Fights about social justice, CRT, and racial issues are dividing and harming the church. What if we viewed these topics not as battles to be fought but openings to share the Gospel? 

Karolyn Schrage serves as the Executive Director of the LifeChoices Health Network, Joplin, MO. Their groundbreaking work offers care to women in crisis pregnancies, people fearful of transmitted diseases, and victims of human trafficking. Their work is so excellent that state agencies are requesting their help with some of today's greatest challenges. Before starting this work, Karolyn served for 20 years in Kenya. We were thrilled to ask her about her work, how the Bible informs her justice work, and how we can help.  To learn more about their work, go here - https://lifechoices.org/

100 years ago, 35 blocks of Tulsa (known as Black Wall Street) were torched. Hundreds were killed or injured. Bodies, incriminating evidence, and news stories were hastily buried. As the city has just recently begun to address the massacre, competing voices can be heard. Some reject the idea that we should talk about racism or systematic injustice. Others say our primary identity is in the color of our skin. And then there's LeRon West! Pastor West has spent his life in Tulsa - as a kid, a fireman, and a pastor. He's experienced extreme racism in his own life, but has responded with Christlike grace. As the world descends upon Tulsa this weekend, this episode offers you a Biblically-informed way to process the past and take steps forward. 

The word "justice" gets tossed around and debated often. But what does the Bible say about it? As it turns out, A LOT! In this episode, Brian shares how the Bible defines justice, offers a 3-step process for engaging in justice work, and shares how that would look in the area of racial justice. Plus, learn the important backstory of Rosa Parks. To act justly is to do what is right in God’s eyes.  “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced” (James Baldwin).  Isaiah 1:17 - “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”  Micah 6:8 “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)  The ARC of Justice (by Jemar Tisby) Awareness  Relationships   Commitment

After teaching big, Biblical principles about work last week, we're just going to tell funny job stories in this episode. Some quotes:  "Umpire gear wasn't enough to protect me from the insults."  "The chubby kid never saw it coming." "He wore a chicken costume all summer." "The reason they fired me is because I didn't do my job."  "All Precious Moments figurines are the same."  "I wore the skates because I wanted the extra 25-cents per hour."  Plus, learn how Taylor scammed his drunk friends.  

Are you a teacher, a janitor, a stay-at-home-parent? Your work matters to God. We need to know why and how.  I.  Work is part of God’s plan (Genesis 1-2).  II.  So, all work is sacred (Ps. 147:13-14; Isaiah 28:24-29; Exodus 31:1-4). III. You can give glory to God through your work (Ecclesiastes 4:4-6).  Martin Luther: “The Christian shoemaker does his duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes, but by making good shoes, because God is interested in good craftsmanship.” IV. Rest in God will sustain your work.

When others are grieving, do you know what to say or do? Do you know what to NOT say or do? Dave Dunson shares the wisdom he's gained as both a pastor and fire & police chaplain (where he notifies loved ones and walks them through their grief). If you'd like information about the GriefShare class he leads, you can find it here - https://www.griefshare.org/groups/129249.

Everyone has relationships that go south, so we are glad to welcome Dane Tyner for a special episode. Tyner says that we all have a responsibility to do the work of repairing relationships. He shares wisdom gained from decades of counseling, which he has condensed into a great book, "Everyone's Job."  You can find his book at Amazon, and you can learn about his ministry - Home Improvement Ministry in Tulsa. 

Suffering is real, but death doesn't get the final word. The final 3 sayings uttered by Jesus on the cross were words of deep distress, eternal triumph, and beautiful reunion. This is the final episode of our focus on Jesus' words on the cross.  Today's texts leads us to ask: Can you embrace suffering? What was Jesus' mission and how do we confuse it? What does "life after death after life" mean? Are you resting in God's hands?  See NT Wright, "Surprised By Hope" 

In the midst of horrific suffering, Jesus cared for his mother and worshiped The Father. This is Part 2 of our study of the 7 statements made by Jesus on the cross.  When Jesus references Psalm 22, he isn't crying out against his Father. He's crying out to him.  Tim Keller article from The Atlantic.  Big Questions: 1. How do you treat your neighbor when you are suffering?  2. Do you worship when you are suffering?