The Pugnacious Pilgrim Podcast

Christians have been set free from the heavy yoke of the Mosaic Law and set free to live under the law of liberty.In this episode, Michael and Jason unpack what it means to love God.

Christians have been set free from the heavy yoke of the Mosaic Law and set free to live under the law of liberty.

The proclimation, Christ is King, is one of the most essential truths in the universe. Should Christians stop saying it, because it's been cooped or misused?

In this episode, Michael and Jason unpack the weirdness of collectivist causes, like Americans who choose to turn their profile picture into a Ukrainian flag. They then turn to scripture to try and understand this from a Christian point of view.

We've heard a lot about empathy; especially within the church. However, how does empathy (which was first coined in 1908) really pertain to Christians and our ability to live faithfully into our calling in a world where feelings seem to matter more than truth.

Understanding our need for the Gospel, each day, empowers us to know what our marriage needs every day as well. The Gospel empowers and enriches our marriage more than any of our efforts ever could.

With so much confusion surrounding God's promises to Israel and what that means today, for Christians and Jews, Michael and Jason decided it was time to dive into Romans 11 to discuss a few things.

While Americans are hung up on Donald Trump's bloodbath comments and the left's manipulation of them, Michael and Jason take a look at the ultimate bloodbath which saved mankind.

In a culture deeply imbedded in and unintentionally promoting envy, we want to look to Christ to see what selflessness looks like and how Christians can examine their own motives to discern if their actions are rooted in others or rooted in self.

Whatever way we choose to perceive the gospel, will have a significant impact on how we choose to represent the gospel to others. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. The gospel is, indeed, many things wrapped up into one very important thing. Yet, how we choose to represent and present the gospel to others, does matter. In fact, it's literally a matter of life and death for everyone. And if the importance of the gospel carries as much weight as it does, than so should Christian's intentionality in their stewardship of the gospel.

When pastors give their approval to the honoring of perversion, it's not the risk they think it is. Instead, it's pandering to an ungodly culture. The church has allowed the godless culture to define terms, make demands, and set all the expectations for how Christians must act in order to be considered, true followers of Christ.

"For those of us who believe the Bible, and do our best to live by it, the most significant question regarding abortion is not whether it is right or wrong, but whether God expects us to do anything about it" (Abort73.com). In this episode of the podcast, we will jump into this discussion as we look to scriptures to determine how pilgrims should respond to the heartbreak and devastation of abortion.

We often hear of Christianity being connected to hope. However, if it is, than why aren't more Christians hopeful? In this episode, Michael and Jason turn their attention to the current hope crisis as they look to God's word in an effort to cheerlead for hope in a hopeless world.

A recent article by Rev. Kevin DeYoung was sent out, speaking specifically about the "Moscow Mood" of Douglas Wilson and others in Moscow, Idaho. Mike and Jason take this episode of the podcast to discuss what Christian tone actually is and whether or not the criticism of Douglas Wilson is warranted and/or needed; especially as it relates to other Christian Organizations like the Gospel Coalition and others within Evangelicalism.

Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

It's our second episode of Season #3 (Roadside Assistance on the Highway of Cultural Depravity). In this episode, we'll be talking about the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) as we try to understand how Jesus would have wanted the people he taught to understand it and how we can apply it to our lives today. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

Michael and Jason kick off season 3 of the pugnacious pilgrim. In this episode they catch up, fill you in on some changes in their lives, and set the stage for season three of the podcast.

Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

False [teachers] are to be found in the circles of the most orthodox, and they pretend to have a fervent love for souls, yet they fatally delude multitudes concerning the way of salvation. The pulpit, platform, and pamphlet hucksters have wantonly lowered the standard of divine holiness and so adulterated the Gospel in order to make it palatable to the carnal mind. | A.W. Pink Pilgrims, today’s podcast is centered on the topic of the “Steady Rise of False Teachers” in the American Church. While on earth, Jesus said that if a man truly desires to be his disciple, he must pick up his cross daily and follow him. This statement naturally implies that the daily walk of a Christian will be difficult. Part of the difficulty is choosing to live faithfully, in a culture which is growing more and more unfaithful and hostile towards God’s Word. One of the many dangers of false teachers is that they sacrifice God’s truth on the alter of culture. Because of this, not only is the gospel defiled, but man’s conscience is quenched by a dangerous and deceptive imitation of God. As false teachers gain influence, within the Christian Church, many people (inside and outside the church) are led astray as they embrace a version of faith that requires neither repentance or submission to God’s word. We welcome our friend Zac to the podcast tonight to help us unpack and understand what false teaching is, how it has gained such a solid foundation within the American Christian church today, and what Christians can do to not only expose it but also help to eradicate its influence; in the church and in the culture. Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

Much can be said about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His faith and courageous efforts to emancipate black America from the oppression of segregation, and prejudice helped America move away from a history of racism and inequality, towards a more fair and free future for all Americans. Of course, his efforts also eventually led to his murder. In this podcast, we not only discuss the work MLK dreamed of and accomplished, but we also investigate his life; as both a man and a martyr. But then we ask the necessary question: has history truly captured the full story of MLK Jr? Dr. King invited Americans to judge a man, not based on the color of his skin, but rather the content of his character. As we look back at all the evidence of Dr. King, does history reveal a hero, a hypocrite, or a Marxist pawn. Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

“God is none other than the Savior of our wretchedness. So we can only know God well by knowing our iniquities… Those who have known God without knowing their wretchedness have not glorified Him, but have glorified themselves.” | Blaise Pascal Because of sin, a man will often be tempted to pursue the fleeting joy which comes from building his name and his reputation in the eyes and perception of others. However, the more highly others think of this man and the more they offer their praise for his uprightness, the harder it becomes to sustain the false image he is working so hard to project. Self-righteousness is a futile effort, which always leads to corruption and destruction. Eventually the weight and the pressure of keeping up the façade becomes so overwhelming, that the foundation the smokescreen was built on can no longer hold the weight and the whole thing comes crashing down. The gospel sets men free from living under the pressure of self-righteousness, people pleasing, codependency, or pride. When a man rightly recognizes, repents and admits to his imperfection and sin, shame and condemnation no longer have room to grow in his heart. In turn, God receives the glory he deserves for his mercy and grace and the man is set free to live under the liberty and love of his savior, Jesus Christ. Though a man may be tempted to compromise his convictions, in order to earn favor, validation, or affection from others, he can never find his joy in this compromise. People don’t need another hero, they already have one in Jesus Christ. What need from a man, is unwavering aspiration to lead them to their eternal joy in the presence of their Savior. Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

“What right do we have to make God out to be Someone other than He really is in order to make people like Him more? Honor God by declaring the truth about Him.” Jim Elliff Pilgrims, the longer deeper our culture moves into godlessness, the more desperate the need becomes for truth. The gospel of Jesus Christ is good news, for those who are willing to listen to the voice of God and acknowledge their need for a Savior. However, it is also bad news; especially for those who choose to reject the kindness, mercy, and forgiveness of God in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. In this episode of the Pugnacious Pilgrim Podcast, we are challenged to embrace our calling (as Christians) to proclaim the truth of God’s Word with boldness and confidence. Even as the gospel, rightly, offends…it does so in order to call people to repentance. The truth will sound like hate to those who hate the truth, but it is truth nonetheless. And Christians must be equipped, empowered, and encouraged to speak the truth…without regrets…encouraged by the words of the apostle Paul who said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is ethe power of God for salvation to everyone who believes”.

In God’s divine design, every “biological family” when converted to Christ becomes the “church in miniature”… And as these families mature and reflect the fullness of Christ, they become strong building blocks. | Gene Getz The traditional family is under attack. The disruption of the traditional "nuclear" family has been a major initiative for progressive groups like Black Lives Matter and many others. Don't believe me? Just look at the reaction from progressives when Candace Cameron Bure made the commitment to 'keep traditional marriage at the core' of her work with The Great American Family. Pilgrims, there is an endgame here. It's the deconstruction and devaluation—of the cultural importance and significance—of the biblical nuclear family; through the intentional overrepresentation and attempted normalization of the marginalized but modern family. Join us, with our special guest host Jake, as we tackle this topic and discuss why Christians should not only care but should also be the loudest cheerleaders for God's design for a family. Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

Latasha Morrison (a prominent antiracism author) defines racism as “a system of advantage based on race, involving cultural messages, misuse of power, and institutional bias, in addition to the racist beliefs and actions of individuals.” It is important to note that this redefinition of racism, among other things, changes the location and therefore the nature of the sin. We are no longer dealing with the hearts of men; we are addressing institutions and structures. Robin DiAngelo (another prominent antiracism author) said: “For as long as America exists with its current institutions, it will also need to be in group therapy where our turn begins with: ‘Hi. I’m America, and I’m racist.’ ” | Voddie Baucham, Fault Lines: The Social Justice Movement and Evangelicalism’s Looming Catastrophe. Pilgrims, temptation is an interesting thing. People aren't coaxed by things they have no natural inclination towards. Instead, they are drawn into sin, subtlety—through the enticement of things which their sinful hearts naturally crave. In today’s podcast, Mike and I discuss the elusive ways which the enemy entices Christians to embrace ideologies and worldviews which run contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ. And how man's inclination to sin elevates the importance of the wicked desires of their hearts above faithfulness and fidelity to the Author and Creator of Life. Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

“Accountability. A word leaders start to use right before the scapegoating begins”. | Author Unknown There is a reason we hear so much about accountability in politics. It’s not because those we’ve sent to Washington, D.C. to serve us see a high value in holding themselves to the highest standards of morality and ethics. On the contrary, our representatives are frequently responsible for some of the most egregious examples of immorality and indecency in America’s history. However, when it comes to politics, one of the most effective ways for one politician to attack another, is to convince people that their opponent must be held accountable and that they are just the right person to do it. When riots broke out across America, in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death—at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer—America’s cities burned. President Trump took immediate action, calling for cities to push back hard on rioters and vandalism. Joe Biden, who in good progressive fashion was not about to let a good crisis go to waste, took the opportunity to lecture President Trump on the Constitution and First Amendment. Unfortunately, when the 2020 presidential election results came into question by those who couldn’t understand how one of the worst campaigns in recent history—run almost exclusively from a basement—turned into 81 million votes. This led to accusations of fraud, election interference, vote tampering and many other things. Ultimately, the “stop the steal” movement was created. The anger and animosity culminated into a “mostly peaceful protest” which eventually made it’s way to the Capitol; as Americans took their grievances directly to their elected representatives. And what were President Biden’s thoughts on these protesters, most of who were simply living into their first amendment rights? The problem with accountability is that unless there is an objective standard and an impartial authority all people submit to; people will always misuse this it to demand justice for their foes while ignoring or justifying their own egregious behavior. Today, Mike and I discuss the biblical call to accountability, confession, and repentance and the ways it can be used within the church to help us encourage one another as we walk out our sanctification together. Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

Christian nationalism demands Christianity be privileged by the State and implies that to be a good American, one must be Christian. It often overlaps with and provides cover for white supremacy and racial subjugation. We reject this damaging political ideology and invite our Christian brothers and sisters to join us in opposing this threat to our faith and to our nation. | Signed: Tony Campolo - Christians Against Christian Nationalism Sadly, Christian Nationalism has become (to many) an axiom, much like racism, fascism, xenophobia and other unwarranted attacks on Christians and conservatives. But not all of this is hype. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Green recently said: "The Republican Party's primary focus this year should be on making the political party one of Christian nationalism". Pilgrims, America is not—nor has it ever been—a Christian nation. However, American Christians should not only have a vested interest in doing our part to see America become a nation of Christians, but we should celebrate all occasions where the Gospel of Jesus Christ—and the practice of Christian principles—are celebrated and elevated in the public realm and the things which dishonor God and bring shame upon people and a nation are repudiated. Christianity is not a blessing that is exclusive for Christians. It is a blessing for all people and all nations, as sinners are saved from the bondage of sin and set free to live in newness of life; a life that no longer feeds the passions of their flesh but instead glorifies God and points other’s to him. As Christians are transformed by the gospel, it’s impact should have collateral blessings on their neighborhoods, their cities, their states, and their countries. This is all part of the power of the Gospel. Jesus charged his disciples to “go and make disciples of all the nations…teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you”. This was not a passive command, nor is it a suggestion for how to live out the gospel in our private lives. This was a directive, given by Jesus, on how Christians must walk out their faith; in public, in politics, and in every day life. For a Christian, there should be no distinction between how we choose to live publicly and how we choose to live privately. And as American Christians, we have a responsibility to the world to be ambassadors of Jesus Christ; honoring the Gospel ABOVE all false religions and idols. What is Christian Nationalism and should Christians be alarmed, encouraged, enraged, or indifferent about it? Today, Mike and I kick off a multi-part series on Christian Nationalism, its history, and how it is commonly understood and misrepresented today. Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

“My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right”. | President Abraham Lincoln A nation without God is a nation without a future. More specifically, a nation without Christ is a nation with no hope; regardless how important, influential, or imperialistic that nation may be. Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples, asked him “how can we know the way”…to which Jesus responded—in John 14:6—“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”. As Christians, we hold firmly to the exclusivity of the gospel. There is only one way into a restored relationship with God, and that is through the person and finished work of Jesus Christ. However, as American Christians we also understand that our nation and our culture—as they currently exist—are not rooted in the truth of the gospel. Should this bother us? As citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, our future rests secure in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Nations will rise and nations will fall, as they have for thousands upon thousands of years, but the Kingdom of Heaven will remain forever. So as American Christians, are we supposed to live with indifference towards the nations of this world, or are we supposed to live in such a way as to cultivate and create families, neighborhoods, cities, states, and nations built on the tenets and principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ; acknowledging that when the gospel wins, everybody wins? Pilgrims, as we continue on with the second episode of our series titled “Christian Nationalism”, we are grateful to have the opportunity to have another brother-in-Christ join us in the conversation this week. Dave Herring, is a man of many talents but also a man who loves Jesus and desires to pour his life out living into the greatest of all the commandments; namely to love God and love his neighbor as himself. But Dave also believes that Christian Nationalism is an evil idolatry, and is the greatest threat to the Christian faith and nation. We’ve asked Dave to unpack this assertion and help us understand why he feels so strongly and passionately about his positions; and why he encourages other Christians to examine and potentially reject many of the things that America (and the American culture) represents. Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

Christian nationalism demands Christianity be privileged by the State and implies that to be a good American, one must be Christian. It often overlaps with and provides cover for white supremacy and racial subjugation. We reject this damaging political ideology and invite our Christian brothers and sisters to join us in opposing this threat to our faith and to our nation. | Signed: Tony Campolo - Christians Against Christian Nationalism Sadly, Christian Nationalism has become (to many) an axiom, much like racism, fascism, xenophobia and other unwarranted attacks on Christians and conservatives. But not all of this is hype. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Green recently said: "The Republican Party's primary focus this year should be on making the political party one of Christian nationalism". Pilgrims, America is not—nor has it ever been—a Christian nation. However, American Christians should not only have a vested interest in doing our part to see America become a nation of Christians, but we should celebrate all occasions where the Gospel of Jesus Christ—and the practice of Christian principles—are celebrated and elevated in the public realm and the things which dishonor God and bring shame upon people and a nation are repudiated. Christianity is not a blessing that is exclusive for Christians. It is a blessing for all people and all nations, as sinners are saved from the bondage of sin and set free to live in newness of life; a life that no longer feeds the passions of their flesh but instead glorifies God and points other’s to him. As Christians are transformed by the gospel, it’s impact should have collateral blessings on their neighborhoods, their cities, their states, and their countries. This is all part of the power of the Gospel. Jesus charged his disciples to “go and make disciples of all the nations…teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you”. This was not a passive command, nor is it a suggestion for how to live out the gospel in our private lives. This was a directive, given by Jesus, on how Christians must walk out their faith; in public, in politics, and in every day life. For a Christian, there should be no distinction between how we choose to live publicly and how we choose to live privately. And as American Christians, we have a responsibility to the world to be ambassadors of Jesus Christ; honoring the Gospel ABOVE all false religions and idols. What is Christian Nationalism and should Christians be alarmed, encouraged, enraged, or indifferent about it? Today, Mike and I kick off a multi-part series on Christian Nationalism, its history, and how it is commonly understood and misrepresented today. Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

“It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” | C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory, and Other Addresses Pilgrims, one of the most difficult things about idolatry—in the American Church—is that our idols aren’t carved images in the cows, bulls, goats, rams, eagles, phallic symbols, or anything else. In fact, often times they are good things which Christians have turned into ultimate things. Meanwhile, worship of the giver has been replaced with worship of the giver’s gifts. As Mike and I bring closure to our series titled, “Sheology”, we felt it was important and necessary to discuss the idea of idolatry. Whether it’s a spouse, a career, children, independence, abortion on demand, politics, the 2nd Amendment, or something else entirely…the reality is that for many Christians they have willingly settled for the lie which the culture has already embraced; namely, to be devoted to chasing a life filled with temporal pleasures and fading joys. In this episode, we look at (3) short parables in Matthew 13. In these short stories, Jesus reminds his disciples of the true value of the Kingdom of Heaven and how a follower of Christ must make a choice. We can either sell everything we have—and pick up our cross daily to follow Christ into fullness of joy and pleasures evermore—or we can have everything that the world has to offer at the cost of eternity separated from God. Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

Pilgrims, the bible isn’t primarily about men being masculine or women being feminine. The Bible is primarily about God. Faithful Christians, throughout the history of the church, have held to the conviction that man’s chief end is to glorify God and fully enjoy him forever. One way that this happens is when men and women live into the God-exalting and joy-invoking realities of Biblical manhood and womanhood and the unique and different ways God has created and called men and women to live. A culture that rejects God’s good design, as it pursues joy outside of a relationship with him, will only be able to offer counterfeits, which always lead to disappointment and despair. True and lasting joy can only be found in God and the things which he has called good. One of the significant issues with America and American Christianity is that people have been persuaded to embrace ideologies which run contrary to the Word of God and scriptures which should expose this reality are often ignored or avoided, because they are difficult and typically lead to controversy inside and outside the church. In this episode of the Podcast, Mike and I make efforts to intentionally dive into these difficult passages, to try and understand why they are not only true but also how they actually point us to pathway to peace, joy, unity, and satisfaction…even as they strongly push against the philosophies and dogmas of a godless culture. Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

“In large part the feminists have had all the victories they have had because Christians have not been thinking carefully about the issues, and we have just jumped on board with some stuff that we really never should have”. | Rebekah Merkle – Eve in Exile Pilgrims, few things cause the kind of controversy or conflicts—within Christendom today—as the theology of Biblical womanhood and the roles for women within the culture, the home, and the church. But why is this? American Christians, who have lived in a culture shaped by feminism for the past century, have casually embraced a feminist-ideology and allowed it to shape their minds, their homes, their lives, and their faith. In today’s episode, Mike and I make appeals to men and women alike to look at God’s Word and God’s good and perfect design for women, in order to challenge the empty promises and painful consequences of feminism. Christian women cannot learn what it means to be a woman from talk-show hosts, magazine articles, Instagram posts, or classes on self-esteem. A healthy, godly view of womanhood must be learned from the Scriptures and sadly, this is the last place many women (or men) choose to go to find help. Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

"It is always improper to intentionally offend anyone; and if someone is offended by your actions or words, they are not necessarily right." | RJ Intindola – (Gandolfo) – 1981 Pilgrims, you have the right to be offended, or do you? American culture certainly wants you to believe you do. If anyone says or does anything that you find offensive, especially if they hold to conservative or Christian values, you not only have the right to be offended but also the responsibility to label these people bigots, misogynists, sexists, xenophobes racists or any other labels which will ostracize and chastise them in the court of public opinion. However, God's Word invites Christians into a very different reality. One where our whining is never louder than our worship. If a Christian’s aim is to glorify God and fully enjoy him forever—which it is—the we must also do our best to walk in humility; understanding that “a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him”. (John 13:16) Christians are called to overlook offenses as we gaze to the person and work of Christ and how he endured the greatest injustice in the history of the world; namely, dying a criminal’s death on the cross, in order to save the very people who demanded his death. On today’s episode of the podcast, Mike and I talk about the balance between calling out offenses to the Gospel, while not allowing our personal offenses to cast a shadow on the message of hope, forgiveness, and salvation in Christ’s finished work on the cross. Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

"[Birth Control]...these two words sum up our whole philosophy... It means the release and cultivation of the better elements in our society, and the gradual suppression, elimination and eventual extinction, of defective stocks -- those human weeds which threaten the blooming of the finest flowers of American civilization." -- Margaret Sanger, (Founder of Planned Parenthood) "High Lights in the History of Birth Control," Oct 1923. Over the past several weeks, as the culture of death has wept and gnashed their teeth—because of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade—a rip-tide of indictments have been hurled at Christians. These insults and false accusations are rooted in, what those who are hellbent on the right to kill children, see as a lack of generosity and compassion, from Christians. But is there any substance to these claims? Are Christians really hypocrites when it comes to loving their neighbor, simply because they refuse to embrace things like Universal Healthcare, Universal Childcare, Universal Basic Income and other socialized government programs? On today’s podcast, Mike and I discuss some of the major differences between how culture defines generosity and how the God’s Word does. We also look at Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood, and how the current culture of death has attempted to white-wash her deeply racist roots; in both eugenics and white supremacy. And how the original intent of her efforts, which was ultimately to limit the population of those she determined to be “unfit” people and inferior races, is still being carried out in the mission and efforts of Planned Parenthood. Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

As the culture war continue in America, there will be victories which Christians find to be worthy of praise. But there are people—both inside and outside the Church—who believe it is not Christlike for Christians to publicly celebrate and rejoice in these victories. What is the right course of action for a Christian to take, when something praiseworthy occurs within culture that leaves others feeling angry, afraid, and discouraged? Many times the accusations lobbed at Christians, in these moments from the culture, are not only uninformed but are also disingenuous and aimed to try and attack the character of Christians and paint them as uncompassionate hypocrites. In some cases these accusations may have substance. However, the overwhelming majority of them do not. As Christian and Conservative pundit Allie Beth Stuckey eluded to, the gospel has consistently moved Christians to be some of the most generous and compassionate people in the history of the world. Pilgrims, on today’s podcast, Mike and I look to address the false dichotomy which has been setup to try and silence Christians or paint them as gloating and blathering fools. How should Christians live into the biblical command to rejoice with those who rejoice, and mourn with those who mourn? Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

Before heading to prison—and ultimately his execution—the Apostle Paul, Speaking to the elders of the Church in Ephesus, admonished them in this way: 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God,5 which he obtained with his own blood.6 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. | Acts 20:26-31 Pilgrims, we have been led to believe that peace comes through compromise. But when it comes to mattes of Biblical truth, there is no compromise. God’s word is the authority and truth on which Christians stand, and truth does not negotiate with error nor does light negotiate with darkness. Throughout history, as God’s people chose to negotiate with the godless cultures around them, it wasn’t the culture that was transformed. It was the church. Compromise, in the realm of biblical truth ALWAYS leads to a decline in morality and an acceptance and celebration of sin. If the church desires to push back the darkness and transform our culture with the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we must not only be willing to stand firmly on Biblical truth but must also be ready to welcome and battle the persecution that naturally comes with spiritual warfare. If comfort—in a godless culture—becomes our primary aim, then our willingness to stand firm on God’s truth will naturally decline. However, if glorifying God and fully enjoying him forever becomes the our chief aim, we will not only walk in the boldness and confidence the Holy Spirit gives to the faithful, but we will also welcome the spiritual battles; as we fight with hopeful expectation of the transforming power and mercy of the Gospel. Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

In an article written in February 1944, George Orwell said the following: "In the last analysis our only claim to victory is that if we win the war we shall tell fewer lies about it than our adversaries. The really frightening thing about totalitarianism is not that it commits "atrocities" but that it attacks the concept of objective truth; it claims to control the past as well as the future." When people look at the world through the narrow lens of current civilization, and elevate the cultural-agenda to an absolutist ideology, eventually the supremacy of their belief system will surpass the authority of scripture and undermine the gospel. When this occurs, not only are moral lines blurred and removed, but the foundation on which a society was built crumbles; giving room for subjective and mindless drivel to replace objective truth. History is then written by the victors, and dissenting opinions—even those opinions which are rooted in observable and measurable facts—are suppressed, silenced, or censored in favor of the narratives which match the expectations of the culture. Pilgrims, as we look at the cultural shifts in America today, inside and outside the church, we are left to wonder where we can even find the truth. When a man can be fined, reprimanded, and forced into making an apology, for simply asking questions which seem to be based on observable facts, Christians are left to wonder if the culture has moved beyond the point of no return. Thankfully, God wrote a book. And in this book there is a promise that through the power of the Holy Spirit and by the practice of faithful study, God will use his word to teach, correct, rebuke, and train us for righteousness. That Christians may be complete and equipped to life, faithfully, in a brave new world. Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

Weighing in on the civic virtue of Christians owning guns, Douglas Wilson said, “Gun control is something that tyrants always want. When political rulers are eager to disarm the general populace, it is not paranoia to suspect that other issues are in play. When those political rulers are overbearing, what power-grabber worth his salt wouldn’t want strict gun control? What lover of liberty would ever consent to that as being a good idea?.” Pilgrims, as gun violence increases—or better yet when mass shootings become the political talking point of the mainstream media—American Christians often find themselves in a very uncomfortable place. While the idea of common-sense gun laws certainly seem to make sense, the fact that progressives are usually the ones pushing for these things leaves people feeling skeptical and uneasy. In this episode of the Pugnacious Pilgrim Podcast, Mike and I talk about the idea of gun control, the laws that currently exist, the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution, and what the Bible has to say about them all. We then encourage our listeners to not only be aware of the truth, so they can discern what isn’t true, but also to consider taking an active stand for the freedoms we still have in America today; the freedoms which some seem eager to label as immoral and to do everything they can to take them away from us.. Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

In his book, titled, The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment, Tim Challies wrote, “Discernment functions as the church’s immune system, protecting the body from false teaching. When discernment is attacked and destroyed, a flood of opportunistic false teaching is waiting to attack through the weakened defenses. Nobody dies from lack of discernment or by not believing in discernment. Rather, a lack of discernment leaves people to wither under the attack of false doctrine. A lack of discernment leaves Christians unable to protect themselves and others, and allows sin to flood in.” Pilgrims, the Bible is supposed to be the primary tool the Holy Spirit uses to guide us on our journey towards eternity. As we walk—sojourners in a godless world—God’s word is supposed to be the lamp unto our feet and the light unto our path. Sadly, many professing Christians spend little to no time in God’s word. Therefore, when culture comes with their own “gospel”, one that is contradictory to the word of God, Christians are not equipped to discern truth from error and good from evil. This not only leaves them susceptible to false teaching and attacks, but it also leaves the church exposed to the destruction of their witness and the advancement of the truth in a world that is already dead in their trespasses and sin. In this episode of the Pugnacious Pilgrim Podcast, Mike and I use “Pride Month” and the American culture’s complete embracement and celebration of it, as the means by which to call pilgrims to read, know, and submit to God’s word as their lighthouse in the turbulent seas of American culture. Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

Hello Pilgrims and welcome back to the podcast. Compassion is one of the most effective tools in all of Evangelism. When Christians are willing to share in the burdens of others, in tangible and palpable ways, the world is invited to look at their good works and give glory to God. Jesus demonstrated compassion throughout his life and ministry. One of the clearest examples of this is when the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman to him who had been caught in adultery. Desiring to test Jesus, they reminded him that the Law of Moses required her to be stoned. But Jesus, looking upon this woman in her helpless state bent down beside her, wrote with his finger in the ground, and then stood with his public verdict. He looked at the crowd that was gathered—filled with people who were eagerly waiting on his judgment—and said, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her”. Hearing these words, the crowd that was gathered, dispersed and Jesus was left alone with the woman who stood, ashamed, before him. Turning to her, he said, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” Surprised and humbled by what had just occurred, the woman answered Jesus’s question. “No one, Lord”, she said. Then Jesus replied, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” Biblical truth without compassion is one of the most ugly things in the world. However, compassion without biblical truth is equally destructive. In order to love someone, and extend true compassion towards them, Christians must be willing to tangibly carry their burdens and sorrow with them, while also showing them the destruction of their sin and the immediate and eternal consequences associated with them. Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

Hello Pilgrims and welcome back to the podcast. Shame is man's natural reaction to sin. Guilt is man's natural reaction to shame. Repentance is man's natural response to guilt. Reconciliation is God's merciful response to man's repentance. If any of these things are removed—whether it be for comfort or convenience—man's ability to be reconciled to God is mortally wounded. Pilgrims, many people today are confused about the role guilt, shame, and conviction should play in their lives. The bible explicitly states, there is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ…but what about those who aren’t? Jesus said, in John chapter 3, that he did not come to condemn the world…but it wasn’t because condemnation is wrong, but rather because the world already stood condemned because of their sin and rejection of God. In today’s podcast, Mike and I discuss the godly gift of guilt. Before a man can truly embrace his need for Jesus, he must first recognize his sin and the culpability associated with it. Therefore, guilt is not at war with faith, but is rather the necessary means by which a man may trust in Jesus and find freedom. Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

Hello Pilgrims and welcome back to the podcast. In his book, The Practice of Godliness, Jerry Bridges wrote: “Both gentleness and meekness are born of power, not weakness. There is a pseudo-gentleness that is effeminate, and there is a pseudo-meekness that is cowardly. But a Christian is to be gentle and meek because those are Godlike virtues… We should never be afraid, therefore, that the gentleness of the Spirit means weakness of character. It takes strength, God’s strength, to be truly gentle.” Many American Christians live with a misunderstanding of what it means to be gentle and meek. While the culture around is spends much of their time quarreling and fighting about the best way to transform our world and live happily ever after, Christians are left confused on how they are supposed to enter the conversation with the eternal and transforming truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We understand that Jesus is the perfect example of meekness and we also know that he said, “the meek shall inherit the earth”. But Christ, the man who flipped tables at the temple and made a whip to drive out the animals, is also the same man who prayed for the people who mocked him while he was dying on the cross for their sin. If Christians are going to make an impact in the world, and push back the gates of hell with the power of the gospel, it is not only important to understand what meekness is but it’s also important to know how we can walk in boldness—empowered by the Holy Spirit—and faithfulness in our calling as Ambassadors for Jesus Christ. Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

Hello Pilgrims and welcome back to the podcast. Gene Edward Veith once said, “True Christianity…resists cultural captivity. It posits a transcendent moral law that is above and beyond human laws and customs, giving a framework by which cultures can be judged. In doing so, trans-cultural Christianity has managed to shape and transform human cultures.” Pilgrims, many of us live in a state of confusion when it comes to how we are to look at culture. While the Bible clearly tells us that we are to be in the world but not of it, we also live with the Biblical mandate that God has given to humanity; namely, to “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over it…” Christians should not reject their responsibility and obligation to create culture. When they do, they not only live in active disobedience to the Creation Mandate, but they also run the risk of leaving an even more godless culture for their children and their grandchildren. On today’s episode of The Pugnacious Pilgrim Podcast, Mike and I discuss the importance of Christians Creating Culture as we actively work to reclaim culture for Christ. Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

Hello Pilgrims and welcome back to the podcast. We took a bit of time to talk about our bowling season and how—after 32 weeks of bowling—the only thing we really learned was that we’re not that good and pretzels cost a lot of money. With no more time to waste, moved right into the beef of our podcast; namely, a conversation on Deconstruction. Mike led the way by giving us a fair definition of what deconstruction is. Jason then used this definition to help paint a picture of why deconstructing the “Christian” faith is such an enticing reality in an American culture where social-media and mass formation psychosis are essentially shaping the ideologies and accepted moral principles of the sheeple. This paved the way for us to expose one specific social-media sheologian who was deadest on unapologetically rebuking Pastor Matt Chandler for his unfair, racist, and misogynistic assertion that deconstructing is the “sexy” thing to do. The conclusion that we landed on was simple: There is a spiritual pandemic which has already gripped the minds and hearts of many professing Christians and unless the church acknowledges this and chooses to address it head-on with intentionality, it will continue to infect people inside and outside the body of Christ. Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

Hello Pilgrims and welcome back to the podcast. We then dove right into a much needed conversation in this episode as we tackled the idea of objective truth in a world where truth seems to have overstayed its welcome. First we looked at a couple of relevant examples of how dealing loose with the truth helps to shape ideological narratives and political agendas. We used these examples to make the argument of why the truth not only matters but why the lack of truth actually leads to destruction and depravity. We used Romans 1 to help paint a picture of what suppressing the truth can do to a person and a culture. Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.

Hello Pilgrims and welcome back to the podcast. Well we’re one week into the war between Russia and Ukraine and the only thing we’ve been able to validate as truth, so far, is just how impossible it is to validate the truth. In the age of misinformation, manipulation and continually shifting moral sands, it can be increasingly difficult to walk as victors. However, that’s exactly how God wants us to walk. The issue isn’t who wins, but rather making intentional efforts to walk in faith and confidence in God’s faithfulness to his promises, in order that we might be people of hope in a hopeless world. Regardless how difficult it is to interpret or understand what is happening, things are playing out exactly as God—in his sovereignty—knew they would and permitted them to unfold; for our good and his glory. So Mike and I spent nearly the entire podcast making our appeal to you, Pilgrims, to walk as children of the light. Sharing the truth but doing so in a way that shows the same kind of compassion and love for the lost that Jesus has. Thanks again for joining us pilgrims. Enjoy the podcast and stay pugnacious.