Turn2Jesus

In this podcast episode, Anna discusses how Christ followers should respond to current events. She emphasizes the importance of not ignoring the issues at hand and reminds listeners that as followers of Christ, they carry the hope of the gospel. Anna encourages listeners to focus on Jesus, who is in control of all things, and to reflect on his qualities of truth, honor, justice, and purity. She reminds listeners that their hope lies in Jesus and that they should use this opportunity to share the hope of the gospel with others. Anna concludes by encouraging listeners to prepare their hearts and minds for Jesus' return and to share the podcast episode with others in need. She ends with a prayer of gratitude and asking for God's guidance in spreading his good news. Hey there, it's Anna with God's Podcast. In today's episode, we will be discussing ways Christ followers should be responding to current events. But before we do that, let us pray in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Father, I come before you through your Son, Jesus Christ. And I look at this person listening, I ask that you open their ears, their hearts and their minds to your words, your verses, Father, give us wisdom, give us understanding so that we can take your Bible verses and your gospel news and spread it to others. Father, we want to glorify you, we want to thank you, and we want to give you praise because without you, we would be nothing. But through you, we can do anything. You give us strength, you give us courage to continue to keep fighting this good fight. And for that, we are thankful. We praise you, in Jesus' mighty name, Amen. So as I begin this episode, I would just like to say thank you. Thank you for coming and listening to God's good news. May it bring you wisdom and understanding. May you be filled with the Holy Spirit and know that God is with you. In light of recent events, I felt a very strong urge to express my thoughts on this matter. I won't pretend to have a significant platform or a huge amount of influence or all the answers to the challenges our nation faces today. As a follower of Christ, I believe it is our civic duty as followers of Jesus' responsibility to address contemporary issues with wisdom and discernment. Too often, the world is aware of what Christians oppose, but not what we support. And I acknowledge that we are living in chaotic times. With a new president in office who is committed to making America great again, signing executive orders on his first day, and taking action more swiftly than our previous president did in the last four years. It is natural for many of us to feel anxious, or at worst, indifferent. The constant stream of news can be overwhelming, making it hard to keep up with the latest developments. Just when we think we've seen or heard it all, new events arise that heighten our fears, amplify our frustrations, or numb us to the urgent need for hope in this world. It is easy to throw up our hands in frustration and move on with our lives. However, this raises an important question. As Christ followers, how should we respond to the current events that seem to be spiraling out of control in our world today? Here are several approaches that we as followers of Christ should steer clear of when responding to events happening around us. One way to react is by throwing up our hands in despair and ignoring the issue at hand. And honestly, this is the most simple response. Each of us lead busy lives filled with work, family, church, and various responsibilities that weigh us down heavily each and every day. When we engage with the news, if we even do, it can be all too easy to tune it out and numb ourselves to the reality surrounding us. We often convince ourselves that there are more pressing matters to focus on, believing that unless something impacts our family or ourselves personally, there is no reason to be concerned. I, too, am guilty of this and sometimes feel as though I'm stepping back as if it's not my fight to engage in. However, the truth is that by shutting ourselves off from the world's happenings, we are disobeying God's calling in our lives. As followers of Christ, we carry the hope of the gospel and its good news, which is the only source of hope for our needy world. By ignoring and acting as if nothing is happening, we deny the world access to its only true hope, Jesus, which is the one and only true answer. In light of recent events and the overwhelming circumstances and nature of the 24-hour news cycle, our response should be to turn our focus towards Jesus before we succumb to the urge to give up and ignore the challenges around us. We must remember that Jesus reigns supreme over all current events. In Colossians 1 verses 15-17, the sun is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, for by him all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities, all things were created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Nothing since the beginning of time has escaped Jesus' notice. He is aware of everything, sees everything, and orchestrates all things for his glory. When we ignore or display the fear we have observed in recent days, we fail to direct others towards Jesus. When we feel overwhelmed by the lack of morals in our world and are tempted to despair, we should reflect on Philippians 4 verses 8-9. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is compatible, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. To sum it up, focus on Jesus. He embodies truth, honor, justice, purity, beauty, condemnation, excellence, and is truly worthy of our praise. The next time you feel anxiety rising as you watch the news, take a moment to disconnect and reflect quietly on Jesus, what he has done for you, and his control over all things. Focusing your thoughts on Jesus allows us to discover joy in challenging moments and experience a peace that surpasses all understanding. As followers of Christ, we must recognize that recent events are significant. They hold importance not only in this moment, but also for eternity. Our responses to issues regarding politics, immigration concerns, reveal where our hope resides. During these times, we cannot afford to remain silent. We need to speak out and share the hope of the gospel, whether we realize it or not. Others are observing us. They are just as anxious and concerned about recent events as we are. This gives us a wonderful opportunity to advocate for the truth. However, we must not align ourselves with a specific political party, social agenda, or engage in online conflicts. Instead, let us seize this chance to point others to Jesus. Be the voice, be the light that turns them to Jesus. Here are my closing thoughts on this issue. We must remember that this world is not our home. Our hope does not lie in the pleasures and comforts that this life can offer. Our hope is in the death, the burial, and resurrection of Jesus. From the beginning of time to the endless future, Jesus is upholding the world and guiding it toward the glorious moment of His return, when He will renew all things. Our desire is for a better country, that is, a heavenly one, where Jesus is preparing for us a city, just like it states in Hebrews 11, 16. So brothers and sisters of Christ, prepare your hearts, your minds, and your lives, and in all you do, to turn to Jesus. I truly hope that this gave you wisdom and understanding of God's verses and how we need to use it towards our lives and what is happening around us. I hope that you enjoyed today's episode and you share it with someone in need because we all need God and we all are frustrated, we all are scared, but God is the answer. He has an answer for everything in His word, and that is exactly what we're supposed to do. Share His good news. So share this with somebody else, somebody in need, because we all need God each and every day. I thank you for coming each and every week and listening to what God has to say. So until next time, brothers and sisters, have a wonderful week. Enjoy this sunshine. Let us bow our heads and pray, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Father, I come before you through your Son, Jesus Christ, and I just want to say thank you. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to hear your words, to get your understanding of what is happening around us today. Father, Father, I lift up each and every person listening and I ask you to give them the wisdom, the understanding, so that they can go forth and spread your good news and turn others to Jesus. Father, you give us this opportunity to be your disciples, to be your vessels. Use us as you see fit, Father. I just want to praise you and I want to glorify you and your kingdom, because God, you are so amazing. You give us mercy, forgiveness, grace, each and every day. And for that, we thank you and we pray all of this, in Jesus' mighty name, Amen.