The Deep End, Season 4 | S4•E21 | Is The Church Being Persecuted, Voddie Baucham: Fault Lines, And the Best Use of Political Power

About This Project

On this podcast: Is The Church Being Persecuted, Voddie Baucham: Fault Lines, And the Best Use of Political Power. We’ll also be delving into Critical Race Theory (CRT) and as always how it all ties into the Life of David.

Critical Race Theory or CRT, what is it, and how is going to affect your and your family’s everyday lives? It’s a new philosophy rooted in Marxism and, in short, believes that the problem is not racism it’s America. Dr. Voddie Baucham Jr. does a fantastic job explaining how this “Cult of Antiracism” is in direct opposition to the Gospel. In a new segment called, Pastor Tim Recommends, Pastor Tim encourages every Christian to get a copy of Dr. Baucham’s new book, “Fault Lines”.

Also, political power and both active and passive persecution of the Church is on the rise across the world. However, when the restrictions come down– God’s Word is Not Bound! Even though Pastor James Coates and Grace Life Church have experienced much persecution, God has multiplied their impact for the Gospel beyond everyone’s imagination.

God’s Word is alive and active and we study how today’s news is reflected in the life of David through his covenant with Jonathan and protection of Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth. We praise God for His Undeserved Favor For Sinners—Amen! We are not David but Mephibosheth in God’s story.

Key Verse: 2 Timothy 2:8-9

Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!

Theme: Undeserved Favor For Sinners

Scriptures Studied: John 15:18; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Genesis 50:20; 2 Peter 1:20; 2 Timothy 3:16; John 14:6; Ephesians 4:14; Psalm 11:3; Matthew 5:44; Isaiah 59:14; 1 Corinthians 15:14; Jude 1:3; Jeremiah 6:14; 2 Samuel 9; Romans 5:6-10; Ephesians 2:1-5, 8-10; Colossians 2:13-14; Romans 5:15-17; 2 Samuel 8:15-18; Psalm 72; 2 Samuel 4:4; Psalm 51:5; Romans 5:12 ; 1 Samuel 18; 1 Samuel 23

Further Study:

The Story of Zaccheus
Hesed: “kindness or loving-kindness”
LO-Debar: “without pasture; not a word; i.e., nothing.”
Mephibosheth: “destroying shame”

Points to Note:

Reminder, the story of Saul & David is Our Story:

Saul: [Kingdoms of this world] Self-Centered, Demanding, Disobedient to God, Seeks His Own Glory
David: [Kingdom of God] Other-Centered, Giving/Self-Sacrificing, Obedient to God, Seeks the Glory of God

Kingdom of Saul | Self-Absorbed and Insecure | Passing Away

Every moment is about himself
Everyone is suspect
Everyone is a threat
Willing to kill for his kingdom
Estranged from everyone he loved
On the road to self-destruction

Kingdom of David | Self-Less & Dependent on God | Arriving

Wounded by the Lord
Made useful to those wounded in the world
Contrite, Compassionate, and Hungry for God
Made ready to serve others

Symbolism:

Mephibosheth was a natural-born opponent of David, he was a child of Saul’s household. He was also orphaned in one day and permanently crippled through no fault of his own by someone who was trying to help him. This is the picture of the human condition. It is our true state before the Father We are born into the wrong family.

Episode Points:

LIKE MEPHIBOSHETH:

The KING FOUND us.
The KING DECLARED us NOT GUILTY.
The KING RESTORED us.
The KING RETURNED us to our ORIGINAL DESIGN.

Recognize the Following:

Racism is real in our Country. It has always existed and will probably exist until Jesus returns. Humans will always find a way to sin this way. However, we cannot afford to be ignorant on the matters of racism. We need to understand what the Scriptures say.
The problems in our society can be summed up with Powerful people using their power to serve themselves instead of bringing peace and justice to those who have no power.
We are all born rebellious. We can’t stop ourselves or anyone else from sinning
As Christians and proper theologians, the only reconciliation is our hearts to our Father. No amount of anti-racism activity is going to bring us together. Unless you are born again, your heart cannot be changed to love your neighbor as yourself.
We are not David but Mephibosheth.

Questions to Consider:

Do you believe the Church is being persecuted? How?
What are some instances of where the cultural narrative has impacted the Gospel?
Do you find yourself trying to justify your own salvation through “good works” or participating in cultural narratives?
What does it mean to share your testimony?

Pastor Tim Recommends:

What is Critical Race Theory?
Fault Lines: The Social Justice Movement and Evangelicalism’s Looming Catastrophe by Dr. Voddie T. Baucham Jr. ISBN: 1684511801.

Further Consideration:

Viewer Questions: [You can always send us interesting news articles at ask@thedeepend.tv or text them to 508-316-9333 as well as ask any questions you may have (It’s anonymous!]