In this episode of The Issues Podcast, Stephen Russ and Martin Wickens respond to the disturbing church invasion in Minnesota and explore what it means to protect religious liberty, uphold lawful protest, and remain faithful to Christ in a hostile culture. They discuss church security, the role of government, Christian self-defense, and the balance between loving enemies and seeking justice, always returning to the truth that the Gospel is the ultimate answer to society’s deepest problems.

Few topics ignite more passion—and confusion—than the Bible translation debate. In this candid episode, Stephen Russ, Martin Wickens, and Joe Shakour sit down for the conversation many have been asking for but few have been willing to have.

From the opening prayer, it’s clear this isn’t a fight to win—it’s a truth to clarify.

Together they walk through:

• How we actually got our English Bible and why the history matters

• Why the textual issue raises so much heat, and how to bring light instead

• Why they reject the Alexandrian text family and remain committed to the traditional text

• What the King James translators actually did—and why their method still holds up

• Bad arguments for the KJV (and why they hurt more than they help)

• Readability, accuracy, and the next generation—can we confidently hand our kids a KJV?

• Why this topic is worth discussing again, and how to talk about it without tearing each other apart

If you've ever wondered why these men remain convinced of the King James Bible—or if you’ve wrestled with the questions yourself—this is the episode that finally gives a thoughtful, charitable, biblically grounded answer.

This is one of the most important episodes the Issues Podcast has ever released. If you care about Scripture, clarity, or the next generation, don’t skip this one. Resource List:

• The King James Version Defended — E.F. Hills

• A More Sure Word — R.B. Ouellette

• The Traditional Text — Dean Burgon

• The Causes of the Corruption of the Traditional Text — Dean Burgon

• The Test for Truth — Dean Burgon (writings)

• Articles & Pamphlets — Trinitarian Bible Society (TBS)

• Articles & Research — Institute for New Testament Textual Research (INTF)

🎙️ Issues Podcast — “Dispensationalism: A Biblical Defense”

In this timely and engaging episode, Stephen Russ sits down with Martin Wickens and Joe Shakour to discuss one of the most debated theological subjects today: Dispensationalism—what it is, what it isn’t, and why it matters more than ever.

This episode speaks to:

• What the Bible means by “dispensation” and how Scripture itself shows God dealing with humanity in distinct stewardships

• Why hyper-dispensationalism is dangerous, especially when it alters the Gospel or invents multiple ways of salvation

• How to think biblically about Israel today without collapsing into political reactionism or cultural pressure

• Why covenant promises to Israel still matter—not because Israel is perfect, but because God is faithful

• How a literal hermeneutic preserves clarity, consistency, and confidence in the Word of God

• Where premillennial hope fits into the believer’s daily life, not as speculation, but as comfort and motivation

This episode cuts through noise and social-media theology, calling believers back to a simple, Scriptural, Christ-honoring framework for understanding God’s plan through the ages.

📖 “A dispensational view doesn’t complicate the Bible—it allows the Bible to say what it says.”