Governed by God

REPLAY:Politics is dirty (right?), so the Bible has nothing to say about it (or does it?). But when we look closely at Scripture, I think we will find that it says more about politics (i.e., the concerns of the city) than we give it credit for.If you have any questions, comments, or other topics you would like me to address, please email me at [email protected] can follow me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please become a patron!

Due to various time constraints, including finishing a PhD, I will be pausing our study of America's history and will be providing shorter content. Today I read my first Substack article of a series titled Loving God, Loving Neighbor. I begin by defining terms such as "law" and "covenant" and set the groundwork for how Christians should understand and apply God's law today.As always, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] or go to my Substack page at http://www.governedbygod.com and message me there!And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

In this week's episode, I finish looking at the pastors known as the Black-Robed Regiment who, through their teaching and preaching, helped solidify and give a moral defense of the American War for Independence. Today, I end this series with John Witherspoon, who served as the President of the College of New Jersey (i.e., Princeton University) and then was chosen to be a delegate of New Jersey at the Continental Congress. Although John Witherspoon gave numerous sermons throughout his long life, one of the most influential was titled, Dominion of Providence Over the Passions of Man. This sermon was given in 1776 in Philadelphia just as the American Colonies declared independence from England. Witherspoon was the only active clergyman and college president to sign the Declaration of Independence, and so I hope that you will enjoy this brief look at one of our Founding Fathers.As always, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.governedbygod.comAnd if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

In this week's episode, I continue looking at the pastors known as the Black-Robed Regiment who, through their teaching and preaching, helped solidify and give a moral defense of the American War for Independence. Today I consider Ashbel Green, who served as the chaplain for the U. S. House of Representatives, and then later as President of the College of New Jersey (i.e., Princeton University). While Pastor Green ministered for many years, one sermon that I wanted to focus on was given by him in 1798 in Philadelphia. It was titled: Obedience to the Laws of God, the Sure and Indispensable Defense of Nations. Perhaps one of the best treatises on how God blesses or punishes a nation, it is very much applicable today in America as it was over 200 years ago.As always, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.governedbygod.comAnd if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

In this week's episode, I continue looking at the pastors known as the Black-Robed Regiment who, through their teaching and preaching, helped solidify and give a moral defense of the American War for Independence. Today I consider Samuel Stanhope Smith, who served as both a professor and President of the College of New Jersey (i.e., Princeton University) in the late 1700s and early 1800s. As such, Pastor Smith exercised an incredible influence over the founding fathers. On this episode, I go over two of his sermons: Religion Necessary to National Prosperity and Patriotism. Those sermons, along with many others, can be found in the two-volume set titled The Sermons of Samuel Stanhope Smith.As always, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.governedbygod.comAnd if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

In this week's episode, I continue looking at the pastors known as the Black-Robed Regiment who, through their teaching and preaching, helped solidify and give a moral defense of the Declaration of Independence and American War for Independence. Today I consider both William Cooper and his son, Samuel Cooper. Both men served as pastor of Brattle Street Church, an influential church in Boston whose congregants included John Hancock, John Adams, and Samuel Adams.As always, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.governedbygod.comAnd if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

In this week's episode, I begin looking at several influential pastors at the time of the founding of the United States. These men were known as the Black Robed Regiment who, through their teaching and preaching, helped solidify and give a moral defense of the Declaration of Independence and subsequent conflict with Great Britain. The first pastor that I consider is Reverend Samuel Langdon, specifically two of his most well known sermons as well as his private letter to George Washington.As always, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.governedbygod.comAnd if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

In this week's episode, I read through the Declaration of Independence and explain the historical context of each grievance. I also discuss whether or not the colonists had sufficient reasons to "divorce" England. I wonder how many Americans today would side with the colonists?As always, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

In this week's episode, I interrupt my regularly scheduled programming to respond to an article from Pastor Kevin DeYoung titled 6 Questions for Christian Nationalists. DeYoung's article (linked below) explains why he does not like the term 'Christian Nationalism' and why he thinks it is problematic. While I agree with much of what DeYoung says, there are several points where I differ with him. Today I discuss both agreements and disagreements with DeYoung's article from the position of Theonomy.Here is the full article from DeYoung: 6 Questions for Christian NationalistsAs always, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

In this week's episode, I had the opportunity to speak with Pastor David Reece on the topic of civic covenanting. Pastor Reece, who has done extensive work on the topic, discusses the importance of covenant and its role in the founding of the United States. We also look at the role of the civil magistrate and the various ways in which humans have historically tried to justify using force upon each other. Ultimately, the foundation of civil power must be grounded in God and is, by nature, covenantal.For more information on Pastor Reece and the work that he is doing, please take a look at Reece Fund.As always, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

In this week's episode, I address the events leading up the American War for Independence. What was English Parliament trying to do, and how were the colonists responding? Was that response correct and Biblical? I consider these questions and similar ones on the podcast.As always, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

In this week's episode, I discuss the context surrounding the English Civil War that eventually led to the Glorious Revolution of 1688. There was both a political/economic aspect as well as a religious aspect that resulted in conflict between English Parliament, the New Model Army, King Charles I (and later Charles II), and the Scots. And through all of that chaos, the American colonies remained neutral and ultimately governed themselves. This set the stage for a future movement toward greater American independence.As always, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

In this week's episode, I look at the church-state relationship in Europe at the time of the Reformation, and how many of the Protestant areas continued with Catholic practice. There were some slow changes, such as in Geneva under John Calvin, but in England there were many who saw that the Reformation did not go far enough. These individuals were known as the Puritans, who sought to purify the beliefs and practices within the Church. Finally, I look at the concept of the Divine Right of Kings, as held by King James I, and how that encouraged many folks from England to settle in America.As always, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

In this week's episode, I continue my response to a discussion of Romans 13 hosted by Rev. Chris Gordon on Abounding Grace Radio. In that conversation, Rev. Gordon, Dr. Jim Cassidy, and Rev. Dan Borvan look at Romans 13 and consider how that applies to Christians today. They also dive into related topics such as Theonomy and Christian Nationalism. While they say several true things, I believe that they misunderstand the Theonomist and Christian Nationalist position. At they very least, they appear to attack a straw man and do not deal with the best Theonomist arguments. My hope in this two-part response is to provide some counterpoints and to move the conversation into a productive direction.As always, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

In this special edition of the podcast, I deviate from my planned recording in order to respond to the recent martyrdom of Charlie Kirk. I say 'martyrdom' because Charlie was a casualty within a spiritual war and was killed specifically because of the gospel of Jesus Christ.And while Tyler Robinson may have been the man who pulled the trigger, Charlie Kirk was ultimately murdered by Asherah. Do I mean to say that Tyler Robinson was demon-possessed? While that is not outside the realm of possibility, my central argument is that the battle over the ideas surrounding transgenderism is a spiritual battle that is thousands of years old. And so, on today's episode, I do a historical and theological dive into the topic of transgenderism to explain and expose the demonic forces behind it.As always, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

In this first episode of Season 6, I respond to a discussion of Romans 13 hosted by Rev. Chris Gordon on Abounding Grace Radio. In that conversation, Rev. Gordon, Dr. Jim Cassidy, and Rev. Dan Borvan look at Romans 13 and consider how that applies to Christians today. They also dive into related topics such as Theonomy and Christian Nationalism. While they say several true things, I believe that they misunderstand the Theonomist and Christian Nationalist position. At they very least, they are attacking a straw man and not dealing with the best Theonomist arguments. My hope in this two-part response is to provide some counterpoints and to move the conversation into a productive direction.As a reminder, please sign up to attend the Future of Christendom conference from October 9-11 in Lancaster, PA. The theme of the conference is No Other Name and includes an address by Pastor Jeff Durbin. If you use the code GovernedbyGod when you sign up, you will get a 10% discount on your tickets!As always, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

On this final episode of Season 5, I look at the topic of Statism. Despite using that term in the past, I wanted to do a deeper dive into Statism - the idolatry of the civil government. Referencing works such as Idols For Destruction and Identity and Idolatry, I discuss what Statism is, what it looks like, and how to respond to it. I also play a recent clip from New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani regarding government-run grocery stores as a perfect example of Statism. Ultimately, the answer to Statism is not separatism, or staying removed from politics/civics, but the word of God and the good news of Jesus Christ. Please sign up to attend the Future of Christendom conference from October 9-11 in Lancaster, PA. The theme of the conference is No Other Name and includes an address by Pastor Jeff Durbin. If you use the code GovernedbyGod when you sign up, you will get a 10% discount on your tickets!As always, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

On today's episode, I finish reviewing a video by Professor R. L. Solberg on the topic of God's law. While I agree with most of what Professor Solberg says, I think that there a few points of disagreement. Most of them surround the application and use of the Old Testament law in the life of a Christian.On a different note, if you have not done so yet, please sign up to attend the Future of Christendom conference from October 9-11 in Lancaster, PA. The theme of the conference is No Other Name and includes an address by Pastor Jeff Durbin. If you use the code GovernedbyGod when you sign up, you will get a 10% discount on your tickets!That being said, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

On today's episode, I briefly discuss the Hebrew Roots movement and then begin reviewing a video by Professor R. L. Solberg on the topic of God's law. In what I believe to be his attempt to counter the Hebrew Roots movement, Professor Solberg goes a bit too far and seems to be advocating for a kind of antinomianism. While that may not be his intent, it demonstrates that we must take care to not fall into ditches on either side of the road on any topic, including that of God's law.If you have not done so yet, please sign up to attend the Future of Christendom conference from October 9-11 in Lancaster, PA. The theme of the conference is No Other Name and includes an address by Pastor Jeff Durbin. If you use the code GovernedbyGod when you sign up, you will get a 10% discount on your tickets!That being said, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

On today's episode, I discuss the recent Theonomy Symposium hosted by Future of Christendom in Lancaster, PA. While there I was invited to serve on a three-judge panel that was given a mock trial/case to adjudicate. The specific problem we were presented with was a noise complaint. Aside from going over the trial and how we reached a solution, on this episode I also look at the related issue of zoning laws. Now, if you have not read your local zoning code, I would encourage you to do so. Not only will you see just how ridiculous it is, you will probably be surprised by how many times you have violated the code without even realizing it. Such is the nature of man's attempt to solve problems apart from God's law.And if you have not done so yet, please sign up to attend the Future of Christendom conference from October 9-11 in Lancaster, PA. The theme of the conference is No Other Name and includes an address by Pastor Jeff Durbin. If you use the code "GovernedbyGod" when you sign up, you will get a 10% discount on your tickets!That being said, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

In a follow-up episode from last time, I had the opportunity to chat with David Fowler on the topic of parental rights and responsibilities. David has been a previous guest on the podcast and is a former state senator from Tennessee. He also just recently retired from his position as president of the Family Action Council of Tennessee. Today we cover topics such as child abuse, parental rights, the right to life and limb, and the role of the common law. More specifically, we discuss how many of the current, well-meaning, attempts at protecting the rights of children and parents is a form of compromise with a secular worldview.If you have any questions or comments about our conversation, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

What rights and responsibilities do parents have when it comes to their children? Well, according to Colorado, any parents who question or oppose the gender identity or chosen pronouns of their children are considered abusive. While we would agree that parents do not have absolute authority over their children, the limits to their authority must be determined by God. But, in our godless society, the State has stepped in and now decides when parents may keep their children. Caesar giveth and Caesar taketh away...Here is the link to Colorado's most recent bill: Colorado House Bill 1312And, as always, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

The power to tax is the power to destroy, or kill. But for most of U.S. history, tariffs were the primary means by which the federal government acquired revenue. Yet, since the introduction of the income tax in 1913, tariffs have fallen by the wayside. Only recently have tariffs returned from the dead, causing great consternation and debate. But what is a tariff and how does it work? Furthermore, how were tariffs viewed in the past and why did the U.S. switch to the income tax? Join me as I discuss these questions on today's episode.And, as always, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

Based on my previous natural law episode, today I look at possible traces of theonomy throughout history. Theonomy is often accused of being novel or modern, originating with 20th Century theologians such as Bahnsen, North, and Rushdoony. But it seems that an argument could be made that theonomy is much older than that. Were there Christians during the Roman Empire that advocated for greater conformity to the Old Testament civil laws? Was even medieval Ireland influenced by the Mosaic law code? Today I tackle those questions in the hopes of tracing the threads of theonomy throughout history.And, as always, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

This week I look at the topic of natural law in an attempt to find a clear and useful definition. I consider statements from Aristotle, Aquinas, Calvin, and Blackstone, and compare/contrast their perspectives. Finally, I comment on a short video published by Jon Harris from Conversations that Matter regarding natural law. At the end of the day, any discussion of natural law needs to start with clear a definition of what it is in order to avoid unnecessary confusion.And, as always, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

This week I had the opportunity to chat with Luisa Rodriguez, a friend and fellow Christian who has had extensive experience working with/for the government and seeing the impact of government "assistance" in other nations. We discuss some of the reasons why government help, despite being well-intended at times, is inefficient and ineffective. We also consider the role of both the government and the church in caring for the poor, the widow, and the orphan. And we try to consider some of the reasons why people, including Christians, become upset when government assistance is either reduced or cut.To see more of Luisa's writings, you can follow her work at the below links:https://medium.com/@luisafrodriguezBiblical WarfareFruitfully WomenAnd, as always, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

This week I address the topic of administrative power, which is a use of power that is outside of the ordinary and approved means of wielding power. In effect, administrative law is unlawful. Sadly, the federal government has grown to the point that we are governed by an administrative state. This has resulted in the creation of numerous agencies and an exponential increase in the amount of government spending. But those are not the only consequences. Administrative law threatens the very liberties and freedoms that the Founding Fathers fought to maintain.In this episode, I go through a short clip from Professor Philip Hamburger regarding the topic of administrative power. Here is the video link from the CATO Institute: Is Administrative Law Unlawful?As always, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

This week I spoke with Bradley Pierce, a constitutional attorney and president of the Foundation to Abolish Abortion. We discuss the current situation surrounding abortion in the United States since the Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade. Sadly, the number of abortions nationwide has not significantly decreased, primarily due to the continued distribution of abortion-inducing drugs via mail. Bradley provides some insight regarding that challenge and describes some of the steps being taken to overcome it.For more information, please go to the Foundation to Abolish Abortion.As always, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

Today I am finally able to walk through the 1824 Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling Updegraph v. Commonwealth. This court decision, just a few pages long, serves (in my humble opinion) as one of the best arguments in support of blasphemy laws. The judge who rendered the decision, Justice Duncan, argues both that Christianity is part of the common law of Pennsylvania and that the U.S. Constitution does not negate that reality. He looks at both English and American legal history to substantiate his argument. As always, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

In continuing the theme of addressing controversial public policies, today I look at the topic of blasphemy laws. Such laws are generally viewed upon in a very negative light, but there is both a biblical and historical case to be made for them. In fact, I argue that there is no escaping blasphemy laws within any society, since there will always be some public speech that is punished. If you do not believe me, just go to a public place and begin saying the most vile things you can think of. I guarantee that, at some point, you will find yourself arrested. The bottom line is that blasphemy laws will always exist. The question is, which standard of law will we adhere to?As always, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

This week, Professor Jeffrey Tuomala joins me to discuss the topic of public education. Growing up, I always assumed that it was the government's job to educate children, and that private schooling or homeschooling was weird. But Professor Tuomala shows that not only is government-run education the exception, not the rule, it is also unconstitutional. Please join us as we discuss this hot topic of public schooling.And, as always, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

On today's episode, Dr. Bob Murphy comes onto the show to discuss banking, specifically fractional reserve banking. At any given time, banks only have to keep on hand a fraction of the money that we deposit, all the while letting us believe that our money is there. Dr. Murphy lays out the implications of this for the economy and also explains how we might move away from such an immoral policy in the future.For more information, please visit the Mises Institute.And, as always, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

On today's episode, I had the opportunity to speak with Aaron Pratt, who is director of Abolish Abortion Pennsylvania. Aaron and I speak about the rules that Pennsylvania has regarding abortion, as well as some of the key differences between the pro-life movement and the abolitionist movement.For more information on the ministry that Aaron is involved in, please visit Abolish Abortion PA And, as always, if you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

On today's episode, I finished responding to a video published by Dr. Stephen Wolfe, the author of The Case for Christian Nationalism. I address topics such as covenants, federalism, and the role that one's eschatology plays in this.As a reminder, here is Dr. Wolfe's entire critique of theonomy: Theonomy vs. Natural LawIf you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

On today's episode, I continue responding to a video published by Dr. Stephen Wolfe, the author of The Case for Christian Nationalism. I address things such as separation of powers, preventative vs. punitive law, and how applying God's law sets the foundation for true civic liberty.As a reminder, here is Dr. Wolfe's entire critique of theonomy: Theonomy vs. Natural LawIf you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

On today's episode, I respond to a recent video published by Dr. Stephen Wolfe. Wolfe, the author of The Case for Christian Nationalism, critiqued the theonomic perspective, specifically a version of it in which there is no legislative body. While I hold Dr. Wolfe in the highest respect, I wanted to offer a thorough response in defense of theonomy. As Christians, we ought to consider what it means to love our neighbor both as individual believers and as a community. My hope is that this response helps to move the conversation forward in that direction.Here is Dr. Wolfe's entire critique of theonomy: Theonomy vs. Natural LawIf you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

On today's episode I look at the rather controversial topic of Church and State. Starting with Scripture, I consider both Deuteronomy 13 and Romans 13 in their context. The topic then moves to some historical examples of church/state relations before addressing the modern example of the United States. Ultimately, Scripture lays the foundation for a broadly Christian affirmation by the civil magistrate without the need for the magistrate to get involved in denominational disputes.If you have any questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

On today's episode I had the pleasure of speaking with Luke Saint who works with The Future of Christendom and is the author of The Sound Doctrine of Theocracy. We first discuss the main premise of his book, as well as what it means to be a theocracy and to love God's law. We then move into the topic of immigration, where Luke presents the case that he will be defending in debate at the upcoming Future of Christendom conference. If you have any questions or comments for either myself or Luke, please email me at [email protected] can follow also me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron!

This week, before we go into specific public policy topics, I want to discuss how to understand and apply God's law. This is the starting point for addressing any public policy issue. If we misunderstand God's law we end up engaging in legalism like the Pharisees. They used God's law in a wooden fashion to try to earn God's favor. But God's law is a common law system that requires the exercise of wisdom grounded in moral principles. This is quite the opposite from the positivist system of law that we are embracing today in our culture.If you have any questions, comments, or other topics you would like me to address, please email me at [email protected] can follow me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please become a patron!

Welcome to Season 5 of Governed by God! Today I open up with a planned theme for the season, considering what the Biblical position is (if there is one) on topics such as drugs, immigration, pornography, regulations, etc. Do these topics have a biblical perspective, or is it a matter of choosing your own adventure?But before we dive into those topics, we first need to see if the Bible even applies to the area of public policy. Politics is dirty (right?), so the Bible has nothing to say about it (or does it?). But when we look closely at Scripture, I think we will find that it says more about politics (i.e., the concerns of the city) than we give it credit for.If you have any questions, comments, or other topics you would like me to address, please email me at [email protected] can follow me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please become a patron!

In concluding this season of Governed by God, I had the pleasure of interviewing Pastor Joel Saint on the topic of loving God's law. Joel is pastor of Independence Reformed Bible Church in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He also serves as executive director of Future of Christendom Press. Although we touch on a variety of topics concerning politics and government, our focus today is on the importance of God's law and why Christians should have a deep love for it. To find out more about Pastor Saint's ministry, please check out Future of Christendom.If you have any questions, comments, or other topics you would like me to address, please email me at [email protected] can follow me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please become a patron!

As we finish up this series on Christian Nationalism, I wanted to respond to the next challenge on the list: isn't the law powerless to save? So why should we even focus on it? Furthermore, isn't God's law too complicated and difficult to follow? This two-fold challenge is quite common, but usually involves an over-simplification of the purpose of the law. The law can never save, but it does point us to Christ, it does serve as a guide for holy living, and it does restrain evil. And while the civil government is not in the business of trying to save souls, it has a duty to restrain and punish evil as God's servant, or deacon.If you have any questions, comments, or other topics you would like me to address, please email me at [email protected] can follow me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please become a patron!

As part of this series on Christian Nationalism, I had the pleasure of interviewing Chris Hume about his new book, Seven Statist Sins. In this episode, we discuss man's pride in attempting to ignore God's law and create man-made traditions. We also consider the issue of coerced taxation, along with several other related topics, such as the Luke Saint - Justin Magill debate. You can learn more about Chris Hume and his work at Future of Christendom. If you have any questions, comments, or other topics you would like me to address, please email me at [email protected]. You can also follow me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And, of course, if you would like to support the show, please become a patron!

As we continue this series on Christian Nationalism, I wanted to respond to the next challenge on the list: Aren't we too focused on getting power, and doesn't that make us just like the world? This is an important challenge, and one that we need to take seriously. All things, even good things, can become idols. But civil power, like money, is not a dirty thing that should never be touched. If it were, then Christians should never vote or advocate for democratic societies, since such societies by nature distribute civil power among the voters. If you have any questions, comments, or other topics you would like me to address, please email me at [email protected] can follow me on Facebook or Twitter, or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/And if you would like to support the show, please become a patron!

Today I continue a series on the topic of Christian Nationalism, specifically responding to common challenges to it. One of those challenges is: Won't Christian rulers enforce laws against blasphemy and heresy? Shouldn't we avoid that risk by not having Christian lawmakers or a Christian nation? In response to this, I will look at an 1824 Pennsylvania Supreme Court case titled Updegraph v. Commonwealth. The decision handed down by that court stands as one of the best summary defenses of blasphemy laws.As always, if you have any law/government related questions, feel free to email me at [email protected], and I will be happy to address them on the program. Thank you and God bless!Follow me on Facebook or Twitter or go to http://www.ericluppold.com/Please support me on Patreon!

Today I continue a series on the topic of Christian Nationalism, specifically responding to common challenges to it. One of those challenges is: Won’t Christian rulers be tempted to use power to coerce others into becoming Christian? And can power even be used in a God-honoring way? At the end of the day, this challenge boils down to who should be trusted with power and how it is to be used. Someone is going to have it and use it (it’s not whether, but which). But we need to see what Scripture has to say about who can use it, and how.As always, if you have any law/government related questions, feel free to email me at [email protected], and I will be happy to address them on the program. Thank you and God bless!Follow me on Facebook or Twitter or go to www.ericluppold.comPlease support me on Patreon!

Today I begin a series on the topic of Christian Nationalism. While there are many other available podcasts that discuss what Christian Nationalism is, my focus is on responding to the challenges to Christian Nationalism. Most, if not all, of those challenges come from within the Christian community. For example, are we saying that the gospel is spread by force? If a political ruler becomes a Christian, won’t that person engage in an abuse of power? And if the culture becomes Christian, won’t the Church become less pure, since there won’t be any persecution? These are some of the questions that I will be addressing in this series. As always, if you have any law/government related questions, feel free to email me at [email protected], and I will be happy to address them on the program. Thank you and God bless! Follow me on Facebook or Twitter or go to www.ericluppold.com Please support me on Patreon!