Thinking Clearly in a Messed-Up World

Every day, in every part of the world, we’re reminded that things aren’t how they’re supposed to be. Political, social, and spiritual division dominates the headline news, and stories of injustice and persecution are just as common. The path of peace and good will seems all but abandoned, and evil appears to be winning the day.

So how do we process these unnerving events? Does the Bible give any hope, help, or guidance?

Drawing from Romans 12, Stuart shows how you can respond with wisdom and courage to the day’s most distressing circumstances. For the Spirit of God is ever faithful—active in the renewing of your mind… and giving grace for thinking clearly in a messed-up world.

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Thinking Clearly About Our World

Speaker: Stuart Briscoe

Paul told the Roman believers, “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold, but let God remold your minds from within” (Rom. 12:2). But what did he mean by “the world” and how does it affect our minds and what should we do about it?

Scripture: Romans 12:1-12:2

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Speaker: Stuart Briscoe

The renewed mind thinks clearly about “the self.” This is important because, as John Stott points out, “Our ‘self’ is not a simple entity that is either wholly good or wholly evil, and therefore to be either totally valued or totally denied. Instead, our ‘self’ is a complex entity of good and evil, glory and shame, which on that account requires that we develop more subtle attitudes to ourselves.”

Scripture: Romans 12:3

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Speaker: Stuart Briscoe

Opinions differ concerning the church. Some see it as an irrelevant relic to be ignored, others regard it as a respectable institution to be tolerated, while some see it as a powerful enemy to be opposed. But the person with the renewed mind sees it is the body of Christ. But what does that mean?

Scripture: Romans 12:4-12:8

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Speaker: Stuart Briscoe

Modern culture places great emphasis on looking good and feeling good. Less concern is shown about doing good and being good. In fact “do good-ers” are often disliked and “being good” is sometimes dismissed as prudery. But Scripture says, “Cling to what is good.” What is “the good” and how do we cling to it?

Scripture: Romans 12:9-12:13

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Speaker: Stuart Briscoe

Richard Niebuhr said, “It is helpful to remember that the question of Christianity and civilization is by no means a new one, that Christian perplexity in this area has been perennial, and that the problem has been an enduring one through all the Christian centuries.” (Christ and Culture) That being the case, it is unlikely we will solve the problem, but we can do some clear thinking about it.

Scripture: Romans 12:14-12:21

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Speaker: Stuart Briscoe

For generations Christians have found Jesus’ famous statement, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Matt. 22:21) a helpful basis for understanding the relationship of the Christian to the State. But how does it apply today?

Scripture: Matthew 22:21, Romans 13:1-13:7

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Exchange your fear for faith

Worry has a way of stealing our joy, clouding our perspective, and pulling our attention away from God. But Scripture reminds us that true peace isn’t found in controlling our circumstances—it’s found in trusting the One who holds our lives in His hands.

As thanks for your gift today, we’ll send you Stuart and Jill Briscoe’s 2-message audio series, Worry-LESS, along with Jill’s encouraging booklet, Me, Worry? Together, these practical resources will help you replace anxious thoughts with confident faith and discover God’s peace in every season of life.

Request your resources today when you give to help share the timeless truth of God’s Word with people around the world searching for hope, encouragement, and the Life found only in Jesus Christ. Thank you!

Thinking Clearly in a Messed-Up World

Thinking Clearly About Our World

Thinking Clearly About Myself

Thinking Clearly About the Church

Thinking Clearly About What’s Good

Thinking Clearly About Christians and Society

Thinking Clearly About Authority

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Exchange your fear for faith

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Thinking Clearly in a Messed-Up World

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Exchange your fear for faith

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