There is an ever-growing tension for followers of Jesus in our world today.

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Maybe you are among those who feel that all is lost in both culture and government, and are ready to walk away. On the other hand, maybe you feel the only option is more control over culture and government in order to stave off disaster. Each of these conclusions is understandable, but each falls short of the biblical call issued to followers of Jesus Christ. We are well served to remember that culture is always going to look different than our chosen lifestyle of embracing the cross of Jesus Christ, and that a decision to model our lives after the Gospel will set us apart as peculiar from those around us (1 Pet. 2:9). Even so, God’s very purpose for sending us to this place and time is to serve as His physical representatives—His ambassadors—to those around us. (2 Cor. 5:16-21)

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We must engage with culture in order to invite those in it to choose an embrace of the call to follow Jesus. However, this does not make culture our highest call. In fact, we engage with culture as an appeal to those who are hostile to our beliefs rather than with an aim at conquest or cultural control. We are in the world, but not of it (Jn. 17:6-19). When culture conflicts with our Gospel call, we have too often convinced ourselves that we are called to righteous anger. While there are certainly causes for which we should rally a passionate defense, we, like Jesus, should lead lives primarily marked by, and overwhelmingly tilted toward, service. The cross, the foot-washing basin, and the servant’s towel come to mind as images that embody how Jesus engaged with those around Him—and therefore how we should engage with those around us.

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You are invited to regularly read The Equipped to:

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• Be aware of the times – If we are intentional ambassadors of Jesus, we need to understand the times. (Rom. 13:11-14) The Equipped will aim to provide you accurate information that is free of undue narrative or agenda, even—and maybe especially—when that information does not fit neatly into any particular political agenda or narrative. We will strive to remain faithful to only one narrative--Jesus came to seek, save, and serve the lost (Lk. 19:10, Mk. 10:42-45), and we are commissioned to do the same. (2 Cor. 5:16-21)

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• Be equipped rather than consume – We were made to serve, be caretakers, and live generously, not to simply consume. (1 Cor. 4:1, Jn. 13:1-17, Gen. 1:26-30, Luke 6:38) Very few of us consume too little information. If The Equipped will serve as just one more intake of news and information, we respectfully acknowledge you would be better off not reading it. The Equipped is designed to help you shift the way you take in news and information, with an aim at reducing your volume of consumption while increasing your capacity to engage in service-oriented action.

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• View all things through a lens of the eternal – We are to set our minds on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of a good report, virtuous, and worthy of praise. (Philip. 4:8) At The Equipped, we describe these things as, “the True and the beautiful.” When we view the fallen world around us through this lens, it enables us to spurn fear and instead lead lives marked by power, love, and a sound mind. (2 Tim. 1:7) A far cry from minimizing our impact on culture and society, this approach will revolutionize and radically expand our ability to impact others for the Gospel.

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We at The Equipped are nowhere close to having all the answers. We are on this journey right alongside you, and there are plenty of situations (maybe even a majority of them) that feel overwhelming to us. But we are committed to serving you as we together seek to be more like Jesus. Our prayer is that this publication will leave you better equipped to make Him famous as you engage with the world.