The Subversive Gospel in a Polarized World

Friends, good evening. My name is John Friends, good evening. My name is John Simons. I am the associate dean at Simons. I am the associate dean at Simons. I am the associate dean at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and I get to be your host for this evening's I get to be your host for this evening's I get to be your host for this evening's session on a subversive gospel in a session on a subversive gospel in a session on a subversive gospel in a polarized word world. Let me start by polarized word world. Let me start by polarized word world. Let me start by praying really quickly that God would praying really quickly that God would praying really quickly that God would bless our time and then I'm going to bless our time and then I'm going to bless our time and then I'm going to introduce our first speaker. Uh and so introduce our first speaker. Uh and so introduce our first speaker. Uh and so let's pray. let's pray. let's pray. Father, I pray that you would be with us Father, I pray that you would be with us Father, I pray that you would be with us here tonight, that you would speak here tonight, that you would speak here tonight, that you would speak through David and Bill and help us through David and Bill and help us through David and Bill and help us understand how your gospel is at work in understand how your gospel is at work in understand how your gospel is at work in the lives of those who we minister to the lives of those who we minister to the lives of those who we minister to and those who love you. Help us to be and those who love you. Help us to be and those who love you. Help us to be open to your gospel uh causing us to ask open to your gospel uh causing us to ask open to your gospel uh causing us to ask questions of ourselves and of those questions of ourselves and of those questions of ourselves and of those around us and to seek to follow you more around us and to seek to follow you more around us and to seek to follow you more closely. Father, we pray this in your closely. Father, we pray this in your closely. Father, we pray this in your name. name. name. Amen. So, David Pow is my boss. He is Amen. So, David Pow is my boss. He is Amen. So, David Pow is my boss. He is the dean of Trinity Evangelical Divinity the dean of Trinity Evangelical Divinity the dean of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He joined Trinity in 1998 and he School. He joined Trinity in 1998 and he School. He joined Trinity in 1998 and he has taught in the New Testament has taught in the New Testament has taught in the New Testament department and became the chair of the department and became the chair of the department and became the chair of the department before he became the dean of department before he became the dean of department before he became the dean of TEDs uh in TEDs uh in TEDs uh in 2022. Um in addition to his global 2022. Um in addition to his global 2022. Um in addition to his global scholarly reputation, David also scholarly reputation, David also scholarly reputation, David also maintains a very active preaching maintains a very active preaching maintains a very active preaching schedule. I checked his calendar and so schedule. I checked his calendar and so schedule. I checked his calendar and so far this year he has preached in Hong far this year he has preached in Hong far this year he has preached in Hong Kong. He has preached in Sydney, Kong. He has preached in Sydney, Kong. He has preached in Sydney, Australia. He has preached in Toronto, Australia. He has preached in Toronto, Australia. He has preached in Toronto, in Vancouver and in Chicago and in Vancouver and in Chicago and in Vancouver and in Chicago and maintains a steady ministry in churches

maintains a steady ministry in churches maintains a steady ministry in churches globally. Uh which reinforces uh that globally. Uh which reinforces uh that globally. Uh which reinforces uh that his work is not just about academics but his work is not just about academics but his work is not just about academics but is about serving churches. And so David is about serving churches. And so David is about serving churches. And so David is going to speak to us tonight. um he is going to speak to us tonight. um he is going to speak to us tonight. um he is going to introduce a biblical is going to introduce a biblical is going to introduce a biblical framework for what he means when he uses framework for what he means when he uses framework for what he means when he uses the term uh subversive gospel using the term uh subversive gospel using the term uh subversive gospel using Paul's first letter to Timothy. And so Paul's first letter to Timothy. And so Paul's first letter to Timothy. And so it's a pleasure for me to introduce it's a pleasure for me to introduce it's a pleasure for me to introduce David Pow David Pow David Pow [Applause] tonight. Thank you. And my job is um tonight. Thank you. And my job is um first and foremost to be the John the first and foremost to be the John the first and foremost to be the John the Baptist to Bill. And so I'm going to Baptist to Bill. And so I'm going to Baptist to Bill. And so I'm going to introduce the topic and he is going to introduce the topic and he is going to introduce the topic and he is going to get to the content of the material. And get to the content of the material. And get to the content of the material. And um I also would like to have us read one um I also would like to have us read one um I also would like to have us read one paragraph in first Timothy really well paragraph in first Timothy really well paragraph in first Timothy really well and then also maybe to have a renewed and then also maybe to have a renewed and then also maybe to have a renewed understanding of the entire book of understanding of the entire book of understanding of the entire book of First Timothy all within what 40 minutes First Timothy all within what 40 minutes First Timothy all within what 40 minutes or so. And um my hope is to be able to or so. And um my hope is to be able to or so. And um my hope is to be able to read uh first Timothy in light of the read uh first Timothy in light of the read uh first Timothy in light of the background in the first century and to background in the first century and to background in the first century and to recognize the subversive power of the recognize the subversive power of the recognize the subversive power of the gospel. My basic assumption in reading gospel. My basic assumption in reading gospel. My basic assumption in reading any text is that if it is revelation any text is that if it is revelation any text is that if it is revelation coming from God, there has to be coming from God, there has to be coming from God, there has to be surprising elements. It has to be surprising elements. It has to be surprising elements. It has to be providing a critique to what I do and providing a critique to what I do and providing a critique to what I do and how I think. So subversive in a sense of

how I think. So subversive in a sense of how I think. So subversive in a sense of uh being a self-critique at the same uh being a self-critique at the same uh being a self-critique at the same time uh changing my mind and seeing the time uh changing my mind and seeing the time uh changing my mind and seeing the world and looking at the gospel, the world and looking at the gospel, the world and looking at the gospel, the powerful work of God in powerful work of God in powerful work of God in context. So I'm going to focus on first context. So I'm going to focus on first context. So I'm going to focus on first Timothy um and providing a reading Timothy um and providing a reading Timothy um and providing a reading really quickly and um allowing us to really quickly and um allowing us to really quickly and um allowing us to rethink the purpose of the entire book. rethink the purpose of the entire book. rethink the purpose of the entire book. Most of us recognize that um first Most of us recognize that um first Most of us recognize that um first Timothy part of the pastoral epistles Timothy part of the pastoral epistles Timothy part of the pastoral epistles most of us was assumed that this is a most of us was assumed that this is a most of us was assumed that this is a manual for the church how to do church a manual for the church how to do church a manual for the church how to do church a handbook of the church in the second handbook of the church in the second handbook of the church in the second century or so we have the meritorium century or so we have the meritorium century or so we have the meritorium fragments indicating that that's fragments indicating that that's fragments indicating that that's probably the purpose of first Timothy probably the purpose of first Timothy probably the purpose of first Timothy providing a handbook in the 18th century providing a handbook in the 18th century providing a handbook in the 18th century we have the term pastoral epistles we have the term pastoral epistles we have the term pastoral epistles that this is a handbook for the that this is a handbook for the that this is a handbook for the church. But then quickly we recognize church. But then quickly we recognize church. But then quickly we recognize that there are unique vocaps in the work that there are unique vocaps in the work that there are unique vocaps in the work and also in 1 Timothy 1:3 where you find and also in 1 Timothy 1:3 where you find and also in 1 Timothy 1:3 where you find Paul warning the people of God of the Paul warning the people of God of the Paul warning the people of God of the false teachings in the false teachings in the false teachings in the church. So many would move away from the church. So many would move away from the church. So many would move away from the abstract a contextual reading into a abstract a contextual reading into a abstract a contextual reading into a much more contextual reading of the book much more contextual reading of the book much more contextual reading of the book saying that this is in response to a saying that this is in response to a saying that this is in response to a particular set of false particular set of false particular set of false teachings and that is quite helpful teachings and that is quite helpful teachings and that is quite helpful allowing us to have a particular

allowing us to have a particular allowing us to have a particular framework of reading first framework of reading first framework of reading first Timothy. But in emphasizing that this is Timothy. But in emphasizing that this is Timothy. But in emphasizing that this is contextual, the danger is that this is contextual, the danger is that this is contextual, the danger is that this is only applicable in a particular only applicable in a particular only applicable in a particular scenario. This may not be relevant for scenario. This may not be relevant for scenario. This may not be relevant for the universal the universal the universal church. And most important of all, um church. And most important of all, um church. And most important of all, um there are many there are many there are many vocaps in this particular letter that vocaps in this particular letter that vocaps in this particular letter that seems to go seems to go seems to go beyond response to the false beyond response to the false beyond response to the false teachings. And there's many secular teachings. And there's many secular teachings. And there's many secular vocabs used by the author and some would vocabs used by the author and some would vocabs used by the author and some would claim that because of the use of the claim that because of the use of the claim that because of the use of the secular vocaps or the mainstream vocaps secular vocaps or the mainstream vocaps secular vocaps or the mainstream vocaps this may not be written by this may not be written by this may not be written by Paul. And then you have um then the Paul. And then you have um then the Paul. And then you have um then the third reading accommodation reading. A third reading accommodation reading. A third reading accommodation reading. A recent consensus in critical scholarship recent consensus in critical scholarship recent consensus in critical scholarship is to say that this is not written by is to say that this is not written by is to say that this is not written by Paul but Paul is simply accommodating to Paul but Paul is simply accommodating to Paul but Paul is simply accommodating to mainstream Greor Roman culture.

mainstream Greor Roman culture. mainstream Greor Roman culture. There you find um self-control being one There you find um self-control being one There you find um self-control being one symbol of accommodation. Instead of uh symbol of accommodation. Instead of uh symbol of accommodation. Instead of uh the powerful work of God, you have the powerful work of God, you have the powerful work of God, you have self-control. You have submission being self-control. You have submission being self-control. You have submission being the key the key the key word. They base on the unique vocabulary word. They base on the unique vocabulary word. They base on the unique vocabulary and syntax of Paul or the author to say and syntax of Paul or the author to say and syntax of Paul or the author to say that this may not be written by that this may not be written by that this may not be written by Paul. And here I propose a radically Paul. And here I propose a radically Paul. And here I propose a radically different reading to say not only is it different reading to say not only is it different reading to say not only is it is it not accommodation, it is actually is it not accommodation, it is actually is it not accommodation, it is actually subversive. It is written by Paul using subversive. It is written by Paul using subversive. It is written by Paul using the vocaps of the second century or the the vocaps of the second century or the the vocaps of the second century or the mainstream vocaps of the second century. mainstream vocaps of the second century. mainstream vocaps of the second century. They existed in the first century. There They existed in the first century. There They existed in the first century. There you find the author Paul himself you find the author Paul himself you find the author Paul himself providing a strong critique of the providing a strong critique of the providing a strong critique of the surrounding culture. surrounding culture. surrounding culture. And there we can uh point to numerous And there we can uh point to numerous And there we can uh point to numerous possible readings and um I want to focus possible readings and um I want to focus possible readings and um I want to focus on one paragraph and one particular on one paragraph and one particular on one paragraph and one particular theme. So tonight if you can't remember theme. So tonight if you can't remember theme. So tonight if you can't remember anything I say I hope that you remember anything I say I hope that you remember anything I say I hope that you remember one paragraph in chapter six and there one paragraph in chapter six and there one paragraph in chapter six and there you find a pretty generic paragraph on you find a pretty generic paragraph on you find a pretty generic paragraph on the use of the use of the use of wealth. command those who are rich in wealth. command those who are rich in wealth. command those who are rich in the present age not to the present age not to the present age not to beaughty proud um and set their hope on beaughty proud um and set their hope on beaughty proud um and set their hope on uncertain riches but set a hope on God uncertain riches but set a hope on God uncertain riches but set a hope on God who is a benefactor of

who is a benefactor of who is a benefactor of all. So that seems to be a pretty all. So that seems to be a pretty all. So that seems to be a pretty concise critique of the mis misuses of concise critique of the mis misuses of concise critique of the mis misuses of wealth and that's all good and fine. But wealth and that's all good and fine. But wealth and that's all good and fine. But then you also have in the earlier then you also have in the earlier then you also have in the earlier paragraph remember now the ear paragraph paragraph remember now the ear paragraph paragraph remember now the ear paragraph verses 17 and 19 then we jump to the verses 17 and 19 then we jump to the verses 17 and 19 then we jump to the earlier part of the chapter 9 to10 you earlier part of the chapter 9 to10 you earlier part of the chapter 9 to10 you find Paul already introducing the theme find Paul already introducing the theme find Paul already introducing the theme of of of wealth there you find in the middle of wealth there you find in the middle of wealth there you find in the middle of the paragraph the well-known statement the paragraph the well-known statement the paragraph the well-known statement the love of money is a root of all the love of money is a root of all the love of money is a root of all evils. So in two paragraphs you find evils. So in two paragraphs you find evils. So in two paragraphs you find Paul profiling a critique of the use of Paul profiling a critique of the use of Paul profiling a critique of the use of wealth or the misuse of wealth or the misuse of wealth or the misuse of wealth. But what is wealth. But what is wealth. But what is surprising is that intervening or surprising is that intervening or surprising is that intervening or interfering that par those two interfering that par those two interfering that par those two paragraphs you have a long paragraph on paragraphs you have a long paragraph on paragraphs you have a long paragraph on Jesus dying on the Jesus dying on the Jesus dying on the cross. Not quite sure why you have that cross. Not quite sure why you have that cross. Not quite sure why you have that paragraph.

paragraph. paragraph. So you have money is the root of all So you have money is the root of all So you have money is the root of all evil and then you have a long paragraph evil and then you have a long paragraph evil and then you have a long paragraph on Jesus giving the good confession in on Jesus giving the good confession in on Jesus giving the good confession in front of Pilate and then you come to a front of Pilate and then you come to a front of Pilate and then you come to a dosology at the very end to him be honor dosology at the very end to him be honor dosology at the very end to him be honor and eternal power and then you find Paul and eternal power and then you find Paul and eternal power and then you find Paul going back to wealth. going back to wealth. going back to wealth. Why why do you have the bracketing Why why do you have the bracketing Why why do you have the bracketing material on the very material on the very material on the very practical teachings on wealth and then practical teachings on wealth and then practical teachings on wealth and then you have the center center on Jesus you have the center center on Jesus you have the center center on Jesus dying on the dying on the dying on the cross? How is that cross? How is that cross? How is that relevant? So my goal tonight is to get relevant? So my goal tonight is to get relevant? So my goal tonight is to get back to that particular paragraph to back to that particular paragraph to back to that particular paragraph to look at the structure of chapters look at the structure of chapters look at the structure of chapters chapter six. There you find um the first chapter six. There you find um the first chapter six. There you find um the first part on the love of money, the third part on the love of money, the third part on the love of money, the third part on those who are rich, but the part on those who are rich, but the part on those who are rich, but the center on Christ dying on the cross with center on Christ dying on the cross with center on Christ dying on the cross with the good confession. How is that the good confession. How is that the good confession. How is that relevant? Why do we have the center relevant? Why do we have the center relevant? Why do we have the center being Jesus dying on the cross? So that being Jesus dying on the cross? So that being Jesus dying on the cross? So that is where my goal is tonight. But we'll is where my goal is tonight. But we'll is where my goal is tonight. But we'll start from the very beginning.

start from the very beginning. start from the very beginning. to start from the beginning when we talk to start from the beginning when we talk to start from the beginning when we talk about subversive gospel we need to know about subversive gospel we need to know about subversive gospel we need to know what Paul is subverting what Paul is subverting what Paul is subverting against. So be reading several against. So be reading several against. So be reading several paragraphs from the secular paragraphs from the secular paragraphs from the secular literature all of them portraying the literature all of them portraying the literature all of them portraying the emperor or the one in control being the emperor or the one in control being the emperor or the one in control being the ultimate ultimate ultimate benefactor. So we will be reading the benefactor. So we will be reading the benefactor. So we will be reading the lens uh through the lens of benefaction lens uh through the lens of benefaction lens uh through the lens of benefaction to read the entire first Timothy. is not to read the entire first Timothy. is not to read the entire first Timothy. is not the only lens but with the limited time the only lens but with the limited time the only lens but with the limited time that we have we'll be using that that we have we'll be using that that we have we'll be using that particular lens particular lens particular lens benefction and on the left column I'll benefction and on the left column I'll benefction and on the left column I'll be extracting be extracting be extracting vocabs from the paragraphs to look at vocabs from the paragraphs to look at vocabs from the paragraphs to look at what are some of the vocabs used in the what are some of the vocabs used in the what are some of the vocabs used in the benefaction system and then eventually benefaction system and then eventually benefaction system and then eventually we'll be reading first Timothy to see we'll be reading first Timothy to see we'll be reading first Timothy to see how Paul is reusing the same set of how Paul is reusing the same set of how Paul is reusing the same set of vocaps for its own vocaps for its own vocaps for its own purpose. Now, building on the secular purpose. Now, building on the secular purpose. Now, building on the secular material, we begin with the famous Pyini material, we begin with the famous Pyini material, we begin with the famous Pyini inscription glorifying, honoring inscription glorifying, honoring inscription glorifying, honoring Augustus being the Augustus being the Augustus being the emperor. Here you find several important emperor. Here you find several important emperor. Here you find several important vocabs. And to highlight those vocabs, I vocabs. And to highlight those vocabs, I vocabs. And to highlight those vocabs, I have the Greek term next to it. Um, have the Greek term next to it. Um, have the Greek term next to it. Um, there you know what terms I'm trying to there you know what terms I'm trying to there you know what terms I'm trying to emphasize. So, you have the benefit. he emphasize. So, you have the benefit. he emphasize. So, you have the benefit. he might benefit might benefit might benefit humankind and he is the savior.

humankind and he is the savior. humankind and he is the savior. Soter describing Augustus being the Soter describing Augustus being the Soter describing Augustus being the savior and then you have um the epiphany savior and then you have um the epiphany savior and then you have um the epiphany appearance of appearance of appearance of Augustus and there you have um the Augustus and there you have um the Augustus and there you have um the birthday of the god theos applied to birthday of the god theos applied to birthday of the god theos applied to Augustus. Augustus being the God, the Augustus. Augustus being the God, the Augustus. Augustus being the God, the savior, the one who's going to savior, the one who's going to savior, the one who's going to appear at the end bring good tidings. appear at the end bring good tidings. appear at the end bring good tidings. Evangelion Evangelion Evangelion gospel vocabulary that we are familiar gospel vocabulary that we are familiar gospel vocabulary that we are familiar with in the gospel material. You find with in the gospel material. You find with in the gospel material. You find that in the secular inscription that in the secular inscription that in the secular inscription describing who Augustus the emperor was. describing who Augustus the emperor was. describing who Augustus the emperor was. Savior, Sautier, Theos, God, Epiphany, Savior, Sautier, Theos, God, Epiphany, Savior, Sautier, Theos, God, Epiphany, appearance, proclaiming Evangelion, the appearance, proclaiming Evangelion, the appearance, proclaiming Evangelion, the gospel. He's a benefactor of all gospel. He's a benefactor of all gospel. He's a benefactor of all benefiting um benefiting um benefiting um humankind. So that will be a key humankind. So that will be a key humankind. So that will be a key foundational document for the reading of foundational document for the reading of foundational document for the reading of Augustus or the imperial propaganda that Augustus or the imperial propaganda that Augustus or the imperial propaganda that we find.

we find. we find. Building on that set of Building on that set of Building on that set of vocaps here you have already in vocaps here you have already in vocaps here you have already in Aristotle talking about Aristotle talking about Aristotle talking about benefaction the men who have gained the benefaction the men who have gained the benefaction the men who have gained the position of king. The king is basically position of king. The king is basically position of king. The king is basically the benefactor of the city. This is the the benefactor of the city. This is the the benefactor of the city. This is the definition of a king of emperor definition of a king of emperor definition of a king of emperor according to Aristotle the ultimate according to Aristotle the ultimate according to Aristotle the ultimate ultimate benefactor of all the one ultimate benefactor of all the one ultimate benefactor of all the one providing benefits for the providing benefits for the providing benefits for the city. And then concerning Nero in the city. And then concerning Nero in the city. And then concerning Nero in the inscription you find Nero likewise was inscription you find Nero likewise was inscription you find Nero likewise was being called the savior and the being called the savior and the being called the savior and the benefactor of the entire inhabited benefactor of the entire inhabited benefactor of the entire inhabited world. world. world. So quite consistent with the portrayal So quite consistent with the portrayal So quite consistent with the portrayal of Augustus, Nero was likewise the of Augustus, Nero was likewise the of Augustus, Nero was likewise the benefactor and savior of the entire benefactor and savior of the entire benefactor and savior of the entire world. Building on that vocab, now we world. Building on that vocab, now we world. Building on that vocab, now we have Augustus writing about himself, have Augustus writing about himself, have Augustus writing about himself, describing that he is the high priest.

describing that he is the high priest. describing that he is the high priest. Now adding a note to Augustus, he won't Now adding a note to Augustus, he won't Now adding a note to Augustus, he won't dare to claim to be a king. He won't dare to claim to be a king. He won't dare to claim to be a king. He won't dare to claim to be the emperor, but he dare to claim to be the emperor, but he dare to claim to be the emperor, but he will have every single other title will have every single other title will have every single other title applied to applied to applied to himself, the high priest, god, the himself, the high priest, god, the himself, the high priest, god, the savior. So, you know, bypassing the savior. So, you know, bypassing the savior. So, you know, bypassing the mistake of Julius Caesar, he would not mistake of Julius Caesar, he would not mistake of Julius Caesar, he would not claim to be king and emperor, but claim to be king and emperor, but claim to be king and emperor, but basically he is, you know, using all the basically he is, you know, using all the basically he is, you know, using all the existing titles and applying that to existing titles and applying that to existing titles and applying that to himself. An important one is a high himself. An important one is a high himself. An important one is a high priest. He's a mediator between God and humankind. So you you have then a list humankind. So you you have then a list of vocabs um on the left adding to it of vocabs um on the left adding to it of vocabs um on the left adding to it high high high priest and he was also the father noting priest and he was also the father noting priest and he was also the father noting that the entire Roman Empire is that the entire Roman Empire is that the entire Roman Empire is basically a household. basically a household. basically a household. He'll be using the household metaphor He'll be using the household metaphor He'll be using the household metaphor for the entire empire to emphasize that for the entire empire to emphasize that for the entire empire to emphasize that he is the father of all the parent the he is the father of all the parent the he is the father of all the parent the one holding all authority over the one holding all authority over the one holding all authority over the household. So the father of the household. So the father of the household. So the father of the fatherland and he made a note that he fatherland and he made a note that he fatherland and he made a note that he was given that political title when he was given that political title when he was given that political title when he was um pretty young and now being old was um pretty young and now being old was um pretty young and now being old and he is the father. So that's um and he is the father. So that's um and he is the father. So that's um Augustus. Now moving to Ephesus closer

Augustus. Now moving to Ephesus closer Augustus. Now moving to Ephesus closer to uh where you find first Timothy being to uh where you find first Timothy being to uh where you find first Timothy being written um about there you find um written um about there you find um written um about there you find um vocabulary of vocabulary of vocabulary of grace and thanksgiving applied to the grace and thanksgiving applied to the grace and thanksgiving applied to the benefactor. So by means of the favor benefactor. So by means of the favor benefactor. So by means of the favor grace of Caesar Augustus where he gave grace of Caesar Augustus where he gave grace of Caesar Augustus where he gave freely using um kerismi um the same freely using um kerismi um the same freely using um kerismi um the same verbal form of grace. So grace coming verbal form of grace. So grace coming verbal form of grace. So grace coming from God um freely given. So those are from God um freely given. So those are from God um freely given. So those are also part of the imperial propaganda also part of the imperial propaganda also part of the imperial propaganda that we find in the first that we find in the first that we find in the first century. And then we come to the term century. And then we come to the term century. And then we come to the term again God um and um thanksgiving and I again God um and um thanksgiving and I again God um and um thanksgiving and I want to highlight the word piety in the want to highlight the word piety in the want to highlight the word piety in the middle of it. Usabia. middle of it. Usabia. middle of it. Usabia. Usabia. The word piety is a political Usabia. The word piety is a political Usabia. The word piety is a political term. It's not about a person, you know, term. It's not about a person, you know, term. It's not about a person, you know, being nice and kind or praying and being nice and kind or praying and being nice and kind or praying and fasting, but it is about uh one who's fasting, but it is about uh one who's fasting, but it is about uh one who's willing to willing to willing to worship the god of the state, being worship the god of the state, being worship the god of the state, being pious. Piety in the first century is a pious. Piety in the first century is a pious. Piety in the first century is a political political political term. And the church earlier on was term. And the church earlier on was term. And the church earlier on was accused of lacking piety because they accused of lacking piety because they accused of lacking piety because they are not worshiping the imperial god.

are not worshiping the imperial god. are not worshiping the imperial god. So piety usabia is important term and So piety usabia is important term and So piety usabia is important term and there you find in the inscription um there you find in the inscription um there you find in the inscription um also attached to um Augustus Tiberius also attached to um Augustus Tiberius also attached to um Augustus Tiberius and the benefactor of all attached to and the benefactor of all attached to and the benefactor of all attached to the imperial the imperial the imperial cult and adding to it um we come back to cult and adding to it um we come back to cult and adding to it um we come back to that paragraph in chapter six honor and that paragraph in chapter six honor and that paragraph in chapter six honor and wealth would be part of the benefaction wealth would be part of the benefaction wealth would be part of the benefaction framework. So the benefction system framework. So the benefction system framework. So the benefction system according to Aristotle consists of according to Aristotle consists of according to Aristotle consists of lovers of honor and lovers of money. lovers of honor and lovers of money. lovers of honor and lovers of money. There you find the phrase appearing There you find the phrase appearing There you find the phrase appearing later on in first later on in first later on in first Timothy. So now we have that set of Timothy. So now we have that set of Timothy. So now we have that set of vocaps and I would like to have us um vocaps and I would like to have us um vocaps and I would like to have us um read first Timothy in light of that set read first Timothy in light of that set read first Timothy in light of that set of vocaps to see what Paul is telling of vocaps to see what Paul is telling of vocaps to see what Paul is telling us. us. us. Yes, Paul is providing a handbook for Yes, Paul is providing a handbook for Yes, Paul is providing a handbook for the church. Yes, Paul is responding to the church. Yes, Paul is responding to the church. Yes, Paul is responding to the false teachings. But I think Paul the false teachings. But I think Paul the false teachings. But I think Paul has a greater has a greater has a greater uh agenda in mind and that is a uh agenda in mind and that is a uh agenda in mind and that is a theocentric one. A theocentric one theocentric one. A theocentric one theocentric one. A theocentric one promoting Yahweh, the God of Israel promoting Yahweh, the God of Israel promoting Yahweh, the God of Israel being the ultimate benefactor of all.

being the ultimate benefactor of all. being the ultimate benefactor of all. Not the emperor, not Not the emperor, not Not the emperor, not Artemus, but God himself is a Artemus, but God himself is a Artemus, but God himself is a benefactor. So a rereading of first benefactor. So a rereading of first benefactor. So a rereading of first Timothy focusing on that set of vocaps Timothy focusing on that set of vocaps Timothy focusing on that set of vocaps starting from the first paragraph starting from the first paragraph starting from the first paragraph chapter 1 1-1. chapter 1 1-1. chapter 1 1-1. the very beginning in verses one and two the very beginning in verses one and two the very beginning in verses one and two you find Paul evoking the language of you find Paul evoking the language of you find Paul evoking the language of benefection from Paul an apostle of benefection from Paul an apostle of benefection from Paul an apostle of Christ by the command of God our savior Christ by the command of God our savior Christ by the command of God our savior is very unusual to find Paul describing is very unusual to find Paul describing is very unusual to find Paul describing God to be the savior often he will talk God to be the savior often he will talk God to be the savior often he will talk about Jesus being the savior but in about Jesus being the savior but in about Jesus being the savior but in first Timothy using benefection language first Timothy using benefection language first Timothy using benefection language he would say that no it's not anyone he would say that no it's not anyone he would say that no it's not anyone else but it's God himself being the else but it's God himself being the else but it's God himself being the soter the savior soter the savior soter the savior and of Christ our hope, grace, mercy and and of Christ our hope, grace, mercy and and of Christ our hope, grace, mercy and peace from God the Father. God is the peace from God the Father. God is the peace from God the Father. God is the father father father um and Christ our um and Christ our um and Christ our Lord. And then concluding that paragraph Lord. And then concluding that paragraph Lord. And then concluding that paragraph in verse in verse in verse 11, this is the glorious Evangelion 11, this is the glorious Evangelion 11, this is the glorious Evangelion gospel.

gospel. gospel. So at the very beginning you find in So at the very beginning you find in So at the very beginning you find in Asia Asia Asia Minor find Paul providing a strong Minor find Paul providing a strong Minor find Paul providing a strong response to the secular benefaction response to the secular benefaction response to the secular benefaction system. A footnote on Asia Minor. Some system. A footnote on Asia Minor. Some system. A footnote on Asia Minor. Some of you may know that u when we talk of you may know that u when we talk of you may know that u when we talk about imperial cult we are basically not about imperial cult we are basically not about imperial cult we are basically not talking about Italy or Rome. The talking about Italy or Rome. The talking about Italy or Rome. The strongest imperial cult can can be found strongest imperial cult can can be found strongest imperial cult can can be found in the outlying areas like Asia Minina in the outlying areas like Asia Minina in the outlying areas like Asia Minina and the provincial governors. They are and the provincial governors. They are and the provincial governors. They are trying to use imperial framework for trying to use imperial framework for trying to use imperial framework for their own benefits. Trying to compete their own benefits. Trying to compete their own benefits. Trying to compete and to be the leading voices in a and to be the leading voices in a and to be the leading voices in a particular province to say that we are particular province to say that we are particular province to say that we are the ones who are really diehard fans of the ones who are really diehard fans of the ones who are really diehard fans of the Roman emperor. You find Ephesus in the Roman emperor. You find Ephesus in the Roman emperor. You find Ephesus in particular competing with Pergamum and particular competing with Pergamum and particular competing with Pergamum and Ephesus will say you know twice we're Ephesus will say you know twice we're Ephesus will say you know twice we're allowed to build the provincial imperial allowed to build the provincial imperial allowed to build the provincial imperial cult in our own city surpassing cult in our own city surpassing cult in our own city surpassing Pergamum. So you find in the provincial Pergamum. So you find in the provincial Pergamum. So you find in the provincial um competition going on using the um competition going on using the um competition going on using the imperial cult and that is exactly what imperial cult and that is exactly what imperial cult and that is exactly what you find in the outlying areas and those you find in the outlying areas and those you find in the outlying areas and those who are living in those areas are being who are living in those areas are being who are living in those areas are being forced to worship the god the emperor of forced to worship the god the emperor of forced to worship the god the emperor of Rome. So here you find Paul writing um Rome. So here you find Paul writing um Rome. So here you find Paul writing um and um addressing Timothy around the and um addressing Timothy around the and um addressing Timothy around the Asia Minor Ephesus area using the same Asia Minor Ephesus area using the same Asia Minor Ephesus area using the same set of vocaps and that is in chapter 1 1 set of vocaps and that is in chapter 1 1 set of vocaps and that is in chapter 1 1 to 11. And then in the thanksgiving to 11. And then in the thanksgiving to 11. And then in the thanksgiving section in verses 12 to 20 you find the

section in verses 12 to 20 you find the section in verses 12 to 20 you find the same set of vocabs. I'm grateful to God same set of vocabs. I'm grateful to God same set of vocabs. I'm grateful to God and by the grace of God. So you find and by the grace of God. So you find and by the grace of God. So you find Harris being emphasized and Jesus Christ Harris being emphasized and Jesus Christ Harris being emphasized and Jesus Christ is the one coming to is the one coming to is the one coming to save sinners. He is also savior. God the save sinners. He is also savior. God the save sinners. He is also savior. God the savior and Christ being also the savior and Christ being also the savior and Christ being also the soter. Then out of the blue almost you soter. Then out of the blue almost you soter. Then out of the blue almost you find um the dosology and now we find um the dosology and now we find um the dosology and now we understand why and this is important in understand why and this is important in understand why and this is important in that system. To the eternal king, the that system. To the eternal king, the that system. To the eternal king, the only god be honor and glory forever and only god be honor and glory forever and only god be honor and glory forever and ever, not to any competing powers, but ever, not to any competing powers, but ever, not to any competing powers, but to God himself. So you find that to God himself. So you find that to God himself. So you find that dosology laying the framework for the dosology laying the framework for the dosology laying the framework for the entire book. So that's chapter one. entire book. So that's chapter one. entire book. So that's chapter one. Moving to chapter 2 1-7, there you have Moving to chapter 2 1-7, there you have Moving to chapter 2 1-7, there you have prayers um for the kings. It's important to note that you find It's important to note that you find Paul saying that yes, you pray for the Paul saying that yes, you pray for the Paul saying that yes, you pray for the kings, but you don't pray to the kings.

kings, but you don't pray to the kings. kings, but you don't pray to the kings. You don't pray to the Roman emperor, but You don't pray to the Roman emperor, but You don't pray to the Roman emperor, but you can pray for the Roman emperor you can pray for the Roman emperor you can pray for the Roman emperor because there's only one God and there because there's only one God and there because there's only one God and there is only one savior. So pray for the is only one savior. So pray for the is only one savior. So pray for the king, but there is only one God and he king, but there is only one God and he king, but there is only one God and he is our savior in verse three. And there is our savior in verse three. And there is our savior in verse three. And there is one God and one mediator. is one God and one mediator. is one God and one mediator. There's only one high There's only one high There's only one high priest between God and hum humanity. priest between God and hum humanity. priest between God and hum humanity. Christ Jesus himself human who gave Christ Jesus himself human who gave Christ Jesus himself human who gave himself as a ransom for all. Christ is himself as a ransom for all. Christ is himself as a ransom for all. Christ is the king not because of power and might the king not because of power and might the king not because of power and might but because of his death on the cross. but because of his death on the cross. but because of his death on the cross. quite a different way of um illustrating quite a different way of um illustrating quite a different way of um illustrating how to save the universe not by power how to save the universe not by power how to save the universe not by power and might but by dying on the cross. and might but by dying on the cross. and might but by dying on the cross. Ransom for all the all is also Ransom for all the all is also Ransom for all the all is also important. And in verse seven for this I important. And in verse seven for this I important. And in verse seven for this I was appointed a herald. The term is not was appointed a herald. The term is not was appointed a herald. The term is not simply a preacher al although keriso is simply a preacher al although keriso is simply a preacher al although keriso is to preach but the technical term here is to preach but the technical term here is to preach but the technical term here is kus herald. Harold is the ambassador of kus herald. Harold is the ambassador of kus herald. Harold is the ambassador of a king. You find Paul precisely in first a king. You find Paul precisely in first a king. You find Paul precisely in first Timothy a calling himself the herald Timothy a calling himself the herald Timothy a calling himself the herald because he is serving a king. This is because he is serving a king. This is because he is serving a king. This is imperial language and he will identify imperial language and he will identify imperial language and he will identify himself not simply as a slave of king himself not simply as a slave of king himself not simply as a slave of king but also a herald of the king. So verses

but also a herald of the king. So verses but also a herald of the king. So verses 1-7 1-7 1-7 laying the framework there is only one laying the framework there is only one laying the framework there is only one god and savior. There is only one god and savior. There is only one god and savior. There is only one benefactor and there's only one media benefactor and there's only one media benefactor and there's only one media Jesus himself. Jesus himself. Jesus himself. Now to the difficult paragraph in Now to the difficult paragraph in Now to the difficult paragraph in 28-15. I'm not going to get much into it 28-15. I'm not going to get much into it 28-15. I'm not going to get much into it but it's an interesting paragraph in but it's an interesting paragraph in but it's an interesting paragraph in talking about the role of women. First talking about the role of women. First talking about the role of women. First Paul would talk about Paul would talk about Paul would talk about um dresses ad you know the clothing of um dresses ad you know the clothing of um dresses ad you know the clothing of the women. the women. the women. Why? Because the clothing of a person Why? Because the clothing of a person Why? Because the clothing of a person will indicate her will indicate her will indicate her status. And here likely the women they status. And here likely the women they status. And here likely the women they were functioning as benefactors and were functioning as benefactors and were functioning as benefactors and spreading false teachings. So Paul would spreading false teachings. So Paul would spreading false teachings. So Paul would be dealing with the benefaction part be dealing with the benefaction part be dealing with the benefaction part first in 9 to first in 9 to first in 9 to 10 but with you do not you know dress 10 but with you do not you know dress 10 but with you do not you know dress yourself with gold and pearls but with yourself with gold and pearls but with yourself with gold and pearls but with good deeds. Good deeds those are good deeds. Good deeds those are good deeds. Good deeds those are benefaction language and it's proper for benefaction language and it's proper for benefaction language and it's proper for women who profess reference for God.

women who profess reference for God. women who profess reference for God. So theos and sabia is like usabia the So theos and sabia is like usabia the So theos and sabia is like usabia the same word same word same word group piety but piety not towards the group piety but piety not towards the group piety but piety not towards the state not towards particular system but state not towards particular system but state not towards particular system but god god god himself. So women um submit to the God himself. So women um submit to the God himself. So women um submit to the God you're worshiping and you're not a you're worshiping and you're not a you're worshiping and you're not a benefactor but you are worshiping a benefactor but you are worshiping a benefactor but you are worshiping a benefactor and that is important benefactor and that is important benefactor and that is important point. Moving to chapter uh chapter point. Moving to chapter uh chapter point. Moving to chapter uh chapter three you find the household of God three you find the household of God three you find the household of God household language is important as in household language is important as in household language is important as in the Roman system to highlight who the Roman system to highlight who the Roman system to highlight who exactly is a householder who exactly is exactly is a householder who exactly is exactly is a householder who exactly is the one in control. So in the household the one in control. So in the household the one in control. So in the household of God there are stewards um overseers of God there are stewards um overseers of God there are stewards um overseers there are servants deacons but there is there are servants deacons but there is there are servants deacons but there is one in control there is a householder one in control there is a householder one in control there is a householder let me begin with one and one to let me begin with one and one to let me begin with one and one to seven if someone aspires to be the seven if someone aspires to be the seven if someone aspires to be the officer of uh of overseer he desires a officer of uh of overseer he desires a officer of uh of overseer he desires a good work again you find good work good work again you find good work good work again you find good work appearing often in first Timothy that is appearing often in first Timothy that is appearing often in first Timothy that is benefaction benefaction benefaction language and deacons is not greedy for language and deacons is not greedy for language and deacons is not greedy for gain but now on the gain but now on the gain but now on the householder on Jesus householder on Jesus householder on Jesus himself. Paul will talk about himself. Paul will talk about himself. Paul will talk about piety but not towards the Roman emperor piety but not towards the Roman emperor piety but not towards the Roman emperor but piety focusing on Jesus the king who

but piety focusing on Jesus the king who but piety focusing on Jesus the king who appeared in appeared in appeared in flesh. He is the one in control. He is flesh. He is the one in control. He is flesh. He is the one in control. He is the one um uh the benefactor of all the the one um uh the benefactor of all the the one um uh the benefactor of all the one that we are one that we are one that we are worshiping. It's interesting for Paul to worshiping. It's interesting for Paul to worshiping. It's interesting for Paul to define piety with an enthronement define piety with an enthronement define piety with an enthronement formula there. I don't have time to get formula there. I don't have time to get formula there. I don't have time to get into it but 14- 16 you find appearing in into it but 14- 16 you find appearing in into it but 14- 16 you find appearing in flesh being proclaimed and all that and flesh being proclaimed and all that and flesh being proclaimed and all that and that is you know enthronement formula. A that is you know enthronement formula. A that is you know enthronement formula. A king will be appointed and proclaimed king will be appointed and proclaimed king will be appointed and proclaimed and received by the entire world. And and received by the entire world. And and received by the entire world. And there you find the three parts applying there you find the three parts applying there you find the three parts applying to Jesus a king being to Jesus a king being to Jesus a king being appointed being um proclaimed and appointed being um proclaimed and appointed being um proclaimed and received by the world. He is the king of received by the world. He is the king of received by the world. He is the king of all. And that for the author is the true all. And that for the author is the true all. And that for the author is the true piety, not the competing secular piety, not the competing secular piety, not the competing secular ideology, but Jesus himself being the ideology, but Jesus himself being the ideology, but Jesus himself being the king. And pi piety in that sense is a king. And pi piety in that sense is a king. And pi piety in that sense is a political sense. But will f fit right political sense. But will f fit right political sense. But will f fit right into what Paul is saying that Jesus is into what Paul is saying that Jesus is into what Paul is saying that Jesus is the one in control. And there is no the one in control. And there is no the one in control. And there is no distinction between secular and sacred.

distinction between secular and sacred. distinction between secular and sacred. Jesus is the king of all using political Jesus is the king of all using political Jesus is the king of all using political terminology. And then moving to a human terminology. And then moving to a human terminology. And then moving to a human household. There you find Paul focusing household. There you find Paul focusing household. There you find Paul focusing on the young and the old and the slaves. on the young and the old and the slaves. on the young and the old and the slaves. But note the surprising language applied But note the surprising language applied But note the surprising language applied to all three groups. For the young in to all three groups. For the young in to all three groups. For the young in the ancient times, you honor the elder. the ancient times, you honor the elder. the ancient times, you honor the elder. You honor the father. But here you find You honor the father. But here you find You honor the father. But here you find Paul saying, "Do not dis let no one Paul saying, "Do not dis let no one Paul saying, "Do not dis let no one despise you because of your age." despise you because of your age." despise you because of your age." In light of the gospel, you don't honor In light of the gospel, you don't honor In light of the gospel, you don't honor the older folks. Yes, you do. But you the older folks. Yes, you do. But you the older folks. Yes, you do. But you honor those who are worshiping God. So honor those who are worshiping God. So honor those who are worshiping God. So if you're a servant of God, let no one if you're a servant of God, let no one if you're a servant of God, let no one despise you. And that is honor and shame despise you. And that is honor and shame despise you. And that is honor and shame language applied in the benefaction language applied in the benefaction language applied in the benefaction system. And a surprise is that you know system. And a surprise is that you know system. And a surprise is that you know even the younger ones, you have to be even the younger ones, you have to be even the younger ones, you have to be honored if you are honoring honored if you are honoring honored if you are honoring God. And then you find the surprising God. And then you find the surprising God. And then you find the surprising part. you will save yourself and your part. you will save yourself and your part. you will save yourself and your hearers ascribing hearers ascribing hearers ascribing almost savior status to the young almost savior status to the young almost savior status to the young Timothy. No, this is not heresy, but Timothy. No, this is not heresy, but Timothy. No, this is not heresy, but this is to challenge the savior language this is to challenge the savior language this is to challenge the savior language in the benefaction system in the in the benefaction system in the in the benefaction system in the Augustine era saying that no, not that Augustine era saying that no, not that Augustine era saying that no, not that honorable emperor being um the sautera, honorable emperor being um the sautera, honorable emperor being um the sautera, but even a young and inexperienced um

but even a young and inexperienced um but even a young and inexperienced um preacher like Timothy, he can be the preacher like Timothy, he can be the preacher like Timothy, he can be the savior. No, it's not. He's not really savior. No, it's not. He's not really savior. No, it's not. He's not really the savior. He's proclaiming the savior the savior. He's proclaiming the savior the savior. He's proclaiming the savior but he will say he will you will save but he will say he will you will save but he will say he will you will save yourself is a a strong reaction to the yourself is a a strong reaction to the yourself is a a strong reaction to the secular ideology by saying the gospel secular ideology by saying the gospel secular ideology by saying the gospel will save you not the honorable father will save you not the honorable father will save you not the honorable father of the Roman of the Roman of the Roman household. So you find in a striking way household. So you find in a striking way household. So you find in a striking way uh surprising way of describing the uh surprising way of describing the uh surprising way of describing the young Timothy challenging the psycho young Timothy challenging the psycho young Timothy challenging the psycho ideology of the time. What about the ideology of the time. What about the ideology of the time. What about the widows and the widows and the widows and the elderly? Do not rebuke an older man, but elderly? Do not rebuke an older man, but elderly? Do not rebuke an older man, but encourage him as your own father. Again, encourage him as your own father. Again, encourage him as your own father. Again, father being an honorable term, the father being an honorable term, the father being an honorable term, the older folks, do not despise them. older folks, do not despise them. older folks, do not despise them. They're honorable ones. They're the They're honorable ones. They're the They're honorable ones. They're the father. And what is most surprising is father. And what is most surprising is father. And what is most surprising is um using the term honor applying to the um using the term honor applying to the um using the term honor applying to the least honorable in the first century, least honorable in the first century, least honorable in the first century, and those are the and those are the and those are the widows. without their husbands they do widows. without their husbands they do widows. without their husbands they do not have they not do not part they they not have they not do not part they they not have they not do not part they they do not participate in the same bene do not participate in the same bene do not participate in the same bene benefaction system in the same way but benefaction system in the same way but benefaction system in the same way but then what Paul is saying no honor them then what Paul is saying no honor them then what Paul is saying no honor them they are the objects of your honor it's they are the objects of your honor it's they are the objects of your honor it's not simply the husbands it's not simply not simply the husbands it's not simply not simply the husbands it's not simply the father but even the the father but even the the father but even the widows what were the slaves and this is widows what were the slaves and this is widows what were the slaves and this is perhaps an even more surprising way of

perhaps an even more surprising way of perhaps an even more surprising way of talking about slavery talking about slavery talking about slavery using benefaction language. But who using benefaction language. But who using benefaction language. But who exactly is a benefactor exactly is a benefactor exactly is a benefactor here? They must serve all the better here? They must serve all the better here? They must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good since those who benefit by their good since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved. service are believers and beloved. service are believers and beloved. using good service, technical term for using good service, technical term for using good service, technical term for good deeds, um, benefaction language, good deeds, um, benefaction language, good deeds, um, benefaction language, but now saying that we are benefiting but now saying that we are benefiting but now saying that we are benefiting from the slaves and they are our from the slaves and they are our from the slaves and they are our benefactors. They became the benefactor. This is heresy to to the benefactor. This is heresy to to the Roman system. How can a slave be a Roman system. How can a slave be a Roman system. How can a slave be a benefactor? There's only one benefactor benefactor? There's only one benefactor benefactor? There's only one benefactor of all and that's a Roman emperor. And of all and that's a Roman emperor. And of all and that's a Roman emperor. And Paul is saying, "No, honor the younger Paul is saying, "No, honor the younger Paul is saying, "No, honor the younger ones, honor the widows, older folks, but ones, honor the widows, older folks, but ones, honor the widows, older folks, but also the slaves. They are a benefactor. also the slaves. They are a benefactor. also the slaves. They are a benefactor. And we are benefiting from those And we are benefiting from those And we are benefiting from those benefactors." A pretty consistent benefactors." A pretty consistent benefactors." A pretty consistent portrayal of the subversive gospel, portrayal of the subversive gospel, portrayal of the subversive gospel, reverting the power system of the time.

reverting the power system of the time. reverting the power system of the time. Now we come to um uh paragraph that we Now we come to um uh paragraph that we Now we come to um uh paragraph that we have uh in chapter six on wealth. Paul will begin in verse 10 the wealth. Paul will begin in verse 10 the love of money is the root of all love of money is the root of all love of money is the root of all evil and then 178 um do not be haughty evil and then 178 um do not be haughty evil and then 178 um do not be haughty but rely on God. but rely on God. but rely on God. Let me focus on the second paragraph uh Let me focus on the second paragraph uh Let me focus on the second paragraph uh the longer the longer the longer paragraph. The first part provided three paragraph. The first part provided three paragraph. The first part provided three reasons reasons reasons um against the misuse of um against the misuse of um against the misuse of wealth. Reason number one and three wealth. Reason number one and three wealth. Reason number one and three those are pretty common in ancient those are pretty common in ancient those are pretty common in ancient Gregor Roman uh moral Gregor Roman uh moral Gregor Roman uh moral philosophers. Number philosophers. Number philosophers. Number one, relying on the present age. one, relying on the present age. one, relying on the present age. relying on the present age. This is relying on the present age. This is relying on the present age. This is basically an argument basically an argument basically an argument against short-term against short-term against short-term investment. Pretty familiar in the investment. Pretty familiar in the investment. Pretty familiar in the ancient times. You look at long-term ancient times. You look at long-term ancient times. You look at long-term investment. So for Paul, long-term investment. So for Paul, long-term investment. So for Paul, long-term investment would involve the kingdom of investment would involve the kingdom of investment would involve the kingdom of God. So if you are focusing on a present God. So if you are focusing on a present God. So if you are focusing on a present age, you are focusing on short-term age, you are focusing on short-term age, you are focusing on short-term investment.

investment. investment. And the audience will will be quite And the audience will will be quite And the audience will will be quite familiar with the first argument against familiar with the first argument against familiar with the first argument against against the use of against the use of against the use of wealth. Let me jump to the third wealth. Let me jump to the third wealth. Let me jump to the third argument. They will be they are also argument. They will be they are also argument. They will be they are also quite familiar with the third quite familiar with the third quite familiar with the third argument. Uncertain riches do not set argument. Uncertain riches do not set argument. Uncertain riches do not set your hope on the your hope on the your hope on the uncertainty of the thing that you're uncertainty of the thing that you're uncertainty of the thing that you're buying. buying. buying. There has been intense discussion among There has been intense discussion among There has been intense discussion among the moralists as to what wealth can the moralists as to what wealth can the moralists as to what wealth can purchase that can have certainty can purchase that can have certainty can purchase that can have certainty can that can have that can have that can have security. We know that money is useless security. We know that money is useless security. We know that money is useless unless money can buy us security unless money can buy us security unless money can buy us security long-term long-term long-term security. Some will say well health is security. Some will say well health is security. Some will say well health is stuff that we can rely on. And someone stuff that we can rely on. And someone stuff that we can rely on. And someone will say, well, no, health can only last will say, well, no, health can only last will say, well, no, health can only last for several decades and you'll be gone. for several decades and you'll be gone. for several decades and you'll be gone. And someone will say, well, what about a And someone will say, well, what about a And someone will say, well, what about a statue? I can set up a set set up a statue? I can set up a set set up a statue? I can set up a set set up a statue for myself in the marketplace and statue for myself in the marketplace and statue for myself in the marketplace and that will last a long that will last a long that will last a long time. So, the uncertainty of riches is a time. So, the uncertainty of riches is a time. So, the uncertainty of riches is a familiar argument as familiar argument as familiar argument as well. How can we pick a more secure well. How can we pick a more secure well. How can we pick a more secure long-term investment?

long-term investment? long-term investment? So argument number one and three those So argument number one and three those So argument number one and three those are pretty familiar to the ancient are pretty familiar to the ancient are pretty familiar to the ancient audience. But the second one one is a audience. But the second one one is a audience. But the second one one is a bit bit bit surprising. Do not surprising. Do not surprising. Do not beaughty or beaughty or beaughty or proud. That is the argument that you proud. That is the argument that you proud. That is the argument that you will not find in ancient Greek Roman will not find in ancient Greek Roman will not find in ancient Greek Roman moral philosophers when they were moral philosophers when they were moral philosophers when they were talking about talking about talking about wealth. Because the whole point of wealth. Because the whole point of wealth. Because the whole point of having wealth or money is to be the having wealth or money is to be the having wealth or money is to be the benefactor. The whole point of being a benefactor. The whole point of being a benefactor. The whole point of being a benefactor is to be proud is to have benefactor is to be proud is to have benefactor is to be proud is to have that particular that particular that particular status. And then you find Paul saying, status. And then you find Paul saying, status. And then you find Paul saying, well, if you are acting like a secular well, if you are acting like a secular well, if you are acting like a secular benefactor, then you are considering benefactor, then you are considering benefactor, then you are considering yourself a benefactor and not yourself a benefactor and not yourself a benefactor and not recognizing that God is a benefactor of recognizing that God is a benefactor of recognizing that God is a benefactor of all. So here you find Paul moving from all. So here you find Paul moving from all. So here you find Paul moving from the three arguments and to setting your the three arguments and to setting your the three arguments and to setting your hope on God who richly provides us with hope on God who richly provides us with hope on God who richly provides us with all good things and there you find God all good things and there you find God all good things and there you find God portrayed as a benefactor.

portrayed as a benefactor. portrayed as a benefactor. The The The worst temptation of h having money is worst temptation of h having money is worst temptation of h having money is not um know uncertainty is not not um know uncertainty is not not um know uncertainty is not short-term investment but is worshiping short-term investment but is worshiping short-term investment but is worshiping the wrong god and wrong worshiping the the wrong god and wrong worshiping the the wrong god and wrong worshiping the wrong benefactor. And then he here you wrong benefactor. And then he here you wrong benefactor. And then he here you find Paul saying no there is only one find Paul saying no there is only one find Paul saying no there is only one god and god is a giver of all good god and god is a giver of all good god and god is a giver of all good things apart from god there are no good things apart from god there are no good things apart from god there are no good things to be given. So tell them to do things to be given. So tell them to do things to be given. So tell them to do good to be rich not in money but in good good to be rich not in money but in good good to be rich not in money but in good deeds and in first Timothy to be rich in deeds and in first Timothy to be rich in deeds and in first Timothy to be rich in good deeds is to be participating in the good deeds is to be participating in the good deeds is to be participating in the preaching of the gospel in the household preaching of the gospel in the household preaching of the gospel in the household of of of God. So here you find a pretty God. So here you find a pretty God. So here you find a pretty interesting and strong interesting and strong interesting and strong argument against the use of argument against the use of argument against the use of wealth. Argument number one and three is wealth. Argument number one and three is wealth. Argument number one and three is not surprising but argument number two not surprising but argument number two not surprising but argument number two is surprising because it's argued is surprising because it's argued is surprising because it's argued against the entire affection system.

against the entire affection system. against the entire affection system. In ancient times, it's not difficult to In ancient times, it's not difficult to In ancient times, it's not difficult to be good and kind because in doing good, be good and kind because in doing good, be good and kind because in doing good, your status will be your status will be your status will be elevated. And Paul again and again would elevated. And Paul again and again would elevated. And Paul again and again would say, "No, in doing good, you should be say, "No, in doing good, you should be say, "No, in doing good, you should be not elevated, but you should be not elevated, but you should be not elevated, but you should be submitting yourself as you have it in submitting yourself as you have it in submitting yourself as you have it in Romans 12. Consider another person as Romans 12. Consider another person as Romans 12. Consider another person as more exalted than exalted than you are. more exalted than exalted than you are. more exalted than exalted than you are. If you can be good in doing so, then you If you can be good in doing so, then you If you can be good in doing so, then you are worshiping the right are worshiping the right are worshiping the right God. So here you have a pretty God. So here you have a pretty God. So here you have a pretty interesting concise but powerful interesting concise but powerful interesting concise but powerful argument against the misuse of of wealth argument against the misuse of of wealth argument against the misuse of of wealth in verses 17 to in verses 17 to in verses 17 to 18. But what about the intervening 18. But what about the intervening 18. But what about the intervening material in 11 to material in 11 to material in 11 to 16? Why do we have a long 16? Why do we have a long 16? Why do we have a long paragraph on Jesus dying on the cross? paragraph on Jesus dying on the cross? paragraph on Jesus dying on the cross? Let's look at the vocaps being you used Let's look at the vocaps being you used Let's look at the vocaps being you used in that long paragraph. You'll find a repeated use of paragraph. You'll find a repeated use of the term the term the term good and also the related benefaction good and also the related benefaction good and also the related benefaction term. Make your good confession in the term. Make your good confession in the term. Make your good confession in the presence of presence of presence of many as Jesus did making a good many as Jesus did making a good many as Jesus did making a good confession before Pontius Pilate. What confession before Pontius Pilate. What confession before Pontius Pilate. What is he doing there? A benefactor is the is he doing there? A benefactor is the is he doing there? A benefactor is the one who is doing

one who is doing one who is doing good. And in the midst of talking about good. And in the midst of talking about good. And in the midst of talking about benefaction, he points to Jesus being benefaction, he points to Jesus being benefaction, he points to Jesus being the ultimate benefactor, ultimate model the ultimate benefactor, ultimate model the ultimate benefactor, ultimate model of a benefactor, ultimate example of a of a benefactor, ultimate example of a of a benefactor, ultimate example of a benefactor. benefactor. benefactor. He is the one doing He is the one doing He is the one doing good. But instead of exalting himself, good. But instead of exalting himself, good. But instead of exalting himself, the good things that he did was a good the good things that he did was a good the good things that he did was a good confession in the presence of confession in the presence of confession in the presence of Pilate. The one dying on the cross Pilate. The one dying on the cross Pilate. The one dying on the cross became the ultimate became the ultimate became the ultimate benefactor, not exalting himself, but benefactor, not exalting himself, but benefactor, not exalting himself, but becoming a slave and dying on the cross. becoming a slave and dying on the cross. becoming a slave and dying on the cross. So I command you to obey this command So I command you to obey this command So I command you to obey this command without thought or failure until the without thought or failure until the without thought or failure until the appearing. Now you find the appearance appearing. Now you find the appearance appearing. Now you find the appearance language of our Lord Jesus Christ. And language of our Lord Jesus Christ. And language of our Lord Jesus Christ. And then Paul cannot help himself but will then Paul cannot help himself but will then Paul cannot help himself but will go on to a doxological go on to a doxological go on to a doxological conclusion concerning this benefactor, conclusion concerning this benefactor, conclusion concerning this benefactor, the blessed and only sovereign, the king the blessed and only sovereign, the king the blessed and only sovereign, the king of kings, the lord of lords. To him be of kings, the lord of lords. To him be of kings, the lord of lords. To him be honor and eternal honor and eternal honor and eternal power. and then he'll go back to power. and then he'll go back to power. and then he'll go back to wealth. So in the midst of talking about wealth. So in the midst of talking about wealth. So in the midst of talking about wealth, he decided to use Jesus as a wealth, he decided to use Jesus as a wealth, he decided to use Jesus as a model, as an example, the one giving a model, as an example, the one giving a model, as an example, the one giving a good confession, the one doing good, not good confession, the one doing good, not good confession, the one doing good, not to exalt himself, but to die on the to exalt himself, but to die on the to exalt himself, but to die on the cross. But in return, he was exalted by

cross. But in return, he was exalted by cross. But in return, he was exalted by God, became the king of kings, the lord God, became the king of kings, the lord God, became the king of kings, the lord of lords. of lords. of lords. with eternal honor and with eternal honor and with eternal honor and power. So we come to the end of our power. So we come to the end of our power. So we come to the end of our rereading of first Timothy. What is rereading of first Timothy. What is rereading of first Timothy. What is first? What is first Timothy about? first? What is first Timothy about? first? What is first Timothy about? There are numerous answers and they are There are numerous answers and they are There are numerous answers and they are all all all correct. But tonight at least I hope to correct. But tonight at least I hope to correct. But tonight at least I hope to provide this additional answer. this provide this additional answer. this provide this additional answer. this that this is a that this is a that this is a systematic reaction to the secular systematic reaction to the secular systematic reaction to the secular ideology proclaiming that there is only ideology proclaiming that there is only ideology proclaiming that there is only one one one God. It's not simply a contextual God. It's not simply a contextual God. It's not simply a contextual reaction to the false teachings. It's reaction to the false teachings. It's reaction to the false teachings. It's not simply a practical church manual. It not simply a practical church manual. It not simply a practical church manual. It is but then it is a theocentric vision is but then it is a theocentric vision is but then it is a theocentric vision of what God is ultimate benefactor of of what God is ultimate benefactor of of what God is ultimate benefactor of all and how Jesus became the benefactor all and how Jesus became the benefactor all and how Jesus became the benefactor by doing good. by doing good. by doing good. not exalting himself but by dying on a not exalting himself but by dying on a not exalting himself but by dying on a cross and to him then be all glory and cross and to him then be all glory and cross and to him then be all glory and honor. This is one example of what we honor. This is one example of what we honor. This is one example of what we meant by the subversive meant by the subversive meant by the subversive gospel challenging all secular ideology gospel challenging all secular ideology gospel challenging all secular ideology and affirming squarely on one god and and affirming squarely on one god and and affirming squarely on one god and one object of our one object of our one object of our worship. There goes the intro. Now it's worship. There goes the intro. Now it's worship. There goes the intro. Now it's a content given by Bill.

a content given by Bill. a content given by Bill. [Applause] right, I gave a quick introduction to right, I gave a quick introduction to David Pal. Let me do the same for my David Pal. Let me do the same for my David Pal. Let me do the same for my friend Bill friend Bill friend Bill Ryell. Bill Ryell is the founding and Ryell. Bill Ryell is the founding and Ryell. Bill Ryell is the founding and the lead pastor of Redemption Hill the lead pastor of Redemption Hill the lead pastor of Redemption Hill Church in Washington DC. He earned his Church in Washington DC. He earned his Church in Washington DC. He earned his master of divinity from Trinity master of divinity from Trinity master of divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He is Evangelical Divinity School. He is Evangelical Divinity School. He is currently the chair of the board for the currently the chair of the board for the currently the chair of the board for the Evangelical Free Church of America and Evangelical Free Church of America and Evangelical Free Church of America and he serves on the board at Trinity he serves on the board at Trinity he serves on the board at Trinity International International International University. Bill and his wife Alyssa University. Bill and his wife Alyssa University. Bill and his wife Alyssa have three children who are in high have three children who are in high have three children who are in high school and in college. And Bill is going school and in college. And Bill is going school and in college. And Bill is going to give some pastoral reflections on to give some pastoral reflections on to give some pastoral reflections on this subversive gospel in a polarized this subversive gospel in a polarized this subversive gospel in a polarized world. Thank you, Bill.

evening. Uh, I understand that. Yeah, evening. Uh, I understand that. Yeah, I'm about the same after drinking from I'm about the same after drinking from I'm about the same after drinking from the fire hose that Dr. Pow just gave us. the fire hose that Dr. Pow just gave us. the fire hose that Dr. Pow just gave us. It's It is a lot to take in. My task It's It is a lot to take in. My task It's It is a lot to take in. My task tonight is to try to make this and bring tonight is to try to make this and bring tonight is to try to make this and bring this to a practical level and um have this to a practical level and um have this to a practical level and um have some examples of how this idea of this some examples of how this idea of this some examples of how this idea of this subversive gospel in polarized times has subversive gospel in polarized times has subversive gospel in polarized times has impacted our church, our approach to our impacted our church, our approach to our impacted our church, our approach to our church um and some things within the church um and some things within the church um and some things within the EFCA that have been important markers in EFCA that have been important markers in EFCA that have been important markers in leadership in as we've um tried to bring leadership in as we've um tried to bring leadership in as we've um tried to bring clarity in that venue as well. Um, we're clarity in that venue as well. Um, we're clarity in that venue as well. Um, we're in a time that it's difficult to know in a time that it's difficult to know in a time that it's difficult to know exactly how to lead, how to teach, how exactly how to lead, how to teach, how exactly how to lead, how to teach, how to bring scripture to bear in a way that to bring scripture to bear in a way that to bring scripture to bear in a way that isn't going to fall into, isn't going to fall into, isn't going to fall into, um, creating greater divides. And so, um, creating greater divides. And so, um, creating greater divides. And so, um, we're going to solve that um, we're going to solve that um, we're going to solve that [Laughter] [Laughter] [Laughter] tonight. Um, so the and I hope to give tonight. Um, so the and I hope to give tonight. Um, so the and I hope to give you a realistic look, too. I mean, you a realistic look, too. I mean, you a realistic look, too. I mean, you're going to hear about a lot of the you're going to hear about a lot of the you're going to hear about a lot of the the good things and successes along the the good things and successes along the the good things and successes along the way, but that that has come with great way, but that that has come with great way, but that that has come with great cost, too, and plenty of of pain is in cost, too, and plenty of of pain is in cost, too, and plenty of of pain is in and error as we learn. So, great and error as we learn. So, great and error as we learn. So, great reminders from Dr. Pow today. I am it is reminders from Dr. Pow today. I am it is reminders from Dr. Pow today. I am it is an honor to be at all associated with an honor to be at all associated with an honor to be at all associated with David, let alone to be asked to we speak David, let alone to be asked to we speak David, let alone to be asked to we speak alongside him today um and to follow up alongside him today um and to follow up alongside him today um and to follow up after him. And so, I'm going to pray and after him. And so, I'm going to pray and after him. And so, I'm going to pray and we will continue on.

Well, Father, we are thankful for the Well, Father, we are thankful for the chance to have space and time to hear chance to have space and time to hear chance to have space and time to hear your word preached through Ephesians your word preached through Ephesians your word preached through Ephesians throughout this conference, to be able throughout this conference, to be able throughout this conference, to be able to worship together, to be able to hear to worship together, to be able to hear to worship together, to be able to hear breakouts on theological issues and breakouts on theological issues and breakouts on theological issues and ethical issues and um and on practical ethical issues and um and on practical ethical issues and um and on practical concerns. concerns. concerns. And so tonight, as we take this time and And so tonight, as we take this time and And so tonight, as we take this time and have heard from your word to see the have heard from your word to see the have heard from your word to see the ways that Christ ways that Christ ways that Christ himself was himself was himself was subversive and made a way for us and subversive and made a way for us and subversive and made a way for us and showed us what it looks like to follow showed us what it looks like to follow showed us what it looks like to follow him. And so would you move in our him. And so would you move in our him. And so would you move in our hearts? Would you speak through your hearts? Would you speak through your hearts? Would you speak through your word as we read it tonight? Would you um word as we read it tonight? Would you um word as we read it tonight? Would you um help us as we try to navigate the place help us as we try to navigate the place help us as we try to navigate the place that we live, the world that we live in? that we live, the world that we live in? that we live, the world that we live in? Would you help us to Would you help us to Would you help us to trust and to have confidence that you trust and to have confidence that you trust and to have confidence that you have entrusted this time to us? It's not have entrusted this time to us? It's not have entrusted this time to us? It's not an accident that we are here as your an accident that we are here as your an accident that we are here as your people for this people for this people for this time. Would you give us the courage to time. Would you give us the courage to time. Would you give us the courage to proclaim the one true king, the one true proclaim the one true king, the one true proclaim the one true king, the one true benefactor, benefactor, benefactor, Christ and pray in his name. Amen. Amen.

Christ and pray in his name. Amen. Amen. Christ and pray in his name. Amen. Amen. Well, um, John mentioned that I am the Well, um, John mentioned that I am the Well, um, John mentioned that I am the founding and lead pastor of Redemption founding and lead pastor of Redemption founding and lead pastor of Redemption Hill Church. Um, we meet on Capitol Hill Church. Um, we meet on Capitol Hill Church. Um, we meet on Capitol Hill. I get asked often, "So, where are Hill. I get asked often, "So, where are Hill. I get asked often, "So, where are you in the are you in the DC area?" I'm you in the are you in the DC area?" I'm you in the are you in the DC area?" I'm like, "Well, uh, we're four blocks from like, "Well, uh, we're four blocks from like, "Well, uh, we're four blocks from the Capitol, so very much in the area. the Capitol, so very much in the area. the Capitol, so very much in the area. Um, right in the middle of it. Um, on Um, right in the middle of it. Um, on Um, right in the middle of it. Um, on January 6th, a few a couple years ago, January 6th, a few a couple years ago, January 6th, a few a couple years ago, few years ago, our church building that few years ago, our church building that few years ago, our church building that we meet in was inside the security we meet in was inside the security we meet in was inside the security perimeter that was established. Um, so perimeter that was established. Um, so perimeter that was established. Um, so we could not hold services that weekend we could not hold services that weekend we could not hold services that weekend because we weren't sure that people because we weren't sure that people because we weren't sure that people would be able to get to the building would be able to get to the building would be able to get to the building because their ID checks. So, as far as because their ID checks. So, as far as because their ID checks. So, as far as proximity, um, that's where I live. Um, proximity, um, that's where I live. Um, proximity, um, that's where I live. Um, we live in the neighborhood and have for we live in the neighborhood and have for we live in the neighborhood and have for 15 years now, which is kind of freaking 15 years now, which is kind of freaking 15 years now, which is kind of freaking me out. It doesn't feel like that long me out. It doesn't feel like that long me out. It doesn't feel like that long that we've been there. Um, but we moved that we've been there. Um, but we moved that we've been there. Um, but we moved in the summer of 2010, planted out from in the summer of 2010, planted out from in the summer of 2010, planted out from Cornerstone Church in Anadel, Virginia. Cornerstone Church in Anadel, Virginia. Cornerstone Church in Anadel, Virginia. And so, we are kind of in the heart of And so, we are kind of in the heart of And so, we are kind of in the heart of things. And there is much more to DC things. And there is much more to DC things. And there is much more to DC than politics. Um, it is a metro area of than politics. Um, it is a metro area of than politics. Um, it is a metro area of over six million people and there's lots over six million people and there's lots over six million people and there's lots of other jobs and other interests around of other jobs and other interests around of other jobs and other interests around the area. Um, I tell try to tell people the area. Um, I tell try to tell people the area. Um, I tell try to tell people who aren't from DC that ask me regularly who aren't from DC that ask me regularly who aren't from DC that ask me regularly like, "Oh, you have like lots of like, "Oh, you have like lots of like, "Oh, you have like lots of politicians in your church." We don't.

politicians in your church." We don't. politicians in your church." We don't. They usually go home on weekends. Um, They usually go home on weekends. Um, They usually go home on weekends. Um, and there's a lot of us that live in DC and there's a lot of us that live in DC and there's a lot of us that live in DC that aren't the 535 or seven that you're that aren't the 535 or seven that you're that aren't the 535 or seven that you're mad at. Um, you can have them back and mad at. Um, you can have them back and mad at. Um, you can have them back and we'll be just fine. we'll be just fine. we'll be just fine. Um and so but our church, it is in the Um and so but our church, it is in the Um and so but our church, it is in the air. It's it's unavoidable and it's air. It's it's unavoidable and it's air. It's it's unavoidable and it's become unavoidable um across the country become unavoidable um across the country become unavoidable um across the country and across the world. Um last night I and across the world. Um last night I and across the world. Um last night I met a couple of guys in the hotel lobby. met a couple of guys in the hotel lobby. met a couple of guys in the hotel lobby. Um and as I was talking with I think it Um and as I was talking with I think it Um and as I was talking with I think it was Kurt and Mike um they asked what I was Kurt and Mike um they asked what I was Kurt and Mike um they asked what I do and they and they had no this happens do and they and they had no this happens do and they and they had no this happens to me at home too when people are say so to me at home too when people are say so to me at home too when people are say so what do you do? And I'm I'm a pastor and what do you do? And I'm I'm a pastor and what do you do? And I'm I'm a pastor and they're like I don't I don't know what they're like I don't I don't know what they're like I don't I don't know what to do with that. But as we started to do with that. But as we started to do with that. But as we started talking, Kurt at one point said, "You talking, Kurt at one point said, "You talking, Kurt at one point said, "You know, I think the problem that our world know, I think the problem that our world know, I think the problem that our world has and our country has right now is has and our country has right now is has and our country has right now is that people have given up on faith and that people have given up on faith and that people have given up on faith and religion and they've made their religion religion and they've made their religion religion and they've made their religion politics." And I was like, "You could politics." And I was like, "You could politics." And I was like, "You could teach my session tomorrow night." Um, teach my session tomorrow night." Um, teach my session tomorrow night." Um, and so it's not something that's just and so it's not something that's just and so it's not something that's just being noticed by Christians and by those being noticed by Christians and by those being noticed by Christians and by those of us who are faithful to Christ and and of us who are faithful to Christ and and of us who are faithful to Christ and and faithful and and and cling to the gospel faithful and and and cling to the gospel faithful and and and cling to the gospel as our hope. This is something that's as our hope. This is something that's as our hope. This is something that's being seen across the board. And so it's being seen across the board. And so it's being seen across the board. And so it's certainly not a time for us to shrink certainly not a time for us to shrink certainly not a time for us to shrink back. Um, and our church, just for a back. Um, and our church, just for a back. Um, and our church, just for a little bit of background, it's little bit of background, it's little bit of background, it's incredibly diverse politically. We have incredibly diverse politically. We have incredibly diverse politically. We have a very even spread across the aisle, but a very even spread across the aisle, but a very even spread across the aisle, but our people are very ideologically our people are very ideologically our people are very ideologically driven. Um, that has not come easy. It's driven. Um, that has not come easy. It's driven. Um, that has not come easy. It's been an emphasis point from the very

been an emphasis point from the very been an emphasis point from the very beginning. I didn't realize when we beginning. I didn't realize when we beginning. I didn't realize when we moved there how rare that was and how moved there how rare that was and how moved there how rare that was and how much rarer it was about to become. Um, much rarer it was about to become. Um, much rarer it was about to become. Um, but we um it's something that we talk but we um it's something that we talk but we um it's something that we talk about a lot as a church that we about a lot as a church that we about a lot as a church that we emphasize in membership classes. Now, emphasize in membership classes. Now, emphasize in membership classes. Now, along the way, there have been plenty of along the way, there have been plenty of along the way, there have been plenty of mistakes and missteps and plenty of cost mistakes and missteps and plenty of cost mistakes and missteps and plenty of cost and conflict. Um, but we're still and conflict. Um, but we're still and conflict. Um, but we're still standing and it's been worth it to standing and it's been worth it to standing and it's been worth it to establish a culture within the church establish a culture within the church establish a culture within the church that actually shows the beauty of and that actually shows the beauty of and that actually shows the beauty of and the grace of the gospel where people are the grace of the gospel where people are the grace of the gospel where people are able to come alongside each other in able to come alongside each other in able to come alongside each other in complete disagreement on policy issues complete disagreement on policy issues complete disagreement on policy issues um in the same community groups. so that um in the same community groups. so that um in the same community groups. so that we have, you know, instances where we'll we have, you know, instances where we'll we have, you know, instances where we'll have one community group meeting in have one community group meeting in have one community group meeting in people's homes through the week that has people's homes through the week that has people's homes through the week that has staff members from Mitch McConnell's staff members from Mitch McConnell's staff members from Mitch McConnell's office in Elhano Mars. And um if the office in Elhano Mars. And um if the office in Elhano Mars. And um if the gospel isn't able to break down those gospel isn't able to break down those gospel isn't able to break down those dividing walls of hostility, then I dividing walls of hostility, then I dividing walls of hostility, then I don't know that there's any hope for don't know that there's any hope for don't know that there's any hope for them to come down. So that's a little them to come down. So that's a little them to come down. So that's a little bit of background. Um I think that that bit of background. Um I think that that bit of background. Um I think that that Dr. Pow's take and what he just led us Dr. Pow's take and what he just led us Dr. Pow's take and what he just led us through in first Timothy is beautiful through in first Timothy is beautiful through in first Timothy is beautiful and shows us the approach of the New and shows us the approach of the New and shows us the approach of the New Testament authors that there's there's Testament authors that there's there's Testament authors that there's there's very little information that you can very little information that you can very little information that you can find in the New Testament of the find in the New Testament of the find in the New Testament of the apostles raising their fists against the apostles raising their fists against the apostles raising their fists against the empire um and decrying the sins of Rome.

empire um and decrying the sins of Rome. empire um and decrying the sins of Rome. But you do see a gospel proclaimed that But you do see a gospel proclaimed that But you do see a gospel proclaimed that is subversive. you do see intentionality is subversive. you do see intentionality is subversive. you do see intentionality in undercutting the assumptions of in undercutting the assumptions of in undercutting the assumptions of people throughout the empire and in the people throughout the empire and in the people throughout the empire and in the cultural context that they are in. And cultural context that they are in. And cultural context that they are in. And so I'm going to work to try to make that so I'm going to work to try to make that so I'm going to work to try to make that practical tonight in the time that I practical tonight in the time that I practical tonight in the time that I have. And I want to ask, you know, have. And I want to ask, you know, have. And I want to ask, you know, asking questions like how do we lead pe asking questions like how do we lead pe asking questions like how do we lead pe God's people through and in polarized God's people through and in polarized God's people through and in polarized times? Um what can ministry look like? times? Um what can ministry look like? times? Um what can ministry look like? How do we handle it as pastors and How do we handle it as pastors and How do we handle it as pastors and leaders in churches? Um don't need to be leaders in churches? Um don't need to be leaders in churches? Um don't need to be a pastor to be a key leader. How do we a pastor to be a key leader. How do we a pastor to be a key leader. How do we lead people to a Christlike posture and lead people to a Christlike posture and lead people to a Christlike posture and life? And um how do we encourage our life? And um how do we encourage our life? And um how do we encourage our people to embrace a subversiveness of people to embrace a subversiveness of people to embrace a subversiveness of the gospel in this time? One of my the gospel in this time? One of my the gospel in this time? One of my favorite passages. So I'm just going to favorite passages. So I'm just going to favorite passages. So I'm just going to make this our root text for the night make this our root text for the night make this our root text for the night since I am a preacher at heart is um out since I am a preacher at heart is um out since I am a preacher at heart is um out of Joshua 5 in verse 13. Joshua was by of Joshua 5 in verse 13. Joshua was by of Joshua 5 in verse 13. Joshua was by Jericho and he lifted his eyes and Jericho and he lifted his eyes and Jericho and he lifted his eyes and behold a man was standing before him behold a man was standing before him behold a man was standing before him with his sword drawn with a drawn sword with his sword drawn with a drawn sword with his sword drawn with a drawn sword in his hand and Joshua went to him and in his hand and Joshua went to him and in his hand and Joshua went to him and said are you for us or for our said are you for us or for our said are you for us or for our adversaries and he said no. So it's not just in the New no. So it's not just in the New Testament either.

Testament either. Testament either. If there's any point that you would If there's any point that you would If there's any point that you would expect a different answer, it would be expect a different answer, it would be expect a different answer, it would be when they're at Jericho after 40 years when they're at Jericho after 40 years when they're at Jericho after 40 years of wandering of wandering of wandering around. And so leading and living the around. And so leading and living the around. And so leading and living the subversive gospel in our polarized subversive gospel in our polarized subversive gospel in our polarized times. Um there are I just don't know times. Um there are I just don't know times. Um there are I just don't know how this fell together, but I ended up how this fell together, but I ended up how this fell together, but I ended up with five C's for us that we'll walk with five C's for us that we'll walk with five C's for us that we'll walk through. Um and we'll we'll see them as through. Um and we'll we'll see them as through. Um and we'll we'll see them as we go. So first, we need to cultivate a we go. So first, we need to cultivate a we go. So first, we need to cultivate a theology of Christ's theology of Christ's theology of Christ's kingdom. This is the starting point. kingdom. This is the starting point. kingdom. This is the starting point. If this isn't embedded into our If this isn't embedded into our If this isn't embedded into our perspective and our understanding perspective and our understanding perspective and our understanding theologically of what it means to be a theologically of what it means to be a theologically of what it means to be a follower of Christ and what it means to follower of Christ and what it means to follower of Christ and what it means to be a Christian, then we're not going to be a Christian, then we're not going to be a Christian, then we're not going to be able to have the the deeper, more be able to have the the deeper, more be able to have the the deeper, more practical discussions about issues of practical discussions about issues of practical discussions about issues of our time. And so there if if you are in our time. And so there if if you are in our time. And so there if if you are in church leadership or trying to even with church leadership or trying to even with church leadership or trying to even with friends and other people that you know friends and other people that you know friends and other people that you know if you're looking for where to start you if you're looking for where to start you if you're looking for where to start you have to have a foundation of kingdom have to have a foundation of kingdom have to have a foundation of kingdom theology and you can't just jump to um theology and you can't just jump to um theology and you can't just jump to um you know making outright statements you know making outright statements you know making outright statements against or for things if that foundation against or for things if that foundation against or for things if that foundation doesn't exist. And the truth is that we doesn't exist. And the truth is that we doesn't exist. And the truth is that we can look at our times and we always like can look at our times and we always like can look at our times and we always like to talk about the uniqueness of our to talk about the uniqueness of our to talk about the uniqueness of our times and you know how it's times and you know how it's times and you know how it's unprecedented which I would love to live unprecedented which I would love to live unprecedented which I would love to live in some more precedented times for just in some more precedented times for just in some more precedented times for just a little stretch. It's been a lot over a little stretch. It's been a lot over a little stretch. It's been a lot over the last several years in DC. But Jesus the last several years in DC. But Jesus the last several years in DC. But Jesus time was pretty time was pretty time was pretty polarized. Um he I mean he had Simon the

polarized. Um he I mean he had Simon the polarized. Um he I mean he had Simon the Zealot and Matthew the tax collector Zealot and Matthew the tax collector Zealot and Matthew the tax collector together. That doesn't make sense. So together. That doesn't make sense. So together. That doesn't make sense. So when I get asked by people and when I get asked by people and when I get asked by people and challenged by people like, "How can you challenged by people like, "How can you challenged by people like, "How can you have a Democrat in your church?" or "How have a Democrat in your church?" or "How have a Democrat in your church?" or "How can you embrace Republicans in your can you embrace Republicans in your can you embrace Republicans in your church?" I'm like, church?" I'm like, church?" I'm like, "Well, Jesus could do "Well, Jesus could do "Well, Jesus could do it." You had one guy that was big it." You had one guy that was big it." You had one guy that was big government, wanted the state and was government, wanted the state and was government, wanted the state and was working for the state, one guy that was working for the state, one guy that was working for the state, one guy that was ready to get military and angry to ready to get military and angry to ready to get military and angry to overthrow it. It's not that overthrow it. It's not that overthrow it. It's not that different. But he pre preached a greater different. But he pre preached a greater different. But he pre preached a greater kingdom. We see that in Matthew, kingdom. We see that in Matthew, kingdom. We see that in Matthew, especially Matthew's emphasis on Jesus especially Matthew's emphasis on Jesus especially Matthew's emphasis on Jesus as the true king, that that he preached as the true king, that that he preached as the true king, that that he preached the kingdom of God. That the whole the kingdom of God. That the whole the kingdom of God. That the whole sermon on the mount, I'm sorry, I just sermon on the mount, I'm sorry, I just sermon on the mount, I'm sorry, I just started it on Sunday, so it's very fresh started it on Sunday, so it's very fresh started it on Sunday, so it's very fresh in my mind. The entire sermon on the in my mind. The entire sermon on the in my mind. The entire sermon on the mount is the the inbreaking of the mount is the the inbreaking of the mount is the the inbreaking of the subversive kingdom of Jesus. It shows us subversive kingdom of Jesus. It shows us subversive kingdom of Jesus. It shows us the upside down nature of his kingdom the upside down nature of his kingdom the upside down nature of his kingdom when compared with every other kingdom when compared with every other kingdom when compared with every other kingdom on this earth. He refused to let people on this earth. He refused to let people on this earth. He refused to let people make him their king on his terms or on make him their king on his terms or on make him their king on his terms or on their terms. And so like John 6 after he their terms. And so like John 6 after he their terms. And so like John 6 after he had fed a whole crowd of people, fed had fed a whole crowd of people, fed had fed a whole crowd of people, fed 5,000 people and the a group of men were 5,000 people and the a group of men were 5,000 people and the a group of men were ready to thousands of men were ready to ready to thousands of men were ready to ready to thousands of men were ready to take him and make him the king and he take him and make him the king and he take him and make him the king and he just slipped away into the mountains. We just slipped away into the mountains. We just slipped away into the mountains. We see I I think it's amazing that even see I I think it's amazing that even see I I think it's amazing that even when you get to Acts chapter 1 that the when you get to Acts chapter 1 that the when you get to Acts chapter 1 that the disciples who have been told everything disciples who have been told everything disciples who have been told everything the whole way along, you get to Acts the whole way along, you get to Acts the whole way along, you get to Acts chapter 1 and still their question to chapter 1 and still their question to chapter 1 and still their question to Jesus is, "Is this the moment? Are you Jesus is, "Is this the moment? Are you Jesus is, "Is this the moment? Are you going to overthrow Rome now?" And that's

going to overthrow Rome now?" And that's going to overthrow Rome now?" And that's enough for Jesus to say, "I'm out of enough for Jesus to say, "I'm out of enough for Jesus to say, "I'm out of here. I'm done." And he goes to the sky. here. I'm done." And he goes to the sky. here. I'm done." And he goes to the sky. But it's because he's assuming his But it's because he's assuming his But it's because he's assuming his actual actual actual throne. He didn't come to overthrow throne. He didn't come to overthrow throne. He didn't come to overthrow Rome. If what we needed was a king to Rome. If what we needed was a king to Rome. If what we needed was a king to overthrow the government, God would have overthrow the government, God would have overthrow the government, God would have sent that. But it wasn't a politician sent that. But it wasn't a politician sent that. But it wasn't a politician and a political leader. It was the king and a political leader. It was the king and a political leader. It was the king of all kings, the savior of all things, of all kings, the savior of all things, of all kings, the savior of all things, the one who was making all things new. the one who was making all things new. the one who was making all things new. And so um and and he refused violent And so um and and he refused violent And so um and and he refused violent confrontation with lesser confrontation with lesser confrontation with lesser powers. Dr. Dr. Pow just showed us how powers. Dr. Dr. Pow just showed us how powers. Dr. Dr. Pow just showed us how he, you know, the good confession in he, you know, the good confession in he, you know, the good confession in first Timothy that he made before first Timothy that he made before first Timothy that he made before Pontius Pilate. And don't forget though Pontius Pilate. And don't forget though Pontius Pilate. And don't forget though that in Gethsemane that his disciples, that in Gethsemane that his disciples, that in Gethsemane that his disciples, Peter, tried to make it a fight. I mean, Peter, tried to make it a fight. I mean, Peter, tried to make it a fight. I mean, there's no other way to look at it that there's no other way to look at it that there's no other way to look at it that he, you know, he has the moment where he he, you know, he has the moment where he he, you know, he has the moment where he washes the disciples feet. He he they washes the disciples feet. He he they washes the disciples feet. He he they have the last supper. Judas slips out have the last supper. Judas slips out have the last supper. Judas slips out after Jesus says like, "Somebody who's after Jesus says like, "Somebody who's after Jesus says like, "Somebody who's dipping bread with me is going to about dipping bread with me is going to about dipping bread with me is going to about to betray me." And they're all looking to betray me." And they're all looking to betray me." And they're all looking around confused. And then it's it's around confused. And then it's it's around confused. And then it's it's amazing that that he says, "All right, amazing that that he says, "All right, amazing that that he says, "All right, now is a time when you can take a now is a time when you can take a now is a time when you can take a sword." And that's like all the sword." And that's like all the sword." And that's like all the disciples hear. He's like, "But this is disciples hear. He's like, "But this is disciples hear. He's like, "But this is the moment when all of redemptive the moment when all of redemptive the moment when all of redemptive history is about to come to its to its history is about to come to its to its history is about to come to its to its climax." And they say, "Well, we have a climax." And they say, "Well, we have a climax." And they say, "Well, we have a sword." And I think it's still true that sword." And I think it's still true that sword." And I think it's still true that God has given the government the sword God has given the government the sword God has given the government the sword and the church the keys. And whenever and the church the keys. And whenever and the church the keys. And whenever the church picks up the sword, people the church picks up the sword, people the church picks up the sword, people get hurt and it is not the way of

get hurt and it is not the way of get hurt and it is not the way of Christ. and he had to stop it and heal Christ. and he had to stop it and heal Christ. and he had to stop it and heal Malchus's ear, which I'm convinced the Malchus's ear, which I'm convinced the Malchus's ear, which I'm convinced the reason we know Malcus' name is because reason we know Malcus' name is because reason we know Malcus' name is because he had to have been a Christian after he had to have been a Christian after he had to have been a Christian after that. In first Peter, we see this that that. In first Peter, we see this that that. In first Peter, we see this that Jesus entrusted himself to the father Jesus entrusted himself to the father Jesus entrusted himself to the father right after Peter says to us, he says, right after Peter says to us, he says, right after Peter says to us, he says, um, you know, you need to submit um, you know, you need to submit um, you know, you need to submit yourself to governing authorities. He yourself to governing authorities. He yourself to governing authorities. He never tells us to fear them. He says, never tells us to fear them. He says, never tells us to fear them. He says, fear God, love the brothers, and submit fear God, love the brothers, and submit fear God, love the brothers, and submit to the emperor. But then he goes on, for to the emperor. But then he goes on, for to the emperor. But then he goes on, for to this you have been called. Oh, I to this you have been called. Oh, I to this you have been called. Oh, I forgot I'm really my own. To this you forgot I'm really my own. To this you forgot I'm really my own. To this you have been called because Christ also have been called because Christ also have been called because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example suffered for you, leaving you an example suffered for you, leaving you an example so that you might follow in his steps. so that you might follow in his steps. so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit He committed no sin, neither was deceit He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, found in his mouth. When he was reviled, found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return. When he he did not revile in return. When he he did not revile in return. When he suffered, he did not threaten, but suffered, he did not threaten, but suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who continued entrusting himself to him who continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. judges justly. judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on He himself bore our sins in his body on He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree that we might die to sin and the tree that we might die to sin and the tree that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds, live to righteousness. By his wounds, live to righteousness. By his wounds, you have been healed. For you were you have been healed. For you were you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but now have straying like sheep, but now have straying like sheep, but now have returned to the shepherd and overseer of returned to the shepherd and overseer of returned to the shepherd and overseer of your your your souls. So, if we want to know how to souls. So, if we want to know how to souls. So, if we want to know how to live in polarized live in polarized live in polarized times, we have the answer right times, we have the answer right times, we have the answer right here. Christ has shown us and he's made here. Christ has shown us and he's made here. Christ has shown us and he's made the way for us. The apostles lived in the way for us. The apostles lived in the way for us. The apostles lived in polarized times. The divi division was a polarized times. The divi division was a polarized times. The divi division was a constant threat in the early church.

constant threat in the early church. constant threat in the early church. That's why we have most of the letters That's why we have most of the letters That's why we have most of the letters to churches. It's because stuff was to churches. It's because stuff was to churches. It's because stuff was messy and they were dividing among God's messy and they were dividing among God's messy and they were dividing among God's people. And so um we see this all the people. And so um we see this all the people. And so um we see this all the way through right through Acts in way through right through Acts in way through right through Acts in chapter six. You have you have ethnic chapter six. You have you have ethnic chapter six. You have you have ethnic and racial divides with Jewish Hebrew and racial divides with Jewish Hebrew and racial divides with Jewish Hebrew Jewish people widows and henistic Jewish Jewish people widows and henistic Jewish Jewish people widows and henistic Jewish widows. Then they're not getting served widows. Then they're not getting served widows. Then they're not getting served equally. And so there's conflict in the equally. And so there's conflict in the equally. And so there's conflict in the church right at the start that has to be church right at the start that has to be church right at the start that has to be addressed. Acts chapter 10 and 11 where addressed. Acts chapter 10 and 11 where addressed. Acts chapter 10 and 11 where Peter goes to Cornelius's house and um Peter goes to Cornelius's house and um Peter goes to Cornelius's house and um but before that he's at Simon the but before that he's at Simon the but before that he's at Simon the Tanner's in Japa which you imagine this Tanner's in Japa which you imagine this Tanner's in Japa which you imagine this like over this is one of my favorite like over this is one of my favorite like over this is one of my favorite parts of scripture because it's in parts of scripture because it's in parts of scripture because it's in overlooking the the harbor there in Japa overlooking the the harbor there in Japa overlooking the the harbor there in Japa that the sheet vision of the sheet comes that the sheet vision of the sheet comes that the sheet vision of the sheet comes down and that is why we can eat shrimp down and that is why we can eat shrimp down and that is why we can eat shrimp cocktails and cocktails and cocktails and bacon and it's it is it just the that bacon and it's it is it just the that bacon and it's it is it just the that moment in scripture if I could be there moment in scripture if I could be there moment in scripture if I could be there it would be one of the moments But then he gets back and if you read But then he gets back and if you read chapter 11, he got back and the his the chapter 11, he got back and the his the chapter 11, he got back and the his the people back in Jerusalem were angry that people back in Jerusalem were angry that people back in Jerusalem were angry that he ate with he ate with he ate with Gentiles and he has to go through the Gentiles and he has to go through the Gentiles and he has to go through the whole thing and explain to them, yeah, whole thing and explain to them, yeah, whole thing and explain to them, yeah, they actually received the Holy Spirit, they actually received the Holy Spirit, they actually received the Holy Spirit, too. We see it in Acts 15, a Jerusalem too. We see it in Acts 15, a Jerusalem too. We see it in Acts 15, a Jerusalem council called on where to draw lines as council called on where to draw lines as council called on where to draw lines as uh Paul and James had different uh Paul and James had different uh Paul and James had different approaches to things. in Ephesians approaches to things. in Ephesians approaches to things. in Ephesians chapter 2 where we're called fellow chapter 2 where we're called fellow chapter 2 where we're called fellow citizens and saints which we heard citizens and saints which we heard citizens and saints which we heard preached here at this conference um in preached here at this conference um in preached here at this conference um in Christ's kingdom in Colossians 3 when Christ's kingdom in Colossians 3 when Christ's kingdom in Colossians 3 when Paul is saying you know listen barbarian Paul is saying you know listen barbarian Paul is saying you know listen barbarian cyian slave free we are all one in

cyian slave free we are all one in cyian slave free we are all one in Christ and of course in Galatians 3 all Christ and of course in Galatians 3 all Christ and of course in Galatians 3 all one in the promise to Abraham that we one in the promise to Abraham that we one in the promise to Abraham that we are brought into the family of God we are brought into the family of God we are brought into the family of God we see it in religious observance that see it in religious observance that see it in religious observance that whether to be circumcised or not be whether to be circumcised or not be whether to be circumcised or not be circumcised and what it means and circumcised and what it means and circumcised and what it means and doesn't mean we see it in people doesn't mean we see it in people doesn't mean we see it in people wrestling with food laws. And so there wrestling with food laws. And so there wrestling with food laws. And so there were all kinds of divisions within the were all kinds of divisions within the were all kinds of divisions within the church, but the apostles didn't hesitate church, but the apostles didn't hesitate church, but the apostles didn't hesitate in addressing them and calling people in addressing them and calling people in addressing them and calling people back to the gospel. And so um we in June back to the gospel. And so um we in June back to the gospel. And so um we in June 2003, so two years ago, we in the EFCA, 2003, so two years ago, we in the EFCA, 2003, so two years ago, we in the EFCA, so this is on the EFCA side of things, so this is on the EFCA side of things, so this is on the EFCA side of things, um had some things that were coming up um had some things that were coming up um had some things that were coming up like most movements right now, and some like most movements right now, and some like most movements right now, and some some challenges that were being raised. some challenges that were being raised. some challenges that were being raised. And so we produced a statement, um that And so we produced a statement, um that And so we produced a statement, um that was called a statement of denials and was called a statement of denials and was called a statement of denials and affirmations. affirmations. affirmations. And that it it was I learned after after And that it it was I learned after after And that it it was I learned after after this document was produced that it was this document was produced that it was this document was produced that it was the first time that the EFCA's board of the first time that the EFCA's board of the first time that the EFCA's board of directors and board of ministerial directors and board of ministerial directors and board of ministerial standings had ever released a joint standings had ever released a joint standings had ever released a joint statement. Um and it was read by Kevin statement. Um and it was read by Kevin statement. Um and it was read by Kevin Complan who was president of the EFCA at Complan who was president of the EFCA at Complan who was president of the EFCA at the time and before he was moved over to the time and before he was moved over to the time and before he was moved over to Trinity and um and it felt risky because Trinity and um and it felt risky because Trinity and um and it felt risky because we took on some things that people we took on some things that people we took on some things that people didn't want to take on and but needed didn't want to take on and but needed didn't want to take on and but needed clarity on. And so it felt like a clarity on. And so it felt like a clarity on. And so it felt like a massive risk because the we took on massive risk because the we took on massive risk because the we took on eight issues. Um which those issues were eight issues. Um which those issues were eight issues. Um which those issues were that that QR code by the way will take

that that QR code by the way will take that that QR code by the way will take you to the FCA's website if you want to you to the FCA's website if you want to you to the FCA's website if you want to see the whole document. Um the issues we see the whole document. Um the issues we see the whole document. Um the issues we took on were were these eight. So if you took on were were these eight. So if you took on were were these eight. So if you could pick more controversial ones I'd could pick more controversial ones I'd could pick more controversial ones I'd love to hear them. But um we decided we love to hear them. But um we decided we love to hear them. But um we decided we should address social justice, wokeness, should address social justice, wokeness, should address social justice, wokeness, critical race theory, Christian critical race theory, Christian critical race theory, Christian nationalism, Christians in politics, nationalism, Christians in politics, nationalism, Christians in politics, gender dysphoria, men and women in gender dysphoria, men and women in gender dysphoria, men and women in ministry, and eternal conscious ministry, and eternal conscious ministry, and eternal conscious punishment for good measure. And in that though, if you go to that QR And in that though, if you go to that QR code and pull up the statement um and code and pull up the statement um and code and pull up the statement um and read it after this session obviously um read it after this session obviously um read it after this session obviously um the the what you'll find I hope you'll the the what you'll find I hope you'll the the what you'll find I hope you'll take time to read the introduction and take time to read the introduction and take time to read the introduction and the summary and the and the appendix the summary and the and the appendix the summary and the and the appendix because the information around the eight because the information around the eight because the information around the eight bullet points is more important I think bullet points is more important I think bullet points is more important I think than the bullet points themselves. The than the bullet points themselves. The than the bullet points themselves. The bullet points are addressing particular bullet points are addressing particular bullet points are addressing particular issues, but we've had the questions issues, but we've had the questions issues, but we've had the questions like, are we going to codify this more like, are we going to codify this more like, are we going to codify this more fully? And the answer is no because we fully? And the answer is no because we fully? And the answer is no because we don't know how many how long these terms don't know how many how long these terms don't know how many how long these terms are even going to be used. But the are even going to be used. But the are even going to be used. But the posture of it and saying there are times posture of it and saying there are times posture of it and saying there are times when it is necessary to defend our when it is necessary to defend our when it is necessary to defend our ministries like Paul does in his letters ministries like Paul does in his letters ministries like Paul does in his letters and times when we need to give and times when we need to give and times when we need to give leadership and clarity in the midst of leadership and clarity in the midst of leadership and clarity in the midst of confusion. So the explanation, the confusion. So the explanation, the confusion. So the explanation, the summary you'll see after the eight summary you'll see after the eight summary you'll see after the eight bullet points essentially says we will bullet points essentially says we will bullet points essentially says we will not allow ourselves to do be defined by not allow ourselves to do be defined by not allow ourselves to do be defined by any social movement over and above God's any social movement over and above God's any social movement over and above God's word. And so how do we approach things word. And so how do we approach things word. And so how do we approach things so that we're able to address what is so that we're able to address what is so that we're able to address what is good and bad what we can take or and

good and bad what we can take or and good and bad what we can take or and leave in these controversial issues. And leave in these controversial issues. And leave in these controversial issues. And that is the appendix of saying we need that is the appendix of saying we need that is the appendix of saying we need to have a sick non mindset meaning yes to have a sick non mindset meaning yes to have a sick non mindset meaning yes and no that we need to help people learn and no that we need to help people learn and no that we need to help people learn how to process and take in information how to process and take in information how to process and take in information because most of the disciplehip that because most of the disciplehip that because most of the disciplehip that Christians get through the week is not Christians get through the week is not Christians get through the week is not Christian like as a pastor I'm very Christian like as a pastor I'm very Christian like as a pastor I'm very aware that I get you know depending on aware that I get you know depending on aware that I get you know depending on the the the Sunday 40 to 60 minutes to be able to Sunday 40 to 60 minutes to be able to Sunday 40 to 60 minutes to be able to invest into preaching ministry. invest into preaching ministry. invest into preaching ministry. But that doesn't have anything close to But that doesn't have anything close to But that doesn't have anything close to the podcasts people are consuming the podcasts people are consuming the podcasts people are consuming daily to articles and news sources daily to articles and news sources daily to articles and news sources especially as people get more myopic in especially as people get more myopic in especially as people get more myopic in the sources they have and we have the sources they have and we have the sources they have and we have greater echo chambers created by greater echo chambers created by greater echo chambers created by algorithms. And so this mindset isn't algorithms. And so this mindset isn't algorithms. And so this mindset isn't just the third way, middle road for just the third way, middle road for just the third way, middle road for middle road's sake, like it's a mushy middle road's sake, like it's a mushy middle road's sake, like it's a mushy thing, but instead it's saying no, there thing, but instead it's saying no, there thing, but instead it's saying no, there that's not helpful to just be middle for that's not helpful to just be middle for that's not helpful to just be middle for middle sake, but there does have to be a middle sake, but there does have to be a middle sake, but there does have to be a third way. And and when we see things, third way. And and when we see things, third way. And and when we see things, we need to be careful not to just say we need to be careful not to just say we need to be careful not to just say all yes or all no because either they all yes or all no because either they all yes or all no because either they use language that we're not used to or use language that we're not used to or use language that we're not used to or the people that we look to for the people that we look to for the people that we look to for information hate or love it. And so information hate or love it. And so information hate or love it. And so there's way too much too often I think there's way too much too often I think there's way too much too often I think that we can hear something and it's like that we can hear something and it's like that we can hear something and it's like well this podcaster said it's awful so well this podcaster said it's awful so well this podcaster said it's awful so therefore it is awful instead of therefore it is awful instead of therefore it is awful instead of engaging it. And so instead saying in engaging it. And so instead saying in engaging it. And so instead saying in these issues um let's learn to say yes these issues um let's learn to say yes these issues um let's learn to say yes to what truth we can find and then have

to what truth we can find and then have to what truth we can find and then have the courage to say no to what we must. the courage to say no to what we must. the courage to say no to what we must. Um and so there's an example of that. Um and so there's an example of that. Um and so there's an example of that. Oh, here's, by the way, sorry to put Oh, here's, by the way, sorry to put Oh, here's, by the way, sorry to put more of these up, but the second one, more of these up, but the second one, more of these up, but the second one, the bottom one is um a biblical the bottom one is um a biblical the bottom one is um a biblical commentary. We produced biblical commentary. We produced biblical commentary. We produced biblical commentaries to all eight points that commentaries to all eight points that commentaries to all eight points that expands them. And so the ones on because this I them. And so the ones on because this I think is more most pertinent to tonight. think is more most pertinent to tonight. think is more most pertinent to tonight. Um on the the bullet points on Christian Um on the the bullet points on Christian Um on the the bullet points on Christian nationalism and politics, I'll read for nationalism and politics, I'll read for nationalism and politics, I'll read for you. Um, the first one says, "We are not you. Um, the first one says, "We are not you. Um, the first one says, "We are not Christian nationalists who believe the Christian nationalists who believe the Christian nationalists who believe the federal government should declare the federal government should declare the federal government should declare the United States a Christian nation or United States a Christian nation or United States a Christian nation or believe that Americans are God's chosen believe that Americans are God's chosen believe that Americans are God's chosen people. But we do believe that a people. But we do believe that a people. But we do believe that a patriotic love of one's nation is patriotic love of one's nation is patriotic love of one's nation is appropriate and that Christians should appropriate and that Christians should appropriate and that Christians should be good citizens who may freely advocate be good citizens who may freely advocate be good citizens who may freely advocate for God-honoring public policies. for God-honoring public policies. for God-honoring public policies. We do not believe that political means We do not believe that political means We do not believe that political means can establish the kingdom of God. But we can establish the kingdom of God. But we can establish the kingdom of God. But we do believe that God has appointed do believe that God has appointed do believe that God has appointed governing authorities to do good and governing authorities to do good and governing authorities to do good and that for citizens in Christ's kingdom, that for citizens in Christ's kingdom, that for citizens in Christ's kingdom, King Jesus's rule and reign transcends King Jesus's rule and reign transcends King Jesus's rule and reign transcends all other citizenships. Here's those all other citizenships. Here's those all other citizenships. Here's those two. And so sorry, King Jesus rule and two. And so sorry, King Jesus rule and two. And so sorry, King Jesus rule and reign transcends all of their reign transcends all of their reign transcends all of their citizenships and partisan ideologies and citizenships and partisan ideologies and citizenships and partisan ideologies and transforms how we live in the world. So transforms how we live in the world. So transforms how we live in the world. So this is an example of two of the eight this is an example of two of the eight this is an example of two of the eight bullets. So you got a quarter of them, bullets. So you got a quarter of them, bullets. So you got a quarter of them, you'll have to go to the site for the you'll have to go to the site for the you'll have to go to the site for the rest. But um this is a way for us as

rest. But um this is a way for us as rest. But um this is a way for us as leaders that we felt a burden to say, leaders that we felt a burden to say, leaders that we felt a burden to say, okay, we these are things that need to okay, we these are things that need to okay, we these are things that need to be be be addressed. Like we don't want to see addressed. Like we don't want to see addressed. Like we don't want to see this movement splinter and divide and this movement splinter and divide and this movement splinter and divide and and not have at least taken a shot at and not have at least taken a shot at and not have at least taken a shot at bringing clarity and understanding and bringing clarity and understanding and bringing clarity and understanding and unity and trying to give definitions to unity and trying to give definitions to unity and trying to give definitions to words that are completely definitionless words that are completely definitionless words that are completely definitionless and just used however someone intends and just used however someone intends and just used however someone intends them, but nobody intends them the same them, but nobody intends them the same them, but nobody intends them the same way. And so this was an attempt that we way. And so this was an attempt that we way. And so this was an attempt that we had. And again, it felt risky at the had. And again, it felt risky at the had. And again, it felt risky at the time, but it was received with a time, but it was received with a time, but it was received with a standing ovation and it has been widely standing ovation and it has been widely standing ovation and it has been widely used by people in pastoral searches, in used by people in pastoral searches, in used by people in pastoral searches, in churches. We've heard of pastors that churches. We've heard of pastors that churches. We've heard of pastors that have preached series through these have preached series through these have preached series through these things. And so, it's an example of where things. And so, it's an example of where things. And so, it's an example of where we got one right, that leadership and we got one right, that leadership and we got one right, that leadership and clarity were needed for a particular clarity were needed for a particular clarity were needed for a particular moment. And the boards of the EFCA moment. And the boards of the EFCA moment. And the boards of the EFCA didn't shrink back from taking that didn't shrink back from taking that didn't shrink back from taking that risk. risk. risk. We didn't want to just show what to We didn't want to just show what to We didn't want to just show what to think, but we wanted to help people think, but we wanted to help people think, but we wanted to help people learn how to think better. And so that's learn how to think better. And so that's learn how to think better. And so that's one of five. Now, number one of five. Now, number one of five. Now, number two, we need to cultivate a theology of two, we need to cultivate a theology of two, we need to cultivate a theology of Christ's kingdom. And second, call Christ's kingdom. And second, call Christ's kingdom. And second, call people to greater kingdom citizenship.

people to greater kingdom citizenship. people to greater kingdom citizenship. And so that's the two statements that I And so that's the two statements that I And so that's the two statements that I just read, but this also comes from just read, but this also comes from just read, but this also comes from Ephesians chapter 2. Um, so then you are Ephesians chapter 2. Um, so then you are Ephesians chapter 2. Um, so then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you no longer strangers and aliens, but you no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and are fellow citizens with the saints and are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built members of the household of God, built members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and on the foundation of the apostles and on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure cornerstone, in whom the whole structure cornerstone, in whom the whole structure being joined together grows into a holy being joined together grows into a holy being joined together grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you are also temple in the Lord. In him you are also temple in the Lord. In him you are also being built together into a dwelling being built together into a dwelling being built together into a dwelling place for God by the spirit. place for God by the spirit. place for God by the spirit. So the idea of kingdom citizenship So the idea of kingdom citizenship So the idea of kingdom citizenship isn't isn't foreign to the New isn't isn't foreign to the New isn't isn't foreign to the New Testament. It's baked into an Testament. It's baked into an Testament. It's baked into an understanding of what it means to be a understanding of what it means to be a understanding of what it means to be a Christian. And and we see that in Christian. And and we see that in Christian. And and we see that in Ephesians and and it we and so that's Ephesians and and it we and so that's Ephesians and and it we and so that's the things we want wanted to be able to the things we want wanted to be able to the things we want wanted to be able to emphasize through the denials and emphasize through the denials and emphasize through the denials and affirmations. Um, another way that we've affirmations. Um, another way that we've affirmations. Um, another way that we've addressed this more recently, um, in our addressed this more recently, um, in our addressed this more recently, um, in our church, we're in Capitol Hill, and so church, we're in Capitol Hill, and so church, we're in Capitol Hill, and so the, the, the, um, I think many places right now have um, I think many places right now have um, I think many places right now have been touched by job uncertainty for been touched by job uncertainty for been touched by job uncertainty for federal employees and contractors and federal employees and contractors and federal employees and contractors and educators that are connected with educators that are connected with educators that are connected with federal grants. And, um, it's been a federal grants. And, um, it's been a federal grants. And, um, it's been a really tense time in DC. Um it's we have really tense time in DC. Um it's we have really tense time in DC. Um it's we have a lot of people whose jobs have been a lot of people whose jobs have been a lot of people whose jobs have been taken and then given back and then maybe taken and then given back and then maybe taken and then given back and then maybe taken again or just laid off or um we've taken again or just laid off or um we've taken again or just laid off or um we've had we have people that have been had we have people that have been had we have people that have been escorted out of their offices and then escorted out of their offices and then escorted out of their offices and then called the next morning and said we made called the next morning and said we made called the next morning and said we made a horrible mistake come back.

a horrible mistake come back. a horrible mistake come back. Um somebody has a PhD in Chinese war Um somebody has a PhD in Chinese war Um somebody has a PhD in Chinese war strategy. We probably want them at work. strategy. We probably want them at work. strategy. We probably want them at work. Um, and so it's been really hard and Um, and so it's been really hard and Um, and so it's been really hard and it's these are the moments for our it's these are the moments for our it's these are the moments for our church that get most tense. It's not church that get most tense. It's not church that get most tense. It's not usually election season. That's what usually election season. That's what usually election season. That's what people assume, but this is when it's people assume, but this is when it's people assume, but this is when it's hitting home and hitting home and hitting home and livelihood. And so there were some livelihood. And so there were some livelihood. And so there were some things beginning to percolate in our things beginning to percolate in our things beginning to percolate in our church. And um, and the guy was feeling church. And um, and the guy was feeling church. And um, and the guy was feeling that. And so I went to our elders and that. And so I went to our elders and that. And so I went to our elders and said, "Hey, we guys, we can either wait said, "Hey, we guys, we can either wait said, "Hey, we guys, we can either wait for something to pop and then have to for something to pop and then have to for something to pop and then have to clean up a mess or try to get out in clean up a mess or try to get out in clean up a mess or try to get out in front of this." front of this." front of this." Um, and you It's hard, right? This is Um, and you It's hard, right? This is Um, and you It's hard, right? This is wisdom in in ministry and in leadership wisdom in in ministry and in leadership wisdom in in ministry and in leadership is is there's no like clear manual in is is there's no like clear manual in is is there's no like clear manual in the New Testament for when to speak up the New Testament for when to speak up the New Testament for when to speak up and when to not and what to speak up and when to not and what to speak up and when to not and what to speak up into. And this it takes wisdom and the into. And this it takes wisdom and the into. And this it takes wisdom and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. And some, guidance of the Holy Spirit. And some, guidance of the Holy Spirit. And some, you know, some fires you want to let you know, some fires you want to let you know, some fires you want to let burn themselves out and others if you burn themselves out and others if you burn themselves out and others if you don't take care of it, it's going to don't take care of it, it's going to don't take care of it, it's going to burn the city down. And and so we burn the city down. And and so we burn the city down. And and so we decided that the elders would write a decided that the elders would write a decided that the elders would write a letter um and try to speak into the letter um and try to speak into the letter um and try to speak into the building tensions in our church and um building tensions in our church and um building tensions in our church and um the content of the letter is going to be the content of the letter is going to be the content of the letter is going to be posted on uh TED's Center for posted on uh TED's Center for posted on uh TED's Center for Transformational Churches. And so if you Transformational Churches. And so if you Transformational Churches. And so if you want to see it in fullness, it's at transformationalurches.org. And here's a transformationalurches.org. And here's a shameless plug. The TED's communications shameless plug. The TED's communications shameless plug. The TED's communications team sends out TED's bulletin regularly.

team sends out TED's bulletin regularly. team sends out TED's bulletin regularly. It is a it is an incredible resource It is a it is an incredible resource It is a it is an incredible resource that will hit your inbox, your email that will hit your inbox, your email that will hit your inbox, your email inbox. It is not um just trying to get inbox. It is not um just trying to get inbox. It is not um just trying to get money though Teds could use that too. money though Teds could use that too. money though Teds could use that too. Um, but it is it is it is giving Um, but it is it is it is giving Um, but it is it is it is giving resources and articles and insight and resources and articles and insight and resources and articles and insight and videos and um on key cultural and videos and um on key cultural and videos and um on key cultural and theological topics that we have an theological topics that we have an theological topics that we have an incredible resource in TEDs that we want incredible resource in TEDs that we want incredible resource in TEDs that we want to be able to have speak into things to be able to have speak into things to be able to have speak into things this way. And so you can sign up for the this way. And so you can sign up for the this way. And so you can sign up for the TEDs bulletin also on the Trinity's TEDs bulletin also on the Trinity's TEDs bulletin also on the Trinity's website. So, but in this letter we could website. So, but in this letter we could website. So, but in this letter we could feel that simmering tensions and we feel that simmering tensions and we feel that simmering tensions and we wanted to get ahead of it and give the wanted to get ahead of it and give the wanted to get ahead of it and give the church guidance and um and so we we sent church guidance and um and so we we sent church guidance and um and so we we sent it out to the church. Again, kind of one it out to the church. Again, kind of one it out to the church. Again, kind of one of those moments where you're like, of those moments where you're like, of those moments where you're like, "Okay, we're going to see how this "Okay, we're going to see how this "Okay, we're going to see how this goes." Um, but it it helped our people goes." Um, but it it helped our people goes." Um, but it it helped our people gain clarity and understand how we can gain clarity and understand how we can gain clarity and understand how we can walk through this together. Um, just a walk through this together. Um, just a walk through this together. Um, just a couple of quick excerpts from that. Um, couple of quick excerpts from that. Um, couple of quick excerpts from that. Um, he said, "Redemption Hill, things are he said, "Redemption Hill, things are he said, "Redemption Hill, things are tense right now in our city. It's not tense right now in our city. It's not tense right now in our city. It's not the first time that we've faced partisan the first time that we've faced partisan the first time that we've faced partisan friction and deep divides in the friction and deep divides in the friction and deep divides in the political arena, but our current moment political arena, but our current moment political arena, but our current moment has challenges that are only made has challenges that are only made has challenges that are only made clearer and sharper because it is deeply clearer and sharper because it is deeply clearer and sharper because it is deeply personal for many in in our church.

personal for many in in our church. personal for many in in our church. We can have good faith discussions and We can have good faith discussions and We can have good faith discussions and even robust debates about government even robust debates about government even robust debates about government spending and fiscal responsibility and spending and fiscal responsibility and spending and fiscal responsibility and which programs are valuable or what which programs are valuable or what which programs are valuable or what responsibilities the government ought responsibilities the government ought responsibilities the government ought ought to entail. Different people in our ought to entail. Different people in our ought to entail. Different people in our country will come to sharp disagreement country will come to sharp disagreement country will come to sharp disagreement on a variety of difficult issues and how on a variety of difficult issues and how on a variety of difficult issues and how they might be addressed. The tensions um they might be addressed. The tensions um they might be addressed. The tensions um people in our church are facing are not people in our church are facing are not people in our church are facing are not merely partisan. They are personal. merely partisan. They are personal. merely partisan. They are personal. Sweeping changes and the potential for Sweeping changes and the potential for Sweeping changes and the potential for more at both federal and local levels in more at both federal and local levels in more at both federal and local levels in DC are having a real impact in people's DC are having a real impact in people's DC are having a real impact in people's lives. lives. lives. Christians of all people ought to be the Christians of all people ought to be the Christians of all people ought to be the strongest and clearest critics of their strongest and clearest critics of their strongest and clearest critics of their own side in politics. We need to rise own side in politics. We need to rise own side in politics. We need to rise above what James Davidson Hunter calls above what James Davidson Hunter calls above what James Davidson Hunter calls the crudest simplification of public the crudest simplification of public the crudest simplification of public life and see that the common good is life and see that the common good is life and see that the common good is always more than its political always more than its political always more than its political expression. our citizenship in Christ's expression. our citizenship in Christ's expression. our citizenship in Christ's kingdom and his reign in our hearts and kingdom and his reign in our hearts and kingdom and his reign in our hearts and on and our lives and all things can free on and our lives and all things can free on and our lives and all things can free us from finding hope in policy so that us from finding hope in policy so that us from finding hope in policy so that we can engage in our work and see people we can engage in our work and see people we can engage in our work and see people through the lens of the gospel. And so through the lens of the gospel. And so through the lens of the gospel. And so we ought to be able to say that we ought to be able to say that we ought to be able to say that government spending ought to be reigned government spending ought to be reigned government spending ought to be reigned in and the chaotic approach right now is in and the chaotic approach right now is in and the chaotic approach right now is doing real harm. That immigrants are doing real harm. That immigrants are doing real harm. That immigrants are human beings made in the image and human beings made in the image and human beings made in the image and likeness of God and governments are likeness of God and governments are likeness of God and governments are responsible for maintaining borders.

responsible for maintaining borders. responsible for maintaining borders. that truth matters and efforts to that truth matters and efforts to that truth matters and efforts to obscure the truth are wrong whatever the obscure the truth are wrong whatever the obscure the truth are wrong whatever the party that the ends don't justify the party that the ends don't justify the party that the ends don't justify the means whatever the party. So then it means whatever the party. So then it means whatever the party. So then it goes on and closes by saying please join goes on and closes by saying please join goes on and closes by saying please join me in praying for our city our nation me in praying for our city our nation me in praying for our city our nation our governing authorities our church and our governing authorities our church and our governing authorities our church and our world. Let's commit our world. Let's commit our world. Let's commit ourselves to immersing in let's commit ourselves to immersing in let's commit ourselves to immersing in let's commit to immersing ourselves in God's word and to immersing ourselves in God's word and to immersing ourselves in God's word and finding our hope in Christ pleading that finding our hope in Christ pleading that finding our hope in Christ pleading that the spirit will move in power in our own the spirit will move in power in our own the spirit will move in power in our own hearts and through our church into our hearts and through our church into our hearts and through our church into our city. Remember that God gave us not a city. Remember that God gave us not a city. Remember that God gave us not a spirit of fear but of power and love and spirit of fear but of power and love and spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control that we can bring all our self-control that we can bring all our self-control that we can bring all our cares and worries to God and trusting cares and worries to God and trusting cares and worries to God and trusting that our good father cares for us and that our good father cares for us and that our good father cares for us and will care for us. So this is a little will care for us. So this is a little will care for us. So this is a little bit of excerpts but I wanted to give bit of excerpts but I wanted to give bit of excerpts but I wanted to give really practical examples when I say really practical examples when I say really practical examples when I say like we want to bring leadership and be like we want to bring leadership and be like we want to bring leadership and be and speak into things as leaders in a and speak into things as leaders in a and speak into things as leaders in a church and not shrink back from them. I church and not shrink back from them. I church and not shrink back from them. I think that can all sound nice um and think that can all sound nice um and think that can all sound nice um and then it's like okay what does that mean? then it's like okay what does that mean? then it's like okay what does that mean? And so that's one example um that that I And so that's one example um that that I And so that's one example um that that I thought might be thought might be thought might be helpful. Um the third point that I'm helpful. Um the third point that I'm helpful. Um the third point that I'm going to that I think we ought to call going to that I think we ought to call going to that I think we ought to call toward is first cultivate a theology of toward is first cultivate a theology of toward is first cultivate a theology of Christ's kingdom. Second call people to Christ's kingdom. Second call people to Christ's kingdom. Second call people to a to greater kingdom citizenship. And a to greater kingdom citizenship. And a to greater kingdom citizenship. And third convince people to embrace life third convince people to embrace life third convince people to embrace life and and and exile. This is language that Peter uses exile. This is language that Peter uses exile. This is language that Peter uses in 1 Peter 2. But you are a chosen race, in 1 Peter 2. But you are a chosen race, in 1 Peter 2. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possessions.

people for his own possessions. people for his own possessions. Possession. This is language straight Possession. This is language straight Possession. This is language straight out of Exodus 19 at Sinai. As and is as out of Exodus 19 at Sinai. As and is as out of Exodus 19 at Sinai. As and is as Peter's talking and applying those Peter's talking and applying those Peter's talking and applying those titles for God's people to the church titles for God's people to the church titles for God's people to the church and to Christians. And he says, why why and to Christians. And he says, why why and to Christians. And he says, why why are we those things? Well, it's so that are we those things? Well, it's so that are we those things? Well, it's so that it's for the sake of worship so that we it's for the sake of worship so that we it's for the sake of worship so that we might proclaim the excellencies of him might proclaim the excellencies of him might proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his who called you out of darkness into his who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a marvelous light. Once you were not a marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people. people, but now you are God's people. people, but now you are God's people. Once you had not received mercy, but now Once you had not received mercy, but now Once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. And so, you have received mercy. And so, you have received mercy. And so, beloved, I urge you as sojourners and beloved, I urge you as sojourners and beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of exiles to abstain from the passions of exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh. So, Peter uses all this Old the flesh. So, Peter uses all this Old the flesh. So, Peter uses all this Old Testament language from Sinai at the Testament language from Sinai at the Testament language from Sinai at the first paragraph and then he uses this first paragraph and then he uses this first paragraph and then he uses this language of soldiers and exiles which is language of soldiers and exiles which is language of soldiers and exiles which is calling on Jeremiah chapter 29 where calling on Jeremiah chapter 29 where calling on Jeremiah chapter 29 where Jeremiah 29 when God writes says to Jeremiah 29 when God writes says to Jeremiah 29 when God writes says to Isaiah, I this is an incredible passage, Isaiah, I this is an incredible passage, Isaiah, I this is an incredible passage, right? that that chapter 28 has Haniah, right? that that chapter 28 has Haniah, right? that that chapter 28 has Haniah, the false prophet, coming out with a the false prophet, coming out with a the false prophet, coming out with a yoke of wood and breaking it, saying, yoke of wood and breaking it, saying, yoke of wood and breaking it, saying, "Hey, everything's going to be great. "Hey, everything's going to be great. "Hey, everything's going to be great. God's bringing you home." And God says, God's bringing you home." And God says, God's bringing you home." And God says, "Jeremiah, "Jeremiah, "Jeremiah, uh, here's the letter you need to uh, here's the letter you need to uh, here's the letter you need to write. You're not going anywhere. It's write. You're not going anywhere. It's write. You're not going anywhere. It's going to be at least 70 years and most going to be at least 70 years and most going to be at least 70 years and most of you will die of you will die of you will die there." And God doesn't even sherk it.

there." And God doesn't even sherk it. there." And God doesn't even sherk it. He says, "I'm the this I'm the one who He says, "I'm the this I'm the one who He says, "I'm the this I'm the one who sent you into exile." sent you into exile." sent you into exile." But the calling he has on them is um as But the calling he has on them is um as But the calling he has on them is um as which I think familiar to many of you which I think familiar to many of you which I think familiar to many of you when he when he when he says build houses and live in them. says build houses and live in them. says build houses and live in them. Plant gardens and eat their produce. Plant gardens and eat their produce. Plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters. Take wives and have sons and daughters. Take wives and have sons and daughters. Take wives for your sons and give your Take wives for your sons and give your Take wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage that they may bear daughters in marriage that they may bear daughters in marriage that they may bear sons and daughters. Multiply there and sons and daughters. Multiply there and sons and daughters. Multiply there and do not decrease. But seek the welfare, do not decrease. But seek the welfare, do not decrease. But seek the welfare, the shalom of the city where I have sent the shalom of the city where I have sent the shalom of the city where I have sent you into exile and pray to the Lord on you into exile and pray to the Lord on you into exile and pray to the Lord on its behalf. For in its welfare, in its its behalf. For in its welfare, in its its behalf. For in its welfare, in its shalom you will find your welfare. He goes on to say, don't listen welfare. He goes on to say, don't listen to the false prophets. And then the to the false prophets. And then the to the false prophets. And then the well-known verse that was really popular well-known verse that was really popular well-known verse that was really popular in the late 90s, right? For I know the in the late 90s, right? For I know the in the late 90s, right? For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. plans I have for you, declares the Lord. plans I have for you, declares the Lord. plans for your welfare, your shalom, and plans for your welfare, your shalom, and plans for your welfare, your shalom, and not for evil, to give you a future and a not for evil, to give you a future and a not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. And then he tells us what the hope. And then he tells us what the hope. And then he tells us what the future and hope is. If you just read to future and hope is. If you just read to future and hope is. If you just read to verse 12, then you will call upon me and verse 12, then you will call upon me and verse 12, then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear come and pray to me, and I will hear come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me when you. You will seek me and find me when you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will you seek me with all your heart. I will you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord. And be found by you, declares the Lord. And be found by you, declares the Lord. And so, and then he talks about restoration so, and then he talks about restoration so, and then he talks about restoration for the for the for the people. And so, this is the background people. And so, this is the background people. And so, this is the background of what it means when we are called of what it means when we are called of what it means when we are called sojourners and exiles by Peter. But too sojourners and exiles by Peter. But too sojourners and exiles by Peter. But too many Christians have bought and too it's many Christians have bought and too it's many Christians have bought and too it's too tempting in our own hearts. I mean too tempting in our own hearts. I mean too tempting in our own hearts. I mean my heart if if we're going to be honest my heart if if we're going to be honest my heart if if we're going to be honest about these things. It's too tempting to about these things. It's too tempting to about these things. It's too tempting to hear that and go that's nice biblical

hear that and go that's nice biblical hear that and go that's nice biblical language and buy into the false language and buy into the false language and buy into the false prophecies of Haniah for our own lives prophecies of Haniah for our own lives prophecies of Haniah for our own lives that we say okay that's nice but that we say okay that's nice but that we say okay that's nice but wouldn't it be better to be in a wouldn't it be better to be in a wouldn't it be better to be in a position of power than to be in position of power than to be in position of power than to be in exile? Well, that's nice, but wouldn't exile? Well, that's nice, but wouldn't exile? Well, that's nice, but wouldn't it be it be it be better if we had the control? And we better if we had the control? And we better if we had the control? And we neglect the reality that this calling of neglect the reality that this calling of neglect the reality that this calling of life in exile was used by the Apostle life in exile was used by the Apostle life in exile was used by the Apostle Peter for a reason Peter for a reason Peter for a reason because we are in Christ's kingdom. Our because we are in Christ's kingdom. Our because we are in Christ's kingdom. Our citizenship is in a greater kingdom. And citizenship is in a greater kingdom. And citizenship is in a greater kingdom. And we are soldiers and exiles here. That's we are soldiers and exiles here. That's we are soldiers and exiles here. That's not going to change. And most of us will not going to change. And most of us will not going to change. And most of us will die here before the Lord makes all die here before the Lord makes all die here before the Lord makes all things new. And so, um, recently things new. And so, um, recently things new. And so, um, recently actually, um, Dr. POW recently shared a actually, um, Dr. POW recently shared a actually, um, Dr. POW recently shared a devotional that I have um completely devotional that I have um completely devotional that I have um completely adopted in I'll call it kingdom adopted in I'll call it kingdom adopted in I'll call it kingdom collaboration collaboration collaboration um that's stealing but pointed out I mean just stealing but pointed out I mean just incredibly brilliantly that um that if incredibly brilliantly that um that if incredibly brilliantly that um that if you read Deuteronomy chapter 20 and it's you read Deuteronomy chapter 20 and it's you read Deuteronomy chapter 20 and it's instructions for the people coming into instructions for the people coming into instructions for the people coming into the promised land that in Deuteronomy the promised land that in Deuteronomy the promised land that in Deuteronomy chapter 20 God gives instructions for chapter 20 God gives instructions for chapter 20 God gives instructions for times when people are exempt from holy times when people are exempt from holy times when people are exempt from holy warfare. there and that people are not warfare. there and that people are not warfare. there and that people are not to go to war um when they have built a to go to war um when they have built a to go to war um when they have built a new new new house, planted a new garden, a new house, planted a new garden, a new house, planted a new garden, a new vineyard, or just gotten vineyard, or just gotten vineyard, or just gotten married. The exact three calls in married. The exact three calls in married. The exact three calls in Jeremiah Jeremiah Jeremiah 29. And so I recently brought this to

29. And so I recently brought this to 29. And so I recently brought this to our church and said much to their our church and said much to their our church and said much to their surprise that means for us DC is the surprise that means for us DC is the surprise that means for us DC is the promised promised promised land which nobody land which nobody land which nobody thinks. The cost of living thinks. The cost of living thinks. The cost of living alone. But what Jeremiah what God is alone. But what Jeremiah what God is alone. But what Jeremiah what God is saying to the exiles in Babylon in saying to the exiles in Babylon in saying to the exiles in Babylon in Jeremiah is you are not called to holy Jeremiah is you are not called to holy Jeremiah is you are not called to holy warfare in this place. warfare in this place. warfare in this place. The exemptions from warfare are to build The exemptions from warfare are to build The exemptions from warfare are to build houses and plant gardens and have houses and plant gardens and have houses and plant gardens and have children and get married and have your children and get married and have your children and get married and have your have sons and daughters and have them have sons and daughters and have them have sons and daughters and have them get married. So, so that's what you're get married. So, so that's what you're get married. So, so that's what you're supposed to do here. You're supposed to supposed to do here. You're supposed to supposed to do here. You're supposed to live in peace and shalom and bring live in peace and shalom and bring live in peace and shalom and bring welfare and receive it at the same time. welfare and receive it at the same time. welfare and receive it at the same time. And so we as Christians need to hear And so we as Christians need to hear And so we as Christians need to hear that that embracing life in exile means that that embracing life in exile means that that embracing life in exile means we are not in warfare over the culture we are not in warfare over the culture we are not in warfare over the culture of this world. of this world. of this world. God has entrusted this time to us, but God has entrusted this time to us, but God has entrusted this time to us, but we are exiles here. And so, let's invest we are exiles here. And so, let's invest we are exiles here. And so, let's invest into the good of this place and lay down into the good of this place and lay down into the good of this place and lay down the the the sword. This this just to start this sword. This this just to start this sword. This this just to start this year, I preached to Esther. That was my year, I preached to Esther. That was my year, I preached to Esther. That was my plan in July before the election had plan in July before the election had plan in July before the election had happened. So, it was regardless of happened. So, it was regardless of happened. So, it was regardless of whoever might have won. I thought it whoever might have won. I thought it whoever might have won. I thought it might be helpful and it got creepy.

Um, we called it sovereignty in the Um, we called it sovereignty in the silence and it led us through January silence and it led us through January silence and it led us through January and into February. Um, and it helped us and into February. Um, and it helped us and into February. Um, and it helped us to be able to look at living in exiles to be able to look at living in exiles to be able to look at living in exiles under power that does not reflect the under power that does not reflect the under power that does not reflect the values of Christ's kingdom. How do we do values of Christ's kingdom. How do we do values of Christ's kingdom. How do we do that as Christians? And we go to Daniel that as Christians? And we go to Daniel that as Christians? And we go to Daniel often, but we forget that exile that often, but we forget that exile that often, but we forget that exile that Esther is showing us the same kind of Esther is showing us the same kind of Esther is showing us the same kind of scenario just later in time. It was a scenario just later in time. It was a scenario just later in time. It was a timely look because in that book we see timely look because in that book we see timely look because in that book we see God's people in no positions of power God's people in no positions of power God's people in no positions of power when the whole city and empire is thrown when the whole city and empire is thrown when the whole city and empire is thrown into into into chaos. There's reversal themes showing chaos. There's reversal themes showing chaos. There's reversal themes showing that Mori goes from forgotten and shamed that Mori goes from forgotten and shamed that Mori goes from forgotten and shamed to honored and to a position of to honored and to a position of to honored and to a position of influence. That you have Hmon goes from influence. That you have Hmon goes from influence. That you have Hmon goes from honored to shamed and exposed and honored to shamed and exposed and honored to shamed and exposed and eventually dead. You see the nature of eventually dead. You see the nature of eventually dead. You see the nature of justice that human justice is often justice that human justice is often justice that human justice is often limited just to accountability where limited just to accountability where limited just to accountability where God's justice brings God's justice brings God's justice brings restoration. And what happened after it restoration. And what happened after it restoration. And what happened after it all? Well, there celebrations. A new all? Well, there celebrations. A new all? Well, there celebrations. A new feast was implemented in Purim and the feast was implemented in Purim and the feast was implemented in Purim and the people were still in exile. So as we look at our lives, we exile. So as we look at our lives, we need to convince ourselves and our need to convince ourselves and our need to convince ourselves and our people that we actually embrace life in people that we actually embrace life in people that we actually embrace life in exile. that if we cultivate cultivate a exile. that if we cultivate cultivate a exile. that if we cultivate cultivate a mentality of alignment with earthly mentality of alignment with earthly mentality of alignment with earthly power and structure and control or power and structure and control or power and structure and control or demand or and expect a fullness of demand or and expect a fullness of demand or and expect a fullness of Christ's kingdom to come through earthly Christ's kingdom to come through earthly Christ's kingdom to come through earthly power, structures and controls, then we power, structures and controls, then we power, structures and controls, then we will see people our people choose sides will see people our people choose sides will see people our people choose sides and divide and people are more likely to

and divide and people are more likely to and divide and people are more likely to be comfortable with those who share be comfortable with those who share be comfortable with those who share their politics than their their politics than their their politics than their faith. That's a problem. That's a faith. That's a problem. That's a faith. That's a problem. That's a disciplehip issue. disciplehip issue. disciplehip issue. And that when you can be more And that when you can be more And that when you can be more comfortable with people who share your comfortable with people who share your comfortable with people who share your politics and not your faith than the politics and not your faith than the politics and not your faith than the reverse of people who share your faith reverse of people who share your faith reverse of people who share your faith but not your politics. But if we but not your politics. But if we but not your politics. But if we cultivate an exile mentality seeking the cultivate an exile mentality seeking the cultivate an exile mentality seeking the shalom of this place, I think we'll be shalom of this place, I think we'll be shalom of this place, I think we'll be able to see people grasp unity in Christ able to see people grasp unity in Christ able to see people grasp unity in Christ and love for our and love for our and love for our neighbors. All right. Number four. And I neighbors. All right. Number four. And I neighbors. All right. Number four. And I I'm going I'm going I'm going to keep to keep to keep going. Number four, confront disordered going. Number four, confront disordered going. Number four, confront disordered affections. So we need to cultivate a theology of So we need to cultivate a theology of Christ's kingdom. And again, the order Christ's kingdom. And again, the order Christ's kingdom. And again, the order here is important. Christ is the king. here is important. Christ is the king. here is important. Christ is the king. We are citizens of his kingdom under We are citizens of his kingdom under We are citizens of his kingdom under King Jesus. We we are in exile. And we King Jesus. We we are in exile. And we King Jesus. We we are in exile. And we need to be willing to confront when need to be willing to confront when need to be willing to confront when there are disordered affections in our there are disordered affections in our there are disordered affections in our own hearts, in the hearts of our people own hearts, in the hearts of our people own hearts, in the hearts of our people in the world around us. I think that's in the world around us. I think that's in the world around us. I think that's what we saw so brilliantly laid out from what we saw so brilliantly laid out from what we saw so brilliantly laid out from 1 Timothy chapter 6 is looking at an 1 Timothy chapter 6 is looking at an 1 Timothy chapter 6 is looking at an entire system of benefaction and in entire system of benefaction and in entire system of benefaction and in hottiness and love of money where like hottiness and love of money where like hottiness and love of money where like meekness the opposite of hottiness was meekness the opposite of hottiness was meekness the opposite of hottiness was actually despised by the Greeks and actually despised by the Greeks and actually despised by the Greeks and Romans like that was not a good thing Romans like that was not a good thing Romans like that was not a good thing that's what slaves did and it was that's what slaves did and it was that's what slaves did and it was beneath those who had had means and so beneath those who had had means and so beneath those who had had means and so it's for Christ again everything gets it's for Christ again everything gets it's for Christ again everything gets turned upside down and we too easily turned upside down and we too easily turned upside down and we too easily divide the body of Christ along worldly divide the body of Christ along worldly divide the body of Christ along worldly lines lines lines again, like we need to remind people again, like we need to remind people again, like we need to remind people there will be Republicans in heaven and there will be Republicans in heaven and there will be Republicans in heaven and there will be there will be there will be Democrats and independents and

Democrats and independents and Democrats and independents and libertarians and socialists libertarians and socialists libertarians and socialists and the the we could go on and and the the we could go on and and the the we could go on and on and I can picture people in my church on and I can picture people in my church on and I can picture people in my church for all those categories I just for all those categories I just for all those categories I just named. But the standard isn't their named. But the standard isn't their named. But the standard isn't their politics, it's politics, it's politics, it's Christ. And so we need to be careful Christ. And so we need to be careful Christ. And so we need to be careful that way. Um Michael Wear um a good that way. Um Michael Wear um a good that way. Um Michael Wear um a good friend in the DC area said in many cases friend in the DC area said in many cases friend in the DC area said in many cases our perspective has been so thoroughly our perspective has been so thoroughly our perspective has been so thoroughly shaped or even discipled by worldly shaped or even discipled by worldly shaped or even discipled by worldly ideologies that we mistake our flawed ideologies that we mistake our flawed ideologies that we mistake our flawed ideological positions for Christian ideological positions for Christian ideological positions for Christian positions. positions. positions. and in his latest book, The Spirit of and in his latest book, The Spirit of and in his latest book, The Spirit of Our Politics, which basically says, hey, Our Politics, which basically says, hey, Our Politics, which basically says, hey, if you're upset about politics and the if you're upset about politics and the if you're upset about politics and the state of our politics, um, look at your state of our politics, um, look at your state of our politics, um, look at your own heart because it starts with own heart because it starts with own heart because it starts with us. Um, summary of the book, well worth us. Um, summary of the book, well worth us. Um, summary of the book, well worth your time. But he says there, aversion your time. But he says there, aversion your time. But he says there, aversion is the tendency to dislike or dis and is the tendency to dislike or dis and is the tendency to dislike or dis and distrust those who we who disagree with distrust those who we who disagree with distrust those who we who disagree with us politically, particularly those in a us politically, particularly those in a us politically, particularly those in a different political party. This aversion different political party. This aversion different political party. This aversion is toxic for our politics, but as we've is toxic for our politics, but as we've is toxic for our politics, but as we've seen, it creeps into the communion of seen, it creeps into the communion of seen, it creeps into the communion of believers as well. The very thing that believers as well. The very thing that believers as well. The very thing that ought to make Christians identifiable to ought to make Christians identifiable to ought to make Christians identifiable to the world, our love for one another, is the world, our love for one another, is the world, our love for one another, is overridden by our politics, thus overridden by our politics, thus overridden by our politics, thus undermining the testimony of our faith. We don't have the option, if faith. We don't have the option, if we're in Christ, to hate a brother or we're in Christ, to hate a brother or we're in Christ, to hate a brother or sister on political grounds.

sister on political grounds. sister on political grounds. Bill Hasslam. So if you think Michael is Bill Hasslam. So if you think Michael is Bill Hasslam. So if you think Michael is a little too left as a Democrat, here's a little too left as a Democrat, here's a little too left as a Democrat, here's the the the right in his recent book, Faithful right in his recent book, Faithful right in his recent book, Faithful Presence, the same kinds of themes as Presence, the same kinds of themes as Presence, the same kinds of themes as Michael Wear, coming from James Davidson Michael Wear, coming from James Davidson Michael Wear, coming from James Davidson Hunter and others. And Bill Hasslam Hunter and others. And Bill Hasslam Hunter and others. And Bill Hasslam said, "It's my hope that Christians in said, "It's my hope that Christians in said, "It's my hope that Christians in being faithful to the role God has being faithful to the role God has being faithful to the role God has called us to will become pe people who called us to will become pe people who called us to will become pe people who help heal the political differences that help heal the political differences that help heal the political differences that are ripping our country apart. It's my are ripping our country apart. It's my are ripping our country apart. It's my hope that rather than reacting out of hope that rather than reacting out of hope that rather than reacting out of fear of what we might be losing, we will fear of what we might be losing, we will fear of what we might be losing, we will engage as people who are committed to engage as people who are committed to engage as people who are committed to serving in the public square for the serving in the public square for the serving in the public square for the common good. While there will always be common good. While there will always be common good. While there will always be legitimate areas of disagreement among legitimate areas of disagreement among legitimate areas of disagreement among some among Christians in our political some among Christians in our political some among Christians in our political views, I'm convinced that there are some views, I'm convinced that there are some views, I'm convinced that there are some things where our call is crystal clear. things where our call is crystal clear. things where our call is crystal clear. And so when we allow and And so when we allow and And so when we allow and allow earthly things to become our allow earthly things to become our allow earthly things to become our primary focus, that's called primary focus, that's called primary focus, that's called idolatry. And I think that the guys I idolatry. And I think that the guys I idolatry. And I think that the guys I met in the hotel lobby last night that met in the hotel lobby last night that met in the hotel lobby last night that are here for a different conference and are here for a different conference and are here for a different conference and couldn't believe there were 7,000 people couldn't believe there were 7,000 people couldn't believe there were 7,000 people here for a pastor's convention, here for a pastor's convention, here for a pastor's convention, um, that they were right. They saw right um, that they were right. They saw right um, that they were right. They saw right through it, too. People have given up on through it, too. People have given up on through it, too. People have given up on worshiping God and this is a guy that worshiping God and this is a guy that worshiping God and this is a guy that said yeah he's not religious at all but said yeah he's not religious at all but said yeah he's not religious at all but religion our religion of our nation has religion our religion of our nation has religion our religion of our nation has become our politics and too often it has become our politics and too often it has become our politics and too often it has crept into the church and so we need to

crept into the church and so we need to crept into the church and so we need to be willing to confront that inhouse be willing to confront that inhouse be willing to confront that inhouse first I mean again in second Peter right first I mean again in second Peter right first I mean again in second Peter right judgment be it's time for judgment to judgment be it's time for judgment to judgment be it's time for judgment to begin begin begin where the household of God and so if where the household of God and so if where the household of God and so if we're not willing to call that out in we're not willing to call that out in we're not willing to call that out in our own hearts in the hearts of the our own hearts in the hearts of the our own hearts in the hearts of the people that we're a part of in our local people that we're a part of in our local people that we're a part of in our local churches, then we're actually doing a churches, then we're actually doing a churches, then we're actually doing a terrible disservice because we're terrible disservice because we're terrible disservice because we're allowing them to continue in idolatrous allowing them to continue in idolatrous allowing them to continue in idolatrous sin and not helping them to cut those sin and not helping them to cut those sin and not helping them to cut those ties so their hearts can have rewired ties so their hearts can have rewired ties so their hearts can have rewired affections to affections to affections to Christ. And so in this there's we need Christ. And so in this there's we need Christ. And so in this there's we need to teach people in the church to to teach people in the church to to teach people in the church to identify the weaknesses of their side. identify the weaknesses of their side. identify the weaknesses of their side. And that's one of the things you may And that's one of the things you may And that's one of the things you may have caught in the letter, the portion have caught in the letter, the portion have caught in the letter, the portion of the letter that I read that went to of the letter that I read that went to of the letter that I read that went to our church that we we call our people to our church that we we call our people to our church that we we call our people to regularly is you should you should be regularly is you should you should be regularly is you should you should be the best critic of where your side falls the best critic of where your side falls the best critic of where your side falls short. You should be able to lead the short. You should be able to lead the short. You should be able to lead the way there and be able to represent way there and be able to represent way there and be able to represent others in ways that that they would at others in ways that that they would at others in ways that that they would at least agree are a fair representation of least agree are a fair representation of least agree are a fair representation of their their their views, if not a better presentation than views, if not a better presentation than views, if not a better presentation than they can give. And so um in this we we they can give. And so um in this we we they can give. And so um in this we we we try to teach or teach our people how we try to teach or teach our people how we try to teach or teach our people how to identify um weaknesses on their own to identify um weaknesses on their own to identify um weaknesses on their own side. One of the things that we have um side. One of the things that we have um side. One of the things that we have um that I think has been helpful is to that I think has been helpful is to that I think has been helpful is to understand um the way that our political understand um the way that our political understand um the way that our political idolatry can actually shape our theology idolatry can actually shape our theology idolatry can actually shape our theology and our approach to the narrative of the and our approach to the narrative of the and our approach to the narrative of the gospel. So I'm just going to take a gospel. So I'm just going to take a gospel. So I'm just going to take a couple of minutes here. Um I don't want

couple of minutes here. Um I don't want couple of minutes here. Um I don't want to run too far over, but I want to but a to run too far over, but I want to but a to run too far over, but I want to but a couple minutes here. And so that that QR couple minutes here. And so that that QR couple minutes here. And so that that QR code takes you to a TGC article. So I code takes you to a TGC article. So I code takes you to a TGC article. So I feel even better about that one because feel even better about that one because feel even better about that one because we're a TGC conference. Um but it's an we're a TGC conference. Um but it's an we're a TGC conference. Um but it's an article called don't gut or truncate the article called don't gut or truncate the article called don't gut or truncate the gospel. And what it what it says is gospel. And what it what it says is gospel. And what it what it says is essentially this that when we think essentially this that when we think essentially this that when we think about the gospel narrative as creation, about the gospel narrative as creation, about the gospel narrative as creation, fall, redemption, restoration, right? fall, redemption, restoration, right? fall, redemption, restoration, right? This is what hap this is the storyline This is what hap this is the storyline This is what hap this is the storyline of scripture that the gospel is not just of scripture that the gospel is not just of scripture that the gospel is not just death resurrection believe and respond death resurrection believe and respond death resurrection believe and respond that that Christ is the core of that that Christ is the core of that that Christ is the core of everything but the story of who God is everything but the story of who God is everything but the story of who God is and what God has done across eternity is and what God has done across eternity is and what God has done across eternity is is in what we would call the gospel. And is in what we would call the gospel. And is in what we would call the gospel. And as as we theologically think about as as we theologically think about as as we theologically think about things, I I hope that we would all agree things, I I hope that we would all agree things, I I hope that we would all agree here that we need to be able to preach here that we need to be able to preach here that we need to be able to preach this whole thing. Like you can't just this whole thing. Like you can't just this whole thing. Like you can't just decide, you know what? I'm going to decide, you know what? I'm going to decide, you know what? I'm going to emphasize creation, but I'm not really emphasize creation, but I'm not really emphasize creation, but I'm not really going to talk about the going to talk about the going to talk about the fall. Yeah, I'm going to talk about fall. Yeah, I'm going to talk about fall. Yeah, I'm going to talk about creation and sin, but let's just kind of creation and sin, but let's just kind of creation and sin, but let's just kind of skip the bloody stuff and get to skip the bloody stuff and get to skip the bloody stuff and get to restoration. Like, we know implicitly if restoration. Like, we know implicitly if restoration. Like, we know implicitly if you're a Christian that you see this and you're a Christian that you see this and you're a Christian that you see this and you go, "Yeah, we need to teach the full you go, "Yeah, we need to teach the full you go, "Yeah, we need to teach the full council of God's word."

council of God's word." council of God's word." I think too often our politics can I think too often our politics can I think too often our politics can actually impact our theology in ways actually impact our theology in ways actually impact our theology in ways that are sneaky, that are subversive the that are sneaky, that are subversive the that are sneaky, that are subversive the wrong direction. And so when I'm trying wrong direction. And so when I'm trying wrong direction. And so when I'm trying to help our people to be subversive and to help our people to be subversive and to help our people to be subversive and understand the subversiveness of the understand the subversiveness of the understand the subversiveness of the gospel, these are things that I that I gospel, these are things that I that I gospel, these are things that I that I mean the slides come right out of a mean the slides come right out of a mean the slides come right out of a sermon in our church. That's why it's so sermon in our church. That's why it's so sermon in our church. That's why it's so different than in appearance than the different than in appearance than the different than in appearance than the other ones. Um, but I want to be able to other ones. Um, but I want to be able to other ones. Um, but I want to be able to show people like how do we think, how do show people like how do we think, how do show people like how do we think, how do we understand what's happening and how we understand what's happening and how we understand what's happening and how do we understand and capture and do we understand and capture and do we understand and capture and identify the the idols of our own identify the the idols of our own identify the the idols of our own souls. Progressive Christianity has a souls. Progressive Christianity has a souls. Progressive Christianity has a tendency to emphasize creation and restoration. And so it's this idea of um restoration. And so it's this idea of um the result if taken far enough is a the result if taken far enough is a the result if taken far enough is a social gospel. We must bring the entire social gospel. We must bring the entire social gospel. We must bring the entire kingdom, eternal kingdom. Now we must kingdom, eternal kingdom. Now we must kingdom, eternal kingdom. Now we must bring the full restoration of all bring the full restoration of all bring the full restoration of all things. Now we must see all justice. Now things. Now we must see all justice. Now things. Now we must see all justice. Now all pain and suffering eliminated now. all pain and suffering eliminated now. all pain and suffering eliminated now. And so there's a great emphasis on the And so there's a great emphasis on the And so there's a great emphasis on the world that God has made and has given us world that God has made and has given us world that God has made and has given us on the on the goodness and image and on the on the goodness and image and on the on the goodness and image and likeness, the imago day in human beings likeness, the imago day in human beings likeness, the imago day in human beings in the need for restoration and what in the need for restoration and what in the need for restoration and what we're longing for in the coming kingdom.

we're longing for in the coming kingdom. we're longing for in the coming kingdom. But get really uneasy when you start But get really uneasy when you start But get really uneasy when you start talking about sin. that you start talking about penal that you start talking about penal substitutionary substitutionary substitutionary atonement. That's really atonement. That's really atonement. That's really uncomfortable. It's messy. People really uncomfortable. It's messy. People really uncomfortable. It's messy. People really need to hear in this mindset how to be need to hear in this mindset how to be need to hear in this mindset how to be better citizens and and you know work better citizens and and you know work better citizens and and you know work for justice and and if you if you gut for justice and and if you if you gut for justice and and if you if you gut the gospel this way so that you're not the gospel this way so that you're not the gospel this way so that you're not talking at all about individual talking at all about individual talking at all about individual responsibility and sin and redemption, responsibility and sin and redemption, responsibility and sin and redemption, then you've gutted it and you might make then you've gutted it and you might make then you've gutted it and you might make disciples, but they won't be disciples disciples, but they won't be disciples disciples, but they won't be disciples of Jesus. And now And now conservatives have a tendency to conservatives have a tendency to conservatives have a tendency to truncate the gospel fall and truncate the gospel fall and truncate the gospel fall and redemption. And so a political redemption. And so a political redemption. And so a political perspective that emphasizes individual perspective that emphasizes individual perspective that emphasizes individual responsibility over systemic and and and responsibility over systemic and and and responsibility over systemic and and and broader broader broader issues also results in its extent into issues also results in its extent into issues also results in its extent into easy easy easy belieism. You're a sinner. Repent. Go to belieism. You're a sinner. Repent. Go to belieism. You're a sinner. Repent. Go to heaven. And it ends there. What else do heaven. And it ends there. What else do heaven. And it ends there. What else do you have to do? You sit back. And there you have to do? You sit back. And there you have to do? You sit back. And there was a there was a Christian punk band in was a there was a Christian punk band in was a there was a Christian punk band in the early 90s that said that had a song, the early 90s that said that had a song, the early 90s that said that had a song, the world is like an ice cream sundae.

the world is like an ice cream sundae. the world is like an ice cream sundae. It's all going to melt It's all going to melt It's all going to melt someday. Cool. What don't know what you someday. Cool. What don't know what you someday. Cool. What don't know what you do with Romans 8 on that do with Romans 8 on that do with Romans 8 on that one? That all of creation is groaning, one? That all of creation is groaning, one? That all of creation is groaning, longing for the day of its redemption longing for the day of its redemption longing for the day of its redemption with the sons of God. And so we need to with the sons of God. And so we need to with the sons of God. And so we need to be careful here because on a be careful here because on a be careful here because on a conservative side, you can, you know, conservative side, you can, you know, conservative side, you can, you know, you earn your salvation, then you sit you earn your salvation, then you sit you earn your salvation, then you sit back and relax. And what a friend you back and relax. And what a friend you back and relax. And what a friend you have in Jesus. And when things go bad, have in Jesus. And when things go bad, have in Jesus. And when things go bad, you ask Jesus to help you out. And you ask Jesus to help you out. And you ask Jesus to help you out. And remember, this place isn't worth the e remember, this place isn't worth the e remember, this place isn't worth the e effort because and you can hunker down effort because and you can hunker down effort because and you can hunker down in your own bunkers and just wait for in your own bunkers and just wait for in your own bunkers and just wait for the return of Christ. And what you the return of Christ. And what you the return of Christ. And what you miss is the beauty of miss is the beauty of miss is the beauty of creation, the joy of just life daytoday creation, the joy of just life daytoday creation, the joy of just life daytoday that God gives us. The beauty of the that God gives us. The beauty of the that God gives us. The beauty of the city. Tim Keller regularly said that in city. Tim Keller regularly said that in city. Tim Keller regularly said that in cities we have more image of God per cities we have more image of God per cities we have more image of God per square inch than anywhere else on square inch than anywhere else on square inch than anywhere else on earth. If you start hating cities and earth. If you start hating cities and earth. If you start hating cities and only only seeing evil sides of them and only only seeing evil sides of them and only only seeing evil sides of them and not seeing the people there like this, not seeing the people there like this, not seeing the people there like this, it gets ugly quick because you'll miss it gets ugly quick because you'll miss it gets ugly quick because you'll miss the image and likeness of God in others.

the image and likeness of God in others. the image and likeness of God in others. You'll miss restoration. And the idea of You'll miss restoration. And the idea of You'll miss restoration. And the idea of seeking the shalom of the city that seeking the shalom of the city that seeking the shalom of the city that Jeremiah that God called the exiles to Jeremiah that God called the exiles to Jeremiah that God called the exiles to through Jeremiah and that I think Peter through Jeremiah and that I think Peter through Jeremiah and that I think Peter is applying, you miss out on that is applying, you miss out on that is applying, you miss out on that because what is there to because what is there to because what is there to restore? And so I want to be practical restore? And so I want to be practical restore? And so I want to be practical here too and I'm going to take the risk here too and I'm going to take the risk here too and I'm going to take the risk and I guess here we go. Let's talk about abortion, poverty, go. Let's talk about abortion, poverty, and race injustice. I think that on a conservative side, I think that on a conservative side, there can be an overemphasis on abortion there can be an overemphasis on abortion there can be an overemphasis on abortion that this is only about sin and that this is only about sin and that this is only about sin and repentance. We can't let promiscuity repentance. We can't let promiscuity repentance. We can't let promiscuity lead to killing babies and we need to lead to killing babies and we need to lead to killing babies and we need to legislate now to stop the legislate now to stop the legislate now to stop the sin. On the progressive side, there can sin. On the progressive side, there can sin. On the progressive side, there can be an overemphasis on societal and be an overemphasis on societal and be an overemphasis on societal and systemic issues, saying this is only systemic issues, saying this is only systemic issues, saying this is only about the mom and what have we done as a about the mom and what have we done as a about the mom and what have we done as a society to put her in a position to ever society to put her in a position to ever society to put her in a position to ever seek something as difficult as an seek something as difficult as an seek something as difficult as an abortion. It's what needs to change so abortion. It's what needs to change so abortion. It's what needs to change so that's never needed. As a Christian needed. As a Christian exile, I don't want to have to choose exile, I don't want to have to choose exile, I don't want to have to choose one of those or the other.

one of those or the other. one of those or the other. We can say there is a reality of We can say there is a reality of We can say there is a reality of sin and there's a reality of systemic sin and there's a reality of systemic sin and there's a reality of systemic brokenness because people set up systems brokenness because people set up systems brokenness because people set up systems and they are and they are and they are sinful. And so whatever we can do to sinful. And so whatever we can do to sinful. And so whatever we can do to care for women so that abortion is care for women so that abortion is care for women so that abortion is unneeded and unthinkable while also unneeded and unthinkable while also unneeded and unthinkable while also doing what we can to minimize the doing what we can to minimize the doing what we can to minimize the carrying out of that procedure then this carrying out of that procedure then this carrying out of that procedure then this is an imgo day issue of the image and is an imgo day issue of the image and is an imgo day issue of the image and likeness of God and we need to do likeness of God and we need to do likeness of God and we need to do whatever we can but let's not just limit whatever we can but let's not just limit whatever we can but let's not just limit our efforts to either legislation our efforts to either legislation our efforts to either legislation or societal or societal or societal change poverty conservative side is more change poverty conservative side is more change poverty conservative side is more likely to say pull yourself up you bear likely to say pull yourself up you bear likely to say pull yourself up you bear responsibility for yourselves you got responsibility for yourselves you got responsibility for yourselves you got yourself into this yourself into this yourself into this mess progressive Progressives are more mess progressive Progressives are more mess progressive Progressives are more likely to say there are systems of likely to say there are systems of likely to say there are systems of injustice that make a drastic impact on injustice that make a drastic impact on injustice that make a drastic impact on individuals, even to the point of saying individuals, even to the point of saying individuals, even to the point of saying there's no responsibility for where there's no responsibility for where there's no responsibility for where you're at. Well, the gospel says uh love you're at. Well, the gospel says uh love you're at. Well, the gospel says uh love your neighbor and have compassion for your neighbor and have compassion for your neighbor and have compassion for the poor and seek justice for the oppressed doesn't neatly fit the oppressed doesn't neatly fit the kingdoms of this world. Race and justice kingdoms of this world. Race and justice kingdoms of this world. Race and justice on a progressive side. I'm just going to on a progressive side. I'm just going to on a progressive side. I'm just going to do a little switch so you don't feel do a little switch so you don't feel do a little switch so you don't feel like I'm hammering one side or the like I'm hammering one side or the like I'm hammering one side or the other. Progressive side, you might hear other. Progressive side, you might hear other. Progressive side, you might hear something like, "Your identity is something like, "Your identity is something like, "Your identity is unalterably determined by the unalterably determined by the unalterably determined by the intersection of your ethnicity and intersection of your ethnicity and intersection of your ethnicity and gender and gender and gender and sexuality." On the conservative side, sexuality." On the conservative side, sexuality." On the conservative side, you might hear the statement like, "I you might hear the statement like, "I you might hear the statement like, "I don't see skin color. I only see don't see skin color. I only see don't see skin color. I only see individuals."

individuals." individuals." And the gospel tells us that the imago And the gospel tells us that the imago And the gospel tells us that the imago day gives us an ultimate identity that's day gives us an ultimate identity that's day gives us an ultimate identity that's shaped by our creator God so that we can shaped by our creator God so that we can shaped by our creator God so that we can enjoy the richness of ethnicity and enjoy the richness of ethnicity and enjoy the richness of ethnicity and culture and language as brothers and culture and language as brothers and culture and language as brothers and sisters in one family in Christ Jesus sisters in one family in Christ Jesus sisters in one family in Christ Jesus seeking justice for the oppressed in seeking justice for the oppressed in seeking justice for the oppressed in light of the perfect justice in Christ light of the perfect justice in Christ light of the perfect justice in Christ as we look ahead to the time when people as we look ahead to the time when people as we look ahead to the time when people from every tribe and tongue and nation from every tribe and tongue and nation from every tribe and tongue and nation will worship at the throne of Christ. I will worship at the throne of Christ. I will worship at the throne of Christ. I know that's a lot longer, but let's not gut or truncate longer, but let's not gut or truncate things again. What did the commander of things again. What did the commander of things again. What did the commander of the Lord's army the Lord's army the Lord's army say? You with us for or for us or our say? You with us for or for us or our say? You with us for or for us or our adversaries? adversaries? adversaries? No. All right, last one. We need to No. All right, last one. We need to No. All right, last one. We need to commission people to subversive commission people to subversive commission people to subversive influence. So, cultivate a theology of influence. So, cultivate a theology of influence. So, cultivate a theology of Christ's kingdom. Call to greater Christ's kingdom. Call to greater Christ's kingdom. Call to greater kingdom citizenship. Convince people to kingdom citizenship. Convince people to kingdom citizenship. Convince people to embrace life in exile. confront embrace life in exile. confront embrace life in exile. confront disordered affections and commissioned a disordered affections and commissioned a disordered affections and commissioned a subversive influence. Um, we see this subversive influence. Um, we see this subversive influence. Um, we see this all over. I think that again this is all over. I think that again this is all over. I think that again this is what we see Paul doing with Timothy that what we see Paul doing with Timothy that what we see Paul doing with Timothy that Dr. Pow has show so beautifully shown Dr. Pow has show so beautifully shown Dr. Pow has show so beautifully shown tonight. Um, and and shown that he was tonight. Um, and and shown that he was tonight. Um, and and shown that he was intentionally using benefactor language intentionally using benefactor language intentionally using benefactor language and showing how everything that is and showing how everything that is and showing how everything that is propped up in the Roman Empire from the propped up in the Roman Empire from the propped up in the Roman Empire from the emperor down is completely overturned in emperor down is completely overturned in emperor down is completely overturned in Jesus. And and so we need to be able to Jesus. And and so we need to be able to Jesus. And and so we need to be able to do that. We need to be the church should do that. We need to be the church should do that. We need to be the church should ought to be leading the way in some of ought to be leading the way in some of ought to be leading the way in some of these discussions. In fact, I think that these discussions. In fact, I think that these discussions. In fact, I think that the primary difference between the

the primary difference between the the primary difference between the movements the the civil rights movement movements the the civil rights movement movements the the civil rights movement of of 50 years ago and the modern of of 50 years ago and the modern of of 50 years ago and the modern movements that are seeking some or are movements that are seeking some or are movements that are seeking some or are upset about some of the same issues and upset about some of the same issues and upset about some of the same issues and the modern civil rights movement is 50 the modern civil rights movement is 50 the modern civil rights movement is 50 years ago the movement was rooted in years ago the movement was rooted in years ago the movement was rooted in theological foundations on the IMO day. today. In part because our society has today. In part because our society has left the church behind and in part left the church behind and in part left the church behind and in part because the church failed to speak up because the church failed to speak up because the church failed to speak up and use their voice. There's a lack of and use their voice. There's a lack of and use their voice. There's a lack of theological foundation that's led to a theological foundation that's led to a theological foundation that's led to a movement that's reactionary and fueled movement that's reactionary and fueled movement that's reactionary and fueled by anger rather than vision and hope. by anger rather than vision and hope. by anger rather than vision and hope. It's like a boat with no anchor being It's like a boat with no anchor being It's like a boat with no anchor being tossed around by every wind and tossed around by every wind and tossed around by every wind and wave. Dr. King had his foundation in the wave. Dr. King had his foundation in the wave. Dr. King had his foundation in the Imago day saying saying you see the the Imago day saying saying you see the the Imago day saying saying you see the the found the founding fathers were really found the founding fathers were really found the founding fathers were really influenced by the Bible. The whole influenced by the Bible. The whole influenced by the Bible. The whole concept of the IMO day the image of God concept of the IMO day the image of God concept of the IMO day the image of God is the idea that all men have something is the idea that all men have something is the idea that all men have something within them that God injected an ability within them that God injected an ability within them that God injected an ability to have fellowship with God and this to have fellowship with God and this to have fellowship with God and this gives him a uniqueness worth and dignity gives him a uniqueness worth and dignity gives him a uniqueness worth and dignity and we must never forget this as a and we must never forget this as a and we must never forget this as a nation. There are no gradations in the nation. There are no gradations in the nation. There are no gradations in the image of God. Oops, here we go. Sorry.

image of God. Oops, here we go. Sorry. image of God. Oops, here we go. Sorry. No gradations in the image of God. Every No gradations in the image of God. Every No gradations in the image of God. Every man from treble white to base black is man from treble white to base black is man from treble white to base black is significant on God's keyboard precisely significant on God's keyboard precisely significant on God's keyboard precisely because every man is made in the image because every man is made in the image because every man is made in the image of of of God. Would you love to see a return to God. Would you love to see a return to God. Would you love to see a return to that kind of a that kind of a that kind of a foundation in rhetoric in the public foundation in rhetoric in the public foundation in rhetoric in the public square? That commitment to the IMO day square? That commitment to the IMO day square? That commitment to the IMO day oozed through the early church too. The oozed through the early church too. The oozed through the early church too. The earliest Christians devoted themselves earliest Christians devoted themselves earliest Christians devoted themselves to human dignity and it changed the to human dignity and it changed the to human dignity and it changed the world. world. world. Tim Keller said they were champions of Tim Keller said they were champions of Tim Keller said they were champions of women. They were champions of orphans. women. They were champions of orphans. women. They were champions of orphans. They were champions of the weak. They They were champions of the weak. They They were champions of the weak. They were champions of the poor. And they were champions of the poor. And they were champions of the poor. And they were against abortion. They put the rest were against abortion. They put the rest were against abortion. They put the rest of the culture to shame because of their of the culture to shame because of their of the culture to shame because of their belief in the sanctity of life. So belief in the sanctity of life. So belief in the sanctity of life. So eventually the whole western world eventually the whole western world eventually the whole western world adopted the idea of the image of adopted the idea of the image of adopted the idea of the image of God. And so we the application here is God. And so we the application here is God. And so we the application here is we want to help our people and in our we want to help our people and in our we want to help our people and in our own hearts we need to do the hard work. own hearts we need to do the hard work. own hearts we need to do the hard work. work. And so, let me not just put this work. And so, let me not just put this work. And so, let me not just put this externally to as if it's just other externally to as if it's just other externally to as if it's just other people who aren't in the room right now.

people who aren't in the room right now. people who aren't in the room right now. Um, we need our own hearts to be shaped Um, we need our own hearts to be shaped Um, we need our own hearts to be shaped this way. I need a constant reminder this way. I need a constant reminder this way. I need a constant reminder with the news cycle that that my gosh, with the news cycle that that my gosh, with the news cycle that that my gosh, okay, I'm I'm a a herald of Christ's okay, I'm I'm a a herald of Christ's okay, I'm I'm a a herald of Christ's kingdom. I'm an ambassador of that kingdom. I'm an ambassador of that kingdom. I'm an ambassador of that kingdom. I want to be the kingdom. I want to be the kingdom. I want to be the kus. I that I'm called to a greater kus. I that I'm called to a greater kus. I that I'm called to a greater citizenship that I I want to live and citizenship that I I want to live and citizenship that I I want to live and embrace exile here and see how I can embrace exile here and see how I can embrace exile here and see how I can serve and love people well for their serve and love people well for their serve and love people well for their good that I want to confront my own good that I want to confront my own good that I want to confront my own disordered affections. And when certain disordered affections. And when certain disordered affections. And when certain posts hit or I see stuff on my social posts hit or I see stuff on my social posts hit or I see stuff on my social media feed or I an article hits and media feed or I an article hits and media feed or I an article hits and buzzes my phone about some chaotic thing buzzes my phone about some chaotic thing buzzes my phone about some chaotic thing that's happening and I have something that's happening and I have something that's happening and I have something stir in me that is that is an irrational stir in me that is that is an irrational stir in me that is that is an irrational response to it. What is it in my heart response to it. What is it in my heart response to it. What is it in my heart that is being that is being that is being touched? I want to ask those questions touched? I want to ask those questions touched? I want to ask those questions and what does it look like for me to and what does it look like for me to and what does it look like for me to live in subversive influence and as a live in subversive influence and as a live in subversive influence and as a pastor on Capitol Hill not to chase the pastor on Capitol Hill not to chase the pastor on Capitol Hill not to chase the news cycle but help our people to think news cycle but help our people to think news cycle but help our people to think through reality and the things that through reality and the things that through reality and the things that they're facing and so not to avoid the they're facing and so not to avoid the they're facing and so not to avoid the news cycle and put my head in the sand news cycle and put my head in the sand news cycle and put my head in the sand as if that's the gospel as if that's the gospel as if that's the gospel answer. And so we need we need to co answer. And so we need we need to co answer. And so we need we need to co commission people and help people to commission people and help people to commission people and help people to understand this is what we're called to.

understand this is what we're called to. understand this is what we're called to. Um this is one last thing. This will be Um this is one last thing. This will be Um this is one last thing. This will be in the transformational churches article in the transformational churches article in the transformational churches article 2 and it's way too small to 2 and it's way too small to 2 and it's way too small to read. But I thought it would be fun to read. But I thought it would be fun to read. But I thought it would be fun to see because um this is something I don't see because um this is something I don't see because um this is something I don't know that that many churches would know that that many churches would know that that many churches would do. And let me say again, you need to do. And let me say again, you need to do. And let me say again, you need to start start start with a kingdom theology. And I'm not I with a kingdom theology. And I'm not I with a kingdom theology. And I'm not I wouldn't say that if your church is wouldn't say that if your church is wouldn't say that if your church is really mired in political idolatry really mired in political idolatry really mired in political idolatry there, you have to work your way toward there, you have to work your way toward there, you have to work your way toward patiently shephering people to hear the patiently shephering people to hear the patiently shephering people to hear the voice of the good shepherd. Um but we in voice of the good shepherd. Um but we in voice of the good shepherd. Um but we in 20 June 2020 when the country was 20 June 2020 when the country was 20 June 2020 when the country was erupting and stuff was really heat hot erupting and stuff was really heat hot erupting and stuff was really heat hot in DC um with in the wake of George in DC um with in the wake of George in DC um with in the wake of George Floyd's murder um we sent our church Floyd's murder um we sent our church Floyd's murder um we sent our church guidelines on protests because it was happening in protests because it was happening in real real real time. We had some people that were going time. We had some people that were going time. We had some people that were going down for protests, other people that down for protests, other people that down for protests, other people that were mad that there were protests, some were mad that there were protests, some were mad that there were protests, some that were were going to protests wearing that were were going to protests wearing that were were going to protests wearing masks, some that were upset that people masks, some that were upset that people masks, some that were upset that people would protest because it was it was it would protest because it was it was it would protest because it was it was it could spread the pandemic. We had people could spread the pandemic. We had people could spread the pandemic. We had people that I mean, it was it was all over the that I mean, it was it was all over the that I mean, it was it was all over the map. And so we asked the questions, map. And so we asked the questions, map. And so we asked the questions, should members of Redemption Hill should members of Redemption Hill should members of Redemption Hill participate in protests? What if I participate in protests? What if I participate in protests? What if I disagree with some aspects or positions disagree with some aspects or positions disagree with some aspects or positions of a protest? What are some safety of a protest? What are some safety of a protest? What are some safety precautions I can take if I want to precautions I can take if I want to precautions I can take if I want to participate?

participate? participate? May I post on CCB? That's our church May I post on CCB? That's our church May I post on CCB? That's our church software. May I post on CCB asking other software. May I post on CCB asking other software. May I post on CCB asking other members if they want to join me in members if they want to join me in members if they want to join me in protest? If I upload pictures of me at a protest? If I upload pictures of me at a protest? If I upload pictures of me at a protest, should I tag Redemption Hill on protest, should I tag Redemption Hill on protest, should I tag Redemption Hill on social media platforms? That one, the first word is platforms? That one, the first word is [Laughter] [Laughter] [Laughter] no. And number six, what about cleanup no. And number six, what about cleanup no. And number six, what about cleanup efforts or other work support work in efforts or other work support work in efforts or other work support work in our city? And so this was a way that we our city? And so this was a way that we our city? And so this was a way that we wanted to be able to again lead our wanted to be able to again lead our wanted to be able to again lead our people and say, "Let's not wait for this people and say, "Let's not wait for this people and say, "Let's not wait for this to destroy the church. We need to remind to destroy the church. We need to remind to destroy the church. We need to remind our people of our our greater our people of our our greater our people of our our greater citizenship and that we're not going to citizenship and that we're not going to citizenship and that we're not going to let this divide us. This is this is real let this divide us. This is this is real let this divide us. This is this is real and it's visceral and there are and it's visceral and there are and it's visceral and there are necessary responses, but but we're not necessary responses, but but we're not necessary responses, but but we're not going to let this divide the church of going to let this divide the church of going to let this divide the church of Jesus Christ, the bloodbought people of Jesus Christ, the bloodbought people of Jesus Christ, the bloodbought people of God." God." God." And so we wanted to give that kind of And so we wanted to give that kind of And so we wanted to give that kind of guidance. Again, this is all going to be guidance. Again, this is all going to be guidance. Again, this is all going to be if you go to that article that'll be on if you go to that article that'll be on if you go to that article that'll be on transformationalurches.org, it'll be transformationalurches.org, it'll be transformationalurches.org, it'll be listed in there. So, um I'm not going to listed in there. So, um I'm not going to listed in there. So, um I'm not going to walk through it in fullness right now.

walk through it in fullness right now. walk through it in fullness right now. So, um this is where I'll bring it to So, um this is where I'll bring it to So, um this is where I'll bring it to conclusion conclusion conclusion though. My hope is that that that right though. My hope is that that that right though. My hope is that that that right now the best now the best now the best um the best hope that I have in in what um the best hope that I have in in what um the best hope that I have in in what our current moment politically and our current moment politically and our current moment politically and culturally can do is that we might reach culturally can do is that we might reach culturally can do is that we might reach a point and I think we have a point and I think we have a point and I think we have where true where true where true Christians, people who Christians, people who Christians, people who really believe in really believe in really believe in Christ, who have taken seriously his Christ, who have taken seriously his Christ, who have taken seriously his call, call, call, of costly of costly of costly disciplehip that you need to lose your disciplehip that you need to lose your disciplehip that you need to lose your life to find it. That you need that what life to find it. That you need that what life to find it. That you need that what is gain? What if you gain the whole is gain? What if you gain the whole is gain? What if you gain the whole world but lose or forfeit your world but lose or forfeit your world but lose or forfeit your soul? That that we would take these soul? That that we would take these soul? That that we would take these things seriously and that we would things seriously and that we would things seriously and that we would unmore and and un and unmore and and un and unmore and and un and disentangle faith from politics in the disentangle faith from politics in the disentangle faith from politics in the public square. But not just to be public square. But not just to be public square. But not just to be separatistic, but so that we can engage separatistic, but so that we can engage separatistic, but so that we can engage as free citizens of a different as free citizens of a different as free citizens of a different kingdom. That we need people in our kingdom. That we need people in our kingdom. That we need people in our political parties who are Christians. I political parties who are Christians. I political parties who are Christians. I am thrilled to know Christians on the am thrilled to know Christians on the am thrilled to know Christians on the right and on the left in right and on the left in right and on the left in politics. We're supposed to be salt and politics. We're supposed to be salt and politics. We're supposed to be salt and light, light, light, right? The preserving influence of salt right? The preserving influence of salt right? The preserving influence of salt and that God has placed us here as a and that God has placed us here as a and that God has placed us here as a preserving influence in this world. And preserving influence in this world. And preserving influence in this world. And so I don't want to think about major so I don't want to think about major so I don't want to think about major political parties without any Christian

political parties without any Christian political parties without any Christian in influence at all. And so a lot of my in influence at all. And so a lot of my in influence at all. And so a lot of my task in DC is trying to help people like task in DC is trying to help people like task in DC is trying to help people like how how can you stay there and not just how how can you stay there and not just how how can you stay there and not just bail on it. But the fact that increasing bail on it. But the fact that increasing bail on it. But the fact that increasing numbers of Christians are beginning to numbers of Christians are beginning to numbers of Christians are beginning to recognize their own political recognize their own political recognize their own political homelessness I think is only to great homelessness I think is only to great homelessness I think is only to great benefit. that we if we're ti if we're benefit. that we if we're ti if we're benefit. that we if we're ti if we're towing a party line if then we are towing a party line if then we are towing a party line if then we are placing our hope in chariots and placing our hope in chariots and placing our hope in chariots and princes. The Bible addresses that pretty princes. The Bible addresses that pretty princes. The Bible addresses that pretty directly. Um, Francis Schaefer said, I directly. Um, Francis Schaefer said, I directly. Um, Francis Schaefer said, I mean, decades mean, decades mean, decades ago, the central problem of our age is ago, the central problem of our age is ago, the central problem of our age is not liberalism or modernism, nor the old not liberalism or modernism, nor the old not liberalism or modernism, nor the old Roman Catholicism or new Roman Roman Catholicism or new Roman Roman Catholicism or new Roman Catholicism, nor the threat of Catholicism, nor the threat of Catholicism, nor the threat of communism, nor even the threat of communism, nor even the threat of communism, nor even the threat of rationalism and the monolithic consensus rationalism and the monolithic consensus rationalism and the monolithic consensus which surrounds us. We could add in which surrounds us. We could add in which surrounds us. We could add in there or postmodernism or transgenderism there or postmodernism or transgenderism there or postmodernism or transgenderism or gender dysphoria or politics and or gender dysphoria or politics and or gender dysphoria or politics and political division. All these are political division. All these are political division. All these are dangerous, but they're not the primary dangerous, but they're not the primary dangerous, but they're not the primary threat. The real problem is this. The threat. The real problem is this. The threat. The real problem is this. The church of the Lord Jesus Christ church of the Lord Jesus Christ church of the Lord Jesus Christ individually and corporately tending to individually and corporately tending to individually and corporately tending to do the Lord's work in the power of the do the Lord's work in the power of the do the Lord's work in the power of the flesh rather than of the flesh rather than of the flesh rather than of the spirit. The central problem is always in spirit. The central problem is always in spirit. The central problem is always in the midst of the people of God, not in the midst of the people of God, not in the midst of the people of God, not in the circumstances surrounding the circumstances surrounding the circumstances surrounding them. Let's pray.

Lord Jesus, we believe that you are the Lord Jesus, we believe that you are the king over all king over all king over all kings, that you are the savior, that you kings, that you are the savior, that you kings, that you are the savior, that you are our great are our great are our great benefactor, and that you took on benefactor, and that you took on benefactor, and that you took on weakness to show weakness to show weakness to show power. that the cross is power. that the cross is power. that the cross is foolishness to shame the foolishness to shame the foolishness to shame the wise. That your kingdom is upside down wise. That your kingdom is upside down wise. That your kingdom is upside down from the values and the ethics and the from the values and the ethics and the from the values and the ethics and the power grabs of this world. And Lord, we confess that our our world. And Lord, we confess that our our hearts get trapped and chasing after hearts get trapped and chasing after hearts get trapped and chasing after other things. We get too worked up over other things. We get too worked up over other things. We get too worked up over things that are way outside of our things that are way outside of our things that are way outside of our control. control. control. Would you forgive us for times when we Would you forgive us for times when we Would you forgive us for times when we have looked for our hope and our comfort have looked for our hope and our comfort have looked for our hope and our comfort and our stability and our stability and our stability into any place other than your into any place other than your into any place other than your presence. We trust that you reign and presence. We trust that you reign and presence. We trust that you reign and rule over all things now. And we now. And we pray, come Lord pray, come Lord pray, come Lord Jesus. And as long as you Jesus. And as long as you Jesus. And as long as you delay, would you work in our hearts, in delay, would you work in our hearts, in delay, would you work in our hearts, in the hearts of your people to bear the hearts of your people to bear the hearts of your people to bear witness to a greater kingdom, to live out the subversiveness kingdom, to live out the subversiveness of the of the of the gospel so that we can see you at work in

gospel so that we can see you at work in gospel so that we can see you at work in our weakness. Would you help us to embrace that life? Would you help us to embrace that life? Would you move by the spirit to give the Would you move by the spirit to give the Would you move by the spirit to give the strength and courage to do strength and courage to do strength and courage to do so? Amen. Thank you for being here this Amen. Thank you for being here this evening. I hope that you have enjoyed evening. I hope that you have enjoyed evening. I hope that you have enjoyed this as much as I have. One of the this as much as I have. One of the this as much as I have. One of the beauties of TEDs is that we have world beauties of TEDs is that we have world beauties of TEDs is that we have world worldclass scholars like David Pow and worldclass scholars like David Pow and worldclass scholars like David Pow and the rest of our faculty investing in our the rest of our faculty investing in our the rest of our faculty investing in our students and then when they graduate we students and then when they graduate we students and then when they graduate we get to watch our alumni go off and serve get to watch our alumni go off and serve get to watch our alumni go off and serve in local churches and live out the in local churches and live out the in local churches and live out the gospel that they have learned. And so we gospel that they have learned. And so we gospel that they have learned. And so we would love to talk to you more about would love to talk to you more about would love to talk to you more about TEDs and about uh our mission and how TEDs and about uh our mission and how TEDs and about uh our mission and how we're serving students. Uh but again, we're serving students. Uh but again, we're serving students. Uh but again, thank you for being here with us this thank you for being here with us this thank you for being here with us this evening.