Summary:

In this episode, Marcus and James delve into the complexities of the Johnson Amendment and its implications for the relationship between church and state. They explore the historical context of the amendment, its impact on moral speech, and the selective enforcement of laws. The discussion also highlights the Civil Rights Movement as a case study in navigating the gray areas of political advocacy. Recent legal developments are examined, along with the importance of a shared moral consensus in maintaining a functioning republic. The episode concludes with a call to action for churches to wisely engage in public discourse without fear of government reprisal.

Reference sources for this episode:

- 26 U.S.C. § 501 (Internal Revenue Code), “Exemption from tax on corporations, certain trusts, etc.,” accessed January 24, 2026, https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/26/501

- “Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC),” The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute, Stanford University, accessed January 25, 2026, https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/southern-christian-leadership-conference-sclc

- “Southern Christian Leadership Conference,” Encyclopædia Britannica, accessed January 26, 2026, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Southern-Christian-Leadership-Conference

- “Martin Luther King Jr. Speech at Holt Street Baptist Church,” YouTube video, 15:00, posted by [channel name if available], access January 26, 2026, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGtp7kCi_LA

- Jesse Speaks, Facebook post, text accompanying image or commentary on Tom Holland, “Tom Holland isn't a preacher...What makes Holland’s conclusion so disruptive...,” posted on Jesse Speaks Facebook page, accessed [January 24, 2026], https://www.facebook.com/JesseSpeaksFB/posts/836982865823199

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Credits:

- All music written and performed by John Jones of JohnJonesMusicMaker.com

Summary:

In this episode of Fire for Effect, hosts Marcus, James, and John delve into the contentious topic of the separation of church and state, a phrase often misinterpreted in contemporary discourse. They explore the historical context of this concept, emphasizing that it does not appear in the Constitution and was not intended to exclude religious expression from public life. Instead, the founders aimed to protect religious liberty and prevent government overreach into spiritual matters, drawing from biblical precedents and their own experiences with state-controlled religion. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the original intent behind the First Amendment and how modern interpretations have shifted away from that intent, leading to a secular public square that often silences religious voices.

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- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeqMtGqCXaO6BoSSjEa6zvw

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- Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/FireforEffect7

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Credits:

- All music written and performed by John Jones of JohnJonesMusicMaker.com

Summary:

In this episode, the three hosts – all retired U.S. Marines – discuss the recent exceptional U.S. military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Nicolas Maduro. They explore the historical context of Venezuela's political and economic situation, the implications of U.S. sanctions, and the strategic planning behind the military operation. The conversation also delves into the aftermath of the operation, the geopolitical implications for the region, and the potential future strategies for stabilizing Venezuela.

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Credits:
- All music written and performed by John Jones of JohnJonesMusicMaker.com

Summary:

In this episode of the Fire for Effect podcast, hosts James McBride and Marcus Moyer discuss entering the new year, reflecting on the importance of defining, articulating, and defending core beliefs. They explore the foundations of conservative values, and the necessity of pursuing Truth. The conversation delves into the role of family and community, the importance of shared reality, the influence of religion, and the balance of rights and responsibilities in a functioning society. They explore the erosion of community, and discuss the principle of ‘subsidiarity,’ emphasizing that solutions to human problems should be found at the local level. They discuss the role of the Church's responsibility to care for the community. They highlight love as the highest motivation for human action and the interrelation of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty as guiding principles. The conversation concludes with a call to pursue knowable truth and to articulate these principles in a gracious manner.

Chapters:

02:59 Celebrating the New Year and the 250th Anniversary of America

05:38 St. Augustine quote

08:40 Conservative Credo: Foundations of Belief

16:23 The 1st principle: Conservatism seeks the Truth that has emerged over time

18:44 Margaret Thatcher quote

21:43 Harvard University’s official motto and logo from 1692

22:11 Benjamin Franklin quote

23:05 G.K. Chesterton quote (“Chesterton’s fence”)

24:40 Graphical depictions of global human prosperity over time

27:05 John 18:36-37

28:26 America the Beautiful quote

32:09 The 2nd principle: God is our Creator; The 3rd principle: Man is fallible by nature

38:58 Romans 3:23 and Romans 3:12

43:28 The 4th principle: The conservative protects freedom and dignity of each person; The 5th principle: Each man and woman is equal in dignity

47:07 Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas quote

48:53 The 6th principle: The family is the essential building block of civilization

01:00:41 The 7th principle: The conservative values ‘subsidiarity’

01:06:33 James Madison quote from Federalist No. 51

01:08:15 The 8th principle: Culture is more important than politics

01:13:22 Mary Wollstonecraft quote

01:17:07 The 9th principle: Conservatives prioritize caring for neighbor

01:25:01 The 10th principle: The True, the Good and the Beautiful are interrelated and transcendental goals to pursue

01:31:57 The 11th principle: Truth is knowable, and is our duty to seek it; and the virtues of Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance should be pursued

01:33:10 Philippians 4:8

01:34:21 The 12th principle: Love is the highest motivation of the human person

01:38:55 Steven Pressfield’s book: Gates of Fire

01:40:45 1 John 4:18

01:41:10 John 15:13

01:44:41 Romans 2:4

01:45:07 Hebrews 4:12

References in this episode:

- Elliot, Barbara J. Conservative Credo, The Imaginative Conservative, April 25th, 2013. https://theimaginativeconservative.org/2013/04/conservative-credo-barbara-elliott.html

- 1776 Commission: https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefings-statements/1776-commission-takes-historic-scholarly-step-restore-understanding-greatness-american-founding/

- Conservative Central Office. The Right Approach: A Statement of Conservative Aims. London: Conservative Party, October 4, 1976. British Political Documents Collection. Margaret Thatcher Foundation. https://www.margaretthatcher.org/document/109439

- Wollstonecraft, Mary. A Vindication of the Rights of Men, in a Letter to the Right Honourable Edmund Burke. 1790, p. 135. Wikisource

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Credits:

- All music written and performed by John Jones of JohnJonesMusicMaker.com

Summary:

In this [REMASTERED and re-released] inaugural episode of the Fire for Effect podcast, hosts James, John, and Marcus discuss their motivations for starting the podcast, their backgrounds, and their shared interests in faith, family, and community. They delve into topics such as regenerative agriculture, political involvement, the importance of prayer, and the complexities of salvation and the Holy Spirit. The conversation emphasizes the significance of personal growth and the challenges of maintaining faith in a complex world, setting the stage for future discussions.Takeaways:

- The podcast aims to share meaningful conversations about faith, family, and community.

- Regenerative agriculture is a growing movement focused on sustainable farming practices.

- Personal backgrounds shape perspectives on faith and community involvement.

- Political engagement can stem from a desire to serve and improve local communities.

- Prayer is a vital aspect of maintaining a relationship with God.

- Wrestling with faith is a common experience for many believers.

- Understanding salvation involves recognizing the role of grace and faith, not just works.

- The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the life of a believer.

- Discussions about faith can lead to deeper understanding and personal growth.

- Future episodes will explore various topics related to faith and life experiences.

Watch this and other episodes on other platforms, like:

- YouTube: https://youtu.be/ggxuF3VeNn8

- Substack: https://fireforeffect.substack.com/

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- Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/FireforEffect7

Find more related content from Fire for Effect at:

- Substack: https://fireforeffect.substack.com/

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Credits:

- All music written and performed by John Jones of JohnJonesMusicMaker.com

Note: This is a slightly edited version of the original that was published on 20 Dec 2025, to remove a portion of music in the clip from The Chosen.

Summary:

In this episode, Taylor George, Marcus Moyer, and James McBride delve into the life and character of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. They explore Joseph's background, his role as a father, and the cultural context of his actions. The conversation highlights Joseph's obedience, compassion, and the significant influence he had on Jesus' upbringing. The hosts reflect on the lessons that can be learned from Joseph's character, emphasizing the importance of fatherhood and the legacy he left behind.

Takeaways:

- Joseph was a skilled worker and likely a stonemason and carpenter.

- He was a compassionate man who cared for Mary.

- Joseph's obedience to God was unwavering.

- He taught Jesus the scriptures and the customs of Judaism.

- Joseph's lineage connects Jesus to the house of David.

- The cultural context of Joseph's actions is crucial to understanding his role.

- Joseph's character traits serve as a model for modern men.

- He faced immense pressure but remained steadfast in his duties.

- Joseph's influence on Jesus is evident in Jesus' character.

- The story of Joseph is often overlooked but holds valuable lessons.

Watch this and other episodes on other platforms, like:

- YouTube: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/99-I72xKzIo⁠⁠

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Credits:

- Scene from The Chosen, Season 3, Episode 3: https://youtu.be/dyHp0TovnUQ?si=Bl4rYrztp9hKfMuo

- All music written and performed by John Jones of JohnJonesMusicMaker.com

- No Boundaries International: https://www.nbint.org/Watch this episode on your favorite podcast platform, like:

- YouTube: https://youtu.be/Hg-nhH6720c- Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fire-for-effect/id1827741563- Substack: https://fireforeffect.substack.com/ Find more related content from Fire for Effect at:- X: https://x.com/fire4effect7- Substack: https://fireforeffect.substack.com/ Credit: All music written and performed by John Jones of JohnJonesMusicMaker.com

Watch this episode on your favorite podcast platform, like:

- YouTube: https://youtu.be/7QwZSoJPTOs

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6zBam0356hfRl23j8LF9vz?si=6f3ef5ac585d4f4c

- Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fire-for-effect/id1827741563

- Substack: https://fireforeffect.substack.com/

Find more related content from Fire for Effect at:

- Substack: https://fireforeffect.substack.com/

- X: https://x.com/fire4effect7 Credits:

- All music written and performed by John Jones of JohnJonesMusicMaker.com

- A Charlie Brown Christmas clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPhqMJpQsYQ