NW Valley Times

Tim Birdwell, the founding and lead pastor of Phoenix Bible Church, addressed students at Global Credit Union Arena on Monday. His talk focused on how Christians should manage anger through a "Kingdom lens" rather than a cultural one.

Birdwell acknowledged that anger is often justified. "You should be angry about some things," he said, citing injustices such as child abuse and racism. He emphasized the importance of responding to these feelings with clarity and intention: "If you have the right lenses on, you can see clearly and respond accordingly."

The pastor highlighted instances of righteous anger in the New Testament, including when Jesus overturned tables in the temple. "He was angry that people were worshiping money instead of Jesus," Birdwell explained.

Reflecting on his personal journey, Birdwell shared how attending church during his youth did not prevent him from straying during college. However, he credited his return to faith to being influenced by others who viewed life through a Kingdom perspective.

He warned against viewing anger through a cultural lens, which often leads to destructive behavior like lashing out or isolating oneself. Instead, Birdwell encouraged dealing with anger constructively by recognizing it as an indicator rather than allowing it to dictate one's actions.

Birdwell also stressed the importance of addressing grievances directly and forgiving others as part of healing and maintaining relationships. "It’s important, and that’s where healing is found," he noted.

Concluding his message, Birdwell reminded attendees that forgiveness involves trusting God rather than relying on reciprocation from others: "You’re called to trust who? God."

The next Chapel speaker will be Steve Green, President of Hobby Lobby and co-founder of the Museum of the Bible.