WHAT’S ON WHAT’S UP TODAY:

Video Games: Good or Bad?

Or, Both?

Research indicates there are over 3.3 billion people actively playing video games across the globe.

Spending roughly $522.5 billion on gaming in 2025.

TIMOTHY GOEGLEIN: RESTORING A LEGACY OF FAITH, FAMILY, AND FREEDOM

Are we witnessing the breakdown of marriage and family? Timothy gives some startling statistics…

Mark Lanier continues teaching on the Joy of Suffering.

Pastor Stephens: Jesus Gives Peace – Segment 2.

Closing Prayer:
Father God,
As we cry out for your help and direction in our lives, may we not be naive as to the ways and schemes of the evil one. More Below…

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.

THE BENEFITS AND DRAWBACKS OF VIDEO GAMES

Discussed by B. Eckelberry
with Plugged In (www.PluggedIn.com)

Research indicates there are over 3.3 billion people actively playing video games across the globe spending roughly $522.5 billion on gaming in 2025.

Bret Eckelberry is the Managing Editor of Plugged in for Focus on the Family. Today, he discusses the benefits and drawbacks of video games.

Click here for more information about Bret Eckelberry.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

From a pixelated blip bouncing between two paddles, have video games come a long way?

Has sitting in front of a screen altered the play habits of kids?

What are some drawbacks of video games? What are some positives of video games?

Why do military recruiters inquire about video game use to prospective enrollees?

What should parents and grandparents consider before deciding whether or not to allow video games into their home? Bret encourages parents to have open dialogue with their kids and set boundaries. He also encourages grandparents to do some research to become familiar with the rating system for the games their grandkids will want to play when visiting for the summer.

Click here to help support Focus on the Family, the parent company of Plugged In.

RESTORING A LEGACY OF FAITH, FAMILY, AND FREEDOM

Discussed by Timothy Goeglein
with Daily Citizen (DailyCitizen.com)

In an era marked by deep political polarization and societal fragmentation, a compelling new voice emerges, urging a return to foundational values.

Timothy Goeglein is a former eight-year Special Assistant to President George W. Bush and is currently the Vice President of Government and External Relations at Focus on the Family in Washington, DC. Drawing from more than three decades in public service and Christian ministry, Goeglein presents a thought-provoking analysis of America's current challenges, including the breakdown of marriage and family, the decline of education, and increasing attacks on faith.

Click here to read more about Timothy’s new book, “What Really Matters: Restoring a Legacy of Faith, Family, and Freedom” and to order a copy for your home, school, and church libraries.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Are we witnessing the breakdown of marriage and family? Timothy gives some startling statistics…

Do men in their 20’s want to get married and start a family while women in their 20’s just want to climb the ladder of success and casually date?

Have young men been figuratively neutered? Timothy specifically discusses the failing public school system across the nation, encouraging charter school alternatives or home schooling.

Is there hope for America? Are our best days yet to come?

Click here to help support the Daily Citizen, an online publication of Focus on the Family.

THIS IS NOT A DAY CARE. THIS IS A UNIVERSITY.

Discussed by Sara Tracey
with The What's UP Radio Program

Recently, a student complained about a sermon that made him feel guilty and blamed the school for making students feel uncomfortable. This is not uncommon.

In response, the President of Oklahoma Wesleyan University gave a lecture to students they’ll never forget.

Sara Tracey, Editor and Producer of The What’s UP Radio Program, reads the letter from school President Everett Piper. The article can be found here.

JOY IN SUFFERING

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 3

WHY IS THERE SUFFERING IN THE WORLD – ESPECIALLY IF GOD IS A GOOD GOD? WHAT COULD YOU ENDURE IF YOU KNEW SOMETHING GREATER WAS COMING IN THE FUTURE?

Mark Lanier continues with his Romans series this week with a great reminder that there IS joy in suffering because we have hope in the Lord.

Romans 8:18-22

To view Mark Lanier’s video for this lesson, click here.

If you have a prayer request, need Scripture encouragement, or would like a copy of Mark’s lessons each week, email wantmore@biblical-literacy.org

QUESTIONS / ISSUES DISCUSSED:

THE CALCULATED WEIGHT OF GLORY (vs 18)

Does our suffering reveal God’s glory in and through us? N.T. Wright: “The glory is not merely something we will observe from the outside. It will be revealed in us and through us as the means of its disclosure to creation.”

What is “stoicism”? This is really interesting. I won’t give anything away here. Listen in as Mark explains…

CREATION’S EAGER LONGING (vs 19-21)

Why does verse 19 create criticism among some Biblical scholars? (Isaiah 55:12)

What does “apokaradokia” mean?

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

JESUS GIVES PEACE

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

Day 3

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN DOUBTFUL? I KNOW I HAVE BEEN – MANY TIMES! DOUBT IS NORMAL, BUT IS DOUBT ALSO EXTREMELY DANGEROUS?

Pastor Jarrett Stephens is in the middle of a fantastic sermon series entitled: “So, What? Why the Resurrection Matters.” This week, he peaches about Thomas’s unbelief in the resurrection of Jesus, when he finally believed, and how we can overcome our own doubts and disbelief.

Scripture Passage: John 20:19-29

Find Pastor Jarrett Stephens’ sermon here.

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

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Yesterday, Pastor Jarrett looked at a couple of Scripture passages which address the dangers of doubt and unbelief. Go to our archives if you missed this powerful segment. (Matthew 13:58; Hebrews 3:12)

Can unbelief also lead to a hardened heart against God and belief in the resurrection of Jesus? (Revelation 21:8)

JESUS SPEAKS HIS WORD

How did Jesus bring peace to Thomas? Pastor Jarrett shares the meaning and purpose of the Jewish word “shalom” and what it means to us today – after the resurrection of Jesus.

What are you doubting today? What do you need peace about? Take it to Jesus!

Can one word from Jesus calm the storm? (Mark 4; Isaiah 26:3)

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

Father God,

As we cry out for your help and direction in our lives, may we not be naive as to the ways and schemes of the evil one.

May we not be led down paths of rebellion, death, and separation from you for eternity.

May we not wander in darkness, but live in the light of your glory.

May we diligently search for the way found in the words of your Good Book.

Father God, may we submit to you and stand firm, resisting the devil.

Teach us how to share the Gospel around the tables where we eat as we hunger and thirst for righteousness.

Teach us, Father, to share the Good News in our cars, at the office, where we shop, and while we play. May we be bold. Holy Spirit, guide our words and our actions.

Open the eyes of those who are blind that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to you, O Lord, for you are our God.

Times are dark. May we use the time available. Let us not grow weary of doing good.

Now, let’s dedicate our lives to serving our Lord Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray,

Amen