Well. Hey there friends, welcome to another exciting edition of equip with Chris Brooks. I'm pretty fired up that you're with us today. Do me a favor. Strap on your seatbelt. We're going to navigate through the contours of culture, as always, with the lens of the biblical worldview on. But before we do that, let me remind you, this is the day that the Lord is made. He is given it as a gift so that you and I can rejoice and be glad in it. So let's do just that. Let's follow the words of the Apostle Paul. Let's rejoice in the Lord always. And again I say, rejoice. Well, we get a chance to make a turn this time of year. Behind us is all of the contention, all of the worry, all of the tensions that have been a part of 2024 ahead of us is all of the celebration, hopefully the rejoicing, uh, the joy, if you will, of this holiday season. And and what I want to do is prepare you by helping you to think deeply about how do I live as an agent of grace during this time of year? How do I build bridges and love like Jesus loved? I want to talk about that. And then I want to dive into which character of Christmas do you relate to the most? So we're going to have some fun today. We're going to talk about what it means to love like Jesus, how to build bridges. But I do want to start by saying this is arguably the most important time of generosity for any of the ministries you love. You think about the Bible teaching ministries, the churches you love. You think about this season for even hospitals and charities, and this is the most significant time of year for generosity. What I mean by that is that it's estimated that On average, about 40% of the budgets for the ministries you love will come in during the next month or two. And it's that significant. And so I appeal to you that you would consider setting aside intentionally resources for generosity during this time of year. It certainly is a time where I'm encouraging you to consider your most generous gift to equip. If this ministry is meant a lot to you, if it's spoken to your heart, if you've been encouraged, can you consider making a generous year in tax deductible gift to the ministry? It will allow and enable us to not only finish this year strong, but start out the new year strong as well. Our unwavering commitment to reaching people with the gospel is empowered and fueled by your generosity. God's grace expressed through your generosity. So today, if you can give your best gift, maybe that's a $100 gift. Maybe that's a $500 gift. Maybe that's a $1,000 gift. Um, we have certainly a vision to reach the next generation with the gospel, and your generosity helps to make that possible. So here's the number. 888644 4144. That's 888644 4144. Or go to equip radio.org that's equip radio.org. My guest today is Dan Darling. Dan is a friend of the program, one of my favorite people to talk to. He's an author, a pastor, and a Christian leader. He's a well respected voice on the intersection of faith and culture. He currently serves as the director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and is assistant professor there for Faith and culture. He also serves as assistant professor at Texas Baptist College as well. Dan has served in numerous leadership roles, but I want to talk about two of his books, two of my favorites. One is agents of Grace, and then the other is the characters of Christmas. We'll try to bridge the these two books together. Dan, how are you, brother?

Well. Hey there friends, welcome to another exciting edition of equip with Chris Brooks. I'm pretty fired up that you're with us today. Do me a favor. Strap on your seatbelt. We're going to navigate through the contours of culture, as always, with the lens of the biblical worldview on. But before we do that, let me remind you, this is the day that the Lord is made. He is given it as a gift so that you and I can rejoice and be glad in it. So let's do just that. Let's follow the words of the Apostle Paul. Let's rejoice in the Lord always. And again I say, rejoice. Well, we get a chance to make a turn this time of year. Behind us is all of the contention, all of the worry, all of the tensions that have been a part of 2024 ahead of us is all of the celebration, hopefully the rejoicing, uh, the joy, if you will, of this holiday season. And and what I want to do is prepare you by helping you to think deeply about how do I live as an agent of grace during this time of year? How do I build bridges and love like Jesus loved? I want to talk about that. And then I want to dive into which character of Christmas do you relate to the most? So we're going to have some fun today. We're going to talk about what it means to love like Jesus, how to build bridges. But I do want to start by saying this is arguably the most important time of generosity for any of the ministries you love. You think about the Bible teaching ministries, the churches you love. You think about this season for even hospitals and charities, and this is the most significant time of year for generosity. What I mean by that is that it's estimated that On average, about 40% of the budgets for the ministries you love will come in during the next month or two. And it's that significant. And so I appeal to you that you would consider setting aside intentionally resources for generosity during this time of year. It certainly is a time where I'm encouraging you to consider your most generous gift to equip. If this ministry is meant a lot to you, if it's spoken to your heart, if you've been encouraged, can you consider making a generous year in tax deductible gift to the ministry? It will allow and enable us to not only finish this year strong, but start out the new year strong as well. Our unwavering commitment to reaching people with the gospel is empowered and fueled by your generosity. God's grace expressed through your generosity. So today, if you can give your best gift, maybe that's a $100 gift. Maybe that's a $500 gift. Maybe that's a $1,000 gift. Um, we have certainly a vision to reach the next generation with the gospel, and your generosity helps to make that possible. So here's the number. 888644 4144. That's 888644 4144. Or go to equip radio.org that's equip radio.org. My guest today is Dan Darling. Dan is a friend of the program, one of my favorite people to talk to. He's an author, a pastor, and a Christian leader. He's a well respected voice on the intersection of faith and culture. He currently serves as the director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and is assistant professor there for Faith and culture. He also serves as assistant professor at Texas Baptist College as well. Dan has served in numerous leadership roles, but I want to talk about two of his books, two of my favorites. One is agents of Grace, and then the other is the characters of Christmas. We'll try to bridge the these two books together. Dan, how are you, brother?

I'm doing great, Chris. So great. Glad to be on the radio with you and excited for this hour of conversation.

I'm doing great, Chris. So great. Glad to be on the radio with you and excited for this hour of conversation.

When you think about the holiday season. What do you love the most about it?

When you think about the holiday season. What do you love the most about it?

Well, I love I love this time of year. It's really actually my favorite time of year starting, I think mid-October with fall into Thanksgiving where we pause and really give thanks And for all that God has done for us, even if it's been a difficult year, we could pause and say, okay, here, here, here is where we can be thankful for. And then just really on into the advent season where, you know, even if you're not a believer, most of the world pauses and at least acknowledges the birth of Christ. And we as Christians have the opportunity both to celebrate the birth of Christ and worship Christ, but also help our fellow citizens and that don't know Jesus. To maybe lean in more to the story and maybe share with them why this is such an important time of the year and such a centerpiece of our faith.

Well, I love I love this time of year. It's really actually my favorite time of year starting, I think mid-October with fall into Thanksgiving where we pause and really give thanks And for all that God has done for us, even if it's been a difficult year, we could pause and say, okay, here, here, here is where we can be thankful for. And then just really on into the advent season where, you know, even if you're not a believer, most of the world pauses and at least acknowledges the birth of Christ. And we as Christians have the opportunity both to celebrate the birth of Christ and worship Christ, but also help our fellow citizens and that don't know Jesus. To maybe lean in more to the story and maybe share with them why this is such an important time of the year and such a centerpiece of our faith.

Yeah, I'm going to get to the characters of Christmas in just a moment, but I think that the Christmas story we can never forget, no matter how romanticized we want to make it. It really has been and will continue to always be controversial in that it's an announcement of a king, right? It's an announcement that a king has come into the world that is greater, superior to every other king, one to which there's really only one proper response, and that is to bow our knee, to surrender our hearts to. It's a call to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. And in some ways this invitation, though it's glorious and wonderful again, it is full of controversy because by saying Jesus is Lord, you're basically saying everybody else is not. Isn't that right?

Yeah, I'm going to get to the characters of Christmas in just a moment, but I think that the Christmas story we can never forget, no matter how romanticized we want to make it. It really has been and will continue to always be controversial in that it's an announcement of a king, right? It's an announcement that a king has come into the world that is greater, superior to every other king, one to which there's really only one proper response, and that is to bow our knee, to surrender our hearts to. It's a call to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. And in some ways this invitation, though it's glorious and wonderful again, it is full of controversy because by saying Jesus is Lord, you're basically saying everybody else is not. Isn't that right?

That's exactly right. I mean, the claims of Jesus were as controversial in the first century and the first Christmas as they are today. Uh, the claim is that this baby that was born in a manger, who grew up born to a peasant family, grew up and was crucified by the Romans, rose again that he is the rightful king of the world. Uh, in the Greco-Roman world. That was controversial to say, wait a minute. Uh, we thought Caesar was Lord. Like, no, no, no, this this, um, this itinerant rabbi from Nazareth. He's the lord of all. And and yet it's also it's controversial. It cuts against the grain even today, where we want to say there's many pathways to God. And yet it's also very hopeful. Uh, I it strikes me that every year at Christmas, I find that Christmas enters at a time when the world is very broken, when there's war, when there's disease and death and famine and corruption all over. And if you really lean into the story of Christmas, you realize this is good news for the world, that Christ has come to make all things new, to fix the things that were broken, to fix human hearts, and to renew and restore the world. And so I think it's also, uh, even though Jesus claims are very exclusive, uh, exclusive, that you have to know God through Jesus, it's also an offer of hope to the world.

That's exactly right. I mean, the claims of Jesus were as controversial in the first century and the first Christmas as they are today. Uh, the claim is that this baby that was born in a manger, who grew up born to a peasant family, grew up and was crucified by the Romans, rose again that he is the rightful king of the world. Uh, in the Greco-Roman world. That was controversial to say, wait a minute. Uh, we thought Caesar was Lord. Like, no, no, no, this this, um, this itinerant rabbi from Nazareth. He's the lord of all. And and yet it's also it's controversial. It cuts against the grain even today, where we want to say there's many pathways to God. And yet it's also very hopeful. Uh, I it strikes me that every year at Christmas, I find that Christmas enters at a time when the world is very broken, when there's war, when there's disease and death and famine and corruption all over. And if you really lean into the story of Christmas, you realize this is good news for the world, that Christ has come to make all things new, to fix the things that were broken, to fix human hearts, and to renew and restore the world. And so I think it's also, uh, even though Jesus claims are very exclusive, uh, exclusive, that you have to know God through Jesus, it's also an offer of hope to the world.

Yeah. I want to come back to this in a moment, because I do think that one of the things that is most difficult for a lot of Christians is to say, who am I to criticize or to say Jesus is the only way? Or to say another way is not equally as valid. I want to give you an opportunity to respond to not only why we must say that, but how we can say that as agents of grace. But I do want to just highlight this. Maybe the two characters of the Christmas story that are most known outside of Jesus are Joseph and Mary. Um, and I think that what makes them relatable and I love I would love to hear you share what you think makes them most relatable, but I think that what makes them most relatable, in my opinion, is that they're both being asked to do something that they feel like is way over their heads, right? Joseph. To literally carry the God-Man in her womb. I'm sorry. Mary. To literally carry the God-Man in her womb, and then Joseph to come alongside, to be a part of raising the Savior of the world, to step into this earthly father role, and both seem totally outmatched when you think about their upbringing and their resources. Totally outmatched by this assignment. And maybe there are people who are listening to me right now who can relate to God. Calling you to something that you feel like is above your pay grade is beyond your resources, your wisdom, your strength. And you're saying, Chris, God has called me to something and I don't know how I can do this or I feel outmatched by it. Maybe it's being a parent just being a parent right now, or maybe it's some form of public ministry. Or maybe God is calling you to transition out of your comfort zone where you are right now and you're sensing God telling you to step out in faith. I want to open up the phone lines today for men and women who are listening to me. And you say, Chris, I can relate to Mary. I can relate to Joseph because God is calling me to something that feels so much bigger than me, so much bigger than my capacity. And I want to say yes, but maybe it's with knocking knees. Maybe it's with a trembling voice. Maybe it's a yes through grit teeth. But you know, God is calling you to be faithful, to be in a caregiver, being faithful to being a mom or a grandparent or a dad, being faithful to staying in a tough marriage, being faithful to launching out in ministry or starting some company or writing some book. I really want to pray for those who feel that way. 877 live 675 is the number Eight, 3675. And I don't know who I'm speaking to, but I just got to assume there's some folks that are listening right now who say, Chris Brooks, this is you're talking to my heart. This is exactly where I'm at right now. God's calling me to something that feels much bigger than I can handle. Let Joseph and Mary act as encouragement to you. Dan, darling, obviously you wrote the book. You did the deep research. Why do you think Joseph and Mary are so relatable?

Yeah. I want to come back to this in a moment, because I do think that one of the things that is most difficult for a lot of Christians is to say, who am I to criticize or to say Jesus is the only way? Or to say another way is not equally as valid. I want to give you an opportunity to respond to not only why we must say that, but how we can say that as agents of grace. But I do want to just highlight this. Maybe the two characters of the Christmas story that are most known outside of Jesus are Joseph and Mary. Um, and I think that what makes them relatable and I love I would love to hear you share what you think makes them most relatable, but I think that what makes them most relatable, in my opinion, is that they're both being asked to do something that they feel like is way over their heads, right? Joseph. To literally carry the God-Man in her womb. I'm sorry. Mary. To literally carry the God-Man in her womb, and then Joseph to come alongside, to be a part of raising the Savior of the world, to step into this earthly father role, and both seem totally outmatched when you think about their upbringing and their resources. Totally outmatched by this assignment. And maybe there are people who are listening to me right now who can relate to God. Calling you to something that you feel like is above your pay grade is beyond your resources, your wisdom, your strength. And you're saying, Chris, God has called me to something and I don't know how I can do this or I feel outmatched by it. Maybe it's being a parent just being a parent right now, or maybe it's some form of public ministry. Or maybe God is calling you to transition out of your comfort zone where you are right now and you're sensing God telling you to step out in faith. I want to open up the phone lines today for men and women who are listening to me. And you say, Chris, I can relate to Mary. I can relate to Joseph because God is calling me to something that feels so much bigger than me, so much bigger than my capacity. And I want to say yes, but maybe it's with knocking knees. Maybe it's with a trembling voice. Maybe it's a yes through grit teeth. But you know, God is calling you to be faithful, to be in a caregiver, being faithful to being a mom or a grandparent or a dad, being faithful to staying in a tough marriage, being faithful to launching out in ministry or starting some company or writing some book. I really want to pray for those who feel that way. 877 live 675 is the number Eight, 3675. And I don't know who I'm speaking to, but I just got to assume there's some folks that are listening right now who say, Chris Brooks, this is you're talking to my heart. This is exactly where I'm at right now. God's calling me to something that feels much bigger than I can handle. Let Joseph and Mary act as encouragement to you. Dan, darling, obviously you wrote the book. You did the deep research. Why do you think Joseph and Mary are so relatable?

Well, they're relatable because, you know, Jesus was not born in a palace. He was not born in, you know, Caesars Palace in, in Rome or in Herod's Palace in there. And instead he was born to really a peasant couple with very little agency, very little power. Um, they were in the line of, of of, uh, David. And so Matthew makes that clear. But if you were looking at this Jewish couple who's about to be married, you would not have said, ah, yes, these are the ones who are going to bring forth and shepherd and steward the Messiah coming to earth. Yet I think it's indicative of the kind of people that make up the kingdom of God, that the kingdom of God runs along, uh, and includes the lowly and those who are left out, those who feel like they have no agency, no power. And for, uh, Mary and Joseph, it was just an act of simple faith. You know, Mary saying, let it be to me. In other words, I don't understand everything that's going to happen and all that it's going to entail and all that I'm going to see. But I trust the Lord. I trust his promises. I trust the promises of God and Joseph just being someone who, uh, took the next right step. He didn't understand everything. But every time he was asked to do something difficult, he got up immediately and did it. And because of their faithfulness, they stewarded, you know, um, they stewarded, uh, the Son of God into the world.

Well, they're relatable because, you know, Jesus was not born in a palace. He was not born in, you know, Caesars Palace in, in Rome or in Herod's Palace in there. And instead he was born to really a peasant couple with very little agency, very little power. Um, they were in the line of, of of, uh, David. And so Matthew makes that clear. But if you were looking at this Jewish couple who's about to be married, you would not have said, ah, yes, these are the ones who are going to bring forth and shepherd and steward the Messiah coming to earth. Yet I think it's indicative of the kind of people that make up the kingdom of God, that the kingdom of God runs along, uh, and includes the lowly and those who are left out, those who feel like they have no agency, no power. And for, uh, Mary and Joseph, it was just an act of simple faith. You know, Mary saying, let it be to me. In other words, I don't understand everything that's going to happen and all that it's going to entail and all that I'm going to see. But I trust the Lord. I trust his promises. I trust the promises of God and Joseph just being someone who, uh, took the next right step. He didn't understand everything. But every time he was asked to do something difficult, he got up immediately and did it. And because of their faithfulness, they stewarded, you know, um, they stewarded, uh, the Son of God into the world.

I love this, and I'm just going to say, as we get ready to go on the break. These two statements stand out to me about what Dan just shared with us. Joseph took the next right step. And maybe for somebody, that's all you need to do. All you need to do right now is to agree to be obedient in taking the next right step, even if you don't fully understand all the steps that will come after that. And then secondly, I love that you said about Mary her her testimony really is God. I don't fully get all of this. I don't fully understand. But I trust you, I trust you, and that's what God is calling us to today. Friends. Two books we're looking at today by Dan Darling, uh, agents of Grace. And and I love this book. And secondly, the characters of Christmas, how these unlikely people got caught up in the story of the coming of the Son of God into the world. We're going to take your calls at 87756, seven five. Maybe we can pray for you today. If you feel like God is calling you to something that is beyond your ability, beyond your resources, but you want to be so obedient to Jesus, how do you do that? You give us a call. Let's pray together. 877548 3675. If you feel like God is calling you to a hard thing, I want to pray with you. When we come back, I'll ask Dan, how do we love like Jesus loved?

I love this, and I'm just going to say, as we get ready to go on the break. These two statements stand out to me about what Dan just shared with us. Joseph took the next right step. And maybe for somebody, that's all you need to do. All you need to do right now is to agree to be obedient in taking the next right step, even if you don't fully understand all the steps that will come after that. And then secondly, I love that you said about Mary her her testimony really is God. I don't fully get all of this. I don't fully understand. But I trust you, I trust you, and that's what God is calling us to today. Friends. Two books we're looking at today by Dan Darling, uh, agents of Grace. And and I love this book. And secondly, the characters of Christmas, how these unlikely people got caught up in the story of the coming of the Son of God into the world. We're going to take your calls at 87756, seven five. Maybe we can pray for you today. If you feel like God is calling you to something that is beyond your ability, beyond your resources, but you want to be so obedient to Jesus, how do you do that? You give us a call. Let's pray together. 877548 3675. If you feel like God is calling you to a hard thing, I want to pray with you. When we come back, I'll ask Dan, how do we love like Jesus loved?

We'll be right back.

We'll be right back.

Do you often feel overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the coming holiday season? I want to sing you a book that will help you rediscover the true joy of knowing Jesus. It's called Prepare Him Room by Susie Larson. This 24 day advent devotional will help you to create sacred space for God in your holiday season. Request your copy today and experience a Christmas feel with more peace and less stress. Call 888644 4144 or visit Equip radio.org. So grateful for you listening in today. Grateful for those of you who deeply desire to say yes to God's call on your life today, we want to encourage you to be like Joseph, to be like Mary. These unlikely characters who got caught up in the Christmas story, maybe unexpectedly, but certainly sovereignly, and maybe today, you are being challenged by God through life circumstances to step up and do something that feels so much bigger than you, but yet you want to say yes to it. Maybe it's raising grandchildren because your kids aren't able to do that, and you didn't anticipate having to raise another generation of kids. But here you are. Or maybe again, it's stepping out in faith and obedience to a calling that will demand more of you than what you feel like you may have today. If God is calling you to hard things, calling you to big things, we'd love to pray for you. 877548 3675. Uh, Dan Darling is my guest today. And, you know, Dan, I just want to compliment you in this. And I really, sincerely mean this. So often when I have on a guest, I'm recommending one particular book. Right. And I'm saying to those who listen to this program, this one particular book, I really want to encourage you to read. But there are other times when I can say with a clear conscience, whatever this author has written would benefit you and Dan, you're one of those authors for me that pretty much if something comes out from Dan Darling, I want to read it because I know that you've proven that you write with a pastor's pen, a theologian's mind, and you really are calling us to critically think about what it means to live in this world. So with that compliment said, I want to talk about your subtitle to agents of Grace Loving Like or Love as Jesus Loved. You know, that can easily be cliche, but I know you've thought deeply about that. What does it mean for us to love as Jesus loved in this current cultural moment?

Do you often feel overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the coming holiday season? I want to sing you a book that will help you rediscover the true joy of knowing Jesus. It's called Prepare Him Room by Susie Larson. This 24 day advent devotional will help you to create sacred space for God in your holiday season. Request your copy today and experience a Christmas feel with more peace and less stress. Call 888644 4144 or visit Equip radio.org. So grateful for you listening in today. Grateful for those of you who deeply desire to say yes to God's call on your life today, we want to encourage you to be like Joseph, to be like Mary. These unlikely characters who got caught up in the Christmas story, maybe unexpectedly, but certainly sovereignly, and maybe today, you are being challenged by God through life circumstances to step up and do something that feels so much bigger than you, but yet you want to say yes to it. Maybe it's raising grandchildren because your kids aren't able to do that, and you didn't anticipate having to raise another generation of kids. But here you are. Or maybe again, it's stepping out in faith and obedience to a calling that will demand more of you than what you feel like you may have today. If God is calling you to hard things, calling you to big things, we'd love to pray for you. 877548 3675. Uh, Dan Darling is my guest today. And, you know, Dan, I just want to compliment you in this. And I really, sincerely mean this. So often when I have on a guest, I'm recommending one particular book. Right. And I'm saying to those who listen to this program, this one particular book, I really want to encourage you to read. But there are other times when I can say with a clear conscience, whatever this author has written would benefit you and Dan, you're one of those authors for me that pretty much if something comes out from Dan Darling, I want to read it because I know that you've proven that you write with a pastor's pen, a theologian's mind, and you really are calling us to critically think about what it means to live in this world. So with that compliment said, I want to talk about your subtitle to agents of Grace Loving Like or Love as Jesus Loved. You know, that can easily be cliche, but I know you've thought deeply about that. What does it mean for us to love as Jesus loved in this current cultural moment?

Well, I appreciate that compliment. I really do, Chris. That means a lot. Um, I think what it means is really demonstrating both courage and civility, uh, that the scriptures, uh, really push us to speak clearly, speak truthfully. Sometimes we have to speak things that are not popular, but that are right and true and good for human flourishing. We have to speak the truth of the gospel, but the Scripture is also very concerned with the way that we do it and how we do it, and the shape of our words. I think sometimes we Christians feel like, well, as long as I'm on the right side of an issue or the right side of a doctrine, that doesn't matter how I communicate it. But the New Testament is very clear over and over again about the shape of our words and how we speak. And first Peter 315 through 17. It's kind of been a a life passage for me where Peter essentially says, have an answer for every person, for the hope that lies within you. So speak to the questions of the age that people have, and people have great questions. But then he says, do it with with, uh, kindness and gentleness. There's a distinctly Christian way in the way that we speak that points people to the kingdom of God. We're to love people, even those who deeply disagree with us and try to persuade them, uh, toward the way of Christ.

Well, I appreciate that compliment. I really do, Chris. That means a lot. Um, I think what it means is really demonstrating both courage and civility, uh, that the scriptures, uh, really push us to speak clearly, speak truthfully. Sometimes we have to speak things that are not popular, but that are right and true and good for human flourishing. We have to speak the truth of the gospel, but the Scripture is also very concerned with the way that we do it and how we do it, and the shape of our words. I think sometimes we Christians feel like, well, as long as I'm on the right side of an issue or the right side of a doctrine, that doesn't matter how I communicate it. But the New Testament is very clear over and over again about the shape of our words and how we speak. And first Peter 315 through 17. It's kind of been a a life passage for me where Peter essentially says, have an answer for every person, for the hope that lies within you. So speak to the questions of the age that people have, and people have great questions. But then he says, do it with with, uh, kindness and gentleness. There's a distinctly Christian way in the way that we speak that points people to the kingdom of God. We're to love people, even those who deeply disagree with us and try to persuade them, uh, toward the way of Christ.

Well, you know, when you think deeply about this command that we're to speak the truth in love you, the more you think about it, more, the more difficult it becomes. I mean, it would be much easier if he just said, hey, just speak the truth. Forget about that love part, right? And man, I could be harsh and unforgiving and critical and cold and sterile, but I'm not allowed to speak truth that way. How I speak truth matters to God. So what I say, and the way I say it, matters to God. And so as I'm approaching this holiday season, knowing that I'm going to have a lot of meals with people, a lot of interaction with people, whether you like it or not, that's the case. I'm praying for both right content and right character. Is that right?

Well, you know, when you think deeply about this command that we're to speak the truth in love you, the more you think about it, more, the more difficult it becomes. I mean, it would be much easier if he just said, hey, just speak the truth. Forget about that love part, right? And man, I could be harsh and unforgiving and critical and cold and sterile, but I'm not allowed to speak truth that way. How I speak truth matters to God. So what I say, and the way I say it, matters to God. And so as I'm approaching this holiday season, knowing that I'm going to have a lot of meals with people, a lot of interaction with people, whether you like it or not, that's the case. I'm praying for both right content and right character. Is that right?

That's right. And, you know, I think we just got over a bruising election. Um, and there's going to be a large portion of the country that is upset that their candidate didn't win. There's been a large portion of the country that's really elated that their candidate did win. And I'm not just talking about the presidential race, but even other races and and things. And of course, I'm sure politics will come up in these conversations. And I think we as Christians have to navigate that well. Um, we may have friendships or family members where we have such a good relationship, and I have those. You probably have those too, Chris, where we can go back and forth, we can disagree, we can spar, and then we get up, shake hands and, you know, have another piece of pie and everything's fine. We have other friendships and other relationships where, you know, I, I have to watch myself and say, is it worth pushing this thing or pushing this one thing to make a point, but it's going to further push someone away or alienate them? Um, so just understand that sensitivity and prioritize, uh, the relationship over making a point because you really, even if you are right, you're not going to solve that vexing national issue, uh, you know, in the living room while you're watching. But I will say this.

That's right. And, you know, I think we just got over a bruising election. Um, and there's going to be a large portion of the country that is upset that their candidate didn't win. There's been a large portion of the country that's really elated that their candidate did win. And I'm not just talking about the presidential race, but even other races and and things. And of course, I'm sure politics will come up in these conversations. And I think we as Christians have to navigate that well. Um, we may have friendships or family members where we have such a good relationship, and I have those. You probably have those too, Chris, where we can go back and forth, we can disagree, we can spar, and then we get up, shake hands and, you know, have another piece of pie and everything's fine. We have other friendships and other relationships where, you know, I, I have to watch myself and say, is it worth pushing this thing or pushing this one thing to make a point, but it's going to further push someone away or alienate them? Um, so just understand that sensitivity and prioritize, uh, the relationship over making a point because you really, even if you are right, you're not going to solve that vexing national issue, uh, you know, in the living room while you're watching. But I will say this.

That I do think. I do think that the the deeper the relationship, the greater the. Opportunity to have meaningful and hard conversations. I think one of my criticisms in this day and age is that we're trying to have tough conversations in the wrong context. We're having tough conversations with people online that we barely even know. We're going back and forth about some of the most passionate issues of our heart. And I do think that those people who you actually are breaking bread with, you know them, they know you, they've seen the track record of your life. You guys have loved one another over the years. Those are the relationships in which, man, we can really dig into some of these tough things because we have enough relational strength to survive it. Let's go to the phone lines. Terry is listening to us in Akron, Ohio. Thank you so much for calling. How can we pray for you today?

That I do think. I do think that the the deeper the relationship, the greater the. Opportunity to have meaningful and hard conversations. I think one of my criticisms in this day and age is that we're trying to have tough conversations in the wrong context. We're having tough conversations with people online that we barely even know. We're going back and forth about some of the most passionate issues of our heart. And I do think that those people who you actually are breaking bread with, you know them, they know you, they've seen the track record of your life. You guys have loved one another over the years. Those are the relationships in which, man, we can really dig into some of these tough things because we have enough relational strength to survive it. Let's go to the phone lines. Terry is listening to us in Akron, Ohio. Thank you so much for calling. How can we pray for you today?

Um, I would just like prayer for us and courage just to be encouraged and to trust God. Um, be of good courage because I'm stepping into a new part of my life. Um, business venture and ministry venture that I believe God is calling me to. And I am a widow. And so I am learning how to live life without my spouse. And, um, just being able to navigate this and, uh, just do it. I don't want to be disobedient. I want to please God. And, um, I was saying I didn't want to be like Moses. I didn't want to see the Promised Land, but couldn't enter in because I didn't do what God told me to do. Um, and so that's where I am. I'm excited and scared at the same time.

Um, I would just like prayer for us and courage just to be encouraged and to trust God. Um, be of good courage because I'm stepping into a new part of my life. Um, business venture and ministry venture that I believe God is calling me to. And I am a widow. And so I am learning how to live life without my spouse. And, um, just being able to navigate this and, uh, just do it. I don't want to be disobedient. I want to please God. And, um, I was saying I didn't want to be like Moses. I didn't want to see the Promised Land, but couldn't enter in because I didn't do what God told me to do. Um, and so that's where I am. I'm excited and scared at the same time.

Well, first off, you are a brave, courageous woman. And I love your heart that desires to obey God. Um, I will say to you what you already know, and that is he is faithful and that he surrounds us with the resources we need. He blesses us even in ways that we couldn't have expected or anticipated on the front end of our obedience. So I'm going to encourage you to obey God. But I'm also going to pray that God would show his grace in marvelous ways, and even confirmed for you in the way you need confirmation that he is with you. Father, I lift up my dear sister. Lord, her testimony is already that you've kept her through so much. She knows what it's like to go through a storm. And for you to see her through the storm. To stand in the eye of the unexpected. And yet to come out and be able to say that even in the valley. He's with us. And so, Lord, I pray that once again you will show my dear sister your faithfulness, your kindness, your goodness, and your grace. Lord, when the doubts begin to come, when the waves of fear begin to over overcome her heart, I pray, Lord, that you by your spirit would give supernatural strength. You already said, Lord, apart from you we can do nothing. So may to just abide in you and may you. Lord, as a result, show her your salvation. Bless her. I pray in Jesus name, Amen and amen. The Christmas story is so much about overcoming challenges, isn't it, Dan?

Well, first off, you are a brave, courageous woman. And I love your heart that desires to obey God. Um, I will say to you what you already know, and that is he is faithful and that he surrounds us with the resources we need. He blesses us even in ways that we couldn't have expected or anticipated on the front end of our obedience. So I'm going to encourage you to obey God. But I'm also going to pray that God would show his grace in marvelous ways, and even confirmed for you in the way you need confirmation that he is with you. Father, I lift up my dear sister. Lord, her testimony is already that you've kept her through so much. She knows what it's like to go through a storm. And for you to see her through the storm. To stand in the eye of the unexpected. And yet to come out and be able to say that even in the valley. He's with us. And so, Lord, I pray that once again you will show my dear sister your faithfulness, your kindness, your goodness, and your grace. Lord, when the doubts begin to come, when the waves of fear begin to over overcome her heart, I pray, Lord, that you by your spirit would give supernatural strength. You already said, Lord, apart from you we can do nothing. So may to just abide in you and may you. Lord, as a result, show her your salvation. Bless her. I pray in Jesus name, Amen and amen. The Christmas story is so much about overcoming challenges, isn't it, Dan?

It really is. And I applaud, um, this caller, because, you know, on the one hand, you know, it's it's a little fearful to step into something new, but this is the this is what faith is, right? It's trusting the unknown future to a God who does know the future and trusting that he will guide us and and do this. And this is sort of what we see with Mary and Joseph, that we don't know what this is going to mean, but we're going to step into this. So what a great testimony that is.

It really is. And I applaud, um, this caller, because, you know, on the one hand, you know, it's it's a little fearful to step into something new, but this is the this is what faith is, right? It's trusting the unknown future to a God who does know the future and trusting that he will guide us and and do this. And this is sort of what we see with Mary and Joseph, that we don't know what this is going to mean, but we're going to step into this. So what a great testimony that is.

Man, I want to I want to try to fit in a call. And I'm going to try real quickly to fit in kinda, uh, kinda. We got about 30s before we go to break, but I know you're traveling, and I wanted to get you in. How can we pray for you?

Man, I want to I want to try to fit in a call. And I'm going to try real quickly to fit in kinda, uh, kinda. We got about 30s before we go to break, but I know you're traveling, and I wanted to get you in. How can we pray for you?

Well, thank you for taking my call. Um, I have accepted the challenge, but just feel a little bit of being a little overwhelmed lately. What happened was, 30 years ago, I was date raped, and I chose life. I gave my daughter up for adoption, thinking I would always get married and have kids of my own. And then long do I need to hang up? No. And then my brother passed.

Well, thank you for taking my call. Um, I have accepted the challenge, but just feel a little bit of being a little overwhelmed lately. What happened was, 30 years ago, I was date raped, and I chose life. I gave my daughter up for adoption, thinking I would always get married and have kids of my own. And then long do I need to hang up? No. And then my brother passed.

Let's do this. Can you stay on the line? Can you stay with me? Yes. All right. We're going to take a short break. I want to hear Ken the story. I want you guys to stick and stay as well. Go to equip radio.org. We'll be right back. Welcome back to equip with Chris Brooks. Dan Darling is my guest. We're looking at two of his books, agents of Grace How to Bridge Divides and Love as Jesus Loved. We're also looking at the characters of Christmas, the unlikely people caught up in the story of Jesus. And I'm building a bridge. I think one of the toughest things to do during Christmas is to be an agent of grace. And so how do we live as agents of grace? How do we say yes to the tough assignments that God is calling us to In this day and age, we're going to get back to that in just a moment. But I do want to pause and say thank you and give a special challenge. Birgit, who's listening in Illinois, uh, gave a gift, a generous gift of $500 to the ministry. And I want to say thank you, Birgit, for that. Uh, Birgit, we are so grateful for you. We are praying for you. And there is a few individuals you wanted us to pray for. And I want you to know we have prayed for them, and we'll continue to pray for them. But I want to issue this challenge, because that $500 that Birgit gave allows us, enables us to reach 25 people with the gospel. I'm going to ask for three friends who are listening right now to match this challenge, to come alongside the gift that Birgit gave with a $500 gift. I wonder if three more friends can come alongside that that say, I want to see 25 people reached with the gospel. If three more friends can do that, it would be 100 people that we can say that we're going to be able to reach with the gospel of Jesus Christ through this program as a result of your generosity. So if you can be one of those three people that can join our Birgit, call this number now. 888644 4144. That's 888644 4144. Or go to equip radio.org. But please call now let's go back to kinda kinda, uh, was on the line before we went to break. So sorry that we had to take a break. Kinda. But how can we pray for you?

Let's do this. Can you stay on the line? Can you stay with me? Yes. All right. We're going to take a short break. I want to hear Ken the story. I want you guys to stick and stay as well. Go to equip radio.org. We'll be right back. Welcome back to equip with Chris Brooks. Dan Darling is my guest. We're looking at two of his books, agents of Grace How to Bridge Divides and Love as Jesus Loved. We're also looking at the characters of Christmas, the unlikely people caught up in the story of Jesus. And I'm building a bridge. I think one of the toughest things to do during Christmas is to be an agent of grace. And so how do we live as agents of grace? How do we say yes to the tough assignments that God is calling us to In this day and age, we're going to get back to that in just a moment. But I do want to pause and say thank you and give a special challenge. Birgit, who's listening in Illinois, uh, gave a gift, a generous gift of $500 to the ministry. And I want to say thank you, Birgit, for that. Uh, Birgit, we are so grateful for you. We are praying for you. And there is a few individuals you wanted us to pray for. And I want you to know we have prayed for them, and we'll continue to pray for them. But I want to issue this challenge, because that $500 that Birgit gave allows us, enables us to reach 25 people with the gospel. I'm going to ask for three friends who are listening right now to match this challenge, to come alongside the gift that Birgit gave with a $500 gift. I wonder if three more friends can come alongside that that say, I want to see 25 people reached with the gospel. If three more friends can do that, it would be 100 people that we can say that we're going to be able to reach with the gospel of Jesus Christ through this program as a result of your generosity. So if you can be one of those three people that can join our Birgit, call this number now. 888644 4144. That's 888644 4144. Or go to equip radio.org. But please call now let's go back to kinda kinda, uh, was on the line before we went to break. So sorry that we had to take a break. Kinda. But how can we pray for you?

Well thank you. Um, as I said, I had 30 years ago, I taken the call to place my son for adoption and the belief that because of my obedience, I would definitely have kids one day and they forgot my own. But four years ago, my brother passed and I took in my mom, who's a widow and my nephew. At the time he was four and he's eight now, and and I was very fulfilled and loving in a lot of ways. But that, that like things like needing a car and things like that that are coming up and I work for a nonprofit. It sometimes becomes overwhelming just knowing that you're the caretaker for them all. And just God has proven himself so faithful to me. But when I heard your program, I.

Well thank you. Um, as I said, I had 30 years ago, I taken the call to place my son for adoption and the belief that because of my obedience, I would definitely have kids one day and they forgot my own. But four years ago, my brother passed and I took in my mom, who's a widow and my nephew. At the time he was four and he's eight now, and and I was very fulfilled and loving in a lot of ways. But that, that like things like needing a car and things like that that are coming up and I work for a nonprofit. It sometimes becomes overwhelming just knowing that you're the caretaker for them all. And just God has proven himself so faithful to me. But when I heard your program, I.

Thought, yes, yeah, I.

Thought, yes, yeah, I.

Know I'm obedient. I know I'm obedient. But, you know, if I'm honest with myself, sometimes I wonder if I would have been obedient. If I had known my heart's desires wouldn't have come. Yeah. But yeah, I'm thankful for the call. I'm thankful that I gave my daughter life, and she's since found me and is going to spend Thanksgiving with me. And there's so much to be thankful for. But, um, in this season, now that trace is eight, almost nine. Um, sometimes it just it just feels like a lot, you know?

Know I'm obedient. I know I'm obedient. But, you know, if I'm honest with myself, sometimes I wonder if I would have been obedient. If I had known my heart's desires wouldn't have come. Yeah. But yeah, I'm thankful for the call. I'm thankful that I gave my daughter life, and she's since found me and is going to spend Thanksgiving with me. And there's so much to be thankful for. But, um, in this season, now that trace is eight, almost nine. Um, sometimes it just it just feels like a lot, you know?

Yeah.

Yeah.

Um, wanting him to have a male role model or just, you know, just feeling a little overwhelmed. But I know God is faithful.

Um, wanting him to have a male role model or just, you know, just feeling a little overwhelmed. But I know God is faithful.

You know? Number one, I want to say thank you for just being obedient. Uh, so many people could have walked away or said, no, I'm grateful. And it really doesn't matter in some ways how we get to our destination. You are here right now, and it's not by mistake. God is sovereign. God is good, and he promises you he will never leave you nor forsake you. And I just want to say one thing to you, and that is that you have permission. In Scripture, we have permission to be honest with God in our moments of doubt and fear and being overwhelmed. And so don't feel guilty ever for being honest with God and saying God, I don't know if I can do this. This feels like so much because when we are weak, he is strong. I want to invite everyone who's listening to join me in praying for Kendal. What an amazing testimony and we want to pray for God's encouragement today. Father, I thank you for Kendal. I thank you, Lord, for Tracy. I thank you for her willingness to take in a four year old and now looking up, Lord, seeing him grow. But yet her desires for him to have a man in his life that can also model for him what it means to not just be a man, but a man of God. I pray that you would grant that request. I pray that you would continue to heal Kennedy's heart. She's been through so much, Lord, but I thank you that you are a healer. Not just physically, but you heal us emotionally, spiritually, relationally. Lord, I pray in every way that you will heal Canada, that your hand of blessing will be upon her. That the hard thing would be made easy. And Lord, for a woman who knows what it is to be surprised by pain, I pray that you would surprise her with your goodness in Jesus name. Amen and amen. Phone number 8775675. That's 877548 3675. We're also in the midst of a generosity challenge invitation. I'm asking for three friends who can call now, who can give a $500 gift to help us to finish this year strong and to reach with that gift 25 people with the gospel. Can you call now? 888644 4144 or go to equip radio.org. Dan, when you hear stories like Kenda and you think about in particular Mary, I you know, so often we assume that it was just the angel came and told her she was going to carry the Son of God in her womb. She said yes and everything went smoothly. But I hear those tears that Kenda is crying, and I can't help but to think of how much of a journey it must have been for Mary.

You know? Number one, I want to say thank you for just being obedient. Uh, so many people could have walked away or said, no, I'm grateful. And it really doesn't matter in some ways how we get to our destination. You are here right now, and it's not by mistake. God is sovereign. God is good, and he promises you he will never leave you nor forsake you. And I just want to say one thing to you, and that is that you have permission. In Scripture, we have permission to be honest with God in our moments of doubt and fear and being overwhelmed. And so don't feel guilty ever for being honest with God and saying God, I don't know if I can do this. This feels like so much because when we are weak, he is strong. I want to invite everyone who's listening to join me in praying for Kendal. What an amazing testimony and we want to pray for God's encouragement today. Father, I thank you for Kendal. I thank you, Lord, for Tracy. I thank you for her willingness to take in a four year old and now looking up, Lord, seeing him grow. But yet her desires for him to have a man in his life that can also model for him what it means to not just be a man, but a man of God. I pray that you would grant that request. I pray that you would continue to heal Kennedy's heart. She's been through so much, Lord, but I thank you that you are a healer. Not just physically, but you heal us emotionally, spiritually, relationally. Lord, I pray in every way that you will heal Canada, that your hand of blessing will be upon her. That the hard thing would be made easy. And Lord, for a woman who knows what it is to be surprised by pain, I pray that you would surprise her with your goodness in Jesus name. Amen and amen. Phone number 8775675. That's 877548 3675. We're also in the midst of a generosity challenge invitation. I'm asking for three friends who can call now, who can give a $500 gift to help us to finish this year strong and to reach with that gift 25 people with the gospel. Can you call now? 888644 4144 or go to equip radio.org. Dan, when you hear stories like Kenda and you think about in particular Mary, I you know, so often we assume that it was just the angel came and told her she was going to carry the Son of God in her womb. She said yes and everything went smoothly. But I hear those tears that Kenda is crying, and I can't help but to think of how much of a journey it must have been for Mary.

It really.

It really.

Was. I mean, if you think about where Mary was when the angel approached her, she was probably a, uh, a young, uh, late teenage girl, um, uh, betrothed to Joseph, had her whole life ahead of her. Um, and then all of a sudden, her life changes, right? That on the one hand, it's a blessed thing. Like, uh, people will rise up and call her blessed because she would give birth to the Son of God. And yet she was signing up for a very difficult life. a life of being misunderstood. Not everyone would understand or believe the story that this was. Baby was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Um, she'd probably be ostracized in her own community. Um, she would also have to watch the Son of God grow up. You know, Jesus, uh, was her son and endure, uh, hardship and mocking and being rejected by his own family and, uh, put and nailed on a on a cross and beaten with an inch of his life. She was there at the foot of the cross. And to see him cry out in agony, and then to die, and then take his body away. Um, you know, I'm a parent, and it's hard for me even to see my child get a shot. Uh, you know, a flu shot or something? Much less. Yeah. Um, you know, have physical pain. Imagine what she endured. And yet it was her faith that she she believed she really believed the promises of God. She really believed this was the Messiah. She really believed that God was going to make some was making all things new in Jesus. And I think that's the promise we cling to. I really applaud people who take people in, who adopt and help to raise children that have no parents. What a awesome ministry that is and how God can really use that. And we have to lean on him in faith, knowing that we can't do these things by ourselves. We need the power and strength of the Holy Spirit.

Was. I mean, if you think about where Mary was when the angel approached her, she was probably a, uh, a young, uh, late teenage girl, um, uh, betrothed to Joseph, had her whole life ahead of her. Um, and then all of a sudden, her life changes, right? That on the one hand, it's a blessed thing. Like, uh, people will rise up and call her blessed because she would give birth to the Son of God. And yet she was signing up for a very difficult life. a life of being misunderstood. Not everyone would understand or believe the story that this was. Baby was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Um, she'd probably be ostracized in her own community. Um, she would also have to watch the Son of God grow up. You know, Jesus, uh, was her son and endure, uh, hardship and mocking and being rejected by his own family and, uh, put and nailed on a on a cross and beaten with an inch of his life. She was there at the foot of the cross. And to see him cry out in agony, and then to die, and then take his body away. Um, you know, I'm a parent, and it's hard for me even to see my child get a shot. Uh, you know, a flu shot or something? Much less. Yeah. Um, you know, have physical pain. Imagine what she endured. And yet it was her faith that she she believed she really believed the promises of God. She really believed this was the Messiah. She really believed that God was going to make some was making all things new in Jesus. And I think that's the promise we cling to. I really applaud people who take people in, who adopt and help to raise children that have no parents. What a awesome ministry that is and how God can really use that. And we have to lean on him in faith, knowing that we can't do these things by ourselves. We need the power and strength of the Holy Spirit.

Well, you know, and again, you talked about the contentions of the election. But one of the ways that I hope people know that we can deeply impact our culture, our country, in addition to our vote, is to be willing to open up our hearts and our homes to children. Children who need forever families, those who will love them beyond what is rational. Every one of us needs at least one person in our life like that. I want to ask you really quickly before we go back to the phone lines. What does it mean to you to know that God sent a angelic choir to announce the coming of the Son of God to shepherds. When you think about those shepherds who were tending their sheep by night, and the fact that God included them in the Christian story, how does that relate? Maybe to our day?

Well, you know, and again, you talked about the contentions of the election. But one of the ways that I hope people know that we can deeply impact our culture, our country, in addition to our vote, is to be willing to open up our hearts and our homes to children. Children who need forever families, those who will love them beyond what is rational. Every one of us needs at least one person in our life like that. I want to ask you really quickly before we go back to the phone lines. What does it mean to you to know that God sent a angelic choir to announce the coming of the Son of God to shepherds. When you think about those shepherds who were tending their sheep by night, and the fact that God included them in the Christian story, how does that relate? Maybe to our day?

Well, I think it's one of the most beautiful parts of the Christmas story. And, Chris, if you and I were going to make a big announcement, uh, we probably would not have announced it to a field of really, uh, you know, uh, blue collar shepherds, uh, in a backwater town in the Roman Empire. We would have went, uh, with press releases and press conferences and websites and would go on the Chris Brooks Show to announce it or something big like that. Um, but Jesus chose to announce it, uh, to shepherds. And I think there's three reasons why Jesus chose shepherds. I don't think it was accidental, of course. One is that shepherding is kind of the dominant leadership idea in Scripture. Whenever the Scripture talks about leadership, it usually talks about shepherds all the way from the old to the New Testament. Jesus himself would say that he is the good Shepherd. He's not like these other kings. So he's telling us that this would be a different kind of king and a different kind of kingdom, uh, different than what they were used to seeing. The second reason is shepherds, um, were were tending to possible the Passover lambs that would be brought for sacrifice. And here is the Lamb of God come to take away the sins of the world. So the symbolism there is unmistakable. And I think third shepherds are we're close to the ground. They they knew how to protect sheep. They knew how to to care for them. And and he knew that they would take this news and they would share it. Right. As soon as they left, they went to go see it. And I think it's another example of how the kingdom of God is upside down. It it operates differently from the kingdoms of this world, that the news doesn't go to the place you would expect it first. It goes to shepherds who could most handle that news and share it with the world.

Well, I think it's one of the most beautiful parts of the Christmas story. And, Chris, if you and I were going to make a big announcement, uh, we probably would not have announced it to a field of really, uh, you know, uh, blue collar shepherds, uh, in a backwater town in the Roman Empire. We would have went, uh, with press releases and press conferences and websites and would go on the Chris Brooks Show to announce it or something big like that. Um, but Jesus chose to announce it, uh, to shepherds. And I think there's three reasons why Jesus chose shepherds. I don't think it was accidental, of course. One is that shepherding is kind of the dominant leadership idea in Scripture. Whenever the Scripture talks about leadership, it usually talks about shepherds all the way from the old to the New Testament. Jesus himself would say that he is the good Shepherd. He's not like these other kings. So he's telling us that this would be a different kind of king and a different kind of kingdom, uh, different than what they were used to seeing. The second reason is shepherds, um, were were tending to possible the Passover lambs that would be brought for sacrifice. And here is the Lamb of God come to take away the sins of the world. So the symbolism there is unmistakable. And I think third shepherds are we're close to the ground. They they knew how to protect sheep. They knew how to to care for them. And and he knew that they would take this news and they would share it. Right. As soon as they left, they went to go see it. And I think it's another example of how the kingdom of God is upside down. It it operates differently from the kingdoms of this world, that the news doesn't go to the place you would expect it first. It goes to shepherds who could most handle that news and share it with the world.

What if God wants to bless someone that doesn't maybe fit the profile of the type of people that you would think God wants to bless? What if God wants to surprise us by those that he includes in his redemptive story? Uh, one of the things that the shepherds make me want to do, Dan, is to pray, to have eyes, to see those who God sees, not to overlook people, but to see the amazing gift that even shepherds are to the plan of God. Uh, friends, we got to take a break. But I do want to again, just reset. We're asking for three friends right now who would be willing to join us in this generosity challenge? of giving a gift a year in tax deductible gift of $500 to. Help us to reach men and women in your community with the good news of God's grace in Christ. Now there's two ways you can give. You certainly can give it as a one time gift, or you can give it as an auto gift, as a monthly partner. If you want to do the auto gift, it's only $42 per month to set aside in your budget to make sure that a portion of your income goes towards helping someone to reach eternity with Christ. So call now 888644 4144 or go to Equip radio.org.

What if God wants to bless someone that doesn't maybe fit the profile of the type of people that you would think God wants to bless? What if God wants to surprise us by those that he includes in his redemptive story? Uh, one of the things that the shepherds make me want to do, Dan, is to pray, to have eyes, to see those who God sees, not to overlook people, but to see the amazing gift that even shepherds are to the plan of God. Uh, friends, we got to take a break. But I do want to again, just reset. We're asking for three friends right now who would be willing to join us in this generosity challenge? of giving a gift a year in tax deductible gift of $500 to. Help us to reach men and women in your community with the good news of God's grace in Christ. Now there's two ways you can give. You certainly can give it as a one time gift, or you can give it as an auto gift, as a monthly partner. If you want to do the auto gift, it's only $42 per month to set aside in your budget to make sure that a portion of your income goes towards helping someone to reach eternity with Christ. So call now 888644 4144 or go to Equip radio.org.

We'll be right back right after this.

We'll be right back right after this.

On equip we tackle the tough issues. And there sure have been many this past year, but we continue to confront them with the relevant biblical truth of the gospel. As we turn to a new year, will you join our Christ centered approach by becoming an auto gift monthly partner? Keep equip on the air in your community and across the nation. You're 30, 50, or $85 a month gift will make a huge difference in this new year. Equip yourself and make a difference for Christ and His Kingdom at the same time by calling eight, 88644 4144 or go to equip radio.org. Welcome back to equip with Chris Brooks. Want to go quickly to the phone lines? Maria is listening in Rochester, Minnesota. And as I go to the phone line, I want to remind you that our website is Equip radio.org. There you can find out everything you need to know about the program. Go to equip radio.org. Maria, thank you so much for listening. How can we pray for you today?

On equip we tackle the tough issues. And there sure have been many this past year, but we continue to confront them with the relevant biblical truth of the gospel. As we turn to a new year, will you join our Christ centered approach by becoming an auto gift monthly partner? Keep equip on the air in your community and across the nation. You're 30, 50, or $85 a month gift will make a huge difference in this new year. Equip yourself and make a difference for Christ and His Kingdom at the same time by calling eight, 88644 4144 or go to equip radio.org. Welcome back to equip with Chris Brooks. Want to go quickly to the phone lines? Maria is listening in Rochester, Minnesota. And as I go to the phone line, I want to remind you that our website is Equip radio.org. There you can find out everything you need to know about the program. Go to equip radio.org. Maria, thank you so much for listening. How can we pray for you today?

Yes. Um, you know, first of all, I don't think me listening to your show for the first time today was any coincidence, because I've been praying on this. Um, so for a while, I've been feeling this tug in my heart that God is calling me to minister to women who are in jail. And I have to tell you that it's 200% outside my comfort zone. And I just don't feel like I am equipped. And I have asked God, why me? Um, what is it exactly that you want me to do? So any prayers for guidance, for just what is the next step for me to take? Because I want to be obedient. God has been so faithful to me. Um, you know, I just had a home. My. I lost my home in a fire a few weeks ago. But still, to everything that has been super faithful with me. And so I want to be very obedient. And I think this is where he wants me to be. But like I said, this is very uncomfortable for me. Yeah. Um, so prayers are highly appreciated.

Yes. Um, you know, first of all, I don't think me listening to your show for the first time today was any coincidence, because I've been praying on this. Um, so for a while, I've been feeling this tug in my heart that God is calling me to minister to women who are in jail. And I have to tell you that it's 200% outside my comfort zone. And I just don't feel like I am equipped. And I have asked God, why me? Um, what is it exactly that you want me to do? So any prayers for guidance, for just what is the next step for me to take? Because I want to be obedient. God has been so faithful to me. Um, you know, I just had a home. My. I lost my home in a fire a few weeks ago. But still, to everything that has been super faithful with me. And so I want to be very obedient. And I think this is where he wants me to be. But like I said, this is very uncomfortable for me. Yeah. Um, so prayers are highly appreciated.

Well, I I'll ask Dan, our, our dear brother Dan darling to quickly pray for you, but I also want to encourage you to research a ministry that has meant so much to so many in this particular area. It's called prison fellowship. Prison fellowship. If you go to their website, you can learn more about prison ministry. And for anybody who wants to serve that population. Uh, and to step out into that calling in particular, for the first time, I would highly recommend Prison Fellowship. Dan, can you quickly say a prayer for Maria?

Well, I I'll ask Dan, our, our dear brother Dan darling to quickly pray for you, but I also want to encourage you to research a ministry that has meant so much to so many in this particular area. It's called prison fellowship. Prison fellowship. If you go to their website, you can learn more about prison ministry. And for anybody who wants to serve that population. Uh, and to step out into that calling in particular, for the first time, I would highly recommend Prison Fellowship. Dan, can you quickly say a prayer for Maria?

Yes, I can. Oh, dear Lord, we thank you for, uh, our sister Maria here, Lord. And I thank you for her, uh, her soft heart toward people who need to hear about Jesus. Lord, I pray that you would work in her life and her heart to put her into the right place to do ministry to women in prison, that she could get equipped and that your spirit would go with her as she enters into this new, uh, and takes a step of faith. Lord, and I pray that you'd richly bless her in this endeavor. In your name we pray.

Yes, I can. Oh, dear Lord, we thank you for, uh, our sister Maria here, Lord. And I thank you for her, uh, her soft heart toward people who need to hear about Jesus. Lord, I pray that you would work in her life and her heart to put her into the right place to do ministry to women in prison, that she could get equipped and that your spirit would go with her as she enters into this new, uh, and takes a step of faith. Lord, and I pray that you'd richly bless her in this endeavor. In your name we pray.

Amen. I appreciate Maria, you giving us a call. Dan, what's your hope for those who read agents of Grace?

Amen. I appreciate Maria, you giving us a call. Dan, what's your hope for those who read agents of Grace?

Well, my hope is really to understand, uh, the Bible's thrust, uh, particularly the New Testament toward, uh, Christian unity, that we should love our brothers and sisters in Christ, uh, even those who are different than us. And to understand what unity means and what it doesn't mean, it doesn't mean we never have conflict. It doesn't mean we don't take really important positions for, uh, the doctrines of the faith, for Christian orthodoxy, but that we prioritize, as it says in Ephesians, to make every effort to maintain the spirit of the unity in the bond of peace. It's an intentional effort. I know it's not a popular thing right now, that where all of our platforms and everything in us incentivizes conflict, but to see our brothers and sisters as as who they are, that we share something with them that is so precious. And so I hope this encourages that in those who read it.

Well, my hope is really to understand, uh, the Bible's thrust, uh, particularly the New Testament toward, uh, Christian unity, that we should love our brothers and sisters in Christ, uh, even those who are different than us. And to understand what unity means and what it doesn't mean, it doesn't mean we never have conflict. It doesn't mean we don't take really important positions for, uh, the doctrines of the faith, for Christian orthodoxy, but that we prioritize, as it says in Ephesians, to make every effort to maintain the spirit of the unity in the bond of peace. It's an intentional effort. I know it's not a popular thing right now, that where all of our platforms and everything in us incentivizes conflict, but to see our brothers and sisters as as who they are, that we share something with them that is so precious. And so I hope this encourages that in those who read it.

Let's go. One more call. Let's go to Indianapolis. Samuel is listening in Indianapolis. Hey, Samuel. I had about 60s, but I wanted to make sure I fit you in. How can we pray for you, Samuel?

Let's go. One more call. Let's go to Indianapolis. Samuel is listening in Indianapolis. Hey, Samuel. I had about 60s, but I wanted to make sure I fit you in. How can we pray for you, Samuel?

Thank you, Chris, for taking the call. I believe that God has put some ideas in my mind for a business and ministry have been simmering over several years and at times procrastination, uncertainty, lack of confidence. Just. I haven't done much about these ideas for what seems like a turning point in recent days. Last month I lost my job after 15 years. And then something the artificial intelligence capability that has been more accessible to us, which I believe can significantly assist with my business ideas. So these things are happening just asking for prayer to overcome fear or procrastination and just move forward with courage and confidence.

Thank you, Chris, for taking the call. I believe that God has put some ideas in my mind for a business and ministry have been simmering over several years and at times procrastination, uncertainty, lack of confidence. Just. I haven't done much about these ideas for what seems like a turning point in recent days. Last month I lost my job after 15 years. And then something the artificial intelligence capability that has been more accessible to us, which I believe can significantly assist with my business ideas. So these things are happening just asking for prayer to overcome fear or procrastination and just move forward with courage and confidence.

Let's pray together.

Let's pray together.

I feel so small. Thank you.

I feel so small. Thank you.

Father, I thank you for Samuel. I thank you for his honesty, its vulnerability, his transparency. But I pray he would know that the call of God is not based off of our size or ability. It's based off of how big you are. You're a big God. I pray that when Samuel thinks about you, that he doesn't think about you in small terms, but that he is reminded that you're the God who made heaven and earth. That you're the one who commands the seas on how far they can go and no further. That you make mountains and oceans, but even more. You're the king of the world. You're the Redeemer of our hearts. You're the Savior of our souls. And so, Lord, may he have great confidence, not in himself, but great confidence in Christ, in him the hope of glory, and what you can do in and through his life. Bless my brother. Use this moment of difficulty for your glory. Use this moment of testing for for his testimony. I ask it in Jesus name. Amen and amen. Well, Dan, thank you so much for joining me, brother. Thanks for helping to bridge these two incredible books. I recommend them both agents of Grace and the characters of Christmas. Find out more at Equip radio.org. Thanks, Dan.

Father, I thank you for Samuel. I thank you for his honesty, its vulnerability, his transparency. But I pray he would know that the call of God is not based off of our size or ability. It's based off of how big you are. You're a big God. I pray that when Samuel thinks about you, that he doesn't think about you in small terms, but that he is reminded that you're the God who made heaven and earth. That you're the one who commands the seas on how far they can go and no further. That you make mountains and oceans, but even more. You're the king of the world. You're the Redeemer of our hearts. You're the Savior of our souls. And so, Lord, may he have great confidence, not in himself, but great confidence in Christ, in him the hope of glory, and what you can do in and through his life. Bless my brother. Use this moment of difficulty for your glory. Use this moment of testing for for his testimony. I ask it in Jesus name. Amen and amen. Well, Dan, thank you so much for joining me, brother. Thanks for helping to bridge these two incredible books. I recommend them both agents of Grace and the characters of Christmas. Find out more at Equip radio.org. Thanks, Dan.

Well, thank you, Chris, and thank you for your wonderful ministry.

Well, thank you, Chris, and thank you for your wonderful ministry.

Well, friends, I want to encourage you to find out more about Dan Darling. But as you get ready to embrace this season of fellowship and feasting, make sure you're an agent of grace. And until we're together again next time. As always, remember equipped with Chris Brooks is a production of Moody Radio, a ministry of Moody Bible Institute. Hey there, friends, Chris Brooks here. You know, November is National Adoption Month. We as Christians are called to be passionately pro-life. But how do we express that beyond our vote? One of the ways we do it is through adoption, maybe adopting a child ourself, or maybe supporting the adoptive parents. We'll talk about that on the next equip. Listen live weekdays at one eastern Noon central on the Moody Radio app, or equip radio.org.