There are 235 million people who identify as Christian in the United States alone. And yet, while many claim the label, not everyone lives the life. Too often Christianity gets used to defend things Jesus would have challenged—or even to justify hate in his name. In this series, we’re going to reclaim the narrative and get back to the heart of what it means to be Christian and live a life of faith.

Over the next few weeks, we are going to talk about this problem. Specifically, I want to talk about the biggest ways in which Jesus’ name is being distorted and his message is being misrepresented by those who claim to speak for him. As we do that, I want to instead teach and remind us of what Jesus actually said, what he actually stands for, what he actually commands us to do.

But today I want to start with the overarching problem, because while it is bad right now, people misrepresenting God is not new. In fact Jesus dealt with it in his earthly ministry. And there is comfort in knowing that just as I am angry. And some of you are angry. JESUS is also angry about those who misrepresent him.