A World on Fire

On a winter’s day almost five years ago, I received a text from a friend.

“Crazy things are happening at the Capitol right now.”

I figured it was obnoxious protestors venting their frustration with the recent election.

Turns out it was much more than that.

Later that night, as I was preparing for bed, I checked the news and saw that multiple protestors had stormed the US Capitol in an attempt to overturn what they saw as a stolen election.

Fueled by polarization, anger, and lies, this group descended into violence. 

A woman was shot and killed, one of several other casualties from that day.

It was a moment I thought would serve as a wake-up call to my country.

I was wrong.

A Decade of Rage & Unrest

In the years since, this decade (which began with a global pandemic mind you) has given way to more chaos:

• The Russian invasion of Ukraine

• The rise of the far right in Europe

• War between Israel and Hamas

• Donald Trump’s authoritarian second term

• And, just last month, the assassination of controversial political activist Charlie Kirk

Unfortunately, that’s only the tip of the iceberg.

For many, it’s a time of great fear. For others, a time of great anger.

The world’s flaws are on full display, but what does that mean for the Church and those within it?

Making Sense of the World Before Us

Global issues are certainly nothing new.

Yet, the scale of what we’re facing these days is more intense, probably the most intense since the 1960s. 

And it’s because of such chaos that Christ established His Church.

A light to the world, a place of hope even through the worst decades in history.

We have a calling to stand firm in the face of such horrible events as are unfolding around us today.

So, this week, we’re going to explore that.

We’ll focus on how we, as Christians, can look at the intensity of our current moment and hold firm to the person and teachings of Jesus.

After all, the times we’re seeing now are the best opportunities for the Church to hold firm to its calling.

By the grace of God, we can make sense of it.

For now, be blessed.

Jon,

Theophilus Newsletter