The Good Citizen Podcast

Religious freedom is a cherished American principle and a key distinctive of ours on the world stage. But, can we concisely and accurately define it? And what Biblical principles support this free exercise of religion? Further, what is the latest in religious liberty cases? In this episode, I walk through the Biblical origin of this principle, the fascinating history of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the current state of religious freedom, and how and why we should champion this principle in our zip code and for the next generation. Key takeaways: Working definition:  the right to believe and live out one’s deeply held convictions without fear of coercion or mistreatment by the government. Pastor John Leland: “…Government should protect every man in thinking and speaking freely, and see that one does not abuse another. The liberty I contend for is more than toleration. The very idea of toleration is despicable; it supposes that some have a pre-eminence above the rest to grant indulgence, whereas all should be equally free, Jews, Turks [Muslims], Pagans and Christians.” Current developments in religious liberty cases. The 2025 Report of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom. A strategy for all Christians to champion religious freedom for the next generation. The best way to defend religious freedom is to use it. The post #372 Religious Liberty: The Cornerstone of a Free Society first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

Christian schools are often on the front lines of cultural and legal developments, and the legal standards that impact these institutions generally impact churches and homeschooling as well. In this episode, I review recent recent legal and cultural developments and explain proactive steps Christian schools can take to build and maintain strong legal protections. Key Legal Issues: Legal Foundation Employment Admissions and Discipline Accreditation and Tax Exemption The Christian School and Immigration Disclaimer: This presentation is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is given with the understanding that the presenter is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.The post #371 Legal Challenges in Christian Education first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

2025 promises to be a year of significant social and political change that will impact American faith and culture. The Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, led by Dr. George Barna, recently reviewed its vault of data and compiled several key trends that church leaders and other committed Christians should be aware of as they impact their communities in 2025. In this interview, Dr. Adam Rasmussen, a Fellow at the Cultural Research Center, walks through these trends and explores how ministries can effectively navigate them in 2025. Dr. Adam Rasmussen guides students to flourish under the Lordship of Christ in all of life as they make important connections between faith, reason, and culture. In his courses, students learn how to develop their own moral philosophy, so they are inspired to implement significant change in their sphere of influence. They are encouraged to “transform culture with truth”. Adam brings 25 years of experience in Christian education to his role at Arizona Christian University where he joyfully serves as the Associate Professor of Humanities and a Fellow at the Cultural Research Center. Likely Religious Trends: Reshaping God to our Liking The Syncretism Train Keeps Rolling Discipleship Drops off the Radar Organized Christianity Takes a Hit Signs of Backbone Likely Cultural Trends: Rethinking College Education Mental Health Issues Escalate Reinventing the Senior Life Altering the Political Conversation Public Schools Will Suffer Reimagining the Family Reconfiguring the Media Universe Link to the full report.The post #370 Key Trends that Will Impact Faith and Culture in 2025 with Dr. Adam Rasmussen first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

Parents, not the state, have the responsibility to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4). And the Supreme Court has recognized parental rights as the oldest of the “fundamental liberty interests.” Troxel v. Granville. Despite this status as a fundamental right, parental rights have often been disregarded in recent years; and Christian organizations are pushing back to protect parents. Here is the latest on those efforts in Indiana and how you can impact the issue of parental rights in your state. Links: Former episode with Craig Deroche – Highly Functional: A Collision of Addiction, Justice, and Grace. Link to the video of this interview on the Family Police Alliance YouTube channel. Link to Family Policy Alliance and Craig’s bio. The post #369 The Latest on Protecting Parental Rights with Craig Deroche first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

How one views the end of the world (often referred to as eschatology) profoundly impacts the here and now. In this episode, I walk through four primary Christian views of the end of the world and how these views can impact our citizenship in the present. Premillenialism Postmillenialism Amillenialism Preterism Key Takeaways: The troubling story of the Munster rebellion. An explanation of the basics and timelines of these views. The remarkable resource that is Revelation 21-22. The post #368 How Views on the End Times Impact Christian Citizenship first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

Due to a quickly changing culture, many American Christians are facing increasing tensions between their faith and legal requirements at school and work, in the public square, and even in our homes and ministries. In my experience, analyzing a question and developing a plan or procedure prior to a crisis is the best approach. So, according to Scripture, is it appropriate for a Christian to practice civil disobedience? If so, what are the practical steps for working through a conflict between Biblical commands and government mandates and even engaging in civil disobedience? Here are some thoughts on when and how to say a “holy no.” Key Principles Our default position is submission. Obedience to God may mean disobedience to government. Disobey in the right way. Key Steps: Review Scripture and determine if the law or mandate clearly violates the text of Scripture or a careful application of Biblical principles. (If the answer to Step 1 is yes) Request an accommodation for your beliefs through meetings, public statements, and even litigation. (If Step 2 fails) Respectfully disobey with a goal of accommodation or change. Takeaways: “I don’t like it” is insufficient for civil disobedience. Biblical and historical examples of Christian civil disobedience. Reflections on the church’s response to the 2020 COVID lockdowns. The Nuremberg trials as a reminder of the importance of civil disobedience and a higher law. For American Christians, the refusal to follow an arguably unconstitutional law can be an appeal to a higher law. When Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery bus, she did so in violation of a local ordinance but in furtherance of constitutional rights. That said, you the person does not equal we the people (explained further in the episode). How these Biblical principles push back on anarchy and totalitarianism. The post #368 A Holy No: The Christian and Civil Disobedience [Revisited] first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

How did the Apostle Paul discern God’s will and push forward despite opposition? And did the Apostle Paul go against the leading of the Holy Spirit? How did the early church display such amazing forgiveness of past wrongs and navigate deep difference? And how did Paul persist in the face of certain imprisonment and even death? All of that and more in Acts Chapter 21. Big Idea for the Series: The early church carried the gospel throughout the known world in approximately 30 years and transformed an empire in 3 centuries. Now the church seems intimidated, uncertain amidst swift cultural changes. So, what did the early Christians, commanded by Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, do that we are not doing? Here are their Acts, and may they inspire our own. Outline: Paul’s GPS Jerusalem! The Riot! Key Takeaways: How the Apostle Paul interpreted God’s will for his life and how he responded to clear warnings of imprisonment at Jerusalem. Paul’s dual role and how he used his citizenship and knowledge of various cultures to further the gospel. The heartbreaking formal and final rejection of the Jewish leaders and the mob at the temple. Calling, not comfort, is our compass. The post #367 Acts 21 first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

In contrast to our increasingly plural (many religions and ideologies) society’s claim that all roads lead to Heaven, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6). Many insist that this exclusive claim about truth and salvation is prideful and leads to mistreatment of others in a diverse society. But that is incorrect, as shown by Scripture and a deeper review of the arguments concerning ultimate truth and human societies. Here is why Christ’s exclusive claim is exactly what we and our culture need right now. Outline: 1. Everyone makes exclusive claims. 2. Exclusive claims cannot all be true. 3. Christ’s exclusive claim is exactly what we need. Key Takeaways: America’s favorite color. Our troubling inability to condemn evil. The actual meaning of coexist bumper stickers. We need ultimate moral values, i.e. murder is wrong. We also need a check on the pride and lust for power in the human heart. Why the cross provides both and is exactly what our society needs right now. For more on this topic, consider Josh’s book Persuasion Points: Practical Responses to Culture’s Toughest Questions. The post #366 Why Christ’s Exclusive Claim is Exactly What Our Society Needs Right Now [Encore] first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

Conflict is a part of life and especially church life. But, in my experience as a former pastor’s kid, a church leader and an attorney, Christians are spectacularly bad at handling conflict. If we are going to significantly impact our communities, we will have to first overcome the obstacle of unhealthy church conflict. Stated differently, conflict is inevitable; and healthy conflict is invaluable. So, how should we go about it. Should we declare an end to all conflict? No. The goal is not to eradicate conflict. Rather, the goal is to have healthy conflict–to have good fights that are constructive rather than destructive. But how? Here are four thoughts about conflict: Conflict is a problem Conflict isn’t the problem Conflict can become constructive Conflict resolution should be a part of the Church’s public witness Here are the four steps to having good fights Identify the source and not just the symptom of the conflict. Engage the conflict with grace and strength. Resolve the conflict with the ultimate goal of renewed unity and outward focus Give people bigger problems! The conflict resolution tool I am most familiar with is the broom–for sweeping issues under the rug. No more! It’s time to have good fights! What are your thoughts on having good fights? Do you have specific examples of how you or your church has successfully navigating a contentious issue or a season of conflict? Let us know by commenting or sending us an email at info@theboldchurch.com.The post #365 How to Have Good Fights first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

A number of people have fallen asleep during my preaching; and, in fact, it may be a great cure for insomnia. But I can definitely say that noone has died during one of my sermons. Not so the Apostle Paul. In Acts 20, Paul concludes his third missionary journey by returning to Macedonia and Greece, preaching in Troas and raising Eutychus from the dead, and giving a profound and moving farewell to the Elders at the church in Ephesus. There is much to learn here about the early church’s hunger for the Scriptures, Paul’s manner of ministry, and his focus on leaving a gospel legacy in the churches he planted. Big Idea for the Series: The early church carried the gospel throughout the known world in approximately 30 years and transformed an empire in 3 centuries. Now the church seems intimidated, uncertain amidst swift cultural changes. So, what did the early Christians, commanded by Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, do that we are not doing? Here are their Acts, and may they inspire our own. Outline: The Gospel Group Project A Deadly Sermon A Tearful Farewell Lessons/Takeaways: Find fellowship. Feed your soul. Fix your following. How will you write your farewell? The post #364 Acts 20 first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.