BEYOND WORDS with Dr. William Campbell

This introduction to the coming 18-week series, “Understanding Revelation,” is designed to give you a blueprint of what is ahead. It is the appetizer before the meal, the teaser designed to help you set apart 30 minutes each week to listen, ponder, and embrace critical teachings from the closing book of the Bible that you might live faithfully in times of trail, right until the end. A discussion guide will be provided with the first of the series next week, along with directions to download the optional video format, all free of charge.

When the way is thorny and your deepest values are challenged, will you continue to live for the Lord? This is the fundamental question Christ calls every Christian to address. The Benham Brothers faced it when they gave up their reality television show with HGTV. We will learn how they came to become so committed and how we can be the same.

When the way is thorny and your deepest values are challenged, will you continue to live for the Lord? This is the fundamental question Christ calls every Christian to address. The Benham Brothers faced it when they gave up their reality television show with HGTV. We will learn how they came to become so committed and how we can be the same.

In this interview, we consider the idea that only in Christian nations were the circumstances right for science to progress to the point it has today. Based on the work of Stanley Jaki and Pierre Duhem, Transancos has researched this concept in depth. If indeed science was born of Christianity, the implications are significant in our day and age. People often think of science and Christianity as two separate entities (or magisterium) that do not and cannot overlap. What if in fact they are inseparable expressions of truth, with theology being the king of the sciences?

Dr. Campbell exhorts the Church in America to seriously reconsider where their trust lies and find an unfailing source of peace. The national confusion, conflicts, and political distress in our present time needs a heavenly perspective, but many have been deceived and lulled into an unholy, dangerous, and earthly mindset. Campbell firmly, yet graciously, calls his listeners to “get on track” with their relationship with Christ.

The world seems to be turning upside down. The formation of a global government feels relatively certain to many and opposition to truth and belief in God is widespread. Much like a storm on the horizon, the powers of darkness threaten to overwhelm us. How should we respond? In this recording, Dr. Bill Campbell offers four practical suggestions for facing the storm with confidence from the book of 2 Timothy.

Is the Christian Church, with such a profound message and with the supernatural empowerment of the God of the Universe, not more influential on the world scene? Why is the task of bringing God’s light and love to every nation not yet complete? Seth Barnes, founder and director of Adventures in Missions, has some unique thoughts based on his extensive experience in equipping and sending tens of thousands of short-term missionaries around the world.

What caused a young Communist to abandon his atheism in favor of belief in the God of the Bible? And how did the same person then become a prominent voice for Biblical Christianity? Marvin Olasky, editor-in-chief of WORLD Magazine and the author of more than 20 books tells his story to inspire each of us to believe that our faith has potential to impact and change our culture. Marvin worked at The Boston Globe, taught at the University of Texas at Austin from 1983 through 2007, and was provost of The King’s College in New York City from 2007 to 2011. He joined WORLD in 1990, and is holder of the Distinguished Chair in Journalism and Public Policy at Patrick Henry College.

What is hindering revival from occurring in our generation? Are there steps we can take to help make it a possibility? Dr. Alex McFarland, Director for Christian Worldview and Apologetics at the Christian Worldview Center of North Greenville University in Greenville, SC presents his perspective on this important topic. As an author, speaker, and researcher on Christian apologetics and Western culture, Alex has fresh and clear perspectives on this topic.

Beyond the physical world is the unseen world of the spirit. The Scriptures tell us that spiritual entities, both good and evil, impact everything on earth. We are in a battle, “not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph 6:12). Author and expert on spiritual warfare, Francis Frangipane, offers insights to help us discern the pathway to victory in the battle that rages for our souls.

What does it mean to be “seated with Christ” (Ephesians 2:6)? Heather Holleman, a professor in Penn State’s English department, pondered this concept and experienced a dramatic change in her outlook and life. Her new understanding brought her from a life of constant comparisons to a place of great confidence in the Lord. Tune in to understand what it means for you to be “seated with Christ” both Biblically and practically. It can change your life.

If you know God, you are in some manner a teacher. The way you live teaches others about God. Can you supplement your life story with the ability to teach God’s Word? For more than a decade, Glenn Brooke has been training ordinary peoples to become extraordinary teachers. Tune in to glean insights that will help you to “teach to change lives.”

How often are your prayers answered? What explanation do you have for prayers that were never answered? Has God failed you? Is the problem a lack of faith on your part? Perhaps such questions dodge the real issue. Dynamic answers to prayer are the byproduct of an intimate relationship with God. While we look for the big miracle, God is looking for our hearts. Once we surrender all to God, even the small things in our lives become opportunities for God’s glorious interventions.

Why is the Church losing its influence on culture? Is it because we no longer believe the truth enough to proclaim it? Or is the problem that we don’t show enough grace to gain a hearing for the truth? Bestselling author Randy Alcorn argues in favor of neither and both at the same time. Pointing to the example of Jesus and his disciples and lacing logic with stories from his own life, Alcorn speaks convincingly and insightfully to help us move beyond the paradox to become a people who make a difference.

Our society is big on home makeovers. But what about God’s house? Does it need a makeover as well? Speaker and author Bob Russell is convinced that it does. As a pastor to pastors, he has practical advice that can help each of us make the house of God the kind of home the Lord of the Universe longs to inhabit. Link

Each of us is called to pass the faith and hope of Christ to the next generation. How are we doing? Cultural experts tell us that we are missing the mark, and a whole generation is missing God. We can turn this around. Dr. Kenneth Ulmer, author of Passing the Generation Blessing, offers keen insight and personal stories to help us along the way.

Do you have the peace of God in your heart, or do anxiety, anger, depression, loneliness, and inner turmoil tend to pull you around like waves on the sea? In this message, Bill draws insights from the book of Hebrews to help you reclaim and live in peace once again, despite the challenges and changes in the world that threaten you every day. Tune in for a spiritual tune-up!

Do you believe prayer changes things? Jim Cymbala does. When he and Carolyn Cymbala founded the multi-racial Brooklyn Tabernacle in 1973, they never imagined it would eventually have over 16,000 members. And they attribute it all to prayer. Join us as Jim tells his story: the founding and growth of ministry, overwhelming difficulties, and striking demonstrations of the power of prayer.

Think of fun trivia about Christmas: The number of homes Santa would have to visit per second to keep everyone happy; the tallest Christmas tree ever decorated; or the largest snow man ever built. Such trivia can be interesting. Juxtaposed against the true message of Christmas, however, it becomes fascinating. It highlights something much greater, and much better. Tune in to gain a fresh, insightful, even humorous perspective on the most amazing fact about Christmas.

Everywhere we look there are signs of the conflict between the kingdom of this world and the kingdom of God. As we stand in the midst of it all, where can we look for peace? In this season of Advent, Dr. Campbell offers insights that can help you put things in perspective—God’s perspective. The story of Christ’s coming speaks afresh to our current crises, reminding us that God is in control and that we can indeed trust Him!

What comes to our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” This quote, from A. W. Tozer, deeply impacted Chip Ingram’s life. It inspired him to write his recent book, The Real God. If one could read your mind, what kind of understanding about God would they discover? Tune into this program to fine-tune the way you think about God.

Do you know what you believe? And do you know why? Upon these two questions your faith depends. And based on these two questions we will seek to strengthen faith through dialogue with Bobby Conway. Bobby is the voice behind the “One Minute Apologist,” a website featuring short and direct answers to the questions skeptics often ask about Christianity. If you do not find answers to all of your questions in this short interview, you may be stirred to begin asking questions that can make your faith more relevant.

Do you know the history of the black swan? More to the point, what do you believe about the role of women in the church? Felicity Dale is a physician who came to believe this is a critical issue for the expansion of God’s work in the world today. Her viewpoints may unsettle you. Or you may find them refreshingly accurate. Perhaps both. Tune in for an inspirational perspective on a topic that has been debated as long as the church has existed.

The Bible tells us God loves us; but, do we really believe it? If our beliefs lined up with Biblical truth, how might our lives be changed? Join us as Bill Campbell takes us on a journey through Scripture, highlighting the theme of the Bride and Bridegroom to describe God’s love—a love too expansive and incredible to be comprehended by mortal minds. But we can experience it every day and be changed by it.

Dr. John Walton, Professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College, shares his perspectives on Genesis and Exodus, the beginnings of the world and of every major theme in the Word. As the primary teacher for the small group videos in Bible in 90 Days, Dr. Walton brings a fitting introduction to Scripture Awakening’s new online Bible in 90 Days Plus. Tune in to glean insights from Dr. Walton’s research about how these early Biblical narratives were written and how they apply to our lives today.

When we consider Biblical values and educational quality, higher education in the United States seems to be lowering its standards. If this is so, how can this trend be reversed? Paul Maurer, President of Montreat College, draws from more than 25 years of experience in leadership for nonprofit and higher education administration to offer insights that show why there is hope, and how we can make a difference.

Trying times make us either better or bitter, all depending on our attitude. We can choose to trust God and develop supernatural endurance, or to turn from God and take on the struggle to survive. In this interview, Jennifer Pharr Davis calls us to trust God, even as we face the challenges of a pandemic. Having set the overall (male or female) fastest known hike through time on the Appalachian Trail, she shares insights from her journey.

Have you thought seriously about the implications of words like “church,” and “community”? Bible teacher Kendra Graham believes that a right understanding of these words can inspire a holy boldness in our witness for the Lord. Join us as she unpacks several concepts in the book of Acts to show the immense importance of true community and how it moved believers in the early church. As you ponder what community and church should look like today, you too may be inspired to live boldly for the Lord.

In 1969, Laurence J. Peter wrote a satire, promoting what is now known as “The Peter Principle,” which states that in a hierarchy, every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence. More than 2,000 years ago, our Lord’s disciple, Peter, demonstrated a different Peter Principle, focused not on hierarchy but on service, leading not to personal incompetence, but to God-inspired competence. Michelle Coleman, Promotions Manager at the Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove, offers advice to help us follow in Peter’s steps.

As Christians, we often feel the guilt and responsibility of meeting the needs of unhealthy people in our lives. Whether a sibling, parent, spouse, coworker, or friend, toxic people frequently seek to frustrate our life’s calling. Author Gary Thomas urges us to turn away from the impossible task of mollifying toxic people; it’s time we dedicate our energy to the only worthwhile effort: completing the work God has given us by investing in reliable people. It’s only when we learn to say no to bad patterns that we can say yes to the good work God has planned for us.

What are the dynamics that can bring a bored Christian or a dull church experience and bring it to life? Jorge Pina, founder of DC for Jesus, shares his story and describes principles that have launched him into a movement of God’s Spirit that has touched many. As you learn from his story, consider your own and ask God to use you as an instrument to bring life into the church of our day.

The Christ of the Bible exuded power over darkness; he set the captive free. Why then do so many Christians today seem weighed down with burdens and overcome by doubt, temptation, and fear? The Bible says we are engaged in spiritual warfare every day, and unless we learn how to fight with the wisdom and armor of God, we are likely to walk in defeat. Neil Anderson, who has taught countless Christians how to overcome darkness through Christ, provides key understanding for your life and mine. Link

We read in John 10 that Christ speaks to us by name and with a clarity that causes us to follow him. Yet how often do we really hear God’s voice? Spiritual mentor and coach Paul Norcross believes that, rightly understood, the Scriptures teach us how to hear God’s voice not just on rare occasions, but for every occasion. God is not content to leave us abandoned to our own devices and directions, but He desires to lead us with the shepherd-like love and care that we read about in the Bible—it is available for us today.

Why is it that so many churches and Christians seem to be losing their connection with the world? When Jesus walked the earth 2,000 years ago, he related to everyone. Kings were challenged by him, children were welcomed to him, the downtrodden were encouraged by him, the sick were healed by him and his disciples followed him. If we are following his ways, should the Biblical message of love and truth not also be relevant today? Ministry expert Steve Harris offers practical insights and tools to help us make the Gospel relevant by making Christ central and discipleship natural.

Well-known author and pastor Jerry Vines shares vital truth for dynamic preaching based on decades of effective ministry. As a nationally-known expert on sermon development and delivery, his thoughts can motivate pastors to sharpen their preaching and teaching skills. These same insights can also lay the groundwork for more effective teaching for anyone who is influencing others with God’s matchless Word.

What separates business in general from business done in God’s way with God’s heart and passion? Eva Steward shares key principles for being a Christian in the marketplace and for making impact in the lives of clients and employees. She believes that God’s kingdom is as vast and pervasive as the Bible declares it to be, having implications for your life and mine no matter what kind of business or ministry we lead.

Those who believe God has called them into ministry are stepping into a life of great challenge. David Horton, President of Fruitland Baptist Bible College, offers personal insights based on years of ministry experience to help us learn what must follow such a call. Through seven steps to impactful ministry, you will receive guidance that can help you be faithful in the ministry God has given to you.

Has America and the entire Western world slipped into an inescapable crevasse of darkness? Is the hope for a great awakening past? Should we live in despair about the state of our society and give up all hope of a great move of God today? Revival historian Richard Owen Roberts is convinced otherwise. Based on his in-depth study of the history of awakening, he believes that it is in times such as this, when darkness seems to grow ever darker, that God often steps in. Tune in to find out why. Link

We each have a life story; do we think our stories are worth sharing? There is one who knows us better than we know ourselves and who is in the process of writing His will into our lives: the God of the Bible. Join us to hear nationally-syndicated author, Nancy Demoss Wolgemuth, and expert writing coach, Robert Wolgemuth, talk about the means by which our stories are part of God’s greater narrative. Sharing openly about their lives, the Wolgemuths will help you to have more appreciation for your own. They explain how God uses even the dark ink of life’s challenges to masterfully create a plot and to write a glorious ending we do not yet understand.

Is the Catholic Church more grounded in ancient roots than are today’s Evangelical and Protestant believers? Perhaps not in the manner that many Christian leaders have long assumed. Protestants carry an inferiority complex in this regard, having forgotten their ancient roots. Kenneth J. Stewart, professor of theological studies at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, GA, uses historic figures and trends to help Protestants realize their strong connection with the Early Church.

Jesus told us that when he left the world, He would send the Holy Spirit to guide, empower, and unite His people. Unfortunately, many Christians consider the Holy Spirit to be a divisive topic. Anne Graham Lotz shows us how, rightly understood, the Spirit of God not only unites us, but brings us through our trials and enables us to live more like Jesus. Sharing personal testimonies from her heart, she will encourage your walk with God.

Learn how to communicate love to your spouse, your children and your friends in such a way that they really feel loved. Dr. Gary Chapman wrote a book called The Five Love Languages in 1992, and it has since been translated into 49 languages and sold over 10 million copies, in its various forms. He came across a formula for understanding love that is impacting lives around the world.

The Bible tells us that Christ died for people of every ethnicity. Yet, even Christians find it sometimes difficult to live and get along with those who are different from themselves. Author and leadership trainer, Adrian Pei, brings fresh insights about who minority peoples are, and how we can and should work together for God’s glory.

We tend to think of the Puritans as rigid and legalistic. Practical theologian Joanne Jung, who has researched Puritan sources extensively, describes an aspect of Puritan practice that we need to reclaim for our day. It involves conversation and life sharing in small group contexts. This interview challenges us to move beyond the individualism that has a grip on Western society and to live out the kind of community the Bible calls forth. Dr. Jung is associate professor of Biblical and theological studies at Biola University.

Everyone suffers disappointment, rejection, injustices, and losses — perhaps even traumatic ones. The spiritual pain born of such suffering can paralyze us, leaving us broken inside and barely getting by. Whether we remain stuck or move forward is determined in large part by our resilience. Join us as Donna Gibbs, a 20+ year Christian counselor, gives us wisdom on how to become more resilient.

Today we have our worship wars. Should the guitar and audio-visual enhancements or the piano and hymns dominate the worship service on Sunday morning? Have you ever pondered, “What were the central concerns around worship in the days of the Early Church?” How did they view the sacraments? What influence did the monastic movement have on worship? Do they have anything to teach us about prayer and approaching God? Set aside your preconceived notions about worship and join us to learn more about what it was like in an era closer to the time that Jesus had walked the earth.

When Paul and Silas came to Thessalonica, they changed the community. How? By collaborating with God to bring His kingdom on earth. We are called to do the same. Leadership coach Reggie McNeal offers eight signature practices for leaders who want to partner with God and others for kingdom growth. This interview may inspire you to become a kingdom collaborator in a specific sector of our society, such as: business, education, media, arts, healthcare, or spiritual growth.

Christianity started in Jerusalem. For many centuries it was concentrated in the West, in Europe and North America. But in the past century the church expanded rapidly across Africa, Latin America, and Asia. What led to the church’s vibrant growth throughout the Global South? Brian Stiller identifies five key factors. Discover the surprising story of the global advance of the gospel. And be encouraged that Jesus’ witness continues to the ends of the earth.

The average person thinks of Iran as a Muslim stronghold, impenetrable to the Gospel. In truth, Iran has the fastest growing segment of Evangelical Christians on the world scene, according to Dr Hormoz Shariat, the founder of Iran Alive. His ministry is broadcasting the Christian message via satellite television into Iran 24/7, and hundreds of thousands of Muslims have come to Christ. Tune in to be encouraged and challenged by what God is doing in the Muslim world. Link

Over twenty years ago, Yancey wrote the bestseller, “What’s So Amazing About Grace?” So much has changed in the past two decades that he has recently found reason to write again about grace, now from a whole new angle. Join us to learn why it is that secular people look at the Church with so much disdain. Learn also how you can dispense grace to a hurting world as a pilgrim, an activist, or as an artist. Yancey’s keen insights and his clear communication style make him one of the top selling authors in the Evangelical world.