WHAT’S ON WHAT’S UP TODAY:

Is there a distinction between “War on Terror” and “War Against Islam”?

Attempts to Silence Critics of Muslim Antisemitism?

There is a vast difference in the treatment of Jews and the treatment of Muslims in America.

Is Islamophobia real?

Should countering Antisemitism be a top national priority?

Dr. Joannie DeBrito joins us with tips on handling stress during the holidays.

Biblical-Literacy: Pastor Brent wraps up the lessons on lesser-known women of the Bible.

Champion Forest Pulpit: Pastor Stephens: the Christmas Calling.

Discussed by Terry Lowry
with Host of the What's UP Radio Program

Host Terry Lowry interviews influential and knowledgeable guests on relevant topics for today.

ISLAMOPHOBIA CONCERNS ARE AN ATTEMPT TO SILENCE CRITICS OF MUSLIM ANTISEMITISM

Discussed by Jonathan Tobin
with Jewish News Syndicate (www.jns.org/)

Are Islamophobia concerns simply attempts to silence critics of Muslim Antisemitism?

Today, Jonathan Tobin discusses the vast difference in the treatment of Jews and the treatment of Muslims in America, especially on college campuses after October 7, 2024. In today’s interview, Jonathan points out that universities would lose their government funding if they allowed or encourage hatred against gays or blacks. They should lose their funding if they allow or encourage Antisemitism hate.

Jonathan Tobin is the editor-in-chief of the Jewish News Syndicate. Jonathan is also a senior contributor for The Federalist, a columnist for Newsweek and a contributor to many other publications.

Click here to read Jonathan Tobin’s op-ed on this serious issue.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Is there an epidemic of anti-Muslim and anti-Arab hate routinely published and broadcasted in America? Does the hate deserve government intervention? Jonathan expands on his answer of “no”.

Is there a distinction between “War on Terror” and “War Against Islam”?

Are there any statistics that support a backlash against Muslims and/or Arabs in America? Jonathan says: “Ask the FBI!”

Is there any moral equivalence between Antisemitism and Islamophobia? Jonathan says: “If Islamophobia were a real thing, then sure!”

Should countering Antisemitism be a top national priority?

Click here to help support the Jewish News Syndicate.

HOW TO REDUCE STRESS DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Discussed by Dr. Joannie DeBrito
with Alive to Thrive (Learn.AliveToThrive.com)

Christmas always seems to bring at least a bit of stress for some and a lot of stress for others.

Dr. Joannie DeBrito is the former Director of Parenting and Youth at Focus on the Family and helped design the content for Alive to Thrive, a FREE online resource for families. Today, Joannie offers some hope and advice to those who may be feeling a little (or a lot!) overwhelmed this holiday season.

Click here for more help from Focus on the Family.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Does stress increase for many people during the holidays? What are some common stress-triggers?

Sometimes family members or close friends are unable to attend a holiday gathering – or they choose not to.
What is the best way to answer questions about their absence? Dr. Joannie DeBrito offers some great advice for this tough situation.

What are some common-sense solutions and methods that WE can do to lessen stress for others?

Is it rude to take a break and look for a quiet place to destress?

Click here to help support Alive to Thrive, a division of Focus on the Family.

If you or a loved one needs some immediate help, please call Focus on the Family at 1.800AFAMILY or click here.

SOMEWHERE IN YOUR SILENT NIGHT

Discussed by Casting Crowns
with Special Guest

Click here to view the video for “Somewhere in Your Silent Night”.

Click here for the website for Casting Crowns.

Click here to follow Casting Crowns on YouTube.

ELIZABETH

Discussed by Pastor Brent Johnson
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 5

Pastor Brent Johnson continues in the lesson series “Lesser-Known Women of the Bible” with a look at Elizabeth’s faith and obedience to God.

To view Pastor Brent Johnson’s video for this lesson, click here.

If you have questions about a sermon, please contact Champion Forest at questions@cfbc.org

QUESTIONS / ISSUES DISCUSSED:

What was Zechariah’s reaction to the angel telling him he would be a father? Why was his reaction so different from Elizabeth’s? What was Zechariah’s punishment for his blatant disbelief? Did he eventually believe and accept the angel’s message?

Was Elizabeth’s pregnancy proof of God’s faithfulness and His promise that He always hears our prayers?

POINTS FOR HOME:

Assembly is required! (1 Peter 2:9)

Be a blessing to others. (1 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Remember that God has a plan! Trust Him! (Joel 2:28-29)

There is no excuse for not obeying God. (Luke 1:25)



For more information about Mark Lanier’s Biblical Literacy class, click here.

SHOCK AND AWE

Discussed by Pastor Jarrett Stephens
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 5

Pastor Jarrett Stephens continues in the Christmas sermon series reflecting on the birth of Christ through the responses of those who witnessed it firsthand.

This week, his focus is on the angels’ response of praise and worship as recorded in Luke 2:8-14.

Find Pastor Jarrett Stephens’ sermon here.

Find Pastor Jarrett Stephens’ sermon notes here.

QUESTIONS / ISSUES DISCUSSED:

Are you having a difficult time finding joy this holiday season? How can we keep worshipping and praising God through struggles and heartbreak? (Galatians 4:4-5; Colossians 1:19-20) Pastor Jarrett offers some hope and encouragement.

Pastor Louie Giglio: “Worship is our response, both personal and corporate, to God for who He is and what he has done, expressed in and by the things we say and the way we live.”

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Make a commitment – a promise – that you will not let the angels out-worship you. Lift your eyes, your heart, and your worship to God today and every day.

1 Peter 1:12 “It was revealed to them (prophets of old) that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.”

If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, text the word JESUS to 77069 and a pastor or counselor from CFBC will call you back.

For more details about Champion Forest Baptist Church, click here.

PRAYER

Discussed by Terry Lowry
with Host of the What's UP Radio Program

Heavenly Father,

As we draw near to the celebration of your son’s birth, we pause to thank you for your many blessings.

Some will celebrate with a new child or grandchild. Some with a new spouse or a new job. Many have something that brings joy to their heart. May we rejoice with them in their happiness.

Others, Father, will be alone. A spouse is gone. A child is not there. Some have lost a job or a home. Many have something that brings sadness to their heart. May we come alongside them and simply sit a while.

Be with those who rejoice. Be with those who mourn.

May we be your hands and feet bringing them comfort. May we recognize when only a dry shoulder for them to cry on is needed.

May we show compassion and hospitality to a wayward soul.

Direct and lead us, Father.

Praying in and through the blood of your son, Jesus Christ.

Amen