The Resistance Radio Show

Our goal with the show is not to offend or make light of God. Instead, we want to point to the truth of Scripture, and hope that the truth can provoke people to examine their ways, and respond how they see fit. When we fail to reach truth, then we are settling for something else. Church MembershipModern definitions of church membership are invented by man. The concept of membership is distorted because the concept of the church is distorted. The church is not the legal organization existing in a building with set public meetings. Only Jesus can add you to the church So the question is, how does Jesus add you to the church? Many churches state that baptism is how you are added to the church. Scripture does not reflect this. Apostles and others in scripture were looking for the Holy Spirit in others, which is the Gift that Jesus promised us. Receiving the Holy Spirit is what includes us into God's church, the mystical Body of Christ. So with this concept of church, what are the implications of becoming a member of God's church? The Bible says if we love God we will obey His commands. We should use our spiritual gifts. “Time, talents, and treasures” are not spiritual gifts, and things that should already be surrendered to Christ. Spiritual gifts are gifts from God that supernaturally empower us to minister. Church membership in most churches does something very harmful that most people never think about. It creates a social class system. There are first time visitors, random attendees, regular attendees, members, tithing members, lay leaders, paid clergy. These different classes are treated differently and have different expectations placed on them. God didn't design the church to be a class system. Scripture (1 Corinthians 12:22-25) states that God utilizes spiritual gifts to give everyone equal value in the Body. Each member should have abundant honor in the eyes of every other member. Leadership and StructureThere is God's design and man's design. God has an order to things. The church is the Body of Christ, a mystical, supernatural being made up of all believers throughout all time, someone the Bride and the Body of Christ at the same time, filled with the Holy Spirit of God. This is not something God would not give guidance in. He is not negligent. The primary function of leadership in God's design is equipping. In man's design, it is control. The leader's of God's church should be nurturing and empowering people for ministry, not trying to control who can speak, serve, etc. The only “control” that God's leaders have is to stand against false doctrine, exclude unrepentant believers from the assembly, affirm God's call by the laying on of hands and sending out, appointing elders and deacons, and resolving disputes. Man's design of leadership resembles pharisees. They add requirements of education and submission. God gifts people supernaturally with leadership and forms them to lead. Man's design also includes non-competes in employment contracts. Man's leadership structure prevents certain people from teaching, speaking, singing, leading, serving, etc. Man doesn't have to control the gift of God; we have to affirm and nurture the gift, and set it loose. The early church was accused by the Roman Empire of turning the whole world upside down. Where do we see that today? We do not accomplish this through political revolutions, through winning elections and passing policy; through oppressively establishing the morality of others. We do it the same way the early church did. We BE. We manifest the body of Christ here on the earth and declare the glory of God through how we love God, love our enemies, value life differently, transcend societal hierarchies and castes. Some of the aspects of man's design are subtle, or appear altruistic, logical, and good. Among these is the practice of congregations electing elders. This seems like a minor preference of practice, and makes sense. The congregations would know the people best. America loves democracy. Democracy is good. Voting is good. However, it's not found in scripture. The elders were appointed by apostles or those they sent. This was important because the apostles were gifted to start these new spiritual works, these faith communities. This is not to say that the leaders are to lord their power over congregations. It doesn't mean they rule with an iron fist. As we outlined earlier, the leadership responsibilities have a lot to do with equipping, protecting, confronting heresy, etc. If a leader is elected by the congregation and then subjected to them through a paycheck and job description, then they are not free to lead. Authority is an important topic to God. He establishes and empowers proper authority. He was heavy handed in how He shepherded Paul into his leadership position. Man's design does not make space for God's leadership development. Many American churches have a structure similar to a corporation. Many of them are legal corporations, in the form of a non-profit organization. Usually, this is so it can own property. Once it becomes a corporation, it needs to add officers, which are not found in Scripture but are required by law. Then then add offices, in the form of paid positions, to operate the church. These are jobs, with job descriptions, requirements, and paychecks. These also are not scriptural. This methodology is not found in Scripture, is subject to current laws, brings money and transaction into something which should function more like a family (could you imagine paying your father to be your father, complete with a list of job responsibilities and requirements to qualify?), and yet it has become the standard for how churches are formed. So much so that it is rarely questioned. If you dispute paid positions, people counter by saying you're against people supporting their spiritual leaders. If you dispute job requirements, people say you're opposed to ensuring righteous leadership. If you dispute having a legal corporation, people say you are opposed to accountability. And yet the early church accomplished all these ideals without subjecting themselves to extra-biblical, secular demands. So why do we do this? Why does the church in America continue in this way, and why is it seldom questioned, and why is the questioning opposed? A lot of it is due to what we inherit. None of us invented these systems. We inherited them. We were told this was the way, it was good and true. We retrofit things into Scripture by cherry-picking verses to defend present practice, instead of diving deep and headlong into Scripture and the Holy Spirit and obeying diligently. God has a structure for His church, and it is built on Jesus, on the proclamation of who He is, on the Good News of the Kingdom. The Church's manifest power comes from the declaration of God's glory through His people. The local church gains its uniqueness as the Holy Spirit transforms and empowers people to give up everything and separate themselves from the world, and as they use their spiritual gifts in power. As this entity grows, those with leadership gifts rise up and are recognized by the church, and they appoint deacons and elders to minister to the needs of the church. The leadership teaches and disciples people for the works of service. Man's design starts with a bad foundation of an incomplete gospel. It builds on that an unbiblical structure of business and leadership. It defines its ministry by the walls of its buildings and hierarchy of leadership. We will continue to examine how these bad foundations distort and divide through things that should unite us, like communion, baptism, and spiritual gifts. Songs Sean Carter – The Passover  https://noisetrade.com/seancartercarolinecobb/ Young Oceans – We Sing as One  https://noisetrade.com/youngoceans This episode originally broadcast live on September 25, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

We'll be looking at a biblical view of church function by starting with examining the false gospels at large in America today. But before that, let's look at some idea's for structures and functions of the local church: the gospel – what gospel is preached? How is it lived? Membership – what are the requirements, markers, training, etc? spiritual and physical nature – How does the church embrace its dual nature? leadership and structure – What does leadership look like? Communion – what does it mean and how is it performed? Baptism – What does it mean and how is it performed? worship gatherings/evangelistic gatherings – How does the church gather? Why? spiritual warfare and spiritual gifts – Is the church battling with weapons in both hands? the church functioning in the world – How does the church engage and minister to the world? False Gospels in America The Ticket to Heaven Gospel – Popularized by Dwight Moody and Charles Finney focusing on a personal savior and the Sinner's Prayer. Repent of your sins and confess with your mouth and you will be saved, and end up in Heaven when you die. This puts the focus on getting to heaven and bypasses your life here on earth. Sort of a distortion of the gospel of John the Baptist, which was, “Repent!” But repentance is the start, not the fulfillment. The Gospel of Jesus was about the Spirit of God being returned to us, to have fellowship with God. Adam and Eve “died” at the fall, but they did not drop dead in the dirt. They lost something. So what did they lose? How do we get it back? Anxiety about our “final destination” doesn't lead us to the Lord; it doesn't lead us to our Ephesians 2:10 works. Genie in the Lamp Gospel – If you turn to God, He'll fix your problems. This enslaves people to a new law. It shrinks God down to a manageable size. It puts the focus on God doing something to make your life easier. It puts your will at the center, instead of God's will. And it puts the relationship into the context of a transaction that is earned or unearned. You're not healed because you lack faith, you're poor because you don't give, you're not blessed because you're too sinful. This logic breaks down when you look at rich or healthy people who hate God. It breaks down when you look at righteous people in the Bible who suffered in poverty. This gospel encourages pretending, to pretend that things are better than they are so people won't think you are sinful, doubtful, selfish, etc. The Acceptance Gospel – Everyone and everything is ok because God is love. This bypasses the eternal attributes of God – it denies His justice, judgment, and holiness, and redefines love. This desires a God that doesn't judge or harm in any way. Usually, this is tied to pride on the part of the person accepting this Gospel. It gives them a pass for all their flaws, and demonizes those who would speak out against sin. The Gospel of the Kingdom The Gospel of the Kingdom is sell all your possessions, be separate from the world, be separate from the world, follow Jesus, live in the power and dominion of the Holy Spirit. Through this Gospel, we see and understand what others do not see and understand. What is the proper response to this gospel? Live for others and not your self. This is a difference from the false gospels present in America today. This contrasts with the hypocrites of Isaiah 58 trying to impress God and earn His response with their religious actions. Jesus' Gospel completely changes us, not just our behavior, or our political beliefs, or our traditions. Jesus' Gospel does not call us to ignore the evil around us, but to overcome it through the Spirit. Jesus' Gospel calls us to walk in His ways – giving up of our status, position, and privilege to serve those who have not. Our lives are exchanged for His. It is a Gospel of rest – of resting in Grace, in the work of the Spirit, in humility. Jesus' Gospel is one of transformation. Jesus is the only way to have eternal life – which is to know Him and the One who sent Him. Songs Derek Webb – A New Law Madison Greene – The Turning This episode originally broadcast live on September 18, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

We will continue our discussion of function and purpose by looking at some analogies of the Church and Christ that we find in Scripture. These pictures display the relationship between Christ and the Church. Colossians 1:18 – Christ is the head, the church is the body Ephesians 2:20-21 – Christ is the cornerstone and the church is the temple 2 Corinthians 11:2 – Christ is the beloved and the church is the virgin 1 Peter 5 – Jesus is the shepherd, the church is the flock Ephesians 2 – Christ is the firstborn, the Church is the household Revelation 19 – Christ is the bridegroom, the Church is the Bride Ephesians 2 – Christ is the creator, and the Church is one new man built from two, and built for peace Matthew 16:18 – Christ is the builder and the Church is His church The Church is obviously central to God's heart, to His creation of the universe. And yet he communicates about it more frequently in pictures than in blatant instruction for procedure and positions. As the church, we should take this to heart. We should not neglect the things that are clearly instructed, nor should be divide over the things that are not clearly defined in Scripture. If God wanted the “pastor” to be the focal point of church function, He probably should have mentioned it more than once, and should have given some explanation. We see way more discussion of the “apostle” in scripture, and yet few people could point to one today. Same goes for prophets. Every local church will be a unique expression of the Lord Jesus Christ in their community. This doesn't mean “anything goes,” but it does mean that we should focus on our Lord and allow freedom in how He leads. So let's re-examine our churches in the light of God's clear priorities, and His pictures that speak of relationship more than defined systems. If the Church is made up of those who have been born of the Spirit of God and been baptized into the one body of Christ by the one Spirit, then the question is, does that describe your church? Or is your church more accurately described by its meetings, events, buildings, as a group of people (believers and unbelievers) present in the same room at the same time? There is only one church, and only God can add people to it. So then, what about membership? Today, we have varying church membership requirements. Some “churches” have no membership recognition, some require that members be baptized in that church building in a certain manner, some require letters from past churches, some require tithing, some people have to sign covenants, some require classes. Where do all these varying requirements come from? The Bible? Or have we invented them along the way? The most significant sign of of “membership” in scripture is having received the Holy Spirit. So then, can you receive the Holy Spirit and NOT be a member of God's church? Membership in the church, which was entrance into the community of the Church, was based on the presence of the Holy Spirit in a person's life. There is no other church membership requirement listed. The church is a community of Spirit-transformed people. There are many people in Scripture who are not baptized, or have no baptism recorded. Baptism isn't a requirement, but a response. It is displayed as a response to the reception of the Gospel in Scripture. It should be a shared, celebratory event, not a legalistic requirement. The danger here is not necessarily in what you do or don't do. It is how you view what you do, and how you view membership. Do your laws apply to Jesus, to Scripture, to the heart of God displayed in the works of the Spirit we see in Acts and elsewhere? Or can we agree on God and the things He makes clear, and give freedom and grace to those who vary on things God never bothered to nail down? Why do theology and ecclesiology matter? Because they affect our definitions, our language, our thinking, and our expectations. The Church we find in Scripture is communicated by God most often by relational pictures, and expressed as a people transformed by the Spirit, living life together in a fallen world, to steward the mysteries of God and care for the entire creation. Do our physical tools help us be the church, or do they consume our time and treasures on an unbiblical organization? How can we discern this? Discover what the Church is supposed to do to see of the tools fit the job. Let's see if our tasks, function, and purpose all line up. The Church is primarily spiritual and eternal. Physical tools are not eternal. We must identify the world so that we can be separate from it but minister to it, without falling prey to its ways. We can't have a vague, amorphous definition, because we can abuse that as liberty to do anything. If there is confusion here, it can lead people into fruitless endeavors. With the prevalence of event-based ministry and friendship evangelism, it is easy to assume that your current passions are always a valid pathway for ministry. The problem is that this is self-focused. God's works for you might have nothing to do with your present passions and interests. Or your present passions and interests could be informed by sinful desires and false ideas. It is better to lay down your will at the foot of Jesus and ask Him to transform your mind. To identify the enemy and get to know the heart and ways of your Master. When we commit corporately to identify the ways of the world and separate ourselves from them, to serve God by serving others, then we establish a filter to view our ministry efforts. We have committed to sacrifice, consecration, seeking the will of God. For those seeking revival, take note. We will never find revival if we participate in low-cost ways of ministry. The power in the early church was that the commitment cost your life. It required a severe re-prioritization. It required commitment and sacrifice. It desired a thirst for God's truth and love that pushed past our flesh and the world's demands. When we commit as a church to the sacrificial way of Christ, then we will deter people set on fulfilling their own desires. God's will and character will be declared in the presence of costly love, instead of in the presence of an event-filled organization that requires little sacrifice. Have you added faith to your life? Or have you “lost your life” in order to receive the hope of Jesus? The Gospel is an exchange of life – your life for Jesus' life. You've been bought with a price. You cannot add Jesus to your life. You cannot hold on to something else. Jesus is not here to take care of your problems so you can pursue what you want. Jesus wants you to pursue Him with all of your mind, soul, and strength. So how can the church get fixed? This is a trick question. The assumption is that there is a broken thing that needs fixed. In fact, there is a false thing that needs abandoned. If it were a matter of “fixing”, here is what that to-do list would look like leave its denomination dissolve its corporation remove all unbiblical staff positions, programs, and events stop its open sunday services For many churches, these very things define its nature. So in effect, it would have to cease to exist. We must come outside the camp to minister how Jesus did (Hebrews 13). “Here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come.” This picture is carried in Galatians 4 (two covenants/two women/two mountains/two cities). One is about doing and one is about being. We should be a place where the Holy Spirit dwells. The New Jerusalem comes down out of Heaven. When we go to the Bible to find the description of how to structure the church, we do not find what you would expect. There is not a lack of information, but a lack of information concerning a system. Most of the information describes a group of people sharing life. The instruction is about empowerment, sharing, loving, sacrificing, fellowship, teaching. In this tension of being and doing, we must make sure our doing is birthed from our being. Do not simply switch your activities and assume that it is better. You are still focusing on your activity. Do not become prideful in your actions, regardless of how righteous they may be. Rest in being the church, and do what flows out of that. The Holy Spirit should be our central motivator. He can motivate some to do something, and not others. Or He may motivate all to do something, but participate in their unique way. So what then do we do? We must remove the leaven of the pharisees. First, know your gospel! What did Jesus preach? What do you preach? Are you preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, as Jesus did? Jesus' Gospel focused on death to self. It was not centered around sin, but on denying your self. Repentance is vital, and sin should not be taken lightly. But repentance is the start, not the center. His Gospel leads us to be separate from the world. It is central to the church; there is no church outside the Gospel. The Gospel of the Kingdom involves obedience to God's commands. It requires sacrifice and suffering on behalf of those who hate you. The church is formed from Jesus' Gospel. If we structure a church around our design, it distorts the gospel, and removes our source of power. Do not miss the Gospel of Jesus by accepting and preaching a gospel of man. You will miss out on the fullness of Christ. Read 2 Corinthians 11 and beware. Songs Jars of Clay – They will know we are Christians by our Love http://www.jarsofclay.com/ Liz Vice – Entrance http://www.lizvice.com/ This episode originally broadcast live on September 18, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

Critically examine your faith and church experience. Are the things you agree to in scripture evident in your life? Are you experiencing your theology, or are you disconnected from it? Jesus Christ is building His church and it is not the result of human effort the only true foundation of the Church is the revelation of Jesus Christ as the Son of God. All revelation is a work of the Spirit of God and not of man (1 corinthians 2) Robot evangelism is bad http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2002/augustweb-only/8-26-31.0.html The Church of Jesus Christ is no the work of man but of God, therefore, the nature of the church should reflect this truth We must check our goals and motivations. If the plan is to “plant a church”, what does that mean? Does it mean assembling a team, finding a building, etc? Or do you desire to be obedient to the Holy Spirit, preach the Gospel, and make disciples? The hard work required to “build the church” is of a spiritual nature, so it requires spiritual eyes and ears. It is costly work that requires love and sacrifice, and it is harder and more fruitful than crafting an event where you can invite people, believers and unbelievers alike, in the hopes they will like you. These physical approaches bypass the reality that there is a real spiritual war going on, that people are enslaved by satan in strongholds. “Friendship evangelism” and related methods have all come into existence after the events and penning of Scripture. So we often find ourselves trying to implant that concept back into Scripture. When we assume our modern ways are good, best, or not modern at all, then we miss out on what we actually find in Scripture. We miss the disconnect between the ways of Jesus and the ways of modern man. We know three things for sure about what Jesus did He did all things out of love (1 Corinthians 16:14; 1 John 4:16) He did what He saw the Father doing (John 5:19) He was obedient even unto death (Philippians 2:8) Knowing these three things about Jesus' actions should contextualize all He did. When He defended the woman caught in adultery and when He called people white-washed tombs, it was out of love, obedient, and reflected what the Father was doing. We should approach our own actions the same way. We should not find a methodology and try to fit Jesus into it. The mystery of the ChurchThe mystery has to be revealed Colossians 1:24-29 Christ in you, the hope of Glory Church is fellowship of the mystery The church is not a building or organization, but people with Christ in them. When Israel discovered they had “polluted the assembly” by marrying foreign wives, they mourned, they gathered, they took it seriously and made a plan, and they repented. What is your response to signs of polluting the assembly? If you want to see your church the way God sees it, you have to first see His Church and the way He sees it. You must understand the real thing to recognize something that is off course. Let's look at some of God's patterns Creation and Marriage of Adam and Eve Intimate fellowship People opposed to God (unbelievers) destroy the intimate fellowship Directive to be fruitful, multiply, subdue, rule focus on church structure keeps of inward focused, instead of outward focused to rule creation Tabernacle of Moses God's work in the sacrifice of Christ When we are focused on self-preservation, then we are not a sacrificial presence on the earth Tabernacle of David Grace is extended to everyone This is distorted into inviting believers and unbelievers into the worship gathering, and not extending grace to people outside the church building This sometimes turns into misguided and self-centered political activism, looking for that route to be the solution to our problems Ezekiel's Temple spiritual priesthood – who are you ministering to? New Testament pictures – Spiritual and organic nature of the Church, not referring to buildings, structures, events, programming, etc. Body of Christ Temple of God Spiritual House Mt. Zion General assembly Church of the Firstborn Bride of Christ Holy City New Jerusalem   Spiritual context of the Church Universal Church – 1 Chronicles 12, the Kingdom Historical Church – Hebrews 11 – the foundation laid The church throughout the world – The Gospel to all the earth Kingdom of God Genesis 1:26-28 – God's purpose Genesis 12 – reproducing the seed Genesis 24 – Doing God's pleasure Genesis 48 – The seed is scattered and reproduced The Great Commission Disciples Reaching the Nations with the Gospel God's redemptive purpose – The church coming against the enemy to set captives free. We have to get back to opposing satan and his strongholds on a spiritual level in our community on a regular basis instead of through politics or on social media. Songs: Great Forest – Step into my Arms The Foresters – This is the Kingdom This episode originally broadcast live on September 18, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)  

Matthew 16:15-18 Who do you say that I am? The church is not built by human effort. God builds His church, and He does it His way. He uses pictures to reveal the church to men. These pictures reveal something about God – this shows that He is our God and we are His people; that His church declares His glory. “You are the Christ” - this declaration is where the church is built. Doing things, being places, attending meetings, having habits do not add you to the church. When God interacts with people, the interactions often involve the Land: Garden, Abraham, Moses, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Amos. The pattern is God heals the people, and THEN He heals the land. A healed people are designed to steward a healed land. This is purpose. With wounded people in the presence of a wounded land, we are trying to fabricate stewardship. The PEOPLE are bigger than the individual. The LAND is bigger than the people. Church life is not any kind of meeting, no matter how elaborate or simple. But ecclesia is a life lived in a land with others and God. Current church structure is focused on the Sunday morning meeting. All the energy is ramped up for the Big Show. But most people are not satisfied with that, so we add sunday school, specified small groups, events, ministries, etc. We organize things to focus on the meeting at a set time, inside a set building, and then bemoan the fact that people are not out in the community, so we try to manufacture programs to get them “outside the walls.” We craft a system that focuses on a once-a-week meeting, and when that proves lacking, we try to add events and concerns to people's already full lives. This is not what they signed on for. This was not the original deal. The Good News of the Kingdom is a transformational reality for your whole life. It is by its nature self-sacrificial and all-encompassing. We should be encouraging a community of people who are sharing life together, working and ministering together, who then gather to celebrate this life, praise our God, testify to His deeds, share our joys and concerns. We should not use physical things to birth spiritual things, but use them as a tool, and use them properly, and use them alongside spiritual weapons. The church, God's people, should have compassion, as Jesus did. Jesus is building His church also on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and not simply the biblical ones, but those living today. The Bible is immensely important, but we cannot simply stare at it, study it, and miss the bigness of God, the vastness of the Kingdom, the immensity of our call. If we merely dissect the word, we will be like those of whom Jesus said, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me.” We should be motivated and moved by the Bible to LIVE, and to walk with the Holy Spirit in the world. Do you hate the church? Do we hate the church? What is the church? God's church is the collection of saved sinners living life in a fallen world, with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. The religious systems of man are not the church, but merely a counterfeit. That doesn't mean spirit-filled believers can't be involved with them, or lead them, or that the traditional church system can't do good things in the world. But they are two different things. The foundation of the church is the revelation of Jesus Christ as the Son of God. This is in 1 Corinthians 3:11 – for no man can lay a foundation, other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. The only way a person can be added to the church is through the Holy Spirit revealing them the truth of who Jesus Christ is. This is the only way to get fruit that lasts. What is the most effective way to communicate the Gospel? Is it to gather people for an activity? Is it by making them your friend? Is it a game night, movie night, car show, hunting trip, bike ride, concert, bounce house? Or is it by obeying Christ? To prove that we believe who He says He is, that we have been pierced by His grace, that we live in a Kingdom that forgives sin and gives you what you could never earn by your performance? Is it to love because we first were loved? Why should anyone be motivated to come to Jesus if your thoughts, words, and actions communicate that you never did? This is not a matter of being perfect or the most righteous; it's a matter of changing what you treasure and acting like Christ is your King. If you don't live what you preach, you negate what you preach. What do you preach? What is the loudest part of your gospel? Is it your political beliefs? Is it your work ethic? Is it your purity codes? Is it your religious festivals? Is it your concerts? Or is it your love borne out of the immensity of grace? What is it we're supposed to be proclaiming? The mystery of the Church – Christ in us. The church is the fellowship of the mystery. God in man. The Kingdom in our midst. The transformation the Holy Spirit brings is not a cessation of sin. It is a total heart transplant. It is forsaking the world. It is humility. It is serving others. It is submitting to God. It is laying down our rights, dreams, defenses, and taking up our cross. It is following the Master. To become Christ-like, you must lay down your life for people who hate you. The Gospel changes how we interact with people. It changes how we view the world. It changes where our hope is placed. It should change your interactions with the rest of creation. Let's Recap The decline of the church – its health as an institution and its status in our culture The way we see our church – using physical tools to try to get spiritual results Trying to get purpose out of function instead of allowing purpose to define function The Church is primarily spiritual in nature Physical things should only be midwives; tools to loosen satan's grip. Not using things of the world to attract people to the Gospel. What you draw them with is what you draw them to. Do you see your church the way Jesus sees your church? How does Jesus see your church? Jesus' church has a design defined by Him. Here are some of His patterns from scripture: Creation and marriage of Adam and Eve – God's purpose came before people's function; intimate fellowship; grace-covered state; stewarding over creation in obedience to God; this brings glory to God. Tabernacle of Moses – demonstrates God's work in the sacrifice of Christ. The tabernacle was symbolic of God's presence with the people, and of the impending appearance and sacrifice of Christ. The church today should also be representing God's presence and the sacrificial nature of Christ. The Tabernacle of David – God's grace manifested in salvation to the Gentiles Temple of Solomon – God's glory revealed through His presence amongst His people Temple of Ezekiel – pattern of priesthood in service and ministry. We must examine our purpose and our function, and discern which is leading. If we adopt an incorrect purpose, it will lead us to bad functioning. If we try to create purpose by functioning, we are performing a transaction. We don't do nice things for our spouses so that they will love us. We love them, and so do nice things for them. When we have a false purpose, or attract with functioning, and let our tasks and activities lead, we will attract people to those things. They will never find real purpose. They will not find intimate fellowship found in unity in the Spirit. Songs: David Crowder Band – A Beautiful Collision Audio Adrenaline – Jesus Movement This episode originally broadcast live on September 11, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org www.sunministries.blogspot.com Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

There are numerous statistics that express a decline in the state of the church in America. This includes things like attendance, doctrinal literacy, giving, etc. A Barna report says the number of “post-Christian” individuals has increased to 44% (as of 2015; most current/relevant article can be found here: https://www.barna.com/research/post-christian-cities-america-2017/ Why is this important? It depends on your context. If you are worried about the survival of an institution, then these statistics should be alarming. If you are concerned with the Gospel setting captives free to make disciples and follow the Holy Spirit, these statistics take on a more nuanced nature. One of the sources of this “decline” is the confusion of purpose and function. What is purpose? It is your vision. It is your reason for existing. It is your motivation. What is function? It is what you do. It is what your purpose drives you to do. It will guide your tasks and how you perform them. If we get purpose and function backwards, then we are never going to achieve what God has designed us to do. Many churches function in a way to sustain themselves – their salaries, mortgages, programs, etc. Many people function in survival mode. And you don't have to go to the inner cities to find people living this way. Functioning by self-preservation does not lead to the healthiest decisions. When we function out of survival mode, we won't live by God's design – we are merely trying to stay alive. Our options appear to be (and often are) limited. This is the stronghold of poverty – having limited options because of a concern with resources and survival. Your power to choose has been enslaved to your wants and needs. We should discover our God-given purpose and allow it to define our function. You and your churchWhen you communicate about your church, what do you mention first? Attendance, programs, preaching, music, serving opportunities? What Gospel do you preach? Does it matter how you preach the Gospel? Must you obey the Gospel we preach? Are you adding to or removing from the Gospel and leading people into bondage or hypocrisy? The church is becoming obsolete in the culture. We have neglected the fulness of the Gospel and the desolation in our midst, so that our doctrine becomes separate from our works, and our works appear small and our doctrine becomes meaningless. The church, historically, was a massive force to bring value to human life. It shaped culture because people lived differently. Because they were obedient to God. Now there is a glut of answers and solutions to all of life's ills. There are groups, politicians, and celebrities “doing something” about issues, and the church looks irrelevant in comparison, even though we all know that “Jesus is the answer.” If that is true, then He has to truly be the answer, and we have to be willing to be His body, His hands and feet, to answer the call. Jesus did not look at us in our need and say, “You don't deserve it! I'm going to keep what's mine.” He responded with grace. The church has been taken captive by the natural realm. The primary nature of the Church should be spiritual. The very souls of the poor, foreign, undesirable, are invisible, eternal, spiritual things. This makes them vitally important in the Kingdom. The natural things associated with the church (buildings, programs, money, etc) are all temporary and are burned up in the end. Fruit comes from the Spirit! It is not created by physical things. Friendship evangelism is a bait-and-switch. It has so infiltrated many modern views of ministry and evangelism. This blurs our vision as we face a dark world in need of a Savior and His devoted followers. It taints our definition of the Gospel. It defined our churches in every way from architecture to graphic design to service schedules. It causes us to judge others for how they minister. It paralyzes people when facing their lost friends, family, and neighbors. Who builds the Church? Christ builds His body, His spiritual temple. We get to partner merely as servants of the Holy Spirit. However, the church tries to build itself using physical tools and ways. Only the interaction with the Gospel and the Holy Spirit can add people to the spiritual Body of Christ. Our tools, no matter how impressive they are, are completely useless if they don't accomplish what we need, if they are functioning separate from the Holy Spirit. Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. What is the Church supposed to be? Let's look at the “real deal”. It is universal – everyone added to the Book of Life. Only Jesus can open that book. The Local Church – the only division the Bible recognizes for the church is regional. And they were still interconnected. Denominations are wrong. They are borne out of divisions caused by the works of man. The Body of Christ – a supernatural being filled with the Holy Spirit The Bride of Christ – Pure and devoted to their Lord This is the podcast episode Jason referenced http://www.welivehere.show/posts/2015/8/23/what-it-means-to-be-multi-racial and this is the paper that they referenced https://gcaatoday.com/775/opinions-2/blackish-not-black-not-white-but-somewhere-in-between/ Songs: Kutless - “All Who are Thirsty” http://www.kutless.com/ Nickel Creek – When in Rome https://youtu.be/ylslcF-fUeE This episode originally broadcast live on September 11, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

Acts 2:14 Peter asks crowd to give heed to his “rhema” Acts 5:20 go speak to the people the whole “rhema” of this life. In other words, declare what I've revealed to you. You can't speak “rhema” without the Holy Spirit accompanying you. If the truest form of expression comes when the Holy Spirit inspires and accompanies it, then some of the worst forms of corruption of that come in the form of contracts concerning “worship music” and sermons. If we contractually obligate Christians to produce albums and teachings, then they are motivated by money and job security to fill space. The Holy Spirit can certainly transcend these human limitations, but why would we not reorient ourselves to work fully in communion with Him? Godly creative expression is to art what Rhema is to Logos. People can learn the skills of art, and be really good at it. But doing those things in communion with the Holy Spirit connect to something deeper. Our relationship with God can inspire others to engage a relationship with God. Testimonies We emphasize communicating testimonies in creative expression. We have done this (Mark, Mark, and Jason are musicians), and we encourage it in others. Testimonies are authentic; they are a weapon; and the tell of what God has done. Testimonies declare that God is who He says He is, and that He is their Lord. Psalm 66:5,16 Come and see the works of God, who is awesome in His deeds toward the sons of men...come and hear all who fear God and I will tell of what He's done for my soul. Expressing with AuthorityPeople were moved by what Jesus preached because He taught with authority. It wasn't just His conviction (which some preachers do not have), but that He did what He taught. He was passionate about what He taught – things that He knew, did, and had a deep conviction of. He lived what He taught. Deep conviction backed up with a steadfast walk shakes people. People desire authenticity because it is a connection to something that can be known. It is proof that truth and love are attainable, that loneliness is not the only option. Authenticity in expression means that the expression is not just a product or filler, but that it bridges the gap between our experiences. This desire for authenticity puts a wedge within our religious experience. The modern church strives to be “authentic”, but kills that effort by its striving. Authentic followers are living sacrifices. To be authentic, we need to find our identity, and we can only find that in Christ. Godly creative expression is done with authority – it is done as an outpouring of what we know and do, it is done in communion with the Holy Spirit. Why are you creating? Is it just to fill space? Is it to attract people to your self? Are you just adding bible words to chords? What inspires it? What is the motivation? What power is there in something contrived? Our creations have more power when they come from a place of authority – of an outpouring of our experience. What is the vision of Godly creative expression? God's vision for creative expression will depend on what His vision is for the church in a certain place at a certain time. He will be expressing what He is doing through mankind's expression. If this is the case, then the church is missing out by programming and recycling “worship music.” The bible speaks of EVERYONE bringing a psalm, hymn, or spiritual song, for the purposes of teaching and edifying. This means that God can move corporately in a church BODY and express Himself at that time through new and old expressions. “Worship music”, or any artistic function within the church, should not be seen as entertaining, but in some way prophetic, in that it is expressing who God is and what He is doing. If the creative expression of who God is and what He is doing is limited, stifled, etc., then its power is greatly decreased. The praises cannot be heard, the rebukes are not received, the encouragements are silenced. He cheapen the arts to “oh, that's pretty” or “oh, that's cool” or “i really like this song”. So...how are urban renewal, reformation of the church, and reformation of creative expression all the same thing? Because they are all concerned with God's patterns, having a relationship with God, being filled with His Spirit, walking in His ways. When we are in line with God's ways, we are declaring His glory, we are expressing His diving attributes. When we do that, we will be ministering. You will be living out Isaiah 61. When we do this, our hearts are full of the good things of God, and they overflow in our various abilities. We do that together, corporately, as a body. Within this context, the only reason any art exists is because we have encountered our Lord and we can't help but to express it, or we so desire to encounter Him that we call out in lament. As the church has become corrupted in America, and Americanized the Gospel, it brought its arts right along with it and turned ministry into an industry. If we leave the world and align our hearts with God's, then we will find ourselves in the trenches of spiritual warfare, and shoulder to shoulder not only with our brothers and sisters, but with Jesus Himself, and that results in the restoration of dark places, including inner cities. As we live among those who need love and need the Lord, and humble ourselves, instead of exalting ourselves like the builders of Babel, then what we do create, express, and build will communicate who God is and what He does. When we return to God's patterns, we will be loving, we will be expressing, and we will be living the church the way that He designed. Songs: Keith Green – Oh Lord, You're Beautiful Shawn Groves – Blank Page This episode originally broadcast live on September 4, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

Creative expression includes most things people think of when they think about art. We are going to start by reviewing some of the big picture ideas we got to in parts 1 and 2 of this discussion. First obvious signs of creative expression after the fall Jubal the first musician, Tubal-Cain working with metal. We see records of people desiring to express creatively after the fall. Prior to the fall, man and God have perfect communion. After the fall, communication is impaired. In the Garden, we had perfect communion. We were fully known, and we knew God in a very intimate way. So will there be creative expressions in Heaven? We will sing, we know that much. And God is creative, and we are created in His image. Are there parallels between creative expressions and spiritual gifts? Obviously spiritual gifts come from God and express who He is. But there will be a day when some pass away, and they won't be necessary, at least not in our current comprehension of them. They are for ministry and to build us up into the fullness of Christ. What purpose would they serve once we are in that fullness, together with the Father? So instead of looking at creative expression as a compensation for lack of communion, is it something that is fully realized in unison with God? Is it something that we do WITH God, and in doing it with God, it becomes its true form, and works toward the will of God? Is redeemed creative expression meant to EXPRESS God or EXPLAIN God? Likely, both. Is creative expression out of union with God inherently corrupt? While they can be very honest, essentially yes. We had mentioned the urge to build and control related to the urge to create. These are parts of our image of God and part of His purpose for us, that we should be little creators who rule the world on God's behalf, and with Him. When those are corrupt, we end up building Babels. When we exercise our own creative energies apart from God, it can exalt our pride. While there is much to be said for all humanity's creative efforts, the kind that will build us up will in some way point towards the Creator of all. Can our communion with God, our longing for Him, our desolation apart from Him, our questions and doubts, our pains and loss, inspire expressions that bridge the gap created at the Fall? So after looking at all the ways music specifically was used in Scripture, for godly and ungodly purposes, and exploring lots of modern corruptions, how do we get back to God's design for creative expression? How do we reform it? The Bible displays a spiritual connection to expression, and servants, especially Paul, desiring to communicate in God's ways. Creative Expression, Rhema, and LogosMartin Luther believed that the Gospel was Jesus – essentially anything that communicated Jesus was Good News. If everything that could be expressed about God in human form was Jesus, then there is some merit to this idea. There are some who believe God's expression of Himself has ceased, and is contained entirely in Scripture. Some believe God is always communicated Jesus in some way. Not writing a new Bible, or replacing the Bible, or negating the Bible, but that God expresses Himself and communicates the Good News of the Kingdom always in many ways. Logos and Rhema are two Greek words that get translated as “word”. However, the represent two slightly different ideas, both of which relate to creative expression. Logos is most famously used in John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Here, he is clearly referring to Jesus. Rhema is most famously used in Matthew 4:4 “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” While their literal definitions are very similar, their uses in Scripture show a difference. Logos is the word, it is declaration. Rhema is revelation. Logos is concrete and clear and trustworthy. Rhema is expressive and fluid, yet still never contradicts the Logos. Rhema is not simply allegorical interpretations of Scripture. It is revelation of God. Sometimes it involves reading scripture. Sometimes it simply happens in ministry, no where near a Bible. How does art relate to rhema? As God redeems His people, He fills them with His Spirit, grants them rhema (revelation of the truth), and inspires them to express it in way similar to how He expresses. This could be seen as taking what Scripture says, and creatively expressing what it means. God supernaturally revealed the design of the Tabernacle, then He sent His Spirit to empower craftsmen to accomplish the design. When we are faithful and obedient, we are declaring the character of God. God reveals Himself to people in certain ways at certain times. Sometimes as a burning bush, sometimes as thunder, sometimes as a pillar of cloud, etc. Why? Why does He choose different forms, different expressions? Even in Scripture, there are many literary forms. Why does He choose poems in place, and genealogies in another? Why did Jesus come in human, tangible, physical form to live an observable, historical, concrete life, and yet also grant confounding visions to John? Because He is expressing in forms that express Him, to the recipient, and to others to come after. Because He is the creative Creator. Because there is so much of Him to express. Songs Newsboys – God is Not a Secret Nichole Nordeman – I am Additional music Ben Pasley – Rugged Old Hand http://www.benpasley.com/ Used by permission. This episode originally broadcast live on September 4, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

We continue to explore godly creative expression, focusing on how it must be done in the Spirit. Purposes of music in scripture (continued from part 1) Prophesying Teaching/admonishing Giving things Edification Community context Declaring God's glory – Isaiah 12:5 Praise – Psalms, Exodus 15 (The Song of Moses). Prophecy and song are two of the most used forms of praise in Scripture. Often, people respond in Scripture with songs and prophecy. They witness a move of God, and respond with expression. Conviction and judgment – Deuteronomy 31, God gives Moses a song that will be a witness to them about their impending disobedience. Chapter 32 is the song. God Himself ordained the use of song to bring about conviction Testifying God's works – 2 Samuel 22/Psalm 18 Ministry – 1 Samuel 16:23; David would play music that caused an evil spirit to depart from Saul. Could also be seen as spiritual warfare. However, do not confuse this with playing songs in a church setting. Shouting, or singing, or playing music loudly does not force a demon into submission. However, song can most definitely be used as a spiritual weapon, when used in the Spirit, with authority. But it is not a magical thing that causes demons to vanish. Unbiblical PracticesWhen we focus simply on praise, we miss a whole lot of amazing things that God uses music and other creative expressions for. Godly creative expression flows out of an experience with God. The modern distortion tries to present a song, and then cause people to experience God. We shrink this amazing gift down to the idea that a worship leader on stage playing a song will cause someone to experience God. This is an unfair burden to lay upon a person. Emotional ManipulationMusic and other creative expressions cause emotional connections. This is simply part of our design, because these expressions reveal parts of our selves and communicate something. This does not necessarily equate to godliness. These emotional connections can fortify strongholds of pain in our lives and lead us into corruption. Also, misusing creative expressions generally compounds the pain that motivated us in the first place. The contents of our hearts inform our expressions, but the content of creative expressions nourish parts of our hearts, whether for good or bad. Music and other arts hold our affections. They give validation and amplification to our experiences. This is why reformation of creative expression is so important. God has given spiritually fruitful uses for these things to grow the Kingdom, and satan will continuously try to pervert them to bring destruction. Idol Worship Nebuchadnezzar used music to induce the worship of idols. The Israelites also used music in their worship of the golden calf. Industry vs MinistryThe Christian music industry is just a music industry with limited subject matter. It is an economic machine of copyrights, salaries, marketing, trends, money, etc. If music is a ministry, why the drive to “make a living” doing ministry? Why can we not use our hands and utilize resources creatively, and minister as we live within our gifts? The way copyrights work, people sell over their expressions in the hopes of an industry to create profit off it. They no longer have control over their expressions. This puts money as a central motivation in the creation of creative expressions, which is a precarious position. “Worship” in with church buildings is simply an extension of the music industry. Church buildings are public spaces and have to pay for worship songs they play. So now money becomes a factor in the playing of praise songs in a church gathering. In the New Testament, we are all to bring something to the gathering, specifically including songs for the purposes of teaching and edification. “Worship” is not singing some songs about God. It is something done in Spirit and in truth, and it involves being a living sacrifice. People try so hard to apply Romans 12:1 to songs on a Sunday morning service, and it doesn't add up. Praise is wonderful, teaching and admonishing through song is wonderful, prophesying through song is wonderful. And they can be utilized in a lifestyle of worship. But singing songs alone is not worship. It cannot be separated from a life of obedience. Reformation of the Arts Reformation of the arts only happens when man's spirit is renewed, and this only occurs through Jesus Christ. The true meaning of our words and expressions come from a spiritual place, and need to be filled with the Spirit. This has been lost in the modern day, that stresses secular wisdom and practices for preaching and forming “worship teams”, both of which often involve contracts. The reformation of the arts will express the things of God. This doesn't have to look like one specific form. God's glory is manifold, and humans are complex and unique. It comes back to our heart and what comes out of it and what goes in to it. What has been lost in all of this is the spontaneous impetus of the Holy Spirit to move on believers to create or express. Followers of God should be aiming to declare the glory of our Lord, and our creative expressions are deep and nuanced ways to express things about Him. Song Rich Mullins – I See You http://kidbrothers.org/ https://youtu.be/XejzqulWj2k Additional music Enter the Worship Circle – All I Need www.entertheworshipcircle.com Used by permission. This episode originally broadcast live on August 28, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

What is creative expression? How does God express creatively? How do humans express creatively? How has all this been distorted? We look at some big pictures to explore what it means to be created in the image of the Creator. “What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life...what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:1,3 God is the ultimate creator. Everything He has done has been an expression of Himself (Romans 1:19). The whole earth is full of His glory (Isaiah 6:3)! God's creation declares His glory. Our creations should also declare His glory. So what is His glory? We are the only creation created in the image of God. When we were created, we did not have the knowledge of good and evil, so we expressed nothing corrupt. But once we fell, our expressions changed from representing God to representing useless and base things. Idolatry is a perfect example of these. We perform worship for a creation rather than the Creator. Apart from God, our creative expressions are misdirected and point towards things other than God. Once mankind was out of the presence of God, they begin making things – musical instruments and tools of metal. Is this a response aimed to compensate for the fact that they can no longer commune with God? Expression is no longer pure and directly connected, so are they looking for ways to “reconnect” with their Creator? When creative expression naturally flows out of relationship with God, it is spiritual. Separate from that, we are left to physical tools and physical means. This deteriorates from makings songs, to making idols, to making the Tower of Babel. Our creativity given us through the image of God now becomes the thing that gives voice to our pride in the invention of the brick. Bricks would later solidify our slavery in Egypt. Outside of relationship transparency, we have to figure out a way to communicate what is going on; we need to find a medium. If we could simply and purely communicate, would we still have the desire to utilize the medium to create the expression? Is the whole purpose of creative expression to communicate God to others? To utilize a medium to cross a communication gap? We don't know. There is plenty of singing in Heaven. Corruptions in creative expression begin with the fact that there is a separation. And then they start to point towards other things. We also appear to have a desire to build and control. Is our drive to create the same drive that pushes us to overtake other people? Are we trying to manifest the “image of God” in our own power, apart from the Spirit? If this is so, then when this is redeemed, we can then bring about redemption, peace, and justice. Redeeming the “creative” drive in us, the part of the image that creates, builds, and manipulates, will declare the glory of God and end the distortion that leads to destruction, imperialism, and oppression. There is no way to “get back to the garden” without reforming creative expression. When we empower and encourage people to express God's glory in their own way, it can bring great unity in the Spirit through the diversity of the Body of Christ. Our expressions come from what is inside of us (Matthew 12:33-37). Psalm 45 shows an expression that is inspired by God and directed to Him: “My heart overflows with a good theme; I address my verses to the King; my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.” Creative expression encompasses many things, but most practically the arts. We explored the specific example of music throughout scripture to see what role it played in the interaction between man and God. David set aside men to prophesy with music Many of the verses quoted in the New Testament as being prophecy of the coming Messiah are from Psalms. The Psalms declare God's character Songs were used for teaching and correction Song, and creation itself, were involved in the birth of Jesus, and creation testified at the death of Christ. Music was shared with other members of the Body, often in giving thanks Music was used to edify the Body, and is likened to spiritual acts such as teaching and speaking in tongues, which could be seen as other creative expressions Next week we will continue to explore creative expression. Songs: Beautiful Eulogy – “Instruments of Mercy” from their album, “Instruments of Mercy”; available at www.humblebeast.com. Used by permission. Josh Garrels - “Colors”, from his album “Home”. www.joshgarrels.com This episode originally broadcast live on August 28, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

We will continue to explore transactional relationships and how they deeply affect our understanding of the world around us, from everyday interactions to how we structure our churches. Jesus defined love as a denial of your self – it is not a contract with others. Transactional relationships make no room for love. They are inherently self-centered: these are my expectations and you must meet them. God is often accused of being transactional in His interactions with humans: He demands a certain kind of behavior and punishes man if they fail. This is not quite the case. God disciplines and desires true relationship. There is a difference between discipline and transactional punishment. A loving form of discipline doesn't try to manipulate, it seeks to teach and guide. God wants us to share in His holiness – this is a condition, not a kind of behavior. In His discipline, God is continuously looking at your heart. He wants your heart to want Him. Though He is concerned with our behavior, grace covers our sin. God does not withhold His love as a form of disapproval in order to manipulate people into a specified behavior. Discipline is not punishment. It is motivated by love and designed to bring us to a place of safety and blessing. Discipline can be hard and painful, and include rebukes, corrections, course changes, or merely acts of protection that temporarily inconvenience us. If eternal life is knowing God, then every step of obedience, every act of discipline, every occurrence of suffering for righteousness brings us closer to knowing Him. God Himself chose to suffer in righteousness. In redeeming a fallen and rebellious world, it is only logical that those pursuing God would suffer – otherwise we would live in a transactional universe that rewards and punishes according to firm rules. In that case, we don't need love or grace. When we are transformed into the image of His Son, we are living by God's design. In doing this, we find our creative purpose. We cannot find ourselves in our possessions, in a pursuit of storing up for ourselves, escaping pain, and seeking comfort. These are merely obstacles and insulators keeping us from God. You will find yourself when you sacrifice everything for strangers, because then you will understand God's love, and understand why He did that very thing for you. As victims try to move on from being raised in a transactional environment, they try to fill all the voids left by a confusion of love and approval. It takes a long time to accept that our worth comes from God's love for us, not from our performance. Transactional relationships are the antithesis of unconditional love. Transactional relationships rob us of grace and love, because we equate our feelings with our condition, and our feelings are informed by our perceived sense of worth. Remember that love is tied to who you are, approval is tied to what you do. Living in transaction “works” because it allows us to navigate the world while hiding pain. However, when pain changes who we are, we start to live in a self-centered world where everything is viewed through our expectations. This does not make us selfish or wicked, merely hurting. In this state, you will view everyone as abusers because you are constantly facing unmet expectations; you feel that others don't value you. People don't just have transactional relationships with individuals, but with society. A transactional worldview puts you in constant fear of punishment due to failure. It twists you view of justice. God is love, and His understanding of justice and goodness is cosmic. It is His. It is Good. It is what is best for us. Obedience to God is simply living the way you were designed to live. Obedience to man is following rules to facilitate a convenient relationship that has no costs. Unfortunately, the American church has been trained into perceiving the world from a transactional worldview. We see people in calamity and assume hidden sin or bad decisions. This is due to our conforming to American spiritualism that puts great value on performance and holds up the myth that hard work and honest dealings will cause you to rise in social standing and success. It is also the result of a lack of faith. We fall back on a law that gives us a checks and balances between ourselves and God. The New Covenant has done away with all that. God wants to indwell us with His Spirit, build His Kingdom in our midst. He wants to walk with us in the cool of the day and whisper in our ear. We should not need a terrifying mountain and a delegate to go and retrieve stone tablets for us. Our hearts should be soft and ready for Him to imprint His design upon them. There are many false gospels that teach that God is transactional, that we must behave a certain way and that we will be rewarded with physical blessings; that God is bound to an agreement to transact with us based on behavior and approval. This epidemic of transactional relationship, of the confusion of love and approval, has led to a predominate false gospel in America which preaches, “Come add yourself to this group of people who will engage in certain behavior and get rewarded.” This creates a self-centered ecclesiology – responding to “felt needs”, providing fresh worship, having a full-service club for people to join complete with child care, vacations, parties, concerts, movies, performances, branded merchandise, etc. God is not trite. He is not small-minded nor cold-hearted. He wants us to walk with Him so our desire for temporary things will diminish and we will come to know Him. The modern American church has become a transactional system. We hire pastors to preach and judge their performance. If he fails, he is replaced. It gives positions based on tithing – those that don't tithe aren't allowed to become elders, etc. The tithe as a whole is a transactional system that is not a New Testament mandate. These things turn the church into a business. If the church is supposed to be a manifestation of God's love here on earth, it cannot do that if it functions in transaction, because transactional relationships and love are mutually exclusive. God's church functions on spiritual gifts given by God, not by job description and salaries. There is no pressure to perform for anyone. An incomplete gospel, based on a transactional church system, gives us a religion that does not bring us to God. Accomplishing a set of tasks does not “fulfill our end of the bargain” to receive blessing, communion, or salvation. Unfortunately, this gospel is the easiest one to communicate, so much so that it will be passively communicated even if never preached, even if a true gospel is spoken, because this transactional gospel will have so much visible evidence. This man-made church structure is a fragile system that must defend itself. It creates a false sense of unity, which is either uniformity, or a sharing of activity and meeting times. Look at the difference between nurturing a tree and training a tree to a form If you nurture a tree, you will plant it in good soil, water it, fertilize it, prune it, and give it the space it needs to become the tree it was designed to be. If you are training a tree to a form, then you are telling it what to become, and strapping it to a rigid pattern so that it only grows where you want it to. God's design of unconditional love allows the created diversity of His people to flourish. He doesn't want us to act, look, and talk the same. He wants us to be what He created, and He is endlessly creative. Songs: The Oh Hellos – The Valley http://theohhellos.com/ Leeland – Tears of the Saints http://leelandonline.com/ This episode originally broadcast live on August 21, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

Let's start over with the idea that humanity was designed by the Creator. We were meant to live a certain way. When God created everything, He called it good. Mankind quickly decided that we wanted to live our own way instead of God's way. Jesus came to bring the Kingdom of God here to earth, to return the Spirit of God to mankind, and show them how to live with God as their Lord. In this episode, we begin discussing man living by their own design with some (seemingly) silly examples (like robots). This moves to the idea that the the modern, western world is beginning to acknowledge the effects of pain. However, mankind still chooses to live by their own design – we look for our own solutions, as opposed to obeying God. For example, many results of abuse include “bad behavior”. People lack the basic abilities to interact with other humans in healthy ways. They can't focus in school. They take offense easily. They constantly feel their very existence is threatened. The consequences of those actions are alienation, more abuse, or punishment. When this happens on a very large scale, we end up with generational oppression. In America, this generally manifests in racism and all its tangents. The penal system is one of punishment. It is a transactional relationship. When people get pushed to their limits, they get focused on their “needs” or inconveniences, and start reacting out of demands, which turns everything into a transaction. This leads to many people feeling disrespected or neglected much of the time. Secular responses to deep pain will always fall short. They will only be the best of human strength and wisdom, which will forever be insufficient. The answer is God's love. Genuine care. Loving by serving. Walking in the Spirit, walking united as the Body. God can break down great things through humble obedience. We have seen Him break racial stereotypes and expand the boundaries of our “family” to include people that don't look like us. We've experienced plenty of rejection, as well. But if we remain in a state of transaction, we will always be offended and always be withholding love from those who need it most. The systems of the world are largely transactional. Business, banking, government, taxes, etc. We create “machines” to manage our world, and all those machines run on transaction. This means we are regularly investing our selves into machines that do not allow us to function on a human level. This tears at our humanity, and makes it hard to differentiate those interactions from ones with other humans. It is certainly nice for things to run like a well oiled machine, but humanity rarely does, so we cannot hold that expectation over ourselves. We cannot “transact” with other humans and think that it will result in healthy relationships. Real love is not transactional. Transactional relationships do not make room for love. Economic exchanges are “fair” and based on expectations. Love is sacrificial. Grace is undeserved; it cannot be deserved. When we apply economic principals to our relationship with God we will be very disappointed, and miss the amazing acts of love He is doing right before our eyes. Songs: Amena Brown – Baggage Check http://www.amenabrown.com/ Newsboys – A Million Pieces https://newsboys.com/ This episode originally broadcast live on August 21, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

The confusion between love and approval can begin at an early age, through discipline, or through a lack of genuine displays of affection. People generally feel more loved when we're being praised. It takes intentionality to show that we love when we disapprove, and to not withdraw signs of love when we disapprove. These feelings towards love, approval, and disapproval get transferred to our feelings towards God. This can lead to people feeling God is punishing them, testing them, or teaching them something any time something bad happens. Confusing love and approval can prevent you from resting in grace. Instead of jumping to anxiety and assumptions in the face of pain or discomfort – instead of viewing pains as enemies – we should view them as opportunities to know God more. The only thing we should “assume” in a painful situation is that it is painful and we need God. Transactional Relationships God is often accused of working in transactional relationships, but He does not. So what is a transactional relationship? Let's look at some examples: A child will often do something to get praise from their parents A child might settle simply for attention from their actions These interactions can never bring satisfaction because there will always be another “task” to be done, or eventually, an interaction will not go the way you want, which means you don't get approval, which means all your “hard work” goes unrecognized. Transactional relationships create a very unhealthy way to nurture who we are. It “feeds” a desire in us, like caffeine can “feed” our desire for sleep while depriving our body of the rest it needs Transactional relationships bring “control” into a relationship. People try to control through their transactions, through their performance. It puts an unhealthy, critical eye on everyone else's actions Transactional relationships are often the subject of jokes and sitcom plots. While this makes funny television, unfortunately it “normalizes” transactional relationships. Look at them as “economic relationships”. You would spend a set amount of money on an item at the store. You have performed a just transaction, involving expections, even exchange, etc. This is great for business, but utterly destructive for human relations. The ideas of transactional relationships get planted early on in our helpless state as babies. All we know is what we feel, and that we are utterly dependent upon others. So we express displeasure at our circumstances until those circumstances change (hungry, hurt, tired, needing a diaper changed, etc). While it is good and healthy to indulge these “expressions of displeasure” on behalf of helpless babies, the nature of our nurturing relationships must change over time, and certainly once we receive the Holy Spirit of God. Grace utterly destroys transaction. It is totally undeserved. It is the New Order of the Kingdom of God. It takes care of our mistakes, but doesn't necessarily force our hearts to want anything. Some people don't want grace, because it forces us to give something up. In a marriage context, I can do things that hurt or offend my wife, through impatience, aggravation, etc. But there is still love in the relationship. Our hearts still desire each other and our relationship. I have “sinned” by simply performing an act that was hurtful. However, once my heart starts wandering to others, now I have compromised the very fabric of the relationship. I no longer desire my wife or my relationship. It's not a matter of “missing the mark”, now my heart is inclined towards other things. This directly applies to our relationship with God, and the relationship with sin and iniquity. A transactional relationship rarely gets to the point of the desires of the heart, and merely measures everything on a surface level looking at performance, while the true desires of the heart never get fulfilled, despite how successful the transactions may have been. Many people remain “fussing babies” complaining to try to get what they want. This is generally because of pain, or a vow, or never surrendering to God and being vulnerable. Once we are ingrained in this way of relating, we subject ourselves to imagined abuses. We turn every relationship into an abusive relationship, with ourselves as the victims of the abuse. It becomes a constant state of living in expectations, where those expectations are rarely verbalized, and rarely met, so we always feel wronged or slighted or unloved, despite all our efforts to receive love. We will constantly misinterpret the words and actions of those around us, which simply sets them up to fail. So now we are every day experiencing “abuse” at the hands of people who are not abusing us. God interacts through unconditional love. God loved us while we were still sinners. God told us to do all things out of love, and Jesus did that. So even things that He did that do not look “loving” (using whips, insulting pharisees, rebuking Peter, confronting crowds with bold questions, expressing impatience at people's sin and doubt), these acts were in fact done out of love. Even when God's wrath abides on us, it is love. The clear and distinct choice between Heaven and hell is a loving choice. They are not similar. There is no need to do a “cost/benefit analysis”. The choices are clear and entirely different. Our relationship with God shouldn't be one of trying to discern the task God wants us to do. He wants us to abide in His Grace. He wants us to know Him. He wants us to love. He knows that we are made of dust, that we are weak and sinful – this is what grace is for. God sets out a way for us to live. This can bring blessing, but can also bring suffering. Jesus lived perfectly and suffered immensely. Obedience to God is not a transaction to get you what you desire. God does not work in transaction, but satan does. His kingdom is designed around them. He makes false promises, he amplifies offenses, he tempts us to arrange the whole universe around our desires and comfort. If God was transactional in His relationships, Hebrews 11 would look very different. Transactional relationships are a trap of satan. There is no fulfillment or freedom there. There is only an endless striving to feed a bottomless hole of pain. Only grace and cover that wound. Only the healing power of the Spirit can set us free. For more information about transactional relationships, please see the book “Love: No Strings Attached” by Rich Buhler Song: Josh Garrels – Burden Down www.joshgarrels.com Brian Morykon – Prodigal Son http://music.morykon.com/ This episode originally broadcast live on August 14, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

As we continue to explore pain and its effects, we will talk about vows – how pain changes our belief systems and causes us to make decisions that can last a lifetime. The most destructive pain isn't any specific kind of act or occurrence, but rather whatever affects your sense of worth. Many people make vows in an instance of abuse. This is a decision the victim makes concerning what they will allow in their life, or what they will pursue. Vows are so powerful because they are made to defend the victim's very existence. It changes fundamentally their motivations and how they interpret the world around them. This essentially changes who you are. People also make vows of revenge – a decision to punish the abuser or those like the abuser through manipulation, etc. The vow becomes the mechanism by which the victim navigates the world – they now have something they can trust in. A vow prevents you from becoming who God made you to be. It injects into your very identity something outside of God's plan, something that is entirely self-focused and born in pain and extreme emotion. If we simply look at the destructive behavior that manifests as the result of abuse, we will never reach healing. We have to go to the vow and undo its binds. A vow binds a person by perpetuating the abuse. It creates a false reality where the abuse is constant and can never be let go. A vow ensures that the victim will perpetually be a victim. Sometimes vows are known; the victim is actively and knowingly choosing to live out a decision. They constantly justify behavior. Conscious or not, this is a way of repainting reality. It also secures the victim identity. It sets the person up to be “failed” in every situation, because they are always defending themselves, whether or not attacks are coming, which means in their eyes, they are always being attacked, let down, betrayed, disrespected, etc. Some people end up ministering out of a vow to make sure their pain would never happen to someone else. This sets you up to work in your flesh and strive against God. The Holy Spirit is the one that enters into us and unpacks our pain and bondage. Many church-attenders in America don't believe the Holy Spirit is a real person of God. If you never experience the Holy Spirit, and only hear others talk about Him in vague terms, then the Holy Spirit can be anything. If you want freedom, you have to seek the Holy Spirit. How do I recover from what's happened to me? God has given us something better than what the world has to offer – His Holy Spirit. Through accepting the grace of the sacrifice of Jesus and pursuing the Holy Spirit, our healing is guaranteed. God does not play games nor send us confusing answers. So what do you do? First, learn to forgive. Forgive your abusers. Forgive God. Forgive yourself. Forgive the countless perceived abuses and slights that come every day. A large part of forgiveness is allowing guilt to rest on the offending party. Also, you must fully realize the depth of the pain and destruction that occurred to you. If you simply think “Oh, they said mean things and shouldn't have”, you have not realized the depth of the pain, and so are not truly forgiving them for what happened. If you are crushed by the realization that the abuser stole your very identity with their words, now you are truly forgiving them, and ready to undo the lies and chains that resulted from that destruction. Secondly, you have to admit the weakness you were in at the time of the attack, instead of applying that original incident to your current condition. You have to look at the abuse through the eyes of a child, or with a clear and compassionate eye toward your circumstances at the time of the abuse. This doesn't just mean your physical prowess or ability to defend or avoid, but also understanding the magnitude of the abuse at that time in your life. Third, get help from someone that knows about the topic. Seek a body of believers working in their spiritual gifts. Learn to trust again. If you can never trust God or others, there is no hope for you. You are left with only your own imperfect hands to save you. Trust just a few people that are worthy of trust and start the process. For more help healing from past pains, please see the books Love: No Strings Attached and Pain and Pretending by Rich Buhler. songs: TobyMac – “Stories” http://tobymac.com/ NEEDTOBREATHE – “Slumber” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PUGlXzAcp8 http://www.needtobreathe.com/ Additional music: Enter the Worship Circle – “In this World” Used by permission. www.entertheworshipcircle.com Shaun Groves – “No Better” Used by permission. https://shaungroves.com/ This episode originally broadcast live on August 14, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

God designed the church to help restore damaged individuals through love and the working of spiritual gifts. Man has sanitized this messy process and removed the effectiveness of the church to function in this way. Love should be the church's response. Sometimes love is gentle and long-suffering, and sometimes it is bold and harsh. In order for love to exist and work, we need vulnerability. Some people believe that those with physical disorders must not have enough faith to be healed, and this false idea also gets applied to emotional wounds. There is a prevalence of people abused at an early age by people inside their “circle of trust”. This is the family, the church, the community, the very relationships that make up this child's world. Young children are “untainted” by the destruction of the world – they have yet to construct false identities or believe an abundance of lies or give their hearts to idols or commit a lot of sins. The church should be seeking to create communities where this circle of trust can remain intact, and these children can become what God made them to be without succumbing to destruction first. If nothing else, we should be seeking to create a very nurturing environment that can minister to even the most heart-wrenching pains. When a child is hurt by someone in the circle of trust, they immediately seek answers, for needs to be fulfilled. The first need is to be rescued. One of the first effects of abuse is a disintegration of trust in people and God. The victim starts making decisions about themselves and the world around them. The victim's search for answers leads to a lot of false conclusions. They accept blame for the abuse. This leads to guilt and shame. This can lead to excuse-making on behalf of other abusive people in their life. They might also reject their “victim-hood” in the incident of their abuse, but act powerless in every other situation in life. Another common conclusion: the victim is disqualified from God's love. They don't believe that God will love them or act on their behalf. This directly guides their sense of self-worth. This leads to them trying to gain “qualification” - they try to strive their way into acceptance, position, control, etc. However, they can never go back in time to redo the situation. The only way out is to face the pain and get healing from God. Victims also display cyclical patterns of behavior. Children think and feel in a certain way. Their worldview is directly affected by their vulnerability and sense of trust – by their dependency on others and the needs they have. When adults try to look back on past pains, they can't reason those situations from an adult perspective. They must humble themselves and accept how the worldview of a child was altered in that moment – that the pain might have been immense for something that appears utterly reasonable to an adult. Victims must learn to let their abuser have the blame for their abuse. This can be especially hard if the abuser is in the circle of trust and if the abuse was never made known, because a long, drawn-out relationship will have been built over the years, and in many cases, the victim might even love the abuser, or feel indebted to the provision or care the abuser has given to the victim, or might have worked very hard to regain a position of favor with the abuser, to salvage some semblance of relationship. People really don't like revisiting past pain. It challenges their functioning sense of reality. And it hurts. It gets messy. That is the reality. It is offensive, and chaotic. It's like being told to walk through a room full of fire to get to healing. You have to be okay with being weak. This fear of the pain drives people to drugs, escapism, promiscuity, control issues, self-harm, etc. They are simply trying to survive and fulfill the needs that were never met. Songs: John Reuben – There's only forgiveness http://www.johnreuben.com/ Ben Pasley – Rugged Old Hand, from his album “Residue” http://www.benpasley.com/ and http://entertheworshipcircle.com/ This episode originally broadcast live on August 7, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

Most people we encounter are carrying around the weight of unresolved pain from their past. Some people are aware, and some are not. Some pain is caused by cataclysmic events, and some is the result of subtle conditioning over long periods of time. However, most “victims” display similar patterns of behavior. We do not feel you can effectively minister and set captives free without understanding how pain affects people's lives. The pain we're discussing is the pain that attacks your sense of identity, your sense of self worth. It changes how you view your self and the world. While most people recognize lasting effects of pain (PTSD, aversions, etc.), there are pains that are kept hidden or are forgotten, or we never recognize to what depths it has affected our understanding of our selves. Pain changes what we believe – it subjects us to lies. Anytime something attacks the core of who we are, whether dramatic or subtle, we have to respond. We have to find ways to continue to live with the pain. Many of these ways are destructive and bind us. The effects of abuse early in your life changes the way you process information, view relationships, your self, and God. Children largely perceive the world through their relationships. When relationship is violated, part of our world and our understanding of the world is destroyed. And anchor of our existence has been removed. It is vital to understand pain and its effects in a ministry setting. We should not seek to change behavior, but to set captives free. The family, church, and community should all be a safe place for children to live and be nurtured. However, satan wants to destroy, so he infiltrates our families, churches, and communities. He destroys one person at a time. Therefore, if we intervene on a personal level and create nurturing communities of faith, knit together by love, faith, spiritual gifts, discipleship, spiritual authority, then we will truly take part in the work of redemption. Loving, transparent community is in some ways necessary to get free from pain – trusted friends can see your blindspots and your destructive behavior patterns. Spiritual gifts and spiritual warfare are necessary in bringing people to freedom. Understanding how the brain reacts to traumatic events also helps to have compassion on the victim. Sin causes pain, and pain then causes sin. Pain causes people to distrust God, to protect themselves, to lash out, to believe lies, etc. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil, and He formed the church as a tool to take part in this. The Law was insufficient to remove sin and heal pain. Grace, in all its fullness, destroys the lies, shame, and guilt that surrounds and perverts us, and allows us to be healed by God. In order to destroy the works of the devil, we have to understand how he's working. Songs: Beautiful Eulogy – According to God. From their album “Instruments of Mercy” available at www.humblebeast.com. Used by permission. Jars of Clay – Dead Man (Carry Me) http://www.jarsofclay.com/  This episode originally broadcast live on August 7, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

We interview musical artists Zach Winters and Jason Barrows, the afternoon before their show at Sun Cafe.  On The Resistance Radio Show, we feature music by artists we feel are expressing some form of God's design, or who are using their artistic expression in meaningful and authentic ways.  Zach and Jason delve into their inspiration and struggles.  Please be sure to check out these artists: http://zachwintersmusic.com/ http://jasonbarrows.com/ This interview was recorded on July 28, 2015 in KXEN studios in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

Most Christians would agree to the idea of following God's design. But once you point out specifics, especially of church practice, people get defensive. This is because our church experience is tied to so many things: family, history, culture, tradition, activity, morality, community, authority, education, etc. We become emotionally connected to our experiences and the exercise of our will. When you start to criticize one part of this web, people feel hurt or threatened or at least uncomfortable. Many people have lots of positive feelings towards their church and the people there. But all the good people, good experiences, and meaningful traditions cannot replace God's design. Despite the good people and experiences, many people are longing for freedom but don't understand why they don't have it. Jesus came to bring freedom – He doesn't want slaves, but sons and daughters. And while there might be a lot of “doctrinally sound” teaching, that doesn't translate into the power and presence of the Holy Spirit or transformed lives. When you are trained into thinking your experience of God looks like Sunday morning services, mission trips, camps, praise songs, seminars, Sunday school, etc, you've simply created a lot of activities, that might contain a lot of truth. But they do not compare with the wild, wandering savior saying, “Come, follow me.” Jesus gave us authority in His name. He gave us the power of the Holy Spirit. When we function outside of the spiritual authority given to us by God, we function in our inventions, which prove ineffective. Man's strength and wisdom will always be insufficient. There is a pandemic of abuse in our country (sexual, emotional, etc). Most abuse victims feel undeserving or unqualified of good things, specifically God's love. Abuse diminishes a person's sense of worth. Victims accept the guilt of their abuse. This leads to decisions and vows made, which act as a filter to how they view themselves and the world. They become the foundational deception of their identity and motivation. Pain can go to the core of our being and seriously distort our understanding of the universe. Because of this severe destruction, many victims end up with performance issues. They strive for acceptance. There is no rest here. However, having behavior patterns centered around striving can lead a victim to be lauded in many work and ministry environments, because it looks like hard work. This can be even more destructive, because their behavior appears to get them what they desire, but they will never get healed by gaining acceptance through performance. The church, when functioning by God's design, is the best tool to heal people from abuse. When the church operates by God's design, there is no place to hide. The Holy Spirit reveals things and the spiritual gifts minister to people. The church should be filled with people whose hearts are inclined toward God, and those rejecting God should not be in the church. They will not be working toward His designs and bringing people to healing. When the church doesn't function by God's design, it cannot reach its fullness. The church has created and filled unbiblical offices and positions, and these offices get filled by broken people often bound by pretending. Man's design for the church has created spaces where abusers can come to power. Usually, they place young people fresh out of college, generally who have issues that have never been resolved, in places of authority over people just a couple years younger than them, all of whom also have issues that haven't been addressed. How do we get back to God's design for His church? Recognize that He has a design and it matters. Examine our current practices and see if it matches His design. The church God designed lives together, shares together, and battles together. God's church has not failed, it has been left untried. “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and left untried.” -G. K. Chesterton How do you define ministry? Many people engage in compulsive ministry – it is very activity driven. It is a fleshly embrace of duty. What is your motivation? Is it a compulsion, or a relationship with God? True ministry must rest in grace – faith in God's goodness despite our sin. Many other people's compulsion comes from a striving for approval. We also need grace for others – do not minister from a position of pride, but lay down your life. We reproduce slavery by creating a culture of compulsion. Ministry requires consecration – your heart is set on God and His desires. Because you are human, you will fail at some point, but that is where grace continues to work in us. Without consecration, our minds can be filled with fantasies, nonsense, lies, pain, etc. This distracts our minds from things above. It pollutes our thoughts with lies or meaningless babble. Many abuse victims will engage in pretending, which is a deep level of self-delusion. Pretending consumes our energy and blocks our ability to hear and obey the voice of God. We are not designed to live and work alone. Rarely does God place people in a position where we have nobody. If you truly have no one, then you need to pursue God intensely. If you are simply praying and journaling, then it is easy for you to be deceived. There is no one to help you see blind spots, or to discern if you are still viewing God through a filter. Songs: Zach Winters – Monarch http://zachwintersmusic.com/ Needtobreathe – Able https://youtu.be/QW7esoMfVxI For more insight into pain and its effects, please see the books “Pain and Pretending” and “Love: No Strings Attached” by Rich Buhler This episode originally broadcast live on July 24, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

This week we will be discussing pain and how it binds people. But first, we will discuss how the church must operate by God's design. Because while the church is perfectly equipped to address pain and overcome strongholds of the enemy, it can only do that if it functions by God's design. Many Christians have been lured into idolatry and paganism dressed up as Christianity. However, God has a design for the church, and it is good, and it can be found. It easy to feel like you are following God's design if your context is an organized church structure and correct doctrine. However, God's design starts with laying down your life and taking up your cross. In America, we're more likely to question doctrine than daily practice. For example, the practices of age segregation or the weekly sermon structure are generally accepted, while people will debate whether or not one could lose one's salvation. Sometimes, the practices which contradict God's design are less obvious, like those being done by the hypocrites in Isaiah 58. What about practices like tax-exemption and paid positions? Why do we change the creative, expressive, and supernaturally-empowered gifts of God into a job? When it becomes a job, what is the motivation? Is it a move of God, or the need to pay the bills? Where are we instructed in Scripture to bring unbelievers into our worship gatherings? Surely we are meant to care for an minister to the very least of these – we are to be selfless servants, declaring the love of God in our words and actions. However, when we gather as the Body of Christ to worship our Lord, what role does someone who doesn't believe that Lord exists play? Many people are offended by questioning church practice. It can be scary to step outside of what we've always known and been told is proper, accepted, and even “holy”, even though there is little biblical support for our modern practices, and many instructions in scripture which we do not follow. In John 5:19, Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, these things the Son does in like manner.” We must have the same attitude of obedience. God's design is far superior to any manmade structure. So let's not simply follow what is popular, accepted, traditional, well-funded, or highly visible, and instead follow what God has done and is doing. Most churches are divisive from their inception – denominations are divisive. We also hold up church traditions as something sacred – as a heritage or legacy. Just because a practice was widespread or longstanding does not make it good or holy. The church of God is a supernatural organism – the Body of Christ. It is God's temple, which He indwells. God gives His people the Holy Spirit, and through Him, spiritual gifts. These gifts should be functioning together. Modern practices should not replace nor obstruct the functioning of the gifts. Our experience of the Holy Spirit should not be reduced to a planned meeting. If every minute of a “church service” is already planned, then what need is there for the Holy Spirit? According to 1 John 3:8, Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. One of those works is abuse and its effects. Abuse of any kind destroys someone at their core and binds them. When people function according to God's design, their spiritual gifts work to remove satan's strongholds on people. This is how people get free. However, the manmade church is insufficient to address pain. God designed a functioning, spiritually empowered group of people to deal with pain and deal with deceptions and strongholds. If those outside the covenant are within this assembly, they will not be able to help in this work, and will likely be used by satan to oppose it. For more insight into pain and its effects, please see the books “Pain and Pretending” and “Love: No Strings Attached” by Rich Buhler Songs: Jon Foreman – The Cure for Pain http://www.jonforeman.com/ John Reuben – The Boy vs. the Cynic http://www.johnreuben.com/ This episode originally broadcast live on July 24, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

We conclude our discussion of Halloween through the lens of being separate from the world. Is it valid to say that present-day Halloween is just a commercial event with no connection to its pagan roots? Is this a valid idea within the Kingdom of God? Why do we even care? What's the deal? So what? Are we legalistic? We're talking about a context of living in two realms. Let's look at God's heart, what He brought, what the apostles were teaching and doing, what it means to be full of the Holy Spirit (and not other spirits), and that we shouldn't joke lightheartedly about demons and put pictures of them around our homes. Instead of making a list of things we could or shouldn't do, let's look at what it means to be the church. Let's not allow a pagan holiday to create a false context for us. Do you believe in a spirit realm? Do you believe in a devil? Do you believe you need to be separate from such things? The kingdom of satan is about creating and spreading lies. Halloween does not induce fear of God, but of created things. Halloween makes light of spiritually corrupt practices, such as seances, violence, and divination. It becomes a gateway and an opportunity to become desensitized to such things. Peer pressure, even from within the church, makes you feel like a goofball for not wanting to participate in this holiday. Many people can rationalize away the “original intents” of Halloween. However, simply look around at its present day manifestation. It's not all princesses and superheroes. It's haunted houses, violent horror movies, costumes that celebrate death, decay, and lust. Even the candy isn't just candy…it's images of skulls, human limbs, ghosts, and other things that typically induce fear. It certainly stresses fun, but fun generally in the context of spiritualism, gore, and fear. Why is Halloween seen as an evangelistic opportunity? What makes it exceptional? Does this validate it? Why do we not apply this logic to other pagan practices and holidays? How many Christians celebrate Ramadan in order to evangelize? Does the fact that you could share the Gospel mean you have to participate in the practice? Coming up with a “christian alternative” in order to compete for attention or numbers is just as much conforming to the world. How about we let the holiday die by not participating? Christian “haunted house” alternatives focus on fear, and utilizing fear to scare you to Jesus, so your golden ticket to heaven gets punched. This is a terrible and expensive tactic, and delivers an incomplete gospel clothed in the ways of the world. Final Thoughts: Stop rationalizing and look at what you're doing and exalting Who are you serving? Don't pretend the spirit realm doesn't exist or that you have control over it Why are you celebrating a make-believe holiday that requires safe zones? What are you filling your head, heart, and time with? Songs: Josh Garrels – Rise https://joshgarrels.bandcamp.com/track/rise Keith Green – No one believes in me anymore Heath McNease – The Screwtape Letters https://youtu.be/Q33LHk504Gs Blindside – Pitiful https://youtu.be/t-K2EdbnK6s additional music by Enter the Worship Circle www.entertheworshipcircle.com This episode originally broadcast live on October 30, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

We discuss the history and implications of the pagan holiday of Halloween, and what it means to be separate from the world. When you think of Halloween, are you legalistic, defensive, indifferent, unconcerned, infatuated? Why do Christians participate in a pagan holiday, and why this one and not the dozens of other ones? How do you remain separate from the world? How does that affect your decisions and desires? We see Halloween as a pagan holiday with a history rooted in occult spiritual practices, and whose modern day incarnation is a highly commercialized event that focuses on frivolous spending, death, violence, demons, fear, and lust. Instead of writing a new law of what activities we should or shouldn't do, we look at the values of the Kingdom of God, and see what we want to proclaim. There are groups that set up “safe zones” for Halloween. If it is just a fun holiday about costumes and candy, why is this necessary? Despite what some say, October 31 does have higher crime rates, just not of sexual assaults. We want “safe scary”. Real scary is unsafe. Murder, rape, vandalism, robbery, dismemberment. These things are actually scary, and life altering or ending. A real “haunted house” is one with gun shots going off right outside or thieves breaking in to steal. Why is it required to have “safe zones” on this holiday if it doesn't promote evil? What about other non-Christian holidays, like New Year's and Labor Day? It's not about celebrating something not based in Christian beliefs. Look at what you are celebrating, not simply activities you are participating in. What does the holiday exalt? Fear, horror, lust, wickedness, violence, pain, demons, indulgence. It's the second largest spending holiday in the US. Money spent on candy, costumes, decorations. The same approach can be brought to blatantly Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter. What are you doing and what are you celebrating? Are you celebrating commercialism and pagan traditions, or something significant about the life of Christ? So let's look at the celtic holiday of Samhain. Practices and Traditions of Samhain/Halloween Trick-or-Treating – Historically, the holiday was about souls coming back to bless or curse people. People offered soul cakes to them. Children started to mimic them and demand cakes in order to avoid mischief. Also related to “souling”, a practice of people going door-to-door asking for treats and prayers. Also related to guising, doing performances to get food and money. Jack-o-lanterns – carving hideous faces into pumpkins, etc to scare spirits away. Also, carved pumpkins end up in the trash, instead of in food, and become a huge waste problem. Costumes – people would try to look like evil spirits, in recognition of the holiday and mimicking spirits, or scaring them away bobbing for apples – a divination practice Mirror divination practices Christians had a holiday where they would honor saints who have died – All Saint's Day. In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III moved the holiday to line up with Samhain (which was also effectively the pagan new year). Songs: Josh Garrels – Rise https://joshgarrels.bandcamp.com/track/rise Keith Green – No one believes in me anymore Heath McNease – The Screwtape Letters https://youtu.be/Q33LHk504Gs Blindside – Pitiful https://youtu.be/t-K2EdbnK6s additional music by Enter the Worship Circle www.entertheworshipcircle.com This episode originally broadcast live on October 30, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

As ideas of the church and gospel have been culturally affected, so have ideas of wealth, poverty, comfort, justice, etc. All of these are culturally relative. Nothing compares to an on the ground perspective There are no easy answers. America has a long history of a mentality of “disposable lives”. Division and racism is a part of our history that is still in effect today. St. Louis is especially known for division, focused around the “delmar divide”. Jason is a research expert. Seriously. The top divided cities in America are also generally on the same side of the Mississippi (or along it) and have been in the news recently concerning racial tensions. God has given us the answer – sell all you own and give it to the poor, lay down your life for the sake of others. Song: Shaun Groves – Come By Here, from his album “Third World Symphony”. Used by permission.  www.shaungroves.com This day in History – Wyoming became the 44th state of the union. Death Valley reached 134 degrees Fahrenheit. It's the 30th birthday of the .org domain. We talk about absurd stuff for a while. Ministering in the inner city context involves encountering lots of red tape that are obstacles for those with the most disadvantage. There is quite a pathway that needs to be laid to assist people coming from prison, chaos, or poverty, and get to stability. This episode originally broadcast live on July 10, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

From time to time, Sun Ministries hosts work groups. In 2016, we had an especially interactive student group from Wheaton College. Jason interviewed three of the most engaged students to get their thoughts on their time with us. We spoke about what they learned, what they struggled with, and primarily, their shared concern with a lack of black leadership in ministry. The interviews were recorded on March 10, 2016 on location in the Hyde Park neighborhood of north St. Louis. This was an edit made especially for the Sun Ministries blog. This episode contains the songs: “Satellite Kite” and “A Bridge Between” by Beautiful Eulogy, from their album, Satellite Kite, available at humblebeast.com. Used by permission. “With Your Eyes” by Enter the Worship Circle. Used by permission of Ben Pasley of Enter the Worship Circle. www.entertheworshipcircle.com “Testimony Song” by Reformation Sound. Used by permission Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com) For more info: www.sunministries.org

We tackle the tricky concept of "relevance". But first, some fake news. Relevance has long been an influential idea in the Church and ministry. Are you relevant? Does that matter? Apparently, everything must be relevant. There are many ideas and activities churches and ministries try. But what does God say about relevancy? What is your motivation for ministry? Is it to be relevant? To do something for God? A compulsion for duty? Trends? What God wants us to do has to come from our relationship with Him. Compulsion can be a powerful motivator. But the important thing is obedience to God's direction. Does God have to be relevant? Relevancy = culture dictates God and the Gospel. For us, relevancy means simply being aware of your times and surroundings. We need to be aware of different things than people in wholly alien cultures and times. How did we get to here? What are the current influencing factors in society? What are the modern obstacles people face? What creative solutions are available to you? Theme from scripture – There is more than one way to minister. The inner court and the outer court. Ministering in the spirit or the flesh Sometimes ministering in the way God wants you to means your ministry is rejected by the people. Understanding culture and how it got here is a process of understanding the lies it believes and the strongholds satan has. Songs John Mark McMillan – Between the Cracks  http://www.johnmarkmcmillan.com/ “Tambourines” by Enter the Worship Circle. Used by permission. www.entertheworshipcircle.com This episode originally broadcast live on July 10, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

Terry wrote a book, and you can get it for FREE! www.discipledrivenchurch.org/Printed Materials/BeingtheChurch.pdf Review the elementary principles of the world - Colossians 2:20 Romans 12:2; Romans 8:29 Don't be conformed to the world, but to Jesus. Don't do Colossians 2:20, making a new law-filled religion for yourself. Instead, recognize the emotional connections you have to your ideals, and the patterns you've been trained in. This includes relationship and love. Leave those, and look at God's designs. God's things are always the best things. Emotional ties should not direct our behavior, God should. Separate your heart entirely from the things you've been told to invest your affections into Separation There is a Godly form of separation. God has designed certain things to be separated and joined. This is part of finding God's design. The story of creation is successive acts of separation. The world will hate Christ's disciples. Idea: Created things reflect the image of who rules over them. God did not allow the lordship to change, and not the reflection. People want to believe there is a godly way to store up wealth, and to use it for their own pleasure. Satan offered to Jesus what he has – the physical, in order to get from Jesus what satan could never take, the spiritual. Satan uses physical attacks, distractions, desires to get us to give him our worship. This all comes down to Lordship. Who are you serving? Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. What you treasure directs your decision making. Your devotion declares who your lord is. Unless you change who your lord is, every other “change” you make will not set you free. Changing behavior doesn't put you under the lordship of Christ, but changing your lordship will change your behavior. As with any subject, start by simply going to scripture and seeing what's there. 1 John 5:4 Interaction with a religious system does not build intimacy with God. Interaction with God does. Losing the “plot” or the ending causes us to lose the eternal nature of God and all His attributes that are bigger than our lifetime. Shortsightedness distorts our view of justice and love. Songs Keith Green – You Love the World The Newsboys – Lost the Plot This episode originally broadcast live on June 19, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com) Other music: “Rugged Old Hand” by Ben Pasley. http://www.benpasley.com/ Used by permission. “With Your Eyes” by Enter the Worship Circle. Www.entertheworshipcircle.com Used by permission.

What is the World? What does it mean to be separate from it? 1 John 5:19 The whole world lies in the power of the evil one. One day this will change. This verse makes it very clear that there are two different kingdoms. What are the clear teachings from scripture about the world? 1 Corinthains 2:6 it has wisdom 2 Corinthians 4:4 has its own God Luke 16:8 has children James 1:27 we can be stained by it. What does that look like? This verse alone shows the importance of understanding the “world”. There are things in Scripture concerning grace and works which appear to contradict themselves. Maybe our understanding is small, and are hearts need motivation. James 4:4 If you are friends with the world, you are an enemy of God. God desires the spirit He put in you. Pride is somehow related to being a friend of the world. Pride is related to Babel/Babylon. Let's get away from arguments about movies, tattoos, and piercings, and look at what our heart desires. 1 John 2:15 3 things that are in the world Lust of the flesh – our enticement to sin Lust of the eyes – lust of knowledge Boastful pride of life – trust in the stability of earthly things We cannot trust in economies, governments, nor even the firmament itself. God shakes the ground and cracks mountains open. What is the world? 1 John 3:1 The world cannot know God's children. It cannot understand them, but they can understand it. 1 John 3:13 it can hate 1 John 3:17 it has goods – wealth or sustenance Galatians 4:3 it can hold you in bondage through its things Ephesians 2:2 it has its own course that we can walk Ephesians 6 forces of darkness of this world that we battle Colossians 2:20 it has rules and decrees 2 Timothy 4:10 it can be loved Romans 12:2 it can be conformed to 1 Corinthians 1:21 its wisdom cannot lead to the knowledge of God 1 Corinthians 2:12 it has a spirit John 17:21 It is the target of ministry Matthew 13:22 it causes worry “be in the world but not of the world” is not in the Bible. This does not make it necessarily not correct. But its simplicity and lack of context hinders our understanding of the world. It is a bad substitution for what actually is in the Bible. Matthew 16:26 – the world can be exchanged for your soul John 12:25 – hate our life in this world Mark 4:19 Parable of the Sower, worries of the world, deceitfulness of riches, and desires for things. These things choke out fruitfulness of ministry. Jason thinks the “American dream” is a lie that eats people alive, because it's dependent on an economic system that is opposed to God's design. Is your desire for fruitful service greater than your desire for the things of the world? John 14:30 The ruler of the world is coming and has nothing in Jesus. If we are abiding in Christ, put on the mind of Christ, we will not be owned or deceived by the ruler of this world. John 16 You will have tribulation in this world. 1 Corinthians 3:19 the wisdom of the world is foolishness before God 2 Corinthians 4:4 the god of this world blinds minds so they can't see the glory of God Galatians 4:3 we are in bondage to the elemental things of the world. What are those? Galatians 6:14 the world is crucified to me and I to the world Ephesians 2:2 the world's course comes from the prince of the power of the air, and we formerly walked in it Philippians 2:15 we should appear as lights in the world 2 Peter 1:4, 2:20 escaping the corruptions and defilements of the world Songs Matt Papa – Where is the Difference Caedmon's Call – This World This episode originally broadcast live on June 19, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com) Other music: “Rugged Old Hand” by Ben Pasley. http://www.benpasley.com/ Used by permission. “With Your Eyes” by Enter the Worship Circle. Www.entertheworshipcircle.com Used by permission.

Continuing on with the 8 woes (Matthew 23) Woe 4 – False and deceptive oaths. Every oath is binding, even if we excuse ourselves. Why blind guides instead of “scribes and pharisees, hypocrites”? Perhaps because they're not “acting”, they are trying to work through self-made loopholes, and their blind in see its uselessness. Woe 5 – Obsessed with trivialities and ignoring weightier matters. Covered all His bases by calling them hypocrites AND blind guides. Woe 6 – Ignoring sin, pain, etc. on inside, and stressing visible activity Woe 7 – Again emphasizing outside appearance. With their activities, they are fooling themselves into thinking they're alright. Woe 8 – The profess to venerate the dead, but reject the living, proving that they are just like their fathers. In this, Jesus makes it clear that He will send prophets to these people that they will reject and kill. This goes against the false gospel of God taking all your problems away and giving your prosperity as a reward, and punishing you with calamity for your sin. The perfectly righteous, obedient prophets will be rejected and murdered. How can we avoid the hypocrisy of the pharisees? Allow the Spirit to operate. Especially hard when things don't go as we plan or people don't do what we want. Don't have a heart of Jonah. Oppose the proud, give grace to the humble. Never use good stewardship as an excuse to place money above what God wants. Accept the fact that not everyone we preach to will follow God We must hold the release of people's gifts above our own interests Be honest in everything we do Never let religious duties overcome the weightier matters of justice, mercy, and faith Get consecrated and separate your self from the world. Never assume someone is “spiritual” because of their position or office. Weigh messages of correction according to Scripture. Desire to apply truth to your life Hypocrisy leads us to walking in these woes, constructing a system that we have to uphold. Grace gets rid of all that. Address your pile of crap and get rid of it. Songs Shaun Groves – No Better, from his album “Third World Symphony”. Used by permission. https://shaungroves.com/ Beautiful Eulogy – Release me from this Snare, from their album “Instruments of Mercy”, available from www.humblebeast.com. Used by permission. This episode originally broadcast live on June 26, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

If you think you have to be sinless to know Jesus, you don't know Jesus. A hypocrite is an actor or pretender. Is hypocrisy an obstacle to the Kingdom of God? Mark 7:6 These hypocrites taught the precepts of men as doctrine. The example He gives is a bad practice of stewardship. Bad stewardship practices continue to this day. Bad practices, taught as doctrine, have allowed people to enter into a system and pretend to be something they are not. This portrays to the world a false view of God and His followers. The gay marriage debate is a practice of focusing on one sin, ignoring others, and making a very staunch, visible, and political stand against. What about the sin of pride? Where are the marches to illegalize pride? Matthew 23 – The 8 Woes matthew 18:6 “Sons of hell” sounds a little extreme. Moral affectation is a practice of conformity. This is partly motivated by the desire to be comfortable with others' actions and thoughts. However, in reality, people can be completely in line with God's heart and design, and still make you uncomfortable. Songs The Lonesome Fellas – I talked to Jesus. Used by permission. https://thelonesomefellas.bandcamp.com/releases Amena Brown – Betting it All. http://www.amenabrown.com/ This episode originally broadcast live on June 26, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

When God set the captives free from Egypt, He didn't send Moses to the people and tell them they need to be free or more obedient, or accept the Gospel. We was sent to Pharaoh and told him to let the people go. The oppressed don't need to be attacked, but lifted up. Sometimes you have to take some hits for Jesus. Spiritual warfare gets “spiritualized” – that is, it can become amorphous and relegated to simply “spiritual ideas and places”. This can prevent us from engaging the physical side of the spiritual battle. God's original intent for man was for them to be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, subdue the earth, and rule over creation. However, they submitted to satan and gave up their authority. If Jesus came destroy the works of the devil, what are they? If our authority was lost by submitting to the wrong master, we undo that by submitting to the correct master. You cannot skip adjusting your identity. Satan offered them something they thought they didn't have. Not only did Nehemiah pray on behalf of the people, he offered himself to be used by God to address the needs (Nehemiah 1:8-2:9 Pastoring the Community – looking where satan has a grip in our community and getting his hands off. Fighting with Weapons in Both Hands2 Corinthians 6:7 – weapons of righteousness in the right hand and the left Nehemiah 4 – those rebuilding the wall did work with one hand and held a weapon in the other (doing physical work with one hand, doing spiritual battle with the other hand) 1 Chronicles 12 – David's special fighting men that can use weapons in both hands There is a personal and Kingdom side to the Gospel, and to spiritual warfare, to building capacity for ministry. We are to wrestling in a spiritual manner which manifests physically, since satan is using many physical means to attack people. Spiritual weapons: 1)Sword of the Spirit, 2)Prayer, 3)Fasting, 4)Name of Jesus, 5)Blood of Jesus, 6)Agreement with others in prayer, 7)Praise, 8)Spiritual Gifts, 9)Obedience to God 2 Corinthians 10 – taking thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ. The obedience is the weapon. Spiritual warfare without stewarding and ruling is equal to spiritual whack-a-mole. We have to rule over the land. Jesus, Daniel, and Nehemiah gave themselves over to a work of God AS they were praying for the people. Spiritual Warfare Myths “Spiritual warfare keeps evil from happening.” In truth, it accomplishes God's will and moves His Kingdom forward. It is not about our well-being. “All authority has been given to us so we can control our circumstances.” In truth, you do not have the authority to control circumstances, but rather resist the devil, obey God, and accomplish God's will. “Praying in Jesus' name gets it done.” In truth, this means praying in line with Jesus' will and character, not simply using his name like a magic word. Songs Pillar – Echelon Jon Foreman – Equally Skilled https://youtu.be/ORG6gMZ7V0k Josh Garrels – Rise https://joshgarrels.bandcamp.com/track/rise This episode originally broadcast live on June 12, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

Terry and Mark G. came back from Chicago Coffeefest and share their experiences. How would you assess a neighborhood's spiritual need or condition? Do you look at its prevalence of poverty, payday loans, and liquor stores? Do you see nice houses and an abundance of business and think it's fine? Many people thought we should be ministering in Ferguson. Most of these people were from outside the area. What happened in Ferguson was not in a vacuum, nor is it an isolated incident. This reaction is a fleshly result to how we've been trained. There is a difference between “Gospel presentation” and “Gospel application”. The focus was on presenting the Gospel to the “hurting people”, and not the corrupt authority structures. There are no kudos for ministering in the suburbs World missions focus on raising up indigenous leaders who can continue the work. In America, a common practice is to hand out and leave. The practice of bouncing youth mission trips around from site-to-site deprives on all fronts. It deprives the participants of knowing the depth of ministry. It deprives the hosting groups from building relationship, casting vision, and having trained help. It deprives the “mission field” of effective ministers. The focus seems to be on the participant's experience. This puts “experience” on a pedestal. Welfare can be a trap. While it can alleviate, it doesn't empower to overcome. It can be used, but it's not the answer. Spiritual warfare is not one-handed. The division in the church inhibits our ability to minister and fight. There is a physical reality to spiritual warfare. What if the spiritual problem of “poor areas” and places like Ferguson didn't lie simply in those areas? What if it was the spiritual deprivation of the places around it? “There are people so far down in the muck that when they open their eyes, all they get is dirt.” Song: “Nothing but the Blood” by Jars of Clay This episode originally broadcast live on June 12, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

Pastoring the community is a big idea. Very basically, it's looking at your community as your mission field, and not for the purpose of attracting them to your worship gathering. Pastoring the community fights the small, self-focused gospel. A kingdom is way bigger than one person. This model involves looking for satan's grip in your community. How can we bring provision? Pastoring the community is a geographical approach. This goes back to the covenant with Adam to steward the land, to the covenant with Israel concerning the promised land, and the promise that God will give us the land where our feet tread (Deuteronomy 11:24; Joshua 1:3). God doesn't show us everything all at once, but he shows us a little bit and sees if we will walk in it. Do not have a heart of Jonah – walk humbly and be willing to partner with people not like your self, and don't do it judgmentally. Jesus' disciples are known by love (John 13:35), unity (John 17:17-21), and fruits (Matthew 7:16; Romans 8:23; Galatians 5:22). Obstacles! We have been in a process of walking away from programming ministry. You can't shove Jesus down people's throats. Behavior modification is not the goal. Our programming became burdensome. God shook us to remove things we misapplied, which was quite the learning experience. Some people are not aware that they have obstacles, so we help them recognize that. We utilize the Narrow Gate in two contexts. One is Spiritual Renewal – part of this is caring for people, sometimes in ways as small as giving them snacks. Most people are held back by repetitive patterns. The stronghold of poverty is more about want than it is about life needs. It is about perceived (or actual) limited choices. When your choices are limited, it leads you to unhealthy decisions. White people are not saviors. We've explored the beliefs of our employees in the past, and it revealed many doctrines of lies about who God is. This is another stronghold of the enemy, leading people to believe God is meaningless. This is directly related to ideas of authority. False beliefs about the Holy Spirit inhibits your intimacy with God – this is the gift Jesus came to give. The alternative to this is a life of pretense. The other context of the Narrow Gate is the physical side. Most people we are ministering to have chaos on a regular basis which puts them in crisis mode. This inhibits their ability to be in relationship, make progress, show up to work, etc. “I can get Jesus from my grandma, are you going to give me a job?” Songs Derek Webb – T-Shirts http://derekwebb.com/track/872124/t-shirts-what-we-should-be-known-for Matt Jackson – You Love the World http://iammattjackson.com/ http://www.noisetrade.com/iammattjackson Used by permission Zach Winters – Give me Peace and Rest http://zachwintersmusic.com/  Hear our interview with Zach here:  Libsyn Directory https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interview-with-zach-winters-and-jason-barrows/id1072587846?i=1000479087969 This episode originally broadcast live on June 5, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

Isaiah 61:1-3 This is the work of Christ Those verses address our engagement with God. The following is what happens after that transformation. The Leadership Center recruits and trains missionaries to minister in urban settings. This usually involves being undone and redone, and coming face to face with ignorances. Most of our days start off with “I don't know what I'm doing” Urban Missions Training participants work in our neighborhood, in our businesses, next to missionaries and Narrow Gate participants. We are come next to serious problems, like family members of our employees being murdered. This is overwhelming. Our neighborhood has about 2000 unemployed people (just under 50%). Jason talked to WashU students about economic development. This requires addressing pain, compassion, sacrifice, ministry. This vision requires different expectations about life, different understanding and expression of the Gospel, different way of functioning as a business and non-profit. Doctrine is very important, but it should affect your actions. Align your practice with your theology. Separate ourselves from the patterns of the world and the patterns of our forefathers to seek God's design. Living in Shared Resources – Sun Ministries missionaries are unpaid. This is not a commune. The environment is shared, items are shared, we supply needs from the same pot of money. We get this vision from Acts 2, and from the teachings of Jesus and the Gospel of the Kingdom. This actually inspires a greater sense of concern for your responsibilities, space, shared items, etc. Songs Heath McNease – Til We Have Faces https://heathmcnease.bandcamp.com/track/til-we-have-faces Shaun Groves – Jesus https://soundcloud.com/shaungroves/jesus?in=shaungroves/sets/twilight This episode originally broadcast live on June 5, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com) Additional music: “In This World” by Enter the Worship Circle. Used by permission of Ben Pasley of Enter the Worship Circle. http://www.entertheworshipcircle.com

Isaiah 61 – rebuilding ancient ruins These devastations are in existence partly because of American public policy to concentrate poverty, largely poor black people. If God built a new humanity which overcame divisions, should we not be continuing in that work? Mark Sanford and Jason watched Selma. Large scale brutality. There were people fighting and dying for freedom they're already supposed to have. We have all inherited this history of oppression and have a responsibility to undo it. Today, the Gospel is largely self-centered. But the Gospel of the Kingdom is one of togetherness, which overcomes differences and knits a new humanity. The state of most inner cities was primarily caused by racism. Policing, politics, empowerment cannot wholly solve these problems and heal these wounds. The Gospel of the Kingdom goes beyond salvation, and creates a new humanity living a new life with a new set of values. Are you walking in the privilege you've inherited? Whose Gospel did you believe? Two gospels John's gospel addressed elemental things to prepare for what was coming. More personal, and this “personal savior”, sin-focused gospel became the driving force in modern American Christianity. John's Gospel is not false, simply not full. Jesus Gospel – The Gospel of the Kingdom. This is outwardly focused because what God is doing is so much bigger than you. The Gospel does not mean all YOUR problems go away. Simply look at the people in the Bible. Our emphasis must be on the BRIDE of Christ. This is a much bigger picture, and cannot be self-focused. We cannot force freedom of the Holy Spirit upon someone. Jesus Gospel brings healing and reconciliation. Jesus' Gospel requires us to steward this world with humble service. Sun Ministries Leadership CenterNot just a big big house with lots and lots of rooms. The aspect of the ministry which relocates and trains missionaries. Facilitating a missionary movement to the inner cities of America, building faith communities from a position of reformations, utilizing the other tools in the ministry, the Opportunity Center and the Narrow Gate. Isaiah 58 – The Gospel has been lost, and if you live the lifestyle of fasting, you will repair the path to the true Gospel. Those in the Urban Missions Training work in the ministry and engage in teaching, training, and testing. If Jesus has not transformed you, it will be very hard to make disciples. How is satan holding this community down? Engage in prayer, spiritual warfare, and utilizing resources to meet needs of the afflicted. Utilizing existing services so we don't have to recreate things and can build partnerships. Being an ambassador of Christ. Leadership Center also leads in the community to equip and organize. Where you are not consecrated, you leave yourself at risk of being attacked and wounded by the enemy. Caring for each other, our community, and doing it through service, and not for attention. The Narrow Gate Narrow Gate | Ministries | Sun Ministries, Inc. Taking people from oppressed/hopeless to homeownership, by walking with them through obstacles and need. Helping people start businesses Song: Derek Webb – I Repent This episode originally broadcast live on May 29, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

Jason shares his experience at the African Arts Festival in St. Louis St. Louis African Arts Festival – Fusing African Culture and People Together! (stlafricanartsfest.com) Continuing the story of Sun MinistriesGod called us through Isaiah 61 to initiate reformation of the church and rebuild the ancient ruins. God has a design for Church, and we should be doing that. Every Christian should be seeking to do things the way God wants them done. What if every Christian lived they way Jesus taught us to live? Doing things God's way is incredibly inconvenient. Many people don't question church structure. If you've been transformed by Jesus, you will live more like Him Are you disconnected from your theology? Do your beliefs about who God is, does it change your behavior and values? Jesus came to the oppressed, and undid the oppression – He made the way for freedom. Are we afraid that we're going to give something to someone who doesn't deserve it? Isaiah 58 – What does it mean to be afflicted? “afflicted” means oppressed or beaten down. Same word used when we're told to humble ourselves, or when God humbles His people in the desert to reveal their hearts. It actually has 5 contexts in scripture God humbling His people People humbling themselves People who are afflicted rape and false humility (Isaiah 58:3). The hypocrites are “afflicting” themselves. They are doing things that are essentially meaningless and ineffective, and trying to convince God they are afflicting themselves, humbling themselves. Ceasing from eating for a day is not the same as being raped. Satisfy the desires of the afflicted – sometimes, those might not be the “holiest” of desires. To humble ourselves is to afflict ourselves, as the people are afflicted. We do what Christ did. We lay aside our rights and become like those to whom we are sent. They are afflicted, so must we be. This is humbling ourselves. And it is how you set captives free. The hypocrites of Isaiah 58 are setting up an if/then situation with God. This is a transactional relationship, and not honoring. God sets up His own if/then's for the people, revealing to them who really has power in the situation. Isaiah 58 continues talking about the sabbath, which is NOT one day a week, because we are no longer under the law. But it is our new life in Christ, which is rest. Rest is not inactivity, nor lack of diligence. It frees us from devising our own strength and wisdom and holding ourselves responsible for the results. Our whole life should be an act of turning our feet from our pleasure. Songs TobyMac – Diverse City Amena Brown – John 1 Amena Brown This episode originally broadcast live on May 29, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

From time to time, Sun Ministries hosts work groups. In 2016, we had an especially interactive student group from Wheaton College. Jason interviewed three of the most engaged students to get their thoughts on their time with us. We spoke about what they learned, what they struggled with, and primarily, their shared concern with a lack of black leadership in ministry. The interviews were recorded on March 10, 2016 on location in the Hyde Park neighborhood of north St. Louis. This episode contains the songs: “Satellite Kite” and “A Bridge Between” by Beautiful Eulogy, from their album, Satellite Kite, available at humblebeast.com. Used by permission. “With Your Eyes” by Enter the Worship Circle. Used by permission of Ben Pasley of Enter the Worship Circle. www.entertheworshipcircle.com “Testimony Song” by Reformation Sound. Used by permission Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com) For more info: www.sunministries.org

We share how we live out the Gospel, through the story of Sun Ministries. Two Gospels at play in the world: The personal Savior gospel and the Gospel of the Kingdom. One resembles the Gospel of Repentance preached by John, focusing on our sin and forgiveness, but also focuses on intellect. The Gospel of the Kingdom is about this community of believers, the children of God, the Body of Christ, living with and knowing this God. We discuss Sun Ministries – God called us through Isaiah 61 to go to the inner city of St. Louis and lay down our lives and create opportunity. Opportunity Center – creating jobs, businesses, and skill Leadership Center – training leaders in reformation and inner-city ministry Narrow Gate – the pathway from hopelessness to walking with God In seeking God, and being humble to learn from Him, He brought is into our prepared works If you are going to ask God to show you what He sees, be prepared to be overwhelmed God moved us to a place of laying down money and standing against the stronghold of poverty We were holding on to a lifestyle, even after moving into a warehouse What does the Opportunity Center do? It creates businesses a varied types to create employment and skill-building opportunity, while also creating income so the ministry can become financially sustainable Current businesses: sewing center, woodshop, cafe, maintenance services, lawn care. 2016 will see a retail space open. Managing this is hard, because we're walking the line between business management and God's design and utilizing business as a ministry Some of our businesses bring money from outside the community into the community Challenges and lessons of the opportunity center: learning to managing consistently train not all about the work, not become a workaholic The truth of Christianity is that it is life – family/work/ministry is blended, not separated and one more important then the other. God uses physical things to address spiritual things We all agree it's the hardest thing we've ever done A romanticized view of ministry is predominant in America, but what happens after the “honeymoon” is over? Will your relationship sustain after the initial excitement fades? Do you require activity to sustain relationships? Songs:  Brandon Heath – Give me Your Eyes Robbie Seay Band – Up to the Mountain This episode originally broadcast live on May 22, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: http://www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

We see two gospels reflected in Scripture and present in the world today: 1)The Personal Savior gospel that focuses on repentance from sin; 2)The Gospel of the Kingdom The number churchless Americans has increased 1/3 in 20 years. The end goal of Christianity is not correct theology James 2:20, Isaiah 61 People recognize that love and good works are good things, and generally don't belittle those giving themselves to good works. 43% of people not going to church does not equal 43% of people don't love God A religion of intellect and events leaves people very self-focused Revisit the Gospel – Identity and Lordship of Jesus, good works He designed for us to do long ago Personal Savior Gospel – takes focus off of what God is doing in the world today; puts focus on the forgiveness of YOUR sins, and reduces it down to your experience. The Gospel of the Kingdom is much bigger than you.  A modern perversion of John's Gospel – a gospel of repentance that prepares the way for the Gospel of the Kingdom. Yes, stop sinning, but also come into the Kingdom and become the Bride, take your place in the Body, and seek out what God is doing. The Gospel of the Kingdom moves us to do what Jesus did – this results in transformation What was Jesus' Gospel?  Jesus lived His Gospel. He gave up everything to come and serve those who were His enemies. The Gospel of the Kingdom changes what you value Ephesians 2:8-10 – We don't get saved as a result of our works. Yet we were saved FOR these good works that God has prepared for us to walk in. Our searching and longing must be for Christ Himself, not for the works. As we come to know our Father, He will bring us into these works. As He does this, we must yield to these works. No one looks at martyrs and says, “Man, they really screwed up and got themselves killed.” These works are for the CHURCH – not just about you, and you achieving a sense of purpose. It's about this New Family becoming an organism and functioning by God's design. Because God said it was not good for man to be alone, because the Church is the BODY of Christ, we will never function by His design and accomplish these Good Works He's designed for us unless we're functioning in a Body. The two gospels One gospel wants to know what the bible says One gospel wants to live what the bible says 1 Corinthians 1:26 – think of what you were when you were called If you change the way you perceive the Gospel into more relational terms, it helps clarify things. Children demand everything of their parents. Families are bigger than you, and bigger even than you, your spouse, and your kids. The church is the same way. Songs Audio Adrenaline – Hands and Feet https://youtu.be/pFHyVdugFEM Josh Garrels – Don't Wait for Me https://joshgarrels.bandcamp.com/track/dont-wait-for-me This episode originally broadcast live on May 22, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com) Additional music: “Rugged Old Hand” by Ben Pasley, from his album Residue; “In this World” by Enter the Worship Circle, from their album Village Thrift.  Both used by permission of Ben Pasley of Enter the Worship Circle.  www.entertheworshipcircle.com

What is God doing at this point in time? Give up your privilege and do what God is doing. Who do you want leading the charge in undoing injustice and defeating racism? Shouldn't it be the people of God? God gave up everything to serve you in the man Jesus. We should follow that example. God is turning to the inner cities of America to fix the pain and destruction of violence and oppression and bring revival and reformation. What are we to do with money? Acts 20:33-35; Eph 4:28; Luke 14:33; to die for someone is much harder than laying down your life for someone 1 John 3:16-18 greed – Hebrews 14:5; 1 Timothy 6:6-11; 2 Tim 1:3-5 The bible clearly opposes the prosperity gospel – preachers of this gospel don't live it. The focus is on people receiving money, not on the Kingdom. Adherents would not be qualified as elders according to scripture. Matthew 19:16-24 – It wasn't simply that the rich man had stuff, but that he valued that stuff more than the Son of God, who was standing right in front of him. Songs: “Covet” by Beautiful Eulogy, from their album Satellite Kite. Released by Humble Beast and used by permission. http://www.humblebeast.com “In the Hours” by Indelible Grace  http://hymnbook.igracemusic.com/hymns/in-the-hours This episode originally broadcast live on May 15, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

It's all about how you live! We discuss our core value of having a sacrificial attitude toward money and living a moderate lifestyle. What do you devote to money? What does the Bible instruct concerning money? Stewards – of God's mysteries (1 corinthians 4:1) and Grace (Ephesians 3:2; 1 Peter 4:10) We are not instructed, in scripture, to be stewards of money. Sacrificial attitude towards money AND living a moderate lifestyle. You need to have both. Moderate lifestyle is easier to sustain; not self-serving; not controlled by fads; and focuses on contentment, which brings great riches Sacrifical attitude towards money is necessary to not be controlled by it, and also to avoid focusing on what you're doing without and waiting for it to be returned to you. Focuses the use of your resources on the Kingdom. The Good Samaritan wasn't concerned with his stuff, he was concerned with the hurting person. Isaiah 58 – Lifestyle of Fasting Want vs Need Matthew 6 – God supplies needs. Your stuff will get stolen. Luke 12:13-21 Storing up even more stuff for your self. Is this verse the epitome of the American dream? Luke 17:5-10 requirements for servants Is living a meager lifestyle even biblical, considering the wealthy and powerful people in Scripture? Joseph was a true steward – none of it was his stuff; he served his master well; never sought vengeance Abraham – Started by leaving everything and walking by faith; all he had was setting the stage for the patriarchs; he was not greedy. David – David's attitude was: it's God's throne, He can put whoever He wants on it. David's wealth was laying foundation for Israel as a nation and for building the temple. All three were in tune with what God was doing at that time. Jesus instructs His disciples to give up riches. “Riches” refers to wealth in the Old Testament but riches of Christ in the New Testament, except for 4 verses which warn against wealth. Songs “All Creatures” by Josh Garrels  https://joshgarrels.bandcamp.com/track/all-creatures “Wishing Well” by The Oh Hellos  http://music.theohhellos.com/track/wishing-well This episode originally broadcast live on May 15, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

To understand the tithe, let's look at offerings First offering was Cain and Abel's. Cain's was rejected, because it came from the cursed ground. Offer what God commands. Tithe was first demonstrated by Abraham, prior to the law. Does this mean we need to circumcise and make animal sacrifices? The tithe became a part of the law much later It was in place, in part, to sustain the temple system and the priests The Levites had no inheritance Malachi 3 – God rebukes people for refusing the tithe Back to the Tithe, examined in light of the New Testament Give, and it will be given to you. Jesus is not a socialist, nor a capitalist 2 arguments to justify the tithe Abraham Argument Abraham tithed before the Law. Pressure to tithe puts us under the Law What about the year of Jubilee? Do we need to tithe AND forgive debts? What about charging interest? Jesus affirms the tithe (Luke 11:42, Matthew 23:23) What Jesus is actually talking about is righteousness and not being a hypocrite Don't disregard justice, have the love of God. This is before the fulfillment of the Law, and directed to professionals in the Law In the New Testament, there is no command to tithe. Instead there is giving up all things and sharing your life with others. If the tithe was for the priests, and we are all priests, who do you tithe to? What is the cost of being Jesus' disciple? Not 10% of your belongings. Under grace, the Law is actually amplified, because it's about the Spirit, your heart, your desires, not your ability to follow rules. God wants YOU. Your friends and family would not be satisfied with 10% of your paycheck. They want you. Songs: “To Obey is Better than Sacrifice” by Keith Green https://youtu.be/TzWyZxlwGKI “Enough” by Shaun Groves from his album “Third World Symphony”.  Used by permission of Shaun Groves. http://www.shaungroves.com This episode was originally broadcast live on May 8, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

Why is the church so concerned with money, and what is mammon? Is it money, an idol, a false god, something else? If money has so many negative effects, why is the church so obsessed with it? When Jesus talked about money, He usually wasn't talking about money. You can only serve 1 master. The number of masters available to choose from is still up for discussion. Luke 16:9-13 The mammon of unrighteousness Mammon is mentioned only 4 times in scripture, and 3 times in this passage. What is the definition of mammon? If only “money opposed to God”, how can we be faithful with it? If mammon is “treasure or wealth”, what does that mean for you and your loyalties? Your lordship establishes your stewardship – If you serve the wrong god, you will never receive the TRUE things that are actually yours. Wealth disparity – is it too big? Is it just? Is it okay and good? The problem with tax exemption. Matthew 6:24 – the other mammon mention “For this reason” – because you will hate one master and serve the other, do not worry about needs, but seek first the Kingdom. Terry Rants: Does God want us rich or does God want us content? Things are valued differently in the Kingdom. Misuse of wealth and oppression causes pain, and the oppressed eventually speak out. You do not require a middle man to utilize your wealth to care for the poor Don't donate garbage What was the sin of Sodom? Encourage people with passion and big hearts, before they get sucked into bureaucracy Music “Rich Young Ruler” by Derek Webb http://derekwebb.com/track/932321/rich-young-ruler?feature_id=236920 “Enough” by Shaun Groves. http://shaungroves.com/ This episode was originally broadcast live on May 8, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

We do a rather quick and broad flyover of the development of money, its causes and effects, and examine economic systems and what they mean for the follower of Christ. All this is to establish context for the next two episodes, where we discuss mammon and the damage of the pursuit of money. Money itself is deceptive Who invented money? Who invented economic systems? Bartering is great! – dealing with actual things with inherent value, while money is a promise of value. The promise of the value is dependent on a societal structure that values the money. So what's the big deal with money, anyway? Money makes business easy – bartered goods require effort and care Bartered goods require caring for the earth Bartered goods are created by God. Cash is made by man, and influences people to find things to exchange for money. Money facilitates a migration away from stewarding the earth, and facilitates greed. Modern culture promotes frivolity “Postponing the crisis” is an epidemic aspect of modern American culture Songs: “Entitlement” by Beautiful Eulogy, from their album “Sattelite Kite”. It is available at www.humblebeast.com Other music: “Enough” and “No Better” by Shaun Groves, used by permission of Shaun Groves. http://shaungroves.com/ This episode was originally broadcast live on May 8, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

Leading = Serving Matthew 18:1-4 Luke 22:24-27 – Who's the greatest!?!? John 13:13-15 Philippians 1:3-8 Jesus emptied Himself to help the poor – The church should follow that example. Am I willing to walk as Jesus did, as a sacrifice for rebellious, apathetic people? Confidence = selflessness We introduce our satirical skit: You Should Hear My Pastor! Leadership and spiritual gifting – Ephesians 4 Lead by equipping through gifts, not offices Through these gifts, we can see some things the church should be doing Divine order – arranging things within the church according to God's design Utilizing spiritual gifts brings eternal value Ministry – making disciples; Leaders – equipping saints to make disciples The functioning of gifts builds unity Leaders should cultivate followers of Jesus, not of themselves In giving up our privilege, we will be reconciling people to God How does God make a leader? How does man make a leader? The modern church system misuses the term "pastor" into a whole cornucopia of positions. If you're not working in your gift, what are you working in? Song “Authority” by 116 Clique This episode originally broadcast live on May 1, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

What does the Bible say about leadership and authority? What does it look like, and what is its role in the church? The problem with pastors – Romans 12:1-8 The chair of Moses – Matthew 3 Delegated vs Appropriated authority Leadership as a spiritual gift Gideon, David, Moses, Peter – all had issues, yet God chose them to be leaders, despite not striving for that position Gideon – Judges 6:11 God giving Gideon a new identity, Gideon rejects wasn't earned, fought for, or sought. It was god this starts an interactive relationship with god god understands man – man will find way to take credit, so God makes it clear it's him pay attention Characteristics of Godly leaders found in Scripture: imperfect, often reluctant or doubting, interactive relationship with God, servant, their authority was a gift of grace (wasn't earned or fought for) song: Bryan Morykon – “What Can I Do” http://music.morykon.com/ Other music: “Sweep me away” by Enter the Worship Circle (www.entertheworshipcircle.com), used by permission of Ben Pasley of Enter the Worship Circle This episode originally broadcast live on May 1, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

In the book of Acts, how was the Church described? What did it do? Acts 8:1, 3 – It is persecuted Acts 9:31 – At times, it enjoys peace. It is being built up, believers are going on in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit Acts 11:26 – The church is taught by apostles Acts 12:1 – Again, it is persecuted Acts 12:5 – Believers are imprisoned and engaging in intercessory prayer Acts 13:1 – The Church contains people with spiritual gifts (specifically teachers and prophets) Acts 14:23 – It has elders appointed; Believers pray and fast together for guidance Acts 14:27 – They testify the deeds of God Acts 15:3 – It sends out apostles Acts 15:4 – It receives apostles Acts 20:28 – Overseers are appointed to shepherd the church Does this reflect your experience of church? Does it reflect your faith? The “instruction” given to the church has more to do with how you love each other than what happens in a “service”. New definition of “church” – humanity ordered under Christ living the way humans were designed to live living in the Kingdom – out of darkness, into light sharing life together – can't get through Acts and not see this walking with God – like in the beginning. Spirit returned. walking in the Spirit – not flesh There is an aspect of coming together, of gathering. One of the most appropriate definitions of “church”, based on what ekklesia meant before Christ's followers began using it, would be the assembly of the believers. HomothymadonScripture says that the believers were of “one mind” or “one accord”. That word is homothymadon, from homou meaning “together”, and thymos meaning “passion, angry, heat, glow, ardour, wine of passion”; also could mean “to rush along in unison”, as in music; or “one passion”. The same word is used to describe crowds reacting to the new church, usually in anger, but also in awe. It is used five times in the Book of Acts to describe the church meeting, praying, and praising together. This following verse gives some good context for the meaning of “homothymadon”: Romans 15:5-6 “Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with ONE ACCORD you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” We are to be of the same mind, according to Christ Jesus – as we are “transformed by the renewing of our minds”, we are united in this new life in Christ, this new understanding of God and ourselves. We become united in our newly transformed passions, motivations, and our experience of God and the Kingdom – we rush along together. This word homothymadon shows passion, movement, transformation, intentionality, purpose, unity in a vision, in the Gospel, in a community of Spirit-transformed people. We quote Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Because we can. What about the gathering of believers? Love is costly. The same verses that talk about gifts also talk about love. Look it up. What does all this mean for you? If a church is going to “change from within”, we provide a handy list of things they would have to cease doing in order to move toward a biblical design. Songs: Enter the Worship Circle – Bright and Beautiful, used by permission of Ben Pasley of Enter the Worship Circle http://www.entertheworshipcircle.com/  “Wash Me Clean” by Page CXVI http://pagecxvi.com/ Other music: “All I Need” by Enter the Worship Circle (www.entertheworshipcircle.com), used by permission of Ben Pasley of Enter the Worship Circle This episode originally broadcast live on April 24, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

Fat Shepherds – Ezekiel 34 This passage is a prophetic message against the shepherds of Israel. It uses a lot of imagery concerning sheep and what they do, and is being applied to the leaders of Israel. As a prophetic message, we believe it continues to applicable to His people. So look at the shepherds of today. Do you see the same sins? Ekklesia – What it is and isn't. This word is the Greek word that is translated “church”. We look at the historical Greek and Christian definitions, as well as the modern dictionary definition. While we don't want to dwell on literal definitions, it is a good place to start, and to see how the meaning of the word has changed over time. We are always pushing for God's designs and pictures, so we need to find that meaning and walk in it. How does the Bible define “church”? These are some pictures that can be gathered from Scripture. Community of believers united in faith, filled with the Holy Spirit, seeking God and His ways together, caring for each other (Acts 2; Acts 4:32-35; Ephesians 4) A body with Christ as the Head, whose members are working in giftings (1 Corinthians 12, esp vs 27; 1 Corinthians 14:26; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 4) The Bride of Christ (Revelation 19:7-9; Rev 21:1-4; Ephesians 5:22-23; also Hosea) God's household/temple/building (1 Corinthians 3:9-17, 1 Timothy 3:15, Hebrews 3:5-6, 1 Peter 2:1-10) A declaration of God's glory (As fullness – Ephesians 1:18-23; As manifold wisdom – Ephesians 3:8-12) These pictures can be seen as united/progressive. The Church is: a community of believers, which makes up the parts of the Body, which is also the Bride of Christ (because the bride and groom are one flesh), and this “family” is the household of God. This unity/family declares the glory of God. Song “Waiting on Pentecost” by Wilson and Macqueen For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com) Other music: “All I Need” by Enter the Worship Circle (www.entertheworshipcircle.com). “Rugged Old Hand” by Ben Pasley. Both used by permission of Ben Pasley of Enter the Worship Circle

Part 1 of our discussion of church definitions: man's vs. God's. What is the American church doing? We relay some statistics that point toward serious problems. What has man added into the institutional church? Are these activities biblical? Necessary? Harmful? What are the effects of these choices? Apostle-eez Throat Spray Please stay tuned for parts 2 and 3 of this discussion. This episode originally broadcast live on April 24, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.discipledrivenchurch.org www.discipledrivenchurch.blogspot.com www.sunministries.orgwww.sunministries.blogspot.com Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com) Other music: “Rugged Old Hand” by Ben Pasley and “All I Need” by Enter the Worship Circle, both used by permission of Ben Pasley of Enter the Worship Circle www.entertheworshipcircle.com

We conclude our discussion of the concept of the sacred assembly and the topic of unbelievers in the worship service. The passages of scripture we are referencing are: 1 Corinthians 14:22-25, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, Ezra 10, and Ezekiel 44 We explore the effects of allowing/desiring unbelievers in a worship gathering What is God's design for the church? The problem of church discipline Songs: “Inconvenient Savior” by Amena Brown. “We Need Love” by Karla Adolphe/Enter the Worship Circle, used by permission of Ben Pasley of Enter the Worship Circle. http://www.karlaadolphe.ca/  This episode originally broadcast live on April 10, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

Part 2 of our discussion of the Sacred Assembly.  Stay tuned for part 3. Digging into 1 Corinthians 14 What does this instruction mean about gifting? Do we need unbelievers in our worship gatherings? Is this passage nonsense? 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 – Marriage? Business? Neither? The Church – a set apart people Peter was not seeker-sensitive How is the assembly corrupted, and what are the effects? Ezra 10, Ezekiel 44 Song:  “Return of the Revolution” by the O.C. Supertones. https://youtu.be/yudQlapUEjs This episode originally aired live on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO on April 10, 2015 For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

What are we resisting? What's up with bricks? We discuss the controversial topic of unbelievers in the worship service, delving into 1 Corinthians 14:22-25. What does this verse mean for the gift of tongues? What does it mean for our worship gatherings? What's an apistos? We discuss the idea of the sacred assembly – a gathering of believers, of followers of one Lord united in the spirit, functioning as a Body. As with all our shows, this is part of a 2 hour live broadcast. Because of the dense nature of the topic, we are breaking this one up into 3 shorter podcasts. This episode includes the song “The Gates” by Young Oceans. It is used by permission from Chris Bradstreet of Street Talk Media. https://youngoceans.bandcamp.com/track/the-gates Stay tuned for parts 2 and 3 to continue the discussion. This show was orginally broadcast live on April 10, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO. For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)

We discuss the characteristics of the early church and how that contrasts with modern systems. This show was originally broadcast live on April 4, 2015 on KXEN 1010AM in St. Louis, MO. Songs Derek Webb - “Lover” Keith Green - “So you wanna go back to Egypt” For more info: www.sunministries.org Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com) Other music: “With your eyes” by Enter the Worship Circle (www.entertheworshipcircle.com). Used by permission of Ben Pasley.