It seems that our political discourse these days often devolves to the point where conversations end with unhelpful phrases like, "you're an idiot." But how did Jesus manage have followers like Simon the Zealot and Matthew the tax collector that could not have been on further ends of the political and philosophical ends of the spectrum? What did they have to give up in order to truly embrace the kingdom of God and represent and reflect it in every area of their life? We will look at those questions today as well as how Christianity in the West began the journey from a strictly kingdom enterprise to becoming intertwined with empire itself.

The incredible song played at the end of the episode is an original song written and performed by the PsalmBirds, a multigenerational, multiracial band of brothers in the Syracuse Regional Church of Christ who love to play socially distant porch concerts!

Lyrics:
Celebrate Diversity 

(Verse1)

Our mission from on high

To spread the message far and wide

A quest to reunite

Every people, every tribe

The gathering of nations

From all ends of the earth

Into a kingdom of one

That transcends all class or culture 

And gives everyone worth

Proclaiming ultimate love!

(Chorus)

Celebrate diversity

We’ve been made exquisitely

Beautiful and colorfully 

We are one!

We are one!

(Verse 2)

Just look around and see

Dividing walls, disunity

And what of you and me?

Are we truely family?

Do we seek to understand

Or merely hold to our stance

Before the truth is revealed?

If we’re too caught up to listen 

then we haven’t a chance

To know each other for real

(Chorus)

(Bridge)

Jesus said

To love your neighbor

As yourself

You better check yourself!

(Repeat)

No matter what your creed

We’re called to love in word and deed

To elevate each other 

Cause we’re all a band of brothers