The Good Citizen Podcast

In Esther 2, Xerxes returns from a disastrous Greek campaign and focuses on replacing his deposed queen. We are also introduced to Mordecai and Esther as well as the ugly reality of the harem system and the contest for the crown that Esther faced. Here, we find deep truths and difficult lessons about identity, purity, and our own resilience in the face of disaster. Big Idea for the Series: Once upon a time—and I mean in God’s perfect time—a Jewish orphan girl named Esther became a Persian Queen. But, as many of you know, this book is less fairy tale and much more mystery—a book full of lessons about the mysteries of divine calling, evil and justice, finding courage to stand for truth, and understanding God’s eternal purposes in history and in our story. Though her husband claimed the title “king of kings,” Esther’s ultimate allegiance lay elsewhere—to the high King of the universe. In that sense, here’s the story and the lessons we should learn from Esther: the King’s Queen. Outline: The Disaster The Cousins The Pageant The Plot Key Takeaways: The failure of the Persian invasion of Greece at Thermopylae, Salamis, and Plataea–and the impact of that failure on the story of Esther. Questions about Mordecai’s actions in this chapter. The ugly reality of the harem system and what Esther faced. Key lessons about identity, purity, and trust in the midst of disaster. Watch on YouTubeThe post #417 Esther: The King’s Queen, Chapter 2 first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

I often ask government officials this question: “What is the worst problem in your district/area of responsibility?” The answer is often the same and even phrased in the same way: “the breakdown of the family.” In this interview, Delano Squires explains this collapse of two-parents homes raising children in the United States; the profound impact of that collapse on education, income, and incarceration; and how we can strengthen this critical institution for America’s future by starting in our own homes, churches, and neighborhoods. In his upcoming book The Vanishing Black Family: How Welfare and Feminism Made Marriage Optional and Children Vulnerable (and in this discussion), Delano focuses first on family breakdown in the black community leading to almost 70 percent of black children being born to unmarried parents and close to half growing up without a father at home. He then applies the same creation order principles to all families and and critiques the cultural forces pushing away from children being raised in a loving home with a mom and a dad. Delano Squires is Director of the Richard and Helen DeVos Center for Human Flourishing at the Heritage Foundation, where he focuses on policies and social norms that promote marriage, fatherhood, and healthy families. Squires is the author of the forthcoming book The Vanishing Black Family: How Welfare and Feminism Made Marriage Optional and Children Vulnerable. His writings have been published by Newsweek, National Review, The American Conservative, The Federalist, The New York Post, World, The Institute for Family Studies, Black Enterprise, Blaze Media, Black and Married with Kids, The Root, and The Grio. Before joining Heritage, Squires worked for the District of Columbia government for more than a decade. During that time, he ran a citywide technology program for low-income residents and served in the city’s gun violence prevention office. Squires earned his bachelor of science degree in computer engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and a graduate degree in public policy from The George Washington University. He resides in Maryland with his wife and four children. Key Takeaways: The role of the church in the breakdown of the family and the resurgence of family values. The significance of the Moynihan report and Delano’s new book on the state of the black family in America. The impact of the welfare state and feminism in the disintegration of the family. The Greater Than Campaign. Practical suggestions for strengthening families and marriage in your zip code. Follow Delano on X. The post #416 How to Strengthen America’s Families with Delano Squires first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

Ideas that start in the ivory tower of America’s universities do not stay there; and higher education has fundamentally impacted our families, churches, and communities. And, as goes the American university (with 1 in 3 world leaders attending a U.S. school), so goes the world. In this interview with Dr. Corey Miller based on his new book, he explains the religious foundation of American higher education, the progressive revolution that ideologically captured those institutions, and why we should not give up on them. He explains a developing “third revolution” and practical steps church leaders and other committed Christians can take to impact the American university. Corey Miller, PhD, is the President/CEO of Ratio Christi (2015-Present). While he grew up in Utah as a seventh generation Mormon, he came to Christ in 1988. He has served on pastoral staff at four churches and has taught nearly 100 college courses in philosophy, theology, rhetoric, and comparative religions at various places (Purdue, Indiana University, Multnomah University and Ecola Bible College). From 2009-15 he served on staff with Cru’s Faculty Commons ministry at Purdue. He taught philosophy and comparative religions at Indiana University for 12 years. He is an accomplished author as well. Dr. Miller holds masters degrees in philosophy, biblical studies, and in philosophy of religion and ethics. His PhD is in philosophical theology from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. Key takeaways: Link to The Progressive Miseducation of America A link to Ratio Christi’s library of booklets and other resources on a range of relevant topics. An in-depth explanation of how American higher education went from Christian foundation to progressive bulwark. The developing “third revolution” on college campuses and how to encourage and participate in it. Practical ideas for arguing for Christianity’s goodness on and off campus. Click Here to Watch on YouTubeThe post #415 The Progressive Miseducation of America: Confronting the Cultural Revolution from the Classroom to Your Community with Dr. Corey Miller first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

Once upon a time—and I mean in God’s perfect time—a Jewish orphan girl named Esther became a Persian Queen. But, as many of you know, this book is less fairy tale and much more mystery—a book full of lessons about the mysteries of divine calling, evil and justice, finding courage to stand for truth, and understanding God’s eternal purposes in history and in our story. Though her husband claimed the title “king of kings,” Esther’s ultimate allegiance lay elsewhere—to the high King of the universe. In that sense, here’s the story and the lessons we should learn from Esther: the King’s Queen. Outline: The Book The King The Queen The Temper Key Takeaways: The size and scope of the Persian Empire. A sketch of how Daniel, Esther, Nehemiah, and Ezra fit on a timeline. The geopolitics of the time, including the pending Persian invasion of Greece by Xerxes. The story of Esther as set in God’s grand plan of redemption. Lessons about Providence and God’s rule and reign throughout history. Watch on YouTubeThe post #414 Esther: The King’s Queen, Chapter 1 first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

The definition of sex as binary–male and female–is a creation order issue (Gen. 1:26-27) and at the core of a number of current cultural and legal debates. This definition impacts sports, birth and medical records, medical treatment, placement in correctional facilities, our sense of self, and apologetics and disciple-making at home and in the local church (to name a few). And culture and especially the transgender movement has pushed for an understanding of sex as a subjective spectrum rather than the male/female binary. In this interview, Zachary Elliott from the Paradox Institute sets out the evidence in genetics and fetal development (as well as other fields) for the binary reality of sex; responds to common arguments for the sex spectrum and objections such as intersex conditions/Disorders of Sexual Development; and explains why accurately defining sex as binary is critical for the common good. Zachary A. Elliott is a science educator who has studied the biology of sex since 2017. Through his research of the scientific literature, he has authored four books on sex differences, combining rigorous research with accessible explanations for a general audience. His work has been informed through collaboration and consultation with medical doctors, biologists, and other experts in the field. Key Takeaways: How to accurately and concisely define sex in the midst of cultural confusion. How to respond to common objections, such as intersex conditions and Disorders of Sexual Development. Why we do not all “start as female.” The importance of this topic for apologetics and disciplemaking at home and in the local church. Binary: Debunking the Sex Spectrum Myth The Sex Development Handbook Paradox Institute YouTube Channel Watch on YouTubeThe post #413 Binary: Debunking the Sex Spectrum Myth with Zachary Elliott first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

What do you think about the future of the United States? Should we expect and just accept further division and decline? Can the United States remain, well, united amidst differing worldviews and visions for the future of the country? The national debt, the temperature of our political rhetoric, the departure from Biblical principles, the dysfunction of Washington, D.C, and the rise of geopolitical forces new and old are certainly cause for grave concern. And it is easy to grow discouraged about the direction of the country. But, there are still strong Biblical and practical reasons for us to re-invest in the American experiment. Here are four.The post #412 The American Future: 4 Reasons We Should Not Give Up on the American Experiment [Encore] first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

In our current political climate, patriotism is often treated with spiritual and secular suspicion. Especially as we mark America’s 250th birthday, is waving a flag or celebrating America’s rich spiritual heritage “political idolatry” or “Christian nationalism”? The short answer: no. Patriotism can and should be an expression of rightly ordered love and commitment to the place where God has placed us (Jer. 29). In this episode, Dan Darling joins me to discuss his timely book A Defense of Christian Patriotism and explain why love of country (i.e., place) is essential for the Christian. We discuss America’s founding principles, the necessity of telling the full story of America including here failures and triumphs, the importance of Christian civic engagement, and practical ways we can impact America’s future from our own back yards. Daniel Darling is an author, pastor and thought leader. He currently serves as the Director of The Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Assistant Professor of Faith and Culture at Texas Baptist College.  Dan has served in a variety of senior executive positions, including eight years as Vice President of Communications at the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, where he is now a research fellow. He has also pastored churches in Illinois and Tennessee. He is also a columnist for World and a contributor to USA Today.  Key takeaways/links: Link to In Defense of Christian Patriotism . Link to The Land Center for Cultural Engagement. Connect with Dan Darling on X. Click Here to Watch on YouTubeThe post #411 In Defense of Christian Patriotism with Daniel Darling first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

In this episode, I briefly address the disruption by protestors of a church service in Minneapolis, including the relevant legal protections for churches and some general guidelines on responding to protesters if they enter a sacred space. Then, I turn to five lessons for Christian citizens from the remarkable life of Frederick Douglass. He was a modern-day prophet who stirred the American conscience, decried the grave hypocrisy of the Christian church on the issue of slavery, and challenged and encouraged President Abraham Lincoln to lead the United States to abolish the institution. Douglass remains a key example to us as we work to fulfill the promise of the Declaration of Independence and build the society he envisioned but never experienced. Key Lessons: Biblical Christianity is the cure, not the cause. Prophets are important. Ground reform in creation order, not politics. Expect setbacks and snapbacks. Hope and work until the end. Link to Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom. Click Here to Watch on YouTubeThe post #410 5 Lessons from Frederick Douglass first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

In this episode, I share my thoughts on the ICE shooting last week with a focus on how to respond to the issue of immigration and law enforcement (and the response to ICE) moving forward. More specifically, I look at this event through the lens of tragedy, authority, ideology, and theology. Also, last year, I did a deep dive into what Scripture has to say about immigration, a history of U.S. immigration law, and how churches and ministries can both promote the rule of law and love their immigrant neighbors. I am replaying that review as this issue will (apparently) continue to impact ministries in 2026.The post #409 Thoughts on the ICE Shooting; the Church, Immigration, and ICE Raids first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

In this interview, Katy Faust, founder of Them Before Us, joins me to address one of the most pressing and misunderstood moral issues of our time: the rights of children—beginning with their right to be raised by their own mother and father whenever possible. Katy Faust is Founder and President of Them Before Us, a global movement defending children’s right to their mother and father. She publishes, speaks and testifies widely on why marriage and family are matters of justice for children. Her articles have appeared in Newsweek, USA Today, The Federalist, Public Discourse, WORLD Magazine, The Daily Signal, the Washington Examiner, the American Mind, and the American Conservative. She is on the advisory board for the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship. Katy helped design the teen edition of CanaVox which studies sex, marriage and relationships from a natural law perspective. Katy and co-author Stacy Manning detailed their philosophy of worldview transmission in their second book, Raising Conservative Kids in a Woke City.  She and her husband are raising their four children in Seattle. In this interview, Katy Faust draws from research, natural law, and a Biblical worldview to make the case that marriage and family are not social constructs designed to serve adult preferences; rather, they are child-centered institutions designed to promote human flourishing. We also explore how modern cultural narratives—often framed in the language of compassion and equality—have quietly displaced children from the center of cultural and policy considerations. The church has always been a pro-child champion; and it is time for the church to speak with courage and clarity on matters such as marriage, divorce, reproductive technologies, and surrogacy. Key Takeaways: Why children’s rights must come before adult desires. The unique and irreplaceable roles of mothers and fathers. A review of the church’s history as a pro-child champion. How the church can respond Biblically and compassionately. What faithfulness looks like when cultural pressure is high. Follow Katy Faust on X. Link to the Them Before Us Substack. Click Here to Watch on YouTubeThe post #408 Them Before Us: Defending the Right of Children to a Mom and Dad with Katy Faust first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

Every great story has a villain. And, I would argue, every great story has a great villain (in the sense that they are cunning, powerful and evil). The Christmas story is no different. We spend a lot of time talking about Mary and Joseph, the wise men, and the shepherds, but what about the villain–Herod? And did you know there are several Herods in the Bible and not just one? In this sermon, I reviewed the historical and Scriptural references to these “Christmas Villains” (the Herods), the key lessons from their lives and how they, in a counterintuitive way, point to the one, true King. Here’s a list of the important Herods: (1) Herod the Great was the key figure in the Christmas story that killed the babies in Bethlehem, (2) Herod Antipas was the son of Herod the Great that killed John the Baptist and earned a reprimand from Christ, (3) Herod Agrippa I was the grandson of Herod the Great that arrested Peter and was eaten of worms, and (4) Herod Agrippa II was the great-grandson of Herod the Great that conversed with Paul and almost became a Christian. Here’s a family tree: Here’s the Outline: The Monarch in the Manger The Fox and the Lion At Terms with the Worms The Gospel to the Great And some key takeaways: An explanation of the varying levels of government at the time of Christ. What Jesus meant when He called Herod Antipas a “fox.” The remarkable family history that both Paul and Agrippa knew during Paul’s sermon in Acts 26. This perspective completely changed the way I read that passage. Though the Herods were royally messed up, they weren’t the actual Christmas villains. I explain why. The post #407 The Christmas Villains [Encore] first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

2025 has been a somber year with a rise in politically motivated violence–including the public assassination of Charlie Kirk–and heightened tensions and conflict around the world. 2025 has also been an encouraging year with a comeback of creation order (i.e., women’s sports and the Skrmetti case allowing states to take cross-sex hormones and transition surgeries off the medical menu for minors), a renewed opportunity for and interest in church-state partnership, and the sparks of spiritual renewal. Here are five lessons from 2025. Key Sources/Interviews: Os Guinness – Our Civilizational Moment: The Waning of the West and the War of the Worlds Indiana State Comptroller Elise Nieshalla – The National Debt Crisis and How to Respond Birjan Crispin – Gen Z, Gen Alpha, and Christian Citizenship Tim Goeglein – Stumbling Toward Utopia: How the 1960s Turned Into a National Nightmare and How We Can Revive the American Dream Andrew Walker – What Do I Say When Pastors and Politics; Review of Key 2025 SCOTUS Decisions Pew – Religion Holds Stead in America National Debt Clock Click Here to Watch on YouTubeThe post #405 5 Lessons from 2025 first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

In this episode, I share seven key lessons I learned while completing a verse-by-verse study of the book of Acts. Also, Professor Sean O’Neill joins me for an interview-style discussion on the reliability of the book of Acts (and the New Testament generally), including the accuracy of official/government titles recounted by Luke; the interplay between Herod and Rome; Paul’s Roman citizenship, and the incredible details of Paul’s sea voyage in Acts 27. This Christmas (and all year round), we can be confident that our faith is rooted in real people and real places. And we can know that God‘s Word is a sure foundation for our lives and families. Big Idea for the Series: The early church carried the gospel throughout the known world in approximately 30 years and transformed an empire in 3 centuries. Now the church seems intimidated, uncertain amidst swift cultural changes. So, what did the early Christians, commanded by Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, do that we are not doing? Here are their Acts, and may they inspire our own. Here are some of Professor O’Neill’s credentials: Bachelors, University of Michigan; — Masters and PhD, University of Cincinnati – Bronze age archeology. Egypt. Teaching at Hanover College since 2011 in the Dept. of Classical Studies (focusing on the archaeology, language, literature, and history of the Ancient Mediterranean world). Published scholarship on topics ranging from the archaeological site of Troy to the art and archaeology of Ptolemaic and Roman Egypt. Ancient Language and Literature studies have included working on (and teaching) texts in Latin, Greek, Aramaic, Hebrew, Hieroglyphic Egyptian, and Demotic Egyptian. Can read and write 11 languages. Key Lessons: Christ is King. We have Holy Spirit Power. Don’t Do Ministry Alone. The Gospel is for All People. Expect Persecution. The Church is God’s Plan A. The Word does the Work. *Correction Notice: Professor O’Neill mentioned that detractors of the book of Acts hypothesize that the book was written in the 4th and early 5th centuries. He reached out to us later and asked us to included a correction: detractors of the book of Acts hypothesize that the book was written in the 3rd and early 4th centuries. Click Here to Watch on YouTubeThe post #405 Acts: Postscript – Key Lessons and Reliability with Professor Sean O’Neill first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

I recently spent a week in Israel on an incredible trip split between visiting Biblical/historical sites and understanding the geopolitical situation in the region post-Oct. 7th. In this episode, I share three key lessons from my time in the Holy Land. The video is linked below if interested in seeing the pictures and places I describe in this episode. A couple more detailed notes: First, a few reflections on the spiritual impact. I have studied the Bible most of my life. After touring so many Biblical sites over the last week, I have the sense that I have read the Bible in black-and-white but now see it in color. A few highlights: 1. Visiting the Garden Tomb and Golgotha was, of course, a powerful experience. As one of two sites believed to be the location of Christ’s tomb (the other is at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre; the Garden Tomb is favored by many Protestants/evangelicals), we observed communion, read Scripture, and sang hymns. He is risen! 2. Walking up the Pilgrim Road from the Pool of Siloam to the Temple Mount brings the Gospel and the book of Acts to life. Christ almost certainly walked up these same stones. Lost to history for almost 2,000 years, this road and the City of David is currently being excavated, and archaeologists found coins and a Roman sword still in its leather scabbard dating from the first Jewish revolt in AD 66-70. Website if interested: https://cityofdavid.org.il/…/5-things-to-know-about…/ 3. I just finished preaching through the trials of Paul in Caesarea toward the end of the book of Acts, and archeologists recently uncovered a cell in the palace that may have held Paul! There is also a stone commemorating Pilate’s renovation of the palace originally built by Herod the Great. Real people. Real places. 4. Visiting the House of Peter and the synagogue in Caperneum where Jesus taught as well as a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee were powerful moments. Concerning the geopolitical situation, I have always generally supported Israel. I do not read Gen. 12:2-3 as a requirement to endorse all actions of the Israeli government, but I do recognize Israel as a part of God’s ongoing plan in human history (see Rom. 11; “I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. ..God hath not cast away His people which he foreknew.”). This trip highlighted Israel’s determined and proportional efforts to defend its interests in the region and the importance of US support. A couple highlights: 1. Along with a few other pastors, I had an opportunity to connect with Ambassador Leiter (Israeli ambassador to the US). We even had an opportunity to pray with him–a powerful moment as he shared with us that a memorial for his son Moshe (killed in Gaza) would be held the next day. 2. Hearing testimony from released hostage Yair Horn was gutwrenching, as he shared his harrowing story of 498 days in Hamas captivity. Also, we heard a first-hand account of a resident of Netiv Ha’asara–one of the communities hit on Oct. 7th. She described how her close neighbors were murdered that day. The Nova festival site also echoed of the same hatred and butchery as the sites in Poland. 3. We visited the border with Gaza, West Bank, and Syria. I was aware of this before, but an IDF spokesperson explained in greater detail the necessity of an attorney to sign off on strikes on Hamas in Gaza and the routine humanitarian assistance supplied to Gaza but intercepted by Hamas. This trip also gave me great sympathy for the people of Gaza as Hamas refuses to hold elections; diverts aid to military use; places military infrastructure such as rocket launchers and tunnels in or around civilian buildings (including a Boy Scout building and near a hospital); and threatens civilians with injury or death if they leave buildings when notified by the IDF of military operations in the area. Praying that the current ceasefire in Gaza holds. 4. On a lighter note, Israel’s technological developments are remarkable–especially in the area of water technology. Israel’s desalinization plants now have the capacity to pump water back into the Sea of Galilee. And Israel has made the desert bloom. A memorable trip for so many reasons, and grateful to Christians United for Israel (CUFI) for the opportunity. Click Here to watch on YouTubeThe post #404 3 Lessons from the Holy Land first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

One of the greatest paradoxes in American life is a Thursday dedicated to quiet gratitude followed by a Friday dedicated to a frenzied pursuit of more. In the midst of a mental health crisis and a quickly changing world, Scripture calls us to an often forgotten, daily practice that demands attention more than one day a year. Here’s why gratitude is the secret ingredient to greatness and how to practice it in your life and sphere of influence. It’s not an option. It prevents Friday frenzy. It’s the secret sauce. It comes in daily doses. Key Takeaways: “The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts.  No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving.”  ~H.U. Westermayer Great question from Michael Hyatt, “What does this make possible?” Practical ideas for practicing gratitude. You learn what you need to learn and you change what you need to change to do what you want to do. Lessons from Victor Frankel, Corrie Ten Boom, and Winston Churchill. The post #403 Gratitude: The Secret Ingredient of Greatness [Encore] first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

I spent several days last week touring Holocaust sites in Poland with a group from Christians United for Israel. Especially since Oct. 7th and the concerning rise of antisemitism in the US, Holocaust sites such as Auschwitz are a somber and moving reminder of hatred and murder on an industrialized scale and the remarkable resilience of the Jewish people. Many are familiar with the scale of the Holocaust, and it is difficult to grasp the murder of 6 million human beings. A few specific stories helped highlight the deep evil and horror of what happened, including: -the graves of appr. 800 children in the Buczyna forest, dropped from truck beds (while alive) into a mass grave and killed with grenades and machine guns. This was in keeping with Hitler’s command to “take care of the children” first, and approximately 1.5 million of the victims of the Holocaust were children. a bathtub in a private bath built by a Nazi officer in the crematorium at the Majdanek death camp, meaning he heated his water with the flames fueled by the bodies of victims. allied troops finding 2 tons of human hair cut from victims for use in German industry, meaning the hair of at least 40,000 women. Some was still in braids in the display at Auschwitz. picture taken by the Germans at Birkenau to prove the efficiency of the “final solution”–showing confused children and concerned mothers with just minutes to live as they are unknowingly sent to the gas chambers. In the midst of this soul-wrenching evil, there were stories of incredible resilience: sewer drains in the Jewish cemetery in Warsaw used to smuggle food into and escape from the Warsaw Ghetto. Halina Barinbaum, a 13-year old girl firsr sent to Majdanek and then Auschwitz. Her mother, father, and brothers were all killed; but she survived, moved to Israel, married, and eventually returned to Majdanek to tell her story and find closure. a copy of the moonscape drawing of Peter Gentz, a 14-year old Holocaust victim, has now been carried twice into space. our guide was a relative of a Holocaust survivor, and he routinely guides Israeli army units in tours in Poland. The nation of Israel exists despite Hitler’s efforts. As Justice Jackson said so well in his opening statement at the Nuremberg trials, “The wrongs which we seek to condemn and punish have been so calculated, so malignant, and so devastating, that civilization cannot tolerate their being ignored, because it cannot survive their being repeated.”The post #402 3 Reflections after Visiting Auschwitz first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

Due to the breakdown of the family, tighter government budgets, and positive legal developments, the church currently has a unique if not a once-in-a-generation opportunity to impact their communities and point to Jesus. Will we seize the moment? In this sermon, I draw lessons from the partnership between Pharaoh and Joseph, unpack the  current opportunity before the church, and explain practical ways church leaders and other committed Christians can steward this “Joseph Moment” in their communities. Outline: Government is God’s Idea. God gave Joseph favor. Joseph had authority. God’s Glory and the Common Good. A Joseph Moment or a Moses Moment. Key Takeaways: Link to Good Citizen Project speaking page. Explanation of how churches can impact foster care. The county-based state transformation model. The church-led, state-based national transformation strategy. Knowing when and how to serve alongside government and when to confront government. How to steward our unique “Joseph Moment.” The post #401 A Joseph Moment: Lessons from an Ancient Partnership, the Church’s Current Opportunities and How to Steward the Moment first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

Here’s why and how churches should step up during the government shutdown. Yesterday, the administration announced that SNAP benefits will be partially funded as the government shutdown continues (though there is some speculation the shutdown could end as early as tomorrow after the election). Many churches have stepped up efforts to supply food pantries and connect with their communities during this uncertainty. As with any ministry and opportunity, it is important to ask: are these efforts simply meeting an immediate need (which is certainly important short-term) or are they part of a broader, effective community hub strategy that leads to evangelistic conversations and life transformation? In this conversation with Merlin Gonzales from Faith, Hope, and Love, Merlin shares his story and explains how to effectively serve our neighbors’ spiritual and physical needs.The post #400 How to Turn a Food Pantry into a Community Hub with Merlin Gonzales [Encore] first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

In Acts 28, Paul survives a snake bite, meets believers already in Rome, and marches into the imperial city in chains–but on mission. Here, the narrative of the book of Acts closes with Paul preaching the kingdom of God boldly in the center of Roman power and authority. What happened to his trial? Where did he go after his release? How did his journey end? In this sermon, I conclude our verse-by-verse study of this remarkable book, do my best to trace Paul’s “4th Missionary Journey,” and share the book’s anything-but-anticlimactic ending and encouragement to all believers. Big Idea: The early church carried the gospel throughout the known world in approximately 30 years and transformed an empire in 3 centuries. Now the church seems intimidated, uncertain amidst swift cultural changes. So, what did the early Christians, commanded by Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, do that we are not doing? Here are their Acts, and may they inspire our own. Hospitable Barbarians The Hope of Israel Chained Guards The 4th Missionary Journey Key Takeaways: The importance of Christian hospitality. How the work of the Holy Spirit outpaced Paul. The population and power of Rome when Paul entered the city. How the kingdom of God subverted Roman authority and eventually transformed the empire. A recounting of Paul’s final journey and death by execution. The anything-but-anticlimactic ending of the book of Acts. The post #399 Acts 28 first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

Dr. Wayne Grudem is a theologian and prolific writer perhaps best known for his book Systematic Theology and his work on Christian ethics. But he also wrote Politics According to the Bible, a more than 600-page comprehensive resource on the application of faith in public life. I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Grudem about Christian citizenship and the future of the American republic in 2022 before he retired from his public speaking ministry, and recent events brought this interview back to mind. I have noticed a scarcity of Biblical resources for discipleship in the area of citizenship, and this book and discussion are an important and comprehensive guide to the political arena according to a Biblical worldview. Dr. Wayne Grudem is Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies at Phoenix Seminary in Arizona. He is a graduate of Harvard (BA), Westminster Seminary-Philadelphia (MDiv, DD), and the University of Cambridge (PhD). He has served as the president of the Evangelical Theological Society (1999). He has written more than 20 books, including Systematic Theology, The Gift of Prophecy in the New Testament and Today, Business for the Glory of God, Politics According to the Bible, and (with Barry Asmus) The Poverty of Nations: A Sustainable Solution. He also co-edited (with John Piper) Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. Key Takeaways: Why Dr. Grudem wrote Politics According to the Bible and the importance of preaching the whole counsel of God. Why the “Do evangelism, not politics” approach and the “Do politics, not evangelism” approach both fall short of the Biblical vision for citizenship. Why Christians should seek to have significant influence on government. His thoughts on the greatest success of Christian political engagement over the last 40 years. His response to this question: “What purpose do you think God has for the United States in this century?” A remarkable list of reasons why American Christians should work to renew and steward the American republic in this century. How he has written a remarkable body of work in his life and continues to do so. His encouragement to the American church in quickly changing times. The post #398 Politics According to the Bible with Dr. Wayne Grudem [Encore] first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.