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In this three-part series, recorded at Beverly Heights Presbyterian Church in 1984, Dr. John Gerstner explores the depths of the riches of John 3:16.

But, Dr. Gerstner asserts that this "golden text" of scripture is oft misunderstood. To avoid misunderstanding, we need the whole context.

That's why Dr. Gerstner starts at the end of the story where Jesus answers the "why" question. Why did Jesus come into the world? He came because this is a perishing world.

Dr. Gerstner was a long-time professor at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, mentor to R.C. Sproul, and a straight shooter. His words were parrhesian then, and they are no less bold today.

https://theparrhesians.com/

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He’s got the whole world in His hands. Your mother. Your girlfriend. Even Kamala. He is the true "Govenator."

And He shares His power. He raises His people up and gives them responsibilities. He passes along His keys and expects His Church to use them (Matthew 18:18).

But the modern church just likes to swing them around her finger. She doesn’t even know which doors they open and close.

In this episode, Peter, Pastor Nate, and Kyle talk about the politics of the local church and using the keys—inside and out.

Christian Nationalism, anybody? Three cheers for excommunication? Or do you think Christ's Church should stick to whispering sweet nothings to fragile souls?

The modern church is afraid to make judgments to the State. To say, “Christ is King, and you will be held accountable . . . oh, and stop mutilating kids.”

She’s even afraid to make judgments within her own walls. To say, “Hey, you’re not acting like a Christian, and you’re poisoning the body—no bread for you!”

Whether they’re atheist politicians or previously ordained elders, it is the Church’s responsibility to name pagan and unfaithful behavior in her neighborhood.

Welcome to another episode of The Parrhesians Podcast!

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Three rogue elders walk into a Session meeting and slap a folder down. “We have concerns.” They leave it to Session to deal with it.

Time passes, and they grow impatient. They escalate their “concerns” to a higher authority and call in reinforcements.

They enlist the Presbytery to do something about it. The Presbytery nominates a few guys with good “intentions.”

Those intentions take on a life of their own. They grow an ill-will, and the next thing you know, those intentions birth bullies.

It all goes nuclear.

What do you do with bullies who call you a bully? What do you do with abusers who claim you’re the abuser?

According to Joe Rigney, you fight them. Tooth and nail. Like a real elder.

Elders aren’t fragile.

Elders aren’t afraid of drama.

Elders are quick to point out that “I’m hurt, therefore, you sinned” isn’t a syllogism.

Elders brush the progressive gaze off their shoulder and put up “no admittance” signs.

Elders redirect the soft hearted who are afraid to lose people and tell them to not be like Lot’s wife.

Elders are not afraid to drive a bus with only a few passengers on it if it keeps the church on mission.

Listen to our Session’s conversation with Joe Rigney on what it takes to be a church and lead in Negative World

(Previously unreleased: Recorded on June 27, 2024).

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