A Daily Thunder Series with Eric Ludy and Nathan Johnson
Citizenship
a long form discussion
Part 1: The Big Shift
Eric and Nathan are attempting something new—a long form discussion series centered around the socio-political issues of our day and how they give us insight into our spiritual lives. In this first discussion, they talk about their desire for long form, some of the key issues that will be addressed in future episodes, and focus on what they sense is the big shift that is happening within the culture and within the Church. Join Eric and Nathan in this new long form discussion called Citizenship.
Part 2: The Inauguration of Manliness
The inauguration of a new president is an important day in a nation … as it can shift the direction of a nation’s culture for better or for worse. In light of today’s presidential inauguration, Eric and Nathan discuss the lack of manliness in the modern culture and Church and why we need to inaugurate it back into our world and lives. In this episode, they describe true manliness is, why we need it, and most importantly, where we can find it (hint: it’s not from within ourselves but from THE Man, Jesus Christ). Join Eric and Nathan in this new long form discussion about the inauguration of manliness.
Part 3: The First Week in Office
When a new president enters office, there is a lot of housecleaning, changes, and reforms that are made within the the first week. This change of power allows for a deep transformation to take place (for good or for bad). The Church and our souls are also in need of a “DOGE” (department of government efficiency). In this stirring episode, Eric and Nathan talk about the importance of humbling coming to the Spirit of God and allowing Him to search and try our lives. As they remind us, if there is anything in our lives (even good things) that are pulling or distracting us from Jesus or His calling in our lives, it needs to be removed. The truths contained in this episode have the ability to radically change your life, and we are excited for you to give it a listen!
Part 4: Border Security
We are dealing with a border crisis, not just as a nation but as the Church. How do we handle the issue of borders, walls, security, and deportation—nationally and in our souls? In this conversation, Eric and Nathan tackle this difficult topic by thinking biblically through what we should do with immigrants in our nation in light of justice (law) and mercy, but they also discuss how we must handle our lives in light of Scripture.
Part 5: America First?
There is a big movement to focus inward, put America first, and make her great again. Yet, the tension our nation faces is should not we use our strength to help weaker people and nations around the world? Perhaps to make it more personal, what does the Bible say about focusing on self verses turning outward and focusing on others? In this timely and stirring conversation, Eric and Nathan discuss the tension between America first and meeting the needs around the world, and more importantly, the tension in our own lives to focus on “first things” while being available for the equally important “second things.”
Part 6: The Overton Window
The Overton Window is a socio-political concept denoting the “politically accepted view of the moment/time.” It’s the perspective through which modern culture deems that which is acceptable. But is this a Christian concept and how should we as believers respond to the Overton Window of our culture … especially when it appears the window is moving closer to a biblical perspective. In this timely and profound conversation, Eric and Nathan discuss the difference between the Overton Window and the “Canon/Biblical Window” and what we should do about it.
Part 7: Virtue Signaling
Virtue signaling is “impression management”—it is to subtly boost your reputation through what you say (or don’t say), what you wear, what groups you associate with, etc. Humanity seems to be wired for virtue signaling—to focus on self and how to look better in other’s eyes. Yet, as Eric and Nathan discuss, this is opposite of the Kingdom of Heaven. We should not care for our own reputations, but the reputation of Jesus Christ. In this conversation, Eric and Nathan dive into the topic of virtue signaling, giving many examples from their own lives, and discuss the sole remedy to being set free for a greater purpose.
Part 8: Derangement Syndromes
Whereas the Fear of God is the beginning of good things—things like wisdom and knowledge. The fear of man is also the beginning of some things. But the things that the fear of man begins are not at all pleasant. For instance, the fear of man fosters a derangement of the human brain. It causes said brain to stop questioning the obvious, to turn off all reasonableness, and forsake all common sense. In our world today we call the fear of man political/social correctness. It’s where someone chooses to act upon what is “correct” in the world’s eyes over what is actually true in God’s Word. Who would do such a ridiculous thing as that? Well, if you are looking for a case study—look no further than yourself. Every last one of us, whether we are presently walking in this strange “fear of man” behavior or not, have had plenty of experience doing so at some juncture of our lives.
Part 9: Maintaining Decorum
While decorum is not a word we typically use today, it is an important concept for how we behave. In President Trump’s State of the Union last week, Mike Johnson removed a member of Congress for a lack of decorum. In this episode, Eric and Nathan talk about decorum, define what it is and discuss how there has been a lack of decorum in our socio-political world, and why it is so important to have in the life of the Christian.
Part 10: Ceasefire
The world is witnessing an ever-growing phenomenon of escalating, ever-growing conflict. The earthly model for success is based on the fact that unless your side gets precisely what they demand in the deal then there is no deal—the conflict will continue for perpetuity. But, is this the Christ-model? Christ teaches us to forgive (even seventy-times seven times). Is forgiveness a reasonable and workable policy? In this discussion, Eric and Nathan talk about the concept of a ceasefire in relationships and nations, and what it takes to get there.
Part 11: The Alien Enemy’s Act of 1798
The current political landscape is in argument over the jurisdiction of who has the ability to deport foreign enemies who have invaded the land. Yet this debate over the “Alien Enemy’s Act of 1798” is a great picture of the spiritual jurisdiction over our person lives, marriages, and families. In this episode, Eric and Nathan discuss how the Alien Enemy’s Act of 1798 and constitutional law points to the authority and standard of God’s Word in a believer’s life, the power of “no,” and how a Christian can deal with hostile enemies invading their spiritual lives.
Explore Other Daily Thunder Series:
