Some things in Scripture are clear and non-negotiable. Others aren’t directly addressed and can feel more open-ended. Have you ever had a friend feel strongly about an issue that didn’t seem like a big deal to you, especially in your faith?

The Bible gives clear direction on many things, but some areas can be harder to sort through. In 1 Corinthians 10:31, we’re reminded: “whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it for the glory of God.” Tension often comes when a personal conviction, something between someone and the Lord. gets applied to everyone else. As Steve puts it, many of these aren’t sin issues as much as they are wisdom issues, shaped by individual personalities and experiences.

It’s important to remember that we’re each responsible for our own walk with the Lord. Sarah raises a thoughtful question: what about things mentioned in Scripture that may not apply in the same way today? Rich points us back to the heart of it all, following Jesus and being transformed daily, rather than just trying to check boxes. Steve echoes that, encouraging us to keep drawing closer to God.

Ultimately, these conversations should lead us to seek God’s wisdom more deeply. The group touches on topics like alcohol, parenting, homeschooling, and even hair length and ask an important question: as we grow in wisdom, could our perspectives change?

We hope this conversation encouraged you, and we’re looking forward to next week!

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This week, we continue the conversation from our previous episode on Sodom and Gomorrah. Rich opens with a powerful reminder from 1 Corinthians: “Bad company corrupts good character.” The truth is, what we surround ourselves with shapes us, often more than we realize. That reality is clearly seen in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah and becomes a key theme in today's discussion.

From there, we explore what it looks like to thoughtfully and faithfully engage with the world, even in its most broken places. Sarah reflects on something her high school teacher used to say: “There’s nothing new under the sun.” It’s a reminder that while sin may look different across generations, the brokenness of the world isn’t new. Scripture shows us that humanity has always wrestled with the same deep issues.

So how should Christians live in a fallen world? That’s the heart behind this podcast, to wrestle with that question together. Steve emphasizes that it starts with our own walk with Christ. Before looking outward, we must first examine our own hearts. But that doesn’t mean withdrawing from the world. Instead, we’re called to engage it intentionally and purposefully. As Jesus says in Matthew 10, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”

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If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

Are there stories in the Bible that feel strange, unsettling, or even a little uncomfortable?

This week, Steve, Rich, and Sarah dive into one of the most infamous accounts in the Old Testament: Sodom and Gomorrah. Sarah jokingly notes that this story didn’t quite make it into her son’s storybook Bible and for those familiar with it, that probably comes as no surprise.

Rich walks through the narrative, carefully outlining the events found in Genesis 18–19, while Steve adds helpful historical and cultural context along the way. One key insight Rich highlights is that God was not only addressing the wickedness of these cities, but also using these events to teach Abraham something significant about His character and justice.

Steve also points out that Jesus later references Sodom and Gomorrah during His ministry in the Gospels, showing that this wasn’t just an isolated moment in history but that it carried lasting meaning. Together, they explain how the practices in these cities reflected deeply pagan and destructive patterns of sin that had reached a breaking point.

This episode offers a thoughtful overview of why God responded the way He did and how these events fit into the broader biblical story. Steve closes with a word of encouragement, helping connect this difficult passage to our lives today.

And next week, the conversation continues as the team explores how Christians should understand and respond to events like this in today’s current world.

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Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.