Exalting Jesus Christ in Madison

We now live in a post-Christian context—what author Aaron Renn has described as the “Negative World.” Christianity, which only a few decades ago enjoyed a broadly respected place in American society, is increasingly regarded by many as irrelevant, extreme, or even harmful. How should the church respond to this new cultural moment? 1 Peter, written to Christians navigating an even more openly hostile pre-Christian world, is a great starting point.

Peter’s audience faced pressures far greater than we do, yet there is not a single word of complaint in his letter. His message: don’t erupt in rage, don’t retreat in fear, and don’t surrender to despair. Get hopeful. As Christians embrace their identity as elect exiles—chosen by God yet strangers in the world—opposition becomes opportunity, holiness becomes witness, and suffering becomes the path to glory.