Crosstalk America from VCY America

We are in Primary season throughout the United States. Today, voters in Maryland, New York and Utah are going to the polls. Flying beneath the radar on so many races is CAIR Action (Council on American-Islamic Relations). Just today, CAIR Action sent out a press release saying their "team was on the ground and behind the scenes across multiple states, doing the essential work that moves elections. Endorsing candidates, mobilizing voters, and building the kind of relationships that turn a community into a constituency." They state this has officially become our most impactful cycle yet." Indeed, the slate of Islamic candidates is on the increase. In the words of Muslim activist Linda Sarsour, which you'll hear near the beginning of the broadcast, "We're also cleaning up Congress." Review this broadcast and consider the following: An interesting twist within this movement is the fact that there are not just Democrat Muslims running for office but Republican Muslims as well. What's the difference? Does this mean there is such a thing as a moderate Muslim after all? Egypt doesn't allow Hamas members to run for office yet we allow them to do so in America. Why, when we know that the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is really Hamas? Is Islam really woven into the fabric of America's history as one audio clip alleges? Joining us is Usama Dakdok from the Straight Way of Grace Ministry.

--Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah agreed to a cease-fire today. --Newly revealed details have emerged from the Memorandum of Understanding agreed to by the U.S. and Iran. --Hamas believes the prospect of a deal between Washington and Iran is not being interpreted as a sign of American strength but as a sign of America's weakness. --Iran's foreign minister spokesperson takes a "victory lap" concerning the new Memorandum of Understanding between Iran and the U.S., claiming they have defeated two nuclear powers. --Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu avowed that with or without an agreement, Iran will not have nuclear weapons. --President Trump insisted the Iran deal can survive IDF strikes on Hezbollah and Lebanon, while saying he is not happy with how Israel has fought. --U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee commented on the importance of Israel to the United States. --Vice President J.D. Vance told CBN News that the looming agreement with Iran would be good for both America and Israel, although questions remain about whether Iran can really be trusted. --The U.S. Air Force has lost nearly one-third of the available fleet of critical reaper drones in the Middle East conflict since the start of the Trump administration. There's no active production line to build more, nor has the Pentagon and Congress produced a funded plan to replace them. --The Department of War is reportedly seeking 80 billion dollars to cover costs associated with the Iran conflict and other unrelated expenses. --President Trump has invoked the cold war era Defense Production Act to spur the production of more munitions.

We have just passed the 20 year anniversary of Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth. When he was asked recently by ABC News Chief Meteorologist and Chief Climate Correspondent Ginger Zee whether the film and its predictions on global warming hold up, Gore responded, "Unfortunately, yes." He went on to say, "The scientists were dead right on all the important elements of it and it really is insane that we are continuing to use the sky as an open sewer and we're trapping so much heat every day it's equal to the amount that would be released by 800,000 Hiroshima-class atomic bombs exploding every day on the earth." Earlier this year the Yale School of the Environment published an article titled, Overshoot: The World is Hitting Point of No Return on Climate. They stated: "With warming set to pass the critical 1.5-degree limit, scientists are warning that the world is on course to trigger tipping points that would lead to cascading consequences from the melting of ice sheets to the death of the Amazon rainforest-that could not be reversed." Returning to Crosstalk to discuss the latest response by the U.N. General Assembly to such news was Alex Newman.

Sunday is Father's Day, so this Crosstalk celebrated the coming holiday with this annual tribute. Host Jim Schneider began with the history behind the holiday, noted the characteristics of a Godly father, and then moved on to allow listeners an opportunity to call and give honor to fathers past and present.

250 years of freedom and independence is something every one of us should be thankful for. Too often we take for granted the freedoms and liberties we enjoy and forget there was a price that many paid. There were 56 signers to the Declaration of Independence that pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor. Sadly today, there are those who desire the downfall of our nation, trying to destroy celebrations and recognition of this milestone. Further, there is erosion that has taken place trying to take away the values and freedoms we hold dear. We must be ever vigilant or this cherished treasure, America, will vanish before our very eyes. Not only will we discuss these matters today, but we also take a look at the author of the original draft of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson. Joining us is Dr. Jerry Newcombe, Executive Director of the Providence Forum, a division of Coral Ridge Ministries. He is also a columnist and podcast host for Providence Forum and has produced a series of documentaries on America's Judeo-Christian roots. He is the author or co-author of 33 books including George Washington's Sacred Fire, The Book that Made America: How the Bible Formed Our Nation, American Amnesia: Is America Paying the Price for Forgetting God, the Source of our Liberty, and Doubting Thomas? The Life and Legacy of Thomas Jefferson. Jerry is also senior pastor at New Presbyterian Church in Wilton Manors, FL. More information: ProvidenceForum.org

Yesterday afternoon at 4:29pm Eastern Time, the following post was sent on President Trump's Truth Social account: "The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all! I hereby authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow! President Donald J. Trump." Dr. Richard Schmidt is Pastor of Union Grove Baptist Church and Founder of Prophecy Focus Ministries. He is speaker on the weekly TV program, Prophecy Focus and the radio broadcast, Prophecy Unfolding. He spent 32 years in law enforcement until his retirement. He's authored several books including: Are You Going to a Better Place?, Daniel's Gap Paul's Mystery, Tribulation to Triumph: The Olivet Discourse, Globalism: The Great World Consumption, Artificial Intelligence: Transhumanism & the De-Evolution of Democracy and, The Coming Millennial Kingdom.

Regardless of the era, Israel has been hated and warred against. History shows this during the biblical era of the Philistines, the Canaanites, the Midianites and the Amalekites. In modern times, anger against the Jewish nation has been fueled by the rampant spreading of antisemitism through entities such as Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, Turkey, or Islam. Did you know more resolutions against Israel have come before the United Nations than any other nation in the world? Did you know that the vast majority of the world's nations are regularly voting against Israel? This is a nation only the size of New Jersey, yet they've been despised and warred against throughout all of human history. Under such international pressure, it's truly a miracle that Israel has survived. Why all the hatred? Why have all these forces been unable to destroy Israel? The answer lies in the fact that this is not a battle of flesh and blood, but this is a spiritual battle that has ensued from the beginning ...

The video uses the burial of Henry VIII in St. George's Chapel as a meditation on the universal realities of death—its humility, finality, and the eternal destinies it determines. It emphasizes that no amount of power, wealth, or fame can escape the dignity of death, which levels all people before God. Drawing from Scripture, it highlights Christ's authority over death and Hades, underscoring the critical choice between two eternal outcomes. The sermon then turns to the theme of legacy, challenging listeners to reflect on how they will be remembered and whether their lives reflect a faithful stewardship of God's grace. Ultimately, it calls for daily living in light of eternity, knowing that on the day of judgment, one's true self will be revealed before Christ.

The video reflects on the life and death of Bishop Cranmer, highlighting the profound truth that even flawed believers can end well, demonstrating that final faithfulness outweighs past failures. It emphasizes that the prospect of death clarifies what truly matters, stripping away worldly distractions and revealing eternal priorities. Drawing from Scripture and historical example, the message underscores that people remember how one ends more than how they began, affirming that a steadfast conclusion honors God and bears lasting witness. Ultimately, the sermon teaches that only what endures forever holds true significance, and that perseverance in faith, even after faltering, reflects the grace and redemption available through Christ.

Dr. Greg Quiggle, retired professor of Church History at Moody Bible Institute discusses the complexities of the Reformation and the various impacts.

The video reflects on the enduring legacy of John Wycliffe, a pioneering figure in the history of Scripture translation and religious reform, whose commitment to making the Bible accessible in English laid foundational stones for later movements. It highlights the immense cost of that mission—months of labor to copy sacred texts by hand, the persecution of those who carried the Word, and the martyrdom of many who risked their lives for truth. Even after death, Wycliffe's influence was not allowed to rest, as his remains were exhumed and destroyed in an attempt to erase his impact, underscoring the profound spiritual and historical significance of his work. The narrative serves as a powerful testament to the enduring power of Scripture, the cost of faithfulness, and the conviction that truth, though opposed, cannot be extinguished. Ultimately, the sermon honors Wycliffe not as a martyr, but as a faithful steward of God's Word whose life and legacy continue to inspire courage and devotion.

This video reflects on the courage and conviction of three Protestant martyrs—Nicholas Ridley, Hugh Latimer, and Thomas Cranmer—who were executed in 16th-century England during the reign of Queen Mary Tudor, as she sought to restore Catholicism. It emphasizes their unwavering commitment to the Gospel, highlighting how their willingness to die rather than renounce their faith underscores the centrality of truth and loyalty to Christ. The preacher uses their historical sacrifice not merely as a call to remember the past, but as a challenge to contemporary believers to examine the depth of their own commitment to Christ. The tone is both reverent and urgent, inviting the audience to consider whether they would stand firm in the face of persecution, just as these men did. Ultimately, the sermon presents martyrdom not as a distant relic, but as a living testimony to the enduring power of faith.