In one of my favorite childhood movies (which is probably not appropriate for children), two brothers are on “a mission for God.” As they put their band back together, they arrive at their first watering hole. Though they have stolen the chance to perform, the barmaid tells them that their establishment enjoys both kinds of music: country and western. If you know the rest of the story, you know that Jake and Elwood Blues are loudly booed before they are ballyhooed. But in the end, they save the Catholic orphanage, even as they find themselves in the Cook County slammer.
At the risk of tempting someone to use this intermission as fodder for a Summer at the Movies sermon, I think it’s fair to say that Christians are on a mission for God, too. And central to that mission is making disciples and teaching them to obey all that Christ commands. This is the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18–20). And today, churches who find their motivations from Scripture, will be compelled to preach the gospel and to help disciples of Christ apply the whole counsel of God to all parts of creation.
Since the beginning of our ministry, Christ Over All has aimed to help Christians think carefully about what that commission means. And most recently, our attention has turned to the law (September) and politics (October). In a word, we are playing both kinds of music, keyed to the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. Yet, to a people who are commissioned to bear witness to Christ and his salvation to ends of the earth (Matt. 1:21; Acts 1:8), it is possible that either one of themes (and both of them together!) may raise questions, or even boos. But let’s reason together.
One of the reasons we dedicated the month of September to The Ten Commandments was to affirm that all parts of God’s Word are useful for instruction, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. Indeed, the good news of the gospel does not deny God’s commandments. Rather, if we read the law lawfully (1 Tim. 1:8–11), we learn much about God’s character, God’s demands, and God’s fulfillment of the law in Jesus Christ. Truly, the grace of Christ does not make the Ten Commandments irrelevant, even if the new covenant makes obsolete the old covenant (see Heb. 8). As the Holy Spirit writes the law on our hearts (Jer. 31:33; Heb. 8:10), he makes the law desirable (Ps. 119) and its obedience a joy (cf. Heb. 10:7), not a burden (1 John 5:3). Thus, disciples of Christ are called to give attention to God’s law.
Similarly, churches and especially pastors are called to address all aspects of life and this includes politics. Yet, we can say more. Because imager-bearers are made to rule creation (Gen. 1:28; Ps. 8), we must know what God says about ruling and rulers. It is not too much to say that humanity is political by nature, and Scripture commands us to pray for our magistrates (1 Tim. 2:1–4). Therefore, if we are thinking rightly about anthropology, it will not take long before questions of society, sovereignty, and the state rise to the surface.
We do not live our lives isolated from the laws of the land, nor do we merely forge social contracts to secure our earthly conditions. Sorry, John Locke. If we are reading Scripture, we quickly discern a wide swath of assumptions and instructions about government and governors. Because politics and politicians impact every sphere of life, Christians must learn how to live, move, and have their citizenship. And in America, this is especially true. For not only does our republic depend upon our civic participation, but also, because the modern state intrudes itself into so many different areas of life.
Yes, we must retain distinctions between God’s three institutions (family, church, and state), but that doesn’t mean that pulpits must refrain from addressing the state. Just the opposite, pastors play a significant role in teaching their people about the world God made. And when the state seeks to increase abortion and define marriage contrary to God’s will, then pastors must stand up and speak—as hundreds are now doing in my state of Virginia.
As it will become apparent this month, we at Christ Over All believe that pastors have the calling to rightly and responsibly engage politics. Ironically, the loudest voices decrying politics in the pulpit are often the liberal pundits who write books condemning conservative Christians. But unfortunately, it is not limited to them. There are plenty of Bible-believing Christians who think and speak the same way.
"Pastors need to stop making politics an idol."
— David Schrock🌲 (@DavidSchrock) October 1, 2026
– The guy making 💰💰💰 condemning conservative politics https://t.co/pzuEFeZqoa
Therefore, this month we have recruited a team authors (mostly pastors) who are thinking wisely about the way Christians should and should not engage the political. In answer to the question, “Should Pastors Be Political?” we answer in the affirmative. Yet, our affirmative has specific applications to pursue and others to avoid. For truly, there are wrong ways to be political and ways to compromise our mission. That said, much gospel-centered, anti-political messaging has only weakened the church and the church’s witness in the public square. And for the next month, it is our aim to help pastors and their church’s to be political.
Intermission: The Ten Commandments: Yesterday, Today, and Forever (September 2026)
Still, before getting into the month on politics, don’t miss all the resources on God’s law. In September we offered essays on each commandment in the Decalogue, plus resources that engage the multiple ways that God’s law should be applied today. Additionally, if you had questions about any of the essays, be sure to listen to the podcast interviews.
The Ten Commandments and the Literary Structure of Deuteronomy by Josh Philpot • Concise Article • The book of Deuteronomy is structured after the Ten Commandments. Find out why this matters.
1 Timothy and the 10 Commandments by Andy Naselli • Concise Article • What does Paul mean when he tells Timothy that the law is good if it is used lawfully? In this excerpt from his forthcoming book, Andy Naselli interprets 1 Timothy 1:8–11 and seeks to understand Paul’s thoughts on the law.
Natural Law and Moral Law: How the Decalogue Retains Its Moral Relevance by Andy Schmitz • Concise Article • God’s moral law is written on both soul and stone. Though Christ fulfills the law, the Decalogue still provides essential moral instruction for the church and bears witness to God’s enduring moral order.
Devotion to the Only True God by Kaspars Ozolins • Concise Article • In the first and most pivotal commandment, Yahweh demands of Israel devotion to himself alone. How does this apply to New Covenant believers?
Reflections on the Law of God in Scripture and Theology by Stephen Wellum • Longform Essay • What is the law of God? There are many answers to this question, but what does the Bible say, and how does God’s law function within Scripture’s covenantal structure?
No Idols by Peter Gentry • Concise Article • Do you know the order of the Ten Commandments? Despite their fame, the ordering of the Ten Commandments is debated. Dr. Gentry initiates his readers into that debate and teases out some theological implications.
5.47 “Reflections on the Law of God in Scripture and Theology” by Stephen J. Wellum • Podcast Reading • What is the law of God? There are many answers to this question, but what does the Bible say, and how does God’s law function within Scripture’s covenantal structure?
Hallowed be Thy Name by Doug Ponder • Concise Article • Keeping the third commandment means so much more than not saying “oh my God.” Find out how the holiness of God’s name should shape our disposition toward God, and even our entire lives.
Why We Need “Cultural Christianity” by David Mitzenmacher • Concise Article • Is it bad or good for societies to have cultural Christianity? David Mitzenmacher explores the common critiques against the goodness of cultural Christianity. He responds by meditating on the Second Use of the Law.
Remember the Sabbath: Israel’s Covenant Sign Fulfilled in Christ, Part 1 by Ardel Caneday • Concise Article • Should Christians keep the Sabbath? Yes—but that doesn’t mean what you think.
5.48 “Reflections on the Law of God in Scripture and Theology” by Stephen J. Wellum, David Schrock, & Trent Hunter • Podcast Interview • Listen in as David Schrock and Trent Hunter interview Stephen Wellum on his COA Longform Essay “Reflections on the Law of God in Scripture and Theology”
Remember the Sabbath: Israel’s Covenant Sign Fulfilled in Christ, Part 2 by Ardel Caneday • Concise Article • Christ fulfilled the Mosaic Law and brought it to an end. Now, we are under the Law of Christ. What does that mean?
Remember the Sabbath: Israel’s Covenant Sign Fulfilled in Christ, Part 3 by Ardel Caneday • Concise Article • Jesus is our Sabbath. So what should we do on Sundays?
Honoring Father and Mother in an Age of No Contact by Trent Hunter & Christian Hunt • Concise Article • We all know we should honor our parents, but how does this apply to less than ideal parents?
Set Apart for Worship: Ten Words about the Fourth Commandment by David Schrock • Longform Essay • The 4th Commandment instructs believers to “keep the Sabbath holy.” But now that Christians are under the New Covenant, what does that command mean for Christians? Is the 4th Commandment fully fulfilled in Christ? Or does it have continuing moral authority over our lives? David Schrock explores these questions and the glorious reality of rest with God behind the commandment.
5.49 “Set Apart For Worship: Ten Words about the Fourth Commandment” by David Schrock • Podcast Reading • The 4th Commandment instructs believers to “keep the Sabbath holy.” But now that Christians are under the New Covenant, what does that command mean for Christians? Is the 4th Commandment fully fulfilled in Christ? Or does it have continuing moral authority over our lives? David Schrock explores these questions and the glorious reality of rest with God behind the commandment.
Thou Shalt Not Kill: The Sixth Commandment and the Sanctity of Life by Alex Tibbott • Concise Article • God plainly tells us, “thou shalt not kill,” but how does this commandment apply to nuanced topics like Euthanasia and Abortion?
The State and the Sixth Commandment by Levi Secord • Concise Article • What right does the state have to enforce the sixth commandment?
The Seventh Commandment: You Shall Not Commit Adultery by Brandon D. Myers • Concise Article • Adultery is a sin that brings lasting shame, a ruined legacy, and numerous victims. Individuals, married couples, pastors, and local churches must actively fight against marital unfaithfulness and sexual immorality.
The Propriety of the Eighth Commandment by E. Calvin Beisner • Concise Article • Want to know why stealing matters? Let’s think about what it means to own something first.
White Lies and Carnival Mirrors: A Meditation on the Ninth Commandment by Cory Chilcote • Concise Article • What does it mean to reflect an honest God’s image in our everyday lives? In light of the 9th Commandment, Cory Chilcote explores this question by showing us the distorted nature of subtle, socially acceptable lies.
5.50 “Set Apart For Worship: Ten Words about the Fourth Commandment” by David Schrock, Stephen Wellum, & Trent Hunter • Podcast Interview • Listen in as Stephen Wellum and Trent Hunter interview David Schrock on his COA Longform Essay “Set Apart for Worship: Ten Words about the Fourth Commandment” and speak on what it means to hold a Progressive Covenantal view of the Sabbath.
Gay Christianity’s War Against the Moral Law of God by Rosaria Butterfield • Concise Article • Our time is marked by prolific and radical confusion over issues related to sexual morality. Christianity is not exempt from this confusion. In this article, Rosaria Butterfield critiques both sides of the A-side / B-side debate with the law of God.
News and Notes
First, Christ Over All’s celebrated its fourth birthday.
If you have been blessed by the work of Christ Over All, consider helping us go for another year by making a contribution of $25, $50, or $100. This ministry depends upon the generosity of readers like you. And so, every gift helps us keep the lights on and the resources rolling. At the same time, for every gift $50 or more, you will get access to our new subscription service, COA+. You can make that donation at here.
Second, don’t miss two in-person gatherings—one in Denver (November 2026); one in Fort Myers, Florida (January 2027).
On November 17–19, many of us from Christ Over All will be returning to the Evangelical Theological Society in Denver, Colorado. If you will attend ETS, make plans to join us for a Wednesday night fellowship, as we hang out together.
In the new year, Christ Over All will have booth at the National Founders Conference. Join us on January 21–23, in Fort Myers, Florida, as we make our annual pilgrimage to the warmer climes of Sunny Florida. You can register here.
Third, collecting Christmas short stories is now in full swing.
In December, we are looking for short stories (under 5,000 words) that (1) engage the theme of Christmas and (2) provide some kind of moral lesson. Taking our cues from Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, we are looking to foster many edifying “Christmas Carols to the Glory of God.”
So, if you are a storyteller, or have a story to tell, or know someone who does, we are going to have a competition where winners will have their story published during December. And depending on the numbers, we will also read some of these stories on our podcast, and even do some interviews with the authors.
The submission deadline is November 15, 2026. Questions and submissions can go to Ch*************@***il.com. And Lord willing, all winners and runners-up (whom we will publish too) will be announced throughout December.
Fourth, the 2027 calendar is here . . . as the Lord allows.
If you are interested in writing on a subject, let us know by emailing us at Ch*************@***il.com.
January: Christian Spiritual Disciplines
February: Dating, Marriage, Sex, and Procreation
March: Cross-Cultural Missions
April: Christ’s Ascension
May: Got Health? Assessing Modern Medicine
June: A Protestant Critique of Roman Catholicism
July: The Doctrine of Salvation
August: COA Mixtape (2026–27)
September: The Psalms
October: The Christian Mind: Thinking Our Thoughts After God
November: Leadership: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
December: Christmas Buffet: An Edifying Assortment
That’s all for now. Until next time, let us remember that Christ is Lord over all, and in all things let us exalt Christ.
