Good Friday Warning: Two Thieves, One Nation, and the God We've Forgotten | Rev. Dr. James B. Mooneyhan
Good Friday calls every American to make a choice. In this special For God and Country bonus episode, Jenny Beth Martin sits down with her father, Rev. James Mooneyhan — a retired United Methodist minister — for a powerful Good Friday message drawn from Luke 23. At the heart of this episode is the story of the two thieves crucified alongside Jesus. One rejected Him with contempt. The other, in his final moments, acknowledged the truth: "This man has done nothing wrong." Jesus responded with the most profound promise ever spoken: "Today you will be with me in paradise." Rev. Mooneyhan unpacks what those two choices mean — not just on that hill outside Jerusalem, but right now in a nation that is losing its way. He traces America's founding faith, the First Amendment's real meaning, George Washington's deep religious practice, and why the "separation of church and state" has been badly misread. His warning is direct: America has moved from solid rock to shifting sand, and the time to turn back is now. Jenny Beth and her father also tackle one of the hardest questions skeptics ask — "If God is so real, why won't He fix things?" — and close with practical, accessible steps for anyone who wants to begin a real relationship with God. This is a rare episode: personal, pastoral, and patriotic all at once. Listen before Easter Sunday. Visit teapartypatriots.org and jennybethshow.com for more from Jenny Beth Martin and Tea Party Patriots Action.
The Jenny Beth Show · Jenny Beth Martin, James Mooneyhan
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Show Notes
GUEST: James Mooneyhan
Rev. James Mooneyhan is a retired United Methodist minister and the father of Jenny Beth Martin. He has appeared previously on The Jenny Beth Show's For God and Country bonus series, bringing pastoral perspective grounded in scripture to topics of faith, culture, and American history.
KEY TOPICS COVERED:
- The Good Friday story from Luke 23: Jesus's trial, crucifixion, and the two criminals
- The synoptic Gospels and what makes the Gospel of John different
- What crucifixion was and how it actually killed
- The first thief: words of rejection and what they reflect in humanity
- America's founding fathers and their authentic Christian practice
- The true meaning of the First Amendment and the "separation of church and state" myth
- The second thief: words of acceptance and the promise of inclusion
- God's blessings on nations — and what happens when they walk away
- Responding to skeptics: "If God were real, He would fix this"
- Practical first steps for someone new to faith: prayer, scripture, and finding a church
TIMESTAMPED TOPIC BREAKDOWN:
00:17 — Welcome and introduction of Rev. James Mooneyhan
00:44 — Opening prayer
02:42 — Introduction to the Good Friday lesson; the four Gospels overview
07:58 — Jesus before the Jewish council and Pontius Pilate
10:58 — What crucifixion was and how it killed
12:01 — Luke 23:32-43: Jesus on the cross; soldiers cast lots
13:16 — The two criminals on the cross
16:56 — The first thief: words of rejection; humanity's rebellion against God
19:06 — Nonviolent movements; "turn the other cheek"
19:48 — The founding fathers' faith; George Washington and Providence
21:01 — The First Amendment and the true meaning of religious freedom
21:51 — America has moved from rock to sand — a warning
25:03 — The Great Commandment; the second thief's words of acceptance
29:36 — God's showers of blessings on nations; historical examples
39:01 — "If God is so great, why doesn't He fix things?" — the skeptic's challenge
39:25 — Rev. Mooneyhan responds to doubt; why people reject God
41:53 — God in everyday miracles we take for granted
45:51 — Jenny Beth asks: first steps for someone new to faith
46:05 — Find a church; the importance of gathered fellowship
47:03 — Start with the Gospel of Mark; read Psalms and Proverbs daily
48:57 — Memorize scripture; "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
54:48 — Closing prayer
55:38 — Sign-off and where to find the show
LINKS:
teapartypatriots.org
jennybethshow.com