October 14, 2025 • 42 mins
Send Questions or comments here! We'll respond back in future episodes.
Most people don’t reject God; they recoil from counterfeits of Him. This finale challenges the easy myths about faith and offers a roadmap for living unshaken—rooted in Scripture, rich in prayer, and ready to love people without editing the truth.
We start by laying the only foundation that holds: five Scripture-shaped model prayers that ask the Father to draw people to Jesus, break spiritual blindness, replace fear with adoption, send workers into everyday harvest fields, and pour out wisdom and revelation. From there, we step into the grit of cultural conversations with five practices forged in the book of Daniel and the life of Jesus: keep standards high and grace deep, accept people without approving behavior, keep your tone non-contentious, identify with real struggles, and paint a vivid picture of coming home like the prodigal’s father. Each approach includes simple prompts, honest language, and a posture that trades outrage for influence.
Along the way, we explore why the battle beneath culture wars is spiritual, how Jesus answered temptation with the Word, and what it means to be present, patient, and courageous when convictions collide with expectations. Daniel’s quiet fidelity across four kings becomes our template: set clear boundaries, refuse contempt, and let long obedience speak louder than loud opinions. The goal isn’t to win arguments; it’s to win hearts—by leaving the porch light on and embodying the Father’s welcome.
If you’re weary of noise and ready for wise, relational courage, this conversation will strengthen your stance and soften your tone. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review to help others find the show. What one practice will you try this week?
Daniel Dilemma - CH
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Daniel Moore (00:04):
Many people misunderstand what it means to
follow Jesus.
They may see Christianity onlyas an institutional religion, an
organization rather than theinvitation to a personal
relationship with God.
Some carry deep wounds frompast experiences with churches
or religious leaders whomisrepresented the love and the
grace of God.
This can lead to distrust,cynicism, or even anger for
(00:29):
anything labeled as faith.
This week on Connecting theGap, we're going to be in
episode 16, the final episode inour series called A Chicken
Holding Fast and a Culture ofCompromise.
This is a podcast aboutmarriage, Bible, and book
(01:19):
studies, and we interview peoplethat have a story.
I'm Daniel Moore, your host.
Thank you guys for joining usthis week.
If not familiar with our show,check out our website at
connectingthegap.net for ourplatforms.
Our YouTube and Rumble linksare there.
We're also on the ChristianPodcasting app Edify.
We're also on your Alexa andGoogle Smart Devices.
You can also visit us on socialon Facebook, Instagram, and X
(01:40):
at CTGapOnline.
If you're a fan of our show,please subscribe.
Feel free to leave a comment onour platforms, give us a thumbs
up or a five-star review onApple Podcast, and we'll be
thankful to you for doing that.
Well, we've arrived at the lastepisode.
This is episode 16 of ourextended series on Unshaken.
(02:01):
And as we've been over these 16episodes, we've been taking
little snippets out of the bookof Daniel and using some of
Daniel's influence in his lifeand the way that he fought
culture, the way that he stoodfirm and did not compromise.
And we've gone through a prettygood extended series here on
how we can apply that in our ownlives today, in this culture
(02:22):
that we now live in, which isvery, very similar to the way it
was when he was alive.
So this week we're going to bewrapping that up.
And as I told you last week, Igave you a little sneak peek of
an idea of what's coming up heredown the pike.
Here in a couple of weeks, weare planning on starting into a
deep dive into the book ofIsaiah.
(02:43):
We're going to be doing averse-by-verse study of that
book.
And we're going to also pull alot of extra things out of there
that we'll be talking about aswell.
And applying a lot of thatstuff to our lives today.
It's going to be a very long,extended study.
If you guys love Isaiah like Ido, I think you'll enjoy this.
And it's going to be veryeducational for all of us.
(03:05):
So I hope you guys will tune inand continue to join me each
and every week as we'll becontinuing to drop these
episodes on Tuesdays.
Over the next couple of weekshere, we'll just be having a
Thursday episode of the marriageseries with my wife and I.
We are continuing that seriesthat we're doing there.
So, but as far as connectingthe gap, we'll take a
(03:25):
couple-week break and then we'llget started back into it.
Thank all of you who listen.
I thank you for subscribing ifyou have.
If you have not subscribed, uhif you would do that, I'd
appreciate it.
That actually helps ouralgorithms with our podcast, and
we have more subscribers andmore interaction with our feeds.
So if you'd do that, I wouldreally be thankful and grateful
(03:46):
to you for doing that.
You can go to our website,we've got some things there that
you can surf around and take alook at.
Got a blog there.
I usually put out a blog postfor most of the episodes that
come out every week.
So you can read those if youlike to read.
We're going to be adding somemore stuff to the website off
and on here as time goes along.
So make sure you check that outas well.
In the meantime, though, let'sdo this.
(04:08):
We're going to go ahead and getinto episode 16, the final
episode of our series calledUnshaken.
This week it's calledConfronting Cultural Challenges.
Be the Daniel of your day.
Humans are complex and uniquelycreated beings composed of
three distinct parts (04:36):
body, soul, and the spirit.
Since every individual is madein the image of God and carries
a spirit, this naturally placesus on a lifelong spiritual
journey.
Just as homing pigeonsinstinctively find their way
(04:58):
back to their nest, our spiritsare continuously seeking
connection with our Creator.
This inner spiritual drive setsus apart from the rest of the
created world and offers anexplanation for why worship is
uniquely human.
No other part of creation seeksGod in the way that we do.
This is also why spiritualmatters are so central to the
(05:19):
battles that we face in cultureand daily life.
And these are not just physicalor intellectual struggles, a
lot of them they are spiritualin nature.
To actively engage in thisspiritual battle, we must follow
the example given by Jesus.
When he was tempted by thedevil in the wilderness, as
recorded in Matthew four andLuke four, Jesus did not rely on
(05:42):
divine power alone.
Instead, if you remember, heused the word of God to confront
each temptation.
He met the enemy's challengeshead on by quoting scripture,
wielding God's truth like asword to defend himself.
Jesus faced those temptationsnot as God, but as a man fully
equipped with the Word.
(06:03):
This shows us how to approachour own spiritual struggles.
We are called to rely on thesame truth, to combat deception
and temptation by groundingourselves in Scripture just as
Jesus did.
As we start off this week'sepisode, we're going to talk
here about five scriptures andfive model prayers that we can
pray.
(06:23):
You can take these and makethem your own for the people God
has given us to influence.
The first prayer, the firstmodel, we can pray that the
Father would draw them to Jesus.
In John chapter six, verseforty four, Jesus says, No one
can come to me unless the Fatherwho sent me draws them.
This powerful truth reminds usthat salvation is not something
(06:46):
we can manufacture through humaneffort or persuasion.
It's a divine work of the heartinitiated by God Himself.
You know, I still remember themoment that I surrendered my
life to Jesus.
Though I had grown up in churchand had heard countless
sermons, something about thatparticular day was different.
It wasn't about hearingsomething new, it was about
(07:07):
feeling something deeply.
Something inside me stirred ina way I couldn't fully describe.
It was as if my heart was beinggently but unmistakably pulled
toward the truth.
That pull, so personal andundeniable, was God at work,
lovingly drawing me to Himself.
This inner tug, that spiritualawakening, is not something we
(07:30):
can force on others.
Only the Holy Spirit can opensomeone's eyes to their need and
stir their desire for Christ.
But while we can't make thishappen on our own, we do have a
role in it.
We are called to pray earnestlyand faithfully for the people
that God has placed in ourlives, asking Him to do what
only He can do in their hearts.
(07:52):
So we pray.
Father, move supernaturally inthe hearts of those around us.
Send your Holy Spirit to awakentheir souls, to draw them
toward the truth of who you are.
Spark within them a hunger formore, more than what this world
can offer.
Help them recognize thatlonging as a spiritual thirst
(08:14):
that only you can satisfy.
Open their hearts to yourpresence and their ears to hear
your voice, calling them home.
The second model prayer that wecan use is to bind the spirit
that blinds their minds.
In 2 Corinthians chapter 4,verse 4, Paul writes, The God of
this age has blinded the mindsof unbelievers, so that they
(08:36):
cannot see the light of thegospel that displays the glory
of Christ, who is the image ofGod.
This verse gives us insightinto the spiritual reality
behind why some people seemunable to grasp the truth of the
gospel, even when it'spresented clearly and
compassionately.
It's not just a matter ofintellect or logic, there is
(08:56):
active spiritual resistance atwork in their lives.
Often the truth of God's love,grace, and salvation can be
right in front of someone, yetthey remain unaware or
uninterested.
That's because spiritualblindness caused by the
influences of this fallen worldand the enemy prevents them from
truly seeing and responding tothe light of Christ.
(09:17):
It's as if something isobstructing their view, keeping
them in darkness when light isreadily available.
But we are not helpless inthis.
Through prayer, we can engagein spiritual warfare on behalf
of others.
We can intercede and ask God toremove the veil, to lift the
spiritual barriers that keeppeople from seeing Him clearly.
(09:39):
We are invited to join in thework of the Holy Spirit as He
opens hearts and minds.
So in this model prayer we canpray, Father, in the name of
Jesus, we banish every spiritualforce that is blocking the
minds and hearts of those aroundme.
Break through the darkness thatblinds them and remove every
hindrance that keeps them fromrecognizing your truth.
(10:01):
I pray that you would begin tosee clearly, seeing Jesus for
who he truly is, the image ofthe invisible God.
Open their eyes, Lord, and letyour light flood into their
hearts, drawing them towardsalvation.
The third model prayer that youcan use is to let loose the
spirit of adoption, the personalrelationship with God.
(10:25):
Romans eight fifteen tells usthe spirit you receive does not
make you slaves so that you livein fear again, rather the
spirit you received broughtabout your adoption to sonship,
and by him we cry Abba Father.
This verse reminds us that theheart of Christianity isn't
about rules or religioussystems, it's about
(10:46):
relationship.
God doesn't invite us into alife of fear or rigid
obligation.
He welcomes us into his familyas sons and daughters, where we
can approach him intimatelycalling him Abba or Father.
Many people misunderstand whatit means to follow Jesus.
They may see Christianity onlyas an institutional religion, an
(11:08):
organization rather than theinvitation to a personal
relationship with God.
Some carry deep wounds frompast experiences with churches
or religious leaders whomisrepresented the love and
grace of God.
This can lead to distrust,cynicism, or even anger toward
anything labeled as faith.
But God's intention was neverto build a system of control.
(11:31):
He sent his son so we could bereconciled with him, not as
servants under a harshtaskmaster, but as beloved
children returning to a lovingfather.
He longs for his children tocome home, to experience the
warmth, safety, and joy thatonly come from being in a right
relationship with Him.
We have the incredibleopportunity to pray that those
(11:52):
around us come to know God notthrough religion, but through
encounter.
So for this model we can pray,Father, draw people close to you
with the power of your love.
Loosen the spirit of adoptionover those who feel distant from
you.
Replace fear, skepticism, andbitterness with a longing for
(12:13):
home, a place only you canprovide.
Stir their hearts to hear yourvoice and sense your welcoming
presence.
Let them see that you are notfar off, but a loving father who
runs to embrace his childrenjust as they are.
The fourth model of prayer thatyou can use is to pray that
(12:33):
believers will enter intopositive relationships with the
lost, and pray that we will seethe opportunities that come
across our paths.
In Matthew chapter nine, versethirty eight, Jesus says, Ask
the Lord of the harvest,therefore, to send out workers
into his harvest field.
This verse reveals God's heartfor reaching people and also
(12:54):
highlights our role in thatmission.
Jesus is calling his followersto not just observe the need,
but to actively pray andparticipate in bringing others
to Him.
This calling is twofold.
First, we are to pray thatfellow believers, wherever they
are, would be moved and equippedto share God's truth and love
(13:14):
with those around them.
So many lives can be touched byChristians who let the light of
Christ shine through theireveryday interactions.
Second, we must also be openand willing to be those workers
ourselves.
Each of us is uniquely placedin a harvest field, our
families, workplaces, andcommunities where we can plant
seeds of faith and hope.
(13:36):
God's strategy for reaching theworld is built through people
who already know Him.
Jesus came to reveal the goodnews of salvation, and now He
entrusts that message to us, Hisfollowers.
We carry the hope of thegospel, and through our words,
actions, and attitudes we pointothers to the love of Christ.
As spiritual sowers, we oftenwon't know who has already
(14:00):
prayed for a person or whatgroundwork has been laid in
their heart.
But we can trust that God isalways working behind the
scenes.
A single kind word, a sinceregesture, or a moment of
compassion could be the verything that opens someone's heart
to God.
We never know how our simpleacts of love may be the turning
point in someone's spiritualjourney.
(14:21):
So the prayer that you couldpray for this model is Father, I
lift up the lost and searchingpeople in my life and around the
world.
Connect them with believers whowill reflect your heart with
sincerity and grace.
Let my own life be a steadywitness of your love, a light in
the darkness.
May my words, my actions, andmy attitudes reveal who you are.
(14:43):
Use me to be your hands andfeet, serving, loving, and
showing others the deep andunconditional love that you have
for them.
The fifth model of prayer thatwe'll talk about here is release
the spirit of wisdom andrevelation on them so they may
know God better.
In Ephesians chapter one, verseseventeen, Paul writes, I keep
(15:07):
asking that the God of our LordJesus Christ, the glorious
Father, may give you the spiritof wisdom and revelation so that
you may know him better.
This verse emphasizes thattruly knowing God requires more
than just surface levelunderstanding or head knowledge.
It takes spiritual insightgiven by God Himself.
We've all had those momentswhen something finally clicks,
(15:30):
whether it's solving a difficultmath problem or understanding
how something works.
Well, that sudden light bulbmoment that clarity is powerful.
But the most life-changing typeof clarity happens spiritually,
when the eyes of a person'sheart are open and they truly
see who God is, what Jesus hasdone for them, and how much they
(15:50):
really need Him.
People don't just need factsabout the gospel, they need deep
Holy Spirit givenunderstanding.
They need to recognize theirown spiritual condition, realize
the magnitude of God's gracethrough the cross, and discover
the hope and purpose that comesfrom surrendering their life to
Christ.
This understanding only comesthrough the spirit of wisdom and
(16:12):
revelation.
That's why our prayers matter.
We can ask God to open thehearts and minds of those around
us to make spiritual truth comealive in an undeniable way.
The prayer model that you canuse for this prayer is, Father,
I lift up the people around me.
I ask that you would pour outthe spirit of wisdom and
(16:33):
revelation on them so that theycan truly know you.
Help them understand the depthof their need and the incredible
gift of salvation throughJesus.
Let spiritual truth not justinform them, but transform them.
Use every experience,conversation, and movement to
move them closer to you so theycan fully grasp all the love,
(16:54):
the grace, and the purpose thatyou have for them.
The next thing we want to talkabout in this week's episode is
(17:17):
confronting cultural challenges.
Once the spiritual foundationhas been laid, we can begin
stepping into our role asChrist's ambassadors in the
places and relationships thatHe's entrusted to us.
As I mentioned earlier, thereisn't a one size fits all method
or a perfect script for sharingfaith and engaging in personal
spiritual conversations.
This process takes time,prayer, and a genuine investment
(17:42):
in people's lives.
There are no shortcuts or easyanswers, only a commitment to
walk alongside others with loveand grace.
Everyone's journey isdifferent, and meaningful
influence grows from authenticrelationships.
It's not about having all theright words, but about being
available, present, andspirit-led.
(18:02):
That said, I want to offer somepractical guidance.
We're going to talk about fiveapproaches or attitudes that you
can adopt as you interact withthe people that God has placed
in your life.
Because I'm often asked how Ipersonally respond to various
cultural and spiritualquestions, I've also included a
few simple conversation promptswith each one of these.
(18:24):
These aren't meant to bememorized or repeated word for
word, but to serve as a startingpoint, something to help you
think through how you mightrespond in love and truth.
The key here is to be honest,stay rooted in God's Word, and
depend on the Holy Spirit forwisdom and timing.
Keep your interactions real andheartfelt, and trust that God
(18:46):
will guide your words and useyour availability to make an
impact.
So the first thing here is keepyour standards high and your
grace deep.
In first Corinthians chapterone, verse eighteen to twenty
Paul writes, For the message ofthe cross is foolishness to
those who are perishing, but tous who are being saved it is the
power of God.
(19:06):
For it is written, I willdestroy the wisdom of the wise,
the intelligence of theintelligent I will frustrate.
Where is the wise person?
Where is the teacher of thelaw?
Where is the philosopher ofthis age?
Has not God made foolish thewisdom of the world?
Paul wrote this letter to thechurch in Corinth to address how
(19:26):
the surrounding culture wasbeginning to influence the
church in unhealthy ways.
He called them to live by God'struth and to do so with
conviction and grace.
At the heart of his message wasa reminder that God's wisdom
often looks like foolishness tothe world, but it is in fact the
true source of life, power, andsalvation.
Paul challenged the worldlymindset that elevates human
(19:50):
intellect and philosophicalreasoning above God's revealed
truth.
Through a series of rhetoricalquestions, he was essentially
asking, where are all thethinkers and experts now?
Have their so called wisdom andopinions proven to be greater
than God's truth?
Paul wasn't insultingintelligence, he was humbling
it, showing that when humanwisdom separates itself from
(20:13):
God, it leads to confusion andemptiness.
To paraphrase his tone, whereare all the know it alls now?
Hasn't God exposed how limitedhuman thinking is compared to
his wisdom?
I mean Paul made it clear thateven when God's ways seem weak
or foolish to the world, theyfar surpass the highest
achievement of human thought andstrength.
(20:35):
As he later states in versetwenty five, the foolishness of
God is wiser than human wisdom,and the weakness of God is
stronger than human strength.
Throughout the rest of 1Corinthians, Paul continued this
theme of addressing culturaland moral issues head on.
But it's critical to notice theway he did it, not with harsh
(20:55):
judgment or superiority complex,but with deep compassion and
grace.
He never compromised God'sstandards, but he called people
to a better way with love andhumility, not condemnation.
This brings us to an importantpoint for our own lives today.
We're constantly navigating aculture that often laughs at or
(21:15):
outright opposes God's truth.
It's tempting to soften ourbeliefs to gain acceptance or
avoid offending anyone.
But the tension between cultureand the kingdom of God is not
new, and it isn't going away.
So the real question becomes,how will we respond when our
values collide with the world'sexpectations?
Will we quietly conform or willwe stand firm in truth while
(21:39):
extending grace?
Jesus modeled this balanceperfectly.
He taught the highest moralstandards, raising the bar
rather than lowering it.
When he said, as recorded inMatthew 5.28, that even looking
at someone with lust isequivalent to adultery in the
heart, he exposed how deeply sinaffects us all.
(22:00):
Yet even as he raised thestandard, he didn't respond with
condemnation.
Instead, he offered forgivenessand called people to
transformation.
That's the example that we areinvited to follow, holding
tightly to God's truth withoutarrogance and offering grace
without compromisingconvictions.
Let's continue to raise thespiritual standard while
(22:22):
reaching out with the samecompassion that Jesus showed,
one that speaks truth clearly,but always is wrapped in love.
In other words, Jesus didn'tbow to the pressures of the
culture just to gain approval ormake people feel comfortable.
He didn't soften his message tobe more palatable or say what
people wanted to hear.
Instead, he elevated thestandard of righteousness, but
(22:45):
at the same time offered a pathto redemption for those willing
to turn back to God.
So do you see the contrast?
The standard was raised, butthe grace was deepened.
This is our model for how toengage the culture around us.
We're called to remaincommitted to God's truth and to
live by His Word even when itisn't popular.
(23:06):
If Scripture clearly identifiessomething as sin, then it is
sin, plain and simple.
We can't allow the shiftingopinions of the world to
redefine what God has alreadymade clear.
His truth may seem foolish inthe eyes of the world, but it is
unchanging and it's eternal.
So rather than lowering the barto match societal trends, let's
(23:28):
point people to a higherstandard while embracing them
with the deep transformativegrace we've all been giving and
still need.
When I'm in conversations aboutmoral issues, I often say
something like this We all fallshort of God's standards.
That includes me and itincludes you.
But instead of reshaping God'struth to match our preferences,
(23:49):
let's ask God to reshape us tomatch his will.
That's what it means to trulyfollow Him.
He's the creator, we are Hiscreation.
He knows what's best for ourlives, and He loves us enough to
give us guidance and boundariesthat lead to flourishing.
Moral truth isn't man made,it's God given, and it's for our
(24:10):
good.
The second point here is toaccept people without approving
of their behavior.
In Daniel chapter one verseeight we read, but Daniel
resolved not to defile himselfwith the royal food and wine,
and he asked the chief officialfor permission not to defile
himself this way.
This verse gives us a powerfulexample of someone choosing
(24:31):
conviction over compromise.
Daniel was living in a foreignculture that didn't honor God,
yet he made a firm decision toremain faithful even in everyday
details like the food heconsumed.
His quiet but bold resistanceshowed that it's possible to
hold to God's standards withoutbeing disrespectful or
combative.
Instead of creating a scene,Daniel respectively sought an
(24:54):
alternative, showing bothintegrity and humility.
In a similar way, Jesus oftenfound himself in tension with
the prevailing culture.
A striking example is found inJohn 8, when religious leaders
brought a woman caught inadultery before him.
Their goal wasn't justice, theywanted to trap Jesus.
(25:14):
They asked whether this womanshould be stoned, as the law of
Moses required.
If Jesus went against the law,they could accuse him of
dismissing Scripture.
If he agreed to the stoning, hewould lose credibility as a
teacher of mercy and grace.
These guys thought they had himcornered.
But Jesus didn't fall intotheir trap.
(25:36):
Instead, he stooped down andbegan writing in the dust.
While we don't know what hewrote, many believe it may have
been the sins of the very mendemanding justice.
When Jesus responded with apiercing challenge, let anyone
among you who is without sin bethe first to throw a stone at
her.
One by one they walked away,convicted by their own
(26:00):
conscience.
When Jesus finally looked up,the crowd had gone.
Confronting the woman withkindness, he said, Then neither
do I condemn you.
Go now and leave your life ofsin.
Jesus modeled the perfectbalance of grace and truth.
He didn't excuse or ignore hersin, but he also didn't shame or
(26:21):
reject her.
He extended dignity and gaveher a pathway toward redemption.
This is exactly how we arecalled to approach people in
today's world, especially thosewho are walking contrary to
God's design.
When I find myself engagingwith someone that I care about
who is living in a way thatcontradicts God's word, my goal
(26:42):
is not to lecture them orcondemn them.
I usually try to share this.
God absolutely loves us as weare, broken, flawed, and
imperfect.
But he also loves us too muchto leave us that way.
He wants to transform us, notpunish us.
It's the kind of love that Itry to show my own children.
I love them unconditionally,but that love also seeks their
(27:06):
growth and well being, not justtheir comfort or short term
happiness.
In the same way, God love drawsus towards freedom, healing,
and a better way of life throughhis truth.
The third point here is tonever let the tone get
(27:27):
contentious.
Daniel chapter two, versefourteen tells us when Ariak,
the commander of the king'sguard, had gone out to put to
death the wise men of Babylon,Daniel spoke to him with wisdom
and tact.
This moment reveals somethingsignificant.
Even in a life or deathsituation, Daniel chose a calm,
respectful, and thoughtfulapproach.
(27:49):
He didn't react out of fear oranger, he responded with poise,
trusting God and choosing hiswords carefully.
His example is especiallyrelevant in our current cultural
climate.
Today's world often rewardsoutrage and argument.
Conflict draws attention, andin a digital age where
visibility can equal influence,many people, businesses, and
(28:11):
media outlets thrive oncontroversy.
Social platforms encourageconstant commenting where
everyone's opinion demands to beheard, even if it's unkind,
uninformed, or unnecessarilyaggressive.
And unfortunately, personalconversations frequently mirror
this dynamic.
Discussions quickly turn intodebates, opinions become
(28:33):
weapons, and misunderstandingsescalate into competitive
exchanges.
When that happens, whether ifit's online or in person, the
possibility for meaningfuldialogue fades fast.
As soon as people feel attackedor disrespected, they stop
listening and either shut downor strike back.
The connection that could havemade a difference gets lost in
(28:54):
defensive posturing andfrustration.
But Scripture gives us a betterway.
Daniel wasn't the only example.
Jesus, Paul, James, and others,they all emphasize the
importance of the words we useand the tone behind them.
Jesus said it simply andpowerfully.
He explained that our wordsreflect the condition of our
(29:19):
hearts, and that we'll have toanswer for every careless or
harmful things that we say.
You can see Matthew twelveverse thirty four to thirty
seven for more on that one.
In other words, whenconversations with others,
especially on sensitive culturalor spiritual topics, become
more about proving a point thanreflecting Christ, it's time to
pause.
(29:39):
If your tone becomes more aboutbeing right than being loving,
something has shifted.
In those moments, the mostChrist like thing to do may to
humbly admit that you've letyour emotions take over,
apologize if needed, and refocusor revisit the conversation
another time.
No one is drawn to repentanceby condemnation.
(29:59):
People are often alreadycarrying shame, regret, and
inner turmoil.
They're not looking for someoneto pile on guilt, they're
looking for hope.
They need someone to comealongside them and say, Hey,
I've been there too, but I'veexperienced the freedom that
comes with forgiveness.
When you feel frustrationrising in a discussion and your
emotions grab the steeringwheel, the best thing you can do
(30:22):
is retreat into God's presence.
Time alone with Himrecalibrates your heart.
Encountering His compassion,mercy, and understanding has a
way of softening yours, and whenyour heart is soft, it becomes
easier to respond gently withoutsacrificing truth.
One practical thing that Ioften do when conversations
(30:42):
start to heat up is shift thedirection intentionally.
I might say, Well, I can tellthat we both care deeply about
this, but I value ourrelationship more than I value
winning an argument.
Let's take a break from thisfor now.
Tell me about your family, yourdog, or your weekend plans.
That small redirection candiffuse tension and pave the way
for compassion to re-enter theconversation.
(31:04):
Always remember, truth sharedwithout grace often builds walls
rather than bridges.
Like Daniel, we're called tospeak with wisdom and tact,
especially when the stakes arehigh.
The fourth one here is leadthem to truth by identifying
with their struggle.
The Bible encourages us toextend compassion and
(31:26):
understanding to those who arestruggling in their faith.
Jude twenty two and twentythree in the New Living
Translation puts it this wayShow mercy to those whose faith
is wavering.
Rescue others by snatching themfrom the flames of judgment.
Show mercy to still others, butdo so with great caution,
hating the sins that contaminatetheir lives.
This passage reminds us thatwe're called to love and help
(31:49):
others, especially those caughtin difficult internal battles,
while still maintaining wisdomand discernment.
As followers of Christ, it isnot our role to shame or condemn
others for what they feel,whether it's same sex
attractions or any other kind oftemptation.
Our feelings don't define us,and they don't have to control
our actions.
Every one of us experiencesdesires that fall outside the
(32:13):
boundaries of God's design.
I personally recognize thistension within myself on a
regular basis.
For example, I know that mynatural tendencies might lean
toward sexual desire outside ofa monogamous, God honoring
relationship.
When I feel tempted, I try notto excuse it or let it guide me.
I acknowledge that it's wrong,bring it before God, and ask him
(32:35):
to work in me.
His grace gives me strength toresist and keep pursuing
holiness.
That same grace is available toanyone wrestling with
temptation.
Our job is to walk with them inlove, especially when they're
seeking repentance andtransformation.
We don't exclude or rejectsomeone who's struggling, we
welcome them as Christ welcomedus.
(32:56):
But if someone insists oncelebrating or justifying the
lifestyle God calls sin and theywant our endorsement, that's a
line that we can't cross.
Still, not approving of adecision or behavior doesn't
equal rejection or judgment.
Love remains even withoutagreement.
In our culture, there's a falsebelief that if you don't fully
(33:18):
agree with someone's decisions,you're against them.
But as Christians, we're calledto live in the space between
truth and grace, showingunconditional love without
compromising God's standards.
One way we do this is byidentifying with people's pain
and difficulties.
When we approach others humblyand honestly, acknowledging that
we too have struggles, it helpsbreak down those walls.
(33:41):
No one responds well toarrogance or self-righteousness.
Instead, when we engage withsincerity and even a bit of
humor, we connect with others ona human level, heart to heart.
That connection opens doors toshare truth.
When people see that we'regenuine and that we care more
about them as individuals thanabout being right, they begin to
(34:02):
see Jesus in us.
They become curious about thepeace and purpose that He brings
into our lives.
When someone justifies theirchoices based on how they feel,
I don't argue, I relate.
I say something like, you know,I get it.
I have feelings too that don'talways match what God wants for
me.
I've desired things that I knowaren't good, but I've learned
(34:24):
that while my feelings may notchange overnight, I can bring
them to God.
I can evaluate them honestlyand trust Him to shape me from
the inside out.
In that shared vulnerability,people feel seen, not judged.
And that's often the beginningof transformation.
And the fifth and final pointhere is paint the picture of
(34:48):
what it looks like to come home.
The parable of the prodigal sonin Luke 15, 20 contains one of
the most powerful images ofGod's grace.
But while he was still a longway off, his father saw him and
was filled with compassion forhim, and he ran to his son,
threw his arms around him, andkissed him.
This is more than just a storyabout a wayward child returning
(35:12):
home.
It's a picture of God's heartfor every person who turns back
to him, no matter how farthey've wandered.
It reminds us that there's nomess too big, no failure too
deep, and no past too dark forGod to forgive and redeem.
His arms are always open foranyone willing to return.
Our role as believers is toclearly reflect that truth.
(35:35):
People need to know that nomatter where they've been or
what they've done, it's nevertoo late to come back to God.
We are called to help them seethe beauty and the warmth of
what it truly means to come homespiritually.
But that message becomes morepowerful when it's built on the
foundation of trust and genuinerelationship.
As we invest in people's lives,listening to them, caring for
(35:56):
them, and being present, wecreate meaningful opportunities
to speak truth and love.
Jesus modeled this throughouthis ministry.
He didn't start with a lectureor a list of rules, he met
people where they were, often byaddressing very practical or
immediate needs.
Then once they experienced hiskindness, he revealed the deeper
(36:18):
spiritual needs in their lives.
We can follow that example byapproaching others with
consistent kindness, grace, andopenness.
Let people know that you'resomeone who's safe to talk to,
someone who's available, whetherit's simply to listen, to have
a heart-heart conversation, oreven pray with them.
It might surprise you how manypeople who don't even claim
(36:39):
faith, but they will still askfor prayer when they know you
genuinely care.
One of the most tangible waysthat we can reflect God's heart
is by creating an atmosphere ofopen arms and open hearts, what
you might call leaving the porchlight on.
People need to sense thatcoming to God is like coming
home, a place of rest,acceptance, and renewal.
(37:00):
Every act of compassion andevery effort to extend love
builds a bridge that can guidesomeone back to the Father.
Sometimes, though, peoplechoose to go their own way.
And in those moments, we haveto exercise patience and trust
that some lessons must belearned through experience.
When someone decides to rejectGod's ways, we don't chase with
(37:23):
condemnation, we wait with hope.
I usually try to respond withsomething like this: if you ever
change your mind, if you everrealize that your way isn't
working, if you find yourself ina hard place and want to come
back, call me.
I'll be right here ready tolisten and help however I can.
By living this way, we reflectthe heart of the father in the
(37:46):
story, not standing in judgment,but watching the road, ready to
embrace the one who returns.
That is what it means to lovelike Christ.
Let me be real with you.
(38:13):
Even if you fully commit topracticing these five approaches
we've discussed throughout thisseries, you're still going to
face challenges.
There will be moments when youdon't know exactly what to say,
when you're unsure how tonavigate tough conversations,
and when your emotions might getthe best of you in the face of
culture's ever-changing moralstandards.
(38:33):
That inner tension betweenGod's truth and the world's
values may even grow stronger asyour awareness deepens.
But here's the crucial thingdon't give up.
This tension isn't weakness,it's a reflection of your
growing sensitivity to God'sways in contrast to a world
moving in the oppositedirection.
Just take a look at Daniel'slife.
(38:55):
He lived under consistentpressure to conform to a culture
that didn't honor God.
Yet he remained grounded andfaithful.
He didn't resort to louddebates or defensive arguments.
He simply and respectfullyestablished clear boundaries.
And because of his unwaveringfaith and quiet courage, he
became a respected voice andsteady presence across four
(39:17):
successive kings and seventyyears of political change.
In the same way, when culturecontinues to shift, and it will,
we shouldn't panic.
We should be encouraged.
These are the moments when ourfaith matters most.
These are the opportunities toshow the world that while
everything around us might beunstable, our foundation in
(39:39):
Christ is unshakable.
Just like Daniel, we are calledto influence, not just impress.
We aren't here to winarguments, we're here to win
hearts.
And that's the big picture.
As believers, we're meant tostand strong, not for our own
pride, but for God's glory.
We carry the hope, peace, andtruth the world so desperately
(40:02):
needs.
We become beacons of light, notbecause we're perfect, but
because we're anchored insomething greater than
ourselves.
In times of compromise andconfusion, it's our love, our
character, and our courage thatwill speak the loudest.
So let your life be the answerto someone else's question.
Let others see Christ in youthrough your choices, your
(40:25):
kindness, and your consistency.
Be known for your love, yourgrace, your firmness and truth
without ever sacrificingcompassion.
And this week, as we close thisseries with this week's
episode, I want to thank youguys for joining me.
We've explored toughconversations, cultural tension,
and the calling to stand firmin truth while extending grace.
(40:48):
You know it's not always easy.
In fact, it rarely is, but it'salways worth it.
The world doesn't need morenoise or division, it needs
people willing to shine God'slight by living faithfully and
loving deeply.
So as you go forward, rememberthis.
You are here for a purpose.
Your voice, your story, andyour presence matter.
(41:11):
You're not alone and you're notpowerless.
With Christ in you, you areequipped to influence the world
around you, not through force,but through faithfulness.
So stand firm, stay grounded,walk humbly, and let everything
you do be done in love.
Well, that's gonna do it forthis series and for this week's
(41:36):
episode.
Lord willing, we'll be backhere in another couple of weeks
as we start off a brand newseries as we start looking
through the book of Isaiah.
But until then, don't forgetthat we believe that God's word
never fails us.
God's word has stood the testof time, and through Jesus'
death on the cross, he hasconnected the gap.
This is an extension ofConnecting the Gap Ministries,
(41:58):
and we pray that you have ablessed week.
Many people misunderstand what it means to
follow Jesus.
They may see Christianity onlyas an institutional religion, an
organization rather than theinvitation to a personal
relationship with God.
Some carry deep wounds frompast experiences with churches
or religious leaders whomisrepresented the love and the
grace of God.
This can lead to distrust,cynicism, or even anger for
(00:29):
anything labeled as faith.
This week on Connecting theGap, we're going to be in
episode 16, the final episode inour series called A Chicken
Holding Fast and a Culture ofCompromise.
This is a podcast aboutmarriage, Bible, and book
(01:19):
studies, and we interview peoplethat have a story.
I'm Daniel Moore, your host.
Thank you guys for joining usthis week.
If not familiar with our show,check out our website at
connectingthegap.net for ourplatforms.
Our YouTube and Rumble linksare there.
We're also on the ChristianPodcasting app Edify.
We're also on your Alexa andGoogle Smart Devices.
You can also visit us on socialon Facebook, Instagram, and X
(01:40):
at CTGapOnline.
If you're a fan of our show,please subscribe.
Feel free to leave a comment onour platforms, give us a thumbs
up or a five-star review onApple Podcast, and we'll be
thankful to you for doing that.
Well, we've arrived at the lastepisode.
This is episode 16 of ourextended series on Unshaken.
(02:01):
And as we've been over these 16episodes, we've been taking
little snippets out of the bookof Daniel and using some of
Daniel's influence in his lifeand the way that he fought
culture, the way that he stoodfirm and did not compromise.
And we've gone through a prettygood extended series here on
how we can apply that in our ownlives today, in this culture
(02:22):
that we now live in, which isvery, very similar to the way it
was when he was alive.
So this week we're going to bewrapping that up.
And as I told you last week, Igave you a little sneak peek of
an idea of what's coming up heredown the pike.
Here in a couple of weeks, weare planning on starting into a
deep dive into the book ofIsaiah.
(02:43):
We're going to be doing averse-by-verse study of that
book.
And we're going to also pull alot of extra things out of there
that we'll be talking about aswell.
And applying a lot of thatstuff to our lives today.
It's going to be a very long,extended study.
If you guys love Isaiah like Ido, I think you'll enjoy this.
And it's going to be veryeducational for all of us.
(03:05):
So I hope you guys will tune inand continue to join me each
and every week as we'll becontinuing to drop these
episodes on Tuesdays.
Over the next couple of weekshere, we'll just be having a
Thursday episode of the marriageseries with my wife and I.
We are continuing that seriesthat we're doing there.
So, but as far as connectingthe gap, we'll take a
(03:25):
couple-week break and then we'llget started back into it.
Thank all of you who listen.
I thank you for subscribing ifyou have.
If you have not subscribed, uhif you would do that, I'd
appreciate it.
That actually helps ouralgorithms with our podcast, and
we have more subscribers andmore interaction with our feeds.
So if you'd do that, I wouldreally be thankful and grateful
(03:46):
to you for doing that.
You can go to our website,we've got some things there that
you can surf around and take alook at.
Got a blog there.
I usually put out a blog postfor most of the episodes that
come out every week.
So you can read those if youlike to read.
We're going to be adding somemore stuff to the website off
and on here as time goes along.
So make sure you check that outas well.
In the meantime, though, let'sdo this.
(04:08):
We're going to go ahead and getinto episode 16, the final
episode of our series calledUnshaken.
This week it's calledConfronting Cultural Challenges.
Be the Daniel of your day.
Humans are complex and uniquelycreated beings composed of
three distinct parts (04:36):
body, soul, and the spirit.
Since every individual is madein the image of God and carries
a spirit, this naturally placesus on a lifelong spiritual
journey.
Just as homing pigeonsinstinctively find their way
(04:58):
back to their nest, our spiritsare continuously seeking
connection with our Creator.
This inner spiritual drive setsus apart from the rest of the
created world and offers anexplanation for why worship is
uniquely human.
No other part of creation seeksGod in the way that we do.
This is also why spiritualmatters are so central to the
(05:19):
battles that we face in cultureand daily life.
And these are not just physicalor intellectual struggles, a
lot of them they are spiritualin nature.
To actively engage in thisspiritual battle, we must follow
the example given by Jesus.
When he was tempted by thedevil in the wilderness, as
recorded in Matthew four andLuke four, Jesus did not rely on
(05:42):
divine power alone.
Instead, if you remember, heused the word of God to confront
each temptation.
He met the enemy's challengeshead on by quoting scripture,
wielding God's truth like asword to defend himself.
Jesus faced those temptationsnot as God, but as a man fully
equipped with the Word.
(06:03):
This shows us how to approachour own spiritual struggles.
We are called to rely on thesame truth, to combat deception
and temptation by groundingourselves in Scripture just as
Jesus did.
As we start off this week'sepisode, we're going to talk
here about five scriptures andfive model prayers that we can
pray.
(06:23):
You can take these and makethem your own for the people God
has given us to influence.
The first prayer, the firstmodel, we can pray that the
Father would draw them to Jesus.
In John chapter six, verseforty four, Jesus says, No one
can come to me unless the Fatherwho sent me draws them.
This powerful truth reminds usthat salvation is not something
(06:46):
we can manufacture through humaneffort or persuasion.
It's a divine work of the heartinitiated by God Himself.
You know, I still remember themoment that I surrendered my
life to Jesus.
Though I had grown up in churchand had heard countless
sermons, something about thatparticular day was different.
It wasn't about hearingsomething new, it was about
(07:07):
feeling something deeply.
Something inside me stirred ina way I couldn't fully describe.
It was as if my heart was beinggently but unmistakably pulled
toward the truth.
That pull, so personal andundeniable, was God at work,
lovingly drawing me to Himself.
This inner tug, that spiritualawakening, is not something we
(07:30):
can force on others.
Only the Holy Spirit can opensomeone's eyes to their need and
stir their desire for Christ.
But while we can't make thishappen on our own, we do have a
role in it.
We are called to pray earnestlyand faithfully for the people
that God has placed in ourlives, asking Him to do what
only He can do in their hearts.
(07:52):
So we pray.
Father, move supernaturally inthe hearts of those around us.
Send your Holy Spirit to awakentheir souls, to draw them
toward the truth of who you are.
Spark within them a hunger formore, more than what this world
can offer.
Help them recognize thatlonging as a spiritual thirst
(08:14):
that only you can satisfy.
Open their hearts to yourpresence and their ears to hear
your voice, calling them home.
The second model prayer that wecan use is to bind the spirit
that blinds their minds.
In 2 Corinthians chapter 4,verse 4, Paul writes, The God of
this age has blinded the mindsof unbelievers, so that they
(08:36):
cannot see the light of thegospel that displays the glory
of Christ, who is the image ofGod.
This verse gives us insightinto the spiritual reality
behind why some people seemunable to grasp the truth of the
gospel, even when it'spresented clearly and
compassionately.
It's not just a matter ofintellect or logic, there is
(08:56):
active spiritual resistance atwork in their lives.
Often the truth of God's love,grace, and salvation can be
right in front of someone, yetthey remain unaware or
uninterested.
That's because spiritualblindness caused by the
influences of this fallen worldand the enemy prevents them from
truly seeing and responding tothe light of Christ.
(09:17):
It's as if something isobstructing their view, keeping
them in darkness when light isreadily available.
But we are not helpless inthis.
Through prayer, we can engagein spiritual warfare on behalf
of others.
We can intercede and ask God toremove the veil, to lift the
spiritual barriers that keeppeople from seeing Him clearly.
(09:39):
We are invited to join in thework of the Holy Spirit as He
opens hearts and minds.
So in this model prayer we canpray, Father, in the name of
Jesus, we banish every spiritualforce that is blocking the
minds and hearts of those aroundme.
Break through the darkness thatblinds them and remove every
hindrance that keeps them fromrecognizing your truth.
(10:01):
I pray that you would begin tosee clearly, seeing Jesus for
who he truly is, the image ofthe invisible God.
Open their eyes, Lord, and letyour light flood into their
hearts, drawing them towardsalvation.
The third model prayer that youcan use is to let loose the
spirit of adoption, the personalrelationship with God.
(10:25):
Romans eight fifteen tells usthe spirit you receive does not
make you slaves so that you livein fear again, rather the
spirit you received broughtabout your adoption to sonship,
and by him we cry Abba Father.
This verse reminds us that theheart of Christianity isn't
about rules or religioussystems, it's about
(10:46):
relationship.
God doesn't invite us into alife of fear or rigid
obligation.
He welcomes us into his familyas sons and daughters, where we
can approach him intimatelycalling him Abba or Father.
Many people misunderstand whatit means to follow Jesus.
They may see Christianity onlyas an institutional religion, an
(11:08):
organization rather than theinvitation to a personal
relationship with God.
Some carry deep wounds frompast experiences with churches
or religious leaders whomisrepresented the love and
grace of God.
This can lead to distrust,cynicism, or even anger toward
anything labeled as faith.
But God's intention was neverto build a system of control.
(11:31):
He sent his son so we could bereconciled with him, not as
servants under a harshtaskmaster, but as beloved
children returning to a lovingfather.
He longs for his children tocome home, to experience the
warmth, safety, and joy thatonly come from being in a right
relationship with Him.
We have the incredibleopportunity to pray that those
(11:52):
around us come to know God notthrough religion, but through
encounter.
So for this model we can pray,Father, draw people close to you
with the power of your love.
Loosen the spirit of adoptionover those who feel distant from
you.
Replace fear, skepticism, andbitterness with a longing for
(12:13):
home, a place only you canprovide.
Stir their hearts to hear yourvoice and sense your welcoming
presence.
Let them see that you are notfar off, but a loving father who
runs to embrace his childrenjust as they are.
The fourth model of prayer thatyou can use is to pray that
(12:33):
believers will enter intopositive relationships with the
lost, and pray that we will seethe opportunities that come
across our paths.
In Matthew chapter nine, versethirty eight, Jesus says, Ask
the Lord of the harvest,therefore, to send out workers
into his harvest field.
This verse reveals God's heartfor reaching people and also
(12:54):
highlights our role in thatmission.
Jesus is calling his followersto not just observe the need,
but to actively pray andparticipate in bringing others
to Him.
This calling is twofold.
First, we are to pray thatfellow believers, wherever they
are, would be moved and equippedto share God's truth and love
(13:14):
with those around them.
So many lives can be touched byChristians who let the light of
Christ shine through theireveryday interactions.
Second, we must also be openand willing to be those workers
ourselves.
Each of us is uniquely placedin a harvest field, our
families, workplaces, andcommunities where we can plant
seeds of faith and hope.
(13:36):
God's strategy for reaching theworld is built through people
who already know Him.
Jesus came to reveal the goodnews of salvation, and now He
entrusts that message to us, Hisfollowers.
We carry the hope of thegospel, and through our words,
actions, and attitudes we pointothers to the love of Christ.
As spiritual sowers, we oftenwon't know who has already
(14:00):
prayed for a person or whatgroundwork has been laid in
their heart.
But we can trust that God isalways working behind the
scenes.
A single kind word, a sinceregesture, or a moment of
compassion could be the verything that opens someone's heart
to God.
We never know how our simpleacts of love may be the turning
point in someone's spiritualjourney.
(14:21):
So the prayer that you couldpray for this model is Father, I
lift up the lost and searchingpeople in my life and around the
world.
Connect them with believers whowill reflect your heart with
sincerity and grace.
Let my own life be a steadywitness of your love, a light in
the darkness.
May my words, my actions, andmy attitudes reveal who you are.
(14:43):
Use me to be your hands andfeet, serving, loving, and
showing others the deep andunconditional love that you have
for them.
The fifth model of prayer thatwe'll talk about here is release
the spirit of wisdom andrevelation on them so they may
know God better.
In Ephesians chapter one, verseseventeen, Paul writes, I keep
(15:07):
asking that the God of our LordJesus Christ, the glorious
Father, may give you the spiritof wisdom and revelation so that
you may know him better.
This verse emphasizes thattruly knowing God requires more
than just surface levelunderstanding or head knowledge.
It takes spiritual insightgiven by God Himself.
We've all had those momentswhen something finally clicks,
(15:30):
whether it's solving a difficultmath problem or understanding
how something works.
Well, that sudden light bulbmoment that clarity is powerful.
But the most life-changing typeof clarity happens spiritually,
when the eyes of a person'sheart are open and they truly
see who God is, what Jesus hasdone for them, and how much they
(15:50):
really need Him.
People don't just need factsabout the gospel, they need deep
Holy Spirit givenunderstanding.
They need to recognize theirown spiritual condition, realize
the magnitude of God's gracethrough the cross, and discover
the hope and purpose that comesfrom surrendering their life to
Christ.
This understanding only comesthrough the spirit of wisdom and
(16:12):
revelation.
That's why our prayers matter.
We can ask God to open thehearts and minds of those around
us to make spiritual truth comealive in an undeniable way.
The prayer model that you canuse for this prayer is, Father,
I lift up the people around me.
I ask that you would pour outthe spirit of wisdom and
(16:33):
revelation on them so that theycan truly know you.
Help them understand the depthof their need and the incredible
gift of salvation throughJesus.
Let spiritual truth not justinform them, but transform them.
Use every experience,conversation, and movement to
move them closer to you so theycan fully grasp all the love,
(16:54):
the grace, and the purpose thatyou have for them.
The next thing we want to talkabout in this week's episode is
(17:17):
confronting cultural challenges.
Once the spiritual foundationhas been laid, we can begin
stepping into our role asChrist's ambassadors in the
places and relationships thatHe's entrusted to us.
As I mentioned earlier, thereisn't a one size fits all method
or a perfect script for sharingfaith and engaging in personal
spiritual conversations.
This process takes time,prayer, and a genuine investment
(17:42):
in people's lives.
There are no shortcuts or easyanswers, only a commitment to
walk alongside others with loveand grace.
Everyone's journey isdifferent, and meaningful
influence grows from authenticrelationships.
It's not about having all theright words, but about being
available, present, andspirit-led.
(18:02):
That said, I want to offer somepractical guidance.
We're going to talk about fiveapproaches or attitudes that you
can adopt as you interact withthe people that God has placed
in your life.
Because I'm often asked how Ipersonally respond to various
cultural and spiritualquestions, I've also included a
few simple conversation promptswith each one of these.
(18:24):
These aren't meant to bememorized or repeated word for
word, but to serve as a startingpoint, something to help you
think through how you mightrespond in love and truth.
The key here is to be honest,stay rooted in God's Word, and
depend on the Holy Spirit forwisdom and timing.
Keep your interactions real andheartfelt, and trust that God
(18:46):
will guide your words and useyour availability to make an
impact.
So the first thing here is keepyour standards high and your
grace deep.
In first Corinthians chapterone, verse eighteen to twenty
Paul writes, For the message ofthe cross is foolishness to
those who are perishing, but tous who are being saved it is the
power of God.
(19:06):
For it is written, I willdestroy the wisdom of the wise,
the intelligence of theintelligent I will frustrate.
Where is the wise person?
Where is the teacher of thelaw?
Where is the philosopher ofthis age?
Has not God made foolish thewisdom of the world?
Paul wrote this letter to thechurch in Corinth to address how
(19:26):
the surrounding culture wasbeginning to influence the
church in unhealthy ways.
He called them to live by God'struth and to do so with
conviction and grace.
At the heart of his message wasa reminder that God's wisdom
often looks like foolishness tothe world, but it is in fact the
true source of life, power, andsalvation.
Paul challenged the worldlymindset that elevates human
(19:50):
intellect and philosophicalreasoning above God's revealed
truth.
Through a series of rhetoricalquestions, he was essentially
asking, where are all thethinkers and experts now?
Have their so called wisdom andopinions proven to be greater
than God's truth?
Paul wasn't insultingintelligence, he was humbling
it, showing that when humanwisdom separates itself from
(20:13):
God, it leads to confusion andemptiness.
To paraphrase his tone, whereare all the know it alls now?
Hasn't God exposed how limitedhuman thinking is compared to
his wisdom?
I mean Paul made it clear thateven when God's ways seem weak
or foolish to the world, theyfar surpass the highest
achievement of human thought andstrength.
(20:35):
As he later states in versetwenty five, the foolishness of
God is wiser than human wisdom,and the weakness of God is
stronger than human strength.
Throughout the rest of 1Corinthians, Paul continued this
theme of addressing culturaland moral issues head on.
But it's critical to notice theway he did it, not with harsh
(20:55):
judgment or superiority complex,but with deep compassion and
grace.
He never compromised God'sstandards, but he called people
to a better way with love andhumility, not condemnation.
This brings us to an importantpoint for our own lives today.
We're constantly navigating aculture that often laughs at or
(21:15):
outright opposes God's truth.
It's tempting to soften ourbeliefs to gain acceptance or
avoid offending anyone.
But the tension between cultureand the kingdom of God is not
new, and it isn't going away.
So the real question becomes,how will we respond when our
values collide with the world'sexpectations?
Will we quietly conform or willwe stand firm in truth while
(21:39):
extending grace?
Jesus modeled this balanceperfectly.
He taught the highest moralstandards, raising the bar
rather than lowering it.
When he said, as recorded inMatthew 5.28, that even looking
at someone with lust isequivalent to adultery in the
heart, he exposed how deeply sinaffects us all.
(22:00):
Yet even as he raised thestandard, he didn't respond with
condemnation.
Instead, he offered forgivenessand called people to
transformation.
That's the example that we areinvited to follow, holding
tightly to God's truth withoutarrogance and offering grace
without compromisingconvictions.
Let's continue to raise thespiritual standard while
(22:22):
reaching out with the samecompassion that Jesus showed,
one that speaks truth clearly,but always is wrapped in love.
In other words, Jesus didn'tbow to the pressures of the
culture just to gain approval ormake people feel comfortable.
He didn't soften his message tobe more palatable or say what
people wanted to hear.
Instead, he elevated thestandard of righteousness, but
(22:45):
at the same time offered a pathto redemption for those willing
to turn back to God.
So do you see the contrast?
The standard was raised, butthe grace was deepened.
This is our model for how toengage the culture around us.
We're called to remaincommitted to God's truth and to
live by His Word even when itisn't popular.
(23:06):
If Scripture clearly identifiessomething as sin, then it is
sin, plain and simple.
We can't allow the shiftingopinions of the world to
redefine what God has alreadymade clear.
His truth may seem foolish inthe eyes of the world, but it is
unchanging and it's eternal.
So rather than lowering the barto match societal trends, let's
(23:28):
point people to a higherstandard while embracing them
with the deep transformativegrace we've all been giving and
still need.
When I'm in conversations aboutmoral issues, I often say
something like this We all fallshort of God's standards.
That includes me and itincludes you.
But instead of reshaping God'struth to match our preferences,
(23:49):
let's ask God to reshape us tomatch his will.
That's what it means to trulyfollow Him.
He's the creator, we are Hiscreation.
He knows what's best for ourlives, and He loves us enough to
give us guidance and boundariesthat lead to flourishing.
Moral truth isn't man made,it's God given, and it's for our
(24:10):
good.
The second point here is toaccept people without approving
of their behavior.
In Daniel chapter one verseeight we read, but Daniel
resolved not to defile himselfwith the royal food and wine,
and he asked the chief officialfor permission not to defile
himself this way.
This verse gives us a powerfulexample of someone choosing
(24:31):
conviction over compromise.
Daniel was living in a foreignculture that didn't honor God,
yet he made a firm decision toremain faithful even in everyday
details like the food heconsumed.
His quiet but bold resistanceshowed that it's possible to
hold to God's standards withoutbeing disrespectful or
combative.
Instead of creating a scene,Daniel respectively sought an
(24:54):
alternative, showing bothintegrity and humility.
In a similar way, Jesus oftenfound himself in tension with
the prevailing culture.
A striking example is found inJohn 8, when religious leaders
brought a woman caught inadultery before him.
Their goal wasn't justice, theywanted to trap Jesus.
(25:14):
They asked whether this womanshould be stoned, as the law of
Moses required.
If Jesus went against the law,they could accuse him of
dismissing Scripture.
If he agreed to the stoning, hewould lose credibility as a
teacher of mercy and grace.
These guys thought they had himcornered.
But Jesus didn't fall intotheir trap.
(25:36):
Instead, he stooped down andbegan writing in the dust.
While we don't know what hewrote, many believe it may have
been the sins of the very mendemanding justice.
When Jesus responded with apiercing challenge, let anyone
among you who is without sin bethe first to throw a stone at
her.
One by one they walked away,convicted by their own
(26:00):
conscience.
When Jesus finally looked up,the crowd had gone.
Confronting the woman withkindness, he said, Then neither
do I condemn you.
Go now and leave your life ofsin.
Jesus modeled the perfectbalance of grace and truth.
He didn't excuse or ignore hersin, but he also didn't shame or
(26:21):
reject her.
He extended dignity and gaveher a pathway toward redemption.
This is exactly how we arecalled to approach people in
today's world, especially thosewho are walking contrary to
God's design.
When I find myself engagingwith someone that I care about
who is living in a way thatcontradicts God's word, my goal
(26:42):
is not to lecture them orcondemn them.
I usually try to share this.
God absolutely loves us as weare, broken, flawed, and
imperfect.
But he also loves us too muchto leave us that way.
He wants to transform us, notpunish us.
It's the kind of love that Itry to show my own children.
I love them unconditionally,but that love also seeks their
(27:06):
growth and well being, not justtheir comfort or short term
happiness.
In the same way, God love drawsus towards freedom, healing,
and a better way of life throughhis truth.
The third point here is tonever let the tone get
(27:27):
contentious.
Daniel chapter two, versefourteen tells us when Ariak,
the commander of the king'sguard, had gone out to put to
death the wise men of Babylon,Daniel spoke to him with wisdom
and tact.
This moment reveals somethingsignificant.
Even in a life or deathsituation, Daniel chose a calm,
respectful, and thoughtfulapproach.
(27:49):
He didn't react out of fear oranger, he responded with poise,
trusting God and choosing hiswords carefully.
His example is especiallyrelevant in our current cultural
climate.
Today's world often rewardsoutrage and argument.
Conflict draws attention, andin a digital age where
visibility can equal influence,many people, businesses, and
(28:11):
media outlets thrive oncontroversy.
Social platforms encourageconstant commenting where
everyone's opinion demands to beheard, even if it's unkind,
uninformed, or unnecessarilyaggressive.
And unfortunately, personalconversations frequently mirror
this dynamic.
Discussions quickly turn intodebates, opinions become
(28:33):
weapons, and misunderstandingsescalate into competitive
exchanges.
When that happens, whether ifit's online or in person, the
possibility for meaningfuldialogue fades fast.
As soon as people feel attackedor disrespected, they stop
listening and either shut downor strike back.
The connection that could havemade a difference gets lost in
(28:54):
defensive posturing andfrustration.
But Scripture gives us a betterway.
Daniel wasn't the only example.
Jesus, Paul, James, and others,they all emphasize the
importance of the words we useand the tone behind them.
Jesus said it simply andpowerfully.
He explained that our wordsreflect the condition of our
(29:19):
hearts, and that we'll have toanswer for every careless or
harmful things that we say.
You can see Matthew twelveverse thirty four to thirty
seven for more on that one.
In other words, whenconversations with others,
especially on sensitive culturalor spiritual topics, become
more about proving a point thanreflecting Christ, it's time to
pause.
(29:39):
If your tone becomes more aboutbeing right than being loving,
something has shifted.
In those moments, the mostChrist like thing to do may to
humbly admit that you've letyour emotions take over,
apologize if needed, and refocusor revisit the conversation
another time.
No one is drawn to repentanceby condemnation.
(29:59):
People are often alreadycarrying shame, regret, and
inner turmoil.
They're not looking for someoneto pile on guilt, they're
looking for hope.
They need someone to comealongside them and say, Hey,
I've been there too, but I'veexperienced the freedom that
comes with forgiveness.
When you feel frustrationrising in a discussion and your
emotions grab the steeringwheel, the best thing you can do
(30:22):
is retreat into God's presence.
Time alone with Himrecalibrates your heart.
Encountering His compassion,mercy, and understanding has a
way of softening yours, and whenyour heart is soft, it becomes
easier to respond gently withoutsacrificing truth.
One practical thing that Ioften do when conversations
(30:42):
start to heat up is shift thedirection intentionally.
I might say, Well, I can tellthat we both care deeply about
this, but I value ourrelationship more than I value
winning an argument.
Let's take a break from thisfor now.
Tell me about your family, yourdog, or your weekend plans.
That small redirection candiffuse tension and pave the way
for compassion to re-enter theconversation.
(31:04):
Always remember, truth sharedwithout grace often builds walls
rather than bridges.
Like Daniel, we're called tospeak with wisdom and tact,
especially when the stakes arehigh.
The fourth one here is leadthem to truth by identifying
with their struggle.
The Bible encourages us toextend compassion and
(31:26):
understanding to those who arestruggling in their faith.
Jude twenty two and twentythree in the New Living
Translation puts it this wayShow mercy to those whose faith
is wavering.
Rescue others by snatching themfrom the flames of judgment.
Show mercy to still others, butdo so with great caution,
hating the sins that contaminatetheir lives.
This passage reminds us thatwe're called to love and help
(31:49):
others, especially those caughtin difficult internal battles,
while still maintaining wisdomand discernment.
As followers of Christ, it isnot our role to shame or condemn
others for what they feel,whether it's same sex
attractions or any other kind oftemptation.
Our feelings don't define us,and they don't have to control
our actions.
Every one of us experiencesdesires that fall outside the
(32:13):
boundaries of God's design.
I personally recognize thistension within myself on a
regular basis.
For example, I know that mynatural tendencies might lean
toward sexual desire outside ofa monogamous, God honoring
relationship.
When I feel tempted, I try notto excuse it or let it guide me.
I acknowledge that it's wrong,bring it before God, and ask him
(32:35):
to work in me.
His grace gives me strength toresist and keep pursuing
holiness.
That same grace is available toanyone wrestling with
temptation.
Our job is to walk with them inlove, especially when they're
seeking repentance andtransformation.
We don't exclude or rejectsomeone who's struggling, we
welcome them as Christ welcomedus.
(32:56):
But if someone insists oncelebrating or justifying the
lifestyle God calls sin and theywant our endorsement, that's a
line that we can't cross.
Still, not approving of adecision or behavior doesn't
equal rejection or judgment.
Love remains even withoutagreement.
In our culture, there's a falsebelief that if you don't fully
(33:18):
agree with someone's decisions,you're against them.
But as Christians, we're calledto live in the space between
truth and grace, showingunconditional love without
compromising God's standards.
One way we do this is byidentifying with people's pain
and difficulties.
When we approach others humblyand honestly, acknowledging that
we too have struggles, it helpsbreak down those walls.
(33:41):
No one responds well toarrogance or self-righteousness.
Instead, when we engage withsincerity and even a bit of
humor, we connect with others ona human level, heart to heart.
That connection opens doors toshare truth.
When people see that we'regenuine and that we care more
about them as individuals thanabout being right, they begin to
(34:02):
see Jesus in us.
They become curious about thepeace and purpose that He brings
into our lives.
When someone justifies theirchoices based on how they feel,
I don't argue, I relate.
I say something like, you know,I get it.
I have feelings too that don'talways match what God wants for
me.
I've desired things that I knowaren't good, but I've learned
(34:24):
that while my feelings may notchange overnight, I can bring
them to God.
I can evaluate them honestlyand trust Him to shape me from
the inside out.
In that shared vulnerability,people feel seen, not judged.
And that's often the beginningof transformation.
And the fifth and final pointhere is paint the picture of
(34:48):
what it looks like to come home.
The parable of the prodigal sonin Luke 15, 20 contains one of
the most powerful images ofGod's grace.
But while he was still a longway off, his father saw him and
was filled with compassion forhim, and he ran to his son,
threw his arms around him, andkissed him.
This is more than just a storyabout a wayward child returning
(35:12):
home.
It's a picture of God's heartfor every person who turns back
to him, no matter how farthey've wandered.
It reminds us that there's nomess too big, no failure too
deep, and no past too dark forGod to forgive and redeem.
His arms are always open foranyone willing to return.
Our role as believers is toclearly reflect that truth.
(35:35):
People need to know that nomatter where they've been or
what they've done, it's nevertoo late to come back to God.
We are called to help them seethe beauty and the warmth of
what it truly means to come homespiritually.
But that message becomes morepowerful when it's built on the
foundation of trust and genuinerelationship.
As we invest in people's lives,listening to them, caring for
(35:56):
them, and being present, wecreate meaningful opportunities
to speak truth and love.
Jesus modeled this throughouthis ministry.
He didn't start with a lectureor a list of rules, he met
people where they were, often byaddressing very practical or
immediate needs.
Then once they experienced hiskindness, he revealed the deeper
(36:18):
spiritual needs in their lives.
We can follow that example byapproaching others with
consistent kindness, grace, andopenness.
Let people know that you'resomeone who's safe to talk to,
someone who's available, whetherit's simply to listen, to have
a heart-heart conversation, oreven pray with them.
It might surprise you how manypeople who don't even claim
(36:39):
faith, but they will still askfor prayer when they know you
genuinely care.
One of the most tangible waysthat we can reflect God's heart
is by creating an atmosphere ofopen arms and open hearts, what
you might call leaving the porchlight on.
People need to sense thatcoming to God is like coming
home, a place of rest,acceptance, and renewal.
(37:00):
Every act of compassion andevery effort to extend love
builds a bridge that can guidesomeone back to the Father.
Sometimes, though, peoplechoose to go their own way.
And in those moments, we haveto exercise patience and trust
that some lessons must belearned through experience.
When someone decides to rejectGod's ways, we don't chase with
(37:23):
condemnation, we wait with hope.
I usually try to respond withsomething like this: if you ever
change your mind, if you everrealize that your way isn't
working, if you find yourself ina hard place and want to come
back, call me.
I'll be right here ready tolisten and help however I can.
By living this way, we reflectthe heart of the father in the
(37:46):
story, not standing in judgment,but watching the road, ready to
embrace the one who returns.
That is what it means to lovelike Christ.
Let me be real with you.
(38:13):
Even if you fully commit topracticing these five approaches
we've discussed throughout thisseries, you're still going to
face challenges.
There will be moments when youdon't know exactly what to say,
when you're unsure how tonavigate tough conversations,
and when your emotions might getthe best of you in the face of
culture's ever-changing moralstandards.
(38:33):
That inner tension betweenGod's truth and the world's
values may even grow stronger asyour awareness deepens.
But here's the crucial thingdon't give up.
This tension isn't weakness,it's a reflection of your
growing sensitivity to God'sways in contrast to a world
moving in the oppositedirection.
Just take a look at Daniel'slife.
(38:55):
He lived under consistentpressure to conform to a culture
that didn't honor God.
Yet he remained grounded andfaithful.
He didn't resort to louddebates or defensive arguments.
He simply and respectfullyestablished clear boundaries.
And because of his unwaveringfaith and quiet courage, he
became a respected voice andsteady presence across four
(39:17):
successive kings and seventyyears of political change.
In the same way, when culturecontinues to shift, and it will,
we shouldn't panic.
We should be encouraged.
These are the moments when ourfaith matters most.
These are the opportunities toshow the world that while
everything around us might beunstable, our foundation in
(39:39):
Christ is unshakable.
Just like Daniel, we are calledto influence, not just impress.
We aren't here to winarguments, we're here to win
hearts.
And that's the big picture.
As believers, we're meant tostand strong, not for our own
pride, but for God's glory.
We carry the hope, peace, andtruth the world so desperately
(40:02):
needs.
We become beacons of light, notbecause we're perfect, but
because we're anchored insomething greater than
ourselves.
In times of compromise andconfusion, it's our love, our
character, and our courage thatwill speak the loudest.
So let your life be the answerto someone else's question.
Let others see Christ in youthrough your choices, your
(40:25):
kindness, and your consistency.
Be known for your love, yourgrace, your firmness and truth
without ever sacrificingcompassion.
And this week, as we close thisseries with this week's
episode, I want to thank youguys for joining me.
We've explored toughconversations, cultural tension,
and the calling to stand firmin truth while extending grace.
(40:48):
You know it's not always easy.
In fact, it rarely is, but it'salways worth it.
The world doesn't need morenoise or division, it needs
people willing to shine God'slight by living faithfully and
loving deeply.
So as you go forward, rememberthis.
You are here for a purpose.
Your voice, your story, andyour presence matter.
(41:11):
You're not alone and you're notpowerless.
With Christ in you, you areequipped to influence the world
around you, not through force,but through faithfulness.
So stand firm, stay grounded,walk humbly, and let everything
you do be done in love.
Well, that's gonna do it forthis series and for this week's
(41:36):
episode.
Lord willing, we'll be backhere in another couple of weeks
as we start off a brand newseries as we start looking
through the book of Isaiah.
But until then, don't forgetthat we believe that God's word
never fails us.
God's word has stood the testof time, and through Jesus'
death on the cross, he hasconnected the gap.
This is an extension ofConnecting the Gap Ministries,
(41:58):
and we pray that you have ablessed week.
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