The Stories Culture Tells Us [TGC Podcast Ep. 406]

This TGC25 breakout experienced some This TGC25 breakout experienced some technical difficulties throughout the technical difficulties throughout the technical difficulties throughout the recording process. You may notice a few recording process. You may notice a few recording process. You may notice a few audio and video dropouts throughout the audio and video dropouts throughout the audio and video dropouts throughout the session. The vast majority of the session. The vast majority of the session. The vast majority of the content is still intact which we hope content is still intact which we hope content is still intact which we hope you you you enjoy. Welcome to our session here on enjoy. Welcome to our session here on enjoy. Welcome to our session here on understanding the um stories that understanding the um stories that understanding the um stories that secular culture tells us. I'm glad that secular culture tells us. I'm glad that secular culture tells us. I'm glad that you are here and and uh our time is you are here and and uh our time is you are here and and uh our time is limited so I'm going to try to jump limited so I'm going to try to jump limited so I'm going to try to jump straight in. What I want to do is I want straight in. What I want to do is I want straight in. What I want to do is I want to do a little more of an abbreviated uh to do a little more of an abbreviated uh to do a little more of an abbreviated uh uh presentation to you because I think uh presentation to you because I think uh presentation to you because I think that there's a value to kind of walk that there's a value to kind of walk that there's a value to kind of walk through and hear some questions. through and hear some questions. through and hear some questions. Apparently, I was told that the Apparently, I was told that the Apparently, I was told that the reception of the mic is limited. So, if reception of the mic is limited. So, if reception of the mic is limited. So, if you just sort of raise your hand when we you just sort of raise your hand when we you just sort of raise your hand when we get to that time and I'll try to call on get to that time and I'll try to call on get to that time and I'll try to call on you and I'll try to repeat for the you and I'll try to repeat for the you and I'll try to repeat for the recording. Um I think those questions recording. Um I think those questions recording. Um I think those questions can be heard and and said and I think can be heard and and said and I think can be heard and and said and I think it'll be good for all of us. But I think it'll be good for all of us. But I think it'll be good for all of us. But I think it's a helpful way to kind of dialogue it's a helpful way to kind of dialogue it's a helpful way to kind of dialogue but also work through some of these but also work through some of these but also work through some of these stories. So today my presentation is stories. So today my presentation is stories. So today my presentation is about the stories that are around us. about the stories that are around us. about the stories that are around us. The reason why Christianity for a lot of The reason why Christianity for a lot of The reason why Christianity for a lot of people is not something that they want.

people is not something that they want. people is not something that they want. The reason why uh there's people are not The reason why uh there's people are not The reason why uh there's people are not knocking down our doors to talk to us knocking down our doors to talk to us knocking down our doors to talk to us and ask us about what Christianity is and ask us about what Christianity is and ask us about what Christianity is really about and people are indifferent really about and people are indifferent really about and people are indifferent is because people have stories. our is because people have stories. our is because people have stories. our imagination has already uh been um imagination has already uh been um imagination has already uh been um filled with what we'll call cultural filled with what we'll call cultural filled with what we'll call cultural narratives or stories. Um we can't narratives or stories. Um we can't narratives or stories. Um we can't actually get to presenting the faith the actually get to presenting the faith the actually get to presenting the faith the story of Christianity and every willing story of Christianity and every willing story of Christianity and every willing to uh emit and actually understand and to uh emit and actually understand and to uh emit and actually understand and become fluent with the stories that are become fluent with the stories that are become fluent with the stories that are actually already around us all the time. actually already around us all the time. actually already around us all the time. That what that means then is that people That what that means then is that people That what that means then is that people when I say their stories I don't believe when I say their stories I don't believe when I say their stories I don't believe some point in their life has to um some point in their life has to um some point in their life has to um answer fundamental questions about our answer fundamental questions about our answer fundamental questions about our nature. What does it mean to be human? nature. What does it mean to be human? nature. What does it mean to be human? What does it mean to uh you know do What does it mean to uh you know do What does it mean to uh you know do life? Why do I do what I do? What's life? Why do I do what I do? What's life? Why do I do what I do? What's wrong with the world? What's going to wrong with the world? What's going to wrong with the world? What's going to put it right? Those questions everybody put it right? Those questions everybody put it right? Those questions everybody has to answer. But guess what? Almost has to answer. But guess what? Almost has to answer. But guess what? Almost all of us in this room, we haven't sat all of us in this room, we haven't sat all of us in this room, we haven't sat down over a cup of coffee and actually down over a cup of coffee and actually down over a cup of coffee and actually asked those questions because most of us asked those questions because most of us asked those questions because most of us don't need to ask that question because don't need to ask that question because don't need to ask that question because our culture has already answered them our culture has already answered them our culture has already answered them for us or your faith your your view for us or your faith your your view for us or your faith your your view which contains stories in them has which contains stories in them has which contains stories in them has already given you those answers. So we already given you those answers. So we already given you those answers. So we just need to be admit that every culture just need to be admit that every culture just need to be admit that every culture does that already and most of us haven't does that already and most of us haven't does that already and most of us haven't actually needed to do to think that out actually needed to do to think that out actually needed to do to think that out because stories are mostly caught than because stories are mostly caught than because stories are mostly caught than taught. And that what what I mean by taught. And that what what I mean by taught. And that what what I mean by that is that the these things are sort that is that the these things are sort that is that the these things are sort of embedded in all the our our social of embedded in all the our our social of embedded in all the our our social media in our in our movies in our art.

media in our in our movies in our art. media in our in our movies in our art. And I think that we unknowingly have And I think that we unknowingly have And I think that we unknowingly have absorbed them. And if we're going to put absorbed them. And if we're going to put absorbed them. And if we're going to put the gospel into our culture for the next the gospel into our culture for the next the gospel into our culture for the next generation, what I think that we need to generation, what I think that we need to generation, what I think that we need to do is we need to become a little more do is we need to become a little more do is we need to become a little more fluent of understanding what these fluent of understanding what these fluent of understanding what these cultural narratives are around us. And cultural narratives are around us. And cultural narratives are around us. And so that's what our task is is to retell so that's what our task is is to retell so that's what our task is is to retell the stories better than those who the stories better than those who the stories better than those who actually hold them to them and then show actually hold them to them and then show actually hold them to them and then show how they're actually incomplete. They're how they're actually incomplete. They're how they're actually incomplete. They're not enough and yet how Christianity not enough and yet how Christianity not enough and yet how Christianity tells a better and truer story. Um, a tells a better and truer story. Um, a tells a better and truer story. Um, a lot of this material is actually stuff lot of this material is actually stuff lot of this material is actually stuff my father produced. My name is Michael my father produced. My name is Michael my father produced. My name is Michael Keller. My dad's Tim Keller. I'm a Keller. My dad's Tim Keller. I'm a Keller. My dad's Tim Keller. I'm a pastor in New York City at Redeemer pastor in New York City at Redeemer pastor in New York City at Redeemer Presbyterian Church, Lincoln Square. I Presbyterian Church, Lincoln Square. I Presbyterian Church, Lincoln Square. I started it eight years ago. And before started it eight years ago. And before started it eight years ago. And before he died, we were going to write a book he died, we were going to write a book he died, we were going to write a book together on cultural narratives. and together on cultural narratives. and together on cultural narratives. and we're still going to write a book we're still going to write a book we're still going to write a book together. Um, but using his material and together. Um, but using his material and together. Um, but using his material and I'm going to try to put it together and I'm going to try to put it together and I'm going to try to put it together and we're going to walk through what are the we're going to walk through what are the we're going to walk through what are the stories, what what do they have right, stories, what what do they have right, stories, what what do they have right, what do they have wrong, and how does what do they have wrong, and how does what do they have wrong, and how does Christianity actually complete it. And Christianity actually complete it. And Christianity actually complete it. And so this is actually part of the work so this is actually part of the work so this is actually part of the work where I've um pulled together a lot of where I've um pulled together a lot of where I've um pulled together a lot of his unpublished stuff on this topic. He his unpublished stuff on this topic. He his unpublished stuff on this topic. He got a lot of these ideas from cultural got a lot of these ideas from cultural got a lot of these ideas from cultural uh uh philosophers like Charles Taylor uh uh philosophers like Charles Taylor uh uh philosophers like Charles Taylor and Robert Bella and others. And I think and Robert Bella and others. And I think and Robert Bella and others. And I think we need to do this because again when we need to do this because again when we need to do this because again when Christians present to non-Christians, we Christians present to non-Christians, we Christians present to non-Christians, we often think that people are blank slates often think that people are blank slates often think that people are blank slates as if they are just willing like as if they are just willing like as if they are just willing like receptive to whatever we're going to receptive to whatever we're going to receptive to whatever we're going to say. And that's just not true. They say. And that's just not true. They say. And that's just not true. They already have stories that are motivating already have stories that are motivating already have stories that are motivating and helpful for them. But I think also and helpful for them. But I think also and helpful for them. But I think also if you're a Christian in this room, I if you're a Christian in this room, I if you're a Christian in this room, I think you have to realize that we might think you have to realize that we might think you have to realize that we might have unknowingly co-opted and owned some

have unknowingly co-opted and owned some have unknowingly co-opted and owned some of these stories for ourselves that are of these stories for ourselves that are of these stories for ourselves that are actually incomplete and we've either actually incomplete and we've either actually incomplete and we've either hold them congruently with our Christian hold them congruently with our Christian hold them congruently with our Christian faith or we've actually embedded them faith or we've actually embedded them faith or we've actually embedded them inside thinking that they're the same inside thinking that they're the same inside thinking that they're the same thing. So I think we have to become we thing. So I think we have to become we thing. So I think we have to become we have to be inoculated from them so that have to be inoculated from them so that have to be inoculated from them so that the gospel actually becomes more the gospel actually becomes more the gospel actually becomes more powerful, more beautiful, more wonderful powerful, more beautiful, more wonderful powerful, more beautiful, more wonderful to us. Uh and and and again I'm not to us. Uh and and and again I'm not to us. Uh and and and again I'm not pretending like I've made up this stuff. pretending like I've made up this stuff. pretending like I've made up this stuff. This is stuff I've I'm trying to pull This is stuff I've I'm trying to pull This is stuff I've I'm trying to pull together from my father and I'm trying together from my father and I'm trying together from my father and I'm trying to get it out there into the world for to get it out there into the world for to get it out there into the world for for all of us. And once I give you the for all of us. And once I give you the for all of us. And once I give you the book that we're we're writing, sounds book that we're we're writing, sounds book that we're we're writing, sounds weird to say that cuz um but his work is weird to say that cuz um but his work is weird to say that cuz um but his work is still alive is going to have about seven still alive is going to have about seven still alive is going to have about seven narratives, but tonight today since we narratives, but tonight today since we narratives, but tonight today since we don't have we have a limited amount of don't have we have a limited amount of don't have we have a limited amount of time, I'm going to give you about four. time, I'm going to give you about four. time, I'm going to give you about four. All right. First one, the cultural All right. First one, the cultural All right. First one, the cultural narrative of identity. There's a narrative of identity. There's a narrative of identity. There's a narrative out there that and the key narrative out there that and the key narrative out there that and the key phrase is this that you need to be true phrase is this that you need to be true phrase is this that you need to be true to yourself. You've you hear this phrase to yourself. You've you hear this phrase to yourself. You've you hear this phrase all the time, but it's embedded in our all the time, but it's embedded in our all the time, but it's embedded in our in so many uh ads like you know Nike in so many uh ads like you know Nike in so many uh ads like you know Nike just do it. Um you know you need a you just do it. Um you know you need a you just do it. Um you know you need a you do you uh be who you want to be. There's do you uh be who you want to be. There's do you uh be who you want to be. There's an identity narrative that basically an identity narrative that basically an identity narrative that basically says this that the point of life the says this that the point of life the says this that the point of life the reason why you should do who uh what it reason why you should do who uh what it reason why you should do who uh what it means to be you is you need to look on means to be you is you need to look on means to be you is you need to look on the inside find out who you really are the inside find out who you really are the inside find out who you really are and then express it out to the world.

and then express it out to the world. and then express it out to the world. There's an assumption in that because There's an assumption in that because There's an assumption in that because other cultures, traditional cultures other cultures, traditional cultures other cultures, traditional cultures have uh, you know, would say that the have uh, you know, would say that the have uh, you know, would say that the problem is you look on the inside, problem is you look on the inside, problem is you look on the inside, there's all these opinions. You know, there's all these opinions. You know, there's all these opinions. You know, you need to align yourself with the fact you need to align yourself with the fact you need to align yourself with the fact that's out in the world. That's been that's out in the world. That's been that's out in the world. That's been switched in the past 50 years. What switched in the past 50 years. What switched in the past 50 years. What happens now and the world out there is happens now and the world out there is happens now and the world out there is everybody else's opinion. Fact is on the everybody else's opinion. Fact is on the everybody else's opinion. Fact is on the inside. Look on the inside, find out who inside. Look on the inside, find out who inside. Look on the inside, find out who you are, and then tell people who they you are, and then tell people who they you are, and then tell people who they are, which which is essentially an are, which which is essentially an are, which which is essentially an elevation of individualism to to the elevation of individualism to to the elevation of individualism to to the level of ultimacy in our lives. But the level of ultimacy in our lives. But the level of ultimacy in our lives. But the our world, our c our current culture our world, our c our current culture our world, our c our current culture says, "Hey, everything out there is says, "Hey, everything out there is says, "Hey, everything out there is crazy. But as long as you're true to crazy. But as long as you're true to crazy. But as long as you're true to yourself, you'll be okay." And by the yourself, you'll be okay." And by the yourself, you'll be okay." And by the way, there's a Christianized baptized way, there's a Christianized baptized way, there's a Christianized baptized version of that that we we do. Um, and version of that that we we do. Um, and version of that that we we do. Um, and there's actually a truth about it that there's actually a truth about it that there's actually a truth about it that actually there is something called actually there is something called actually there is something called identity. There is something that uh we identity. There is something that uh we identity. There is something that uh we do have an identity in Christ. But let's do have an identity in Christ. But let's do have an identity in Christ. But let's look at the secular version of this. look at the secular version of this. look at the secular version of this. Where do we see it? Well, Disney is my Where do we see it? Well, Disney is my Where do we see it? Well, Disney is my favorite place to go for this story. If favorite place to go for this story. If favorite place to go for this story. If you go to the the amazing D straight to you go to the the amazing D straight to you go to the the amazing D straight to DVD classic Cinderella 2, Dreams Come DVD classic Cinderella 2, Dreams Come DVD classic Cinderella 2, Dreams Come True. That's irony for those not in New True. That's irony for those not in New True. That's irony for those not in New York. Um there's a song in there called York. Um there's a song in there called York. Um there's a song in there called Follow Your Heart. Let me let me Here's Follow Your Heart. Let me let me Here's Follow Your Heart. Let me let me Here's the lyric. Ready? Who Who's to say the the lyric. Ready? Who Who's to say the the lyric. Ready? Who Who's to say the rules must stay the same forever more?

rules must stay the same forever more? rules must stay the same forever more? Whoever made them had to change the Whoever made them had to change the Whoever made them had to change the rules that came before. So make your own rules that came before. So make your own rules that came before. So make your own way. Show the beauty within. When you way. Show the beauty within. When you way. Show the beauty within. When you follow your heart, there's no heart. You follow your heart, there's no heart. You follow your heart, there's no heart. You can't win. Follow your heart. Um, you can't win. Follow your heart. Um, you can't win. Follow your heart. Um, you say that's a straight to DVD classic. say that's a straight to DVD classic. say that's a straight to DVD classic. What? That that's not really culturally What? That that's not really culturally What? That that's not really culturally relevant. Give me something more. Well, relevant. Give me something more. Well, relevant. Give me something more. Well, the first song in Muana, which was a not the first song in Muana, which was a not the first song in Muana, which was a not just straight to DVD. The song goes like just straight to DVD. The song goes like just straight to DVD. The song goes like this. In Moana, remember, you may hear a this. In Moana, remember, you may hear a this. In Moana, remember, you may hear a voice inside. And if you're that voice voice inside. And if you're that voice voice inside. And if you're that voice starts to whisper to follow the farthest starts to whisper to follow the farthest starts to whisper to follow the farthest star Moana, that voice inside is who you star Moana, that voice inside is who you star Moana, that voice inside is who you are. That's the cultural narrative story are. That's the cultural narrative story are. That's the cultural narrative story of identity that we we hold on to. And of identity that we we hold on to. And of identity that we we hold on to. And there are many problems with it. Let me there are many problems with it. Let me there are many problems with it. Let me just give you a couple. Number one, it's just give you a couple. Number one, it's just give you a couple. Number one, it's inconsistent and incoherent. What do I inconsistent and incoherent. What do I inconsistent and incoherent. What do I mean? If you're told to look on the mean? If you're told to look on the mean? If you're told to look on the inside and find out who you really are, inside and find out who you really are, inside and find out who you really are, which version of you is you? Uh what I which version of you is you? Uh what I which version of you is you? Uh what I mean by that is this. Michael Keller is mean by that is this. Michael Keller is mean by that is this. Michael Keller is a man who loves peanut butter brownies.

a man who loves peanut butter brownies. a man who loves peanut butter brownies. This is true. I'm also a person who This is true. I'm also a person who This is true. I'm also a person who wants to be fit and work out wants to be fit and work out wants to be fit and work out sometimes. Sometimes there's peanut sometimes. Sometimes there's peanut sometimes. Sometimes there's peanut butter brownie Mike and sometimes butter brownie Mike and sometimes butter brownie Mike and sometimes there's work out and be healthy Mike. there's work out and be healthy Mike. there's work out and be healthy Mike. Which Mike is the real Mike? Our culture Which Mike is the real Mike? Our culture Which Mike is the real Mike? Our culture would say there is a true version. would say there is a true version. would say there is a true version. There's a there is an ultimate version There's a there is an ultimate version There's a there is an ultimate version of of the real Mike. But I would argue of of the real Mike. But I would argue of of the real Mike. But I would argue there's a lot of different aspects of there's a lot of different aspects of there's a lot of different aspects of who Michael Keller is. Um and there's a who Michael Keller is. Um and there's a who Michael Keller is. Um and there's a lot of aspects of who you are. All lot of aspects of who you are. All lot of aspects of who you are. All right. So, are we uh is inside is right. So, are we uh is inside is right. So, are we uh is inside is identity like a a pool ball where it's identity like a a pool ball where it's identity like a a pool ball where it's like one hard one solid rock or you more like one hard one solid rock or you more like one hard one solid rock or you more like an onion where there's just like an onion where there's just like an onion where there's just different layers and a lot of different different layers and a lot of different different layers and a lot of different aspects. At the very least, we can say aspects. At the very least, we can say aspects. At the very least, we can say it's in it's inconsistent because when it's in it's inconsistent because when it's in it's inconsistent because when you say look on the inside, which you say look on the inside, which you say look on the inside, which version of you is the real you? I think version of you is the real you? I think version of you is the real you? I think there's a there's a there's a lot of there's a there's a there's a lot of there's a there's a there's a lot of problems when it comes to that. Second problems when it comes to that. Second problems when it comes to that. Second problem is this. I think modern identity problem is this. I think modern identity problem is this. I think modern identity is dishonest about how we actually uh is dishonest about how we actually uh is dishonest about how we actually uh create them and how we see ourselves. create them and how we see ourselves. create them and how we see ourselves. And the best example I can give is And the best example I can give is And the best example I can give is actually uh uh from my father who had actually uh uh from my father who had actually uh uh from my father who had this example um that he's used before this example um that he's used before this example um that he's used before but I I think it's too good not to use.

but I I think it's too good not to use. but I I think it's too good not to use. He he gives this example like this. He He he gives this example like this. He He he gives this example like this. He says, "Imagine a thousand years ago says, "Imagine a thousand years ago says, "Imagine a thousand years ago there's uh Vikings." And Vikings, the there's uh Vikings." And Vikings, the there's uh Vikings." And Vikings, the nature of being a Viking in in this nature of being a Viking in in this nature of being a Viking in in this culture is your job to be a Viking is to culture is your job to be a Viking is to culture is your job to be a Viking is to raid and to pillage other cultures and raid and to pillage other cultures and raid and to pillage other cultures and other tribes and other people groups. other tribes and other people groups. other tribes and other people groups. And so you go up and down, I don't know And so you go up and down, I don't know And so you go up and down, I don't know if it's Scandinavia or wherever, go to if it's Scandinavia or wherever, go to if it's Scandinavia or wherever, go to some England and and and um take over some England and and and um take over some England and and and um take over those places. If you have this anger and those places. If you have this anger and those places. If you have this anger and this rage and this this desire to raid this rage and this this desire to raid this rage and this this desire to raid and pillage other people, Viking culture and pillage other people, Viking culture and pillage other people, Viking culture would say, "Yes, that's who you are." would say, "Yes, that's who you are." would say, "Yes, that's who you are." But if you are also somebody who is But if you are also somebody who is But if you are also somebody who is same-sex attracted, this is a thousand same-sex attracted, this is a thousand same-sex attracted, this is a thousand years ago, and you you actually are years ago, and you you actually are years ago, and you you actually are same-sex attracted in in this culture, same-sex attracted in in this culture, same-sex attracted in in this culture, what does your Viking culture tell you? what does your Viking culture tell you? what does your Viking culture tell you? Your culture would tell you, "No, no, Your culture would tell you, "No, no, Your culture would tell you, "No, no, no. That's not who you are. You're no. That's not who you are. You're no. That's not who you are. You're you're betrod to Olga or, you know, I you're betrod to Olga or, you know, I you're betrod to Olga or, you know, I don't know, Hans. I don't even know what don't know, Hans. I don't even know what don't know, Hans. I don't even know what names are the right ones, but that's not names are the right ones, but that's not names are the right ones, but that's not who you are. Fast forward a thousand who you are. Fast forward a thousand who you are. Fast forward a thousand years. Go to today. If you have a desire years. Go to today. If you have a desire years. Go to today. If you have a desire to kind of raid and do violence and and to kind of raid and do violence and and to kind of raid and do violence and and and and hurt other tribes and people and and hurt other tribes and people and and hurt other tribes and people groups and races, what does our culture groups and races, what does our culture groups and races, what does our culture say? Our culture says that's not who you say? Our culture says that's not who you say? Our culture says that's not who you are. You need anger management. You need are. You need anger management. You need are. You need anger management. You need counseling. You need you need some help.

counseling. You need you need some help. counseling. You need you need some help. But if you say I have I'm you know same But if you say I have I'm you know same But if you say I have I'm you know same sex attracted our culture says or many sex attracted our culture says or many sex attracted our culture says or many people in our culture say yeah that's people in our culture say yeah that's people in our culture say yeah that's who you are. So here's the problem same who you are. So here's the problem same who you are. So here's the problem same exact feelings in both pe set of people exact feelings in both pe set of people exact feelings in both pe set of people and you read your feelings though and you read your feelings though and you read your feelings though through a cultural grid of whatever through a cultural grid of whatever through a cultural grid of whatever you're in right now to say that who you you're in right now to say that who you you're in right now to say that who you are. So the idea of a just look on the are. So the idea of a just look on the are. So the idea of a just look on the inside that's actually not true. You inside that's actually not true. You inside that's actually not true. You look on the inside but you're reading look on the inside but you're reading look on the inside but you're reading your feelings how you see yourself your feelings how you see yourself your feelings how you see yourself through a grid that's already been given through a grid that's already been given through a grid that's already been given to you. And my question to you all is do to you. And my question to you all is do to you. And my question to you all is do you read should you read your your your you read should you read your your your you read should you read your your your feelings your identity through a grid feelings your identity through a grid feelings your identity through a grid that's going to change every hundred that's going to change every hundred that's going to change every hundred years the culture that that is around years the culture that that is around years the culture that that is around has a different moral grid or do you has a different moral grid or do you has a different moral grid or do you read your moral grid through the uh you read your moral grid through the uh you read your moral grid through the uh you know the Bible the or some more stable know the Bible the or some more stable know the Bible the or some more stable uh uh moral framework that's the uh uh moral framework that's the uh uh moral framework that's the question either way I think we can point question either way I think we can point question either way I think we can point out that there's a dishonesty to this c out that there's a dishonesty to this c out that there's a dishonesty to this c this narrative because it actually this narrative because it actually this narrative because it actually assumes that uh this is actually who you assumes that uh this is actually who you assumes that uh this is actually who you are. So let's move on. Um number two, are. So let's move on. Um number two, are. So let's move on. Um number two, that's that's that's identity. Freedom, the narrative of identity. Freedom, the narrative of identity. Freedom, the narrative of freedom. Here's how it goes. You the freedom. Here's how it goes. You the freedom. Here's how it goes. You the goal to be human, the reason why you goal to be human, the reason why you goal to be human, the reason why you exist is to be free from all constraints exist is to be free from all constraints exist is to be free from all constraints as long as you don't harm other people.

as long as you don't harm other people. as long as you don't harm other people. In other words, there's a view out In other words, there's a view out In other words, there's a view out there, and you see this in so many there, and you see this in so many there, and you see this in so many stories. You see this in in um stories. You see this in in um stories. You see this in in um statements everywhere. I just want to be statements everywhere. I just want to be statements everywhere. I just want to be free. I just want to do myself, you free. I just want to do myself, you free. I just want to do myself, you know, I just want to be able to I don't know, I just want to be able to I don't know, I just want to be able to I don't want this restriction on me. And the want this restriction on me. And the want this restriction on me. And the view is you in our culture is you should view is you in our culture is you should view is you in our culture is you should be allowed to do what you want wherever be allowed to do what you want wherever be allowed to do what you want wherever you want with whomever you want with you want with whomever you want with you want with whomever you want with your body as long as you don't harm your body as long as you don't harm your body as long as you don't harm somebody somebody somebody else. Um there's a lot of different uh else. Um there's a lot of different uh else. Um there's a lot of different uh ways to parse that but let me tell you ways to parse that but let me tell you ways to parse that but let me tell you give you some of the problems with this. give you some of the problems with this. give you some of the problems with this. Number one, the first problem is Number one, the first problem is Number one, the first problem is definition I would argue is that it definition I would argue is that it definition I would argue is that it doesn't allow you to actually doesn't allow you to actually doesn't allow you to actually um have love. What do I mean by that? um have love. What do I mean by that? um have love. What do I mean by that? Love at some is a lot of things, but Love at some is a lot of things, but Love at some is a lot of things, but love at at the most basic level is at love at at the most basic level is at love at at the most basic level is at least a commitment to someone or least a commitment to someone or least a commitment to someone or something else that goes beyond uh your something else that goes beyond uh your something else that goes beyond uh your usery of that thing. So parental love is usery of that thing. So parental love is usery of that thing. So parental love is I'm at least committed to that to a I'm at least committed to that to a I'm at least committed to that to a child. uh you know, romantic love, child. uh you know, romantic love, child. uh you know, romantic love, familial, any kind of love at some familial, any kind of love at some familial, any kind of love at some level. When it says in John 3:16, God so level. When it says in John 3:16, God so level. When it says in John 3:16, God so loved the world. Love is not I've fallen loved the world. Love is not I've fallen loved the world. Love is not I've fallen into love and out of love. So God's kind into love and out of love. So God's kind into love and out of love. So God's kind of fell into love, but he could fall out of fell into love, but he could fall out of fell into love, but he could fall out of love that he gave his only son. No, of love that he gave his only son. No, of love that he gave his only son. No, love, biblical love is at least a love, biblical love is at least a love, biblical love is at least a commitment commitment commitment uh over uh over uh over time. But if you're free, if I want to time. But if you're free, if I want to time. But if you're free, if I want to be free from all constraints, then you be free from all constraints, then you be free from all constraints, then you actually then can't have love. Why? You actually then can't have love. Why? You actually then can't have love. Why? You see this in in jilted lover statements see this in in jilted lover statements see this in in jilted lover statements all the time. They're like, "Hey, I love all the time. They're like, "Hey, I love all the time. They're like, "Hey, I love you, but you know that means being you, but you know that means being you, but you know that means being bound. I don't want to be bound, so

bound. I don't want to be bound, so bound. I don't want to be bound, so maybe I don't love maybe I don't love maybe I don't love you." And I think what people have you." And I think what people have you." And I think what people have wrestled with this, we see this tension wrestled with this, we see this tension wrestled with this, we see this tension a lot. I think a lot of folks that uh a lot. I think a lot of folks that uh a lot. I think a lot of folks that uh there's a lot of reasons for loneliness there's a lot of reasons for loneliness there's a lot of reasons for loneliness and and and heartache. But maybe one of and and and heartache. But maybe one of and and and heartache. But maybe one of the problems that we're the tension that the problems that we're the tension that the problems that we're the tension that we live in is we want to be free, but we we live in is we want to be free, but we we live in is we want to be free, but we also want to be known. But you can't be also want to be known. But you can't be also want to be known. But you can't be known unless you're actually uh known unless you're actually uh known unless you're actually uh committed to somebody else. And you committed to somebody else. And you committed to somebody else. And you can't do that unless there's some can't do that unless there's some can't do that unless there's some commitment to each other. And you can't commitment to each other. And you can't commitment to each other. And you can't have that if you have actually freedom. have that if you have actually freedom. have that if you have actually freedom. Because what here's how our culture Because what here's how our culture Because what here's how our culture defines freedom. Freedom is always from. defines freedom. Freedom is always from. defines freedom. Freedom is always from. It's from something else. What we don't It's from something else. What we don't It's from something else. What we don't realize is actually freedom is that's realize is actually freedom is that's realize is actually freedom is that's only half the equation. Freedom is not only half the equation. Freedom is not only half the equation. Freedom is not just from something. It's actually also just from something. It's actually also just from something. It's actually also to something. Um what I mean by that is to something. Um what I mean by that is to something. Um what I mean by that is is that you don't just get if you want is that you don't just get if you want is that you don't just get if you want the freedom of being able to be a good the freedom of being able to be a good the freedom of being able to be a good musician at great at the piano or the musician at great at the piano or the musician at great at the piano or the violin, how do you do that? violin, how do you do that? violin, how do you do that? You practice. That's right. But you have You practice. That's right. But you have You practice. That's right. But you have to practice for hours and hours and to practice for hours and hours and to practice for hours and hours and hours. By definition, you're actually hours. By definition, you're actually hours. By definition, you're actually losing some freedoms. The freedom of losing some freedoms. The freedom of losing some freedoms. The freedom of free time, the freedom of doing free time, the freedom of doing free time, the freedom of doing something else to get the freedom of something else to get the freedom of something else to get the freedom of being actually good at music. In other being actually good at music. In other being actually good at music. In other words, freedom is never just um away words, freedom is never just um away words, freedom is never just um away from something. It's always towards from something. It's always towards from something. It's always towards something too. And our culture doesn't something too. And our culture doesn't something too. And our culture doesn't understand that. Second problem is not understand that. Second problem is not understand that. Second problem is not just uh makes it in unable for us to just uh makes it in unable for us to just uh makes it in unable for us to have love. The second problem is there's have love. The second problem is there's have love. The second problem is there's no way for us not to do or whose no way for us not to do or whose no way for us not to do or whose definition of harm? How about let's put definition of harm? How about let's put definition of harm? How about let's put it that way. The whole point, the way it that way. The whole point, the way it that way. The whole point, the way our our culture talks about freedom say, our our culture talks about freedom say, our our culture talks about freedom say, "Yeah, you can have freedom as long as "Yeah, you can have freedom as long as "Yeah, you can have freedom as long as you do no harm." But whose definition?

you do no harm." But whose definition? you do no harm." But whose definition? As soon as you kind of poke at it and As soon as you kind of poke at it and As soon as you kind of poke at it and see and and talk about it, you uh you see and and talk about it, you uh you see and and talk about it, you uh you don't realize that you're actually don't realize that you're actually don't realize that you're actually smuggling in some view some moral norm smuggling in some view some moral norm smuggling in some view some moral norm or value. So, hey, I believe that or value. So, hey, I believe that or value. So, hey, I believe that freedom is that I should be free from freedom is that I should be free from freedom is that I should be free from taxes so that I can, you know, live my taxes so that I can, you know, live my taxes so that I can, you know, live my own life because I believe government own life because I believe government own life because I believe government oppresses people and so I would do no oppresses people and so I would do no oppresses people and so I would do no harm. But there's a whole other group of harm. But there's a whole other group of harm. But there's a whole other group of people that believe that more taxes people that believe that more taxes people that believe that more taxes leads to more government which leads to leads to more government which leads to leads to more government which leads to more freedom because it lets you know more freedom because it lets you know more freedom because it lets you know more people have stuff. Different view. more people have stuff. Different view. more people have stuff. Different view. Who's who view it gets gets to work? Who's who view it gets gets to work? Who's who view it gets gets to work? Some views out there say, "Hey, I I Some views out there say, "Hey, I I Some views out there say, "Hey, I I think we should make it easier for think we should make it easier for think we should make it easier for people to get in and out of divorce." people to get in and out of divorce." people to get in and out of divorce." So, we have our we have certain divorce So, we have our we have certain divorce So, we have our we have certain divorce laws because we want more freedom for laws because we want more freedom for laws because we want more freedom for the for the adults, but we have to what the for the adults, but we have to what the for the adults, but we have to what about the kids? There's less freedom for about the kids? There's less freedom for about the kids? There's less freedom for the kids because all the statistics show the kids because all the statistics show the kids because all the statistics show that when you have divorce, kids are that when you have divorce, kids are that when you have divorce, kids are worse off. So, whose definition of harm worse off. So, whose definition of harm worse off. So, whose definition of harm do you get to use? It just it just shows do you get to use? It just it just shows do you get to use? It just it just shows it doesn't actually work. All right. it doesn't actually work. All right. it doesn't actually work. All right. Third narrative, happiness. The third Third narrative, happiness. The third Third narrative, happiness. The third major uh secular narrative is you need major uh secular narrative is you need major uh secular narrative is you need to in the end do what feels right and to in the end do what feels right and to in the end do what feels right and you need to hold on what what work you you need to hold on what what work you you need to hold on what what work you need in the end then go after your own need in the end then go after your own need in the end then go after your own happiness and not let anybody else get happiness and not let anybody else get happiness and not let anybody else get in the way of it. This end this ends up in the way of it. This end this ends up in the way of it. This end this ends up holding on to personal pleasure and holding on to personal pleasure and holding on to personal pleasure and fulfillment. There there's assumption fulfillment. There there's assumption fulfillment. There there's assumption here which is that this world we can't here which is that this world we can't here which is that this world we can't be sure there's a world past this world.

be sure there's a world past this world. be sure there's a world past this world. So we have to get pleasure and and So we have to get pleasure and and So we have to get pleasure and and happiness now. And since this world is happiness now. And since this world is happiness now. And since this world is only material things we have to actually only material things we have to actually only material things we have to actually do it through the material world. do it through the material world. do it through the material world. How did we get here? We got here because How did we get here? We got here because How did we get here? We got here because well this world is um if it's only well this world is um if it's only well this world is um if it's only material then then uh we have to have it material then then uh we have to have it material then then uh we have to have it and therefore the highest goal is to get and therefore the highest goal is to get and therefore the highest goal is to get it. And when I say material things I it. And when I say material things I it. And when I say material things I mean experiences. I mean stuff uh and mean experiences. I mean stuff uh and mean experiences. I mean stuff uh and whatnot. Well here's what's wrong with whatnot. Well here's what's wrong with whatnot. Well here's what's wrong with this narrative. First is this. If this this narrative. First is this. If this this narrative. First is this. If this world is all that there is and happiness world is all that there is and happiness world is all that there is and happiness is just material is just material is just material things can you actually get happiness in things can you actually get happiness in things can you actually get happiness in that way? Jonathan height has this book that way? Jonathan height has this book that way? Jonathan height has this book called the happiness hypothesis and he called the happiness hypothesis and he called the happiness hypothesis and he says here's the problem with this says here's the problem with this says here's the problem with this definition of happiness just give it definition of happiness just give it definition of happiness just give it time suffering takes all things away at time suffering takes all things away at time suffering takes all things away at some point either you spend your whole some point either you spend your whole some point either you spend your whole life saying I need to get this for life saying I need to get this for life saying I need to get this for happiness money wealth a relationship a happiness money wealth a relationship a happiness money wealth a relationship a person and you either never get it which person and you either never get it which person and you either never get it which makes you unhappy or you get it and it makes you unhappy or you get it and it makes you unhappy or you get it and it eventually gets taken away think of time eventually gets taken away think of time eventually gets taken away think of time think of death think of suffering or you think of death think of suffering or you think of death think of suffering or you get it doesn't get taken way, but it get it doesn't get taken way, but it get it doesn't get taken way, but it doesn't end up being as good as you doesn't end up being as good as you doesn't end up being as good as you thought it would be for your own thought it would be for your own thought it would be for your own happiness. No matter what, when you have happiness. No matter what, when you have happiness. No matter what, when you have the this particular definition, it the this particular definition, it the this particular definition, it doesn't work. Look, read any biography doesn't work. Look, read any biography doesn't work. Look, read any biography of there's a Bradpic biography. There's of there's a Bradpic biography. There's of there's a Bradpic biography. There's Michael Jordan, any biography, they'll Michael Jordan, any biography, they'll Michael Jordan, any biography, they'll all tell you, I made it. It's everything all tell you, I made it. It's everything all tell you, I made it. It's everything I always wanted and it's not I always wanted and it's not I always wanted and it's not enough. And I it it didn't bring me what enough. And I it it didn't bring me what enough. And I it it didn't bring me what I thought it would bring me. which I thought it would bring me. which I thought it would bring me. which actually I I think what's interesting is actually I I think what's interesting is actually I I think what's interesting is we c understand that but then there's we c understand that but then there's we c understand that but then there's still that move in our hearts of saying

still that move in our hearts of saying still that move in our hearts of saying yeah but I still got to get I still got yeah but I still got to get I still got yeah but I still got to get I still got to go and we need we need to acknowledge to go and we need we need to acknowledge to go and we need we need to acknowledge it and see it and recognize it in our it and see it and recognize it in our it and see it and recognize it in our own lives in the lives of others because own lives in the lives of others because own lives in the lives of others because we have to be able to speak to that and we have to be able to speak to that and we have to be able to speak to that and tell a better story. This the second tell a better story. This the second tell a better story. This the second problem with this narrative is this. If problem with this narrative is this. If problem with this narrative is this. If this really is true that means you need this really is true that means you need this really is true that means you need to have billions of people going for to have billions of people going for to have billions of people going for their own happiness and not the their own happiness and not the their own happiness and not the happiness of others and not let anybody happiness of others and not let anybody happiness of others and not let anybody else get in the way of it. You know what else get in the way of it. You know what else get in the way of it. You know what that's called? It's called a dog eat dog that's called? It's called a dog eat dog that's called? It's called a dog eat dog world. It's called um you know I have to world. It's called um you know I have to world. It's called um you know I have to get for me and mines. I have to actually get for me and mines. I have to actually get for me and mines. I have to actually uh take I can't give it's going to it uh take I can't give it's going to it uh take I can't give it's going to it leads to a worse world. It leads to more leads to a worse world. It leads to more leads to a worse world. It leads to more hardship and more heartache. All right. hardship and more heartache. All right. hardship and more heartache. All right. Uh fourth one uh last last cultural Uh fourth one uh last last cultural Uh fourth one uh last last cultural nerve for now is the cultural narrative nerve for now is the cultural narrative nerve for now is the cultural narrative of power. Secular culture basically says of power. Secular culture basically says of power. Secular culture basically says this that all production, all ideas, all this that all production, all ideas, all this that all production, all ideas, all thought, all words at the end of the thought, all words at the end of the thought, all words at the end of the day, it's a power move. This comes from day, it's a power move. This comes from day, it's a power move. This comes from Nietze in his book, the will of power. Nietze in his book, the will of power. Nietze in his book, the will of power. He says the world He says the world He says the world itself is the will to power and nothing itself is the will to power and nothing itself is the will to power and nothing else. And you yourself are the will to else. And you yourself are the will to else. And you yourself are the will to power and nothing else. And so this view power and nothing else. And so this view power and nothing else. And so this view says this all religious claims, all says this all religious claims, all says this all religious claims, all moral claims, all claims to beauty, it's moral claims, all claims to beauty, it's moral claims, all claims to beauty, it's just one group group of people who are just one group group of people who are just one group group of people who are trying to grab power over another group trying to grab power over another group trying to grab power over another group and you have you have uh just these and you have you have uh just these and you have you have uh just these power plays. And so the goal of life is power plays. And so the goal of life is power plays. And so the goal of life is to disempower the powerful who have the to disempower the powerful who have the to disempower the powerful who have the power over you and get that power from power over you and get that power from power over you and get that power from them to replace them. That's the goal of them to replace them. That's the goal of them to replace them. That's the goal of life. And uh and these power brokers

life. And uh and these power brokers life. And uh and these power brokers that are trying to hold things away from that are trying to hold things away from that are trying to hold things away from you, you have to you have to take it you, you have to you have to take it you, you have to you have to take it from them. There's a lot of problems from them. There's a lot of problems from them. There's a lot of problems with this view. I'll give you a couple. with this view. I'll give you a couple. with this view. I'll give you a couple. First one is this. If all things boil First one is this. If all things boil First one is this. If all things boil down to power, it's all about power, down to power, it's all about power, down to power, it's all about power, then even the idea that all things are then even the idea that all things are then even the idea that all things are about power is about about power is about about power is about power. So why should I listen to it? power. So why should I listen to it? power. So why should I listen to it? Right? If if truth is just relative, Right? If if truth is just relative, Right? If if truth is just relative, then the idea that truth is relative, then the idea that truth is relative, then the idea that truth is relative, that truth is relative too. So why do I that truth is relative too. So why do I that truth is relative too. So why do I need to listen to it? In other words, in need to listen to it? In other words, in need to listen to it? In other words, in its inherent nature, it's inconsistent. its inherent nature, it's inconsistent. its inherent nature, it's inconsistent. The minute if somebody does who doesn't The minute if somebody does who doesn't The minute if somebody does who doesn't have power is able to to unseat the have power is able to to unseat the have power is able to to unseat the powerful, well, well, that means powerful, well, well, that means powerful, well, well, that means actually they were the ones that had actually they were the ones that had actually they were the ones that had power all along. Why don't they give up power all along. Why don't they give up power all along. Why don't they give up their power? What makes us assume that their power? What makes us assume that their power? What makes us assume that the the the the the the powerless when they become the powerful? powerless when they become the powerful? powerless when they become the powerful? Will they be any better with with uh Will they be any better with with uh Will they be any better with with uh wielding that power? If you look at wielding that power? If you look at wielding that power? If you look at history, the answer is no. history, the answer is no. history, the answer is no. So in other words, there's an So in other words, there's an So in other words, there's an inconsistency of this understanding and inconsistency of this understanding and inconsistency of this understanding and it sort of eats itself from the very it sort of eats itself from the very it sort of eats itself from the very beginning. The second problem is this. beginning. The second problem is this. beginning. The second problem is this. If everything's about power, there is no If everything's about power, there is no If everything's about power, there is no way forward. You know why? Your move to way forward. You know why? Your move to way forward. You know why? Your move to say, "I'm sorry. Please forgive me." Any say, "I'm sorry. Please forgive me." Any say, "I'm sorry. Please forgive me." Any kind of reconciliation, it's just a kind of reconciliation, it's just a kind of reconciliation, it's just a power move. You're just trying to hold power move. You're just trying to hold power move. You're just trying to hold on to your own power. You can't actually on to your own power. You can't actually on to your own power. You can't actually do it. You're stuck. We're stuck. And so do it. You're stuck. We're stuck. And so do it. You're stuck. We're stuck. And so you you have incessant fighting that's you you have incessant fighting that's you you have incessant fighting that's going to go nowhere and it's just one going to go nowhere and it's just one going to go nowhere and it's just one group over the other. And it falls group over the other. And it falls group over the other. And it falls apart.

apart. apart. So, I ran through those in 19 minutes. So, I ran through those in 19 minutes. So, I ran through those in 19 minutes. There's a lot more, but I'm just trying There's a lot more, but I'm just trying There's a lot more, but I'm just trying to give you a taste and show to give you a taste and show to give you a taste and show you stories that there's actually a lot you stories that there's actually a lot you stories that there's actually a lot of good in them. You do you, Let me tell of good in them. You do you, Let me tell of good in them. You do you, Let me tell you why. You need an identity. You need you why. You need an identity. You need you why. You need an identity. You need freedom. You need happiness. You need um freedom. You need happiness. You need um freedom. You need happiness. You need um power. It does matter. You need that, power. It does matter. You need that, power. It does matter. You need that, too. But they're incomplete because the too. But they're incomplete because the too. But they're incomplete because the way our culture wields them uh they they way our culture wields them uh they they way our culture wields them uh they they end up the way we hold them actually end up the way we hold them actually end up the way we hold them actually breaks us and hurts us and does more breaks us and hurts us and does more breaks us and hurts us and does more damage. And yet these are the stories we damage. And yet these are the stories we damage. And yet these are the stories we swim in and and different people in in swim in and and different people in in swim in and and different people in in in culture hold some of these more than in culture hold some of these more than in culture hold some of these more than other ones. But they actually also don't other ones. But they actually also don't other ones. But they actually also don't they don't quite fit together. Right? they don't quite fit together. Right? they don't quite fit together. Right? The freedom narrative uh hey I I I don't The freedom narrative uh hey I I I don't The freedom narrative uh hey I I I don't want anybody uh to um tell me what to do want anybody uh to um tell me what to do want anybody uh to um tell me what to do completely f flies against the power completely f flies against the power completely f flies against the power narrative. say, "Well, that's just a narrative. say, "Well, that's just a narrative. say, "Well, that's just a power move. You can't do that." So, power move. You can't do that." So, power move. You can't do that." So, well, no. So, they don't they don't well, no. So, they don't they don't well, no. So, they don't they don't work, but they still exist. They coexist work, but they still exist. They coexist work, but they still exist. They coexist in this space. And so, what do we do in this space. And so, what do we do in this space. And so, what do we do with all these things? Let me give you a with all these things? Let me give you a with all these things? Let me give you a couple suggestions, and then I'm going couple suggestions, and then I'm going couple suggestions, and then I'm going to take questions. Number one, we need to take questions. Number one, we need to take questions. Number one, we need to inoculate ourselves and and and to inoculate ourselves and and and to inoculate ourselves and and and others, uh, Christians. I have a 14 and others, uh, Christians. I have a 14 and others, uh, Christians. I have a 14 and 12-year-old and when I watch not just 12-year-old and when I watch not just 12-year-old and when I watch not just movies, when I watch even ads, which movies, when I watch even ads, which movies, when I watch even ads, which they're now coming up in stream, you they're now coming up in stream, you they're now coming up in stream, you know, you used to have no ads in when know, you used to have no ads in when know, you used to have no ads in when you used to stream things. It was so you used to stream things. It was so you used to stream things. It was so exciting. They're back. The ads are exciting. They're back. The ads are exciting. They're back. The ads are back. Um, and you can try to mute them.

back. Um, and you can try to mute them. back. Um, and you can try to mute them. Sometimes the the tricky ones, they Sometimes the the tricky ones, they Sometimes the the tricky ones, they won't play if they mute it. Anyway, um, won't play if they mute it. Anyway, um, won't play if they mute it. Anyway, um, but when I watch these things with with but when I watch these things with with but when I watch these things with with my daughters, I'll I'll kind of my daughters, I'll I'll kind of my daughters, I'll I'll kind of sometimes when they were younger, now I sometimes when they were younger, now I sometimes when they were younger, now I have to do it at the end now. Um they'll have to do it at the end now. Um they'll have to do it at the end now. Um they'll I'll say, "Hey girls, what's this I'll say, "Hey girls, what's this I'll say, "Hey girls, what's this saying?" And they kind of roll their saying?" And they kind of roll their saying?" And they kind of roll their eyes. They're like, "It says, you know, eyes. They're like, "It says, you know, eyes. They're like, "It says, you know, you need to follow your heart." And I'm you need to follow your heart." And I'm you need to follow your heart." And I'm like, "What's wrong with that?" And like, "What's wrong with that?" And like, "What's wrong with that?" And they're like, "Well, you shouldn't they're like, "Well, you shouldn't they're like, "Well, you shouldn't always follow your heart cuz sometimes always follow your heart cuz sometimes always follow your heart cuz sometimes your heart goes the wrong way." And your heart goes the wrong way." And your heart goes the wrong way." And they're not happy with with with the they're not happy with with with the they're not happy with with with the fact that I do that. But I'm very happy fact that I do that. But I'm very happy fact that I do that. But I'm very happy because they are identifying the because they are identifying the because they are identifying the narrative. And I I'm because they we narrative. And I I'm because they we narrative. And I I'm because they we need to see it. We need to see it in in need to see it. We need to see it in in need to see it. We need to see it in in the Coke ads and in the Nike ads in the the Coke ads and in the Nike ads in the the Coke ads and in the Nike ads in the things that we see because the promise things that we see because the promise things that we see because the promise is if you just get this then you'll be is if you just get this then you'll be is if you just get this then you'll be happy. That's the happiness or if you happy. That's the happiness or if you happy. That's the happiness or if you just get the freedom to do what you want just get the freedom to do what you want just get the freedom to do what you want wherever you want with whomever you want wherever you want with whomever you want wherever you want with whomever you want then you'll be you'll be you're good and then you'll be you'll be you're good and then you'll be you'll be you're good and we have to show how they don't actually we have to show how they don't actually we have to show how they don't actually but we have to start with ourselves. Uh but we have to start with ourselves. Uh but we have to start with ourselves. Uh that's the first thing. Second thing is that's the first thing. Second thing is that's the first thing. Second thing is this we need to enter into these this we need to enter into these this we need to enter into these stories. I only gave you four, but as stories. I only gave you four, but as stories. I only gave you four, but as you can I think there needs to be almost you can I think there needs to be almost you can I think there needs to be almost a sympathy and and humility. Uh when we a sympathy and and humility. Uh when we a sympathy and and humility. Uh when we come across people who who are clearly come across people who who are clearly come across people who who are clearly following these things out in their following these things out in their following these things out in their lives, and you could probably think of lives, and you could probably think of lives, and you could probably think of maybe it's you, but maybe it's somebody maybe it's you, but maybe it's somebody maybe it's you, but maybe it's somebody a loved one that are living out these a loved one that are living out these a loved one that are living out these narratives. They're trying to make it, narratives. They're trying to make it, narratives. They're trying to make it, they're trying to uh succeed, whatever they're trying to uh succeed, whatever they're trying to uh succeed, whatever it is, and we need to say, "Okay, we I it is, and we need to say, "Okay, we I it is, and we need to say, "Okay, we I see where they're coming from." And like see where they're coming from." And like see where they're coming from." And like Paul, we need to enter into it. Paul, Paul, we need to enter into it. Paul, Paul, we need to enter into it. Paul, what did he do when he got to Mars Hill?

what did he do when he got to Mars Hill? what did he do when he got to Mars Hill? He looked around at the culture. He saw He looked around at the culture. He saw He looked around at the culture. He saw what the stories were. He saw one of the what the stories were. He saw one of the what the stories were. He saw one of the stories were multiple gods. He saw a god stories were multiple gods. He saw a god stories were multiple gods. He saw a god that had an unnamed It was an unnamed that had an unnamed It was an unnamed that had an unnamed It was an unnamed god. And he said, "Hey, let's talk about god. And he said, "Hey, let's talk about god. And he said, "Hey, let's talk about this." And he held it up and said, "Hey, this." And he held it up and said, "Hey, this." And he held it up and said, "Hey, I get it. This is good. You you I get it. This is good. You you I get it. This is good. You you identified a god that you don't quite identified a god that you don't quite identified a god that you don't quite know. I'm here to tell you who that know. I'm here to tell you who that know. I'm here to tell you who that person actually is." So, he goes into person actually is." So, he goes into person actually is." So, he goes into the culture. He affirms something about the culture. He affirms something about the culture. He affirms something about it and says, "Hey, I get it." He it and says, "Hey, I get it." He it and says, "Hey, I get it." He critiques the bad part about it and he critiques the bad part about it and he critiques the bad part about it and he points it off into Jesus, the true and points it off into Jesus, the true and points it off into Jesus, the true and better story. I think we need to do the better story. I think we need to do the better story. I think we need to do the same thing and proclaim the good news uh same thing and proclaim the good news uh same thing and proclaim the good news uh to see that because I believe all of our to see that because I believe all of our to see that because I believe all of our what's interesting about western what's interesting about western what's interesting about western cultural stories a lot of them actually cultural stories a lot of them actually cultural stories a lot of them actually have Judeo-Christian backgrounds and have Judeo-Christian backgrounds and have Judeo-Christian backgrounds and basis I think actually they started uh basis I think actually they started uh basis I think actually they started uh or we got them from the Christianity and or we got them from the Christianity and or we got them from the Christianity and yet we've now scrubbed them from key yet we've now scrubbed them from key yet we've now scrubbed them from key elements and that's why they're broken elements and that's why they're broken elements and that's why they're broken um and we must complete our our story um and we must complete our our story um and we must complete our our story into the better one. I'll give you one into the better one. I'll give you one into the better one. I'll give you one quick story. My father died a couple quick story. My father died a couple quick story. My father died a couple years ago. Um, but I was with him on the years ago. Um, but I was with him on the years ago. Um, but I was with him on the last night uh that uh he was cognizant.

last night uh that uh he was cognizant. last night uh that uh he was cognizant. And on that night, we were in the And on that night, we were in the And on that night, we were in the hospital. Um, we stayed up all night. He hospital. Um, we stayed up all night. He hospital. Um, we stayed up all night. He was in so much pain. That's why he was was in so much pain. That's why he was was in so much pain. That's why he was cognizant. Um, and all he wanted to do cognizant. Um, and all he wanted to do cognizant. Um, and all he wanted to do was pray and recite the Apostles's was pray and recite the Apostles's was pray and recite the Apostles's Creed, which I thought, okay, that's Creed, which I thought, okay, that's Creed, which I thought, okay, that's kind, that's nice. Um, and so we would kind, that's nice. Um, and so we would kind, that's nice. Um, and so we would pray and we would recite these things pray and we would recite these things pray and we would recite these things and and I I thought he was doing it and and I I thought he was doing it and and I I thought he was doing it because just to help distract him from because just to help distract him from because just to help distract him from the pain. the pain. the pain. It was only months later that I I had It was only months later that I I had It was only months later that I I had this epiphany as I was looking over his this epiphany as I was looking over his this epiphany as I was looking over his this this this material. There are stories contained in material. There are stories contained in material. There are stories contained in the in the in the apostles creed. There the in the in the apostles creed. There the in the in the apostles creed. There are stories contained are stories contained are stories contained inside the Lord's prayer. Our father, inside the Lord's prayer. Our father, inside the Lord's prayer. Our father, how beautiful is it that we are actually how beautiful is it that we are actually how beautiful is it that we are actually our community? There's there we are a a our community? There's there we are a a our community? There's there we are a a group of people on this together. group of people on this together. group of people on this together. Father, I have a true and better father. Father, I have a true and better father. Father, I have a true and better father. that I have one who actually loves me that I have one who actually loves me that I have one who actually loves me and cares for me and that I'm going to and cares for me and that I'm going to and cares for me and that I'm going to go to soon who art in heaven that go to soon who art in heaven that go to soon who art in heaven that there's a reality beyond this one. There there's a reality beyond this one. There there's a reality beyond this one. There are many pictures and stories that are are many pictures and stories that are are many pictures and stories that are already contained in a lot of the already contained in a lot of the already contained in a lot of the materials and things that we we say. And materials and things that we we say. And materials and things that we we say. And what my dad was doing I realized is he what my dad was doing I realized is he what my dad was doing I realized is he was preparing himself. He was putting was preparing himself. He was putting was preparing himself. He was putting his own story into the bigger story of his own story into the bigger story of his own story into the bigger story of Christianity. And he took great solace Christianity. And he took great solace Christianity. And he took great solace in that and great hope in that. I think in that and great hope in that. I think in that and great hope in that. I think we need to be able to we go to our our we need to be able to we go to our our we need to be able to we go to our our friends, our neighbors, and ourselves friends, our neighbors, and ourselves friends, our neighbors, and ourselves and say, "Man, we are so desperate for and say, "Man, we are so desperate for and say, "Man, we are so desperate for an identity." What identity is better an identity." What identity is better an identity." What identity is better than the identity of a of a son or than the identity of a of a son or than the identity of a of a son or daughter of of the most high God?

daughter of of the most high God? daughter of of the most high God? There's nothing more uh affirming and There's nothing more uh affirming and There's nothing more uh affirming and nothing more secure than that because nothing more secure than that because nothing more secure than that because now I have to decide, am I uh you know, now I have to decide, am I uh you know, now I have to decide, am I uh you know, am I uh peanut butter brownie uh you am I uh peanut butter brownie uh you am I uh peanut butter brownie uh you know, son of son of somebody or Yeah, know, son of son of somebody or Yeah, know, son of son of somebody or Yeah, that's great. You can be peanut butter that's great. You can be peanut butter that's great. You can be peanut butter brownie and work out, Michael. And brownie and work out, Michael. And brownie and work out, Michael. And doesn't matter. And somebody can yell at doesn't matter. And somebody can yell at doesn't matter. And somebody can yell at you and say, "I hate that you're peanut you and say, "I hate that you're peanut you and say, "I hate that you're peanut butter brownie, Mike." Okay, I'm still a butter brownie, Mike." Okay, I'm still a butter brownie, Mike." Okay, I'm still a son or daughter of the most high son or daughter of the most high son or daughter of the most high God. Your identity is not shaken. Your God. Your identity is not shaken. Your God. Your identity is not shaken. Your identity is cons is secure. How about uh identity is cons is secure. How about uh identity is cons is secure. How about uh freedom? You want freedom? It's not just freedom? You want freedom? It's not just freedom? You want freedom? It's not just freedom away, but when you realize that freedom away, but when you realize that freedom away, but when you realize that you're bound to Christ, this is why Paul you're bound to Christ, this is why Paul you're bound to Christ, this is why Paul in the Bible constantly talks about you in the Bible constantly talks about you in the Bible constantly talks about you being a servant of the Lord and uh being being a servant of the Lord and uh being being a servant of the Lord and uh being slaves to slaves to slaves to Christ. The reason why is when you're Christ. The reason why is when you're Christ. The reason why is when you're bound to him, then you're actually free bound to him, then you're actually free bound to him, then you're actually free to actually love and serve everybody to actually love and serve everybody to actually love and serve everybody else. You want happiness. There's no else. You want happiness. There's no else. You want happiness. There's no greater happiness found than in Jesus. greater happiness found than in Jesus. greater happiness found than in Jesus. You want power? What I love about Jesus You want power? What I love about Jesus You want power? What I love about Jesus and power is he doesn't deny it. He and power is he doesn't deny it. He and power is he doesn't deny it. He doesn't say there's no power. He also doesn't say there's no power. He also doesn't say there's no power. He also doesn't say, uh, I'm going to grab it doesn't say, uh, I'm going to grab it doesn't say, uh, I'm going to grab it all for myself. What does he do? He all for myself. What does he do? He all for myself. What does he do? He gives it gives it gives it away. John 13, right? In NIV, it says as away. John 13, right? In NIV, it says as away. John 13, right? In NIV, it says as he's contemplating all how all things he's contemplating all how all things he's contemplating all how all things have been given to him, all power, it have been given to him, all power, it have been given to him, all power, it says in the says in the says in the NIV, it says, "Then therefore, he gets NIV, it says, "Then therefore, he gets NIV, it says, "Then therefore, he gets up, goes down, and washes his disciples up, goes down, and washes his disciples up, goes down, and washes his disciples feet.

feet. feet. He serves. He takes his power and gives He serves. He takes his power and gives He serves. He takes his power and gives it away. Imagine if everybody here in it away. Imagine if everybody here in it away. Imagine if everybody here in the room, no matter how much power you the room, no matter how much power you the room, no matter how much power you have, you have a little power or more have, you have a little power or more have, you have a little power or more power, we were all giving it away and power, we were all giving it away and power, we were all giving it away and serving it and stewarding in the right serving it and stewarding in the right serving it and stewarding in the right way. That's the answer to way. That's the answer to way. That's the answer to power. So, there's a true and better power. So, there's a true and better power. So, there's a true and better story that we can actually find and we story that we can actually find and we story that we can actually find and we need to enter into. I think we have um need to enter into. I think we have um need to enter into. I think we have um and so I think that's the the the the and so I think that's the the the the and so I think that's the the the the next set of years. I don't know, you next set of years. I don't know, you next set of years. I don't know, you know, stories will change, but I think know, stories will change, but I think know, stories will change, but I think these are the stories that are around these are the stories that are around these are the stories that are around us. I think we need to become cognizant us. I think we need to become cognizant us. I think we need to become cognizant of them because when we're not of them because when we're not of them because when we're not uh we end up being blind to them. There uh we end up being blind to them. There uh we end up being blind to them. There are arguments I'm I'm part of uh you are arguments I'm I'm part of uh you are arguments I'm I'm part of uh you know I did my thm in apologetics. We can know I did my thm in apologetics. We can know I did my thm in apologetics. We can argue people all we want and we can win argue people all we want and we can win argue people all we want and we can win in presuppositional apologetics and in presuppositional apologetics and in presuppositional apologetics and logical things and people look at you logical things and people look at you logical things and people look at you and I this happened to me and they go and I this happened to me and they go and I this happened to me and they go that's nice for you. that's nice for you. that's nice for you. Cool. You can't argue anybody in the Cool. You can't argue anybody in the Cool. You can't argue anybody in the kingdom of heaven. I think that was C. kingdom of heaven. I think that was C. kingdom of heaven. I think that was C. Lewis right? But what you can do is you Lewis right? But what you can do is you Lewis right? But what you can do is you can say, you know what, there is a there can say, you know what, there is a there can say, you know what, there is a there is a is a is a better picture. There's a better story better picture. There's a better story better picture. There's a better story that actually fits your experiences that that actually fits your experiences that that actually fits your experiences that is offered out there that actually um is offered out there that actually um is offered out there that actually um that you can have that completes your that you can have that completes your that you can have that completes your story. Doesn't how cool would it be if story. Doesn't how cool would it be if story. Doesn't how cool would it be if and I think this is what Christianity and I think this is what Christianity and I think this is what Christianity does. It doesn't get rid of our our does. It doesn't get rid of our our does. It doesn't get rid of our our cultural narratives. It completes them cultural narratives. It completes them cultural narratives. It completes them and fixs them. Puts them back the way and fixs them. Puts them back the way and fixs them. Puts them back the way they're supposed to be. So I think they're supposed to be. So I think they're supposed to be. So I think that's the opportunity for us. But we that's the opportunity for us. But we that's the opportunity for us. But we have to start with ourselves. We have to have to start with ourselves. We have to have to start with ourselves. We have to inoculate ourselves and others. And then inoculate ourselves and others. And then inoculate ourselves and others. And then we need to figure out and spend time on we need to figure out and spend time on we need to figure out and spend time on telling what the better story might be telling what the better story might be telling what the better story might be of the gospel out in the world. We have

of the gospel out in the world. We have of the gospel out in the world. We have precisely 17 minutes to take some precisely 17 minutes to take some precisely 17 minutes to take some questions. Um and I'm going to call on questions. Um and I'm going to call on questions. Um and I'm going to call on you. I saw your hand first, second, and you. I saw your hand first, second, and you. I saw your hand first, second, and then more. Um but say your say your then more. Um but say your say your then more. Um but say your say your question. I'll try to restate it. So question. I'll try to restate it. So question. I'll try to restate it. So don't say it too long because I'm not don't say it too long because I'm not don't say it too long because I'm not going to be able to remember it all. But going to be able to remember it all. But going to be able to remember it all. But go for it. go for it. go for it. Go for it. Yes. Yes. Yeah. Yeah.

Yeah. So the question is is how do we become So the question is is how do we become So the question is is how do we become more aware? Paul tends to talk to but um more aware? Paul tends to talk to but um more aware? Paul tends to talk to but um and and critique and actually encourage and and critique and actually encourage and and critique and actually encourage and implore Christians to be careful and implore Christians to be careful and implore Christians to be careful about not having their own uh hearts about not having their own uh hearts about not having their own uh hearts captive to um there's powers and captive to um there's powers and captive to um there's powers and principalities but there's also these principalities but there's also these principalities but there's also these these cultural narratives these stories these cultural narratives these stories these cultural narratives these stories how do we actually help protect how do we actually help protect how do we actually help protect ourselves I mean I started with uh first ourselves I mean I started with uh first ourselves I mean I started with uh first identifying them and then um but I think identifying them and then um but I think identifying them and then um but I think we actually have to go further once you we actually have to go further once you we actually have to go further once you identify them some other things that you identify them some other things that you identify them some other things that you can do is actually ask yourself what can do is actually ask yourself what can do is actually ask yourself what part of the story moves me. Why does it part of the story moves me. Why does it part of the story moves me. Why does it move me? You almost have to move not move me? You almost have to move not move me? You almost have to move not just from the idea of it, but to the the just from the idea of it, but to the the just from the idea of it, but to the the emotional power of it. It reminds me of emotional power of it. It reminds me of emotional power of it. It reminds me of uh John Owen, right? In his um if you uh John Owen, right? In his um if you uh John Owen, right? In his um if you ever read Mortification of Sin, uh this ever read Mortification of Sin, uh this ever read Mortification of Sin, uh this idea of like you need to kill sin before idea of like you need to kill sin before idea of like you need to kill sin before it kills you. One of the things you need it kills you. One of the things you need it kills you. One of the things you need to do is find whatever that the to do is find whatever that the to do is find whatever that the attractiveness of it is and find out why attractiveness of it is and find out why attractiveness of it is and find out why it's so attractive to you and then come it's so attractive to you and then come it's so attractive to you and then come up with counter stories about why that up with counter stories about why that up with counter stories about why that actually doesn't work in the moment. You actually doesn't work in the moment. You actually doesn't work in the moment. You can do that from something as simple as can do that from something as simple as can do that from something as simple as pornography or you could do it as like pornography or you could do it as like pornography or you could do it as like so something when I say simple I mean so something when I say simple I mean so something when I say simple I mean concrete to something more wide ranging concrete to something more wide ranging concrete to something more wide ranging like the the the secular view of like the the the secular view of like the the the secular view of happiness. But you kind of almost have happiness. But you kind of almost have happiness. But you kind of almost have you're I think you're absolutely right.

you're I think you're absolutely right. you're I think you're absolutely right. We have to kind of take the idea and um We have to kind of take the idea and um We have to kind of take the idea and um and then not just find out what it is and then not just find out what it is and then not just find out what it is and know and identify it. We have to and know and identify it. We have to and know and identify it. We have to find out its emotional power in our find out its emotional power in our find out its emotional power in our particular life and and figure out why. particular life and and figure out why. particular life and and figure out why. I think that's what Paul's getting. I think that's what Paul's getting. I think that's what Paul's getting. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. What What What stories have we stopped? Right. Yeah. Maybe we can That's helpful. Yeah. Yeah. Maybe we can That's helpful. Yeah. So question was you talked about stories So question was you talked about stories So question was you talked about stories that we tell, but what stories might we that we tell, but what stories might we that we tell, but what stories might we have stopped telling that contributed to have stopped telling that contributed to have stopped telling that contributed to virtue and and meaning? That's great. virtue and and meaning? That's great. virtue and and meaning? That's great. And I I I'm glad you asked this question And I I I'm glad you asked this question And I I I'm glad you asked this question because we have to state something because we have to state something because we have to state something clearly. These are the stories our clearly. These are the stories our clearly. These are the stories our culture tells. The stories that were culture tells. The stories that were culture tells. The stories that were told in other cultures are fallen in a told in other cultures are fallen in a told in other cultures are fallen in a different way. They all have, see, this different way. They all have, see, this different way. They all have, see, this is what this is hard to hold together. is what this is hard to hold together. is what this is hard to hold together. But if Genesis 1 is true, that all But if Genesis 1 is true, that all But if Genesis 1 is true, that all things were created good. It really said things were created good. It really said things were created good. It really said all things. But Genesis 3, all things all things. But Genesis 3, all things all things. But Genesis 3, all things are fallen and broken. and we still live are fallen and broken. and we still live are fallen and broken. and we still live in that state of brokenness, then we we in that state of brokenness, then we we in that state of brokenness, then we we have to hold together this these twin have to hold together this these twin have to hold together this these twin concepts that I think often there are concepts that I think often there are concepts that I think often there are many powers and principalities in our many powers and principalities in our many powers and principalities in our culture that want us to say something's culture that want us to say something's culture that want us to say something's all good or all bad. But biblically, all good or all bad. But biblically, all good or all bad. But biblically, things are all are good but fallen. And things are all are good but fallen. And things are all are good but fallen. And actually, you could argue a lot of actually, you could argue a lot of actually, you could argue a lot of things out there are are good and things out there are are good and things out there are are good and pornography is sexuality that's good but pornography is sexuality that's good but pornography is sexuality that's good but fallen. I one time had a student when I fallen. I one time had a student when I fallen. I one time had a student when I said this to them, they're like, "Well, said this to them, they're like, "Well, said this to them, they're like, "Well, how about murder? You can't get that how about murder? You can't get that how about murder? You can't get that one." And I said, 'A actually murder is one." And I said, 'A actually murder is one." And I said, 'A actually murder is authority and agency that's good but authority and agency that's good but authority and agency that's good but fall on where I get to say how if you fall on where I get to say how if you fall on where I get to say how if you get to live or die and they're like dang

get to live or die and they're like dang get to live or die and they're like dang it. But it's an interesting idea like it. But it's an interesting idea like it. But it's an interesting idea like what the things that we identify as bad what the things that we identify as bad what the things that we identify as bad what what's the aspect that might have what what's the aspect that might have what what's the aspect that might have been in you know in the prefall uh Eden been in you know in the prefall uh Eden been in you know in the prefall uh Eden space because we know that that we're space because we know that that we're space because we know that that we're told biblically that's the way it was. told biblically that's the way it was. told biblically that's the way it was. So there I I do agree that in the past So there I I do agree that in the past So there I I do agree that in the past there were stories that were being told there were stories that were being told there were stories that were being told that were more virtuous. And so that were more virtuous. And so that were more virtuous. And so conservatives are right. There are conservatives are right. There are conservatives are right. There are things that we need to go back to that things that we need to go back to that things that we need to go back to that were good that we need to hold on to and were good that we need to hold on to and were good that we need to hold on to and that we shouldn't just get rid of. But that we shouldn't just get rid of. But that we shouldn't just get rid of. But not everything in the past was actually not everything in the past was actually not everything in the past was actually good because there's a lot of bad back good because there's a lot of bad back good because there's a lot of bad back there as well. Um and and it's a there as well. Um and and it's a there as well. Um and and it's a different type of bad. And to be really different type of bad. And to be really different type of bad. And to be really clear, people are like, "Well, are you clear, people are like, "Well, are you clear, people are like, "Well, are you saying they're all equally?" No, I'm not saying they're all equally?" No, I'm not saying they're all equally?" No, I'm not saying there's not there's not equal um saying there's not there's not equal um saying there's not there's not equal um uh you know, good and bad. There's there uh you know, good and bad. There's there uh you know, good and bad. There's there are some things that are worse than are some things that are worse than are some things that are worse than others. Murder is worse. But this is why others. Murder is worse. But this is why others. Murder is worse. But this is why people get stuck in biblically when people get stuck in biblically when people get stuck in biblically when Jesus says I tell you if you even think Jesus says I tell you if you even think Jesus says I tell you if you even think of the idea of murder, you know, you've of the idea of murder, you know, you've of the idea of murder, you know, you've sinned. But we'd all agree murder, sinned. But we'd all agree murder, sinned. But we'd all agree murder, actual murder is bad. So how do you hold actual murder is bad. So how do you hold actual murder is bad. So how do you hold those things together? I think we can those things together? I think we can those things together? I think we can say everything's good but fallen. Some say everything's good but fallen. Some say everything's good but fallen. Some things are are more good or less good.

things are are more good or less good. things are are more good or less good. uh in the past we there are there are uh in the past we there are there are uh in the past we there are there are aspects of those things I can't name off aspects of those things I can't name off aspects of those things I can't name off the top of my head but there are things the top of my head but there are things the top of my head but there are things that go into the in into other cultures that go into the in into other cultures that go into the in into other cultures into um in the past we can hold on to into um in the past we can hold on to into um in the past we can hold on to and there's also things that we can say and there's also things that we can say and there's also things that we can say hey that aspect of it was not good and hey that aspect of it was not good and hey that aspect of it was not good and so how do we fix that and work on that so how do we fix that and work on that so how do we fix that and work on that great great question a couple somebody great great question a couple somebody great great question a couple somebody in the back or hand right there go for in the back or hand right there go for in the back or hand right there go for it right so ood question is what is the right so ood question is what is the shelf life of cultural narratives and shelf life of cultural narratives and shelf life of cultural narratives and what are the stories that are coming? Um what are the stories that are coming? Um what are the stories that are coming? Um first of all that's those are great first of all that's those are great first of all that's those are great questions and and what I didn't say questions and and what I didn't say questions and and what I didn't say earlier I'm talking about broad uh earlier I'm talking about broad uh earlier I'm talking about broad uh western American cultural narratives. western American cultural narratives. western American cultural narratives. There are so many other ones. There's There are so many other ones. There's There are so many other ones. There's local ones. There's there's an uh local ones. There's there's an uh local ones. There's there's an uh Indianapolis cultural narrative or m Indianapolis cultural narrative or m Indianapolis cultural narrative or m multiple ones that are specific here multiple ones that are specific here multiple ones that are specific here that are not in New York. Um and there's that are not in New York. Um and there's that are not in New York. Um and there's layers. Now if good before you guys get layers. Now if good before you guys get layers. Now if good before you guys get the heart pitations like I have to the heart pitations like I have to the heart pitations like I have to understand all them. No, you don't. Cuz understand all them. No, you don't. Cuz understand all them. No, you don't. Cuz guess what? You're saved by grace. You guess what? You're saved by grace. You guess what? You're saved by grace. You don't have to know them all. You really don't have to know them all. You really don't have to know them all. You really don't. I think to be careful when you don't. I think to be careful when you don't. I think to be careful when you say, "Well, I don't have to know say, "Well, I don't have to know say, "Well, I don't have to know anything because I'm just saved by anything because I'm just saved by anything because I'm just saved by grace." No. The Lord wants you to to be grace." No. The Lord wants you to to be grace." No. The Lord wants you to to be curious about yourself and the world and curious about yourself and the world and curious about yourself and the world and others. And there's a space for that.

others. And there's a space for that. others. And there's a space for that. But no, you're not actually going to But no, you're not actually going to But no, you're not actually going to save anyone else by identifying all save anyone else by identifying all save anyone else by identifying all their cultural narratives. And you're their cultural narratives. And you're their cultural narratives. And you're not going to save yourself because not going to save yourself because not going to save yourself because you're always saved by grace. It's I you're always saved by grace. It's I you're always saved by grace. It's I think that needs to be stated. I'm glad think that needs to be stated. I'm glad think that needs to be stated. I'm glad you asked that question. I think you asked that question. I think you asked that question. I think different cultural narratives have different cultural narratives have different cultural narratives have different types of power. Um and the different types of power. Um and the different types of power. Um and the that that um hold um our imag collective that that um hold um our imag collective that that um hold um our imag collective imaginations. This is uh uh who is it? I imaginations. This is uh uh who is it? I imaginations. This is uh uh who is it? I think it's Thomas Chomers that talks think it's Thomas Chomers that talks think it's Thomas Chomers that talks about the only way that you're going to about the only way that you're going to about the only way that you're going to um you know to move the heart. It's the um you know to move the heart. It's the um you know to move the heart. It's the explosive power of a new affection. That explosive power of a new affection. That explosive power of a new affection. That something that's going to be true and something that's going to be true and something that's going to be true and lovely and beautiful to you can only be lovely and beautiful to you can only be lovely and beautiful to you can only be replaced by something more better that replaced by something more better that replaced by something more better that that you think is actually more true, that you think is actually more true, that you think is actually more true, more beautiful, more lovely. So if you more beautiful, more lovely. So if you more beautiful, more lovely. So if you have an idol, if you have a if you're have an idol, if you have a if you're have an idol, if you have a if you're that that you're falling after, how do that that you're falling after, how do that that you're falling after, how do you replace that? Uh is something better you replace that? Uh is something better you replace that? Uh is something better and more true and more beautiful? And and more true and more beautiful? And and more true and more beautiful? And and we would argue uh the gospel is and we would argue uh the gospel is and we would argue uh the gospel is there's there's nothing better. So it there's there's nothing better. So it there's there's nothing better. So it depends on how long um any particular depends on how long um any particular depends on how long um any particular narrative can hold weight. And I think narrative can hold weight. And I think narrative can hold weight. And I think it just depends uh when it comes it just depends uh when it comes it just depends uh when it comes depending on the is it local, is it depending on the is it local, is it depending on the is it local, is it national, is it whatnot. The ones that national, is it whatnot. The ones that national, is it whatnot. The ones that are coming things are speeding up are coming things are speeding up are coming things are speeding up because techn is speeding up. I don't because techn is speeding up. I don't because techn is speeding up. I don't know what that means. I do think that know what that means. I do think that know what that means. I do think that they're h they're moving faster. Um I they're h they're moving faster. Um I they're h they're moving faster. Um I also I think some of the reasons why in also I think some of the reasons why in also I think some of the reasons why in a lot of churches you're seeing a new a lot of churches you're seeing a new a lot of churches you're seeing a new increase of of interest in the Christian increase of of interest in the Christian increase of of interest in the Christian story is people are going hey these story is people are going hey these story is people are going hey these other stories aren't working for me as other stories aren't working for me as other stories aren't working for me as well. A lot of articles being written, well. A lot of articles being written, well. A lot of articles being written, hey people are coming back to the church hey people are coming back to the church hey people are coming back to the church but if you look closely people are but if you look closely people are but if you look closely people are coming back to religion because coming back to religion because coming back to religion because synagogues are up. Um uh a lot of other synagogues are up. Um uh a lot of other synagogues are up. Um uh a lot of other places are I mean people are just

places are I mean people are just places are I mean people are just interested of saying I need to find interested of saying I need to find interested of saying I need to find something different. So I think there's something different. So I think there's something different. So I think there's an opportunity of saying okay people are an opportunity of saying okay people are an opportunity of saying okay people are looking for better stories. How good are looking for better stories. How good are looking for better stories. How good are we at actually depicting that and part we at actually depicting that and part we at actually depicting that and part of that is actually understanding what of that is actually understanding what of that is actually understanding what the needs and um fears are of of the the needs and um fears are of of the the needs and um fears are of of the people in any particular culture and people in any particular culture and people in any particular culture and that's what's coming. I I I don't know that's what's coming. I I I don't know that's what's coming. I I I don't know if I'm perfect at that. Uh and I think if I'm perfect at that. Uh and I think if I'm perfect at that. Uh and I think that's the reason why we should say say that's the reason why we should say say that's the reason why we should say say be say being curious. I think we have be say being curious. I think we have be say being curious. I think we have time for a couple more questions right time for a couple more questions right time for a couple more questions right here. here. here. What are the three stories? Ah and then What are the three stories? Ah and then What are the three stories? Ah and then how do you go about identifying? Yeah. how do you go about identifying? Yeah. how do you go about identifying? Yeah. Yep. So there's a morality story that Yep. So there's a morality story that Yep. So there's a morality story that like basically uh the the story of like basically uh the the story of like basically uh the the story of morality is um how do I put it? That morality is um how do I put it? That morality is um how do I put it? That truth is relative but you need to do truth is relative but you need to do truth is relative but you need to do justice the way I want it and if I don't justice the way I want it and if I don't justice the way I want it and if I don't I'm going to cancel I'm going to cancel I'm going to cancel you. Um that there's a story out there. you. Um that there's a story out there. you. Um that there's a story out there. It's it's really fascinating. Basically It's it's really fascinating. Basically It's it's really fascinating. Basically says hey you do you. There's no such says hey you do you. There's no such says hey you do you. There's no such thing as as uh as truth. um which is thing as as uh as truth. um which is thing as as uh as truth. um which is actually really moral this is a moral actually really moral this is a moral actually really moral this is a moral story but you see it happen all online story but you see it happen all online story but you see it happen all online all the time but if you don't do it my all the time but if you don't do it my all the time but if you don't do it my way you're out there's there's no way you're out there's there's no way you're out there's there's no forgiveness no love there and and that forgiveness no love there and and that forgiveness no love there and and that that's another that's uh one of the that's another that's uh one of the that's another that's uh one of the stories another one is on science which stories another one is on science which stories another one is on science which basically says we can only know what basically says we can only know what basically says we can only know what science tells science tells science tells us the which is interesting because us the which is interesting because us the which is interesting because science can tell us what is it can't science can tell us what is it can't science can tell us what is it can't tell us what ought it can tell us that tell us what ought it can tell us that tell us what ought it can tell us that something you know something that is something you know something that is something you know something that is repeatable in a petri dish it doesn't repeatable in a petri dish it doesn't repeatable in a petri dish it doesn't tell us how functional but we have this tell us how functional but we have this tell us how functional but we have this view culture view culture view culture that if we just uh scientifically find

that if we just uh scientifically find that if we just uh scientifically find something just the right way, we'll be something just the right way, we'll be something just the right way, we'll be able to identify it. Yeah, you can able to identify it. Yeah, you can able to identify it. Yeah, you can identify it, but doesn't mean we know if identify it, but doesn't mean we know if identify it, but doesn't mean we know if we should do it or not. You know, this we should do it or not. You know, this we should do it or not. You know, this is if you watched the movie Oppenheimer, is if you watched the movie Oppenheimer, is if you watched the movie Oppenheimer, some of part of that movie was like, some of part of that movie was like, some of part of that movie was like, yeah, you can build the atom bomb, but yeah, you can build the atom bomb, but yeah, you can build the atom bomb, but should you? And then there was this should you? And then there was this should you? And then there was this whole moral question of, well, if we whole moral question of, well, if we whole moral question of, well, if we don't, somebody else will, so maybe we don't, somebody else will, so maybe we don't, somebody else will, so maybe we should do it first. And all those kind should do it first. And all those kind should do it first. And all those kind of questions that I think are still of questions that I think are still of questions that I think are still circling around for us. So there's is circling around for us. So there's is circling around for us. So there's is morality science um and I uh oh history morality science um and I uh oh history morality science um and I uh oh history progress there's this view that things progress there's this view that things progress there's this view that things are getting better that you know don't are getting better that you know don't are getting better that you know don't worry be on the right side of history if worry be on the right side of history if worry be on the right side of history if you actually look at past couple you actually look at past couple you actually look at past couple presidencies and look at that phrase be presidencies and look at that phrase be presidencies and look at that phrase be on the right side of history whether on the right side of history whether on the right side of history whether you're a Republican or Democrat they you're a Republican or Democrat they you're a Republican or Democrat they were all using that phrase but always were all using that phrase but always were all using that phrase but always almost always wielded for their you know almost always wielded for their you know almost always wielded for their you know side of of of the platform and there's side of of of the platform and there's side of of of the platform and there's this view that says hey think you know this view that says hey think you know this view that says hey think you know don't worry it's if you do the right, don't worry it's if you do the right, don't worry it's if you do the right, we're going in the right direction. we're going in the right direction. we're going in the right direction. Problem with that, of course, is there's Problem with that, of course, is there's Problem with that, of course, is there's a lot of things that are getting worse a lot of things that are getting worse a lot of things that are getting worse in culture. There are things getting in culture. There are things getting in culture. There are things getting better, there's also things getting better, there's also things getting better, there's also things getting worse. And how do we hold those things worse. And how do we hold those things worse. And how do we hold those things together? And uh what I find it together? And uh what I find it together? And uh what I find it fascinating is civilization's always fascinating is civilization's always fascinating is civilization's always seen history as cyclical. The only time seen history as cyclical. The only time seen history as cyclical. The only time it moved from pro from point A to point it moved from pro from point A to point it moved from pro from point A to point B was when Christianity showed up and B was when Christianity showed up and B was when Christianity showed up and said, "No, there's a said, "No, there's a said, "No, there's a direction." Our western culture has direction." Our western culture has direction." Our western culture has adopted that, but scrubbed away where it adopted that, but scrubbed away where it adopted that, but scrubbed away where it rooted itself in. So it's a good I rooted itself in. So it's a good I rooted itself in. So it's a good I actually progress is a good story. I actually progress is a good story. I actually progress is a good story. I think we are you know there is a there think we are you know there is a there think we are you know there is a there is is is a you know God's kingdom is coming.

a you know God's kingdom is coming. a you know God's kingdom is coming. There's also a lot of brokenness and There's also a lot of brokenness and There's also a lot of brokenness and hurt and reality but what are you rooted hurt and reality but what are you rooted hurt and reality but what are you rooted into? I think it's incomplete unless you into? I think it's incomplete unless you into? I think it's incomplete unless you you find its right place. Those are you find its right place. Those are you find its right place. Those are again those are the seven that I found again those are the seven that I found again those are the seven that I found in my my father's notes. Um but there's in my my father's notes. Um but there's in my my father's notes. Um but there's a again there's a lot more. actually he a again there's a lot more. actually he a again there's a lot more. actually he had a a sub one sex uh and sexuality had a a sub one sex uh and sexuality had a a sub one sex uh and sexuality that basically there's an there's a it that basically there's an there's a it that basically there's an there's a it was actually underneath identity and I was actually underneath identity and I was actually underneath identity and I don't know how to wield it yet but don't know how to wield it yet but don't know how to wield it yet but basically it there's an um a thing about basically it there's an um a thing about basically it there's an um a thing about like getting to do what you want like getting to do what you want like getting to do what you want wherever you want with your body and wherever you want with your body and wherever you want with your body and that there's a meaning that's found in that there's a meaning that's found in that there's a meaning that's found in that. I think that's one of those that that. I think that's one of those that that. I think that's one of those that I'm I'm seeing a lot less culturally I'm I'm seeing a lot less culturally I'm I'm seeing a lot less culturally excitement about that one and but it's excitement about that one and but it's excitement about that one and but it's interesting to see what's what's interesting to see what's what's interesting to see what's what's changing in that. It's good over here. Yeah. Um, great question. It's kind of I Yeah. Um, great question. It's kind of I used to work with college students for used to work with college students for used to work with college students for nine years and it it reminds me a lot of nine years and it it reminds me a lot of nine years and it it reminds me a lot of like, hey, I want to tell my roommate like, hey, I want to tell my roommate like, hey, I want to tell my roommate that they need to clean up their room, that they need to clean up their room, that they need to clean up their room, but I'm worried that they're going to but I'm worried that they're going to but I'm worried that they're going to yell at me if I do. And I always used to yell at me if I do. And I always used to yell at me if I do. And I always used to say, do you have the the depth of say, do you have the the depth of say, do you have the the depth of relationship where you can tell them relationship where you can tell them relationship where you can tell them something that's hard, but there's a something that's hard, but there's a something that's hard, but there's a trust that they know that even if they trust that they know that even if they trust that they know that even if they disagree with you that they know that disagree with you that they know that disagree with you that they know that you love them. I think in our world, we you love them. I think in our world, we you love them. I think in our world, we actually assume that we have the built actually assume that we have the built actually assume that we have the built that trust to be able to have that that trust to be able to have that that trust to be able to have that conversation. I think a lot of times we conversation. I think a lot of times we conversation. I think a lot of times we we don't. So, in an individual we don't. So, in an individual we don't. So, in an individual conversation, when you're saying, "I conversation, when you're saying, "I conversation, when you're saying, "I just want to know more about you. I want just want to know more about you. I want just want to know more about you. I want to hear more like where you're coming to hear more like where you're coming to hear more like where you're coming from and tell me about your story."

from and tell me about your story." from and tell me about your story." There has to be an assumed trust that There has to be an assumed trust that There has to be an assumed trust that that you're going to wield that story that you're going to wield that story that you're going to wield that story and be kind with it. Um, and yet doesn't and be kind with it. Um, and yet doesn't and be kind with it. Um, and yet doesn't mean you're not going to say something mean you're not going to say something mean you're not going to say something about it and say, "Well, that's about it and say, "Well, that's about it and say, "Well, that's interesting. Oh, that's kind of interesting. Oh, that's kind of interesting. Oh, that's kind of inconsistent. What does that look like? inconsistent. What does that look like? inconsistent. What does that look like? How do you get there?" And the hope How do you get there?" And the hope How do you get there?" And the hope would be there's enough relational trust would be there's enough relational trust would be there's enough relational trust that they say, "Well, what what about that they say, "Well, what what about that they say, "Well, what what about for you? Like, what why do you don't do for you? Like, what why do you don't do for you? Like, what why do you don't do it that way?" And and and then can kind it that way?" And and and then can kind it that way?" And and and then can kind of, you know, depict that and kind of of, you know, depict that and kind of of, you know, depict that and kind of weigh these different stories. But I weigh these different stories. But I weigh these different stories. But I think that's it's a lot harder to do it think that's it's a lot harder to do it think that's it's a lot harder to do it on a on a you know just send it out into on a on a you know just send it out into on a on a you know just send it out into the netherworld through and I think the netherworld through and I think the netherworld through and I think that's why a lot of critique and that's why a lot of critique and that's why a lot of critique and heartache actually happens is because we heartache actually happens is because we heartache actually happens is because we make assumptions that people will make assumptions that people will make assumptions that people will understand where we're coming from when understand where we're coming from when understand where we're coming from when they're not there. There's another hand they're not there. There's another hand they're not there. There's another hand right right over there too. Oh wow. Yeah. Oh wow. Yeah. So the question is is what cultural So the question is is what cultural So the question is is what cultural narrative is the church most guilty of narrative is the church most guilty of narrative is the church most guilty of maybe attaching itself to the this maybe attaching itself to the this maybe attaching itself to the this cultural narrative? I I to some degree cultural narrative? I I to some degree cultural narrative? I I to some degree I've actually thought about this that I've actually thought about this that I've actually thought about this that some degree a lot of almost all of them some degree a lot of almost all of them some degree a lot of almost all of them but like I think different church but like I think different church but like I think different church traditions traditions traditions uh attached to different ones. There's a uh attached to different ones. There's a uh attached to different ones. There's a you know the prosperity gospel is you know the prosperity gospel is you know the prosperity gospel is there's a tradition that says God wants there's a tradition that says God wants there's a tradition that says God wants you to be happy now. And I'm like, you you to be happy now. And I'm like, you you to be happy now. And I'm like, you know, Jesus was the one who loved God know, Jesus was the one who loved God know, Jesus was the one who loved God the most. He did not have a happy life, the most. He did not have a happy life, the most. He did not have a happy life, you know. So, I think that depending on you know. So, I think that depending on you know. So, I think that depending on this a great question to ask because you

this a great question to ask because you this a great question to ask because you almost kind of because what you're almost kind of because what you're almost kind of because what you're asking beneath that question is what's asking beneath that question is what's asking beneath that question is what's the cultural blinder that I don't even the cultural blinder that I don't even the cultural blinder that I don't even recognize is actually that bad because recognize is actually that bad because recognize is actually that bad because I'm just sort of in it and I'm I'm I'm I'm just sort of in it and I'm I'm I'm I'm just sort of in it and I'm I'm I'm soaking up that Kool-Aid. Didn't even soaking up that Kool-Aid. Didn't even soaking up that Kool-Aid. Didn't even know it. So, you kind of have to know it. So, you kind of have to know it. So, you kind of have to identify and look over those narratives identify and look over those narratives identify and look over those narratives of freedom, of of happiness, of of freedom, of of happiness, of of freedom, of of happiness, of identity. Um, again, I think I'm trying identity. Um, again, I think I'm trying identity. Um, again, I think I'm trying to be really careful here. This is a to be really careful here. This is a to be really careful here. This is a hard concept because you you're like, hard concept because you you're like, hard concept because you you're like, "Michael, just tell me. Is it all good "Michael, just tell me. Is it all good "Michael, just tell me. Is it all good or all bad?" I'm like, "I'm sorry. Every or all bad?" I'm like, "I'm sorry. Every or all bad?" I'm like, "I'm sorry. Every Genesis 1, Genesis 3, these are Genesis 1, Genesis 3, these are Genesis 1, Genesis 3, these are incomplete." And so, there's something incomplete." And so, there's something incomplete." And so, there's something we can enter, it's actually helpful we can enter, it's actually helpful we can enter, it's actually helpful because you can enter into it and say, because you can enter into it and say, because you can enter into it and say, "There's some aspects of this that's "There's some aspects of this that's "There's some aspects of this that's actually good, including our church actually good, including our church actually good, including our church tradition, but there's also a brokenness tradition, but there's also a brokenness tradition, but there's also a brokenness of it." The beauty of that I if if in an of it." The beauty of that I if if in an of it." The beauty of that I if if in an ideal world if we all actually had that ideal world if we all actually had that ideal world if we all actually had that framework that means we could hold as framework that means we could hold as framework that means we could hold as true and good a lot of our traditions true and good a lot of our traditions true and good a lot of our traditions and say we love this this is really and say we love this this is really and say we love this this is really great but we we're humble enough to know great but we we're humble enough to know great but we we're humble enough to know that we don't have all of it which then that we don't have all of it which then that we don't have all of it which then lets us be able to interact with people lets us be able to interact with people lets us be able to interact with people who might disagree with us and not take who might disagree with us and not take who might disagree with us and not take great offense about it because we're great offense about it because we're great offense about it because we're like we're not we you know I I I'm a like we're not we you know I I I'm a like we're not we you know I I I'm a Presbyterian. I hold my view. I think Presbyterian. I hold my view. I think Presbyterian. I hold my view. I think I'm right. I tell all my Baptist friends I'm right. I tell all my Baptist friends I'm right. I tell all my Baptist friends I'm more Baptist than you because I I'm more Baptist than you because I I'm more Baptist than you because I baptize not just adults but babies. They baptize not just adults but babies. They baptize not just adults but babies. They they don't think it's as funny, but I I they don't think it's as funny, but I I they don't think it's as funny, but I I I I do. Um but I think I think we were I I do. Um but I think I think we were I I do. Um but I think I think we were reading covenant, right? But we could be reading covenant, right? But we could be reading covenant, right? But we could be we could have it wrong. That's why I'm we could have it wrong. That's why I'm we could have it wrong. That's why I'm at Gospel Collition because I can be at Gospel Collition because I can be at Gospel Collition because I can be with people I don't necessarily agree with people I don't necessarily agree with people I don't necessarily agree with everything about, but hope they with everything about, but hope they with everything about, but hope they don't either. But that's we can still don't either. But that's we can still don't either. But that's we can still learn and grow from each other. And I learn and grow from each other. And I learn and grow from each other. And I think there's a level of space because I think there's a level of space because I think there's a level of space because I think we're right, but we might not think we're right, but we might not think we're right, but we might not because again, you're not saved by by because again, you're not saved by by because again, you're not saved by by having the perfect right doctrine.

having the perfect right doctrine. having the perfect right doctrine. You're saved by grace. So, I love that You're saved by grace. So, I love that You're saved by grace. So, I love that question about which which uh and I question about which which uh and I question about which which uh and I don't want to answer because I up here don't want to answer because I up here don't want to answer because I up here I'm going to be like this one's the I'm going to be like this one's the I'm going to be like this one's the Baptist problem, this one's the Anglican Baptist problem, this one's the Anglican Baptist problem, this one's the Anglican problem, this one's I don't know quite problem, this one's I don't know quite problem, this one's I don't know quite and and I think they actually all uh are and and I think they actually all uh are and and I think they actually all uh are around depending on your tradition. I around depending on your tradition. I around depending on your tradition. I think I have time for one more question think I have time for one more question think I have time for one more question front and center. Yeah. Question is some of the political Yeah. Question is some of the political stories and narratives come with some stories and narratives come with some stories and narratives come with some heat. That's that's an understatement. heat. That's that's an understatement. heat. That's that's an understatement. Um, and how do you manage and and Um, and how do you manage and and Um, and how do you manage and and navigate those? I would start with I'm navigate those? I would start with I'm navigate those? I would start with I'm not going to repeat myself. I would not going to repeat myself. I would not going to repeat myself. I would start with relationship like you have to start with relationship like you have to start with relationship like you have to have the in ideal world back in the day have the in ideal world back in the day have the in ideal world back in the day a lot of Democrats, Republicans went to a lot of Democrats, Republicans went to a lot of Democrats, Republicans went to the same bars and they they they were the same bars and they they they were the same bars and they they they were able to and actually there's studies on able to and actually there's studies on able to and actually there's studies on this. They actually literally did. Now this. They actually literally did. Now this. They actually literally did. Now we literally move to different parts of we literally move to different parts of we literally move to different parts of the country to find people who hold our the country to find people who hold our the country to find people who hold our literally our political view. So it literally our political view. So it literally our political view. So it makes it a lot harder because we're not makes it a lot harder because we're not makes it a lot harder because we're not talking to each other. But I think it it talking to each other. But I think it it talking to each other. But I think it it starts with um it's like any starts with um it's like any starts with um it's like any relationship you have to have deep relationship you have to have deep relationship you have to have deep emotional wealth and deep humility. And emotional wealth and deep humility. And emotional wealth and deep humility. And I think the gospel gives us that space I think the gospel gives us that space I think the gospel gives us that space because it the deep emotional wealth is because it the deep emotional wealth is because it the deep emotional wealth is you are loved enough that the son of God you are loved enough that the son of God you are loved enough that the son of God is willing to die for you. Deep humility is willing to die for you. Deep humility is willing to die for you. Deep humility that he had to die for you. If you can that he had to die for you. If you can that he had to die for you. If you can hold those two things together, that hold those two things together, that hold those two things together, that means you aren't so great that you're means you aren't so great that you're means you aren't so great that you're going to ever get a big head about it, going to ever get a big head about it, going to ever get a big head about it, but you're going to be you're never so but you're going to be you're never so but you're going to be you're never so fallen, so so marred that you don't fallen, so so marred that you don't fallen, so so marred that you don't realize that there's a goodness of God realize that there's a goodness of God realize that there's a goodness of God that that is in you. I love um Dr.

that that is in you. I love um Dr. that that is in you. I love um Dr. Piper's talk. Um, and yet what's amazing Piper's talk. Um, and yet what's amazing Piper's talk. Um, and yet what's amazing about our fallenness is that if we're about our fallenness is that if we're about our fallenness is that if we're made in God's image and God is is full made in God's image and God is is full made in God's image and God is is full beauty and love, then there's still an beauty and love, then there's still an beauty and love, then there's still an aspect of of divine love and beauty aspect of of divine love and beauty aspect of of divine love and beauty that's actually inside of us right now that's actually inside of us right now that's actually inside of us right now that is so beautiful and wonderful we that is so beautiful and wonderful we that is so beautiful and wonderful we don't even understand and see that lets don't even understand and see that lets don't even understand and see that lets us then say, I want to know more about us then say, I want to know more about us then say, I want to know more about that in that aspect of God in others that in that aspect of God in others that in that aspect of God in others because there are other images of God. I because there are other images of God. I because there are other images of God. I want to know more about my Democrat or want to know more about my Democrat or want to know more about my Democrat or my Republican or my independent because my Republican or my independent because my Republican or my independent because I want to be curious about that because I want to be curious about that because I want to be curious about that because there's something about that I'm there's something about that I'm there's something about that I'm probably missing that they see that I probably missing that they see that I probably missing that they see that I don't see. So that brings curiosity to don't see. So that brings curiosity to don't see. So that brings curiosity to you. But then there has to be some level you. But then there has to be some level you. But then there has to be some level of humility of I since I don't have it of humility of I since I don't have it of humility of I since I don't have it all together. You know, I I still let me all together. You know, I I still let me all together. You know, I I still let me be very clear. I'm not saying you can't be very clear. I'm not saying you can't be very clear. I'm not saying you can't think you're right. I do believe you think you're right. I do believe you think you're right. I do believe you have to like do your assessment and say have to like do your assessment and say have to like do your assessment and say I think this is the best way forward for I think this is the best way forward for I think this is the best way forward for for me, for the government, for my I'm for me, for the government, for my I'm for me, for the government, for my I'm not saying that. But I think you don't not saying that. But I think you don't not saying that. But I think you don't have to be a jerk about it. Um, and I have to be a jerk about it. Um, and I have to be a jerk about it. Um, and I think that's one of our struggle things think that's one of our struggle things think that's one of our struggle things that we have a struggle with. And I that we have a struggle with. And I that we have a struggle with. And I think the way that you can is is think the way that you can is is think the way that you can is is applying the gospel first for your life applying the gospel first for your life applying the gospel first for your life and then out into the world. We are and then out into the world. We are and then out into the world. We are precisely at 45 minutes. Um, I'm going precisely at 45 minutes. Um, I'm going precisely at 45 minutes. Um, I'm going to just close with a word of prayer if to just close with a word of prayer if to just close with a word of prayer if that's okay. Heavenly Father, thank you that's okay. Heavenly Father, thank you that's okay. Heavenly Father, thank you for the men and women here. Some of for the men and women here. Some of for the men and women here. Some of these concepts can be really heavy and these concepts can be really heavy and these concepts can be really heavy and big and and can be a little daunting. In big and and can be a little daunting. In big and and can be a little daunting. In one way, Father, these are stories.

one way, Father, these are stories. one way, Father, these are stories. These aren't uh these are all around us These aren't uh these are all around us These aren't uh these are all around us all the time. I just pray that we become all the time. I just pray that we become all the time. I just pray that we become uh students of of of of what's around uh students of of of of what's around uh students of of of of what's around us, Father. Um with a curiosity, us, Father. Um with a curiosity, us, Father. Um with a curiosity, whatever whatever capacity that we have whatever whatever capacity that we have whatever whatever capacity that we have because a we want to be in wonder of of because a we want to be in wonder of of because a we want to be in wonder of of how you made us and and how you built us how you made us and and how you built us how you made us and and how you built us and the beauty of it, but also not be so and the beauty of it, but also not be so and the beauty of it, but also not be so gullible or or so um uh naive that that gullible or or so um uh naive that that gullible or or so um uh naive that that there's not some deep sin and there's not some deep sin and there's not some deep sin and fallenness. If there's fallenness in fallenness. If there's fallenness in fallenness. If there's fallenness in individuals, there's fallenness in in individuals, there's fallenness in in individuals, there's fallenness in in cultures that are created by cultures that are created by cultures that are created by individuals. help us to be uh cognizant individuals. help us to be uh cognizant individuals. help us to be uh cognizant of that and able to handle it and then of that and able to handle it and then of that and able to handle it and then know that we're saved by grace so we're know that we're saved by grace so we're know that we're saved by grace so we're not afraid to that we have to just parse not afraid to that we have to just parse not afraid to that we have to just parse everything right but hopefully get to everything right but hopefully get to everything right but hopefully get to know these things to then apply and love know these things to then apply and love know these things to then apply and love and serve uh those around us um and serve uh those around us um and serve uh those around us um including uh uh those who don't know who including uh uh those who don't know who including uh uh those who don't know who you are help us to be um but eyes that you are help us to be um but eyes that you are help us to be um but eyes that that you that you the way that you see that you that you the way that you see that you that you the way that you see us help us to see others in the same us help us to see others in the same us help us to see others in the same view uh thank you for your word we pray view uh thank you for your word we pray view uh thank you for your word we pray the things in your name amen All the things in your name amen All the things in your name amen All [Music] right.

right. [Music]