The Bill Arnold Show

On this edition of "Deep Thinker Thursday,"  Jon and Pam Bloom highlight the surprise and amazement of Christ's birth, why our long-prophesied Savior came in such an unexpected way, and continues to upend and exceed our expectations, meeting us in our place of deepest need.

Our unofficial panel of menfolk is back! Dr. Peter Kapsner, Brad Johnson, and Justin Jeppesen join Bill to give their unique male perspectives on influencing and being influenced, breaking free from deception, the ministry of questions, control freaks vs. rule breakers, trusting the Good Shepherd to save, and more.

What is the Jewish celebration of Chanukah? What can we learn about the God of Israel through this festival of dedication?  Thom and Marcia Berkowitz share how the light of Chanukah can highlight the hope we have in our mighty Messiah.

Our plans for a perfect Christmas often go somewhat sideways--from burned dinners and awkward moments to outright arguments. How can we have a merry Christmas, no matter what happens? Dr. Glenn Pickering equips us to prepare our hearts, our expectations, and our responses to have a peaceful holiday season.

We open up the phone lines and our Bibles for another edition of "Ask the Professor!"  Professor Mark Muska from the University of Northwestern-St. Paul tackles your questions on what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit, how Moses talked with God, lies in the Bible, God's election vs. man's free will, and more.

We review the latest news from the nation's capital, and 2019 news in review with Rob Bluey , executive editor of The Daily Signal . Then David Wheaton helps us understand how theology determines morality and how to develop a higher view of God in our churches, our homes, and our hearts.

Amid an increasingly hostile, chaotic, anxious society, Dr. Everett Piper  says God's people have tremendous opportunity to shine the light. Then Jon Gauger shares surprisingly wise lessons we can learn from children from his book, Kids Say the Wisest Things.

We take a humorous look at news of the day with friend and colleague  Patrick Albanese . Then Vaneetha Risner shares what suffering teaches us about God, and how He meets us (and works through us) in our pain.

We explore the value of studying God's Word together and its relevance to everyday life. Bill's Bible study group, Jay, Dale and Brian, share their testimonies of coming to faith in Christ.

As the holidays approach, we'll have unique opportunities to have spiritual conversations with relatives and friends. Rick Mattson  and Jonna Fantz  help us prepare our hearts and have a ready answer for our faith at your next family gathering or neighborhood party.

Jesus said "my sheep will hear my voice." How do we learn to listen to God? Bible teacher Beverly Coniaris leads us on a fascinating look at how God speaks to us today, and how to hear (and follow) His voice.

Bill takes a humorous look at weekend news and daily life with friend and colleague Patrick Albanese .  Then Pastor Trent Palmberg shares the innovative ministry at Wooddale Church's Loring Park campus and how meeting in a historic theater is opening unique doors to share the love of Christ.

Was Jesus really born of a virgin? How can we believe the miracle of the Son's incarnation? And why does it even matter?  J. Warner Wallace uses his expertise as a cold-case detective to help us examine the evidence, and see why the facts lead us to faith in Christ.

Young people often walk away from faith because they don't find real answers in church. Carl Kerby from Reasons For Hope  reaches the YouTube generation--how else--with solid video answers to tough moral/spiritual questions. Then John Sommerville shares heartwarming stories that illustrate the unique comfort and hope of Christmas.

The ladies are back!  Our "Queens of the Roundtable," Rosey Brausen, Lee Wolfe Blum, Angela Smith, and Rebekah Haynie discuss Christmas adventures, the gift of true peace, checking our motivations for celebration, keeping our focus on Christ, and how close is too close to the Advent candles.

Our unofficial panel of menfolk is back! Peter Kapsner, Brad Johnson, and Josh Mulvihill join Bill to give their unique male perspectives on Sunday sports, the growth of secularism, four areas of culture the church can reclaim, being God's "peculiar people," the boldness of biblical sexuality, and more.

In our busy, distracted world, have we lost our sense of wonder for God? Pastor Jason Stonehouse encourages us to quiet our souls and rediscover the awe that the same almighty, all-powerful Creator that spoke the world into existence deeply loves you, and wants to be with you.

So much mystery surrounds angels and supernatural beings. What can we know about the reality of God's unseen realm? Dr. Michael Heiser  reveals what the Bible really says about angels, demons, and humanity's interactions with God's supernatural servants.

As the world expresses climate change fears, Dr. Cal Beisner shares surprising (calming) environmental facts. Then, when life doesn't go our way, how do we respond? Pastor Shawn Winters shares how Joseph and Mary teach us to look past our shattered expectations to trust in God's bigger story.

Each year, we marvel at the image of the Savior in a manger. But do we know the Christmas story as well as we think? Greek scholar Chris Palmer helps us discover the details of Christ's birth in the original language of Matthew and Luke.

Having your first baby is a sacred bundle of hopes and fears--especially when your baby arrives far earlier than expected. Kelsey Bolar of  the Daily Signal shares lessons and blessings of her NICU journey with her baby , and encourages fellow and future NICU moms (with our producer, Rebekah Haynie ).

We discuss how we as humans are more than flesh and bone & how to look at our human consciousness with philosopher and theologian, Kenneth Samples.

We take a humorous look at the news of the day with our friend Patrick Albanese and discuss why our Biblical Worldview matters with Josh Mulvihill.

Our pets can teach us so much about love and devotion. Our friend, David Wheaton shares how God changed his life through a very special yellow lab  named Ben. Then we dive deep into the Bible's background, systematic theology, modern miracles, and more with theologian Craig Keener .

Are you living a spiritual adventure? Beth Guckenberger says our lives become joyous adventures when we turn away from fear, and start saying yes to God. Then pastor  Robby Gallaty  shares his powerful story, how an accident, alcohol, and addiction ultimately led him to God, from his book " Recovered ."