https://linktr.ee/thunderinglegion

Today's "Big Question" is "How do Christians live out the command to evangelize within the military context?" Today's guest is Evan Murray who's an active duty member who I connected with in a Persoanl Evangelism and Devotion class at Southern Baptist Theological University:

• What is the gospel? God-Man-Christ-Response
• What does the gospel cost? Everything! Our former self and our pride.
• Evangelism, who in the military should share the gospel? And with whom? Great Commission in Matt 28:19-20
• Am I allowed to share my personal faith as representative of the government? We are ambassadors of Christ first and foremost
• What are common challenges to sharing the gospel with other military members? Busyness and laziness
• What are some common barriers or objections to the gospel for military members? Postmodernism and relativism.

Reflect:

• What does this episode reveal about God's character?
• How does this episode cause us to see our need for a Savior?
• How can we apply lessons learned from this episode to our life?

Follow Christ today:

• ✝️ "Choose this day whom you will serve..." ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭24‬:‭15‬
• ‭✝️ "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬

Next steps:

• Share with an armed forces member
• Follow Instagram, Facebook, Podcast

https://linktr.ee/thunderinglegion

https://linktr.ee/thunderinglegion

Today we are continuing our monthly "Big Question" series where we wrestle with personal questions or questions submitted by listeners. Today we will be digging into the question "How should Christians in Military Think about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)?"

Resources:

• Oath of Commissioned Officers
• Department of Defense Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Strategic Plan
• DELETED after recording - WhiteHouse.gov executive order: 2021/06/25/executive-order-on-diversity-equity-inclusion-and-accessibility-in-the-federal-workforce/
• Commentary: Equity vs. Equality By Andrew Duffield, Ed.D AFIMSC Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer

Episode Notes:

• Why should anyone care about this question? How does our answer impact how we live our lives? Prevalent in any western society, including social institutions like the military. Military leaders will have to decide if they will promote DEI policies

• Clarify definitions from common sources: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility

• What can we all observe about this question based on the human experience, realities of life, nature, our consciences, etc. (Paint as wide of a brush as possible): Is diversity really unity? Is equality a guarantee?

• What does the Bible have to say about DEI? "No soldier on service entangleth himself in the affairs of this life; that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier." 2 Timothy 2:4. Gospel is not fair - God always promised to save a remnant. Diversity - "After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands." Revelation 7:9. Equality vs Equity. Inclusion - Choice, parable of the talents

• How can we practically apply our answers to everyday life? Oath, Constitution, Christian Mindset, Stand on principle

• Challenge: Continue asking big questions and seeing big answers. Be willing to follow the truth where it leads.

Reflect:

• What does this episode reveal about God's character?

• How does this episode cause us to see our need for a Savior?

• How can we apply lessons learned from this episode to our life?

Follow Christ today:

• ✝️ "Choose this day whom you will serve..." ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭24‬:‭15‬

• ‭✝️ "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬

Next steps:

• Share with an armed forces member

• Follow Instagram, Facebook, Podcast

https://linktr.ee/thunderinglegion

https://linktr.ee/thunderinglegion

Today we intervew prior enlisted New York Air National Guard C-17 Pilot, Captain Jonathan "Rooster" Guagenti. Rooster's crew flew missions in support of the Afghanistan withdrawl. Rooster's crew evacuated hundreds of refugees and returned 13 fallen servicemembers home after the Kabul Airport bombing. For their efforts, Rooster's crew received Air Medals with Valor and Combat Action Medals, and the aircraft commander received a Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor

Resources:

• Daily Stoic

• Bible in a Year Reading Plan

• Spiritual Disciplines by David Mathis

Episode Notes:

• Background: Grew up in a Christian household. Enlisted before commissioning to become an officer and love for aviation drew him to attend pilot training.

• Testimony: Grew up with lukewarm faith then experienced a failed relationship. Started Bible in a Year plan and God drew him into ministry by closing doors and opening others.

• Successes and failures / struggles: Honor violation during pilot training. Rooster flew missions during the Afghanistan pullout participating in refugee evacuation, bombing and ramp ceremony, returned 13 fallen servicemembers home after the Kabul Airport bombing.

• Calling: Active Guard Reserve, Part time Pastor, then eventually full time Pastor

• Favorite Books of the Bible: Psalms

• Daily Spiritual Growth: Going deeper in Bible readings. Prayer guide: ACTS - Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication.

• Advice: God is with you and is guiding you. Don't be afraid to live out your faith.

Reflect:

• What does this episode reveal about God's character?

• How does this episode cause us to see our need for a Savior?

• How can we apply lessons learned from this episode to our life?

Follow Christ today:

• ✝️ "Choose this day whom you will serve..." ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭24‬:‭15‬

• ‭✝️ "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬

Next steps:

• Share with an armed forces member

• Follow Instagram, Facebook, Podcast

https://linktr.ee/thunderinglegion