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Olympics Ceremony- Discussion and Call to Action – Discerning Dad

September 23, 2024

New episode out now of the Eyes on Jesus Podcast episode 63

Listen on Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eyesonjesus/episodes/Olympics-Ceremony–Discussion-and-Call-to-Action-e2mou7e

Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/-4tgxqu41yg

Below is a blog summary of the episode

Welcome to the Eyes on Jesus podcast with Drew and Tim. In today’s episode, we reflect on the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony. Our goal is to provide you with a Christian perspective, addressing what we observed and how we, as Christians, should respond. Let’s dive into our conversation, keeping our eyes firmly on Jesus.

A Call to Stand Firm on God’s Standards

We kick off our discussion with an emphasis on standing firm on God’s word and His standards, rooted in love. Events like the Olympics remind us that there is a plentiful harvest but few workers. As Christians, we have a responsibility to share the love of Christ with others, especially when the world portrays values contrary to our faith.

Interacting With Different Viewpoints

Our podcast reaches a diverse audience, including atheists. We believe in maintaining civil discussions, even when there are stark differences in beliefs. Recently, we’ve engaged with atheists online, and as long as the conversation remains respectful, we find value in these interactions. It is essential to stand firm in our faith while expressing love and patience.

The Controversial Olympic Opening Ceremony

The 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony sparked significant controversy. Drew and Tim shared their reflections, noting how the ceremony showcased what many saw as a woke agenda. There was a specific moment that drew parallels to the Last Supper but featured a trans woman at the center. This has spurred a spectrum of reactions within the Christian community.

Offense and How to Respond

The question arises: Should we, as Christians, take offense? Tim offers a compelling perspective—being constantly offended is not conducive to showing Christian love. Recognizing and calling out what is wrong is essential, but living in a perpetual state of offense can hinder our ability to love others as Jesus did.

Navigating Emotions and Standing for Truth

Tim addressed this briefly during his sermon, with a focus on not being shocked when the world acts like the world. He emphasizes the necessity of speaking out against sin while not allowing offense to dominate our emotions. The world’s attempts to push boundaries are expected, and Christians should respond by standing firm in truth and love.

The Importance of Discernment

Drew highlights the importance of where we should focus our energy. Instead of being drawn into social media echo chambers, we should aim to impact our immediate surroundings—our family, church, and community. The true battle is spiritual, and our best weapon is the truth of the gospel, shared from a place of love.

Moving Beyond Offense

Reflecting on the ceremony, Tim and Drew stress the importance of moving beyond offense. Jesus himself, who faced far greater offenses, chose not to react out of offense but with love and forgiveness. Christians should emulate Jesus, recognizing worldly actions for what they are but not allowing them to deter our mission to spread the gospel.

Practical Steps for Christians

When encountering events that challenge our beliefs, like the Olympics opening ceremony, it’s crucial to channel our reactions constructively. Here are some practical steps:

Stay Rooted in Scripture: Ground yourself in God’s word to discern truth from falsehood.
Engage in Prayer: Seek God’s guidance and strength to respond with love rather than emotion.
Impact Your Sphere: Focus on sharing the gospel within your sphere of influence. Small, consistent acts of faithfulness can have a profound impact.
Fellowship and Discipleship: Be part of a supportive Christian community where you can grow and be held accountable.

A Call to Action

Reflecting on the controversy, we are reminded of the importance of living out our faith boldly and lovingly. Drew notes that historical examples, like David and Goliath, inspire us to step forward with confidence, armed with the truth of God’s word. We are called to be active participants in the spiritual battle, helping others see the light of Christ.

Conclusion

The Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony was a moment that highlighted the stark differences between worldly values and Christian beliefs. Drew and Tim urge listeners to recognize these differences, call out what is wrong, and most importantly, respond with love and truth.

We invite you to share your thoughts on this topic. You can email us at eyesonjesuspodcast@outlook.com, and don’t forget to like, share, and leave us a review. Join our Facebook community, the Eyes on Jesus Podcast Community, for more discussions and support.