Before continuing last week's conversation, Steve, Rich, and Sarah take a few minutes to share favorite Fourth of July memories and reflect on America's upcoming 250th anniversary.

Picking up where they left off, the team revisits the topic of Christian nationalism. Steve offers this definition: a political and ideological movement that seeks to closely fuse Christianity with national identity, government, and public life. The conversation explores why America's founders did not clearly establish the nation as officially Christian and how their desire for religious freedom may have shaped that decision.

The crew emphasizes that while Christians can appreciate and engage in their nation, their ultimate allegiance belongs to Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. The primary mission of the Church is not to make a nation Christian, but to make Christ known. As Rich points out, America's deepest problem is not political, it is spiritual.

The episode also addresses the division politics can create, even among believers, and the importance of having thoughtful conversations rooted in grace and truth. Sarah shares how both idolizing and demonizing political figures can harm the witness of Christ and create confusion on where allegiances lie. Throughout it all, the reminder is clear: God can use anything, even politics, but Christians must keep the main thing the main thing. And the main thing is Jesus.

Up next week: What Does The Bible Say About Christians and Israel?

Check out Episode 53 (audio only) of Resident Strangers where Independence Day is discussed 🇺🇸 🎧

Steve's sermon on this topic from January 2026

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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.

The word toxic has become a cultural buzzword, especially when conversations turn to masculinity and increasingly, femininity as well.

This week on Resident Strangers, the discussion continues as Steve, Rich, and Sarah explore what the Bible says about masculinity and femininity. Rich points out that even some of the men and women we encounter in Scripture aren't always intended to be models for us to follow. Understanding the difference between passages that are descriptive and those that are prescriptive is essential.

When the topic of "toxic" gender roles comes up, Steve suggests a more helpful phrase: destructive exaggeration. He unpacks what biblical headship actually means, challenging the misconception that it's about control or unchecked authority. Together, the team explores the dynamics between men and women and what true, God-honoring partnership looks like.

Sarah reflects on how these tensions play out in today's culture, where both men and women can be tempted to elevate themselves over one another. Ultimately, the conversation returns to the root issue: sin has distorted God's good design.

The episode also revisits the story of Adam and Eve, with Steve highlighting that blame often falls solely on Eve while Adam's failure to protect and lead faithfully is overlooked.

This is a thoughtful, balanced conversation that wrestles honestly with a complex topic. Give it a listen and let us know what you think! Next week's topic: Christian Nationalism.

Steve's sermon on this topic from January 2026

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Sign up for the Resident Strangers email list

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.