What does it mean to be a holy nation? In Episode 4 of The Sound Doctrine Podcast, we return to the 1985 General Assembly to hear Bishop Adrian L. Varlack, Sr. deliver his sermon, “The Shaping of a Nation.”

Preaching from 1 Peter 2:9, Bishop Varlack challenges the Church to see itself not as a collection of nationalities, cultures, languages, or political identities, but as a people called together by God to become a holy nation under the rule of Christ. He reminds the Church that its identity is not found in earthly distinctions but in its calling to reflect the character, purpose, and kingdom of God.

Throughout the message, Bishop Varlack casts a bold vision of a worldwide Church united by the Holy Spirit, characterized by servanthood rather than lordship, and committed to transcending barriers of race, nationality, language, and culture. He calls the Church to embrace a kingdom identity that is greater than any earthly allegiance and to become the living demonstration of God’s wisdom before the world.

Listening today, nearly four decades later, it is remarkable how many of the themes Bishop Varlack articulated continue to resonate throughout the Church’s global mission and vision. His message remains a powerful call to unity, humility, and a renewed commitment to becoming the people God has called us to be.