Hope in Hardship: Suffering, Forgiveness, and God's Purpose

From Prison in Iran to Freedom in Christ | Marzi's story

What happens when someone chooses Jesus in a country where doing so can lead to imprisonment—or even death? In this powerful episode of The Clark Report, we talk with Marziyeh Amirizadeh, an Iranian-born Christian who was imprisoned in Tehran's notorious Evin Prison because of her faith in Christ. After a remarkable faith journey to Christianity, Marziyeh endured persecution, interrogation, and threats to her life before eventually finding freedom and beginning a new life in America. Marziyeh shares how dreams, Scripture, and God's providence led her to faith in Jesus, the realities facing Christians in Iran today, and why she believes there is hope for spiritual revival and transformation in the Middle East. She also discusses her work through New Persia, her organization advocating for persecuted believers and promoting peace and reconciliation throughout the region. [Please note: This episode deals with mature subject matter not suitable for children.]CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Introduction and overview of Marziyeh’s story 02:38 – Marziyeh's thoughts on the current war, peace talks 09:20 – Marziyeh’s personal faith journey to Christianity 13:06 – Her arrest, prison experience, and miraculous release 16:31 – Her move to America and founding of New Persia 18:36 – Projects supporting Israel and Jewish communities in prayer and action 22:52 – The spiritual revival in Iran and hope for the future 25:43 – "The Word in 7" | Luke 10:38-11:4, Mary & Martha's story 34:26 – Final prayer and encouragement for listeners Resources & Links: NewPersia.org - Marziyeh's ministry Marzisjourney.com - Marziyeh’s website with her books and other info RootandBranchIsrael.com - Project supporting Israel through Christian cooperation 👍 Like and Subscribe for more conversations that explore faith, culture, and everyday life through biblical lenses. [Note: The opinions expressed on this podcast by John and Val Clark are our own, and not necessarily those of our guests.] Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

It's Never Too Late, Dads!

Many fathers today feel overwhelmed, isolated, and unsure of how to lead their families—especially when it comes to matter of faith. In this episode of The Clark Report, we sit down with Kent Evans, founder of Manhood Journey, to talk about the real challenges Christian dads face today and why spiritual accountability and biblical community matter more than ever. Kent shares lessons from his transition from the business world into ministry and offers practical encouragement for dads who want to grow in faith, lead their families well, and leave a lasting spiritual legacy. His message: Hang in there– it’s never too late to be a better dad! Tune in for great encouragement and advice. "Manhood Journey" website: https://manhoodjourney.org/ Also in this episode: The Word in 7, as we look at Jesus’ great parable on The Good Samaritan. 👍 Like and Subscribe for more conversations that explore faith, culture, and everyday life through biblical lenses. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Help for struggling dads 01:22 Some troubling statistics 02:35 The mission of Manhood Journey 03:35 The challenges of fatherhood 04:36 Lessons from the business world 06:25 Knowing God as a Father 07:29 Advice that his home 10:10 It's never too late! [Note: The opinions expressed on this podcast by John and Val Clark are our own, and not necessarily those of our guests.] #ChristianFatherhood #ChristianParenting #FaithAndFamily #FathersDay #ChristianPodcast #TheClarkReport Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Hope in Hardship: Suffering, Forgiveness, and God's Purpose

What do you do when life feels unfair… and God seems silent? In this episode of The Clark Report, we sit down with Anne Graham Lotz and Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright to talk about their new book, "God Won't Leave You There: Joseph's Story." We look at the remarkable biblical account of Joseph—a man who experienced betrayal, suffering, injustice... and ultimately redemption. Through both Scripture and personal testimony, Anne and Rachel-Ruth share how Joseph’s story still speaks to us today. If you’re going through a season of grief, disappointment, and unanswered questions -- or just simply need some encouragement -- this episode is a reminder that God is still writing your story. Also in this episode, The Word in 7, as we look at the only time in the gospels where we're told Jesus rejoiced! 📖 Featured topic: Joseph’s life in Genesis🎙️ Guests: Anne Graham Lotz & Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright AnGeL Ministries: https://www.annegrahamlotz.org/ CHAPTERS 00:00 Finding hope in tough times 05:00 Why Joseph's story still matters 06:03 The power of forgiveness 11:15 Anne's personal challenges 15:37 Rachel-Ruth's health scare 18:26 Why read the Old Testament? 24:01 Working together as mother & daughter 26:37 God's faithfulness in our suffering 33:06 The Word in 7 | Luke 10:17-24 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more faith-based conversations, biblical encouragement, and Christian cultural commentary. [Note: The opinions expressed on this podcast by John and Val Clark are our own, and not necessarily those of our guests.] Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

America at 250: The Faith & Courage that Shaped a Nation

What role has faith played in America's history? In this episode of The Clark Report, we sit down with author Bria Freitas to discuss her new children's book, "America: 250 Years of Miracles." As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we explore the nation's spiritual heritage, the importance of religious freedom, and the role faith, courage, and perseverance have played throughout American history. Bria explains why children should learn not only about America's triumphs and blessings, but also about difficult chapters such as slavery, segregation, and the struggle for women's rights. The discussion also highlights the importance of early reading, Christian values, gratitude, kindness, and helping the next generation understand how faith has influenced both individuals and the nation as a whole. It's a thoughtful look at America's past—and the values that can help shape its future. Plus, "The Word in 7," our continuing study in the Gospel of Luke. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Important lessons for children 02:07 Why she wrote the book 03:07 The role of faith in the US 04:04 The Pilgrims' journey of faith 05:06 Dark chapters in US history 06:20 Why start a publishing company? 09:00 The importance of early reading 10:18 The key message of the book 12:40 The Word in 7 | Luke 10:1-16 Bria Freitas' Publishing Co.: https://brightlittlepages.com/ Email Address: bria@brightlittlepages.com 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more faith-based conversations, biblical encouragement, and Christian cultural commentary.[ Note: The opinions expressed on this podcast by John and Val Clark are our own, and not necessarily those of our guests.] Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.#ChristianPodcast #AmericanHistory #FaithAndFreedom #ChristianParenting #Homeschool #ReligiousFreedom #BiblicalWorldview #TheClarkReport

Fulfilled Bible Prophecy: Proof the Bible Is Divinely Inspired?

Can fulfilled Bible prophecy provide evidence that the Bible is truly the Word of God? In this episode of The Clark Report, we explore some of the most remarkable fulfilled prophecies in Scripture and what they reveal about the reliability and divine inspiration of the Bible. From the astonishing prophecy of Cyrus in Isaiah, to Ezekiel’s prediction concerning the destruction of Tyre, to the powerful messianic prophecies of Isaiah 53 fulfilled in Jesus Christ, this episode examines why fulfilled prophecy has strengthened the faith of believers for centuries. We also discuss why fulfilled prophecy matters today — not for sensationalism or speculation, but as compelling evidence that God rules over history and that Scripture can be trusted. Topics include: -The prophecy of Cyrus in Isaiah 44–45 -Ezekiel’s prophecy against Tyre -Isaiah 53 and the Suffering Messiah -Why fulfilled prophecy matters for Christian faith -Evidence for the reliability of the Bible -The connection between prophecy and the identity of Jesus Christ 👉 If you enjoy biblical teaching, Christian apologetics, theology, and evidence for Christianity, be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode.