The church of Christ on McDermott Road

Paul encourages the Ephesian Christians to remember who they had been, how they had been transformed by Christ, and how they had been enlightened by the truth. Because of their transformation and their new identity, it would no longer make sense to live as they used to live when they were Gentiles. Look to the future and ask yourself, “On the day of redemption, what will you wish you did today?” Live as a new creation…you’ll be glad you did. (Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-24)

Over the last few weeks we’ve discussed faith and politics. Specifically, how Christians are exiles and sojourners in this country (or any country). We’ve talked about how we need to avoid becoming detached and becoming entangled. It’s impossible to talk about politics without talking about citizenship, government, authority, obedience, and submission. Whether we’re talking about 1st century Christians in Rome or 21st century Christians in the United States, this is an important and challenging conversation. My guest tonight is Dr. Jared Saltz, professor at Florida College. He is going to share with us some important historical and cultural context to help us understand the proper relationship Christians should have with the government. I hope you find this conversation as helpful as I did. We also study and discuss Romans 12:14 - Romans 13:7 and 1 Peter 2:13-25.

Paul encourages the Roman Christians to consider their past life and how fruitless it was; their present freedom is the result of their turning away from that fruitless life. But their future life will be determined by the decisions they make right now, in the present. So, they must choose to make themselves slaves to righteousness in the present so that they might experience sanctification in the future. If you want to experience further sanctification, you must choose right now to make yourself a slave of righteousness…you’ll be glad you did. (Scripture: Romans 6:20-23)

In this lesson, Wes McAdams interviews Dr. Brian Simmons, Professor of Communication, about the role of journalism in the political process, how Christians can be more discerning, and what Christians should consider before sharing things online. Wes also leads a study of Ephesians 4:25-32.

We never plant seeds simply because it’s what we want to do. We plant seeds because it is what we want to have done. In the future, when we harvest our crop, we want to be able to look back at the present and say, “I’m sure glad I planted those seeds.” The same principle applies in our spiritual lives. We must think ahead to the time of harvest and ask, “What will I wish that I had sown?” When you “sow to please the Spirit,” the longterm benefits far outweigh the short-term sacrifices; and someday you will look back and you’ll be glad you did.  (Scripture: Galatians 6:7-10)

In this introductory lesson, Wes McAdams interviews Dr. Trey Orndorff, political scientist, professor at Oklahoma Christian University, and co-host of the Politics Guys Podcast. Dr. Orndorff defines politics and gives encouragement for how Christians can better engage in political conversations. Wes also discusses Jeremiah 29 and what it means to live as an exile in our country.

Everyone thinks their house is probably fine…until a storm comes and reveals either the strength or the weakness of the foundation. Many of us go blindly through life thinking everything is fine, until we encounter a trial. It’s better to examine the foundation now and discover whether or not we are actually building our life on the foundation of Jesus’ words. (Scripture: Matthew 7:24-27)

Jesus says there is going to be confusion and bewilderment on the Day of Judgement. He says that “many” people will be shocked they are not counted among the faithful and are condemned. These people will have been those who did things in Jesus’ name, but Jesus didn’t actually know them. To be known by Jesus on the last day requires we are doing the Father’s will on this day. Before we get too busy doing more stuff in Jesus’ name, let’s ask ourselves if we’re actually doing the Father’s will. (Scripture: Matthew 7:21-23)

Jesus said a false teacher could be recognized by their fruits. Obviously, there is a time and place to examine the fruit of another person’s life, but we must first examine our own life. Have there been times when we have claimed to be a grapevine, but our fruit says we are really a thornbush? If we really examined the fruit of our life, what would it say about our spiritual health? (Scripture: Matthew 7:15-20)