> CR Podcast Archive

The news reports are vague and incomplete from the frontlines in Syria. We're hearing even less from the refugee camps that litter the borders with Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon. But Compassion Radio has a long history reaching out to the Church in Syria and we do know enough to help. Right now at least 850 Christian Syrian families are huddled in the mountains of Lebanon waiting out the conflict. The situation is dire. Norm's guest today, Dr. Martin Accad, will help fill in the details so we can pray and act more effectively.

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People have been burning books since they have existed. It has always been an act of supreme disrespect and hate. The Nazis did it and we condemn them for it.

On September 11, 2010, a church in Florida intended to hold a public burning of the Qur'an. Delayed by public outcry, they eventually followed through with their threat. Why? Apparently to tell the Muslim world what Christians think of them. Millions of Christians in predominantly Muslim countries were put at risk. Thousands died, were beaten or lost their homes to religious retribution.

The violence was horrific and contemptible. But the actions of this Florida church were ALSO unconscionable and completely contradict the Spirit of Christ.

So, what should be our attitude toward Muslims, including those who attacked Christians? How should we engage them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Norm's guest, Dr. Warren Larsen will highlight the most important things we can do to turn the tide of hatred and prejudice.

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It's the great smörgåsbord of faith. In a culture of on-demand, custom-made convenience, we treat our spiritual lives the same way. Not so, you say? You're totally devoted to an historical Christianity? Well, you might just discover a few surprising, even troubling, things about your spirituality today.  So what do American Christians really believe, and what can we do about it? Today, Norm interviews someone who knows how to ask the right questions, George Barna.

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Peace is built on the foundation of freedom and respect. In many nations of the world, personal freedom and conscience are under constant threat. How will that ever change? Through knowledge and understanding. Today’s guests complete an extraordinary interview with Norm as they discuss how Christians can make a profound and lasting difference in the lives of today and generations of tomorrow.

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Freedom of speech, assembly, and worship. Freedom from unlawful search, confiscation of property or imprisonment. The right to face your accuser, a fair trial and proportionate punishment.  Everyone believes in these things, right?  Well, it’s only possible for those who have heard of the Bill of Rights.  America is only one of a handful of nations on the planet which guarantee such rights to its citizens.

Today’s guests aim to change that.  And they’re making headway, as you’ll hear today. What makes them so passionate about human rights? Their unwavering commitment to the Gospel of Christ. Norm welcomes Gary Ansdell and Emil Haddad for the first of two programs in a series titled “Ambassadors for Peace.”

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Norm wraps up a fascinating three day series on the persecuted Church with his guest Ronald Boyd-MacMillan, as they discuss where the Church is going in the future and the challenges that lie ahead.

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Norm continues his discussion with Ronald Boyd-MacMillan on the history of Christian persecution, and what it means for today.

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Today begins a very special series with one of the world's most knowledgeable experts in human rights and religious persecution. Get ready for a whirlwind tour of the world, the church and thousands of years of history! Norm's guest for the next three programs is Ronald Boyd-MacMillan.

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Lucien Accad has an important story to tell. Before God called him home, he told it to Norm Nelson. And it's important we hear it, especially in these times of increasing tension, fear and despair in Syria. Does God have a way out of the mess? We don't know. But we do know He has a way through for His faithful.

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Behind the Muslim Curtain lies a vast country with dreams of resurgence and greatness. A nation of great pride and sense of history, Iran also has an undeniable place in biblical history. But what bout today? Is the Kingdom of God alive and well in the ancient home of the Persian Empire? If so, what are the challenges? How safe are Christians? How is the Church growing? Norm's guest today, Hormoz Shariat, has the answers.

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It's a paradox. God willingly sacrifices Himself for the humanity that boastfully, gleefully kills Him. It makes no sense. There was absolutely no beauty in the torture, the pain, the blood, the death. Everything we hope for in a Savior is savagely obliterated in the violent scene played out in Jerusalem.

And yet...

We can't not look at the Cross. At the broken and battered offering. What is really going at Calvary? Norm takes a hard and lingering look at what Christ did and continues to do.

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Bram and Sandi Floria welcome back guest, Marty McCall, for a second day. As a performer, soloist, songwriter, poet and worship leader, he knows how to convey a powerful story. He also possesses a lot of faith.  But even he wasn't prepared for all that God had planned in his battle with cancer.  Bram and Sandi Floria join Marty in Nashville, TN as he finishes his amazing account.

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Does God want us to live forever? Well, of course He does.  But is it only a 'spiritual' life we're talking about or something more? What are we to make of sickness and suffering in the world today? Are eternal things and earthly things supposed to remain separate?

Not on your life!

Our guest for two days is Marty McCall. He jumped deeply into the waters of grace as he faced his own life and death struggle with cancer.  How God led him through is a powerful story, and and even more powerful challenge to the rest of us today. He joins Bram Floria and his wife, Sandi, for an intimate and electrifying look at what real faith looks like under fire.

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"If you want to understand a man, walk a mile in his shoes" the saying goes. We've got a new saying around here: "If you want to understand what God is up to these days, walk a hundred miles barefoot." That is precisely what thousands of missionaries are doing right now all across India and Sri Lanka. It's a page torn from the Book of Acts, and it's full of the same power we read about in the New Testament. We're not just going to tell you about the adventure today - we're inviting you right into the center of the action.

Norm is joined in studio by Cher for this discussion.

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In 2003, this ministry's founder went home to be with the Lord. Wilbur Nelson was 94 years young. And if you asked him that year what his plans were, he probably would have said "To tell the people about the Lord, the Lord's love and the Lord's work." Pretty much what he'd been doing for the better part of a century.

As the baton was passing to the next generation, Norm sat his father down for a more intimate look at the roots of this ministry, the things that have changed and most importantly what has not changed.

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When do you stop counting anniversaries? Only when the Lord calls you home... yet in ministry, there's never really an end, so long as people stay involved and faithful. And in seven decades, Compassion Radio has continued to grow in partnership and action.  A number of generations have given from their hearts to help Compassion Radio continue to reach out. Today Norm talks with producer, Jim Governale about the fruit of 70 years, and what's ahead.  Hint: There's no 'slowing down' on the agenda!

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Yesterday we introduced you to Dan Jarvis, board member of the India Gospel League as he shared his story of encountering Jesus in India. What happens when you give a story teller a microphone? He's liable to use it! Today Dan brings us another life-changing story from the IGL archives.

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Have you ever wanted your own time machine? A way to step through history and see things as they were thousands of years ago? Or how they might be in the future? Well, after hearing from today's guest, you might conclude that you're one plane ticket away from experiencing the New Testament as it actually happened! That is, if the destination is "India." Today and tomorrow, Dan Jarvis of the India Gospel League explains why.

Bram Floria interviewed him on a recent trip to Ohio.

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Is God all about pat answers and no arguments? Well, Jim Eastman says God is enthusiastic about our questions.  He wants to answer our "?" with His "!" So where can we see what excites God? Listen today and you'll find out!

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How do you reach Muslims for Christ? With the Gospel, right? And where do we find that? In the Word of God, of course. But which Bible is  the right Bible for the task? Now that's a more complicated question, and not so easily answered... until now.

Norm's guest knows a thing or two about reaching people for Christ in the world's hotspots. He's about as intrepid as they come and can hold his own in any discussion on the Great Commission. We're glad to welcome back our old friend, Dr. Viggo Olsen.

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How do you evangelize the most populous nation on earth? One village at a time. Sounds like a straight-forward proposition, no? But what if there are 500 thousand villages to reach? The India Gospel League is proving that faith means action, and that faithful action speaks louder than words. Norm continues this insightful interview with the Rev. Samuel Stephens.

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The Rev. Samuel Stephens does things every day that we only read about in the Bible.  Today Norm learns about the amazing breadth and depth of ministry of the India Gospel League. Our encounters with the church in India have tremendously influenced the ministry of Compassion Radio.

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