Thursday, October 23: In Episode 624 of The Daily Grind, John concludes the Counter-Culture of Love series with Jesus’ declaration, “My kingdom is not of this world.” He paints the scene of Jesus standing before Pilate and reveals how Christ’s Kingdom operates by the logic of love, not the pursuit of power. John contrasts worldly weapons with Kingdom ones — mercy, truth, forgiveness, and peace. He challenges the Church to reject political tribalism and instead embody a counter-culture of love that looks like Jesus. The episode revisits the “Jesus test,” urging listeners to speak only words that could come from Christ’s mouth. John redefines peacemaking as courageous engagement with compassion. He invites believers to reflect on how their lives display allegiance to a heavenly Kingdom. The cross, he reminds us, is not a symbol of retreat but of revolution. The episode closes with a call to live out the Kingdom’s love in every interaction, making visible the reign of Jesus on earth.

Wednesday, October 22: In Episode 623 of The Daily Grind, John unpacks Jesus’ command to love our neighbor through the Parable of the Good Samaritan. He describes how Jesus redefined “neighbor” as anyone in need, dismantling cultural and tribal boundaries. The Samaritan’s compassion challenged religious indifference and racial hostility, showing that love means action, not sentiment. John reminds listeners that the true test of faith isn’t how much we know, but how much we love — especially those who are difficult to love. He revisits the “Jesus filter”: if it doesn’t sound, look, or act like Jesus, it’s not Christian. The episode contrasts love with culture war and challenges the church to teach mercy rather than animosity. John calls believers to be a counter-culture of love, reflecting Jesus’ compassion in a divided world. Through reflection questions, he helps listeners identify their “hardest person to love” and turn conviction into compassion. The message closes with a charge to live as recognizable disciples of Jesus through everyday acts of mercy.

Monday, October 20: Episode 621 of The Daily Grind begins a new four-part series titled A Counter-Culture of Love: Following Jesus in a Divided World. John explores Jesus’ first proclamation in Mark 1:15 that “the time has come” and the Kingdom of God has drawn near. He explains how the word “gospel” originally meant a royal announcement and how Jesus used it to declare a new reign, not advice for better living. Drawing from Romans 1:16, John emphasizes that the gospel is the power of God, not a political agenda. He challenges listeners to apply a “Jesus test” to their speech and actions — if it doesn’t sound like Jesus, look like Jesus, or act like Jesus, it’s not the gospel. The Church, he says, is not a political action committee but a counter-culture of love. Through unity and compassion, believers announce the gospel by how they live. John encourages listeners to reflect on whether they’re confusing culture war with kingdom work. The episode closes with a call to speak and act in ways that reveal Jesus to the watching world.