From Pulpit Freedom Sunday: Resources for faith leaders

November 02, 2012

Writer

In preparing the special newsletter GlennBeck.com sent out on Saturday, Glenn asked that we include a link to the resources that Pastor Jim Garlow and his team at Pulpit Freedom Sunday sent out to faith leaders across the country this week. Many viewers will recognize Pastor Garlow and the organization from several interviews he has done with Glenn on radio and TV, as well as stories on Pulpit Freedom Sunday on TheBlaze.com.

From Jim Garlow, Pastor, Skyline Church,* San Diego & Chairman, ReAL Action, Washington, DC

There are many resources available to us during this critical election year. Below I have listed some I think may be useful to you.

In the interest of full disclosure, I believe the Scriptures are profoundly clear regarding these (and other related) themes:

the sanctity of life,

the sacredness of (traditional, biblical, natural) marriage,

the evil of stealing from future generations by excessive national debt,

the importance of recognizing that our rights come from God (“by their Creator” as stated in the Declaration of Independence), including the 1^st Amendment right to practice our faith in all of life,

the appropriateness of “constitutionalism,” that is, not violating understood and biblically valid laws,

the understanding that the “image of God” on every human results in creativity, followed by productivity and the potential of appropriate prosperity (Succinctly stated, free enterprise [appropriately defined within the framework of Judeo-Christian values] is inherently biblical. Socialism or Marxism is inherently anti-biblical)

and the support of Israel.

If you share these views (and other associated ones), you might be interested in using – on this final weekend before the election – some of the 21 resources listed below (nine of which I created). Use what you want.

(NOTE: Before you look at the resource list below, allow me to invite you to go first to www.PulpitFreedom.org and join with over 1,620 pastors who are advocates of “no governmental intrusion in the pulpit.” This applies not merely to those pastors who share my views listed above. This applies to ALL pastors. For example, if you are pro-abortion, pro same sex “marriage,” unconcerned about the national debt, or not committed to supporting Israel, we affirm the right of pastors – of ANY theological persuasion – to speak from their pulpit as they choose. Therefore, we invite ALL pastors, who believe that the pastor-muzzling and pulpit-censoring Johnson Amendment of 1954 is unconstitutional, to sign up at www.PulpitFreedom.org and join the rapidly rising chorus of “free pulpits.” )

RESOURCE LIST

PREACHING / SERMON RESOURCES:

1. Phoenix Seminary Professor and Author (Politics According to the Bible) Wayne Grudem’s remarkable reprintable analysis of 2012 election issues from a biblical perspective. You have permission to make copies of this document:

http://www.waynegrudem.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Moral-and-spiritual-issues-in-the-2012-election-10-2-12.pdf

2. Wayne Grudem’s video interview by Jim Garlow, on the issues of the 2012 election (tied to the document above):

3. Jim Garlow video that was used in many churches in recent weekends to help the congregation understand historically, theologically and biblically why their pastor is speaking out on national issues:

4. This professionally produced video graphically demonstrates the destruction of biblical values in contemporary culture. When showed at one church recently, it gripped the hearts of persons of all ages, particularly young adults. Some even cried openly:

Download link: http://www.valuevotersusa.com/

You-tube link:

UNDERSTANDING BIBLICAL ECONOMICS 5. To help us as pastors and Christian leaders better understand fiscal issues, Dallas, TX Financial Planner Jerry Tuma prepared a 12 page document as a crash course on the key biblical truths that apply to national economics. Download it and use it freely: http://cornerstonefinancial-tx.com/PDF/Biblical_Economic_Principles_2012.pdf

6. This gripping video portrays a factual history of the economic disaster of the last four years:

YOUTH PRODUCED VIDEOS:

7. A brief and moving video done by a group of high school students from the San Diego area:

8. A remarkably articulate 13 year old 8^th grader does a “report card” on Barak Obama and Mitt Romney:

AFRICAN AMERICAN & HISPANIC RESPONSES

9. This powerful presentation by the leader of a network of 36,000 Hispanic congregations – Sammy Rodriguez – will take your breath away: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WJ9ME5yFt8

10. Strong concerns emerging from black leaders, among them Bishop Harry Jackson (a Harvard grad and NFL player for a short time):

11. Another convicting presentation by Bishop Harry Jackson:

12. Bishop EW Jackson’s frank, direct and soul searching appeal:

13. Bishop Joe Mattera is one of America’s most brilliant pastors when it comes to understanding kingdom principles in the present culture. An Italian-Hispanic leader in New York City, Bishop Joe Mattera preached this breathtaking sermon entitled “Exchanging God for Gods” in the city to 1,200 blacks, whites and Hispanics. People came pouring to the altar to repent:

Audio version: http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/34263-how-america-exchanged-god-for-gods

CIVIL DISCOURSE

14. How can we have civil, thoughtful, respectful conversations with those who disagree with us in a politically charged atmosphere? Here is a discussion that occurred in at Skyline Church when Jim Garlow invited two prominent same sex “marriage” advocates to the service. Use any portion of it, if you desire:

THE CONDITION OF THE NATION

15. Jim Garlow’s address at Statuary Hall in the US Capitol:

16. Jim Garlow’s brief appeal regarding pastors speaking out on national issues, before 7,000 people at the Indivisible Conference, closing with a personal story regarding his wife’s battle with stage 4 cancer, comparing it to America’s “cancer.”

INTERACTING WITH A SOMEWHAT HOSTILE CULTURE (INTERVIEWS)

17. Want some laughter? Jim Garlow interviewed on The Colbert Report by host Stephen Colbert. Unpredictable and wild:

18. A somewhat testy CNN interview of Jim Garlow regarding Pulpit Freedom Sunday, three days before the event:

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2012/10/03/exp-costello-garlow-politicial-sermons.cnn

19. A slightly less testy CNN interview of Jim Garlow regarding Pulpit Freedom Sunday on the actual Sunday:

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2012/10/07/exp-pulpit-freedom-sunday.cnn

20. A rather feisty interview with Jim Garlow done by CNN host and former NY Governor Elliot Spitzer touching on God’s word and marriage:

A CONGRESSMAN’S PLEA / ISRAEL

21. A profoundly moving appeal by AZ Congressman Trent Franks – recorded in Jerusalem – appealing for pastors and Christians to rise up for the cause of truth, righteousness and the defense of Israel.

The Woodrow Wilson strategy to get out of Mother’s Day

Stock Montage / Contributor, Xinhua News Agency / Contributor | Getty Images

I’ve got a potentially helpful revelation that’s gonna blow the lid off your plans for this Sunday. It’s Mother’s Day.

Yeah, that sacred day where you’re guilt-tripped into buying flowers, braving crowded brunch buffets, and pretending you didn’t forget to mail the card. But what if I told you… you don’t have to do it? That’s right, there’s a loophole, a get-out-of-Mother’s-Day-free card, and it’s stamped with the name of none other than… Woodrow Wilson (I hate that guy).

Back in 1914, ol’ Woody Wilson signed a proclamation that officially made Mother’s Day a national holiday. Second Sunday in May, every year. He said it was a day to “publicly express our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.” Sounds sweet, right? Until you peel back the curtain.

See, Wilson wasn’t some sentimental guy sitting around knitting doilies for his mom. No, no, no. This was a calculated move.

The idea for Mother’s Day had been floating around for decades, pushed by influential voices like Julia Ward Howe. By 1911, states were jumping on the bandwagon, but it took Wilson to make it federal. Why? Because he was a master of optics. This guy loved big, symbolic gestures to distract from the real stuff he was up to, like, oh, I don’t know, reshaping the entire federal government!

So here’s the deal: if you’re looking for an excuse to skip Mother’s Day, just lean into this. Say, “Sorry, Mom, I’m not celebrating a holiday cooked up by Woodrow Wilson!” I mean, think about it – this is the guy who gave us the Federal Reserve, the income tax, and don’t even get me started on his assault on basic liberties during World War I. You wanna trust THAT guy with your Sunday plans? I don’t think so! You tell your mom, “Look, I love you, but I’m not observing a Progressive holiday. I’m keeping my brunch money in protest.”

Now, I know what you might be thinking.

“Glenn, my mom’s gonna kill me if I try this.” Fair point. Moms can be scary. But hear me out: you can spin this. Tell her you’re honoring her EVERY DAY instead of some government-mandated holiday. You don’t need Wilson’s permission to love your mom! You can bake her a cake in June, call her in July, or, here’s a wild idea, visit her WITHOUT a Woodrow Wilson federal proclamation guilting you into it.

Silent genocide exposed: Are christians being wiped out in 2025?

Aldara Zarraoa / Contributor | Getty Images

Is a Christian Genocide unfolding overseas?

Recent reports suggest an alarming escalation in violence against Christians, raising questions about whether these acts constitute genocide under international law. Recently, Glenn hosted former U.S. Army Special Forces Sniper Tim Kennedy, who discussed a predictive model that forecasts a surge in global Christian persecution for the summer of 2025.

From Africa to Asia and the Middle East, extreme actions—some described as genocidal—have intensified over the past year. Over 380 million Christians worldwide face high levels of persecution, a number that continues to climb. With rising international concern, the United Nations and human rights groups are urging protective measures by the global community. Is a Christian genocide being waged in the far corners of the globe? Where are they taking place, and what is being done?

India: Hindu Extremist Violence Escalates

Yawar Nazir / Contributor | Getty Images

In India, attacks on Christians have surged as Hindu extremist groups gain influence within the country. In February 2025, Hindu nationalist leader Aadesh Soni organized a 50,000-person rally in Chhattisgarh, where he called for the rape and murder of all Christians in nearby villages and demanded the execution of Christian leaders to erase Christianity. Other incidents include forced conversions, such as a June 2024 attack in Chhattisgarh, where a Hindu mob gave Christian families a 10-day ultimatum to convert to Hinduism. In December 2024, a Christian man in Uttar Pradesh was attacked, forcibly converted, and paraded while the mob chanted "Death to Jesus."

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recommends designating India a "Country of Particular Concern" and imposing targeted sanctions on those perpetrating these attacks. The international community is increasingly alarmed by the rising tide of religious violence in India.

Syria: Sectarian Violence Post-Regime Change

LOUAI BESHARA / Contributor | Getty Images

Following the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024, Syria has seen a wave of sectarian violence targeting religious minorities, including Christians, with over 1,000 killed in early 2025. It remains unclear whether Christians are deliberately targeted or caught in broader conflicts, but many fear persecution by the new regime or extremist groups. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a dominant rebel group and known al-Qaeda splinter group now in power, is known for anti-Christian sentiments, heightening fears of increased persecution.

Christians, especially converts from Islam, face severe risks in the unstable post-regime environment. The international community is calling for humanitarian aid and protection for Syria’s vulnerable minority communities.

Democratic Republic of Congo: A "Silent Genocide"

Hugh Kinsella Cunningham / Stringer | Getty Images

In February 2025, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an ISIS-affiliated group, beheaded 70 Christians—men, women, and children—in a Protestant church in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, after tying their hands. This horrific massacre, described as a "silent genocide" reminiscent of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, has shocked the global community.

Since 1996, the ADF and other militias have killed over six million people, with Christians frequently targeted. A Christmas 2024 attack killed 46, further decimating churches in the region. With violence escalating, humanitarian organizations are urging immediate international intervention to address the crisis.

POLL: Starbase exposed: Musk’s vision or corporate takeover?

MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO / Contributor | Getty Images

Is Starbase the future of innovation or a step too far?

Elon Musk’s ambitious Starbase project in South Texas is reshaping Boca Chica into a cutting-edge hub for SpaceX’s Starship program, promising thousands of jobs and a leap toward Mars colonization. Supporters see Musk as a visionary, driving economic growth and innovation in a historically underserved region. However, local critics, including Brownsville residents and activists, argue that SpaceX’s presence raises rents, restricts beach access, and threatens environmental harm, with Starbase’s potential incorporation as a city sparking fears of unchecked corporate control. As pro-Musk advocates clash with anti-Musk skeptics, will Starbase unite the community or deepen the divide?

Let us know what you think in the poll below:

Is Starbase’s development a big win for South Texas?

Should Starbase become its own city?

Is Elon Musk’s vision more of a benefit than a burden for the region?

Shocking truth behind Trump-Zelenskyy mineral deal unveiled

Chip Somodevilla / Staff | Getty Images

President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have finalized a landmark agreement that will shape the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations. The agreement focuses on mineral access and war recovery.

After a tense March meeting, Trump and Zelenskyy signed a deal on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, granting the U.S. preferential mineral rights in Ukraine in exchange for continued military support. Glenn analyzed an earlier version of the agreement in March, when Zelenskyy rejected it, highlighting its potential benefits for America, Ukraine, and Europe. Glenn praised the deal’s strategic alignment with U.S. interests, including reducing reliance on China for critical minerals and fostering regional peace.

However, the agreement signed this week differs from the March proposal Glenn praised. Negotiations led to significant revisions, reflecting compromises on both sides. What changes were made? What did each leader seek, and what did they achieve? How will this deal impact the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations and global geopolitics? Below, we break down the key aspects of the agreement.

What did Trump want?

Bloomberg / Contributor | Getty Images

Trump aimed to curb what many perceive as Ukraine’s overreliance on U.S. aid while securing strategic advantages for America. His primary goals included obtaining reimbursement for the billions in military aid provided to Ukraine, gaining exclusive access to Ukraine’s valuable minerals (such as titanium, uranium, and lithium), and reducing Western dependence on China for critical resources. These minerals are essential for aerospace, energy, and technology sectors, and Trump saw their acquisition as a way to bolster U.S. national security and economic competitiveness. Additionally, he sought to advance peace talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war, positioning the U.S. as a key mediator.

Ultimately, Trump secured preferential—but not exclusive—rights to extract Ukraine’s minerals through the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, as outlined in the agreement. The U.S. will not receive reimbursement for past aid, but future military contributions will count toward the joint fund, designed to support Ukraine’s post-war recovery. Zelenskyy’s commitment to peace negotiations under U.S. leadership aligns with Trump’s goal of resolving the conflict, giving him leverage in discussions with Russia.

These outcomes partially meet Trump’s objectives. The preferential mineral rights strengthen U.S. access to critical resources, but the lack of exclusivity and reimbursement limits the deal’s financial benefits. The peace commitment, however, positions Trump as a central figure in shaping the war’s resolution, potentially enhancing his diplomatic influence.

What did Zelenskyy want?

Global Images Ukraine / Contributor | Getty Images

Zelenskyy sought to sustain U.S. military and economic support without the burden of repaying past aid, which has been critical for Ukraine’s defense against Russia. He also prioritized reconstruction funds to rebuild Ukraine’s war-torn economy and infrastructure. Security guarantees from the U.S. to deter future Russian aggression were a key demand, though controversial, as they risked entangling America in long-term commitments. Additionally, Zelenskyy aimed to retain control over Ukraine’s mineral wealth to safeguard national sovereignty and align with the country’s European Union membership aspirations.

The final deal delivered several of Zelenskyy’s priorities. The reconstruction fund, supported by future U.S. aid, provides a financial lifeline for Ukraine’s recovery without requiring repayment of past assistance. Ukraine retained ownership of its subsoil and decision-making authority over mineral extraction, granting only preferential access to the U.S. However, Zelenskyy conceded on security guarantees, a significant compromise, and agreed to pursue peace talks under Trump’s leadership, which may involve territorial or political concessions to Russia.

Zelenskyy’s outcomes reflect a delicate balance. The reconstruction fund and retained mineral control bolster Ukraine’s economic and sovereign interests, but the absence of security guarantees and pressure to negotiate peace could strain domestic support and challenge Ukraine’s long-term stability.

What does this mean for the future?

Handout / Handout | Getty Images

While Trump didn’t secure all his demands, the deal advances several of his broader strategic goals. By gaining access to Ukraine’s mineral riches, the U.S. undermines China’s dominance over critical elements like lithium and graphite, essential for technology and energy industries. This shift reduces American and European dependence on Chinese supply chains, strengthening Western industrial and tech sectors. Most significantly, the agreement marks a pivotal step toward peace in Europe. Ending the Russia-Ukraine war, which has claimed thousands of lives, is a top priority for Trump, and Zelenskyy’s commitment to U.S.-led peace talks enhances Trump’s leverage in negotiations with Russia. Notably, the deal avoids binding U.S. commitments to Ukraine’s long-term defense, preserving flexibility for future administrations.

The deal’s broader implications align with the vision Glenn outlined in March, when he praised its potential to benefit America, Ukraine, and Europe by securing resources and creating peace. While the final agreement differs from Glenn's hopes, it still achieves key goals he outlined.

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