In Esther 2, Xerxes returns from a disastrous Greek campaign and focuses on replacing his deposed queen. We are also introduced to Mordecai and Esther as well as the ugly reality of the harem system and the contest for the crown that Esther faced. Here, we find deep truths and difficult lessons about identity, purity, and our own resilience in the face of disaster.

Big Idea for the Series: Once upon a time—and I mean in God’s perfect time—a Jewish orphan girl named Esther became a Persian Queen. But, as many of you know, this book is less fairy tale and much more mystery—a book full of lessons about the mysteries of divine calling, evil and justice, finding courage to stand for truth, and understanding God’s eternal purposes in history and in our story. Though her husband claimed the title “king of kings,” Esther’s ultimate allegiance lay elsewhere—to the high King of the universe. In that sense, here’s the story and the lessons we should learn from Esther: the King’s Queen.

Outline:

1. The Disaster
2. The Cousins
3. The Pageant
4. The Plot

Key Takeaways:

• The failure of the Persian invasion of Greece at Thermopylae, Salamis, and Plataea–and the impact of that failure on the story of Esther.
• Questions about Mordecai’s actions in this chapter.
• The ugly reality of the harem system and what Esther faced.
• Key lessons about identity, purity, and trust in the midst of disaster.

Watch on YouTube

I often ask government officials this question: “What is the worst problem in your district/area of responsibility?” The answer is often the same and even phrased in the same way: “the breakdown of the family.” In this interview, Delano Squires explains this collapse of two-parents homes raising children in the United States; the profound impact of that collapse on education, income, and incarceration; and how we can strengthen this critical institution for America’s future by starting in our own homes, churches, and neighborhoods.

In his upcoming book The Vanishing Black Family: How Welfare and Feminism Made Marriage Optional and Children Vulnerable (and in this discussion), Delano focuses first on family breakdown in the black community leading to almost 70 percent of black children being born to unmarried parents and close to half growing up without a father at home. He then applies the same creation order principles to all families and and critiques the cultural forces pushing away from children being raised in a loving home with a mom and a dad.

Delano Squires is Director of the Richard and Helen DeVos Center for Human Flourishing at the Heritage Foundation, where he focuses on policies and social norms that promote marriage, fatherhood, and healthy families. Squires is the author of the forthcoming book The Vanishing Black Family: How Welfare and Feminism Made Marriage Optional and Children Vulnerable. His writings have been published by Newsweek, National Review, The American Conservative, The Federalist, The New York Post, World, The Institute for Family Studies, Black Enterprise, Blaze Media, Black and Married with Kids, The Root, and The Grio. Before joining Heritage, Squires worked for the District of Columbia government for more than a decade. During that time, he ran a citywide technology program for low-income residents and served in the city’s gun violence prevention office. Squires earned his bachelor of science degree in computer engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and a graduate degree in public policy from The George Washington University. He resides in Maryland with his wife and four children.

Key Takeaways:

• The role of the church in the breakdown of the family and the resurgence of family values.
• The significance of the Moynihan report and Delano’s new book on the state of the black family in America.
• The impact of the welfare state and feminism in the disintegration of the family.
• The Greater Than Campaign.
• Practical suggestions for strengthening families and marriage in your zip code.
• Follow Delano on X.

Every great story has a villain. And, I would argue, every great story has a great villain (in the sense that they are cunning, powerful and evil). The Christmas story is no different.

We spend a lot of time talking about Mary and Joseph, the wise men, and the shepherds, but what about the villain–Herod? And did you know there are several Herods in the Bible and not just one? In this sermon, I reviewed the historical and Scriptural references to these “Christmas Villains” (the Herods), the key lessons from their lives and how they, in a counterintuitive way, point to the one, true King.

Here’s a list of the important Herods: (1) Herod the Great was the key figure in the Christmas story that killed the babies in Bethlehem, (2) Herod Antipas was the son of Herod the Great that killed John the Baptist and earned a reprimand from Christ, (3) Herod Agrippa I was the grandson of Herod the Great that arrested Peter and was eaten of worms, and (4) Herod Agrippa II was the great-grandson of Herod the Great that conversed with Paul and almost became a Christian.

Here’s a family tree:

Here’s the Outline:

1. The Monarch in the Manger
2. The Fox and the Lion
3. At Terms with the Worms
4. The Gospel to the Great

And some key takeaways:

• An explanation of the varying levels of government at the time of Christ.
• What Jesus meant when He called Herod Antipas a “fox.”
• The remarkable family history that both Paul and Agrippa knew during Paul’s sermon in Acts 26. This perspective completely changed the way I read that passage.
• Though the Herods were royally messed up, they weren’t the actual Christmas villains. I explain why.

2025 has been a somber year with a rise in politically motivated violence–including the public assassination of Charlie Kirk–and heightened tensions and conflict around the world. 2025 has also been an encouraging year with a comeback of creation order (i.e., women’s sports and the Skrmetti case allowing states to take cross-sex hormones and transition surgeries off the medical menu for minors), a renewed opportunity for and interest in church-state partnership, and the sparks of spiritual renewal. Here are five lessons from 2025.

Key Sources/Interviews:

• Os Guinness – Our Civilizational Moment: The Waning of the West and the War of the Worlds
• Indiana State Comptroller Elise Nieshalla – The National Debt Crisis and How to Respond
• Birjan Crispin – Gen Z, Gen Alpha, and Christian Citizenship
• Tim Goeglein – Stumbling Toward Utopia: How the 1960s Turned Into a National Nightmare and How We Can Revive the American Dream
• Andrew Walker – What Do I Say When
• Pastors and Politics; Review of Key 2025 SCOTUS Decisions
• Pew – Religion Holds Stead in America
• National Debt Clock

Click Here to Watch on YouTube

In this episode, I share seven key lessons I learned while completing a verse-by-verse study of the book of Acts. Also, Professor Sean O’Neill joins me for an interview-style discussion on the reliability of the book of Acts (and the New Testament generally), including the accuracy of official/government titles recounted by Luke; the interplay between Herod and Rome; Paul’s Roman citizenship, and the incredible details of Paul’s sea voyage in Acts 27. This Christmas (and all year round), we can be confident that our faith is rooted in real people and real places. And we can know that God‘s Word is a sure foundation for our lives and families.

Big Idea for the Series: The early church carried the gospel throughout the known world in approximately 30 years and transformed an empire in 3 centuries. Now the church seems intimidated, uncertain amidst swift cultural changes. So, what did the early Christians, commanded by Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, do that we are not doing? Here are their Acts, and may they inspire our own.

Here are some of Professor O’Neill’s credentials:

• Bachelors, University of Michigan; — Masters and PhD, University of Cincinnati – Bronze age archeology. Egypt.
• Teaching at Hanover College since 2011 in the Dept. of Classical Studies (focusing on the archaeology, language, literature, and history of the Ancient Mediterranean world).
• Published scholarship on topics ranging from the archaeological site of Troy to the art and archaeology of Ptolemaic and Roman Egypt.
• Ancient Language and Literature studies have included working on (and teaching) texts in Latin, Greek, Aramaic, Hebrew, Hieroglyphic Egyptian, and Demotic Egyptian.
• Can read and write 11 languages.

Key Lessons:

1. Christ is King.
2. We have Holy Spirit Power.
3. Don’t Do Ministry Alone.
4. The Gospel is for All People.
5. Expect Persecution.
6. The Church is God’s Plan A.
7. The Word does the Work.

*Correction Notice: Professor O’Neill mentioned that detractors of the book of Acts hypothesize that the book was written in the 4th and early 5th centuries. He reached out to us later and asked us to included a correction: detractors of the book of Acts hypothesize that the book was written in the 3rd and early 4th centuries.

Click Here to Watch on YouTube

I recently spent a week in Israel on an incredible trip split between visiting Biblical/historical sites and understanding the geopolitical situation in the region post-Oct. 7th. In this episode, I share three key lessons from my time in the Holy Land. The video is linked below if interested in seeing the pictures and places I describe in this episode.

A couple more detailed notes:

First, a few reflections on the spiritual impact. I have studied the Bible most of my life. After touring so many Biblical sites over the last week, I have the sense that I have read the Bible in black-and-white but now see it in color. A few highlights:

1. Visiting the Garden Tomb and Golgotha was, of course, a powerful experience. As one of two sites believed to be the location of Christ’s tomb (the other is at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre; the Garden Tomb is favored by many Protestants/evangelicals), we observed communion, read Scripture, and sang hymns. He is risen!

2. Walking up the Pilgrim Road from the Pool of Siloam to the Temple Mount brings the Gospel and the book of Acts to life. Christ almost certainly walked up these same stones. Lost to history for almost 2,000 years, this road and the City of David is currently being excavated, and archaeologists found coins and a Roman sword still in its leather scabbard dating from the first Jewish revolt in AD 66-70. Website if interested: https://cityofdavid.org.il/…/5-things-to-know-about…/

3. I just finished preaching through the trials of Paul in Caesarea toward the end of the book of Acts, and archeologists recently uncovered a cell in the palace that may have held Paul! There is also a stone commemorating Pilate’s renovation of the palace originally built by Herod the Great. Real people. Real places.

4. Visiting the House of Peter and the synagogue in Caperneum where Jesus taught as well as a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee were powerful moments.

Concerning the geopolitical situation, I have always generally supported Israel. I do not read Gen. 12:2-3 as a requirement to endorse all actions of the Israeli government, but I do recognize Israel as a part of God’s ongoing plan in human history (see Rom. 11; “I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. ..God hath not cast away His people which he foreknew.”). This trip highlighted Israel’s determined and proportional efforts to defend its interests in the region and the importance of US support. A couple highlights:

1. Along with a few other pastors, I had an opportunity to connect with Ambassador Leiter (Israeli ambassador to the US). We even had an opportunity to pray with him–a powerful moment as he shared with us that a memorial for his son Moshe (killed in Gaza) would be held the next day.

2. Hearing testimony from released hostage Yair Horn was gutwrenching, as he shared his harrowing story of 498 days in Hamas captivity. Also, we heard a first-hand account of a resident of Netiv Ha’asara–one of the communities hit on Oct. 7th. She described how her close neighbors were murdered that day. The Nova festival site also echoed of the same hatred and butchery as the sites in Poland.

3. We visited the border with Gaza, West Bank, and Syria. I was aware of this before, but an IDF spokesperson explained in greater detail the necessity of an attorney to sign off on strikes on Hamas in Gaza and the routine humanitarian assistance supplied to Gaza but intercepted by Hamas. This trip also gave me great sympathy for the people of Gaza as Hamas refuses to hold elections; diverts aid to military use; places military infrastructure such as rocket launchers and tunnels in or around civilian buildings (including a Boy Scout building and near a hospital); and threatens civilians with injury or death if they leave buildings when notified by the IDF of military operations in the area. Praying that the current ceasefire in Gaza holds.

4. On a lighter note, Israel’s technological developments are remarkable–especially in the area of water technology. Israel’s desalinization plants now have the capacity to pump water back into the Sea of Galilee. And Israel has made the desert bloom.

A memorable trip for so many reasons, and grateful to Christians United for Israel (CUFI) for the opportunity.

Click Here to watch on YouTube

One of the greatest paradoxes in American life is a Thursday dedicated to quiet gratitude followed by a Friday dedicated to a frenzied pursuit of more. In the midst of a mental health crisis and a quickly changing world, Scripture calls us to an often forgotten, daily practice that demands attention more than one day a year. Here’s why gratitude is the secret ingredient to greatness and how to practice it in your life and sphere of influence.

• It’s not an option.
• It prevents Friday frenzy.
• It’s the secret sauce.
• It comes in daily doses.

Key Takeaways:

• “The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts.  No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving.”  ~H.U. Westermayer
• Great question from Michael Hyatt, “What does this make possible?”
• Practical ideas for practicing gratitude.
• You learn what you need to learn and you change what you need to change to do what you want to do.
• Lessons from Victor Frankel, Corrie Ten Boom, and Winston Churchill.

I spent several days last week touring Holocaust sites in Poland with a group from Christians United for Israel. Especially since Oct. 7th and the concerning rise of antisemitism in the US, Holocaust sites such as Auschwitz are a somber and moving reminder of hatred and murder on an industrialized scale and the remarkable resilience of the Jewish people. Many are familiar with the scale of the Holocaust, and it is difficult to grasp the murder of 6 million human beings. A few specific stories helped highlight the deep evil and horror of what happened, including:

• -the graves of appr. 800 children in the Buczyna forest, dropped from truck beds (while alive) into a mass grave and killed with grenades and machine guns. This was in keeping with Hitler’s command to “take care of the children” first, and approximately 1.5 million of the victims of the Holocaust were children.
• a bathtub in a private bath built by a Nazi officer in the crematorium at the Majdanek death camp, meaning he heated his water with the flames fueled by the bodies of victims.
• allied troops finding 2 tons of human hair cut from victims for use in German industry, meaning the hair of at least 40,000 women. Some was still in braids in the display at Auschwitz.
• picture taken by the Germans at Birkenau to prove the efficiency of the “final solution”–showing confused children and concerned mothers with just minutes to live as they are unknowingly sent to the gas chambers.

In the midst of this soul-wrenching evil, there were stories of incredible resilience:

• sewer drains in the Jewish cemetery in Warsaw used to smuggle food into and escape from the Warsaw Ghetto.
• Halina Barinbaum, a 13-year old girl firsr sent to Majdanek and then Auschwitz. Her mother, father, and brothers were all killed; but she survived, moved to Israel, married, and eventually returned to Majdanek to tell her story and find closure.
• a copy of the moonscape drawing of Peter Gentz, a 14-year old Holocaust victim, has now been carried twice into space.
• our guide was a relative of a Holocaust survivor, and he routinely guides Israeli army units in tours in Poland. The nation of Israel exists despite Hitler’s efforts.

As Justice Jackson said so well in his opening statement at the Nuremberg trials, “The wrongs which we seek to condemn and punish have been so calculated, so malignant, and so devastating, that civilization cannot tolerate their being ignored, because it cannot survive their being repeated.”

Due to the breakdown of the family, tighter government budgets, and positive legal developments, the church currently has a unique if not a once-in-a-generation opportunity to impact their communities and point to Jesus. Will we seize the moment? In this sermon, I draw lessons from the partnership between Pharaoh and Joseph, unpack the  current opportunity before the church, and explain practical ways church leaders and other committed Christians can steward this “Joseph Moment” in their communities.

Outline:

1. Government is God’s Idea.
2. God gave Joseph favor.
3. Joseph had authority.
4. God’s Glory and the Common Good.
5. A Joseph Moment or a Moses Moment.

Key Takeaways:

• Link to Good Citizen Project speaking page.
• Explanation of how churches can impact foster care.
• The county-based state transformation model.
• The church-led, state-based national transformation strategy.
• Knowing when and how to serve alongside government and when to confront government.
• How to steward our unique “Joseph Moment.”

Here’s why and how churches should step up during the government shutdown. Yesterday, the administration announced that SNAP benefits will be partially funded as the government shutdown continues (though there is some speculation the shutdown could end as early as tomorrow after the election). Many churches have stepped up efforts to supply food pantries and connect with their communities during this uncertainty. As with any ministry and opportunity, it is important to ask: are these efforts simply meeting an immediate need (which is certainly important short-term) or are they part of a broader, effective community hub strategy that leads to evangelistic conversations and life transformation? In this conversation with Merlin Gonzales from Faith, Hope, and Love, Merlin shares his story and explains how to effectively serve our neighbors’ spiritual and physical needs.

In Acts 28, Paul survives a snake bite, meets believers already in Rome, and marches into the imperial city in chains–but on mission. Here, the narrative of the book of Acts closes with Paul preaching the kingdom of God boldly in the center of Roman power and authority. What happened to his trial? Where did he go after his release? How did his journey end? In this sermon, I conclude our verse-by-verse study of this remarkable book, do my best to trace Paul’s “4th Missionary Journey,” and share the book’s anything-but-anticlimactic ending and encouragement to all believers.

Big Idea: The early church carried the gospel throughout the known world in approximately 30 years and transformed an empire in 3 centuries. Now the church seems intimidated, uncertain amidst swift cultural changes. So, what did the early Christians, commanded by Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, do that we are not doing? Here are their Acts, and may they inspire our own.

1. Hospitable Barbarians
2. The Hope of Israel
3. Chained Guards
4. The 4th Missionary Journey

Key Takeaways:

1. The importance of Christian hospitality.
2. How the work of the Holy Spirit outpaced Paul.
3. The population and power of Rome when Paul entered the city.
4. How the kingdom of God subverted Roman authority and eventually transformed the empire.
5. A recounting of Paul’s final journey and death by execution.
6. The anything-but-anticlimactic ending of the book of Acts.

Dr. Wayne Grudem is a theologian and prolific writer perhaps best known for his book Systematic Theology and his work on Christian ethics. But he also wrote Politics According to the Bible, a more than 600-page comprehensive resource on the application of faith in public life. I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Grudem about Christian citizenship and the future of the American republic in 2022 before he retired from his public speaking ministry, and recent events brought this interview back to mind. I have noticed a scarcity of Biblical resources for discipleship in the area of citizenship, and this book and discussion are an important and comprehensive guide to the political arena according to a Biblical worldview.

Dr. Wayne Grudem is Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies at Phoenix Seminary in Arizona. He is a graduate of Harvard (BA), Westminster Seminary-Philadelphia (MDiv, DD), and the University of Cambridge (PhD). He has served as the president of the Evangelical Theological Society (1999). He has written more than 20 books, including Systematic Theology, The Gift of Prophecy in the New Testament and Today, Business for the Glory of God, Politics According to the Bible, and (with Barry Asmus) The Poverty of Nations: A Sustainable Solution. He also co-edited (with John Piper) Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Dr. Grudem wrote Politics According to the Bible and the importance of preaching the whole counsel of God.
• Why the “Do evangelism, not politics” approach and the “Do politics, not evangelism” approach both fall short of the Biblical vision for citizenship.
• Why Christians should seek to have significant influence on government.
• His thoughts on the greatest success of Christian political engagement over the last 40 years.
• His response to this question: “What purpose do you think God has for the United States in this century?”
• A remarkable list of reasons why American Christians should work to renew and steward the American republic in this century.
• How he has written a remarkable body of work in his life and continues to do so.
• His encouragement to the American church in quickly changing times.

Ideas that start in the ivory tower of America’s universities do not stay there; and higher education has fundamentally impacted our families, churches, and communities. And, as goes the American university (with 1 in 3 world leaders attending a U.S. school), so goes the world. In this interview with Dr. Corey Miller based on his new book, he explains the religious foundation of American higher education, the progressive revolution that ideologically captured those institutions, and why we should not give up on them. He explains a developing “third revolution” and practical steps church leaders and other committed Christians can take to impact the American university.

Corey Miller, PhD, is the President/CEO of Ratio Christi (2015-Present). While he grew up in Utah as a seventh generation Mormon, he came to Christ in 1988. He has served on pastoral staff at four churches and has taught nearly 100 college courses in philosophy, theology, rhetoric, and comparative religions at various places (Purdue, Indiana University, Multnomah University and Ecola Bible College). From 2009-15 he served on staff with Cru’s Faculty Commons ministry at Purdue. He taught philosophy and comparative religions at Indiana University for 12 years. He is an accomplished author as well. Dr. Miller holds masters degrees in philosophy, biblical studies, and in philosophy of religion and ethics. His PhD is in philosophical theology from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland.

Key takeaways:

• Link to The Progressive Miseducation of America
• A link to Ratio Christi’s library of booklets and other resources on a range of relevant topics.
• An in-depth explanation of how American higher education went from Christian foundation to progressive bulwark.
• The developing “third revolution” on college campuses and how to encourage and participate in it.
• Practical ideas for arguing for Christianity’s goodness on and off campus.

Click Here to Watch on YouTube

Photo: Members of the Hoosier Leadership Series, an effort of Indiana Family Institute, praying in front of the US Capitol after hearing about Kirk’s assassination on September 10, 2025.

A little over a month has passed since Charlie Kirk’s public assassination at Utah Valley University, and much has transpired since. Thousands of prayer vigils and memorials have been held, TPUSA has reported over 121,000 requests to start new campus chapters, many churches are reporting a surge in church attendance (especially among young men), and many members of Gen Z and Gen Alpha are speaking up about their faith and political beliefs. I have interacted with a number of church leaders around the country in the last month and prayed over and thought through Kirk’s life and legacy, his memorial service, and other developments since in an attempt to understand and steward the moment. Here are a few reflections:

1. A tale of two movements.
2. Spiritual renewal or conservative resurgence? Or both?
3. Courage, persuasion, and influence as the way forward.

Given the continuing debate on religion’s impact in American public life and especially discussions about Christian nationalism, it is important to review America’s unique approach to church/state relations and its principled commitment to religious liberty. In this interview, Dr. John Wilsey sets out the history of religious freedom as Biblical principle and conservative idea and the harmony between the “spirit of freedom” and the “spirit of religion” observed by Alexis De Tocqueville in his travels in early America. Then, he he chronicles key thinkers and movements in modern conservatism and explains the Biblical motivations behind religious liberty as rooted in the gospel and created order. Curious about the intersection of church and state or the proper application of faith in public life? Interested in the history of Christian citizenship and the conservative movement? This episode is for you.

John D. Wilsey is professor of church history and chair of the Department of Church History and Historical Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He is also a research fellow with the Center for Religion, Culture, and Democracy. His publications include American Exceptionalism and Civil Religion: Reassessing the History of an Idea, God’s Cold Warrior: The Life and Faith of John Foster Dulles, and Religious Freedom: A Conservative Primer.

Key Takeaways:

• The pivot into apathy by many Christian citizens.
• “[Anglo-American civilization] is the product … of two perfectly distinct elements that elsewhere are often at odds. But in America, these two have been successfully blended, in a way, and marvelously combined. I mean the spirit of religion and the spirit of liberty.” -De Tocqueville.
• A working definition and history of conservatism and the impact of Biblical principles on the movement.
• A review of the Biblical case for religious liberty.

According to US and UN statistics, an estimated 27.6 million people are victims of human trafficking at any given time. And a majority of human trafficking victims in the United States are US nationals–meaning they are groomed, coerced, and trafficked on US soil. Because this an international and national issue and trafficking is often difficult to identify and stop, many churches and individual Christians are unsure exactly how to engage in the fight against human trafficking. Rescue America identified this need and provides practical ways for churches and even individual Christians to get involved. Here is the remarkable story of the ministry, how it fights back against human trafficking, and how you and church can make a difference.

In 2014, armed with a dream and her years of business-world experience, Allison Madrigal and a team of volunteers launched a 24/7 rescue hotline dedicated specifically to victims of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. This ministry model proved so effective that it eventually expanded nationwide and currently facilitates safe exits for survivors and sets them safely on a path of healing and restoration.

Key takeaways:

• The heartbreaking stats about human trafficking and how this impacts victims in the United States.
• The remarkable story of Rescue America.
• Rescue America’s model of rescue, revive, and empower.
• How churches and individual Christians can assist the work of the ministry.

After experiencing several trials for his life, the Apostle Paul now heads west on an all-expense-paid trip courtesy of the Roman empire. But this journey, like so many others taken by Paul, will not be without peril and ministry opportunity. In a chapter that evidences remarkable historical detail about Roman-era ship-building and maritime travels, Paul turns from captive to captain as he faces an endless storm and almost certain death, stands strong in the midst of crisis, and witnesses to the God he serves. In a time of change and loss, there is no small comfort here in Acts 27.

Outline:

1. An Imperial Cruise
2. The Storm
3. The Shipwreck

Key Takeaways and Questions:

• Where is your Rome?
• The remarkable detail of Roman-era ships and sailing practices.
• A review of the centurions in the New Testament.
• How the Apostle Paul handled a crisis.
• Are you Jonah or Paul?

One of the goals of this podcast is to provide practical examples of Christians living out their calling in public life. Peter Gentala has led a remarkable career in law and public policy that spans litigating cases to the U.S. Supreme Court, working to protect kids and those impacted by sexual abuse and exploitation, and now leading a public policy organization in Arizona–all while raising eight kids alongside his wife Allison. In this episode, we explore Christian calling and navigating job and even season changes, Peter’s work with Alliance Defending Freedom in litigating religious defense cases, his time at Kidhelp and the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, and then his most recent role as the President of Center for Arizona Policy. In this discussion, he provides a wealth of insights about leadership, family life, law, and public policy.

By far, the best thing about Peter is that he is married to Allison Gentala. Peter and Allison have been married for 27 years. Their greatest love, joy, and pride is their eight children. Peter’s professional lifework focuses on the intersection between law and policy. He has litigated constitutional, public-law, and victim-advocacy cases at every level of the federal court system, including two cases decided by the Supreme Court of the United States. In the realm of public policy, he has served as professional staff to elected lawmakers and has authored or co-authored countless pieces of proposed and enacted legislation, including state constitutional provisions. For his full bio, click this link.

Key Takeaways:

• His call into the law and public policy.
• How he balances family and professional life.
• His work defending religious freedom.
• How to protect vulnerable kids from exploitation.
• Thoughts on the current cultural and political climate and what Christians should focus on now.

As of September 2025, the U.S. gross national debt stands at almost $37.5 trillion with a growth of over $2 trillion in the past year and an average growth of roughly $5.7 billion per day. And earlier this year, Moody’s downgraded the U.S. credit rating to Aa1 (down from Aaa), citing concerns over the rising debt and ambitious fiscal proposals. With these developments in mind, what can and should be done to secure America’s financial future? In this interview, Indiana’s State Comptroller (a statewide elected office equivalent to a Chief Financial Officer) Elise Nieshalla explains Indiana’s path from a nearly $800 million deficit to a AAA credit rating and one of the lowest debt levels in the country, what other states and the country can learn from Indiana’s example, and her efforts as the Chair of the National Debt Crisis Task Force of State Financial Officers.

Elise M. Nieshalla is the Indiana State Comptroller, fulfilling the duties of the Constitutional Office of State Auditor. Prior to becoming the State Comptroller, Nieshalla served as President of the Boone County Council and President of the Indiana County Councils Association. In addition, Comptroller Nieshalla was the Chairwoman of the Association of Indiana Counties 2023 Legislative Committee and was honored to be named 2018 Indiana County Councilor of the Year. As a hard-working entrepreneur and economic development professional, Comptroller Nieshalla has worked over 20 years in real estate overseeing property acquisitions and business management for a portfolio of investments. From managing and appropriating funds within her local county budget to compiling the State of Indiana’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, Comptroller Nieshalla has a proven record of trusted fiscal stewardship of hard-earned tax-payer funds. She is also a strong proponent for the essential combination of transparency and fiscal responsibility to undergird our birthright of freedom. Comptroller Nieshalla earned a bachelor’s degree from Oral Roberts University and a master’s degree from Indiana University where she also taught as an adjunct faculty member in the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. She resides with her husband, Chris, in Zionsville where they have raised their four children. She also serves as the Chair of the National Debt Crisis Task Force of State Financial Officers.

Key Takeaways:

• Her call into public life and what inspires her to serve the Hoosier state in elected office.
• Indiana’s example of eliminating debt, working back to a position of strength, and maintaining its AAA credit rating and low debt levels.
• Why the national debt matters and must be addressed now.
• Comptroller Nieshalla’s efforts as the Chair of the National Debt Crisis Task Force of State Financial Officers, including a letter to President Trump and Congress signed by 37 state financial officers concerning the national debt.
• How concerned citizens should advocate for financial stewardship at the state and national level.

What happens when a teacher’s faith collides with a school’s pronoun policy?

I recently had the opportunity to join Craig DeRoche on The SoConCon Report to discuss the case of John Kluge. In 2018, Kluge resigned from Brownsburg Community School in Indiana after his religious exemption to a pronoun policy was revoked. His case is now headed to a jury, and the outcome could set a powerful precedent for religious liberty in classrooms nationwide.

In this episode, we unpack why this case matters for teachers, parents, and people of faith, and what it means for the future of religious freedom in America’s schools, including:

·     Religious freedom at stake: Kluge’s fight against a school pronoun policy could shape how schools across the country handle faith-based accommodations.

·     Legal insights: Why the court’s rejection of the school’s “emotional distress” claim is a key turning point.

·     National implications: The outcome of this case may set a precedent for teachers, public employees, and people of faith navigating similar cultural battles.

In his recent book, Os Guinness explains why the West is facing a “civilizational moment” or a critical inflection point due to our civilization’s loss of connection to its founding principles and inspiration. And he points out that history records only three roads from here: renewal due to rediscovery of founding principles, replacement of those founding ideals, or decline and fall. How did we end up here? And which way will we go? In this interview with author and social critical Os Guinness, we walk through the challenges and opportunities of our “civilizational moment” and explore ways that we can individually and collectively work toward renewal.

Os Guinness is an author and social critic. Great-great-great grandson of Arthur Guinness, the Dublin brewer, he was born in China in World War Two where his parents were medical missionaries. A witness to the climax of the Chinese revolution in 1949, he was expelled with many other foreigners in 1951 and returned to Europe where he was educated in England. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of London and his D.Phil in the social sciences from Oriel College, Oxford. Os has written or edited more than thirty books, including The Call, Time for Truth, Unspeakable, A Free People’s Suicide, The Global Public Square, Last Call for Liberty, Carpe Diem Redeemed, and The Magna Carta of Humanity. 

Key Takeaways:

• Link to Our Civilizational Moment.
• What made America great in the first place.
• The greatest challenges to the American republic now.
• His thoughts on the early signs of spiritual renewal in the West.
• His thoughts on America’s global role in this century.
• What church leaders and other committed Christians can do to renew our cities and country.

In his last, powerful sermon in the book of Acts, Paul retells his encounter on the road to Damascus (with a key detail not mentioned in previous accounts of his conversion in Acts 9 and 22), connects the Old Testament prophets to the gospel of Christ, and turns from prisoner to prosecutor as he questions Herod Agrippa II about his belief in Jesus. As one commentator put it, the “king of the Jews…hear[d] about the King of the Jews.” There is much to learn here about personal evangelism, boldness, belonging, and God’s providence as Paul takes the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome.

Outline:

1. A 4th Defense
2. Paul’s Best Story
3. The Great Call

Key Takeaways:

• The odd story of Agrippa II and Bernice.
• A comparison of the 3 accounts (in Acts) of Paul’s conversion and why they are different.
• An exploration of Paul’s evangelism methods.
• His remarkable exchange with Agrippa II and Festus, and the conclusion of his ministry in Caesarea.

Over more than a decade, Greg Baker and his team at the Church Ambassador Network in Iowa have built personal relationships with governing officials, ministered to them, and partnered with them for the common good. These efforts have led to a remarkable partnership with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and HHS Secretary Kelly Garcia, including county and statewide tours to build collaboration between churches and state leaders and the launch of statewide ministries. And Greg and his team are now replicating these efforts in more than twenty states. Here’s an update on these efforts and practical advice and encouragement to build partnerships between these two God-ordained institutions (church and government) in your sphere of influence.

Key Takeaways:

1. The latest update on the efforts of the Church Ambassador Network in Iowa and especially the Breaking Bondage tour.
2. The unique relationship with HHS Director Kelly Garcia and the importance of favor over influence.
3. How CAN developed its focus on foster care and key strategies for inspiring the church to engage this issue.
4. The remarkable work of the The Daniel Impact around the country.
5. How Greg maintains his energy and creativity in ministry.

Once upon a time—and I mean in God’s perfect time—a Jewish orphan girl named Esther became a Persian Queen. But, as many of you know, this book is less fairy tale and much more mystery—a book full of lessons about the mysteries of divine calling, evil and justice, finding courage to stand for truth, and understanding God’s eternal purposes in history and in our story. Though her husband claimed the title “king of kings,” Esther’s ultimate allegiance lay elsewhere—to the high King of the universe. In that sense, here’s the story and the lessons we should learn from Esther: the King’s Queen.

Outline:

1. The Book
2. The King
3. The Queen
4. The Temper

Key Takeaways:

• The size and scope of the Persian Empire.
• A sketch of how Daniel, Esther, Nehemiah, and Ezra fit on a timeline.
• The geopolitics of the time, including the pending Persian invasion of Greece by Xerxes.
• The story of Esther as set in God’s grand plan of redemption.
• Lessons about Providence and God’s rule and reign throughout history.

Watch on YouTube

What’s next in the stand for life? In 2022, the Dobbs case overturned Roe v. Wade and sent the issue of abortion back to the states. Now, more than twenty states have abortion bans; but a surprising number of pro-abortion ballot measures have succeeded–even in state such as Ohio, Michigan, Arizona, and Nevada. And this exposed more than just political opinion as exit polling showed that 1 in 3 self-identified weekly church-going Catholics and Evangelicals voted to enshrine abortion in the Ohio constitution. Now, the issue of the abortion pill is taking center stage as the pill accounts for most abortions; and religious leaders are pushing pro-abortion arguments in the media and in churches. With these developments in mind, how should Christians respond? In his recent book Life After Roe, David Closson explains next steps in the stand for life; and, in this interview, we discuss the book and what Christians should focus on in the coming years.

Key Takeaways:

• Key Biblical passages to review in discussions about life.
• The importance of church leaders and discipleship in the local church.
• Recent developments in the stand for life.
• Where Christians should focus their effort now.
• Preview of his dissertation on an important topic.

Links:

• David Closson Bio
• David’s Book: Life After Roe: Equipping Christians in the Fight for Life Today
• David’s Previous Podcast Appearance

Success in the public square is often measured in years or even decades and can be temporary without continued vigilance and effort. This is why persistence is a critical quality for those engaged in public life, and Paul Smith is an encouraging example of this dedication. In this interview, I talk with Paul Smith, the founder of Citizen Impact, about his efforts in supporting Christian education, a more than ten year efforts to protect religious freedom in Georgia, and a remarkable story about 9/11. 

Key Takeaways:

• How God called Paul into public square ministry.
• A remarkable story about praying outside the White House during 9/11.
• The path to passing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in Georgia.
• How he supports Christian education.

In Acts 25, Paul once again stands trial for his life before a Roman governor. Accused of sedition against Rome and blasphemy against the temple, Paul uses this trial to assert his innocence, witness to the Resurrection, and appeal directly to Caesar so that the gospel will go to Rome. How does Paul deal with pauses or waiting in ministry, and how does he confidently stand and witness to the Resurrection each time he is tried for his life? And how does the hatred of the Council and the corruption or reluctance of the Roman governors play directly into God’s plan of redemption? All of that and more in this remarkable chapter.

Big Idea: The early church carried the gospel throughout the known world in approximately 30 years and transformed an empire in 3 centuries. Now the church seems intimidated, uncertain amidst swift cultural changes. So, what did the early Christians, commanded by Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, do that we are not doing? Here are their Acts, and may they inspire our own.

Outline:

1. The Kingdom Comma
2. Paul’s Appeal
3. The Power Couple

The Internal Revenue Service included a critical clarification in a court filing last week concerning pastors and politics. In sum, the IRS stated that a pastor or church speaking about political issues and even candidates to its members does not violate the tax code or jeopardize the church’s tax-exempt status. In this episode, I review what this does and does not mean for churches, as well as some practical considerations for churches following this clarification. Also, I review several key Supreme Court cases and include some thoughts on the legal and cultural trends they represent. Key Cases:

• Link to court filing concerning pastors and politics:
• Review of Catholic Charities Bureau V. Wisconsin Labor
• Review of Medina v. Planned Parenthood
• Review of United States v. Skrmetti
• Review of Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services
• Review of Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond
• Review of Mahmoud v. Taylor
• Review of FSC v. Paxton
• Review of Trump v. CASA, Inc.

Key Takeaways:

• Deference to states and the democratic process.
• The importance of standing up for truth amidst cultural pressure and uncertainty.
• The importance of and opportunity for legal innovation.

What are the most effective methods for cultivating a Biblical worldview amidst the constant influence of media, culture, and technology? What lessons about spiritual renewal can we learn from the life and times of Jonathan Edwards? What challenges do Christian students face in secular higher education, and how should we practically live out our faith in the public life? In this interview with pastor and theologian Josh Moody, we cover these topics and more with a practical emphasis on disciple-making in a quickly changing culture and practical application of God’s Word to all of life.

Josh Moody (Ph.D., University of Cambridge) is the senior pastor of College Church. He is the president and founder of God Centered Life Ministries, which proclaims God’s Word worldwide through daily broadcasts on Moody Radio, One Place, podcasts, and live streaming on godcenteredlife.org. He is a theologian shaped by his research in understanding the challenges of the secularization of the Enlightenment to Christian faith and the answers that influential pastor Jonathan Edwards brought, culminating in a doctorate in historical theology from Cambridge University. He did a research fellowship at Yale Divinity School and was a Fellow at the Jonathan Edwards College of Yale University.

Since we celebrate the 4th of July every year (and it involves fireworks and time off work), it is easy to glance over the deeper meaning of the holiday. Beyond the fact that it marked the birth of the United States, why should we celebrate the 4th of July? What did and does it mean? And what lessons should we draw from it as we look to the future?

Here are 4 facts about the 4th of July and some reflections on America’s present and future.

1. It was improbable.
2. It was impressive.
3. It was imperfect (think “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare…”).
4. It is in peril.

Links:

• Link to the state of abortion bans in the United States since the Dobbs case.
• Link to the Crucible of War on the Seven Year’s War and the events that led up to the War for Independence.
• Link to Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom.

In this chapter, the Apostle Paul stands alone and on trial for his life before a corrupt and powerful Roman official, Antonius Felix. How will the high priest and their representative lay out their case against him? How will Paul respond, and what will Felix make of Christ and the Resurrection? In this high-stakes story, we can learn much about our public witness, inner strength and peace, and pointing all people (including governing officials) to the hope of the gospel.

Big Idea: The early church carried the gospel throughout the known world in approximately 30 years and transformed an empire in 3 centuries. Now the church seems intimidated, uncertain amidst swift cultural changes. So, what did the early Christians, commanded by Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, do that we are not doing? Here are their Acts, and may they inspire our own.

Outline:

1. The Accusations
2. Paul’s Justifications
3. A Procrastination

Key Takeaways:

• Don’t slander or flatter officials.
• Know God’s peace in the midst of crisis.
• Don’t procrastinate on spiritual decisions.
• Don”t forget your witness.

Father’s Day weekend is an important reminder of the role of dads in the lives of their children, and it is always encouraging to see the number of good role models on social media. However, our society has grappled for some time with a fatherless epidemic, and its impact is staggering. Here is an overview of the causes and consequences of fatherlessness and some practical steps for churches and committed Christians to make a difference.

The impact of fatherlessness in our society is staggering. For example, according to the Department for Health and Human Services, 85% of youth in prison or some form of incarceration grew up in a fatherless home. This is not meant to disparage the heroic efforts of single moms or downplay the success of many children who are growing up or grew up in a home without a dad. But, if we are to successfully reverse the breakdown of the family and impact a host of societal ills, this issue of fatherlessness stands out as a critical and often overlooked root cause. In this episode, I discuss the fatherless epidemic and how to respond with Sean Teis. He has a powerful personal testimony and leads God is My Dad, a ministry dedicated to serving fatherless families and equipping churches to do the same.

Key Takeaways:

• The heartbreaking and eye-opening statistics related to the effects of fatherlessness.
• The fact that Scripture often refers to the “fatherless” as (Jer.5:28; James 1:27)
• A link to the website and tools referenced in the interview.
• A policy brief setting out stats and trends concerning fatherlessness.
• How you and your church can help.

Pastor Tate Throndson leads a growing church he planted in Colorado, and he developed strong concerns about a recent Colorado bill challenging parental rights (HB 1312). In addition to preaching on Biblical principles related to identity and human sexuality, he signed up and showed up to testify against HB 1312—along with more than 700 other Coloradans. In this interview, Pastor Throndson explains why and how he engages in public life, how he disciples his congregation in the area of citizenship, his experience at the Colorado State Capitol at the hearing on HB 1312, and why other church leaders and committed Christians should promote Biblical principles in their churches and in the public square.

In late March of 2025, legislators in the Colorado House of Representatives made national news by introducing HB 1312—a bill that ominously defined the act of a parent referring to a child according to that child’s biological sex as “coercive control.” This bill also allowed a trial court to withhold parenting time and even make custody determinations based on “deadnaming” (using a child’s birth name) or “misgendering” a child. Some of these startling provisions were removed from the bill before final passage by the Colorado Senate, but the bill still adds “deadnaming” and “misgendering” to Colorado’s nondiscrimination law. And Colorado Governor Polis recently signed the bill into law.

Key takeaways/links:

• HB 1312 as introduced
• HB 1312 as signed
• Two members of Castleview Baptist Church talk about their experience at the hearing on a parental rights bill
• Lawsuit by Colorado parents challenging HB 1312
• Lawsuit by clothing company challenging HB 1312
• Camp IdRaHaJe Lawsuit

How should disciples of Jesus navigate a society clawing itself apart through politics? Should we disengage? Pick a side? Offer slogans which sound nice but express little? Insist that true Christians vote in such-and-such a way? Pursue tranquility by making contentious topics off-limits for church? 

Can we lean into the issues and love well? 

Following Jesus in a Politically Divided World suggests that disciples of Jesus navigate a politically divided world . . . by being disciples of Jesus. Jesus models the character and provides the tools we need to live as perceptive and peaceable in volatile times. [from book description] In this interview with the book’s author’s, we discuss key points of public theology and practical application and dig into some of the key questions they ask and answer in the book. 

In their book, Whittaker and McCoy invite you to answer 21 questions, including:

• What is the purpose of government?
• Do you know the times you’re living in?
• What hills are worth dying on?
• How do you pray for your nation?
• How do you figure out what’s right and wrong as a Christian?
• What does Christianity teach about the bedroom, womb, deathbed, environment, and battlefield?

Resources

• https://renew.org/product/following-jesus-in-a-politically-divided-world-an-interactive-guide-to-21-questions-on-christianity-and-politics/
• https://listenerscommentary.com/
• renew.org 

The definition of sex as binary–male and female–is a creation order issue (Gen. 1:26-27) and at the core of a number of current cultural and legal debates. This definition impacts sports, birth and medical records, medical treatment, placement in correctional facilities, our sense of self, and apologetics and disciple-making at home and in the local church (to name a few). And culture and especially the transgender movement has pushed for an understanding of sex as a subjective spectrum rather than the male/female binary. In this interview, Zachary Elliott from the Paradox Institute sets out the evidence in genetics and fetal development (as well as other fields) for the binary reality of sex; responds to common arguments for the sex spectrum and objections such as intersex conditions/Disorders of Sexual Development; and explains why accurately defining sex as binary is critical for the common good.

Zachary A. Elliott is a science educator who has studied the biology of sex since 2017. Through his research of the scientific literature, he has authored four books on sex differences, combining rigorous research with accessible explanations for a general audience. His work has been informed through collaboration and consultation with medical doctors, biologists, and other experts in the field.

Key Takeaways:

• How to accurately and concisely define sex in the midst of cultural confusion.
• How to respond to common objections, such as intersex conditions and Disorders of Sexual Development.
• Why we do not all “start as female.”
• The importance of this topic for apologetics and disciplemaking at home and in the local church.
• Binary: Debunking the Sex Spectrum Myth
• The Sex Development Handbook
• Paradox Institute YouTube Channel

Watch on YouTube

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a concept of the future—it’s a present-day reality transforming society and even impacting the church. In this episode, we unpack the rapid development of AI and the opportunities and challenges of the gaming world and what it means for church leaders and other committed Christians today. From evangelism through gaming and sermon prep tools to ethical dilemmas and deepfake risks, the AI revolution presents both remarkable opportunities and serious challenges for ministry.

David Beatty is the Senior Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in New Braunfels, Texas. He has also worked at high tech companies and is passionate about creating immersive and engaging experiences that connect people and communities across the world. And he maintains an expertise on the metaverse, gaming, and developing technologies.

In this episode, we explore how pastors and other Christian leaders can steward this technology wisely, equipping their congregations to think biblically in a rapidly changing digital age. What are the opportunities and proper safeguards when it comes to gaming? How can churches leverage AI and other developing technologies for kingdom impact? And how can the church both leverage these technologies while remaining the conscience of our society as we face this technological frontier? 

Resources:

• Know Thy Gamer: A Parent’s Guide to Video Games: https://www.amazon.com/Know-Thy-Gamer…
• Gaming and the Heroic Life: A Quest for Holiness in the Virtual World: https://www.amazon.com/Gaming-Heroic-…
• 2084 and the AI Revolution, Updated and Expanded Edition: How Artificial Intelligence Informs Our Future: https://www.amazon.com/2084-Revolutio…

In Acts 23, Paul stares down the Jewish Sanhedrin, reprimands and then apologizes to the High Priest, calls a question that redirects the energy of the Council to internal division while focusing on the resurrection, and earns an all-expense-paid trip to the Mediterranean seashore (Caesarea) due to a plot on his life. In all this, Paul shows his mastery of cultural, religious, and even political realities; his dedication to the gospel of Christ; and his reliance on divine providence to carry him safely from Jerusalem to his ultimate destination: Rome.

Big Idea: The early church carried the gospel throughout the known world in approximately 30 years and transformed an empire in 3 centuries. Now the church seems intimidated, uncertain amidst swift cultural changes. So, what did the early Christians, commanded by Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, do that we are not doing? Here are their Acts, and may they inspire our own.

Outline:

1. The Great Question
2. The Hungry Forty
3. Unlikely Bodyguards

Key Takeaways:

• Review of the political, cultural, and religious realities and how Paul navigated them.
• Why we should honor governing officials for their position, even if we disagree with them personally.
• The consistent theme of Christ’s encouragement to Paul–and us.
• Why we should trust divine providence in our lives and ministries.

Last week, we worked through some generational distinctives and effective methods for equipping members of Gen Z and Gen Alpha to share and live out their faith. This week, we focus in on the area of Christian citizenship and hear from a member of Gen Z engaged in public life. In this episode, guest Birjan Crispin shares his remarkable story that began in a Bulgarian orphanage, how he became a follower of Jesus, and how God led him to impact the public square. We also discuss the spiritual condition of Gen Z, how Gen Z thinks about the church and its role in public life, and how ministries can effectively disciple the next generation in the area of Christian citizenship.

Birjan Crispin is the Deputy Director of The Good Citizen Project, a Hope College graduate (’20) – B.A. Business & Political Science, a former legislative aide with the Indiana House Republican Caucus, graduate of the Heritage Foundation’s Leadership Fellowship Academy, the Leadership Institute’s Young Leaders Program, and Indiana Family Institute’s Hoosier Leadership Series Class of 2024. He is also a speaker and author.

What are the obstacles to and most effective methods for equipping members of Gen Z and Gen Alpha to share and live out their faith? In this episode, we explore some generational distinctives and the challenges and opportunities created by recent changes in culture and technology. Then, we focus on practical ways to teach and model Christianity so that members of these generations develop a resilient, active faith in quickly changing times.

In Acts 22, Paul quieted a mob intent on killing him just minutes before, recounted his conversion and calling, and put his Roman citizenship to work to further his ministry. Paul truly became all things to all men (I Cor. 9:22), and Acts 22 is a masterclass on how to navigate cultural differences and even use legal protections to promote the gospel.

Big Idea: The early church carried the gospel throughout the known world in approximately 30 years and transformed an empire in 3 centuries. Now the church seems intimidated, uncertain amidst swift cultural changes. So, what did the early Christians, commanded by Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, do that we are not doing? Here are their Acts, and may they inspire our own.

Key Takeaways:

• Paul’s recounting of his conversion and and Christ’s appearance to him in the temple (not recounted in Acts 9).
• How Paul used his testimony as a defense of the gospel.
• How God led the Apostle Paul in ministry.
• God’s method of using us to raise up people and fulfill the Great Commission.
• The basics of Roman civitas or citizenship and how Paul put that citizenship to work.

Religious freedom is a cherished American principle and a key distinctive of ours on the world stage. But, can we concisely and accurately define it? And what Biblical principles support this free exercise of religion? Further, what is the latest in religious liberty cases? In this episode, I walk through the Biblical origin of this principle, the fascinating history of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the current state of religious freedom, and how and why we should champion this principle in our zip code and for the next generation.

Key takeaways:

• Working definition:  the right to believe and live out one’s deeply held convictions without fear of coercion or mistreatment by the government.
• Pastor John Leland: “…Government should protect every man in thinking and speaking freely, and see that one does not abuse another. The liberty I contend for is more than toleration. The very idea of toleration is despicable; it supposes that some have a pre-eminence above the rest to grant indulgence, whereas all should be equally free, Jews, Turks [Muslims], Pagans and Christians.”
• Current developments in religious liberty cases.
• The 2025 Report of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom.
• A strategy for all Christians to champion religious freedom for the next generation.
• The best way to defend religious freedom is to use it.

Christian schools are often on the front lines of cultural and legal developments, and the legal standards that impact these institutions generally impact churches and homeschooling as well. In this episode, I review recent recent legal and cultural developments and explain proactive steps Christian schools can take to build and maintain strong legal protections.

Key Legal Issues:

• Legal Foundation
• Employment
• Admissions and Discipline
• Accreditation and Tax Exemption
• The Christian School and Immigration

Disclaimer: This presentation is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is given with the understanding that the presenter is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

2025 promises to be a year of significant social and political change that will impact American faith and culture. The Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, led by Dr. George Barna, recently reviewed its vault of data and compiled several key trends that church leaders and other committed Christians should be aware of as they impact their communities in 2025. In this interview, Dr. Adam Rasmussen, a Fellow at the Cultural Research Center, walks through these trends and explores how ministries can effectively navigate them in 2025.

Dr. Adam Rasmussen guides students to flourish under the Lordship of Christ in all of life as they make important connections between faith, reason, and culture. In his courses, students learn how to develop their own moral philosophy, so they are inspired to implement significant change in their sphere of influence. They are encouraged to “transform culture with truth”. Adam brings 25 years of experience in Christian education to his role at Arizona Christian University where he joyfully serves as the Associate Professor of Humanities and a Fellow at the Cultural Research Center.

Likely Religious Trends:

• Reshaping God to our Liking
• The Syncretism Train Keeps Rolling
• Discipleship Drops off the Radar
• Organized Christianity Takes a Hit
• Signs of Backbone

Likely Cultural Trends:

• Rethinking College Education
• Mental Health Issues Escalate
• Reinventing the Senior Life
• Altering the Political Conversation
• Public Schools Will Suffer
• Reimagining the Family
• Reconfiguring the Media Universe

Link to the full report.

Parents, not the state, have the responsibility to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4). And the Supreme Court has recognized parental rights as the oldest of the “fundamental liberty interests.” Troxel v. Granville. Despite this status as a fundamental right, parental rights have often been disregarded in recent years; and Christian organizations are pushing back to protect parents. Here is the latest on those efforts in Indiana and how you can impact the issue of parental rights in your state.

Links:

• Former episode with Craig Deroche – Highly Functional: A Collision of Addiction, Justice, and Grace.
• Link to the video of this interview on the Family Police Alliance YouTube channel.
• Link to Family Policy Alliance and Craig’s bio.

How one views the end of the world (often referred to as eschatology) profoundly impacts the here and now. In this episode, I walk through four primary Christian views of the end of the world and how these views can impact our citizenship in the present.

1. Premillenialism
2. Postmillenialism
3. Amillenialism
4. Preterism

Key Takeaways:

• The troubling story of the Munster rebellion.
• An explanation of the basics and timelines of these views.
• The remarkable resource that is Revelation 21-22.

What do you think about the future of the United States? Should we expect and just accept further division and decline? Can the United States remain, well, united amidst differing worldviews and visions for the future of the country? The national debt, the temperature of our political rhetoric, the departure from Biblical principles, the dysfunction of Washington, D.C, and the rise of geopolitical forces new and old are certainly cause for grave concern. And it is easy to grow discouraged about the direction of the country. But, there are still strong Biblical and practical reasons for us to re-invest in the American experiment. Here are four.

Due to a quickly changing culture, many American Christians are facing increasing tensions between their faith and legal requirements at school and work, in the public square, and even in our homes and ministries. In my experience, analyzing a question and developing a plan or procedure prior to a crisis is the best approach. So, according to Scripture, is it appropriate for a Christian to practice civil disobedience? If so, what are the practical steps for working through a conflict between Biblical commands and government mandates and even engaging in civil disobedience? Here are some thoughts on when and how to say a “holy no.”

Key Principles

1. Our default position is submission.
2. Obedience to God may mean disobedience to government.
3. Disobey in the right way.

Key Steps:

1. Review Scripture and determine if the law or mandate clearly violates the text of Scripture or a careful application of Biblical principles.
2. (If the answer to Step 1 is yes) Request an accommodation for your beliefs through meetings, public statements, and even litigation.
3. (If Step 2 fails) Respectfully disobey with a goal of accommodation or change.

Takeaways:

• “I don’t like it” is insufficient for civil disobedience.
• Biblical and historical examples of Christian civil disobedience.
• Reflections on the church’s response to the 2020 COVID lockdowns.
• The Nuremberg trials as a reminder of the importance of civil disobedience and a higher law.
• For American Christians, the refusal to follow an arguably unconstitutional law can be an appeal to a higher law. When Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery bus, she did so in violation of a local ordinance but in furtherance of constitutional rights.
• That said, you the person does not equal we the people (explained further in the episode).
• How these Biblical principles push back on anarchy and totalitarianism.

How did the Apostle Paul discern God’s will and push forward despite opposition? And did the Apostle Paul go against the leading of the Holy Spirit? How did the early church display such amazing forgiveness of past wrongs and navigate deep difference? And how did Paul persist in the face of certain imprisonment and even death? All of that and more in Acts Chapter 21.

Big Idea for the Series: The early church carried the gospel throughout the known world in approximately 30 years and transformed an empire in 3 centuries. Now the church seems intimidated, uncertain amidst swift cultural changes. So, what did the early Christians, commanded by Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, do that we are not doing? Here are their Acts, and may they inspire our own.

Outline:

1. Paul’s GPS
2. Jerusalem!
3. The Riot!

Key Takeaways:

• How the Apostle Paul interpreted God’s will for his life and how he responded to clear warnings of imprisonment at Jerusalem.
• Paul’s dual role and how he used his citizenship and knowledge of various cultures to further the gospel.
• The heartbreaking formal and final rejection of the Jewish leaders and the mob at the temple.
• Calling, not comfort, is our compass.

In contrast to our increasingly plural (many religions and ideologies) society’s claim that all roads lead to Heaven, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6). Many insist that this exclusive claim about truth and salvation is prideful and leads to mistreatment of others in a diverse society. But that is incorrect, as shown by Scripture and a deeper review of the arguments concerning ultimate truth and human societies. Here is why Christ’s exclusive claim is exactly what we and our culture need right now.

Outline:

1. Everyone makes exclusive claims.

2. Exclusive claims cannot all be true.

3. Christ’s exclusive claim is exactly what we need.

Key Takeaways:

• America’s favorite color.
• Our troubling inability to condemn evil.
• The actual meaning of coexist bumper stickers.
• We need ultimate moral values, i.e. murder is wrong.
• We also need a check on the pride and lust for power in the human heart.
• Why the cross provides both and is exactly what our society needs right now.

For more on this topic, consider Josh’s book Persuasion Points: Practical Responses to Culture’s Toughest Questions.

Conflict is a part of life and especially church life. But, in my experience as a former pastor’s kid, a church leader and an attorney, Christians are spectacularly bad at handling conflict. If we are going to significantly impact our communities, we will have to first overcome the obstacle of unhealthy church conflict. Stated differently, conflict is inevitable; and healthy conflict is invaluable.

So, how should we go about it. Should we declare an end to all conflict? No. The goal is not to eradicate conflict. Rather, the goal is to have healthy conflict–to have good fights that are constructive rather than destructive. But how?

Here are four thoughts about conflict:

• Conflict is a problem
• Conflict isn’t the problem
• Conflict can become constructive
• Conflict resolution should be a part of the Church’s public witness

Here are the four steps to having good fights

1. Identify the source and not just the symptom of the conflict.
2. Engage the conflict with grace and strength.
3. Resolve the conflict with the ultimate goal of renewed unity and outward focus
4. Give people bigger problems!

The conflict resolution tool I am most familiar with is the broom–for sweeping issues under the rug. No more! It’s time to have good fights!

What are your thoughts on having good fights? Do you have specific examples of how you or your church has successfully navigating a contentious issue or a season of conflict? Let us know by commenting or sending us an email at info@theboldchurch.com.