Path of the Cross Podcast

John Sedra: Surviving the Muslim Brotherhood & The Cowardice of the Western Church

John Sedra survived an assassination attempt by the Muslim Brotherhood as a child. Now, he's warning the Western Church to wake up before it's too late.In this episode:We sit down with John Sedra, Worship and Creative Pastor at Echo Church, for an explosive conversation about faith under fire. John shares the harrowing story of growing up as a Coptic Christian in Egypt, where his father's ministry led to a targeted hit by the Muslim Brotherhood—an attack thwarted only by a literal miracle. We discuss the stark contrast between the persecuted church in the Middle East and the soft, watered-down Christianity prevalent in the West today.John doesn't hold back as he breaks down the history of Islam, the brutal reality of Sharia Law, and the dangerous alliance forming between radical secularists and Islamic extremists. We also dive deep into the modern worship industry, the demonic influence of secular music, and why true believers must channel the courage of Dietrich Bonhoeffer to speak the truth in a dark world. Finally, John shares how Echo Church is helping spark a Gen Z revival in Australia and their upcoming expansion to Florida.About John Sedra:Role: Worship & Creative Pastor at Echo ChurchKnown for: Authentic, grassroots ministry, unapologetic biblical truth, and leading a global revival movement out of Sydney, Australia.🔗 Connect with John Sedra & Echo Church:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnsedra/YouTube: Echo Church Sydney⏱️ Chapters:00:00 - Introduction: Performance vs. Presence01:30 - Growing Up a Targeted Coptic Christian in Egypt03:45 - The Muslim Brotherhood Assassination Attempt & God's Miracle08:00 - Why Miracles Happen in the Middle East (But Rarely in the West)11:20 - The Soft, "Woke" Christianity of Modern America15:00 - The True History of Islam, Conquest, and Sharia Law24:30 - Immigration, the West, and the Left's Unholy Alliance31:00 - The Unstoppable Rise of Echo Church36:45 - The Demonic Influence of Secular Music: What Are You Feeding Your Spirit?47:30 - True Worship vs. The Christian Music "Industry"52:15 - Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Why Silence in the Face of Evil is Evil58:00 - Taking Territory: Echo Church is Coming to Florida01:00:30 - John Sedra's Legacy: Claiming Cities Back for Jesus🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to never miss an episode! 📢 Share this message with someone who needs encouragement today.Connect With Zach and Path of the Cross Subscribe: https://youtube.com/@PathoftheCrossPodcast?si=I8aPszhY_vvQbvebFollow Zach Schumaker: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachschumaker/ X: https://x.com/ZachSchumaker Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zach.schuz.schumaker TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zachschumaker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachschumaker/Path of the Cross Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pathofthecrosspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574915377314About Path of the Cross: Path of the Cross Podcast bridges the gap between the heart and the mind through raw testimonies and deep theological truth. Hosted by Zach Schumaker, we explore apologetics, Bible history, and the reality of suffering to equip the whole believer. Subscribe to discover not just what to believe, but why it matters.Check out my other shows: The SchuZ Show: https://www.youtube.com/@theschuzshow/featuredThe Iron Compass: https://www.youtube.com/@TheIronCompassShowHashtags: #JohnSedra #EchoChurch #PathOfTheCross #ChristianPersecution #MuslimBrotherhood #Apologetics #SpiritualWarfare #WorshipMusic #DietrichBonhoeffer #ChristianPodcast #GenZRevival #TheSchuZShow#POTCP Episode 32

Spike Cohen: From Libertarian VP Nominee to Following Jesus (Testimony)

Former Libertarian VP nominee Spike Cohen shares his powerful testimony of returning to Christ and why he believes the State has become a false idol.In this episode:We sit down with entrepreneur, activist, and founder of You Are The Power, Spike Cohen. Best known as the 2020 Libertarian Vice Presidential nominee, Spike shares the untold story of his spiritual journey—from growing up in a Messianic Jewish home to wrestling with profound doubts, walking away from his faith, and ultimately experiencing a miraculous return to Jesus Christ. We dive deep into the dangers of Christian Nationalism, why the Church—not the government—should be solving society's greatest problems, and the theological differences between Judaism and Christianity. Spike also shares the incredible story of defending a North Carolina pastor who was fined $100,000 by the city just for letting the homeless sleep in his church during freezing temperatures.About Spike Cohen:Role: Founder of You Are The Power & 2020 Libertarian VP NomineeKnown for: Grassroots activism, defending religious liberty, and protecting individuals from government overreach and abuse.🔗 Connect with Spike Cohen:Website: https://www.youarethepower.net/X (Twitter): https://x.com/RealSpikeCohen⏱️ Chapters:00:00 - Introduction: The Libertarian VP Nominee Who Found True Freedom01:30 - How "Jeremy" Became "Spike" (A My Little Pony Story)03:45 - Growing Up Messianic Jewish & Wrestling with Doubt07:20 - The Danger of the "Word of Faith" Movement (Why Wasn't I Healed?)12:15 - "Lord, Help My Unbelief": Spike’s Return to Jesus18:30 - The 50-Year Miracle: The Crazy Connection to His Father's Salvation23:00 - What Does It Actually Mean to Go "All In" for God?28:45 - Am I Too Far Gone? (The Difference Between Peter and Judas)35:20 - How to Find a Biblical Church & Red Flags to Avoid41:10 - How to Handle "Church Hurt" and Spiritual Abuse46:30 - Explaining Messianic Judaism vs. Traditional Judaism52:15 - Why Christian Nationalism is a Dangerous "Skin Suit"57:40 - Should We Elect a True Christian President?01:02:30 - Why the Church Should Replace the Welfare State01:06:15 - The Pastor Fined $100,000 for Feeding the Homeless (And How They Won)01:10:45 - The Two Thieves on the Cross: A Mind-Blowing Revelation01:16:30 - The Mission of You Are The Power 01:19:45 - Spike’s Legacy: "Preach the Gospel, Die, and Be Forgotten"🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to never miss an episode! 📢 Share this message with someone who needs encouragement today.Connect With Zach and Path of the Cross Subscribe: https://youtube.com/@PathoftheCrossPodcast?si=I8aPszhY_vvQbvebFollow Zach Schumaker: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachschumaker/ X: https://x.com/ZachSchumaker Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zach.schuz.schumaker TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zachschumaker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachschumaker/Path of the Cross Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pathofthecrosspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574915377314About Path of the Cross: Path of the Cross Podcast bridges the gap between the heart and the mind through raw testimonies and deep theological truth. Hosted by Zach Schumaker, we explore apologetics, Bible history, and the reality of suffering to equip the whole believer. Subscribe to discover not just what to believe, but why it matters.Check out my other shows: The SchuZ Show: https://www.youtube.com/@theschuzshow/featuredThe Iron Compass: https://www.youtube.com/@TheIronCompassShowHashtags: #SpikeCohen #PathOfTheCross #Libertarian #ChristianNationalism #Testimony #Apologetics #YouAreThePower #ReligiousLiberty #MessianicJudaism #ChurchAndState #ChristianPodcast #FaithJourney #PoliticsAndFaith#POTCP Episode 31

"I Walked Away from Everything": Jeremy Rosado on Fatherhood, Trauma & 'The Voice'

Jeremy Rosado walked away from international fame to become a single father at 21. Now, he's back and using his voice to heal millions.In this episode:We sit down with Christian music artist and television star Jeremy Rosado for a deeply emotional conversation about sacrifice, trauma, and the timing of God. Jeremy shares his incredible testimony of making the Top 13 on American Idol, only to lay his dream down to take custody of his 2-year-old niece. We discuss the painful "waiting room" season of his life, how therapy helped him heal from childhood abuse, and the miraculous story of how God brought him back to the spotlight on The Voice. Jeremy also reveals the intense pushback he received for choosing to sing the worship song "Reckless Love" on live television and how his viral hit "Hero in the Room" is saving lives.About Jeremy Rosado:Role: Christian Music Artist (Capitol CMG)Known for: Top 13 on American Idol, standout contestant on The Voice, and his viral hit song "Hero in the Room."🔗 Connect with Jeremy Rosado:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjeremyrosado/⏱️ Chapters:00:00 - Introduction: The Sacrifice of Fame for Family01:30 - Jeremy’s Testimony: Knowing the "Pastor's Jesus" vs. A Personal Jesus04:15 - How to Survive Stardom Without Losing Your Soul08:00 - The Tommee Profitt Miracle: "God Woke Me Up in a Dream"11:30 - Fighting the Underdog Mentality & Going to Therapy15:45 - The Story of "Hero in the Room": Healing from Childhood Abuse20:00 - Why Jeremy Walked Away from American Idol at 2123:30 - The Promise to God: Raising His Niece as a Single Father27:15 - The "Waiting Room" Season: Why God's Timing is Perfect31:00 - The Voice: Being Told NOT to Sing About Jesus on National TV35:45 - How "Come and See" Became an Anthem for Addiction Recovery39:30 - Signing with Capitol CMG & The Winter Jam Tour44:00 - The Viral Blowup on TikTok & Instagram48:15 - Honoring His Puerto Rican Heritage (Feliz Navidad)51:00 - Jeremy’s Legacy: "I Want to Love My Family Well"📚 Resources Mentioned:"The Waiting Room" (Album)"Hero in the Room" (Song)🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to never miss an episode! 📢 Share this message with someone who needs encouragement today.Connect With Zach and Path of the Cross Subscribe: https://youtube.com/@PathoftheCrossPodcast?si=I8aPszhY_vvQbvebFollow Zach Schumaker: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachschumaker/ X: https://x.com/ZachSchumaker Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zach.schuz.schumaker TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zachschumaker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachschumaker/Path of the Cross Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pathofthecrosspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574915377314About Path of the Cross: Path of the Cross Podcast bridges the gap between the heart and the mind through raw testimonies and deep theological truth. Hosted by Zach Schumaker, we explore apologetics, Bible history, and the reality of suffering to equip the whole believer. Subscribe to discover not just what to believe, but why it matters.Check out my other shows: The SchuZ Show: https://www.youtube.com/@theschuzshow/featuredThe Iron Compass: https://www.youtube.com/@TheIronCompassShowHashtags: #JeremyRosado #PathOfTheCross #AmericanIdol #TheVoice #ChristianMusic #CapitolCMG #HeroInTheRoom #Testimony #FaithAndFame #Fatherhood #OvercomingTrauma #ChristianPodcast #WorshipMusic#POTCP Episode 30

They Said Christianity is a White Man's Religion... History Proves Them Wrong

Pastor Lance Ralston debunks the myth of "White Man's Christianity" and reveals the shocking truth about Progressive Christianity and the real Mount Sinai.In this episode:We sit down with Lance Ralston, founding pastor of Calvary Chapel Oxnard and seasoned church historian, to uncover the lost stories of our faith. Pastor Lance shares his powerful testimony of running from God and the supernatural hangover that brought him back. We dive deep into church history, exposing why "Progressive Christianity" is just reheated theological liberalism and how secularism quietly won the culture war. We also explore the fascinating differences between the Eastern and Western churches, the forgotten story of a Chinese Christian Rabbi visiting Rome, and the undeniable evidence that the real Mount Sinai is actually located in Saudi Arabia. Plus, Pastor Lance shares why AI could revolutionize Bible study—or become a mouthpiece for deception.About Lance Ralston:Role: Founding Pastor of Calvary Chapel Oxnard & Church HistorianKnown for: Verse-by-verse expository teaching, deep dives into church history, and defending biblical orthodoxy against modern cultural shifts.🔗 Connect with Pastor Lance Ralston:Website: https://www.calvaryoxnard.org/⏱️ Chapters:00:00 - Introduction: The Value of Church History00:57 - Lance’s Testimony: "How Long Are You Going to Run from God?"05:35 - Why We Must Understand the Historical Context of the Bible10:26 - Cutting a Covenant: What Genesis Actually Means12:37 - The 500-Year Struggle to Define the Trinity18:00 - The Danger of Authoritarian Pastors Who Don't Want You to Ask Questions19:11 - Progressive Christianity is Just Reheated Theological Liberalism20:54 - How Secularism Won the Culture War22:52 - When Pastors Became Celebrities Instead of Shepherds25:37 - The Great Schism: Western (Law) vs. Eastern (Theosis) Church31:24 - Why You Must Unlearn the Lies of Your Culture32:57 - The Power of Being Alone with God in Nature40:35 - How to Choose the Right Church (And Denomination Differences)42:11 - Debunking the Myth: Christianity is NOT a "White Man's Religion"44:40 - The Lost History of the Eastern Church (A Chinese Rabbi in Rome)48:39 - The Value of Theological Mystery (Comprehending vs. Apprehending God)56:06 - How AI is Transforming Bible Study Research01:00:03 - Warning: Could AI Become a Tool for Demonic Deception?01:04:00 - The Rapture: Why Setting Dates is Unbiblical01:08:03 - Discovering the REAL Mount Sinai in Saudi Arabia (Jabal Maqla)01:14:00 - Lance’s Legacy: "I Want People to Say I Smelled Like Jesus" Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to never miss an episode! 📢 Share this message with someone who needs encouragement today.Connect With Zach and Path of the Cross Subscribe: https://youtube.com/@PathoftheCrossPodcast?si=I8aPszhY_vvQbvebFollow Zach Schumaker: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachschumaker/ X: https://x.com/ZachSchumaker Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zach.schuz.schumaker TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zachschumaker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachschumaker/Path of the Cross Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pathofthecrosspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574915377314About Path of the Cross: Path of the Cross Podcast bridges the gap between the heart and the mind through raw testimonies and deep theological truth. Hosted by Zach Schumaker, we explore apologetics, Bible history, and the reality of suffering to equip the whole believer. Subscribe to discover not just what to believe, but why it matters.Check out my other shows: The SchuZ Show: https://www.youtube.com/@theschuzshow/featuredThe Iron Compass: https://www.youtube.com/@TheIronCompassShowHashtags: #LanceRalston #PathOfTheCross #ChurchHistory #ProgressiveChristianity #MountSinai #Theology #Apologetics #CalvaryChapel #BiblicalTruth #EasternOrthodox #ChristianHistory #EndTimes#POTCP Episode 29

The Untold Truth About Christian Persecution: Why 400 Million Are Suffering

Over 400 million Christians face persecution worldwide. Dan Ole Shani, CEO of Open Doors, reveals the shocking truth about the global war on faith.In this episode:We sit down with Dan Ole Shani, Global CEO of Open Doors International, to discuss the staggering reality of Christian persecution worldwide. From the extreme violence in Sub-Saharan Africa to the impenetrable wall of North Korea, Dan shares the harsh realities faced by millions. He shares his own journey from a traditional Maasai tribe to leading a global ministry, the importance of the Arise Africa campaign, and how Western Christians must prepare for the rising tide of secular intolerance. Dan also sheds light on the miraculous ways God is moving in the Middle East through dreams and the incredible resilience of believers in China.About Dan Dan Ole Shani:Role: Global CEO of Open Doors InternationalKnown for: Advocating for persecuted Christians globally, managing crises in volatile regions, and authoring the World Watch List.🔗 Connect with Dan Dan Ole Shani & Open Doors:Website: https://www.opendoors.org/Open Doors US: https://www.opendoorsus.org/⏱️ Chapters:00:00 - Introduction: The Global Crisis of Persecution01:12 - Dan's Testimony: Finding Jesus at 1405:17 - The 2026 World Watch List: 388 Million Christians Under Threat08:46 - Persecutors Becoming Believers: A Story from China11:20 - How Governments Suppress Religious Freedom13:06 - The Violence in Nigeria: Why Christians Are Targeted16:56 - The Difference Between Persecution in Africa vs. Asia19:08 - The Historical Fault Lines of Faith in Nigeria23:25 - How Persecution Tests and Refines Faith26:32 - Is the West Prepared for Persecution?30:05 - How Open Doors Collects Data from Closed Countries32:02 - The Personal Toll: Managing Trauma as a Leader40:28 - Family Persecution: The Deepest Sense of Betrayal42:01 - Praying for Persecutors: An Afghani Father's Unimaginable Faith47:48 - The Arise Africa Campaign: Praying for Peace48:52 - North Korea: The Most Difficult Place to Be a Christian51:00 - Are There Still Christians in North Korea?54:30 - The Middle East: Jesus Appearing in Dreams58:00 - Dan’s Legacy: Committed to the Great Commission📚 Resources Mentioned:Arise Africa CampaignWorld Watch List🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to never miss an episode! 📢 Share this message with someone who needs encouragement today.Connect With Zach and Path of the Cross Subscribe: https://youtube.com/@PathoftheCrossPodcast?si=I8aPszhY_vvQbvebFollow Zach Schumaker: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachschumaker/ X: https://x.com/ZachSchumaker Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zach.schuz.schumaker TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zachschumaker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachschumaker/Path of the Cross Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pathofthecrosspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574915377314About Path of the Cross: Path of the Cross Podcast bridges the gap between the heart and the mind through raw testimonies and deep theological truth. Hosted by Zach Schumaker, we explore apologetics, Bible history, and the reality of suffering to equip the whole believer. Subscribe to discover not just what to believe, but why it matters.Check out my other shows: The SchuZ Show: https://www.youtube.com/@theschuzshow/featuredThe Iron Compass: https://www.youtube.com/@TheIronCompassShowHashtags: #DanOleShani #PathOfTheCross #ChristianPersecution #OpenDoors #WorldWatchList #ReligiousFreedom #FaithUnderFire #Nigeria #NorthKorea #MiddleEast #ChristianTestimony #GreatCommission #SpiritualWarfare#POTCP Episode 28