Christian persecution in Syria and the Middle East
- Is there anything American Christians should do about the persecution of Christians in the Middle East and Africa, or is no response the right response?
- How should we pray for persecuted believers -- for deliverance from persecution or for strength through it?
The host reads from an article on Christians being targeted and killed in Pakistan, Syria, and the Nairobi mall attack, and the near-silence of American churches. The hosts discuss why American Christians seem unmoved, how Middle Easterners form their view of American Christians through US foreign policy, and what can be done -- landing on prayer first, then practical help such as sending medical workers to refugee camps in Lebanon and Jordan, and praying for the persecuted to be strong rather than merely delivered.
More on Gospel
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What part of the gospel resonates with Gen Z
- What part of the gospel message actually resonates with your generation, and what doesn't land?
The host asks the room what the 'good news' actually is for them. The young people land on Jesus' love in a social-media culture that says nobody cares, and the freedom of not carrying sin and burdens.
From No. 576 · Get A Dog
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Ramadan and the cultural behaviors of Christianity
- What are the cultural behaviors of Christianity that can be kept without actually having a relationship with Jesus?
Ben asks what the cultural behaviors of Christianity are that can be kept without actually having a relationship with Jesus, prompted by a Ramadan display at a halal grocery after a daddy-daughter date.
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The salve, boldness, and calling out sin
- Am I the person supposed to call out sin in a given context?
- Why is it easier to be bold with Christians than with non-Christians?
A host offers the "salve" metaphor: the gospel is healing salve that believers protect and wrap up, while others lick it off.
From No. 504 · Saul, Naturally
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The messenger matters: Paul, Acts, and relationship
- What do you think the good news actually is?
The hosts push back on the article: the messenger does matter, as Paul's past made his preaching land; Acts preaching was tuned to its audience; disciple-making is relational rather than gospel-dumping, and hiding your faith until later is disingenuous.
From No. 494 · 500-ish