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.