Relentless Truth with John Warren

John Warren

John extracts the truth from a wide range of topics revealing who God is, who we are and how we relate to each other.

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270 episodes
Updated Saturday

Episodes270

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Sep 20, 2021 · 36 min
A Conversation with Max Simmonds
Subscribe Max Simmonds, a high school senior, tells his story in this week’s episode of Relentless Truth. He discusses issues of our day including the fact that we live in a post-truth world. Social Media and This Generation He discusses his family, living the Christian life, and he takes on social media and the challenges it presents for his generation. Max talks candidly about temptations that a young man faces in this world of rapid electronic access. Max describes our culture and discusses the notion of “cancel culture.” He says that the culture we live in today can be an impediment to growth because we are often afraid to engage in a meaningful way. Our Great Hope in Christ Finally, Max closes with a discussion of concepts his generation would like the rest of us to know about them. He discusses the Gospel and the need to communicate boldly. Max wraps up this episode with our great hope in Jesus Christ. “My generation wants to be heard and respected like everyone else does.” Max Simmonds
Sep 13, 2021 · 36 min
A Conversation with Lauren McElrath
Subscribe In this week’s episode I talk to Lauren McElrath. Lauren is a college freshman, and she shares her perspective on her parents, her Christian faith, and her plans for the future. 1989 in Panama Lauren discusses her dad’s accident in Panama in 1989 where he served as an Army Ranger. She describes his service and his zeal for life today. Lauren explains the impact of technology on her generation. She explains that influencers on the internet are promoting socialism. She talks about her upbringing and the fact that her parents answered her questions on important topics during her formative years. Bullying and Cancel Culture Lauren talks about socialism, education, and her grounding in the truths of Scripture. She describes the fact that Biblical truth informs every aspect of her life. Lauren describes the point in her life wherein her faith in God became her own. We discuss the “obvious” questions about theology that aren’t so obvious, and we talk about the need to resolve those questions. Lauren talks about online bullying and cancelling. She explains that this is now accepted in a sense and she explains the impact that this has on her peers. You will enjoy getting to know this amazing young lady, and your confidence in her generation will grow as you get to know her in this important conversation. “My dad broke his back as an Army Ranger….from a fall of about 500 feet in Panama.” Lauren McElrath
Sep 6, 2021 · 34 min
A Conversation with Janet Mefferd
Subscribe In this week’s episode I talk with radio show and podcast host Janet Mefferd. Janet Mefferd is host of the nationally syndicated Christian radio show Janet Mefferd Today, which is broadcast on more than 240 radio stations across America, including Bott Radio Network. An award-winning radio broadcaster, she is also a former news and religion reporter and editor for newspapers including The Dallas Morning News and the Daily Herald in suburban Chicago. Janet’s journalistic work has been a blessing to so many people over many years. Christian Muckraking We discuss Janet’s background, her interest in journalism, and the work she does today. Janet discusses “Christian muckraking” and she explains the real role of journalism in American society. Janet explains the challenges of being a journalist in a world of “clicks’ and “likes.” She explains the history of journalism and the self-promotion and branding that goes on today. Where Have the Heroes Gone? Janet discusses the absence of Christian men who are heroes in evangelicalism. She talks about seeker sensitivity and the challenges this presents for churches. Janet explains the biblical mandate for elders and the fact that most churches are ignoring those passages. Janet talks about “Big Eva” and woke Christianity. She discusses cultural comfort and the mistake churches make when they move away from Scripture. She describes our evangelical subculture that chastises Christians who hold to biblical truth. We close with a discussion of our great hope in Christ. Janet talks about God’s faithfulness in her life and the clear perspective that experience provides. “There is an absence of Christian men who are heroes in evangelicalism.” Janet Mefferd
Aug 30, 2021 · 34 min
A Conversation With Noah Magill
Subscribe In this week’s episode, I talk with Noah Magill. Noah is a high school senior who understands government well. He’s a nuanced thinker and follows legislation carefully. Noah understands the U.S. Constitution and his theology and faith inform his worldview. Questioning Assumptions Noah talks about his background and formative life. He credits his parents with giving him the desire and ability to seek the truth. He discusses the fact that he learned to question assumptions and even question the motivation of the media. Noah talks about ultimate reality and explains that his parents fostered deep discussions about all sides of various arguments, and that environment gave Noah a real appreciation for truth. Scripture as the Source of Truth Noah encourages young people to learn to articulate the core tenets of their faith. He discusses the need for the study of apologetics even at a young age. We also discuss current challenges in our nation, and Noah explains his views on several of those issues. Noah explains the risks of inflation in the context of our political environment. He explains the role of the Federal Reserve and their current policies and the impact of those policies on the economy. He talks to older generations about his generation and its challenges. He talks about practical ways to manage information and electronic inputs, and he talks about valuing Scripture as his source of truth. Finally, Noah addresses media bias and the consolidation of media outlets. He takes on Supreme Court packing and explains his views on the judiciary clearly. And he closes with a discussion of our education system and its ideology. Parents, students, and others interested in government and the economy will enjoy this important conversation. Noah credits his parents for giving him the desire and ability to seek truth.
Aug 23, 2021 · 37 min
A Conversation with Audrey Foulk
Subscribe In this week’s episode I talk to Audrey Foulk. Audrey tells the incredible story of her life. She talks about the challenges her family has faced, and God’s faithfulness throughout all of those challenges. Audrey maturely discusses delicate matters that have impacted her life and her family. She explains how God met her family’s needs during a challenging season of life. Learning to Fly Audrey talks about her love for aviation and her plans to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She discusses her goals for the future, and the way she honors her dad through her experience as she learns to fly. Audrey also discusses the ideology of our world today. She talks about the desire for instant gratification, and she explains that her generation has access to information and entertainment that is unprecedented. She says this is a reason for many of the challenges in our world today. Theology Changes Perspective We also talk about Christianity and what it means to be a Christian in the world we live in today. Audrey discusses the struggle not to conform, and she explains Romans 12:2, and its explanation of “renewal of your mind.” She explains the difference between outward behavior and inward transformation. Audrey talks directly to parents about her generation in this episode. She explains that her generation is underestimated. She says that her generation wants to be challenged and respected. She explains that older generations often assume that her generation doesn’t understand or care about weighty topics that matter. Audrey explains the importance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She wisely talks about living a life characterized by love near the end of our time together. This episode will restore your confidence in future generations. “This generation has access to information and entertainment that is unprecedented.” Audrey Foulk
Aug 16, 2021 · 27 min
A Conversation with Hank Hanegraaff Part 2
Subscribe ▼ Show Notes This week’s episode of Relentless Truth concludes my conversation with Hank Hanegraaff. Hank is President and Chairman of the North Carolina-based Christian Research Institute. He is also the host of the nationally syndicated Bible Answer Man Broadcast as well as the Hank Unplugged podcast. Hank is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading Christian authors and apologists. Through his live call-in radio broadcast, Hank equips Christians to mine the Bible for all its wealth and answers questions on the basis of careful research and sound reasoning. And through the Hank Unplugged podcast, he interviews today’s most significant Christian leaders, apologists, and thinkers. Hank is the author of more than twenty books, with more than a million copies in print. 2019 saw the release of his book Truth Matters, Life Matters More: The Unexpected Beauty of an Authentic Christian Life. He is a regular contributor to the award-winning Christian Research Journal and an articulate communicator on the pressing issues of our day, having spoken in leading churches, conferences, and on college campuses throughout the world. Hank and his wife, Kathy, live in Charlotte, North Carolina, and they are parents to twelve children. In this episode, Hank discusses his book, Truth Matters, Life Matters More. Hank explains the purpose of the church in the context of Scripture. He also discusses the beauty of the writings of the early church and their value to us today. Finally, Hank explains the sovereignty of God and the will of man. He also answers the question, “Is God the author of evil?” in this powerful episode.
Aug 9, 2021 · 24 min
A Conversation with Hank Hanegraaff
Subscribe This week’s episode of Relentless Truth features part one of a two-part conversation with Hank Hanegraaff. Hank is President and Chairman of the North Carolina based Christian Research Institute. He is also host of the nationally syndicated Bible Answer Man Broadcast as well as the Hank Unplugged podcast. Hank is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading Christian authors and apologists. Through his live call-in radio broadcast, Hank equips Christians to mine the Bible for all its wealth and answers questions on the basis of careful research and sound reasoning. And through the Hank Unplugged podcast, he interviews today’s most significant Christian leaders, apologists, and thinkers. Hank is the author of more than twenty books, with more than a million copies in print. 2019 saw the release of his book Truth Matters, Life Matters More: The Unexpected Beauty of an Authentic Christian Life. He is a regular contributor to the award-winning Christian Research Journal and an articulate communicator on the pressing issues of our day, having spoken in leading churches, conferences, and on college campuses throughout the world. Hank and his wife, Kathy, live in Charlotte, North Carolina, and they are parents to twelve children. In this episode, Hank tells his personal story and explains his entry into ministry and his work on The Bible Answer Man Broadcast. Hank discusses the post-truth world that we live in, and he explains that “truth is essential to a Christian worldview.” “Truth is essential to a Christian Worldview” Hank Hanegraaff
Aug 2, 2021 · 27 min
Gifted NFL player and Christ Follower, Jeff Driskel
Subscribe ▼ Show Notes “Godzilla” Jeff Driskel is a quarterback in his sixth year in the NFL. His athletic career started on a baseball field in Jacksonville, Florida, and he continued to play when his dad’s Navy career moved the family to Japan. Jeff played in a 12-year-old league at age 10, and he earned the nickname “Godzilla” because of his size. He thought the jerseys the football players wore in middle school were cool when his family returned to the U.S., so he decided to join the team. After an injury sidelined two quarterbacks, Jeff took over and has played quarterback at every level since. Finding Faith During a Season of Injury Jeff was a star player who won the Maxwell Football Club National High School Player of the Year Award his senior year at Hagerty High School in Oviedo, Florida. He was heavily recruited by Division I universities and accepted a scholarship to the University of Florida where he played for head coach Will Muschamp. During his sophomore season, as the starting quarterback, he broke his right fibula and missed the rest of the season. During this period of adjusting to potentially never playing the sport again, the team chaplain for the Gators spent hours explaining the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Jeff and Jeff trusted Christ. The team chaplain for the Gators spent hours explaining the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Jeff and Jeff trusted Christ. He went on to Louisiana Tech to play his final year of football in college. He also completed his MBA there after having graduated from the University of Florida while recovering from his injury. At Louisiana Tech Jeff passed for an incredible 4,026 yards and scored 27 touchdowns during his only season there. Drafted by Major League Baseball and the NFL Jeff was drafted by the Boston Red Sox his senior year of high school but decided that he wanted to play football instead of baseball. After his final season of college football, he was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers of The National Football League. Discipline and Goals In our Relentless Truth interview, shared his work ethic, his values, his faith, his career, and his family. Jeff credits his family with his underlying discipline and his consistent focus on goals. He discusses his faith and his walk as a Christ follower along with the purpose he believes God has gifted him with as an NFL player. Jeff Driskel explains his disciplined approach to every aspect of his life. He discusses the fact that he starts each day with Bible reading and a focus on his priorities for the day. He values the opportunity to play quarterback in the NFL, but he also understands the role he can play in the lives of young people. Jeff is one of the good guys who values his team and the opportunities he has been given. After listening to this candid, thoughtful conversation I am confident you’ll be an instant Jeff Driskel fan. Show Links & Sources Image credit: Dave Adamson @aussiedave, Unsplash.com
Jul 26, 2021 · 26 min
The Emptiness of Self Reliance
Subscribe ▼ Show Notes The Death of Alexander Hamilton In this episode, we discuss the life of Alexander Hamilton. This statesman, economist, banker, writer, and founding father lived an interesting life full of epic successes and failures. John Warren discusses Hamilton’s life in the context of our tendency to rely on our own strength. We explore the empty frustrations and failures that ensue when our focus is on our personal agenda. John closes this episode with a discussion of God’s transformation and renewal described in Romans 12. Hamilton was born in the British Leeward Islands. He had a challenging, orphaned childhood, but had opportunities for education and employment given to him by a merchant who saw his potential as a leader. Hamilton made his way to the American Colonies and was educated at Kings College; now Columbia University. He distinguished himself as a leader in George Washington’s army and became our nation’s first Secretary of the Treasury. In the presidential election of 1800, Jefferson and Burr tied with 73 electoral votes. Congress deadlocked for 35 votes, and then, Hamilton decided to vote for Jefferson pushing him to victory. Hamilton was a man who was full of pride and ability. In fact, it was his sense of honor that caused him to lose his live in a duel with Burr. Hamilton refused to recant his criticism of Burr’s character, and the two men faced each other in a duel wherein Hamilton was shot and died hours later. Although the facts of the duel and the acrimony between these two men are debated by many, it is clear that Hamilton’s sense of honor, or his pride, resulted in his death at the hands of Burr. What the Bible Says About Self Sufficiency This story provides clarity on who man is. Paul addresses this thoroughly in Romans 1 and 2. These two forms of self-sufficiency, our disgusting sin and our moralism, are summarized by Paul. The person who engages in sin is denying who God is and relying on man’s sufficiency by saying, “I can do what I want.” And the moralist is making a different argument. He is saying that, “I’m good enough on my own.” We end this podcast episode in Romans 12. These familiar verses are often misunderstood. They reference a transformation that happens through the renewal of the mind. This is one of the principles on which Relentless Truth is based. It is the big ideas, the absolute truth of Scripture, that God uses to transform us by His grace. Subscribe to this podcast, Relentless Truth with John Warren, for future episodes about what the Bible says about the power of big ideas. “The person who engages in sin is denying who God is and relying on man’s sufficiency…” John Warren
Jul 8, 2021 · 22 min
Big Ideas Matter
Subscribe ▼ Show Notes Social Darwinism and Our Supreme Court In this episode, we discuss Social Darwinism and its implications for our society. John Warren explains the case of Buck v. Bell, a profound United States Supreme Court case from the early twentieth century. Ideas matter, and in this episode the big ideas that we have embraced as a nation are discussed in the context of a biblical view of the world. Our great eternal hope in Christ gives us comfort as we take a look at the flawed philosophy of Social Darwinism. The U.S. Supreme Court, in its ruling by Justice Oliver Wendel Holmes, Jr., stated that “three generations of imbeciles is enough.” The argument made was that the state had the right to terminate the reproductive rights and capability for women who were a genetic threat to American society. Holmes said that this was a responsibility of the state; therefore, the state owed society protection from people like Buck because they drain the resources of the state. Carrie Buck’s case had several challenges. She wasn’t promiscuous as she was accused of being. Instead, she had been raped by a relative of her adoptive family. Further, she wasn’t dysfunctional because of a lack of intelligence. She went on to live a normal, adult life and is regarded as having been “well read” by many. Shockingly, we forced sterilization on approximately 65,000 people during the 1920’s through the 1950’s in the U.S. We, in the United States of America, practiced eugenics, this Social Darwinism that we find so offensive elsewhere in history. What the Bible Says About Condemnation and Punishment We close in Romans where Paul explains the beauty of justification by faith. Paul uses judicial language to describe the beauty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul says that we come to the end of ourselves and our sufficiency and turn to Jesus Christ and His sufficiency alone by faith. He then affirms that there is no condemnation, no punishment, for those who are in Christ Jesus in Romans 8. The story of Carrie Buck informs us on who man is. The big ideas we embrace do, in fact, matter. Subscribe to this podcast, Relentless Truth with John Warren, for future episodes about what the Bible says about the power of big ideas. Show Links & Sources Photo by Arthur Estabrook, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons