The Underground - ReCreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley - Service - January 25 2026

The Underground Speaker: Michael Shockley, ReCreate Church Scripture: Luke 12:35-46 Episode Summary Recorded on a Saturday night before a predicted winter storm, Pastor Michael addresses a week in which church protestors made headlines. Using a creative allegory read by his 15-year-old son Elijah, he reminds us that the Jesus Movement has always been underground - not about hiding, but about unshakeable loyalty to a different Kingdom while living as infiltrators on a rescue mission in enemy territory. Key Points – The Church isn't the establishment - we're the resistance on a rescue mission, not another cog in a political machine – Jesus left behind faithful followers to spread His teachings until His return, knowing they'd face opposition from the world's power structures – The danger isn't persecution - it's forgetting our purpose and getting distracted by culture wars, preferences, and complacency – When churches stop being a movement and become a club for member comfort, they drift from their mission – Our weapons aren't political or violent but spiritual - we win people to Jesus, not just culture wars – Jesus will return unannounced, and we must be found faithful, watching, and actively sharing the Good News Main Takeaway We aren't the establishment - we are the resistance on a rescue mission. The Jesus Movement has always been underground, made up of people with courage to live by different values and refuse to be reshaped by the dominant culture. Our calling isn't to make unbelievers act like believers through politics, but to show them the transforming love of Jesus. We're not-so-secret agents planted by the True King, and we must stay faithful to that mission. Memorable Quotes – "We aren't the establishment - we are the resistance, and we're on a rescue mission." – "An underground movement isn't about hiding - it's about unshakeable loyalty." – "They were obsessed with how dark the world was, instead of sharing the light. They were so caught up in guarding doors, they forgot they were supposed to open them." – "Our ultimate purpose isn't to win culture wars - it's to win people to Jesus." – "We are not the ruling power - we never have been. We are The Underground." – "We need to do more than trying to get unbelievers to act like believers. We need to show them the love and peace and transformation of Jesus." Reflection Question Have you forgotten that you're part of an underground movement on a rescue mission, getting distracted instead by culture wars, preferences, or the comfort of Christian community rather than actively sharing Jesus with people who need Him? Tune in to hear the powerful allegory of The Great and Powerful King read by Pastor Michael's son Elijah, why his dog is wreaking havoc on his allergies, and what Jesus' shocking language about servants being cut in pieces really means for us today. Connect & Give Learn more about ReCreate Church at www.recreatechurch.org Give online easily and securely through Tithe.ly