Scripture Contains Broken Institutions

Is Trump Barabbas? In this episode, Craig sits down with Paul Lazzaroni (Crossing Cornerstone / No King but Christ Network) to talk about the Barabbas mindset, our craving for a strongman savior, political control, and “winning,” even when it contradicts Jesus’ way.

We explore modern Babylon, the wilderness formation of God’s people, and why “Jesus is Lord” can’t be a slogan that still needs Caesar’s power to do the work.

Topics covered

• Barabbas vs. Jesus: what kind of “savior” we want
• Christian nationalism and the temptation of state power
• Strongman politics and fear-based faith“Modern Babylon” as a pattern (empire thinking)
• Exodus / wilderness formation and slavery mindsetReading the Bible without using it to justify domination
• “No King but Christ” as lived discipleship

🤝 Connect with Paul Lazzaroni 🤝

• Cross and Cornerstone (Website / Blog + Articles)

  • C&C Facebook Page

• No King but Christ Network (Paul’s work is featured there): nokingbutchristnetwork.com

• Paul’s Personal Pages

  • Instagram

  • Facebook

  • YouTube

  • TikTok

Try This Week:
Notice where you assume force is necessary. Pause before reaching for control. Choose persuasion, presence, and honesty in one real situation, and see what it reveals about what you trust.

📖 For Full Show Notes: thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-155

Key Moments & Starting Points:

(0:00) Jesus or Caesar?

(0:45) Meet Paul Lazzaroni

(1:27) “Is Trump Barabbas?”

(2:20) The Barabbas Mindset

(8:36) Why Paul Doesn’t Vote

(17:57) Wilderness First

(47:30) Modern Babylon

(47:57) Mindsets and Mimic Kingdoms

(53:33) What Is Cross and Cornerstone?

(55:32) Why “Cornerstone”?

(57:16) Writing, Learning, Humility

💕 Want more episodes that keep loyalty with Jesus, not power? 💕

Support the show at thebadroman.com/donate. Anything helps—and everything beyond production costs goes to local charities in Memphis, TN.

🌶️ SALSA THE LOVE 🌶️
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Want to the support the project in another way? Share & Start a Conversation Send this episode to a friend and ask: Am I trusting Jesus’ cross-shaped way… or trusting force to hold it all together?

Listen slowly. Love boldly. No King but Christ.

🔗 Ways to Get Involved in the Project 🔗

• Blog submissions: thebadroman.com/contribute-to-the-blog
• Connect with us on social: thebadroman.com/social-links
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• Explore the No King but Christ Network: nokingbutchristnetwork.com