> CR Podcast Archive

The "Hidden War" is not so hidden anymore. When worlds - and world views - collide, there can be untold suffering. For Christians living in Muslim countries a new wave of religious violence and persecution are threatening the very existence of the church. What should be our response to their plight? More importantly, what is their response to the tribulations they face? The answers will surprise and humble you. Norm is joined by special guest David Witt.

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Spring came to the Arab world. Something much less promising has descended on Syria. It's an epic struggle of entrenched despotic power vs. a tormented people. Is there any way to tell which way it will go? Possibly. The more important question is "What does God intend for Syria?" Now that question we can tackle with more certainty! More than that, we can share what God is doing right now.

Jim Governale joins Norm in studio for a timely and urgent look at God's work in a time of crisis, and how you can be part of it.

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Suffering continues around the world. Our brightest scientists and philosophers have dismissed the notion of a God who cares and engages with His creation, much less the wayward people He left in charge of the place. How can God possibly be real? And even if He is, what difference could it possibly make? Norm's guest today, Philip Yancey, doesn't shy away from such questions. In fact he doggedly pursues them with the tenacity of a journalist. He's got plenty to share with us today.

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How far can prayer take you? All the way to heaven? Perhaps. How about all the way to the impossible? Norm's guest today knows a lot about faith and prayer. As a pastor, theologian, author, songwriter and speaker he's had a tremendous impact on the church of this generation. And he believes God can do the impossible. We'll see it if we are willing to pray for it. Norm welcomes Jack Hayford for an important interview.

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Norm concludes a power three-part series on the Power of Prayer, with his guest John Robb, who wrote the book on the subject.

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So prayer can change things. How? John Robb continues his conversation with Norm today in part 2 of this important series on prayer.

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So you want to change the world. So? Into what? For what purpose? Why? We can't get to the real answers without asking the right questions.  Norm's guest today, John Robb, will get us pointed in the right direction as we start an important series.

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Do we see the world as it really is? Do we see it as God sees it?  Does it matter?  You bet your life it does.  In this penetrating interview with one of this generation's most important authors, Norm explores the importance of the "Universe Next Door."  Dr. James Sire joins Norm by telephone.

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Yesterday, Norm began one of the most important investigations we've ever done. It's called our "Iraqi Christian Refugee Listening Project." The things the Lord has led them through are, frankly, heart-wrenching. But it's important to remember that the Lord is leading them.

This is not a time for platitudes and politics. It's a time to open our ears and our hearts. Its a time to listen.

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In Acts 16:9, the Apostle Paul had a disturbing dream of a man from a far-away place called Macedonia begging for help and a visit from Paul.

Today, in the city where Paul's spiritual life began a similar, haunting, call is going forth from another people in desperate need, the Christian refugees of Iraq. It's a call we couldn't ignore, so Norm went. He called it a 'listening project.' Where others might want to talk about solutions, Norm went to hear their stories, their requests, and bring them home. It's time we paid attention.

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If you're an Iraqi Christian, you've had a tough go of it for the past ten years. That's putting it mildly. Hundreds of thousands of your fellow believers have died in the crossfire of sectarian Muslim violence and attacks targeted at your churches, neighbors, even your own family.

The depth of persecution and suffering are unimaginable to us in the West - that is until Compassion Radio brings you the story. Today, Norm and Cher bring you one of the largest Iraqi refugee communities in Damascus, Syria where hundreds of thousands live desperate, poor and seemingly forgotten lives. But God has not forgotten them, and He's building real hope in His children. You'll find out how in this broadcast.

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There's no denying that Tim Tebow has become a sports icon and media sensation. In his NFL sophomore year, he revitalized the Denver Broncos and brought them close to an AFC title. But it's not his accomplishments on the gridiron that has brought him the most attention. It's his own brand of Christian witness and humility that have struck such a chord with sports fans. His name has become a verb as thousands post their video and photo interpretations of his unique 'prayer posture.'

So what does this tell us about living your faith in public? What does it tell us about the modern hunger for spiritual truth? Norm and our producer, Jim Governale, discuss it today.

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Norm concludes his discussion with Dr. Timothy Tennent of Asbury Theological Seminary as they look at seven 'mega-trends' facing the Church in the 21st Century.

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Who were the greatest missionaries of all time - The original apostles? William Carey, Mary Slessor, or Hudson Taylor? Or was it David Brainerd, John Paton, Adoniram Judson, or Robert Morrison? Well, if today's guest has anything to do with it, someone - maybe many - from this generation will join the pantheon of God's 'Lions of the Faith.' Norm welcomes Dr. Timothy Tennent of Asbury Theological Seminary for part 1 of an enlightening discussion on where missions and the Church of Christ are headed in the 21st Century.

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It's widely recognized as the world's most dangerous parish. It's inner-city, it's poor and it's old. And it's literally located in the navel of historic Christianity.

Yet this church isn't really 'poor' at all - at least not in the measurements that mean the most. St. George's is rich, full of joy and reaching an entire nation with the Gospel of Jesus. It grows daily in numbers and influence. It's the 'bleeding edge' of modern Christianity in more ways than one, as you'll hear today.

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Thousands of them are running around on the streets of Damascus - children of all ages at odd hours. You might think they've got terrible parents. But in the overcrowded refugee quarters of Iraqis fleeing violence at home, they don't have another option... until now. One very enterprising and compassionate pastor's wife couldn't just sit still while her Christian family suffered. She dreamed the impossible - a safe school for hundreds of these refugee children. With no help from the government she had only faith to see her through.

Turns out faith is all you need. That and a lot of prayer. Norm's guest, Jeff Meyer, tells us the story, today.

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How's 2012 lookin' for you? Hard to tell after only a week, isn't it?  To properly evaluate something it's helpful to have all the facts.  Most of us are just coming to grips with the personal challenges and hard fought victories of 2011. It's no different with this ministry. In God's surprising way, the report is looking pretty good, actually!

Today, Norm welcomes our West Coast producer and broadcast partner, Jim Governale, in studio for a look back at how God - and God's people - have accomplished the impossible through Compassion Radio. And along with that, a look forward in faith to what lies ahead in 2012.

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Today Norm continues his investigation in the plight of Iraqi Christian refugees trying to build a life for themselves in Damascus, Syria. Norm's guest is Gary Burge, New Testament Professor at Wheaton College and an expert in the Middle East.

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How do you change the world? One child at a time. Sounds like a great bumper sticker, doesn't it? A more important question might be why change the world, or bother with the children at all? Norm's personal quest for the answers led to some startling, and life-changing consequences.

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Yesterday began a fascinating interview with Scott Rodin, a financial expert with a dream: liberating people to pursue their biggest, God-sized dreams. With a little intentional planning and a little faith it's possible to change the world. Sometimes we need more than just a little know-how. We need that extra encouragement from someone who knows what they're doing.

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Scott Rodin is a financial expert with a dream: liberating people to pursue their biggest, God-sized dreams. What dreams are worth dreaming? What does it take to make them come true? And how much should you tip along the way? All important questions! Scott tackles them all today and tomorrow.

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Looking forward to amazing things in 2012? So are we. Sometimes discovering the 'new' means first forgetting the 'old.'

Norm Nelson Explains...

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