KNEO Podcast

Forty million people live in slavery today, yet many pulpits are quiet where they were once loudest. We revisit a forgotten tradition of courageous preaching that confronted unjust laws, trained citizens to think biblically about public life, and helped turn spiritual conviction into cultural reform. From biblical prohibitions against “man stealing” to the explosive pushback against the 1850 Fugitive Slave Law, we explore why past pastors urged civil disobedience when policy defied conscience—and why that courage matters now.

We walk through the practical legacy of the Pilgrims—elective government, purchased property instead of seizure, early education statutes, and due process reforms that shortened witch trials—showing how Scripture can shape fair, durable policy. Then we widen the lens to Genesis’s three institutions: family, civil government, and congregational worship. If laws shape culture more than programs do, a private faith that never engages public life leaves families, schools, and communities exposed. That’s how you get revivals without reform and inspired hearts swimming in hostile waters.

History gives a roadmap. George Whitefield’s “Father Abraham” sermon cut through tribal labels and helped the First Continental Congress choose unity over sectarian rivalry, opening the door to joint prayer and shared purpose. Charles Finney later insisted that politics is part of religion in a self-governing nation and called believers to oppose evil laws in tangible ways, not just with words. We bring those lessons forward for pastors, legislators, and citizens: choose a great awakening over a momentary revival, translate conviction into policy, and build a culture that guards human dignity, strengthens families, and restrains injustice.

If this conversation sparks you to act, subscribe for more, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review to help others find it. Then tell us: where will you take courageous, constructive action this week?

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When people write about us, they usually describe us like this: “a Christian ministry that believes dinosaurs lived alongside humans.” They always mention dinosaurs!

In their worldview, there’s no way humans and dinosaurs lived together since dinosaurs are thought to have died out millions of years before we came along.

But it’s becoming increasingly common to find soft tissue in dinosaur fossils. Things like blood vessels, proteins, and collagen have been found in a variety of fossils thought to be millions of years old. That’s a problem for those who believe in millions of years—you see, it just doesn’t last that long!

Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage: Psalm 119:9

It seems as though the chaos of this world is ever-increasing, day after day; when taking a closer look, the primary problem is the thoughts of man.

We’ve seen this before in Scripture. Just before the Great Flood in Genesis, the thoughts of men’s hearts were shockingly wicked before the Lord. This is not a new problem, although it does seem to push new boundaries every day.

We are constantly being exposed to narratives of violence, promiscuity, perversion and greed. No wonder our thoughts are out of control!

Satan is very sinister, very clever and diabolically wicked. He wants to capture the hearts and minds of an entire generation; why? When Satan has your mind, he has you!

Though it seems daunting, it is possible and imperative to control your thought life.

First, there must be the purification of the mind. Your mind must be clean to begin with, and the Word of God is the cleansing agent. Jesus says in John 15:3, “Ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” The Word of God points us toward confession and repentance (the Greek word for “repentance” translates to mean “changing of the mind”).

After your mind is clean, you must be determined to keep it clean. There is a battle for your mind. If you’re half-hearted, you will lose it. You must be serious about taking every thought captive and comparing it the truth of Scripture, before it captivates you. You must fiercely guard your heart with the Word of God. Psalm 119:11 says, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” It is the Word of God hidden in your heart that is the antidote to future temptation. Therefore, you must saturate yourself with the Word of God.

When Scripture gets in your mind, it changes your attitude; your attitude determines your actions.

Adrian Rogers says, “When you begin to meditate on God’s Word, then you become a second-nature Christian, which is your true nature, the nature of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Apply it to your life

Do you carefully consider the influences you allow to pollute your thoughts? Deep clean your mind today. Choose to meditate on Scripture. Memorize it, personalize it, verbalize it, vitalize it, and internalize it.

Every time God’s people turned to idols, they lost their freedom—but when they cried out, He raised up a deliverer. Dr. Tony Evans shows how God’s mercy can reverse years of defeat and how He often works through the most unlikely people with the simplest tools.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that when we continually ask for the Holy Spirit to fill us with his power, we can be an effective witness, and an example of Christ.

In today’s episode, Mark dives into some of the toughest and most relatable dilemmas families face: transitioning your parenting style as teens leave for college, navigating disagreements with your spouse over parenting strategies and the complexities around busy teen schedules. He also tackles challenging topics like helping teens through the aftermath of divorce and understanding — and celebrating — the sometimes obsessive fandoms that provide comfort to young people. Don't miss this episode!

Facing a challenge with your teen? Ask Mark about it! Go to markgregston.com to submit your questions. 

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org.

Every year at Christmas, the world pauses to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. But often, the busyness of the holiday season distracts us from its true meaning. Dr. Robert Jeffress takes this opportunity to reflect on the remarkable story of Jesus’ birth and the beauty of God’s plan to redeem mankind.

To support Pathway to Victory, go to ptv.org/donate.