus ministries that are sound. I'm a bigger fan of local churches that are sound and students joining those.

Okay, I want to go to the the parental side of this, Todd, because Christian parents. Try to raise their At least they should try to raise their son or daughter in the nurture, the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Let's say these parents have really worked hard and tried to teach their sons and daughters the right things to to be a part of the local church. but, as is so often the case, That doesn't guarantee that that son or daughter is going to have interest. What do you recommend for parents who really desperately want their sons and daughters to go the right way when they go off to college?

But they see an apathy or even worldly interest What would be your advice to them? One of the first things that I would say to any parent Let themselves be released from the pressure of saving their child. We're called to be faithful to our children. We are not called to regenerate them.

So, if you put yourself on a hook of conviction and guilt that your child isn't behaving very Christ-like or they're not making a profession of faith. It's not you, mom and dad. You are not to blame.

Now If you weren't as faithful as you should have been and you sinned, well then guess what you can do? You can repent of that and Enjoy the forgiveness of Jesus Christ and not continue pistol whipping yourself because you didn't do it as well as you could have or should have, which, by the way, none of us actually have. Having said that. What can a parent do that I think are the most helpful ways of helping a child? To desire to become a follower of Jesus Christ.

David, I think there's a big difference between teaching the precepts of the Lord and showing that the parent actually believes those precepts. One example of this would be The entrance into the kingdom of God. is humility. That we humble ourselves, that we repent of our sins, we confess our brokenheartedness over our sins. That's the entrance into Christianity.

The parent that never shows the child they actually believe it in their actions, I think, undermines their testimony. When a parent, however, Is willing to repent of their sins to their child. To show their child that they have a dependency on the Lord Jesus Christ, to admit to their child. That they regularly sin in word and in deed and in motive. And that they constantly need the forgiveness of Jesus Christ.

What are they doing? They're showing their child they actually believe what they profess. I think repentance in a home is one of the greatest ways to show your family. that Christianity is real. That you believe the profession that said, I am a sinful wretch, I am an undone man.

O son, O daughter, please forgive me. Your dad doesn't do this right. I need your forgiveness, and I need the forgiveness of Jesus Christ every day.

So let's be a family that sits at the foot of the cross. A group of sins confessing our need to Jesus Christ. Because we need him. Oh, how we need him. And you show it by being a repentant parent.

There's about 100 other things I could say, but that alone I think is one of the most transformational things a parent can do to help a child see that Christianity is real. Todd, thank you for this conversation today. Just going from the rededication event of America to talking about. Why America has been changed in large part because of the educational system and what we can do to raise our sons and daughters to repent and believe in the gospel and be strong followers of Him. We're so thankful for you, Todd, and what you're doing with Wretched and Fortis and what you're doing on college campuses.

Thank you for coming on the Christian Worldview Radio program today. Thank you for being a faithful brother in Christ. for so many years and we just wish all of God's best and grace to you.

Well, I'm not going to let you get the last word. David, you've been doing that for at least 25 years. That's when we met 25 years ago in the cinder block bunker in the middle of a field in Egan, Minnesota, at KKMS. That's when we first met, and you have been faithful every single week. Keep telling people, hey, Tune in the Christian worldview.

You need he's thoughtful, he's considerate, he's biblical. You've been a great family man. You've been a great son to your parents.

So sorry, dude. I'm going to return the accolade shout out because you have been so faithful for so long and I'm super grateful for you. I think we both would say, Todd, To God be all the glory for anything we are or have done.

So Thank you again. God bless you. We have links to Todd's Ministry, Wretched, and the Fortas Institute at thechristian Worldview dot org, or go directly to Fortasplus. org, where all their content is free of charge. If you have a high school or college student in your life, I also recommend you order a signed copy of my book, University of Destruction, Your Game Plan for Spiritual Victory on Campus.

You can get it at our website, thechristianburyalview.org, or by calling us toll-free, 188-646-2233. Thank you for joining us today on the Christian Worldview and for your support of this non-profit radio ministry. Let's pray for our nation and leaders and proclaim God's gospel and his truth wherever we have opportunity. Until next time, think biblically, live accordingly, and stand firm. The mission of the Christian worldview is to sharpen the biblical worldview of Christians and to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.

We hope today's broadcast encouraged you toward that end. To hear a replay of today's program, order a transcript, or find out what must I do to be saved, go to thechristianworldview.org or call toll-free 188-646-2233. The Christian Worldview is a listener-supported, non-profit radio ministry furnished by the Overcomer Foundation. to make a donation, order resources, become a Christian Worldview partner, sign up for our weekly email or the Christian Worldview Journal print publication, or to contact us, go to thechristianworldview.org, call 188-646-2233, or write to Box 401, Excelsior, Minnesota, 55331. Thanks for listening to the Christian Worldview.

Yeah. Um