Stakelbeck Tonight

Erick Stakelbeck: May 20, 2025 | Stakelbeck Tonight

May 20, 2025 | S25:E520

From wars and rumors of war abroad, to the rise of anti-Christian, "woke" ideology here at home, it’s clear that Americans are living in perilous and unprecedented times. Some would even say that we’re witnessing biblical prophecy unfold in real time. Stakelbeck Tonight will make sense of these stunning developments through a bold and biblical lens.

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Stakelbeck Tonight | Erick Stakelbeck: May 20, 2025 | Stakelbeck Tonight | May 20, 2025

Welcome to stakelbeck tonight.
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I'm erick stakelbeck.
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And it's bad enough that israel has to deal with
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Iran, hamas, hezbollah and the houthis.
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But now we have western nations, supposed allies of israel,
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Also issuing threats against the jewish state.
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With friends like these, who needs enemies?
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On monday, the uk, france and canada released
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A joint statement warning israel to halt its war against hamas
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In gaza or face, quote, concrete actions.
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Folks, israel renewed its military offensive in gaza
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This week because it's trying to crush hamas
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Once and for all and free the remaining hostages.
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Remember, it was israel that was attacked and invaded
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By hamas on october 7th and saw 1200 israelis, women,
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Children, the elderly murdered by demonic terrorists.
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Israel's war in gaza is a justified response
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To this unprovoked hamas attack, whereas israeli prime minister
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Benjamin netanyahu put it today by asking
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Israel to end a defensive war for our survival.
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Before hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed.
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And by demanding a palestinian state, the leaders in london,
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Ottawa and paris are offering a huge prize
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For the genocidal attack on israel on october 7th,
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While inviting more such atrocities.
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Amen.
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Yet here is left wing uk prime minister keir
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Starmer today slamming not hamas but israel.
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And i want to put on record today
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That we're horrified by the escalation from israel.
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We repeat our demand for a ceasefire
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As the only way to free the hostages.
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We repeat our opposition to settlements in the west bank,
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And we repeat our demand to massively scale
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Up humanitarian assistance into gaza.
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Now, earlier
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Today, starmer's government followed through on its threats.
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It's suspended negotiations with israel over a proposed
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Free trade agreement and levied sanctions
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Against so-called west bank settlers
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Living in the biblical heartland of judea and samaria.
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According to britain's foreign minister david lammy,
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Israel's offensive in gaza is an affront
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To the values of the british people.
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You know, these sanctimonious lectures
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By left wing, secular european bureaucrats
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Against israel and america never cease to amaze me.
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They rail against israel while scenes like this
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Are happening at historic windsor castle in the uk.
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Along like long.
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Are those
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The british values david lammy was referring to?
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What you just saw was a recent ramadan fast breaking event
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At windsor castle, outside of london, where english
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Monarchs once ruled, folks that turn against israel
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And the advance of islam are symptoms of a larger problem
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Seen throughout europe today
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The abandonment of the
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Judeo-christian biblical values, the moral clarity
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That once made the old continent a standard bearer
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For the gospel.
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Coming up.
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Franklin graham joins us to share
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What he's doing to reclaim europe for jesus.
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And it all starts now.
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It's an historic event, bringing together over 1000
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Christian leaders from 55 nations, all united
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For one mission to boldly proclaim the gospel of
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Jesus christ across europe and the world.
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The european congress
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On evangelism kicks off on may 27th in berlin.
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Reverend franklin graham is president
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And ceo of the billy graham evangelistic association.
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He'll be in berlin next week.
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And he joins us now to tell us why this event is so important.
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And how we can pray.
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Reverend graham, always great to see you.
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Hey, a great legacy for your family in europe
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With these evangelistic congresses.
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Your father, billy graham, put them together in years past.
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Why is 2025 the time to bring it back to europe,
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A place where the gospel went out from for centuries.
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You have been almost 25 years.
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Eric, since there's been any focus on evangelism,
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In europe,
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There, just in a meeting like this,
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Having over a thousand christian delegates,
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From 55 countries, that just hasn't
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Happened in over 25 years. and, you know, every,
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Every generation, has to be evangelized.
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Something has to be done every year.
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If we're going to sustain the church and keep the church
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Growing and expanding.
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And so europe, we've just seen the church actually,
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It's on the ropes.
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It's it's dying for the most part.
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And it's sad, i think in germany alone
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Last year, they had almost a thousand churches.
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Now that would include about 600,
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Catholic churches.
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And the rest would be,
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400 some protestant churches.
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But i'm not talking about evangelical bible,
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Believing churches, but these are just nominal churches.
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The europe is not done anything to reach,
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Really the lost in, in years.
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And so we want to put a focus on it.
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We want to try to get people,
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The churches excited about evangelism.
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And let's see if we can turn these numbers around.
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I mean, it's not we turn around, god turns them around.
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But maybe god will just use us to help
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Turn these numbers around.
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Yeah.
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Over a thousand leaders, reverend graham, 55 countries.
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This is exciting.
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As you said, nothing like this has been seen in europe
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In decades.
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And yet, as you've pointed out,
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Look, europeans evangelized the united states.
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We can't just let europe fall by the wayside.
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Right?
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It's just too important for the west and for the world.
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Well, it is, and that means, of course, this is our heritage.
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This is where, most of our ancestors come from.
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And, and so it's sad when,
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Especially when you see some of the great,
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Missionary movements that came out of europe,
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You know, on the last several hundred years.
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And so, we hope we can't in a night of fire,
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In the hearts of the of the evangelicals.
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So take your back, to claim it for the lord jesus christ
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And to preach the gospel, to be bold about it.
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You know, the paul said in romans 116, i'm
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Not ashamed of the gospel for the power of god unto salvation,
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And to the jew first, and also to the greek.
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But the gospel is is what god uses,
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To reach the hearts of people.
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And so,
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Many people are shy.
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They're they're afraid of the gospel.
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And paul said, i'm not ashamed.
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But we see today people are ashamed.
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And, in this state of the they think the culture
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Won't believe it.
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If we say jesus is the only way to god, that's kind of narrow.
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And people aren't going to accept
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That as they're going to turn. turn that off or.
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And you say that he took our sins.
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Well, there's don't talk about sin.
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That's a negative.
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And so.
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Oh, and oh, by the way, he shed his blood on the cross.
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So that's that's gross.
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Let's don't talk about that.
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So there's the elements of the gospel
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That people wanted to eliminate, or to try to sugarcoat
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And, then to say that he rose from the dead on the third day.
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Well, they're not going to believe that you got us.
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We got to give that to them later.
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We gotta, you know, give them the gospel.
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Maybe one cup at a time.
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No, you you you preach the gospel.
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You don't have to be ashamed or afraid.
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And the gospel works.
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But there will be
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A multitude of people who will say,
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I've been waiting to hear this all my life,
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And they will surrender their hearts to christ.
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We've just got to get the church
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To believe it and to preach it. amen.
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So well said.
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Romans 116, reverend graham, which you mentioned
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Is one of the themes of the conference.
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Listen, 27 speakers,
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Translated into over ten languages.
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Tell us a bit more about the specifics of what
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We'll see again may 27th through 30th in berlin.
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Historic gathering, who's going to be there,
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And maybe some of the topics you're going to hit on.
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Well, it's the first of all, it's
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You got people coming from all these countries and territories.
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We've got, russians coming, orthodox coming.
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Catholics coming.
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The protestant anglicans.
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So when we talk about the church,
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We're talking about the church as a whole.
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And, there will be many different groups there,
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And they'll have different ideas and different opinions,
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But i'm just trying to expose them to the power of the gospel.
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What what christ did when he took our sins to the cross
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And when he died in our place,
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And he rose from there, he rose up and he rose in power.
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Jesus christ is a dead.
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He's alive.
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And he'll come into each and every heart
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That is willing to repent. and you have to repent.
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If you want to come to christ, you've got to repent.
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That means you have to turn your backs on your sin.
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You can't continue to live a sinful life.
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You have to repent.
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So if you're
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If you're living a immoral lifestyle,
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You have to turn from the repent.
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And, and you have to believe on the name of the lord
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Jesus christ, accept him as your savior
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And be willing to follow him as the lord.
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So all of the topics are centered on, on, you
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Know, the christian life.
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Our witnessing,
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Our preaching, what our messages should be.
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And so we're focusing on the bible.
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Just preach the gospel and watch what god does.
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Yeah, i love it, reverend graham.
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So well said.
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I'm so excited for this event.
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I really think it could be a turning point in church history.
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That's how important i think it is at this moment.
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I can't think of a better way to close out our conversation
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In advance on may 27th, and for you to close us out
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In prayer for your and this event, reverend grant.
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He lead us in a quick prayer.
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As father, we pray for these delicates
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That will be coming now
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From all across europe and in the next few days.
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Father, we just pray that you would
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Ignite a fire in their hearts, and they would catch a vision
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For what can be done when the gospel is preached.
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So, father, we thank you for us.
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In jesus name we pray. amen. amen.
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Our good friend, reverend franklin graham.
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Reverend graham, thank you as always.
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It's going to be a great event. we can't wait to hear more.
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Follow him on x across social media.
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God bless franklin. we'll see you again soon.
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And coming up after the break, you've seen him as a villain
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In so many films and tv shows, but actor neil mcdonough
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Is actually a really good guy
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And he's the star of a great new film called the last rodeo.
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He's here to break it down. next, stick around.
00:11:23.139 --> 00:11:28.002
He's here to break it down. next, stick around.
00:11:28.002 --> 00:11:30.749
Welcome back to stakelbeck tonight.
00:11:31.517 --> 00:11:33.285
He's one of hollywood's most recognizable faces,
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Known for unforgettable roles in minority report.
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Band of brothers, suits and yellowstone.
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Now, actor neal mcdonough is saddling up
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For his boldest project yet, the last rodeo.
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It's a thriller packed with suspense, moral complexity
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And heart.
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Mcdonough not only stars in the film,
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He also co-wrote and produced it, bringing a powerful story
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To life that blends action and faith.
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Take a look.
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Neal mcdonough. great to see you.
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Congrats on the last rodeo.
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Great new film.
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And i find myself
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In the rare situation where i'm rooting
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For a neil mcdonough character.
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You're well known
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For playing villains, but joe wainright
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Not only the hero of this film, but a very complex character.
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Neil, tell us more about him and what drew you to playing
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This role?
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Well, eric, you're right.
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I haven't played a whole lot of good guys
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In quite some time because i think everyone knows
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I won't do certain scenes. so yeah.
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If you're not going to kiss a woman
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In the end of the film, you can't play the hero.
00:12:35.280 --> 00:12:36.849
So, i've had the design of being the best villain
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That i could possibly be and provide
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For my wife and our five amazing kids.
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So, a few years back, my wife and i decided
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We were going to start making films that give glory to him.
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Yeah.
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And once we started, all of a sudden
00:12:50.429 --> 00:12:51.663
The gates just started to open up.
00:12:51.663 --> 00:12:53.031
We started with a small $350,000 film with my writing partner,
00:12:53.031 --> 00:12:57.069
Derek pressly.
00:12:57.069 --> 00:12:58.170
And then we went up to a million and a half with boone.
00:12:58.170 --> 00:13:00.239
And then we kept moving and moving now
00:13:00.239 --> 00:13:01.773
To 8.5 million for the last rodeo.
00:13:01.773 --> 00:13:03.508
And, it's amazing how well-received
00:13:03.508 --> 00:13:07.312
The film has been, to do a film about faith and family.
00:13:07.312 --> 00:13:11.583
That's not out there in the marketplace very much anymore.
00:13:11.583 --> 00:13:14.052
So i think we're tapping into something really special.
00:13:14.052 --> 00:13:16.388
And i'm very, very blessed to be here.
00:13:16.388 --> 00:13:18.223
Yeah. and folks, by the way, neal is a very nice guy.
00:13:18.223 --> 00:13:20.826
He is a good guy. off camera, i promise.
00:13:20.826 --> 00:13:23.395
But joe wayne. right?
00:13:23.395 --> 00:13:24.363
Look, this is a story of redemption, neal.
00:13:24.363 --> 00:13:26.031
It's a love story.
00:13:26.031 --> 00:13:26.965
You and i were talking to the camera here,
00:13:26.965 --> 00:13:29.534
And she was stressing.
00:13:29.534 --> 00:13:30.736
Hey, it's a love story. she's in the film by the way.
00:13:30.736 --> 00:13:32.838
We'll talk more about that in a minute.
00:13:32.838 --> 00:13:34.473
But tell us more about joe wainwright's trajectory.
00:13:34.473 --> 00:13:37.576
Again, it's really a redemption story, a story about family.
00:13:37.576 --> 00:13:40.879
Well, i was i was driving home from from work.
00:13:40.879 --> 00:13:43.248
We're doing this film called the warrens.
00:13:43.248 --> 00:13:45.083
The rene and i were producing,
00:13:45.083 --> 00:13:47.119
And when i'm away from reviewing the kids,
00:13:47.119 --> 00:13:48.553
I get really kind of depressed and melancholy.
00:13:48.553 --> 00:13:50.756
It's hard when i'm filming on the set that day. great.
00:13:50.756 --> 00:13:53.058
But as soon as i
00:13:53.058 --> 00:13:53.892
Yell cut and i have to go back
00:13:53.892 --> 00:13:54.960
To the hotel room, it's just really hard. yeah.
00:13:54.960 --> 00:13:57.062
And one day i was driving home and i got a gut punch with
00:13:57.062 --> 00:13:59.197
A thought.
00:13:59.197 --> 00:13:59.865
What would ever happen to me
00:13:59.865 --> 00:14:00.666
If something ever happened to ruby?
00:14:00.666 --> 00:14:02.868
And i literally pulled over to the side of the road,
00:14:02.868 --> 00:14:04.803
And i'm fairly certain god put this idea in my head
00:14:04.803 --> 00:14:07.940
Because i didn't know a whole lot about bull riding.
00:14:07.940 --> 00:14:09.775
Yeah, it's a write a film, rocky on a bull.
00:14:09.775 --> 00:14:12.411
You have to save your grandson's life
00:14:12.411 --> 00:14:14.379
Because he's dying of the same brain tumor
00:14:14.379 --> 00:14:15.948
That your wife died of.
00:14:15.948 --> 00:14:17.182
I love that rocky on a bull.
00:14:17.182 --> 00:14:18.583
Yeah, and that's a great description of neil.
00:14:18.583 --> 00:14:20.585
It's a great film. it looks great.
00:14:20.585 --> 00:14:22.120
You can tell the budget.
00:14:22.120 --> 00:14:23.255
Like you said, you guys had a good budget on this film.
00:14:23.255 --> 00:14:26.158
And tell us about the role she plays your wife, rose
00:14:26.158 --> 00:14:29.361
Wainwright in the film.
00:14:29.361 --> 00:14:30.662
And exciting for you to have your real life wife
00:14:30.662 --> 00:14:33.031
In a film with you. you know.
00:14:33.031 --> 00:14:34.533
When when i wrote the film, eric, i told her.
00:14:34.533 --> 00:14:37.369
I said, look, i've never kissed a woman on screen before.
00:14:37.369 --> 00:14:39.871
Yeah, this flashbacks to my wife who's passed away.
00:14:39.871 --> 00:14:43.041
But i have to kiss her.
00:14:43.041 --> 00:14:43.909
So you have to be the actress,
00:14:43.909 --> 00:14:45.177
Or else i'm not going to do the films again.
00:14:45.177 --> 00:14:46.311
I'm not an actress. i'm like, well, you are now. wow.
00:14:46.311 --> 00:14:48.213
And they killed it.
00:14:48.213 --> 00:14:49.314
She was so great in it.
00:14:49.314 --> 00:14:50.515
And for me to have,
00:14:50.515 --> 00:14:52.017
You know, to be the good guy and wear the good guy
00:14:52.017 --> 00:14:53.885
Hat and the kiss the girl in the end of a film
00:14:53.885 --> 00:14:55.787
Is something i've always aspired to,
00:14:55.787 --> 00:14:57.289
But i never had the opportunity
00:14:57.289 --> 00:14:58.924
To do it because i couldn't do it. my way.
00:14:58.924 --> 00:15:00.859
And finally we get to do it our way, and it's, it's ravi
00:15:00.859 --> 00:15:04.262
And i, and we did it together.
00:15:04.262 --> 00:15:05.931
And with the amazing direction
00:15:05.931 --> 00:15:07.699
Of jon avnet, who just makes it look like a $50 million film.
00:15:07.699 --> 00:15:11.837
Yeah.
00:15:11.837 --> 00:15:12.804
We're so blessed to have him as a director.
00:15:12.804 --> 00:15:15.207
And again, angel studios and our production partner,
00:15:15.207 --> 00:15:17.709
Kip kohn wiser,
00:15:17.709 --> 00:15:19.011
I think we put something together
00:15:19.011 --> 00:15:20.412
That just really isn't out there nowadays.
00:15:20.412 --> 00:15:22.314
If you love films like this.
00:15:22.314 --> 00:15:23.782
Yeah, if you love films
00:15:23.782 --> 00:15:24.983
That you can take the whole family to and learn
00:15:24.983 --> 00:15:27.052
And have a happy ending at the end of it.
00:15:27.052 --> 00:15:29.321
Old school films, that's what this is.
00:15:29.321 --> 00:15:31.189
But, you know,
00:15:31.189 --> 00:15:31.990
I implore all of you to to go out
00:15:31.990 --> 00:15:33.525
And support the film by going up and buying tickets.
00:15:33.525 --> 00:15:35.861
You know, folks.
00:15:35.861 --> 00:15:36.762
May 23rd, the last rodeo is released.
00:15:36.762 --> 00:15:38.797
Theaters nationwide.
00:15:38.797 --> 00:15:40.098
Memorial day weekend. perfect. perfect timing.
00:15:40.098 --> 00:15:42.567
And the is really about faith and family.
00:15:42.567 --> 00:15:45.937
Neal.
00:15:45.937 --> 00:15:46.972
And you put that first and foremost in your life.
00:15:46.972 --> 00:15:49.041
You mentioned you won't do on screen kisses
00:15:49.041 --> 00:15:51.710
Or sex scenes with someone who is not your wife.
00:15:51.710 --> 00:15:54.312
That's right.
00:15:54.312 --> 00:15:55.047
Tell us more about that.
00:15:55.047 --> 00:15:56.148
And counting the cost for that.
00:15:56.148 --> 00:15:58.550
Look, i know there are probably some
00:15:58.550 --> 00:15:59.718
Roles that you were passed over for,
00:15:59.718 --> 00:16:02.054
But you stuck to your guns and again,
00:16:02.054 --> 00:16:03.855
Put faith and family first.
00:16:03.855 --> 00:16:05.457
And you honored god and your marriage.
00:16:05.457 --> 00:16:06.992
Well, in our house, you know, i teach these two things.
00:16:06.992 --> 00:16:10.128
God first, me second, family first, me second.
00:16:10.128 --> 00:16:13.331
When you live by those things, eric, you stay out of trouble.
00:16:13.331 --> 00:16:15.200
You make better choices and you're going to make him happy.
00:16:15.200 --> 00:16:17.669
Well, that's kind of a win win situation for everything.
00:16:17.669 --> 00:16:20.439
So years ago, when they wanted me to,
00:16:20.439 --> 00:16:22.674
They pressed me to do a certain scene i wouldn't do.
00:16:22.674 --> 00:16:24.709
And i got fired and
00:16:24.709 --> 00:16:26.645
It was
00:16:26.845 --> 00:16:27.946
Painful, you know, they took away everything for me.
00:16:27.946 --> 00:16:29.047
I didn't work for a couple of years.
00:16:29.047 --> 00:16:30.282
And if it weren't for john avnet and graham
00:16:30.282 --> 00:16:32.084
Yost pulling me out of the ashes and giving me the role
00:16:32.084 --> 00:16:35.153
And justified, you know, i'm not sure where i'd be.
00:16:35.153 --> 00:16:38.123
But it was that moment when i stopped,
00:16:38.123 --> 00:16:41.660
When i gave up alcohol, when i when i kind of focused on
00:16:41.660 --> 00:16:44.229
Who am i?
00:16:44.229 --> 00:16:44.763
What am i here for?
00:16:44.763 --> 00:16:45.664
I'm here to entertain people, for him,
00:16:45.664 --> 00:16:48.200
And to have my amazing wife ravi, alongside with me.
00:16:48.200 --> 00:16:51.069
And now our five kids are all part of the films.
00:16:51.069 --> 00:16:53.538
Our oldest daughter katherine's
00:16:53.538 --> 00:16:54.739
Going up to, you know, study film in college now and,
00:16:54.739 --> 00:16:57.742
To, to build a family business
00:16:57.742 --> 00:16:59.644
In the mcdonough company and keep on making films
00:16:59.644 --> 00:17:01.880
That give glory to him for the future.
00:17:01.880 --> 00:17:04.216
I'm the most blessed guy.
00:17:04.216 --> 00:17:05.450
And to have gone through that crucifixion
00:17:05.450 --> 00:17:08.053
That i went through was really such a blessing,
00:17:08.053 --> 00:17:10.322
Because here i am ten years later with this amazing film.
00:17:10.322 --> 00:17:13.625
The last rodeo coming out that i get to produce
00:17:13.625 --> 00:17:15.660
With my wife and kiss my wife in the movie.
00:17:15.660 --> 00:17:17.329
Are you kidding me? i'm the luckiest dude i know.
00:17:17.329 --> 00:17:19.431
Oh man.
00:17:19.431 --> 00:17:20.265
It's like it's all come full circle.
00:17:20.265 --> 00:17:21.533
And hey, you're in big budget secular hollywood blockbusters.
00:17:21.533 --> 00:17:23.869
Neal.
00:17:23.869 --> 00:17:24.736
Minority report, great, great series
00:17:24.736 --> 00:17:26.805
Like band of brothers, desperate housewives.
00:17:26.805 --> 00:17:28.907
We could go on and on,
00:17:28.907 --> 00:17:30.075
But now this is an amazing position i think god has in.
00:17:30.075 --> 00:17:34.412
Up next, neal mcdonough gets personal from his family life
00:17:35.580 --> 00:17:39.117
Growing up to risking his entire career to stand for his faith.
00:17:39.117 --> 00:17:44.089
What made him say no to roles that millions only dream of?
00:17:44.089 --> 00:17:48.593
Find out after the break.
00:17:48.593 --> 00:17:52.007
Find out after the break.
00:17:52.007 --> 00:17:54.338
Tell us a bit more about your background.
00:17:55.239 --> 00:17:56.908
You grew up in massachusetts.
00:17:56.908 --> 00:17:58.075
You're in la now,
00:17:58.075 --> 00:17:59.043
Or was this something you always wanted
00:17:59.043 --> 00:18:00.244
To do and faith in your life?
00:18:00.244 --> 00:18:02.013
As a young guy growing up?
00:18:02.013 --> 00:18:03.347
Well, growing up in boston, in dorchester as a kid,
00:18:03.347 --> 00:18:06.984
I grew up right
00:18:06.984 --> 00:18:08.252
Across the street from saint peter's church,
00:18:08.252 --> 00:18:10.121
So my grandmother was always dragging me by my ear over
00:18:10.121 --> 00:18:12.490
Church all the time, daily.
00:18:12.490 --> 00:18:13.724
So there was always that comfort of me going inside a church.
00:18:13.724 --> 00:18:17.094
And to this day, you know, almost every day
00:18:17.094 --> 00:18:19.397
I would stop by a church and say prayers.
00:18:19.397 --> 00:18:21.032
And i keep saying in the films that we make, i'm not trying
00:18:21.032 --> 00:18:24.802
To just preach to a certain, you know, a christian sect.
00:18:24.802 --> 00:18:27.838
I'm trying to we're not trying to preach.
00:18:27.838 --> 00:18:29.840
We're trying to make movies that speak to christians, jews,
00:18:29.840 --> 00:18:32.910
Muslims, agnostics, buddhists. i don't care what you are.
00:18:32.910 --> 00:18:35.313
We want you to go to the theater
00:18:35.313 --> 00:18:36.847
And learn and feel, and by the end of the film,
00:18:36.847 --> 00:18:39.483
Be called out a little bit and say, you know what?
00:18:39.483 --> 00:18:40.952
I can be a little bit better as a husband.
00:18:40.952 --> 00:18:42.620
I can be better, or as a wife or a son, or is or is a coworker.
00:18:42.620 --> 00:18:45.990
And those are the films that were aspired to.
00:18:45.990 --> 00:18:47.792
And it's from that,
00:18:47.792 --> 00:18:49.026
The upbringing that i had for my parents really
00:18:49.026 --> 00:18:51.629
Kind of introducing me into religion
00:18:51.629 --> 00:18:53.331
And believing that everything is possible.
00:18:53.331 --> 00:18:55.333
My brother gerard, i remember
00:18:55.333 --> 00:18:56.434
I was going off to hockey school back when,
00:18:56.434 --> 00:18:59.170
When i was 11 or 12 years old, because i remember this
00:18:59.170 --> 00:19:02.907
Everything is possible through god and always stuck in my head.
00:19:02.907 --> 00:19:06.711
And you know, i thank my brother gerard every time,
00:19:06.711 --> 00:19:08.980
You know, i see him because that
00:19:08.980 --> 00:19:10.314
That's such an integral part of my childhood.
00:19:10.314 --> 00:19:12.750
And now that i
00:19:12.750 --> 00:19:13.951
Get to make movies with ravi that talk about giving glory
00:19:13.951 --> 00:19:16.254
To him.
00:19:16.254 --> 00:19:17.021
Yeah, it's
00:19:17.021 --> 00:19:17.922
Just kind of it's
00:19:17.922 --> 00:19:18.856
Just it's remarkable where we are
00:19:18.856 --> 00:19:20.858
Right now in our careers together as a team. yeah.
00:19:20.858 --> 00:19:23.327
And you're living out
00:19:23.327 --> 00:19:24.328
Your faith off camera and on camera right now.
00:19:24.328 --> 00:19:27.331
What advice would you give to a young actor,
00:19:27.331 --> 00:19:29.467
A young creative person
00:19:29.467 --> 00:19:30.601
In hollywood or beyond, who is a person of strong faith?
00:19:30.601 --> 00:19:34.138
But look is faced with that kind of dilemma.
00:19:34.138 --> 00:19:37.475
Look, you have to do this sex scene.
00:19:37.475 --> 00:19:39.310
You have to be in this certain film and it's a tough thing.
00:19:39.310 --> 00:19:43.247
Well.
00:19:43.247 --> 00:19:44.282
That's why we're making films like this. yeah.
00:19:44.282 --> 00:19:45.850
So you don't
00:19:45.850 --> 00:19:46.984
Have to be uncomfortable doing certain things in films.
00:19:46.984 --> 00:19:49.587
If you
00:19:49.587 --> 00:19:50.288
If it's a mcdonagh company film,
00:19:50.288 --> 00:19:51.355
You know that the whole family is invited to watch it
00:19:51.355 --> 00:19:53.924
And enjoy it
00:19:53.924 --> 00:19:54.759
And have a conversation about the film
00:19:54.759 --> 00:19:56.060
After those things that really happen anymore.
00:19:56.060 --> 00:19:58.396
And we're really, really proud
00:19:58.396 --> 00:19:59.597
To be able to do that with angel studios. yeah.
00:19:59.597 --> 00:20:02.099
Talk about the faith space right now.
00:20:02.099 --> 00:20:04.001
I mean, look, some exciting projects coming out.
00:20:04.001 --> 00:20:06.003
I think of house of david and the chosen different
00:20:06.003 --> 00:20:08.739
Jesus revolution a few years ago did really well.
00:20:08.739 --> 00:20:10.808
Angel studios, of course.
00:20:10.808 --> 00:20:11.876
Sound of freedom, a lot of great films.
00:20:11.876 --> 00:20:14.078
This seems like an exciting time,
00:20:14.078 --> 00:20:16.714
For faith and family friendly films.
00:20:16.714 --> 00:20:19.517
Maybe even a resurgence.
00:20:19.517 --> 00:20:20.885
And look, you're at the forefront of that.
00:20:20.885 --> 00:20:22.153
Do you see that?
00:20:22.153 --> 00:20:23.254
Yeah, i think, you know, we owe a ton to mel gibson
00:20:23.254 --> 00:20:26.057
For for him
00:20:26.390 --> 00:20:27.525
To go out on his own and produce the passion of christ
00:20:27.525 --> 00:20:30.194
With his own money when everyone said,
00:20:30.194 --> 00:20:31.762
No, we're not going to do it.
00:20:31.762 --> 00:20:32.930
And he showed that
00:20:32.930 --> 00:20:34.632
It can be a commercial success if you talk about god correctly.
00:20:34.632 --> 00:20:38.135
Yeah.
00:20:38.369 --> 00:20:39.203
And then there's the irwin brothers
00:20:39.203 --> 00:20:40.471
In the kendricks and dallas jenkins and angel
00:20:40.471 --> 00:20:42.807
Studios and pure flix and all these companies
00:20:42.807 --> 00:20:44.742
That realize that you can make commercially viable products
00:20:44.742 --> 00:20:48.913
And talk about faith at the same time,
00:20:48.913 --> 00:20:50.848
Where earlier on it was kind of saccharine
00:20:50.848 --> 00:20:52.983
Sweet christian films, which were great.
00:20:52.983 --> 00:20:54.752
But those were. the films that got us to here.
00:20:54.752 --> 00:20:56.687
We can actually talk about issues.
00:20:56.687 --> 00:20:58.756
The last rodeo we talk about,
00:20:58.756 --> 00:21:00.391
You know, yes, there's rodeo in the background.
00:21:00.391 --> 00:21:02.693
If you love pbr, which pbr is incredible.
00:21:02.693 --> 00:21:05.196
They start every event with a prayer and ends with a cheer.
00:21:05.196 --> 00:21:07.798
You know, it's just it's amazing. yeah.
00:21:07.798 --> 00:21:09.667
But to be able to be in that environment
00:21:09.667 --> 00:21:11.702
And create films that talk about god,
00:21:11.702 --> 00:21:14.138
They talk about the freedom of making films that they can give,
00:21:14.138 --> 00:21:17.641
Give glory to him and be commercially viable.
00:21:17.641 --> 00:21:20.144
Those early
00:21:20.144 --> 00:21:20.811
Christian films
00:21:20.811 --> 00:21:21.512
Put us in the spot right now
00:21:21.512 --> 00:21:22.813
That we actually get to make films.
00:21:22.813 --> 00:21:24.548
We talk about family problems in this.
00:21:24.548 --> 00:21:26.150
We talk about a fractured relationship
00:21:26.150 --> 00:21:27.952
Between a daughter and a father.
00:21:27.952 --> 00:21:29.453
We talk about alcoholism.
00:21:29.453 --> 00:21:30.721
We talk about the death through cancer.
00:21:30.721 --> 00:21:32.857
We talk about really big issues.
00:21:32.857 --> 00:21:34.925
This generation is dying for that kind of content.
00:21:34.925 --> 00:21:37.862
It's it's become such a dark landscape of film and television
00:21:37.862 --> 00:21:42.867
That now that we get to make films
00:21:42.867 --> 00:21:44.168
Like the last rodeo again with angel studios
00:21:44.168 --> 00:21:46.804
And with their great support that we have,
00:21:46.804 --> 00:21:49.573
We're going to keep on going.
00:21:49.573 --> 00:21:50.641
We have this,
00:21:50.641 --> 00:21:51.409
We have our next film, the wicked
00:21:51.409 --> 00:21:52.309
And the righteous coming up, which
00:21:52.309 --> 00:21:53.477
Is cain and abel in the west.
00:21:53.477 --> 00:21:54.812
So we've got so many projects coming forward
00:21:55.713 --> 00:21:57.948
With the mcdonough company and angel studios and,
00:21:57.948 --> 00:22:00.785
We're just really in a fantastic spot right now.
00:22:00.785 --> 00:22:02.887
And thank you, everyone for all the support you've given us.
00:22:02.887 --> 00:22:05.256
Yeah, neil, congrats.
00:22:05.256 --> 00:22:06.157
The film is great.
00:22:06.157 --> 00:22:06.991
May 23rd memorial day weekend, folks.
00:22:06.991 --> 00:22:09.326
The last rodeo with the one and only neil mcdonough.
00:22:09.326 --> 00:22:11.529
Neil, it was great. thanks so much.
00:22:11.529 --> 00:22:12.997
Good luck with the film. thanks, eric.
00:22:12.997 --> 00:22:14.231
They should watch you go. phillies.
00:22:14.231 --> 00:22:15.499
Thank you.
00:22:15.499 --> 00:22:16.066
Yeah, i said it.
00:22:16.066 --> 00:22:17.034
There it is. yes
00:22:17.034 --> 00:22:19.670
Folks again, the last rodeo is a great family
00:22:19.670 --> 00:22:22.239
Friendly film in theaters on may 23rd.
00:22:22.239 --> 00:22:25.409
Check it out.
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Well, coming up after the break,
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My final thoughts on what europe needs
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To do to restore its christian heritage.
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That's next. stick around.
00:22:33.784 --> 00:22:37.012
That's next. stick around.
00:22:37.012 --> 00:22:39.526
Welcome back to stakelbeck tonight, folks, as we wrap up
00:22:40.661 --> 00:22:43.263
Here.
00:22:43.263 --> 00:22:44.431
Look, we were talking earlier about europe essentially
00:22:44.431 --> 00:22:46.033
Devouring itself and committing cultural suicide,
00:22:46.033 --> 00:22:49.903
Turning away
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From the judeo-christian heritage that made it great.
00:22:51.038 --> 00:22:54.475
Well, i think of the book
00:22:54.475 --> 00:22:55.709
Of lamentations, chapter three, verse 40, regarding israel.
00:22:55.709 --> 00:22:59.112
Let us examine
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Our ways and test them, and let us return to the lord.
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That's what ancient israel needed to do.
00:23:04.518 --> 00:23:06.587
That's what europe needs to do today.
00:23:06.587 --> 00:23:08.222
And i hope this event that franklin
00:23:08.222 --> 00:23:09.523
Graham is holding in berlin later
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This month is a step towards doing exactly that.
00:23:11.391 --> 00:23:14.394
We can't give up on europe or america.
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Speaking of which,
00:23:17.064 --> 00:23:18.098
Steve davis of the blaze tv is with us tomorrow.
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It is going to be good.
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Until then, god bless you and we'll see you soon.
00:23:21.835 --> 00:23:21.835

Erick Stakelbeck: May 20, 2025 | Stakelbeck Tonight

May 20, 2025 | S25:E520

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