Go Be Jesus Podcast

Shane Russo

Welcome to the "Go Be Jesus" podcast, where we explore social justice through the lens of Christianity. Each episode features powerful sermons, stories, and discussions that will inspire you to take action and be a force for change in the world. Whether you are a person of faith, an ally, or just someone who cares about social justice, this podcast will challenge you to think deeply, question assumptions, and become a better person. Join us as we explore the role of religion in social justice, and how we can all Go Be Jesus to Someone Else This Week.

  1. 02/08/2025

    Debunking the Great Reset Conspiracy

    In this episode of Go Be Jesus, Shane unpacks the claims made by Jeff Kinley and Mark Hitchcock about the so-called “Great Reset,” a one-world government, and the Antichrist’s impending reign. Are these real threats to Christianity, or just another round of fear-based theology? We break down the conspiracy, examine what scripture actually says, and ask the bigger question: Are we so busy fearing the future that we’re neglecting our call to build justice now? 🔥 Key Topics Discussed: What the "Great Reset" actually is (spoiler: not the Antichrist's grand entrance). Why fear-based theology distracts us from Jesus' actual teachings. How COVID-19 conspiracy theories harm real people and ignore our responsibility to care for the vulnerable. The myth of America’s divine destiny in scripture (hint: it’s not in there). Why Revelation isn’t a play-by-play of world events, but a call to resist empire and pursue justice. What a real Jesus-centered reset should look like today. 📖 Scriptures Mentioned: Acts 2:44-45 – The early church’s radical economic justice. Matthew 5:9 – "Blessed are the peacemakers." Matthew 25:40 – Caring for "the least of these" as true faith in action. Luke 17:21 – "The Kingdom of God is among you." 📌 Takeaways:✅ The world isn’t doomed because people are working together—it’s doomed if we stop.✅ End-times obsession takes away our responsibility to love and serve now.✅ If we’re looking for a Great Reset, let’s start with justice, compassion, and action. 📢 Join the Conversation!💬 What’s your take on the "Great Reset" claims? Drop a comment or DM us on social media!📢 If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and leave a review! 👉 Follow us for more: linktr.ee/gobechurch🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! #FaithUndone #ProgressiveChristianity #EndTimesMyths #TheGreatReset #JusticeNotFear

  2. 02/01/2025

    Conspiracy Theories Threaten Meteorologists

    Main Topic: Exploring the growing issue of conspiracy theories targeting meteorologists, and how these beliefs undermine community safety, erode trust in experts, and hinder our ability to respond to climate challenges. Conversation and commentary on: https://www.thetimes.com/comment/register/article/weather-conspiracies-will-endanger-not-just-the-lives-of-meteorologists-9tl7pwfsh?utm_source=chatgpt.com®ion=global Key Talking Points: Rising Harassment Against Meteorologists: Increasing threats and harassment are making it dangerous for weather professionals to do their jobs. This isn’t just a workplace issue—this hostility affects everyone who relies on timely, accurate forecasts for safety. Conspiracy Theories as a Distracting Force: Time spent arguing over baseless theories takes focus away from real solutions. Instead of preparing communities for hurricanes, heat waves, or floods, the conversation shifts to unsupported claims that undermine preparedness. The Breakdown of Trust and Unity: When conspiracy theories spread, trust in reliable sources diminishes. Communities become fragmented and less capable of coordinating responses to natural disasters, leaving the most vulnerable at greater risk. A Faith-Based Perspective on Truth and Responsibility: From a Christian standpoint, our faith calls us to protect the vulnerable, seek truth, and counter harm. Spreading falsehoods goes against these principles, creating more division instead of fostering unity. Relational Theology and the Common Good: Viewing this issue through an open and relational lens, we see that harm to one part of the community affects everyone. A breakdown in trust between citizens and meteorologists disrupts the common good and undermines efforts to work together for safety and resilience. Call to Action: Listeners are urged to resist the pull of conspiracy theories and focus on the values that unite us. By recommitting to truth, respect, and community-driven goals, we can rebuild trust and effectively address the challenges posed by extreme weather and climate change. Takeaway Message:Conspiracy theories aren’t harmless—they harm real people and weaken our collective ability to respond to crises. By valuing truth and fostering trust, we can create a more resilient, united community ready to face the realities of a changing climate.

  3. 03/20/2024

    Embracing New Beginnings: A Dialogue with Bishop Tracy Smith Malone

    In this inspiring Easter season episode, host and pastor Shane Russo welcomes Bishop Tracy Smith Malone, a notable leader in the United Methodist Church, to discuss faith, hope, and the transformative power of the empty tomb. Bishop Malone, the resident bishop of the East Ohio Conference and a prominent figure in church leadership, shares her insights on overcoming emptiness and despair through faith, the significance of the empty tomb, and how unexpected emptiness can lead to newfound purpose. Throughout the conversation, the theme of empowerment, unity, and action weaves together discussions on personal faith, the role of women in ministry, and the importance of continuing Jesus' mission. Bishop Malone's compelling stories and spiritual wisdom encourage listeners to engage in their communities, embody the values of the gospel, and write their unique chapter in the narrative of resurrection and vibrant new life. 🙏 Join the Go Be Church community: Go Be Church Talk: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gobec... YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkg4... Follow Us Everywhere: https://linktr.ee/gobechurch00:00 Welcoming Easter Season with Bishop Tracy Smith Malone 01:22 Exploring the Empty Tomb: A Deep Dive into Mark 16 05:20 Finding New Life in Unexpected Emptiness 10:24 Personal Reflections on Faith and Resilience 13:08 The Empty Tomb's Meaning for Our Lives Today 16:17 Following Jesus Beyond the Tomb: A Call to Action 22:33 Exploring the Role of Women in Gospel Narratives 23:26 Amplifying Voices: The Justice Work of the Bible 24:16 The Urgency of Sharing Faith and Goodness 29:05 The Power of Individual and Collective Action 31:38 A Personal Journey: Building Dormitories in Africa 38:35 Visioning the Future: Continuing the Story 43:03 A Prayer for Transformation and Hope

  4. 03/15/2024

    Out of the Darkness and Into the Light

    Support our ministry here: http://tinyurl.com/gobechurchdonation00:00 The Depths of Despair and the Echo of Hope 00:26 Welcome to Go Be Church: A Message of Lamentations 01:38 A Personal Journey Through Darkness 02:59 The Human Experience: Frailty, Doubt, and the Path to God 04:54 Turning to God: Repentance and Reconciliation 07:32 Becoming the Light: Reflecting God's Love in the World 09:00 A Call to Community and Action 09:51 A Provocative Conclusion: The Sins of Nations Go Be Church Talk: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gobec... YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkg4... Follow Us Everywhere: https://linktr.ee/gobechurch 🙏 Join the Go Be Church community: Go Be Church Talk: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gobec... YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkg4... Follow Us Everywhere: https://linktr.ee/gobechurch In this video from Go Be Church, Pastor Shane dives into a powerful sermon about overcoming despair and returning to hope through faith in God. Drawing from Lamentations 3:55-66, he shares a personal narrative of despair following his father’s death, likening it to the biblical account of crying out from a metaphorical pit. Shane discusses human frailty, vulnerability, and the societal pressures to appear strong and self-sufficient. He challenges these notions, emphasizing the strength in acknowledging our weaknesses and turning to God. The sermon moves towards a message of repentance, not as a form of self-punishment, but as a hopeful act of turning towards God's love and mercy. Viewers are urged to share their struggles with God and to trust in His faithful presence and assistance. The script concludes with a call to action for viewers to embrace their roles as bearers of God’s light to those in darkness, highlighting the transformative power of faith and community support. Shane also encourages participation in the Go Be Church community for further discussion and support. 👍 Like this video and subscribe for more deep dives that will make you question everything you thought you knew about God, faith, and being a follow of Jesus. Writer, Filmographer: Shane Russo Editor: Niki Turner

  5. 03/13/2024

    Do You Worship Idols?

    Support our ministry here: http://tinyurl.com/gobechurchdonation 00:00 Introduction: The World We Live In 00:42 Welcome to Go Be Church: Scripture Reading 02:24 Understanding the Sins of Judah 02:56 Idolatry, Social Injustice, and Disobedience: The Three Major Sins 05:39 The Modern Day Sins: A Reflection on the United States 06:02 Listing Our Own Sins: A Call for Self-Reflection 09:30 The Good News: Jesus Showed Us Another Way 10:09 Conclusion: Reinstalling the God of Love Go Be Church Talk: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gobechurchtalk YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkg48-R1DxNNu3JpdDZ2wfA Follow Us Everywhere: https://linktr.ee/gobechurch 🙏 Join the Go Be Church community: Go Be Church Talk: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gobechurchtalk YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkg48-R1DxNNu3JpdDZ2wfA Follow Us Everywhere: https://linktr.ee/gobechurch In this sermon, Pastor Shane of Go Be Church explores the prevalent issues of idolatry, social injustice, and the disregard for God's laws in both ancient times and in the contemporary world. Drawing parallels between the sins that led to the Babylonian exile of the people of Judah and the modern-day societal and moral challenges, particularly in the United States, he highlights how idol worship, the exploitation of the vulnerable, and failure to adhere to divine commandments continue to plague society. Referencing Lamentations 3:34-45 and various parts of the Hebrew Bible, Pastor Shane delves into the specific transgressions of the people of Judah, including their worship of other gods, injustice towards the poor, and neglect of God's laws, and draws a compelling comparison to today's challenges like economic inequality, racial injustice, healthcare disparities, and environmental exploitation. The sermon urges a contemporary reflection on these issues, emphasizing the need for repentance and a return to a life centered around the love, compassion, and justice taught by Jesus, portraying God's response not as retributive but as one of grace and love, beckoning a recommitment to God’s command to love Him and our neighbors. 👍 Like this video and subscribe for more deep dives that will make you question everything you thought you knew about God, faith, and being a follow of Jesus. Writer, Filmographer: Shane Russo Editor: Niki Turner

  6. 02/24/2024

    Black Nationalism Before Malcolm X

    Understanding Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and Black Nationalism This episode focuses on a discussion of the book 'Martin and Malcolm and America: A Dream or a Nightmare'. Pastor Shane delves into how Martin Luther King and Malcolm X didn't create the ideas of integrationism and black nationalism, but inherited them. Both figures are compared, acknowledging their different methods in achieving the same goal: equality and freedom for black people, but also highlighting their shared realization that the capitalist system in America was not just keeping black people poor, but keeping all poor people down. Shane emphasizes the importance of not 'whitewashing' history, but understanding and appreciating diversity. But the conversation doesn't end here. We invite you to join the Go Be Church Talk Facebook group, a vibrant community dedicated to discussing and dissecting topics like this and more. Engage with like-minded individuals, share your insights, and be part of a growing dialogue on issues that matter. Join us now at Go Be Church Talk (https://www.facebook.com/groups/gobec...) and let's keep the discussion going. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful content. Your support helps us bring more stories like this into the spotlight. Here is the book being discussed: https://amzn.to/49rxWNo#BlackNationalism #CivilRightsHistory #UnveilingOrigins #GoBeChurchTalk 00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Book 02:29 The Origins of Black Nationalism 03:54 The Evolution of Black Nationalism 06:19 The Influence of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King 12:39 The Impact of Historical Events on Black Nationalism 18:33 The Role of Marcus Garvey in Black Nationalism 19:09 Reflections on the Legacy of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King 27:20 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

About

Welcome to the "Go Be Jesus" podcast, where we explore social justice through the lens of Christianity. Each episode features powerful sermons, stories, and discussions that will inspire you to take action and be a force for change in the world. Whether you are a person of faith, an ally, or just someone who cares about social justice, this podcast will challenge you to think deeply, question assumptions, and become a better person. Join us as we explore the role of religion in social justice, and how we can all Go Be Jesus to Someone Else This Week.