Washington state is requiring us to wear masks at our church gatherings. Some feel this is a violation of their freedom. Some feel wearing masks is a moral obligation. The pattern of Jesus and Paul was to give up their rights in service of others. This provided a platform for the furtherance of the gospel.

Scriptures Referenced:
• Romans 8-9
• Romans 14
• Romans 15:1-4
• 1 Corinthians 8
• 1 Corinthians 9:12, 19

Defund the police is a movement birthed out of recent protests over police brutality and racial oppression. The Bible actually says that paying taxes to support authorities (including law enforcement) is part of our worship to God. Law enforcement must be funded. But that doesn’t mean authorities (including law enforcement) can’t have budgets lowered or raised or funds reallocated.

Scriptures Referenced:
• Romans 13:3-7

The gospel is not social justice. The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ to reconcile sinners. However, social justice that conforms to the Bible is a fruit of the gospel. The issue is that social justice causes can quickly become functional saviors and mar the gospel of the Savior who came for the poor, needy and oppressed. We need to be vigilant to prioritize Christ over our causes.

Scriptures Referenced:
• 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
• Ephesians 2:13-17
• Ephesians 4:1-4
• Psalm 146:7-10
• Luke 4:18-19

This is Part two of the discussion on the fear of death. There is a godly fear of death and an ungodly fear of death. It is critical to know the distinction during the Covid-19 epidemic. The Christian should not have an ungodly fear of death. Death for a Christian means entrance into the presence of Jesus Christ our rest, satisfaction, shepherd and King. We can eagerly risk our lives for furtherance of the gospel because of this.

Scriptures Referenced:
• John 11:25-27
• Philippians 1:20-25
• Revelation 7:14-17

Some Christians maintain that Christians should not fear death. But this is not the whole story when it comes to the Bible’s teaching about death. There is a right fear of death and a wrong fear of death. Today we will explore what the Bible says about death and why there should be a healthy fear of it. The next podcast I will answer no to the same question. Check them both out.

Scriptures Referenced:
• Genesis 1:26
• Genesis 2:7
• Genesis 2:17
• Psalm 143
• 1 Corinthians 15:26
• Hebrews 9:27

At the center of the racial tension this past week is the excessive use of force against three African Americans. Americans are protesting law enforcement for excessive use of force amidst protests as well. What does the Bible say about use of force for law enforcement and private citizens? We must uphold the proper use of force for the protection of society while curtailing excessive use of force.

Scriptures Referenced:
• Romans 13:1-4
• Luke 22:35-38

As peaceful protests over the deaths of Ahmed Arbery, Breaona Taylor, and George Floyd have been held across the country, the rioting and looting that has followed them is muting the voices of protest. What does the Bible say about rioting, looting and vengeance? It is lawlessness. Jesus shares in the suffering of the victims of lawlessness since he was murdered at the hands of lawless men.

Scriptures Referenced:
• 1 Peter 4:13
• Romans 4:7
• Acts 4:23

The deaths of Ahmed Arbery and George Floyd have resurfaced age old issues of racial oppression. The Bible speaks pointedly about oppression of all kinds and the responsibility of the individual and the government to counteract it. Listen in to see how God calls us to act and think.

Scriptures Referenced:
• Isaiah 53:7-8
• Leviticus 6:1-7
• Psalm 72
• Isaiah 1:16-17

The recent killings of three African Americans by white police officers has brought about peaceful protests and riots even here in Spokane. In this episode we return to one of the fundamental sin issues—pride. Pride manifests itself in racism more than we will admit. All of us need to confront the inner racist and look to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Scriptures Referenced:
• Genesis 1:26
• Romans 1:23
• Proverbs 6:16-19
• 2 Corinthians 5:15
• Colossians 3:11
• Revelation 5:9-10
• Philippians 2:3-4

In this episode Dan briefly explores how and why believers rejoice always!

Scriptures Referenced: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18