Today we talk with Pastor Bill Shishko about an important book that is written by Stephen O. Presley. The title is
Cultural Sanctification: Engaging the World like the Early Church. Amazon says this about the book:
"How to keep faith in a culture hostile to Christianity




In an increasingly secular world, Christians are often pulled in two directions. Some urge us to retreat and build insular communities. Others call upon us to wage a culture war, harnessing the government to shore up Christian cultural power.





But there is another way—and it's as old as the church itself. Stephen O. Presley takes us back to the first few centuries AD to show us how the first Christians approached cultural engagement. Amid a pagan culture that regarded their faith with suspicion, early Christians founded a religious movement that transformed the ancient world. Looking to great theologians like Augustine, Origen, and Tertullian, Presley shows how the early church approached politics, family, public life, and more. From these examples, he draws lessons for practicing authentic, pious discernment in how we engage with the wider culture.





The Christians who came before us endured persecution to share a vision of human flourishing that changed the world. Following in their footsteps, we can sanctify our society through social witness. Readers anxious about shifting cultural tides will be left with hope in the already-present kingdom of God and the promised resurrection."

We talk with our pastor friend as he discusses the first 400 years of the world after the ascension of Christ. This is the time of the Roman Empire.
How is it that so much headway was made in these early years? We discuss that. The Christians were accused of turning the world upside down. In fact they turned it right side up! The early church showed a radical commitment to the kingship of Christ. The book points out five elements of the life of Christians. These are: Identity, Citizenship, Intellectual Life, Public Life, and Hope. Participants: Pastor Bill Shishko, Dan Elmendorf