Well, we are certainly in a time when hate and violence seem to be gaining momentum and acceptance - even among some who claim to be Christian. The temptation to become a fierce, crusading warrior "for Jesus" is strong in our time, apparently. But no. Just no. This is not a new temptation. It is not Christian and not of Jesus. It is a deception. In this episode of the Christians, Politics, and Government series, we explore how regular people - even among Christians - are deceived into actions that are not of God, or not of Jesus.

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Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0)

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.

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We took a two week break from our ongoing series starting Labor Day weekend. Circumstances conspired to make it impractical to release a pre-recording of the message for this past week (September 7, 2025). However, we recorded the message live in our English-language service on Sunday and decided to put it out on our podcast feed. It's about living in the wilderness of a broken world, and uses a rather different perspective on the life of Moses as an example of wilderness living. You will hear sounds of our downtown Long Beach, California wilderness as emergency vehicle sirens punctuate our message time! Blessings on your own personal wilderness journey.

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Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0)

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.

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As was inevitable, some have wondered if this series has been "political" - wondering if that is improper. Christianity is political, and speaking as a Christian inevitably has political implications. However, we do not speak in a partisan manner to support one party or another. We speak the truth in love with wisdom, as nearly as we can discern it, with humility. We explore this theme in this episode of the Christians, Politics, and Government series.

Notes listing resources mentioned in this message are here.

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Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0)

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.

Background photo of two denarii on title image from BiblePlaces.com.

In our series on Christians, Politics, and Government we are moving into considering what it means to love our neighbor. This message only mentions briefly any application of this idea to government and politics, so expect to be personally challenged. Of course, listeners are encouraged to consider how the concept of loving one's neighbor is embodied in our current politics and government policies. Questions for discussion and personal application are reproduced here for your convenience:

Questions for Discussion:

1. What does "neighbor" mean when Jesus tells us to love our neighbors?
2. Is there someone – even an enemy – that God brings to your mind as we discuss this?
3. How do I love that person in a way that honors who I am in Jesus?

For Personal Change: Is there one thing God wants you to do to love the person He brought to mind before in a way that honors Jesus? Or, is there one thing God is leading you to do to prepare to better love that person?

Lair Ky's slides from her self-care message are here.

The previous message in this series in which the Good Samaritan story is covered in more depth is episode 1 of this series, Christians, Politics, and Government.

Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.

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Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0)

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.

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In our series on Christians, Politics, and Government we are moving into considering what "other gods" may be taking priority in our politics, government - and in our own lives. This briefer-than-usual message includes questions for discussion and personal application, reproduced here for your convenience:

Questions for Discussion: 1. What are "other gods" are given priority in our society? What other gods do we see in politics, laws, and government policies – or in business practices? 2. What changes would be needed to dethrone these "other gods" in our society? Why would this be good? What would change? 3. What "other gods" take power in my own life? If I am honest with myself, what changes do I need to make? 4. How can we become people who allow God to rule in our own lives? In what ways can we (in humility, with grace) demonstrate to others how it is best to follow Jesus' teaching?

For Personal Change: What might God be saying to me is the next thing He would like to change in my life so that I really follow Jesus as my Lord?

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Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0)

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.

Background photo of two denarii on title image from BiblePlaces.com.

In our series on Christians, Politics, and Government we are moving into specific topics now that a foundation for a Christian approach is established. Our first topic is... immigration! Can we discuss immigration with others truthfully with less heat and light that shows us as people who love our neighbors - both those who already live in our communities and those who may be immigrating to join them?

This link takes you to the list of resources mentioned in the talk. https://www.oaks2b.com/2025/06/21/resources-for-studying-immigration/

Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.

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Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0)

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.

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How should Christians respond to evil? How should Christians respond to evil done in Jesus' name? In this episode we work through a bit more of the basic teaching of Jesus for all of his followers and then consider when to speak up, or act, and when to remain silent.

Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.

Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS

Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0)

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.

Background photo of two denarii on title image from BiblePlaces.com.

I'm sure you noticed the hostile tone of discourse in the media these days, even from those who claim to be Christians. In this episode we work through Jesus' ways of using words, beginning with a broader discussion of hate.

Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.

Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS

Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0)

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.

Background photo of two denarii on title image from BiblePlaces.com.

We seem to be living in a time when politics is particularly driven by fear, when government is introducing policies that seem to be motivated or supported by fear. What does it mean to be a Christian - to follow Jesus, in such a time? We consider the most frequent instruction or command one can find in the Christian scriptures: "Do not be afraid!" Why? How? Can we love our neighbors and fear them at the same time?

Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.

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Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0)

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.

Background photo of two denarii on title image from BiblePlaces.com.

What does it mean to be a Christian - to follow Jesus? Many Christians in the United States seem to be doing things that are inconsistent with following Jesus, or supporting such things. So how do we identify what it means to be a Christian? How do we evaluate the actions of our government? What responsibility do we have to speak up when things are done that are are inconsistent with following Jesus? How do we, as followers of Jesus, relate to politics and government? This series will consider these matters. This introductory episode establishes our foundation.

Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.

Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS

Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0)

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.

Background photo of two denarii on title image from BiblePlaces.com.