Best Joshua Hershberger: Attorney | Minister

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#395 How Your Church Can Help Fight Human Trafficking with Allison Madrigal 35:20

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11h ago35:20

35:20

According to US and UN statistics, an estimated 27.6 million people are victims of human trafficking at any given time. And a majority of human trafficking victims in the United States are US nationals–meaning they are groomed, coerced, and trafficked on US soil. Because this an international and national issue and trafficking is often difficult to…

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#394 Acts 27 52:44

7d ago52:44

52:44

After experiencing several trials for his life, the Apostle Paul now heads west on an all-expense-paid trip courtesy of the Roman empire. But this journey, like so many others taken by Paul, will not be without peril and ministry opportunity. In a chapter that evidences remarkable historical detail about Roman-era ship-building and maritime travels…

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#393 How to Discern a Call into the Law, Protect Vulnerable Kids, and Defend Religious Freedom with Peter Gentala 46:33

17d ago46:33

46:33

One of the goals of this podcast is to provide practical examples of Christians living out their calling in public life. Peter Gentala has led a remarkable career in law and public policy that spans litigating cases to the U.S. Supreme Court, working to protect kids and those impacted by sexual abuse and exploitation, and now leading a public polic…

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#392 The National Debt Crisis and How to Respond with Indiana State Comptroller Elise Nieshalla 31:26

21d ago31:26

31:26

As of September 2025, the U.S. gross national debt stands at almost $37.5 trillion with a growth of over $2 trillion in the past year and an average growth of roughly $5.7 billion per day. And earlier this year, Moody’s downgraded the U.S. credit rating to Aa1 (down from Aaa), citing concerns over the rising debt and ambitious fiscal proposals. Wit…

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#391 The Latest in the Pronoun Wars with Craig DeRoche 30:27

28d ago30:27

30:27

What happens when a teacher’s faith collides with a school’s pronoun policy? I recently had the opportunity to join Craig DeRoche on The SoConCon Report to discuss the case of John Kluge. In 2018, Kluge resigned from Brownsburg Community School in Indiana after his religious exemption to a pronoun policy was revoked. His case is now headed to a jur…

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#390 Our Civilizational Moment: The Waning of the West and the War of the Worlds with Os Guinness 41:18

1M ago41:18

41:18

In his recent book, Os Guinness explains why the West is facing a “civilizational moment” or a critical inflection point due to our civilization’s loss of connection to its founding principles and inspiration. And he points out that history records only three roads from here: renewal due to rediscovery of founding principles, replacement of those f…

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#389 Acts 26 42:34

1M ago42:34

42:34

In his last, powerful sermon in the book of Acts, Paul retells his encounter on the road to Damascus (with a key detail not mentioned in previous accounts of his conversion in Acts 9 and 22), connects the Old Testament prophets to the gospel of Christ, and turns from prisoner to prosecutor as he questions Herod Agrippa II about his belief in Jesus.…

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#388 How to Build and Maintain Strategic Church-State Partnerships with Greg Baker 44:30

2M ago44:30

44:30

Over more than a decade, Greg Baker and his team at the Church Ambassador Network in Iowa have built personal relationships with governing officials, ministered to them, and partnered with them for the common good. These efforts have led to a remarkable partnership with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and HHS Secretary Kelly Garcia, including county and…

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#387 Life After Roe: Equipping Christians in the Fight for Life Today with David Closson 36:55

2M ago36:55

36:55

What’s next in the stand for life? In 2022, the Dobbs case overturned Roe v. Wade and sent the issue of abortion back to the states. Now, more than twenty states have abortion bans; but a surprising number of pro-abortion ballot measures have succeeded–even in state such as Ohio, Michigan, Arizona, and Nevada. And this exposed more than just politi…

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#386 The Importance of Persistence in Public Life with Paul Smith 47:40

2M ago47:40

47:40

Success in the public square is often measured in years or even decades and can be temporary without continued vigilance and effort. This is why persistence is a critical quality for those engaged in public life, and Paul Smith is an encouraging example of this dedication. In this interview, I talk with Paul Smith, the founder of Citizen Impact, ab…

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#385 Acts 25 42:04

2M ago42:04

42:04

In Acts 25, Paul once again stands trial for his life before a Roman governor. Accused of sedition against Rome and blasphemy against the temple, Paul uses this trial to assert his innocence, witness to the Resurrection, and appeal directly to Caesar so that the gospel will go to Rome. How does Paul deal with pauses or waiting in ministry, and how …

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#384 Pastors and Politics; Review of Key 2025 SCOTUS Decisions 47:10

2M ago47:10

47:10

The Internal Revenue Service included a critical clarification in a court filing last week concerning pastors and politics. In sum, the IRS stated that a pastor or church speaking about political issues and even candidates to its members does not violate the tax code or jeopardize the church’s tax-exempt status. In this episode, I review what this …

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#383 How to Live a God-Centered Life in the Public Square with Dr. Josh Moody 44:15

3M ago44:15

44:15

What are the most effective methods for cultivating a Biblical worldview amidst the constant influence of media, culture, and technology? What lessons about spiritual renewal can we learn from the life and times of Jonathan Edwards? What challenges do Christian students face in secular higher education, and how should we practically live out our fa…

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#382 4 Facts about the 4th of July [Encore] 33:55

3M ago33:55

33:55

Since we celebrate the 4th of July every year (and it involves fireworks and time off work), it is easy to glance over the deeper meaning of the holiday. Beyond the fact that it marked the birth of the United States, why should we celebrate the 4th of July? What did and does it mean? And what lessons should we draw from it as we look to the future?…

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#381 Acts 24 33:31

3M ago33:31

33:31

In this chapter, the Apostle Paul stands alone and on trial for his life before a corrupt and powerful Roman official, Antonius Felix. How will the high priest and their representative lay out their case against him? How will Paul respond, and what will Felix make of Christ and the Resurrection? In this high-stakes story, we can learn much about ou…

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#380 The Fatherless Epidemic and How to Respond with Sean Teis [Encore] 44:52

4M ago44:52

44:52

Father’s Day weekend is an important reminder of the role of dads in the lives of their children, and it is always encouraging to see the number of good role models on social media. However, our society has grappled for some time with a fatherless epidemic, and its impact is staggering. Here is an overview of the causes and consequences of fatherle…

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#379 The Challenge to Parental Rights in Colorado with Pastor Tate Throndson 45:20

4M ago45:20

45:20

Pastor Tate Throndson leads a growing church he planted in Colorado, and he developed strong concerns about a recent Colorado bill challenging parental rights (HB 1312). In addition to preaching on Biblical principles related to identity and human sexuality, he signed up and showed up to testify against HB 1312—along with more than 700 other Colora…

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#378 Following Jesus in a Politically Divided World with John Whittaker and Daniel McCoy 54:02

4M ago54:02

54:02

How should disciples of Jesus navigate a society clawing itself apart through politics? Should we disengage? Pick a side? Offer slogans which sound nice but express little? Insist that true Christians vote in such-and-such a way? Pursue tranquility by making contentious topics off-limits for church? Can we lean into the issues and love well? Follow…

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#377 How to Navigate the AI Revolution with David Beatty 38:09

4M ago38:09

38:09

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a concept of the future—it’s a present-day reality transforming society and even impacting the church. In this episode, we unpack the rapid development of AI and the opportunities and challenges of the gaming world and what it means for church leaders and other committed Christians today. From evangelism through…

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#376 Acts 23 49:45

4M ago49:45

49:45

In Acts 23, Paul stares down the Jewish Sanhedrin, reprimands and then apologizes to the High Priest, calls a question that redirects the energy of the Council to internal division while focusing on the resurrection, and earns an all-expense-paid trip to the Mediterranean seashore (Caesarea) due to a plot on his life. In all this, Paul shows his ma…

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#375 Gen Z, Gen Alpha, and Christian Citizenship with Birjan Crispin 39:35

5M ago39:35

39:35

Last week, we worked through some generational distinctives and effective methods for equipping members of Gen Z and Gen Alpha to share and live out their faith. This week, we focus in on the area of Christian citizenship and hear from a member of Gen Z engaged in public life. In this episode, guest Birjan Crispin shares his remarkable story that b…

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#374 How to Engage Gen Z and Gen Alpha 40:48

5M ago40:48

40:48

What are the obstacles to and most effective methods for equipping members of Gen Z and Gen Alpha to share and live out their faith? In this episode, we explore some generational distinctives and the challenges and opportunities created by recent changes in culture and technology. Then, we focus on practical ways to teach and model Christianity so …

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#373 Acts 22 48:55

5M ago48:55

48:55

In Acts 22, Paul quieted a mob intent on killing him just minutes before, recounted his conversion and calling, and put his Roman citizenship to work to further his ministry. Paul truly became all things to all men (I Cor. 9:22), and Acts 22 is a masterclass on how to navigate cultural differences and even use legal protections to promote the gospe…

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#372 Religious Liberty: The Cornerstone of a Free Society 24:28

5M ago24:28

24:28

Religious freedom is a cherished American principle and a key distinctive of ours on the world stage. But, can we concisely and accurately define it? And what Biblical principles support this free exercise of religion? Further, what is the latest in religious liberty cases? In this episode, I walk through the Biblical origin of this principle, the …

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#371 Legal Challenges in Christian Education 27:34

6M ago27:34

27:34

Christian schools are often on the front lines of cultural and legal developments, and the legal standards that impact these institutions generally impact churches and homeschooling as well. In this episode, I review recent recent legal and cultural developments and explain proactive steps Christian schools can take to build and maintain strong leg…

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#370 Key Trends that Will Impact Faith and Culture in 2025 with Dr. Adam Rasmussen 40:40

6M ago40:40

40:40

2025 promises to be a year of significant social and political change that will impact American faith and culture. The Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, led by Dr. George Barna, recently reviewed its vault of data and compiled several key trends that church leaders and other committed Christians should be aware of as they im…

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#369 The Latest on Protecting Parental Rights with Craig Deroche 27:21

6M ago27:21

27:21

Parents, not the state, have the responsibility to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4). And the Supreme Court has recognized parental rights as the oldest of the “fundamental liberty interests.” Troxel v. Granville. Despite this status as a fundamental right, parental rights have often been disregarded in recen…

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#368 How Views on the End Times Impact Christian Citizenship 36:43

6M ago36:43

36:43

How one views the end of the world (often referred to as eschatology) profoundly impacts the here and now. In this episode, I walk through four primary Christian views of the end of the world and how these views can impact our citizenship in the present. Premillenialism Postmillenialism Amillenialism Preterism Key Takeaways: The troubling story of …

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#368 A Holy No: The Christian and Civil Disobedience [Revisited] 56:19

7M ago56:19

56:19

Due to a quickly changing culture, many American Christians are facing increasing tensions between their faith and legal requirements at school and work, in the public square, and even in our homes and ministries. In my experience, analyzing a question and developing a plan or procedure prior to a crisis is the best approach. So, according to Scrip…

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#367 Acts 21 54:28

7M ago54:28

54:28

How did the Apostle Paul discern God’s will and push forward despite opposition? And did the Apostle Paul go against the leading of the Holy Spirit? How did the early church display such amazing forgiveness of past wrongs and navigate deep difference? And how did Paul persist in the face of certain imprisonment and even death? All of that and more …

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#366 Why Christ’s Exclusive Claim is Exactly What Our Society Needs Right Now [Encore] 31:00

7M ago31:00

31:00

In contrast to our increasingly plural (many religions and ideologies) society’s claim that all roads lead to Heaven, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6). Many insist that this exclusive claim about truth and salvation is prideful and leads to mistreatment of others in a diverse society. But that is incorrect, as shown …

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#365 How to Have Good Fights 36:51

7M ago36:51

36:51

Conflict is a part of life and especially church life. But, in my experience as a former pastor’s kid, a church leader and an attorney, Christians are spectacularly bad at handling conflict. If we are going to significantly impact our communities, we will have to first overcome the obstacle of unhealthy church conflict. Stated differently, conflict…

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#364 Acts 20 42:56

7M ago42:56

42:56

A number of people have fallen asleep during my preaching; and, in fact, it may be a great cure for insomnia. But I can definitely say that noone has died during one of my sermons. Not so the Apostle Paul. In Acts 20, Paul concludes his third missionary journey by returning to Macedonia and Greece, preaching in Troas and raising Eutychus from the d…

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#363 Public Square Ministry in Texas with Bryan English 46:01

8M ago46:01

46:01

The Texas Capitol is 14.64 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol because, well, of course it is. And this is one more piece of evidence that (say it with me) everything is bigger in Texas. I recently attended a Pastors’ Day at the Texas statehouse organized by the Church Ambassador Network of Texas, and I was blessed to see all that God is doing in the…

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#362 The Church, Immigration, Ordered Loves, and ICE Raids 45:33

8M ago45:33

45:33

Over the last week, I have received a number of questions about the church’s role concerning immigration and how to love and serve our neighbors well while also complying with the law. More specifically, a number of churches have reported that significant numbers of immigrants (even those with legal status such as asylum or refugee status) are not …

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#361 A Golden Opportunity: 4 Reasons We Should Redouble our Efforts to Renew America Right Now 32:02

8M ago32:02

32:02

There has been much talk lately about a new American Golden Age, and I certainly pray for the peace and prosperity of the United States and hope her best days are ahead of her (Jer. 29). Though a Golden Age is not guaranteed, I am confident that 2025 is a golden opportunity to redouble our efforts to engage government and create meaningful reforms …

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#360 How You Can Help Protect Kids from Porn with Joseph Kohm 53:07

8M ago53:07

53:07

More than half of teenagers report seeing online pornography before the age of thirteen, and 73% percent of teens report exposure to pornography. The harms of pornography are well documented, and seventeen U.S states have declared pornography a public health crisis. Given the recent oral arguments in FSC v. Paxton, what can Christians do about prot…

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#359 What Do I Say When …? A Parent’s Guide to Navigating Cultural Chaos for Children and Teens with Andrew Walker 31:09

9M ago31:09

31:09

If Christians parents do not teach and model a Biblical worldview to their children early and often, then culture will disciple them for us. We all recognize that swiftly changing culture is so pervasive and persistent that it finds its way past the protective walls of our homes, schools, and churches. So, how do we proactively raise our children i…

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#358 Stumbling Toward Utopia: How the 1960s Turned Into a National Nightmare and How We Can Revive the American Dream with Tim Goeglein 38:52

9M ago38:52

38:52

I am praying that this year, 2025, is one of renewal for the American experiment. This year is a critical opportunity to push back on unbiblical ideas and government overreach, shore up constitutional protections for parents and ministries, and partner with government officials for the common good. If we are to fully seize this opportunity, though,…

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#357 God’s Guardian: The Story of Joseph 48:14

9M ago48:14

48:14

In Christmas sermons, we often focus on the wise men, Mary, the Shepherds, and the angels. But there is another, silent player in the Christmas story that is often overlooked. Here is the perspective of Joseph and how he, in turn, points to the glory and majesty of Christ’s birth. Outline: The Royal Line A Match Made in Heaven A Baby Refugee A Warr…

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#356 Acts 19 35:03

10M ago35:03

35:03

Wherever the Way or the gospel goes, it has kingdom-shaking implications. Pagan practices go bankrupt, power and allegiance are shaken, and riots often break out. This is no tame, keep-it-to-myself movement. In previous chapters, the power of the Jesus has challenged the power of Rome, overcome superstition, and perplexed the philosophers. Now, in …

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#355 The Fatherless Epidemic and How to Respond with Sean Teis 44:52

10M ago44:52

44:52

The impact of fatherlessness in our society is staggering. For example, according to the Department for Health and Human Services, 85% of youth in prison or some form of incarceration grew up in a fatherless home. This is not meant to disparage the heroic efforts of single moms or downplay the success of many children that are growing up or grew up…

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#354 The Growing Assault on Parental Rights with Laura Bryant Hanford 1:03:30

10M ago1:03:30

1:03:30

I have been sounding the alarm for some time about a simple but frightening legal strategy– interpreting the definition of child abuse or neglect to include Christian parents raising a child consistent with that child’s sex as male or female. In other words, if Christian parents do not “affirm” a child’s transgender ideology, the full weight of the…

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#353 How to Change Your Zip Code with Frank Baldwin 48:05

10M ago48:05

48:05

This Thanksgiving, I am grateful for ministries like the Muncie Mission that are strategically transforming their zip codes through Gospel ministry, innovation, and hard work. The mission has been restoring dignity and hope to people in crisis since the Great Depression; and, under the leadership of Frank Baldwin, it has expanded its impact through…

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#352 Acts 18 55:46

11M ago55:46

55:46

In Acts 18, Paul ministers in the Las Vegas of ancient Greece, struggles with and overcomes fear (what, the Apostle Paul experienced fear?), finds ministry partners in Priscilla and Aquila, and launches into his third missionary journey. This chapter shows that every place and every person can be redeemed, that we often fight fear and overwhelm the…

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#351 Reflections on the 2024 Election and What’s Next for Christian Citizens 42:26

11M ago42:26

42:26

What are the key lessons from the 2024 elections, and what’s next for Christian citizens? Here are three key takeaways from last week: A Seismic Win A Serious Setback A Sobering Responsibility Key Takeaways: How the 2024 election exposed false narratives about demography as destiny and the acceptance of transgender ideology. How people of faith vot…

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#350 4 Reminders for Election Day 27:45

11M ago27:45

27:45

Today marks the 60th time Americans have gone to the polls to elect a president. The stakes and emotions are high; and, as I discussed at length in the episode last week entitled Jethro’s Voting Guide – 2024 Edition, Christians should engage their role as citizen and vote according to Biblical principles to promote the created order. Why? Because t…

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#349 Jethro’s Voting Guide – 2024 Edition 50:32

11M ago50:32

50:32

The 2024 Presidential election is just one week away; and here is our “roundup” episode on the election, voting, and Christian citizenship after the election is decided. This includes a review of Biblical principles concerning voting; a brief moral and practical analysis of the various positions I have heard over the last few months (and a reminder…

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#348 A Briefing on Christian Citizenship for the 2024 Election Season with Dr. Albert Mohler 33:17

11M ago33:17

33:17

Dr. Albert Mohler produces a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview entitled The Briefing, and I greatly appreciate that podcast and his consistent voice in public life. In this recent interview with Dr. Mohler, we discussed the following key questions (and more) facing Christians this election season: How should Christians an…

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#347 How to be Agents of Grace during Election Season with Dan Darling 45:07

12M ago45:07

45:07

The 2024 presidential election is now just three weeks away, and the rhetoric and pressure is ratcheting up. In the midst of this election cycle, how should Christians respond? How can our commitment to truth, our love for one another and our neighbors, and our sense of hope and certainty be a witness to our communities? In this episode, Dan Darlin…

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