It seems that our political discourse these days often devolves to the point where conversations end with unhelpful phrases like, "you're an idiot." But how did Jesus manage have followers like Simon the Zealot and Matthew the tax collector that could not have been on further ends of the political and philosophical ends of the spectrum? What did they have to give up in order to truly embrace the kingdom of God and represent and reflect it in every area of their life? We will look at those questions today as well as how Christianity in the West began the journey from a strictly kingdom enterprise to becoming intertwined with empire itself.
The incredible song played at the end of the episode is an original song written and performed by the PsalmBirds, a multigenerational, multiracial band of brothers in the Syracuse Regional Church of Christ who love to play socially distant porch concerts!
Lyrics:
Celebrate Diversity
(Verse1)
Our mission from on high
To spread the message far and wide
A quest to reunite
Every people, every tribe
The gathering of nations
From all ends of the earth
Into a kingdom of one
That transcends all class or culture
And gives everyone worth
Proclaiming ultimate love!
(Chorus)
Celebrate diversity
We’ve been made exquisitely
Beautiful and colorfully
We are one!
We are one!
(Verse 2)
Just look around and see
Dividing walls, disunity
And what of you and me?
Are we truely family?
Do we seek to understand
Or merely hold to our stance
Before the truth is revealed?
If we’re too caught up to listen
then we haven’t a chance
To know each other for real
(Chorus)
(Bridge)
Jesus said
To love your neighbor
As yourself
You better check yourself!
(Repeat)
No matter what your creed
We’re called to love in word and deed
To elevate each other
Cause we’re all a band of brothers