Ezra Institute Podcast for Cultural Reformation

The great need of our generation is the recovery of a uniquely Christian mind, which will include a thoroughly Christian approach to language. In our minds, speech, and action we are to be submitted to the authority of Jesus, the Word of God.

How do we balance bad news with a confidence in the victory of the gospel, and how should a Christian live and work in this climate?

The idea of ultimate authority is an inescapable concept, which is clearly on display in our vision of politics. Any claim to authority rests on an idea of sovereignty - it all depends which god you believe in.

We return to the second half of our interview with Jonathan Burnside, discussing the concept of humble government, beginning with the understanding that the earthly king is himself under a higher law and Sovereign. Music graciously provided by Jacob Moon. Get Joe Boot’s book, The Mission of God.

Tim Dieppe is Ezra Institute Fellow for Public Policy and Head of Public Policy at Christian Concern. He joins us to discuss the recent landmark victory for freedom of the church in Scotland and the historic relationship of church and state.

Ezra Institute Fellow Jonathan Burnside introduces the obvious political implications of the Bible. As a holy nation and a nation of priests, Israel was meant to stand before God in regard to all the nations of the world. By embodying and holding forth the gift of Torah, they were to be a light to all the nations.

All law requires an agreed-upon standard of authority; to speak of theonomy is to speak literally of ‘God’s law.’ But how has that law been applied in different societies throughout history? And how, if at all, does the law of God apply to contemporary society?

Apologetics includes a defense of the Christian philosophy of life. Michael Thiessen of the Liberty Coalition Canada joins us to discuss an apologetic for the limits on the authority of the state and the ultimate authority of the kingdom of God that only a Christian worldview can account for.

As Western culture has shifted away from a broadly Christian consensus on basic beliefs of human identity, life, sexuality, history and more, Christian apologetics - the work of defending the Christian philosophy of life - will look different than it did in previous generations.

This week's podcast features special guest John Cooper of the rock band Skillet. We talk about the Christian music industry, pursuing art to the glory of God, and guarding against the temptation to self-idolatry as a Christian artist.

What does it mean to speak of a worldview, and why does it matter for the way that we live? Joe Boot explains the role that worldview plays in our lives, and its importance for the the work of apologetics.

Joe Boot explains the origin and meaning of globalism, as contrasted with globalization, nationalism, and the Kingdom of God. We consider the biblical perspective on the role of national boundaries.

When a people's commitment to truth breaks down, they become humiliated. A humiliated, emasculated people is easier to control. Christians have an opportunity and a responsibility to speak the truth effectively to people who have been robbed of their humanity by secularism.

James White joins this week's episode to talk about the historic development of the doctrine of the church's freedom and the limits on civil governments.

All religions and worldviews have a doctrine of life. The biblical understanding of abundant life is one that encompasses much more than non-death, but extends to the spiritual, social, and all other realms.

Man's relationship with God determines the course of all the rest of creation. Because we have exercised dominion in a sinful way, creation groans under the curse of sin. In the kingdom of God, man is restored to his proper dominion mandate.

When we speak of dominion we are dealing with a basic fact of human experience. Human beings will inescapably exercise dominion, the question is whether we practice it in a godly or idolatrous way.

The Great Reset is the latest in a long history of failed utopian ambitions. Man-made utopias are fundamentally coercive, manipulative and dominating. By contrast, the kingdom of God is one of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

The far-reaching erosion of the Christian way of life in our nation cannot be simply put down to external factors. The inner strength of Christianity has been compromised and broken, and can only be restored through reformation and revival. Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to gather together to adore the Lord who humbled Himself to become a man.

What constitutes "civil disobedience"? Is it ever an option for God's people?

The Christmas story is an announcement of the Lordship of King Jesus over all rulers of the earth. Politics and culture are inescapably gospel issues. Music graciously provided by Jacob Moon. Watch Premier Pallister’s address here.

Reflecting on the public worship protests of last weekend, we consider the nature of Charter freedoms, the lesser magistrate, and 'civil disobedience.' The use of fear has been a significant factor as unelected officials pursue policies that are especially damaging to the working class.

Pray, protest, write, worship and file lawsuits. Joe Boot articulates five approaches that Christians should be bringing to the current lockdown persecution – and it is persecution. Music graciously provided by Jacob Moon.

Aaron Rock, pastor of Harvest Church in Windsor, discusses the calling of the pastor in an age where it is being made increasingly difficult for the church to fulfill its mission.

As the results of the 2020 US presidential election continue to be contested, we consider how a Christian should think and live in a nation divided between two worldviews, and where many in power refuse to acknowledge the lordship of King Jesus.

People require a concept of authority - whether the state, popular opinion, or the scientific expert. When people deny God they are not getting rid of ultimate authority, just transferring it.

On this week's episode of Worldview Wednesday, Joe Boot discusses the growing disillusionment with contemporary conservatism, and offers some principles for thinking about the voting booth.

Russ Hiebert joins us this Worldview Wednesday during our Worldview and the Marketplace Program to talk about the purpose of work, and how we ought to pursue it to the glory of God and to provide rest for others. Music graciously provided by Jacob Moon.

How do we balance liberty and risk, and what are the biblical principles that apply even in the face of traumatic circumstances?

Bill C6 is an attempt to destroy creational normativity and marriage, which are rooted in the triune nature of God. It undermines the very idea of God's self-revelation. It strikes at the heart of the gospel.

Explaining why a free church is good for all of society, and introducing the Niagara Declaration on the liberties of the church in Canada and the circumstances that prompted its drafting.

As civil authorities seek to control an increasing number of societal roles and functions, what is the Christian's responsibility in a democratic society? How do the church and family provide a meaningful check to an excess of state power?

What is the distinct nature and calling of the church and its role in society, and what is the responsibility and the historic response of Christians and pastors in times of widespread illness?

Andrew Sandlin discusses the order to suspend church services, John MacArthur, and the calling of the church to gather together. He explains the responsibility of Christians to punch back at God-hating evil wherever we find it, and the spiritual powers and authorities that are active in the world.

Joe Boot sits down with the hosts of the Six Cents Report to discuss Totalitarianism, Church, and Sphere Sovereignty, as well as the Reopen Churches campaign.

Joe Boot joins the team at Redeemer Broadcasting to introduce the work of the Ezra Institute, how our culture came to be overly reliant on self-described experts, and the program for a cultural return to faithfulness.