Ron Johnson Discipleship Podcast

Thanks for coming back to listen to Part 2 in this series.

This past weekend we witnessed a collision between competing visions for America. Anti-ICE Riots, under the banner "No Kings," erupted across the nation. These "spontaneous protests" are actually well-organized and well-funded gatherings led by a coalition of Marxist, Socialist and Progressive groups aiming to create crisis and chaos, ultimately leading to the dismantling of our American way of life. At the same time, several hundred thousand Americans gathered in our nation's capital to celebrate the 250th birthday of the Army with a military parade filled with patriotic singing and spectacular fireworks.  Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

Summer is approaching and the Progressive Left is rolling out this year's version of mayhem. "Mostly peaceful protests" including the standard fare of assaults on police officers, the destruction of private property, and the burning of our inner cities are now on full display. But times have changed, and Americans are fed up with the lawlessness and chaos. It's time to return to the rule of law in America! Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

It's that time of year again to celebrate our graduates and to hear from an interesting group of specially chosen commencement speakers. We'll spotlight a couple of the more interesting graduations. Also, the World Health Organization has been busy developing a global pandemic agreement. Following in the footsteps of the Chinese model, this "agreement" is packed full of everything freedom loving people have come to hate. Control, coercion and the concentration of power, the stuff globalists dream of, are all part of this sovereignty destroying tyrannical cabal.  Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

Immigration without assimilation leads to cultural genocide. Our national motto,_ Out of many, One, _captures the secret of unity with diversity. For this to occur, people must be willing to adopt the culture and values of the nation they wish to call home. A nation without shared values becomes a "festering federation" that dissolves into warring tribes. Without a strong national identity to bring cultural cohesion, diversity becomes our great enemy. Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

A simple act by the Trump administration severs as a powerful prophetic act highlighting the current clash of worldviews battling for cultural supremacy. President Trump's visit to the Middle East results in successful business partnerships, while steering clear from foolish attempts at "nation building." Why wealth creation alone cannot transform Islamic authoritarianism into freedom loving constitutional republics. Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

We just finished celebrating our Moms and motherhood while simultaneously receiving word that America's fertility rate has dipped to a new and dangerous low. Why are more and more people avoiding both marriage and children? And more importantly, what can be done about it? As we discuss in today's podcast, the root cause is neither apolitical nor economic problem. It's a worldview problem.   Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

Truth matters, and so does historical truth. President Trump's first 100 days in office have been historic, but the perception gap between the media and the general public is gulf-sized! One of the president's actions has been to uproot CRT and revisionist history from our state universities, public broadcasting and national museums. Harvard, PBS and NPR are the latest causalities in an effort to end the public's forced sponsorship of ideological agendas that ridicule the values of American taxpayers. It is clear Americans are done paying for progressive propaganda.  Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

As the Left struggles to find ways to dismantle the Trump administration's agenda, the weapon of choice has been the courts. We have witnessed an unprecedented number of preliminary injunctions and temporary restraining orders issued by partisan judges in an attempt to impede the president's agenda, an agenda endorsed by an overwhelming majority of Americans. The problem lies in that these judges are neither independent, many have very strong political views, or accountable to the people. Impeachment is very difficult, and when a judge is censured, we instantly hear cries of "fascism" coming from the progressive media. How do we reign in activist judges and restore the power to the people?  Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

As we approach Easter weekend, the ideological divide in America continues to widen. Under President Biden's leadership, we witnessed the power of "cancel culture" to silence opposing viewpoints. Now that the Trump presidency has put an end to that, we see an escalation of violence where a growing segment of our society openly call for the elimination of one's political adversaries. We've moved from silencing opinions to murdering opponents. At the same time, we are witnessing a spiritual awakening among Generation Z and Millennials. Church attendance and Bible reading are rapidly increasing. This is great news as only Jesus can heal our divided nation. Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

Earlier this month President Trump announced, "Liberation Day," a day set aside to address the asymmetrical trade disparity of the last 50 years. While the Left likens it to the end of the world, there are strong arguments for Trump's position. Free speech in Europe continues to disintegrate, parental rights are trampled in Denver and trans-rights destroy women's sports around the globe. We talk about it all in today's podcast! Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

What do National Public Radio (NPR), Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), Planned Parenthood (PP) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA)? They all receive millions in taxpayer funded dollars which are used wastefully or to promote ideologies that divide and poison Americans! But thankfully, a time of reckoning is here.

The Democratic Party is in full mayhem mode. There is no clear leader, no policy plan and a platform that was soundly defeated in the last election cycle. As a result, they are resorting to public, profanity-laced tirades and the burning of Tesla's. Not exactly a winning strategy. To make matters worse, two of the most extreme progressives in congress are carrying the party banner. With no real message, the plan now seems to be activist judges, a dangerous and un-constitutional strategy. Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

A healthy worldview accurately reflects ultimate reality. In other words, when you believe a lie it eventually gets exposed. And often, the results are painful and embarrassing. Whether its the myth of transgender ideology or the rampant anti-Semitism displayed on university campuses across America, the charade is coming to an end.

One vital function of a worldview is that it provides unity to thought and life. It helps us make sense of our world. Unity forms around coherent thoughts. Truth coheres, while lies create philosophical fault lines. We are witnessing this right now in our public policy debates around the area of human sexuality. The Left is entrenched in the irrational, unscientific and theologically twisted lie that men can become women. Therefore, they can and must be able to compete in women sports. Thankfully, both parents and the larger public aren't buying it! And equally important, they aren't voting for it. Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

A number of organizations have conducted surveys to gauge America's civic literacy. The results are disturbing. Equally disturbing is the failure of Christians to understand biblical worldview and to apply the Scriptures to all of life, not just our private, devotional lives. Our myopic, deformed view of discipleship makes us susceptible to political idolatry and a host of other maladies including Trump Derangement Syndrome. The good news is that Jesus can heal TDS! Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

“If the foundations [of a godly society] are destroyed, What can the righteous do?” (Ps. 11:3 AMP) David understood the importance of foundational principles in a healthy government. One of those foundation stones is the concept of stewardship. Public service is a sacred trust from the people and involves stewarding resources that are not your own. The rampant corruption, abuse and fraud being exposed in government agencies is a travesty of justice and a breach of sacred trust. Accountability is necessary to restore the vital principle of stewardship before our Republic is destroyed by profligate spending.

Vice President JD Vance addressed world leaders at a security conference in Munich challenging our European allies for their retreat from fundamental values. At the heart of his critique were two unalienable rights: the right to life and freedom of religion, both of which are under attack. He confronted the mass migration problem calling it a "crisis of your own making" while reminding the political elite "no voter on this continent went to the ballot box to open the floodgates to millions of unvetted immigrants." Vance also tackled the issues of freedom trampling buffer zones, censorship, social media deplatforming, thought crimes, election interference and the criminalizing of biblical beliefs. And if that was not enough disruption, he challenged our European friends to pay more for their own national defense. It was American strength and diplomacy at its best! Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

The Washington "swamp" is deeper and more corrupt than we thought. Financial integrity and accountability are returning and everyone with their hand in the proverbial cookie jar is crying, "constitutional crisis!" We are witnessing a skyrocketing number of new recruits in our armed forces, as American pride and purpose return. Our President is keeping his promise to put America First as we have seen sweeping sanctions placed on a number of global governing institutions. As a result, America is strong, and America is sovereign. That's the way it's supposed to be. Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

The sparks are flying at the confirmation hearings and RFK, Tulsi and Kash are still in the hot seat. We'll talk about the issues surrounding these three disruptive firebrands and why America needs more reformers and less bureaucrats! Speaking of making America healthy again, President Trump continues his remarkable leadership by closing our southern border, deporting criminal illegal immigrants, stopping the gender mutilation industry, and halting taxpayer funded abortion at home and abroad. Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

We are currently witnessing the collapse of the globalist, utopian vision around the world. A closer look at President Trump's executive orders reveals the culprit: common sense. There are two genders. Put America first. Stop the waste of our tax dollars. Protect American sovereignty. Secure our borders. Promote religious liberty and free speech. The list goes on and on. Common sense. We also discuss the political whiplash that occurs with the change in political administrations. Is there an end in sight? Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

The inauguration of President Donald Trump provided a clear contrast of leadership. The departing administration, led by a weak, corrupt, self-serving globalist, who granted late night presumptive pardons to his criminal colleagues on his way out of town and the new sheriff with a strong, clear, common sense mandate from the American people.

There's a fresh wind of sanity blowing through America. Transgender madness is running out of steam. DEI is dying in corporate America. Our top college athletes are using a national platform to honor Christ. President Trump is being his wonderful disruptive self as he looks out for America's national interest. And progressive mismanagement and gross governmental incompetence are on full display as Los Angeles burns. Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

President Trump ran on the promise of "draining the swamp." House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed this priority, promising to "roll back the totalitarian, fourth branch of the government known as the administrative state." Until you know just how deep and wide this swamp is, you'll never understand the magnitude of the task before them. While there is much work to be done, there are many signs we are moving in the right direction. We talk about it all in our podcast today! Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

On our first podcast of 2025 we weigh in on the Twitter debate over H1-B visas. Is the system broken? And more importantly, does our current American culture support the kind of academic rigor and discipline required to produce the next generation of engineers and tech leaders? Higher education is experiencing a dangerous decline in enrollment. Why?  A new House report provides evidence the Biden administration singled out "Pro-life, Pro-family Americans" as "domestic terrorists!" Where's the outrage? And what is the history of the presidential pardon? Is President Biden abusing this privilege? Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

The coming of Jesus means "good news of great joy for all people!" (Luke 2:10) Our Christian worldview provides a unique vantage point as we navigate the many challenges of life this side of eternity. In our podcast today, we'll provide what Doug Wilson calls, "Six Stone-Cold Reasons for Confidence and Upbeat Optimism" as we approach this Christmas celebration!  Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

As we ramp up to Christmas, it's a great time to be reminded of the impact our Savior King, JESUS, has on culture. Jesus came to save sinners and to transform human hearts. Doug Wilson reminds us that, "Cultures apart from Christ cannot avoid decadence...and must eventually call down the chaos." This is where we are today. But this condition is nothing new. The problem is unbelief and the solution is the One we celebrate this holiday season. Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

Thanksgiving is in the rear-view mirror and Christmas is just around the corner! And for Hunter Biden, Christmas has come early. On the first day of December, President Biden granted "a full and unconditional pardon." After months of assurances that "no one is above the law," Biden's actions sure scream otherwise! His miscarriage of justice gives us a moment to reflect on the deeper issues at stake: How important is it that our leaders keep their word? Why is the rule of law so vitally important to a thriving republic? What does it mean to be a "good parent?" Is there such a thing as justice? How is justice defined and maintained? So much to talk about in our podcast today! Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

Life, and especially our life together in the public square, can be highly complicated and difficult for Christians to navigate. President elect Trump has been assembling his cabinet and he's nominating individuals who are outside of the DC establishment. They all share one common characteristic: they are disruptors. Each appointee is hand-picked to dismantle the current broken and corrupt system. In short, they all promise to drain the swamp. In addition, some come with their own set of "issues." How are we supposed to sort through these points of tension as we work toward creating a government that is responsive, effective and accountable? Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

Most Americans expressed concerns that our country was headed in the wrong direction. The election gave them a chance to turn things around and they sure did! We witnessed an overwhelming reversal in leadership, culminating in what looks like a clear majority in both the House and Senate and President Trump back in the White House. We discuss the priorities of this new administration in light of biblical truth, and we look at the cabinet President Trump is assembling to move our nation forward. At the same time, we are watching the Left in a state of meltdown and chaos. They still haven't grasped the lesson from this election: "It's the culture, stupid!" Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

Today we talk about the stunning results from the presidential election. What was behind the greatest political comeback in history? Where do we go from here?

The final command of Jesus to His Church is what we have come to call the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-19). It involves sharing the gospel with all nations and teaching these new disciples to obey all the commands Jesus has given. How does this command of Christ square with a robust doctrine of free speech?  Does this obedience to Christ involve coercion or force? How does the Old Testament law apply to nations today? Do laws against blasphemy still apply? If so, how?

In Acts 4, Peter and John are accused of spreading "propaganda." They were banned from the public arena and threatened with severe punishments if they continued speaking. Sadly, their experience is the norm in most parts of the world as approximately 70% of the earth's population live in nations where religious liberty is highly restricted. This is because religious liberty is itself a religious value, and secularism does not share or respect that value. Religious toleration is an idea that germinated in the soil of biblical truth. These rights come from God and apply to all men. This is why the free speech rights of the non-believer would be far more secure in a Christian republic than in a secular democracy. Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

On today's podcast, I am joined by my good friend, Apostle Keith Tucci. Keith serves as the Senior Leader for the Network of Related Pastors (NRPastors.com) and has a rich history of biblical cultural engagement. We discuss the role of Christians in the upcoming national election. How should we approach this responsibility? What issues are at stake? Why is this election important? What happens if my candidate loses? Where is America headed and what role does the Church of Jesus Christ play in the revival and reformation of our country? Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

One of the most common myths we hear today is that Christianity is a form of cultural oppression. If Christians have their way, what will become of the unbelievers or non-religious? While these are valid questions, an equally valid question is what is the impact of a secular government on the rights and liberties of others? Since secularism has no transcendental ground for its claims, what keeps its leaders from trampling the rights of others? We make the case that a nation under the Lordship of Christ creates the greatest possible environment for freedom to flourish, both among Christians and non-Christians alike.

Our Founders all agreed that civic freedom was impossible apart from Christian virtue. American statesman, Samuel Adams observed, “Neither the wisest constitution nor the wisest laws will secure the liberty and happiness of a people whose manners are universally corrupt.” Republics do not survive apart from republican virtue. When Christ is rejected, a long line of fallen, petty, self-seeking politicians eagerly seek to fill the void. Ultimately, our choice is either a Christian theocracy or a secular counterfeit. 

Many Christians are completely satisfied with the notion of a secular federal government serving as the referee for determining what is officially "moral" behavior when it comes to public policy decisions. They are uncomfortable with the idea of bringing Jesus into the public square. They want a gospel that is "unfettered" from all the political baggage that makes things so contentious and messy. The result is a gospel that is, to use Doug Wilson's term, "floaty." It is a false gospel without the particulars that might make others feel uncomfortable. It is a gospel without repentance and a call to righteousness. Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

Should our morality as a nation be grounded in God's will or the will of the people? Ironically, our advocates for a liberal secular democracy are okay as long as the majority is not held by Christians, especially those who run for office or who try to legislate according to biblical morality. Then you are labeled a "threat" to democracy! How do we apply the Lordship of Jesus to our public space? What does it mean to make disciples of all nations? (Matthew 28:18-20) Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

In our cultural skirmishes, a common tactic is to use a pejorative label to attack or to discredit your enemy. One of those labels attached to believers in Christ is the name "Christian nationalist." It evokes scary images of the Inquisition or the Salem witch trials. If you wear that name badge, you are an object of scorn and derision. So, what is a Christian nationalist, anyway? If we love Jesus and we love our nation, does that make us a threat to democracy? Are nations inherently wrong or should we promote open borders? What does it mean that a nation would be labeled "Christian?" Is that a good thing or something to be feared? So much food for thought in our podcast! Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

The Bible declares, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."( Proverbs 1:7) This means we have two choices as a nation. We can seek and follow the wisdom of God as we order our life together or we can reject God and His law and pursue the path of radical autonomy. If we will not be governed by Christ, we must necessarily be governed by someone or something else. Neutrality is a myth. Will it be Christ, or will it be chaos? Will it be the word of God or will we submit to a cadre of self-anointed secular experts? This is the choice we face in America today. Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

The Scriptures clearly define the role and scope of government. All those in authority are God's servants. Their authority is not absolute but delegated. They are tasked with the power to punish wicked behavior (Romans 13:1-4). In other words, there is a legitimate form of government coercion and an illegitimate expression as well. As Doug Wilson warns, “Before fining someone, or flogging him, or putting him in jail, or exiling him, or executing him, which pretty much exhausts the options, we had better know that what we are doing is authorized by God." In other words, governments who are unsubmitted to the Word of God will necessarily reject all limiting principles. The result is oppression and injustice. Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

While Christians are often attacked for trying to bring our worldview into the public arena, those doing the accusing often hide behind the veil of neutrality. They act as if they are non-biased and without their own agenda. Of course, this is patently false. And as they work to advance their own agenda, they use words to destroy all who disagree with them. Their favorite tactic is to weaponize the word "phobia." Those who disagree with their position are deemed mentally ill and sent off for re-education or worse. Neutrality is a myth. We all have a blueprint for a healthy, flourishing society. It's time for Christians to be bold and unashamed in proclaiming the good news of Jesus in every sphere of life! Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

It was Benjamin Franklin who noted, “Our new Constitution is now established, everything seems to promise it will be durable; but, in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes." And it seems that governments who ignore their constitutional boundaries must levy ever-increasing amounts of revenue, via taxation, to simply maintain the ever-expanding bureaucracy that results. As Christians, we understand the God-given purpose of both government and the taxes necessary to support them. But how much is too much? That is the question we will address in our podcast today. Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

For the Christian, life is simple. God's authority outranks that of the king. The king is to do what God says, not the other way around. But for the secularist, what outranks the highest human authority? Herein lies the problem. An autonomous state will , in the end, commit overreach and the rights of the people will be trampled. This overreach is often manifested in the area of taxation. As Doug Wilson so clearly articulates, "When the ruling elites start to opt out of this societal bond—“laws are for the little people”—there is usually a time lag, but the “little people” do catch on. And when they catch on, the whole thing spirals down into chaos." We are living on the edge of that "chaos" today. Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

In America today, we are witnessing the epic failure of democratic secularism. Secularism is the false belief that we can function as a nation and society without any reference to God. Whether it's the frightening assassination attempt on our former president or the recent White House leadership coup, we are witnessing the profound loss of justice, order, civility and individual liberty that result when governments reject God. As Doug Wilson writes, "If there is no God above the state, then the state has become god—the point past which there is no appeal." This explains the two-tiered system of justice we are experiencing where those in positions of power use that power for their own private benefit with absolutely no accountability for thier decisions. Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

On today's podcast, we discuss some of the high points from the Alliance Defending Freedom conference Pastor Ron recently attended. We also talk about the power of our words to shape the world around us. And we marvel at the way God uses the most unlikely people to accomplish His kingdom purposes. Once again, our Christian worldview helps us make sense of it all! Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

The late Francis Schaeffer observed, "When truth retreats, tyranny advances." This has never been more evident than in American culture today. Without a transcendent standard, objective truth, there is no limit to what governments can do, and no accountability for their actions. On this 248th birthday of American independence, we must renew our commitment to stand boldly for the truth as we fulfill our great commission mission. Happy 4th of July! May God bless, and revive, these United States of America. Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

Have you ever wondered why "Pride" month is observed every June? And why do we designate the entire month when Veterans, for instance, are given only one day? What is the connection between Ishtar and the month of June? Where did the idea of "pride parades" come from? And why is Whoopi so mad??? We'll discuss all of this and more in our podcast today. Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

The Stonewall uprising and the resulting movement were ignited by a female with male attributes, a fighter, a protector of alehouses, a fierce, angry, raging leader of those who crossed the boundaries of gender, the inciter of a multitude of feminized men. And like Ishtar, the goddess of storms, her name was - Stormé. Ishtar had returned and unleashed a storm that would set in motion a movement that would take hold of millons and transform world culture.

No other symbol was so prominently associated with Ishtar than the lion. In ancient prayers and poems, she was referred to as the "great light, lioness of heaven." The lion was her chosen platform for waging war and inflicting vengeance. It should come as no surprise that just two doors down from the Stonewall Inn was another bar called "Lion's Head," the same sign that, in ancient times, represented the power of the goddess as she entered into war.  After the Stonewall uprising, one of the leading organizations of gay advocacy established its headquarters directly above the Lion's Head Bar. It would now wage the goddess's war just as the goddess had waged her wars in ancient times, stationed on top of the symbol of her power—the lion's head. Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co

Ishtar was goddess of the tavern and patroness of the prostitutes. She had always been known as the one who broke down barriers. She came through New York, the gateway to America, for that very purpose. Her re-entrance into American culture would manifest at the Stonewall Inn, where the three elements of the goddess would converge: the gate, the alehouse and the prostitute. In fact, what made Stonewall unique from other New York City bars was the presence of male prostitutes, sex workers and transvestites. This would become her "holy temple." Find out more at https://ron-johnson-discipleship-podca.pinecast.co