Reviving the Church to Change the World (Part 2 of 2)

Focus on the Family with Jim Daly
Release Date: August 15, 2025
Hosts: Jim Daly and John Fuller
Guest: Os Guinness

Introduction

In the second part of the enlightening series titled "Reviving the Church to Change the World," Jim Daly and John Fuller welcome back renowned cultural commentator and biblical thinker, Os Guinness. The discussion delves deep into the challenges and strategies for modern Christian families and leaders striving to influence society positively through faith.

Faithful Calling and Family Heritage

Os Guinness begins by emphasizing the importance of faithfulness in one's specific calling, echoing the sentiment that while individuals cannot save the world, their consistent, faithful actions within their spheres can have a significant impact.

• Quote:
  "If each of us is faithful in the whole of the spheres of our calling, the salt and light will be salty."
  (00:00)

He shares a poignant family history, tracing his lineage back to his great-great-great-grandfather, who embraced Christianity through the influence of John Wesley during the Irish Revival. This legacy showcases the power of intergenerational faith and the enduring impact of prayer across generations.

• Quote:
  "Without those pistols, and I met the guy who owns them a few years ago, and I picked them up and I thought without one of those two pistols, my side of the family wouldn't be."
  (02:58)

Humility in Christian Leadership

John Fuller steers the conversation towards humility, a character trait that is both challenging yet essential for Christian leaders. He underscores that true humility can bridge dialogues and reset cultural priorities.

• Quote:
  "Humility is one of those characteristics that seems hard to live by. And yet it's the very thing that could draw people into the dialogue."
  (04:46)

Os Guinness agrees, highlighting humility as a cornerstone of Christian virtue and critiquing contemporary American culture's tendency to idolize success and status over genuine spiritual humility.

• Quote:
  "Blessed are the number ones, number twos are nowhere. Blessed are the MVPs, blessed are the hall of Famous."
  (05:43)

Navigating Cultural Decline and End Times

The hosts and Os Guinness discuss the prevalent feeling of being in a "tipping point" culturally, where religious liberties seem under threat, and societal values are shifting. They differentiate between genuine end times and the rise and decline of nations, noting that while society faces real challenges, it does not necessarily signal apocalyptic times.

• Quote:
  "We've got to live every day as if He's coming back this afternoon, and yet every day as if it could be another thousand years."
  (08:14)

Os Guinness cautions against misinterpreting societal decline as a sign of the end times, urging a balanced perspective rooted in faith and historical understanding.

Responding to Persecution with Christ-like Behavior

When addressing persecution and societal challenges, Os Guinness advocates for a Christ-like response characterized by love and humility rather than antagonism. He references Sir William Wilberforce as an exemplar of fighting injustice without demonizing opponents.

• Quote:
  "We must never demonize our enemies. We must do the Lord's work in the Lord's way."
  (10:34)

He emphasizes that true spiritual warfare requires supernatural prayer and a reliance on the Holy Spirit rather than human aggression.

The Role of Prayer in Cultural Transformation

The conversation shifts to the power of prayer as a transformative tool. Os Guinness distinguishes between ordinary prayers and those rooted in trusting God's sovereignty, essential for enacting genuine cultural change.

• Quote:
  "Prayer in the sense of supernatural waging... we need to bring that in as basic and normal, Os."
  (13:10)

He underscores that prayer must be a relational trust in God rather than transactional requests.

Orthopraxy and Orthodoxy: Living and Speaking Faith

John Fuller introduces the concept of orthopraxy (doing the Word) alongside orthodoxy (holding the truth of the Word). He posits that a harmonious balance between practicing and proclaiming faith is crucial for authentic Christian witness.

• Quote:
  "Orthopraxy, the doing of the Word, and orthodoxy, the truth of the Word... they work really well together."
  (15:18)

Os Guinness elaborates by outlining Jesus' calling to know Him, live His way, and share the faith, reinforcing that both action and belief must be integrated seamlessly.

The Concept of Renaissance in the Church

The term "Renaissance" is explored as a metaphor for a cultural flowering inspired by the Gospel. Os Guinness prefers "Renaissance" over "Revival" for its connotations of new birth and cultural renewal without the historical baggage.

• Quote:
  "Renaissance is a French word for new birth, so it goes back to John chapter three and being born again."
  (17:22)

He envisions a Renaissance where justice, arts, and human values are transformed through the lived experiences of Christians.

Examples of Positive Change

Highlighting tangible examples, Os Guinness cites the growth of Christians in the arts, music, and academia as signs of this emerging Renaissance. He points to initiatives like the Wedgwood circle and significant missionary work in Europe and the Middle East as evidence of the Gospel's expanding influence.

• Quote:
  "Many of the exceptions are incredibly exciting. And of course, that's the Gospel."
  (18:32)

Practical Steps for Families to Foster Faith

Concluding the discussion, Os Guinness offers practical advice for Christian families to cultivate faith and cohesion. He emphasizes the importance of family worship and shared meals, noting that these simple practices can strengthen familial bonds and faith transmission.

• Quote:
  "Recover family worship and recover family cohesion through eating together today in Europe."
  (22:13)

He contrasts the cohesive family meals in Europe with the often fragmented dining experiences in modern America, advocating for intentional family time.

Conclusion

John Fuller summarizes the conversation by reiterating the call to live a robust Christian life—knowing, sharing, and authentically living one's faith to inspire others. Os Guinness affirms this, adding that maintaining hope and trust in God's sovereignty is essential for enduring and transforming challenging times.

• Quote:
  "Still be people of hope. Because we should have no fear. Our Lord is greater than all."
  (24:26)

Final Thoughts

The episode closes with Jim Daly and John Fuller encouraging listeners to engage further with Os Guinness's work, emphasizing the importance of supporting Focus on the Family to continue empowering Christian families and communities.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "If each of us is faithful in the whole of the spheres of our calling, the salt and light will be salty." – Os Guinness (00:00)

• "Without those pistols... my side of the family wouldn't be." – Os Guinness (02:58)

• "Humility is one of those characteristics that seems hard to live by. And yet it's the very thing that could draw people into the dialogue." – John Fuller (04:46)

• "Blessed are the number ones, number twos are nowhere... the way of Jesus." – Os Guinness (05:43)

• "We've got to live every day as if He's coming back this afternoon, and yet every day as if it could be another thousand years." – Os Guinness (08:14)

• "We must never demonize our enemies... in the Lord's way." – Os Guinness (10:34)

• "Prayer in the sense of supernatural waging... we need to bring that in as basic and normal, Os." – Os Guinness (13:10)

• "Orthopraxy, the doing of the Word, and orthodoxy, the truth of the Word... they work really well together." – John Fuller (15:18)

• "Renaissance is a French word for new birth, so it goes back to John chapter three and being born again." – Os Guinness (17:22)

• "Still be people of hope. Because we should have no fear. Our Lord is greater than all." – Os Guinness (24:26)

This episode of Focus on the Family with Jim Daly provides profound insights into how Christians can authentically live out their faith to effectuate cultural transformation. Through personal stories, theological discussions, and practical advice, Os Guinness inspires listeners to embrace humility, engage in meaningful prayer, and foster strong family traditions to contribute to a Renaissance of Christian values in today's world.