How can the Church respond faithfully to modern political chaos without getting entangled in the power structures of empire? In a powerful, raw reflection following the January 6 insurrection, Mike and Tim welcome Pauline theologian Dr. Tim Gombis to unpack how the Apostle Paul might interpret and respond to the events that unfolded in the U.S. Capitol. This episode invites listeners into a deep, sobering conversation about Christian nationalism, fear-fueled political movements, and how the Church can—and must—rediscover its identity as a cruciform, counter-cultural kingdom community.

With an urgent call to reject ideological captivity, reclaim gospel-centered political imagination, and embody the radical love and hospitality of Jesus, this episode offers pastoral wisdom, prophetic challenge, and real hope for the future of the Church.

Key Takeaways: • Reframing January 6 as Symptom, Not Shock – Why the events at the Capitol are part of a long historical arc of systemic injustice and white supremacy, rather than an isolated incident. • Discipling Our Political Imaginations – How Christian allegiance to political parties reveals a crisis of discipleship and misplaced loyalty. • Paul’s Response to Christian Empire Entanglement – Imagining how Paul would pastor churches facing Christians who prioritize nationalism over kingdom living. • Local Action as Political Resistance – Recapturing the lost practice of loving neighbors, welcoming strangers, and subversively embodying Jesus' political ethic. • Church Leadership in Perilous Times – Why silence is complicity, and how pastors can start rebuilding healthy, communal imaginations with scripture, truth-telling, and lament.

Guest Highlights: Dr. Timothy Gombis – Professor at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary and host of the "Faith Improvised" podcast. Gombis, a New Testament scholar and author, brings a powerful Pauline lens to help us interpret the spiritual implications of sociopolitical turbulence while challenging the evangelical church's complicity in systemic sin.

Resources Mentioned: • Faith Improvised Podcast – [Available on Spotify & Apple Podcasts] • New Book: “Power in Weakness: Paul’s Transformed Vision for Ministry” by Timothy Gombis • Hebrews 13:2 – The call to practice hospitality (philoxenia) • Matthew 25 – Jesus' teaching on judgment and mercy • James 3 – Speech, wisdom, and the destructive power of envy and selfish ambition

Let’s pursue the true mission of Jesus together—through lament, action, truth-telling, and radical hospitality. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay in the loop and join the ongoing conversation.

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Music by Timothy John Stafford – Website | Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy



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