The Good Citizen Podcast

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.

The Texas Capitol is 14.64 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol because, well, of course it is. And this is one more piece of evidence that (say it with me) everything is bigger in Texas. I recently attended a Pastors’ Day at the Texas statehouse organized by the Church Ambassador Network of Texas, and I was blessed to see all that God is doing in the Lone Star State. In this episode, Bryan English (Executive Director of CAN in Texas) explains his unique call into ministry, explores the challenges and opportunities in Texas, and gives the highlights and lessons from recent ministry successes that can be applied in your city and state. Bryan English brings a diverse ministry background to his role as Executive Director of the Church Ambassador Network of Texas that includes pastoral ministry, non-profit work, and campaign experience. In addition to serving as a pastor, Bryan was previously on staff with the Iowa Family Policy Center (now the Family Leader,) worked as a Congressional staffer, and has led or worked on local, state, and federal campaigns. Bryan and his wife live in Sugar Land, TX. They are the parents of three adult sons and a daughter-in-law. Key Takeaways/Links: More information about the Church Ambassador Network of Texas. Videos and photos from the recent Pastors’ Day at the Texas statehouse. Link to the team and a graphic showing the sheer scale of covering the entire state. Bio page for Texas Chief Justice Blackrock. Link to Texas Health and Human Services. The post #363 Public Square Ministry in Texas with Bryan English first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

Over the last week, I have received a number of questions about the church’s role concerning immigration and how to love and serve our neighbors well while also complying with the law. More specifically, a number of churches have reported that significant numbers of immigrants (even those with legal status such as asylum or refugee status) are not coming to church out of fear or concern about changing standards. And, I have received questions about how to respond if ICE agents show up to a church or Christian school. In this episode, I cover these questions and review Biblical and legal standards. Key points concerning the church and immigration: Scripture speaks clearly but in tension. U.S. immigration laws are complex, inconsistently enforced, and in desperate need of reform. Thoughts on how to follow the law and love and serve your immigrant neighbors well right now. The post #362 The Church, Immigration, Ordered Loves, and ICE Raids first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

There has been much talk lately about a new American Golden Age, and I certainly pray for the peace and prosperity of the United States and hope her best days are ahead of her (Jer. 29). Though a Golden Age is not guaranteed, I am confident that 2025 is a golden opportunity to redouble our efforts to engage government and create meaningful reforms that honor God and our good for our neighbors. Here are four reasons why: Creation Order is creating change. States are driving the change in status quo. Executive Orders and even Congress will not reorder culture. The Church has an open door to speak up and serve well. Key Takeaways and links: Link to Executive Order: “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.” Link to Executive Order: “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation.” Link to Executive Order: “Enforcing the Hyde Amendment.” Link to Executive Order: “Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship.” The post #361 A Golden Opportunity: 4 Reasons We Should Redouble our Efforts to Renew America Right Now first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.