Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Lighthouse Faith

 "I feel like we're standing on Holy Ground." Heidi Matzke, CEO of Alternatives Pregnancy Center, proclaims that God, honor, and care are the heartbeat of the organization. Providing vital medical services and support to women in vulnerable situations remains an unshakeable commitment, from essential prenatal care to walking alongside a woman who chose to detransition after years of living as a man, ultimately guiding her toward community, renewed faith, and hope. On this episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast, Heidi sits down to discuss this powerful story, how mounting opposition has only sharpened her resolve, and the unexpected healing that unfolds when you step out in faith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Athletic victories can feel as close to heaven on earth as any human can be and still be alive. Yet a bitter loss can feel just as devastating—the quiet heartbreak of giving everything and still falling short. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) exists to help competitors at every level, amateur to pro, anchor their identity not in championship rings or lucrative contracts, but in the enduring grace and love of Jesus Christ. On this episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast, FCA COO Josh Gilreath joins us to share stories from behind the scenes at Wimbledon, the NBA, the NFL, and college campuses across the globe. He reveals how competitors pouring heart and soul into the game can discover an ultimate foundation—One who is higher than their ambitions and cares deeply for their souls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Father Jim Sichko isn't a bourbon drinker, but as a Kentucky native he made the unique and thoughtful choice to gift Pope Francis a bottle of his state's iconic bourbon. A viral photo of the moment led distilleries across the country to send him bottle after bottle for the Pontiff and in 2024, Pope Francis signed two rare bottles of ten-year-old Willett Bourbon—one of which is now up for auction at Unicorn Auctions to raise money for charity. On this episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast, Father Sichko—whom Dolly Parton once called "the best opening act ever"—and Unicorn Auctions CEO Phil Mikhaylov discuss how this signed bottle came to auction and inspired an explosion of simple acts of kindness.  Learn more about 60 Minutes for Jesus here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pope Leo XIV is on the road to healing after his cancer surgery this week, but the sudden lung cancer diagnosis raises questions about the future of his papacy. Elected at just 69 in 2025, the first American Bishop of Rome was expected to have a much longer tenure than his predecessors. Fresh off a grueling pilgrimage to France and still scheduled for an 11-day trip to South America, does this show his resilience... or a sense of urgency before time runs out? On this episode of Lighthouse Faith, papal biographer Elise Ann Allen shares her thoughts on the pope's first major health crisis. Having interviewed him for Pope Leo XIV: The Biography, Elise reveals what the man is like beyond the papal mystique—and looks back to Lourdes, France, where Pope Leo drank from the miraculous spring water at the Grotto of Massabielle, wondering what he knew about his health even then. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“God's Word issues a stern warning that false teachers receive greater condemnation.” - Dr. Alex McFarland Election Day is just a few weeks away and the Texas Senate Race between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico is a key battleground race. While both candidates have sparked controversy, James Talarico's comment that “God is non-binary," remains a key soundbite. Gaining the attention of voters, fellow candidates, and most importantly the faith community. Theologian and national speaker Dr. Alex McFarland heard Talarico's comments and immediately wanted to understand the theology behind his words. On this episode of Lighthouse Faith, Dr. Alex McFarland lays out the case for caring about Talarico’s soul, not his politics.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former radical Muslim Kamal Saleem and Messianic Jewish Rabbi Jonathan Cahn discuss how faith in Jesus Christ offers the ultimate reconciliation for the descendants of Ishmael and Isaac, transcending centuries of strife, political diplomacy, and recent Middle East conflict. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

University of Virginia Research Professor and Author Get Married: Why Americans Should Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families and Save Civilization, Brad Wilcox has researched two main arguments: children from stable two-parent homes excel in school, and parents who attend worship services regularly have stronger marriages. While schools often blame economic gaps or systemic issues for performance disparities, Brad argues it's time to factor family structure and marriage data into the equation.  On this episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast, he offers a "just the facts" look at how family values drive success—and he knows what he's talking about! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Best known for starring in Disney's live-action Aladdin (2019), Egyptian born Canadian actor Mena Massoud now takes on a biblical role as the Old Testament prophet Daniel. In the movie Daniel and the Fiery Furnace, Daniel and his friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego face King Nebuchadnezzar’s ultimatum: compromise their faith or be cast into a fiery furnace. On this episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast, Mena discusses the film and how his Coptic Christian background helped him bring the biblical figure to life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It is a family's worst nightmare. Devout Catholic parents are fighting in court to regain custody of their 17-year-old daughter, Sophie, and stop Massachusetts authorities from medically transitioning her with high-dose testosterone. In December 2024, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) removed the then 15-year-old from her home because her parents, Joseph and Arlene Kutzko, would not recognize their daughter as a boy due to their faith—an identity change they allege staff at Algonquin Regional High School initiated in secret. Although physical abuse claims against Joseph were deemed unfounded, a permanent restraining order was issued against the family, and DCF cut off contact after the Kutzkos would not call Sophie by a male name or pronouns. Appearing on the Lighthouse Faith podcast alongside attorney Vernadette Broyles, the devastated parents exposed how DCF has housed their daughter in a boys' dormitory, stripped away her Catholic faith by denying her Sunday Mass, and put her on birth control and psychiatric drugs. As the family fights DCF's court attempt to administer testosterone and demands a full psychological evaluation for Sophie, Broyles is pushing Congress to ensure no loving parent's refusal to transition a child is ever branded as "child abuse." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1985, when Kamal Saleem arrived in the United States, he intended to conquer the West in the name of radical Islam. What Kamal didn't intend was that a tragic accident and a divine encounter with Christian medical professionals would permanently alter the course of his life. "The love and sacrificial giving of these men," says Kamal, caused him "to cry out to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, acknowledging his need for the Savior". Kamal Saleem, founder of Koome Ministries, talks about his belief in "the One True and Living God," Jesus, and introduces his book, Ishmael Redeemed: Called to the Kingdom. The book explores how the biblical divide between Ishmael and Isaac correlates directly with the religious divides in today's culture. Kamal explains that his objective is "to unveil the beautiful truth of God’s original plans for the tribes of Ishmael (the Muslim people) and expose the ugly truth concerning the true agenda of radical Islam". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Sometimes God takes an appointed time, an appointed moment to intervene in your life." — Daniel FazzinaSome miracles happen instantly; others are slow brewed over time. God works in both ways and every way in between, displaying His divine interventions in our world. Christian author and journalist Daniel Fazzina has spent years documenting the Lord's miracles, so the world knows there is a God who deeply loves and cares for us. Fazzina suggests we shouldn't just look for a repeat of the parting of the Red Sea—we should look for everyday miracles closer to home. On this episode of Lighthouse Faith, Fazzina discusses the audiobook release of Divine Intervention: 50 True Stories of God's Miracles Today and his upcoming event, "Power of Testimony," taking place on Long Island, NY, on September 12th. For Fazzina, finding miracles isn't the challenge. It's convincing people to open their minds to stories of unexplained healings, spiritual transformations, and even resurrection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Frank Turek holds many titles: he is a dynamic speaker, author, and notably, theological mentor to the late Charlie Kirk. In 2020, the Turning Point USA founder was full of passion for the Gospel, so he reached out to Dr. Turek after watching many of his videos on CrossExamined.org and from there the two developed a deep earthly and spiritual bond. On this episode of Lighthouse Faith podcast, Dr. Turek discusses his new book, The War on Reality: Recovering Truth In A World That Celebrates Lies. The book carries Charlie's legacy with a dedicated focus, "because so much of what he was doing was fighting for reality on the side of reality."  Pre-Order The War on Reality HERE! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A company founded by a Korean War veteran in 1970 has spent decades reclaiming and redeeming lost luggage, repurposing discarded items for charity. It’s a real-world picture of Paul’s words in Romans 8:28: that God works all things together for good. On this episode of Lighthouse Faith, Lauren is joined by Mindi Cooke, VP of Business Development at Unclaimed Baggage. She shares what actually happens to your bags when they go missing, how less than one percent end up orphaned at their store in Scottsboro, Alabama, and how their Reclaimed for Good initiative is providing foster children and families in need with essential travel resources, affirming that nothing is ever truly lost or forgotten Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr Gary Chapman: Mastering The 5 Love Languages Are we born with a love language, or does life shape how we feel loved?Dr. Gary Chapman, author of the bestselling books The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts and The Love Language That Matters Most: How to Speak Love (like The Five Love Languages), has spent decades exploring how we express and receive affection. On this episode of Lighthouse Faith, Dr. Chapman dives into the subtle "dialects" within the 5 love languages, what he’s learned after decades of research, and how God uniquely speaks every love language to fill our tanks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The president of the largest Christian broadcasters association is calling attention to a spiritual battle he believes is raging in our world today. We're all part of this battle whether or not we realize it or believe it. This battle is not being waged in tiny, dark corners, it is front and center: in our schools, in our halls of government, in our courts, and across our media. On this episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast, Troy Miller, President and CEO of the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), shares his belief that we are in a global battle for the Judeo-Christian worldview. And just like the Bible warns, we are wrestling not against flesh and blood, "but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:12 KJV) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Twenty years before 1776, American exceptionalism began with a colonial population that read the Bible and understood their rights came from God, not King George III. Author Eric Metaxas calls this spiritual awakening the "Revolution before the Revolution." On this episode of Lighthouse Faith, Metaxas discusses his new book, Revolution: The Birth of the Greatest Nation in the History of the World. He explores how this biblical worldview laid America's foundation and why Britain failed to see it coming. Plus, he critiques the rise of American socialism and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

True peace with Iran may not come from diplomacy, but from a spiritual transformation. On this episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast, Dr. Hormoz Shariat, founder of Iran Alive Ministries, discusses the biblical prophecy that God will "set [His] throne in Elam," an area entirely within modern-day Iran.  Dr. Shariat shares his profound personal journey: once a young student shouting "Death to America" during the Islamic Revolution, he later converted to Christianity while studying in the U.S. After his brother was arrested and executed by the Iranian regime, Dr. Shariat channeled his grief and newfound faith into a lifelong mission to spread the Gospel to the Iranian people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Musician and Pastor Tauren Wells has a passion for teaching people about the joys of knowing and serving Jesus Christ. Once known as part of the praise team for Pastor Joel Osteen at Lakewood Church in Houston, Wells now co-pastors his own ministry, Church of Whitestone in Austin, Texas, with his wife, Lorna. On this encore episode of Lighthouse Faith, Pastor Wells shares how his book, "Joy Bomb: Unleash Jesus's Explosive Joy for an Extraordinary Life," is a testament to "God's unchanging character and boundless love for us." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As America celebrates its 250th year, Lauren takes a look back at a classic episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast with prolific author and pastor, Robert J. Morgan. In 2020, Pastor Morgan published the timeless book, 100 Bible Verses That Made America, which serves as a powerful reminder that the Bible is woven in and through America's conception, birth, and journey. The history spans centuries, starting in the 1500s with the arrival of Spanish missionaries to the New World. Among them was Antonio de Montesinos, who boldly quoted Matthew 3:3 to those treating native inhabitants cruelly, asserting that they, too, were made in God’s image. Pastor Morgan also reminds us in the prologue that America’s first president, George Washington, kissed the sacred Scriptures at his inauguration. Between these two monumental moments are 98 more defining chapters in American history where the Bible was invoked as a source of strength, compassion, mercy, and light. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Executive Director of the Providence Forum, Dr. Jerry Newcombe, says America is at a crossroads and wants to encourage Americans to unleash their inner patriot. He believes it's time for us to learn the basics of what made America great: a foundational belief in God. As written in the Declaration of Independence, we are "endowed by our Creator..."   On this episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast, Dr. Newcombe gives a spirited interview, pushing back against the forces trying to dismantle American values. The Providence Forum exists to "preserve, defend and advance the Judeo-Christian values of our nation's founding." Leading up to America's 250th birthday, Dr. Newcombe is here to remind all of us exactly where our thanks is due. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Little Patriots are not born; they are made. Believing that younger generations are being taught to loathe America's founding ideals, Dr. Ben Carson is working to undo the harm. Through his American Cornerstone Institute, the former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and renowned neurosurgeon aims to restore faith, family devotion, and patriotism to the forefront of education. On this episode of Lighthouse Faith, Dr. Carson discusses his organization's new animated movie, Star Spangled Adventure, designed to teach children the vital history missing from modern classrooms. He also shares the powerful story of his own upbringing by a single mother with a third-grade education. Through her sacrifice and prayers for wisdom, she raised a rocket scientist and a brain surgeon—a true "only in America" success story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After reading a troubling report on the decline of traditional American values, Princeton Professor Robert George founded Fidelity Month—a grassroots movement celebrated in June to encourage devotion to God, family, and country. On this episode of Lighthouse Faith, Professor George discusses the movement's growing momentum and explains why Fidelity Month isn't meant to replace Pride Month, but to serve as a separate celebration of shared values and patriotism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“Marriage is given to us in Heaven but formed here on Earth.” According to research provided by the non-profit faith-based ministry, Communio.org, there is a definitive correlation between pre-marital chastity and a healthy marriage. Fr Matt De Gance and his brother, JP De Gance, the founder and CEO of Communio.org, explain that more young adults are attending church and getting married at higher rates than ever before. As the Bible says, "It is not good for the man to be alone." (Genesis 2:18 NIV), and on this episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast, the De Gance brothers do a tag-team interview to highlight the connection between youth marriages and a strong relationship with Jesus Christ. They emphasize that God intended for us to walk together in faith and love.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

God's promises of hope and joy can appear out of reach when you're in a season of suffering or pain, but God always has a purpose. He will either remove the pain or walk with us through it; He will never leave us to suffer alone. Anne Graham Lotz and her daughter, Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright, focus on that theology in their new book, "God Won't Leave You There: Joseph's Story." On this episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast, Lotz—daughter of renowned evangelist Billy Graham—and her daughter provide vulnerable anecdotes of their own battles with health issues and personal loss, sharing powerful testimonies to God's power and promise in the face of hardship and heartbreak. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There’s no better place to explore America’s roots during it's 250th year than Washington, D.C., home of the nation's capital. While Washington is the center of American politics, it's also the birthplace of the illustrious Museum of the Bible.  Dr. Carlos Campo, CEO of the Museum of the Bible talks about the museum’s powerful influence over the millions who’ve visited since its opening nearly a decade ago. Dr. Campo also highlights the exhibitions the museum will showcase in honor of America's 250th anniversary, specifically, the quintessential imagery of George Washington’s prayer at Valley Forge. The original painting, now on display, tells more than words eve could about how the nation was forged, aided by its most powerful man on bended knee, bowing to the greatest power in all creation.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Life is a journey that is rarely easy, and many times the challenges seem insurmountable when you're in them. However, looking back from a distance helps us see God's plan within the suffering. That sentiment perfectly describes the faith journey of Victoria Arlen, award winning sportscaster, TV Host and gold-medalist swimmer.  After being diagnosed with two rare medical conditions, at the age of eleven, she spent four years in a vegetative state battling suicidal ideation, but now Victoria is breaking mental health stigmas by sharing her story. On this episode of Lighthouse Faith podcast, Victoria Arlen talks about her book The View Is Worth It. It is her gift to those seeking strength, offering hope to anyone battling the silent pain of mental health struggles.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It has been one year since the conclave elevated Cardinal Robert Prevost to the papacy as Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope. While details of his upbringing and ministry in Peru are well-known, those about the man himself remain a mystery. On this episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast, Elise Ann Allen, journalist and author of Pope Leo XIV: The Biography, provides an intimate glimpse into the life of the first American pope. She draws from personal conversations with Pope Leo XIV to discuss his life, leadership, and the foundations of his legacy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At just 15 years old, one image changed the life of Live Action founder Lila Rose and launched her pro-life activism. After encountering a graphic image of a fetus, she felt emboldened to educate young people about the reality of abortion. In 2008, she founded her non-profit organization, which became well-known for its college campus activism and undercover investigations at Planned Parenthood. On this episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast, Lila discusses her investigative work, her hopes for Gen Z as they navigate adulthood, and her steadfast commitment to the pro-life movement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are we alone in the Universe? A defining question that has shaped theological and scientific research for centuries, and one that is answered in the film, The Story of Everything. Scientific Philosopher and creator of the film, Dr. Stephen Meyer, concludes that biology and physics actually draw us closer to a Divine Creator.  It's a cinematic portrayal that 'the same God who made our minds in His rational image, had built rationality and order and design into the world and made it possible for us to understand His creation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In February, a Communist-controlled court sentenced Hong Kong businessman Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison. His daughter, Claire Lai, has been steadfastly advocating for his release, and on this episode of Lighthouse Faith, she shares how her father remains rooted in his faith despite his imprisonment. Claire discusses his continued stand against religious persecution as the region loses its status as a safe haven for Chinese Christians. With Jimmy’s health declining, she details the urgent international pressure to overturn his conviction and secure his freedom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How does science point to God’s existence? On this episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast, Lauren Green sits down with Dr. Michael Guillen, a renowned scientist and creator of the new film The Invisible Everywhere, to discuss how his deep dive into physics led him from staunch atheism to a profound Christian faith. He examines the current "cosmological crisis" facing the scientific community. He explains why the renewing of your mind is the key to seeing the invisible hand of God in our physical world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This weekend, millions of Christians worldwide will gather to celebrate Easter. Beyond the secular traditions of bunnies and decorative baskets, the holiday centers on faith, a beautiful reminder that Jesus Christ's resurrection is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about a Messiah. On this episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast, Dr. Robert Jeffress, senior pastor of First Baptist Dallas, explains how Easter, above all holidays, is truly about the greatest existential reality that mankind faces: What happens when I die? The resurrection of Jesus is the assurance that there is a spiritual reality beyond this earthly life...that sins are atoned for, and that death has been defeated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Entertainment legend Kathie Lee Gifford shares her faith and biblical knowledge in her new book, Nero & Paul: How the Gospel of Grace Defeated the Ruler of Rome. Throughout her more than four decades as a talk show host, singer, songwriter, and author, she has never shied from her faith in Jesus. Instead, she has always embraced her greatest role, child of God.  On this episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast, Gifford talks about the latest book in her biblical thriller series. A novel with dramatic flair, written the way they were actually lived out.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

They sat on seemingly opposite ends of the spiritual spectrum: Benjamin Franklin, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, a man of science and reason, and George Whitefield, a man of God who ignited a religious revival in the 1700's called "The Great Awakening." Yet Divine Providence brought them together to form an unlikely friendship and partnership. Franklin printed Whitefield's sermons and writings, while Whitefield preached to thousands in the open air of the relationship they are called to have with Jesus Christ. Their union launched an awakening that Director Joshua Enck says helped to strengthen the faith foundation of America, and the belief that liberty is not granted by an earthly king but by God Almighty.   On this episode of Lighthouse Faith podcast, Enck talks about the Sight & Sound film, "A Great Awakening" opening in theaters on Good Friday, and shares what spurred him to take on the project to coincide with the 250th Anniversary of America's founding, as well as the awakening that is needed today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Oscars shine a bright light on the best of the film industry. When done right, movies can help audiences understand complex realities through storytelling — but when context is limited, films have the power to fictionalize narratives to mislead and rewrite reality.   On this episode of Lighthouse Faith podcast, Jacki Alexander, CEO of the media watchdog Honest Reporting, explains why the Oscar nominated film, "The Voice of Hind Rajab," is filled with a one-sided portrayal of the Israel-Hamas war. The film chronicles the plight of a young Palestinian girl caught in the crossfire of the war, desperate for help. It's a tragedy beyond tragedies. But, as the article in Honest Reporting suggests, "The audience is not invited to understand what is happening. It is instructed whom to blame." And the blame is cast squarely on Israel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There's a biblical narrative that mirrors today's war in Iran and cannot be ignored. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Bible story of Queen Esther of 2,300 years ago, when the young Jewish woman confronts the Persian King Xerxes about the plot to kill all the Jews hatched by his high official Haman. The king then allows the Jews to protect themselves against their aggressors, which becomes a bloody conflict.   Today, many Jewish leaders are noting the parallels in Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who frequently touted "Death to Israel" and was killed just days before Purim began on March 2. On this episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast, Rabbi Josh Joseph, Executive Vice President and COO of The Orthodox Union, discusses how Purim serves as a continual reminder for the Jewish people to remain diligent in their faith and identity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"I Can Only Imagine" is recognized as the greatest-selling Christian record of all time. Adapted into a movie of the same name in 2018, it tells the real-life struggles of MercyMe's lead singer, Bart Millard's complicated relationship with his father. Now, a sequel to the film has just been released. "I Can Only Imagine 2" digs deeper into the song, "Even If", about Millard's struggles and pain dealing with his young son's diabetes. On this episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast, the multiple Dove Award-winning MercyMe's lead singer and songwriter, Bart Millard, talks about the film, his unshakeable faith, and the reckless love of God that endures all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is the Devil sexist? Yes, and No.  Satan has a war chest of spiritual deceptions in his arsenal; some are tailored specifically for women, says Christian author and speaker Emily Wilson Hussem.   It doesn't matter the age, the enemy tries to destroy women with discouragement, sorrow, and even despair in life against the particular light that women bring to the world. On this episode of Lighthouse Faith podcast, Hussem talks about her book Sincerely, Stoneheart. It's modeled after C.S. Lewis' famous book The Screwtape Letters, about a senior devil agent named Screwtape, writing to a junior agent about how to corrupt and discourage God's image bearers. While Satan attacks both men and women, there is a very specific way he goes after women. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The prophet Jeremiah warned about putting too much reliance on the heart, saying, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"And yet in today's nomenclature, the heart reigns supreme as the purveyor of truth, that its feelings equate with reality.  But what if the heart is filled with darkness? What if the heart leads you into spiritual depression and anxiety?   On this episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast, Pastor Nate Pickowicz talks about his book, "Overcoming The Darkness", and his own battles with anxiety and spiritual darkness, and how the Bible has long offered solutions. This conversation differentiates between a battlefield of the mind and spiritual warfare.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Always feisty. Always blunt. The Catholic League's president, Bill Donohue, is not terribly fond of New York City's new Mayor, Zohran Mamdani. And it's not because Mayor Mamdani is Muslim. He doesn't care about that. What he cares about is the observation that Mamdani has excluded traditional religious practices, specifically, Judeo-Christian heritage. On this episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast, Donohue unleashes a laundry list of complaints he's logged that prove his points. He also has some words for the state of Catholic higher education and how he believes they're moving from traditional Christian values to adopt a more secular agenda. Believe him or not, Bill Donohue always does his homework and has the facts to back up his claims. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The hidden war against Christians living in Nigeria is being brought to light. On this episode of Lighthouse Faith podcast Lauren is joined by CEO & Founder of Across Nigeria, Brad Brandon to raise awareness the massacre of Christians living in Nigeria, the immense violence being inflicted by dominant Islamic-based regimes living in the area and his organizations efforts to mediate the crisis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are many films and documentaries about World War II and the grim reality of the Holocaust of the six million Jewish lives taken at the hands of Nazi's, and the subsequent allied victory that brought it all to an end. Or did it?  The documentary "Among Neighbors," shows the lingering effects of the cruelty of the Third Reich, when even six months after the end of the war, as Jewish survivors of the death camps returned to their homes  and villages, they found that life could never be the same with the neighbors with whom they once enjoyed a blissful co-existence. For seventy years one woman, who witnessed the brutal killing of five Jewish neighbors, kept her silence.... until now. On this episode of Lighthouse Faith podcast , filmmaker, writer and director Yoav Potash, talks about the making of the film, and why so little is known of these precarious days of supposed peace, which brought so little of it to so many. And how the malignancy of Hitler's hate continued to spread for years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

TED Talks are 18-minute videos of influential speakers. So, here's a question: What would Jesus say if he gave a Ted Talk? Turns out, He already did some two-thousand years ago, and it's probably one of the most, if not the most, influential and profound speeches of all time. It's called the Sermon on the Mount, found in the book of Matthew. Many people may not know its name, but they know many of the golden nuggets of Jesus's core teachings that come from it, like The Lord's Prayer, "Our Father who art in heaven..." and the Beatitudes like "Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted." Lauren revisits a conversation with Dr. Robert Jeffress, Senior Pastor at First Baptist Dallas, on the philosophies and Divine guidance of the Sermon on the Mount in his book, "Eighteen Minutes with Jesus: Straight Talk from the Savior about the Things that Matter Most."  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

No matter what your professed faith is, it has to be lived through relationships. It's unavoidable. Faith without interaction with other image bearers will inevitably be weak. But it's in the most intimate and close relationships that we are tested and tried to our very limits. Best-selling Christian author Lysa TerKeurst bares her soul in her books, bringing to light our greatest wants and needs. She's been frank and open about her divorce from the man who just a few years ago, she renewed vows with after the union of two decades went sour. On this episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast, Lauren revisits her conversation with Lysa on her book, "Good Boundaries and Goodbyes: Loving Others Without Losing the Best of Who You Are." Love is complicated. It's the one lesson any spouse or parent learns, oftentimes, the hard way. But it can also bring us closer to understanding who we are, while strengthening and loving who we are meant to be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The start of a New Year often brings a desire to renew your faith, and The Rosary in Year podcast is the perfect way to get started. It's a ten-to-fifteen-minute devotion hosted by a Franciscan monk to help people to draw closer to Jesus Christ. On this episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast, Lauren revisits a conversation with The Rosary In A Year podcast host, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, who talks about the spiritual hunger in the world that's making more and more people turn away from the unsatisfying pursuits of worldly wealth and draw closer to the God who made them.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When the white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney Thursday evening, Fr. Roger Landry, like millions around the world, waited to see who among the 133 cardinals had just become the 267th successor to St. Peter. He knew to listen for the Latin version of the Cardinal's birth name in order to translate to a media outlet. He knew there were only four Cardinals with the first name Robert. But he was listening for "Petrus," but instead, he heard Robertus... And was shocked! This is the drama that unfolded in St. Peter's Square as tens of thousands packed into the piazza and the Via della Consilienza, cheered as the Basilica's bells peeled with joy, knowing Habemus Papem, "We have a Pope!" On this episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast, Lauren reflects on her journey to Rome, Italy, covering the momentous event when the first American-born pope had just been elected. Fr. Landry, the National Director of Pontifical Mission Societies USA, discusses the moment that captivated the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More than two thousand years ago, God broke through the barrier separating sinful humanity from a Holy God and took on human flesh in the form of a tiny baby. Christianity says all of human history had been building to that monumental event that separated time. Why did God, the creator of the universe, decide to enter our world, not as an avenging angel, but as a vulnerable and innocent baby? It's because of love. On this episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast, Lauren revisits a conversation with best-selling author Pastor Max Lucado to talk about the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas, says Lucado, "begins what Easter celebrates." The two highest holy days of the Christian calendar are eternally linked. While Christmas has become much more commercialized with shopping and Santa taking center stage, it hasn't changed the reality that the peace and joy we talk about on Christmas cards and ad slogans flow only from this one event, the birth of Jesus: "For God so loved the world!" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1996 Bishop W.C. Martin and his wife Donna Martin, from the small town of Possum Trot, Texas, adopted four children out of foster care. They inspired their entire congregation of Bennett Chappell Missionary Baptist Church to adopt every available child in the county's foster care system. Twenty-two families adopted all 77 children. Many of those children were some of the hardest to place, victims of sexual and physical abuse, neglect, trauma, and unsafe living situations. Their story inspired the movie, "Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot."  On this encore episode of Lighthouse Faith podcast, Lauren revisits her conversation with the Martins to discuss the film and how God's plans and purpose for our lives is far greater than we good ever imagine. The Martins highlight the role adoption and foster care played in their lives and ministry, affirming that answering the call of Jesus to look after the orphans, the least of these, is true religion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Musician and Pastor Tauren Wells has a passion for teaching people about the joys of knowing and serving Jesus Christ. On this encore episode of Lighthouse Faith, Tauren highlights his new book Joy Bomb: Unleash Jesus's Explosive Joy for an Extraordinary Life, affirming that true joy is "rooted in God's unchanging character and boundless love for us." The book explores the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew, revealing how happiness comes not from external things but from a changed heart, a heart that's growing in closeness to Jesus.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today marks the beginning of the Advent season, the time leading up to Christmas and the joy of Jesus' birth. Christmas and the joy of Jesus' birth. Woven through the Bible's Old Testament are hundreds of prophecies that tell of a Messiah who will be born sometime in the future. Many of the prophecies, like those in Isaiah, were written centuries before the birth of Jesus. Cumulatively, they predict the conditions of the birth, the location of the birth, who he will be born to, what he is coming to do, and so much more. Jesus fulfills every one of those prophecies. On this episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast, Lauren revisits her conversation with Evangelist Anne Graham Lotz and investigative filmmaker Tim Mahoney delve into the prophecies of the Old Testament and the archeological evidence that shows that the core tenets of Christianity are grounded in the historical record. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices