Audience of One: Living Boldly for Christ in a World That Pushes Back

There’s something powerful about standing alone on a stage, stadium, or platform, knowing that your performance isn’t for the crowd—but for just One. 

One Person. One King. One Judge. That’s the Christian life. 

As followers of Jesus, we don’t live for likes, applause, or the approval of this world. We live for an Audience of One—and His name is Jesus.

This isn’t just a poetic phrase—it’s a foundational truth that should shape everything about how we live, speak, work, and love. And it’s especially vital in a world that often resists the gospel and pushes back against truth.

Living for One, Not Many

Paul wrote in Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” That’s the heartbeat of a life lived for an Audience of One. It means we no longer measure success by how many people approve of us. We measure it by faithfulness to Christ.

In Galatians 1:10, Paul puts it bluntly: “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? … If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” The Christian calling is not about popularity or comfort. 

It’s about obedience.

When we embrace that, everything changes. Suddenly, we’re free to be bold. We can speak truth when it’s unpopular. We can love when it costs us. We can serve even when no one notices. 

Why? 

Because we’re not playing to the crowd—we’re living for our King.

The Call to Share Christ

If we truly live for Jesus, we can’t remain silent about Him. 

Jesus’ final instructions in Matthew 28:18–20—the Great Commission—are not optional for believers. He told us to “go and make disciples of all nations.” That mission doesn’t just belong to missionaries and pastors. It belongs to all of us.

Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, an engineer, a teacher, an artist, or a student, you are called to be a light. Sharing Christ doesn’t always mean preaching on a street corner. It might mean speaking truth to a coworker, praying with a hurting friend, or choosing integrity when no one’s watching.

The world needs Jesus. And we are His messengers.

When the World Pushes Back

Let’s be honest: sharing Christ boldly isn’t always easy. Sometimes it’s costly. 

Jesus warned us it would be. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first,” He said in John 15:18. Paul reminded Timothy that “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).

That pushback can come in many forms—mockery, exclusion, false accusations, even legal or physical persecution in some parts of the world. 

But we’re not the first to face it. And we’re not alone.

God gives us everything we need to stand firm.

Strength to Stand

God never promised an easy road, but He promised His presence. He gave us His Spirit to empower us, His Word to anchor us, His church to encourage us, and His example to follow.

When we fix our eyes on Jesus and stay rooted in prayer and Scripture, we’re strengthened to endure. When we surround ourselves with other believers, we’re reminded that we’re not running this race alone.

And when we remember that the applause of the world fades—but the smile of God lasts forever—we gain courage to keep going.

Living with Eternity in View

At the end of our lives, we won’t be asked how many people liked us, followed us, or agreed with us. We’ll be asked whether we were faithful. 

Jesus said in Matthew 25:23, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” That’s the reward we live for.

This world is not our home. Its applause is temporary, its values are shifting, and its promises are empty. 

But eternity is real. Souls are eternal. And our mission matters.

When we live for an Audience of One, we live with urgency, humility, and courage. We don’t shrink back. 

We speak up. We love boldly. We endure hardship. 

And we do it all for the One who gave everything for us.

Rise, Church

Now is not the time for silence. It’s not the time for blending in. It’s the time to rise—to live fully and boldly for Jesus, no matter the cost. 

He is worthy.

So, take the stage, the classroom, the kitchen, the office—whatever your platform may be—and live for your Audience of One. 

Speak His name. Share His love. Stand in His truth. 

And never forget: though the world may push back, heaven stands behind you.

If you’re ready to go deeper in your faith, surround yourself with other bold believers, and boldly advance the Kingdom of God in your workplace and beyond—join the C-Suite for Christ movement

Become an official member today and link arms with a growing community of professionals who are committed to covering the world in Christ.

Visit csuiteforchrist.com to take your next step. You weren’t meant to walk this journey alone. 

Let’s stand together—for the Audience of One.

Derek Deprey – June Speaker

Derek’s passion in life is to help you become the leader you’d want to follow. Much of his day is spent turning managers into leaders as an author, keynote speaker, and leadership coach.

Derek spent three years as the head of employee success and director of leadership development for ETE REMAN, the nation’s largest remanufacturer of transmissions and a USA Top Workplace. At ETE, he taught over one hundred managers the core principles of leadership, management, and personal development.

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No More Lukewarm Faith: Prioritizing God in a Comfortable World

This past Easter Sunday, I walked into church and was stunned—every seat was filled. The sanctuary buzzed with energy, families dressed in their Sunday best, and the parking lot overflowed.

It was beautiful, in a way. But as I looked around, something didn’t sit right with me. I couldn’t help but wonder: Where are all these people the rest of the year?

Don’t get me wrong—I’m thankful that people came to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Easter is a powerful reminder of the hope we have in Christ.

But part of me felt grieved.

Because for many, this was just a moment—a tradition, a once-or-twice-a-year spiritual check-in. And it’s not just Easter.

Christmas, too, brings a wave of temporary churchgoers. But what about the other 50 Sundays of the year?

What about the Monday mornings and Thursday nights when life is hard, and we need the presence of God just as desperately?

Jesus speaks clearly to this kind of inconsistency in Revelation 3:15-16:

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”

That verse has always hit me hard.

Because it’s not just about “those people”—it’s about all of us. It’s about the times when we let our faith grow passive, when we treat God like a seasonal accessory rather than the center of our lives.

God Deserves More Than Holiday Faith

Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Yet so often, we reverse that—we seek everything else first. We give God our leftovers, if anything at all.

It’s easy to fall into a comfortable rhythm: work, family, hobbies, and maybe church when it’s convenient. But God isn’t calling us to convenience. He’s calling us to commitment.

Comfort Isn’t the Goal—Christ Is

Jesus didn’t die so we could have a casual relationship with Him. He gave everything for us. And He’s asking us to respond with everything in return.

A comfortable Christianity doesn’t change lives. It doesn’t sustain us in suffering or transform our hearts. A life truly centered on Christ is bold, surrendered, and full of purpose—even when it’s uncomfortable.

C-Suite for Christ: Living Boldly for Him Every Day

That’s exactly why C-Suite for Christ was created—to help people live boldly and unapologetically for Jesus Christ, not just on the major holidays, but every single day of the year.

It’s a community of business leaders and professionals who are tired of lukewarm faith and ready to make Christ the cornerstone of every area of life.

Through fellowship, encouragement, and accountability, we’re reminding each other that our faith isn’t seasonal—it’s daily, active, and central.

So How Do We Break Free from Lukewarm Faith?

  1. Start With Honesty – Ask yourself: Is God truly first in my life—or just an occasional thought?
  2. Prioritize Time with Him – Spend daily time in prayer and Scripture, not out of obligation, but out of desire.
  3. Engage With the Church Year-Round – The Church isn’t just a place; it’s a community. Show up. Be present. Be involved.
  4. Live It Outside the Walls – Your faith shouldn’t stop when you leave the building. Reflect Christ in your home, your work, your words.
  5. Surround Yourself with Passionate Believers – Fire catches when it’s near other flames.

Easter reminded me that people are still hungry for God—even if they only show up twice a year.

But I also believe He’s calling us to more. To go deeper. To stop playing church and start being the Church.

It’s time to leave lukewarm faith behind. God is worthy of more than our holiday attendance—He’s worthy of our whole lives.

Join the Movement

If you’re ready to take your faith seriously—to stop living on the sidelines and start living on fire for Christ—join us on the front lines.

Become an official member of the C-Suite for Christ movement. Surround yourself with others who are committed to putting Jesus first every single day.

Let’s make Christ the priority in our homes, our workplaces, and our world—together.

Deb “Danny” Glenn – May Speaker

Deb “Danny” Glenn is an acclaimed author, adventurer, and inspirational Christian speaker whose mission is to help spread hope, foster love, nurture care, build strong character, encourage inner peace, and strengthen faith.

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Let Scripture Be Your Source!

“And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:13

We hear over and over that church attendance, and interest in religious faith overall, keeps dropping. If so, why are sales of the Bible soaring in the U.S. and elsewhere?

It’s true. Bible sales in the U.S. rose more than 20 percent from 2023 to 2024. In Great Britain, the number of purchased copies surged nearly 90 percent during a recent five-year period!

In Russia, where the Russian Orthodox Church reigns supreme, Bible sales grew more than 50 percent in the first three quarters of 2024!

What’s going on here?

Crosswalk.com, which reported the welcome trend, states “A hunger for God’s Word is spreading across the globe.” It cites a recent British survey that found people in their teens and early 20s are embracing spirituality far more than their elders. 

Current events might have sparked the renewed interest in faith among young people. The head of a British publishing group said events “like the COVID-19 pandemic and the mental health crisis” have led many to “think deeply about their spirituality.”

This is all certainly good news. The more people reading Scripture, the better.

Is the content of God’s Word really sinking in, though?

Research by Arizona State University released in 2024 showed that only 6 percent of Christians in America (and only 4 percent of Americans overall) had a biblical worldview.

By contrast, the study found, 92 percent of Americans subscribe to “syncretism,” an approach that melds different worldviews to create a reality that is personally pleasing to each individual.

In other words, the vast majority of U.S. Christians who profess faith, don’t look at the world through the lens of Scripture.

So, what exactly do they believe?

A person’s worldview shapes perspectives on morality, lifestyle choices and, yes, religious beliefs. This filters through to levels of acceptance of activities such as drunkenness, adultery and viewing pornography.

“Alarming” is an understatement.

These findings reflect how far too many churches are dropping the ball (or, maybe, the Bible). They’re far too concerned with the number of congregants in the seats, or money in the offering plates.

Thankfully, many Christians recognize they’re being starved of Scripture-based guidance at church. They’re buying Bibles to dive in on their own. This news should fill us all with hope and optimism.

C-Suite for Christ utilizes a 100 percent Biblically-based worldview. No compromises. No departures. Everything stands on the Word of God.

It’s OK to listen to pastors, priests, and others who study or interpret the Bible. Just don’t put all your stock in them.

For too long, comfortable Christianity has poisoned Jesus Christ’s well of pure water.

If you’re yearning for something deeper and more powerful – and haven’t quite found it – join us on the front lines of reclaiming the world for Christ.

Click here to learn about becoming a member of C-Suite for Christ.

We don’t have all the answers. Only God does. Thankfully, He provided us a detailed, amazing volume – the Bible – to read, absorb and follow.

Why not join the many, many others who are doing so?

“To” You … or “For” You?

“In you, Lord my God, I put my trust.” – Psalms 25:1

A bad medical diagnosis … a job loss … the breakup of a longstanding relationship.

These, and many more, are serious crises that life can throw at us. Our worlds go into a tailspin. As the dizziness grows, a question often arises: “Why is this happening to me?”

Understandable, perhaps … but for people of faith, flawed.

Have you heard stories of people who suffered failures, or serious setbacks, only to find tremendous success later? 

Often, they credit their rebound to an opportunity, or lesson(s) learned, from the earlier crisis.

In hindsight, the situation that once seemed like a roadblock, didn’t happen “to” them. It happened “for” them.

A Matter of Trust

“But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.” – Psalms 52:8

We’d do well to adopt a “for” mindset. If we trust that God has a plan for us, we similarly need to trust that he does everything for us – good, bad and indifferent.

A challenging situation might not fit our lives right now. We can question the “why” of it. Yet He’s shaping us for whom He wants us to be, for His purposes – not ours.

Yes, God does everything “for” us – even allowing circumstances that are incredibly stressful and painful. These times can seem like punishment. 

But are they? 

Or are they just part of a larger, more holy plan?

Things We Begin to Understand

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

Consider the “all things” part of this verse. It means that everything in life is done for the good of those who love God. 

They might not make immediate sense, or could even be crushingly hard or painful. Yet, all are according to His purpose.

God gives us innumerable gifts. We should accept them – graciously and willingly. Believe the Holy Word, not the human word, that these gifts are “for the good of those who love him.”

We won’t cover the world in Christ without fully trusting God. Even when circumstances are overwhelming, we should surrender more to Him, and trust more.

Along the way, life might diverge from our plans. Could God have a better plan? It’s easier to see, and manifest, when we fully yield to Him.

If we adopt a Kingdom mindset, it’s a question of when – not if – we reclaim the world for Christ. Part of this is believing that all things happen “for” us.

“To” us? 

A relic of the past – the mindset of a disciple we used to be, who thankfully has grown. This person serves a God who loves us. Sometimes He puts us through pain to accomplish larger goals.

Can we see them? Very possibly not – at least immediately. 

Do we trust God, and return His love? 

If the answer to both is “yes,” then it’s only a matter of time.

(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C-Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Join us as a memberPlant a chapter where you live. Consider becoming a corporate partner. Follow C-Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)

A Revival Hidden No Longer

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. – John 8:32

Chances are you didn’t see (or read) this, in what passes for “news” these days.

Two weeks ago, nearly 2,000 Ohio State University students gave their lives to Christ. The new disciples were baptized in the backs of U-Haul trucks, warming their souls as temperatures outside dropped into the teens.

Inside a nearby sports arena, nearly 6,500 students participated in a campus revival, lifting the name of Jesus and flaunting conventional wisdom.

When an altar call went out for attendees to be baptized, nearly a third headed outdoors for the U-Hauls waiting in the frigid conditions.

The revival was the second at Ohio State University in six months. An August 2024 event saw several members of the university’s football team being baptized.

Some gave public testimonies about their newfound joy.

Why are you likely learning of these events here, for the first time?

Mass media won’t publicize God’s presence, and power, in our society. It chooses instead to focus on death, destruction and despair.

Perhaps this is a reason why depression and anxiety are at record levels?

Regardless, these inspirational students didn’t accept the outdated notion that “you can’t talk about God at a public school.” In other words, they didn’t buy the lie.

Similar to the organization that is leading these revivals at major college campuses, C-Suite for Christ is determined to revive Christ in another sector blithely considered off limits to His reach: the workplace.

Let’s face it: Some people spend more time at the office, than with their families. For most workers, at least half their waking weekday hours are on the job.

Jesus went to where people congregated. The workplace is the most largely untouched, yet fertile, ground for sharing Christ’s message.

If we’re to cover the world in Christ, it’s time to apply there.

C-Suite for Christ will not rest in its mission to educate, empower and inspire Christ-followers to go into their workplaces and disciple fellow employees. Let us all be sparks, lighting the fires of God’s love to lead a Christian revival in the business world!

Want to join the movement?

Click here to become a member. Questions, or need guidance on how to navigate the workplace terrain? E-mail pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com for answers.

We might not bring 2,000 disciples into the fold at once, as happened at Ohio State University.

We’ll rely on the snowball effect, growing ever more as days go by.

Once unleashed, the truth cannot be stopped.

Cory Carlson – March Speaker

Cory Carlson

As an entrepreneur, former executive, husband, and father of three, Cory Carlson understands the pressures working parents face. He is passionate about helping business leaders win at work and at home.

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The Words We Should Never Say

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” – Hebrews 13:16

“If you need anything, just let me know.”

Have you heard this before? Or maybe used this line yourself?

If the former, you might have been telling someone about a tough time you were facing. Perhaps you were laid off from a job, or having relationship problems, or faced a serious health issue. 

This phrase was their response – which, chances are, did not make you feel much better.

If the latter, another person had probably just related their misfortune to you. Of course you were willing to help. But … how? When? So, you tossed the ball back into their court. 

They’d reach out if a need arose, right?

If only … which is why “Let me know if you need anything,” or various iterations of this inane statement, is the worst phrase ever.

Face it: When someone said this to you, did you ever ask them for help? 

No. Get serious.

Similarly, if you tossed out this throwaway line, did the recipient ever reach out? 

No.

Human nature gets in the way of accepting a potentially well-intentioned offer. We don’t want to burden the other person. Things aren’t that bad – we’ll carry on. Or maybe ego intrudes, and we just don’t want to admit how rough our situation is.

As for the person “offering” assistance … well, they did offer, didn’t they?

Out of such interactions is nothing born. No one is helped. No one experiences the joy of helping another. The words of Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this wayyou will fulfil the law of Christ,” go unheeded.

A Detour from the Road to Nowhere

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” – Hebrews 6:10

The road to hell is paved with good intentions. How many bricks have you inadvertently laid?

God calls us to help others. He assures that the benefit will be twofold. To quote Proverbs 11:25, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

We should serve, just as Christ did. His family – our family – needs help. We shouldn’t wait to be asked. Nor should we use being “busy” as an excuse, or that we already “offered” to help.

No. Stop asking. Just do it. 

Pay a visit to a struggling person. Bring them a meal. Cut their grass. Take them out for a meal. Or, just sit and keep them company.

Do. Something.

The time to talk is passed. The time to walk is here. As the body of Christ, we have many miles to cover … and many, many people to help along the way.

Breaking From the Divide

“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” – Romans 12:13

Modern societal forces do a great job of keeping us divided. The chasms are many – race, gender, income and more – all pushed by those who profit from the separation.

This division is fueled by inability, or lack of opportunity, to understand others who are different. Honest conversation and communication could make a world of difference. Doing so, however, requires people to let down their guard, and relinquish ego.

And who has time, right? 

Our society has a BUSY (Buried Under Satan’s Yoke) problem. We’re consumed in our own lives. We’re “too busy” to check in on others. Thus, the divisions persist.

Breaking from this mold is not easy. If we ignore the perils of others, though, we ignore Christ’s own words. Escaping requires shedding our own self-absorption, and leaning into others. 

Consider these means:

  • Love one another: Hold others in high regard, and show love wrapped in respect. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” – John 13:34.
  • Accept one another: Receive others as brothers and sisters in Christ. Treat them as such. “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” – Romans 15:7
  • Live in harmony with one another: Accept the validity of those who hold a different worldview. Try to learn about, and understand, their perspective. “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” – Romans 12:16
  • Honor one another beyond self: Put others first? This is a tough one, as it rubs against human nature. Yes, be OK as a “second fiddle.” Practice humility. “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
  • Instruct one another: Keep others on righteous paths. Don’t admonish if they sometimes stray. Give good advice and guide sincerely. “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” – Ephesians 4:15
  • Be kind and compassionate to one another: “I feel your pain” is a cliché. Yet, genuinely compassionate people really do. They care deeply. They seek to aid. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32

Helping others – not just talking about it (or “offering”) – is immensely fulfilling. The more we do, the greater the fulfilment.

We have more time to do so than we realize. The problem is we don’t manage it well (i.e., the BUSY problem). We can plan our time to accomplish our own tasks, and assist others.

By giving to others, we grow inside. Our souls fill. The body of Christ is uplifted.

The more we give, the more we get. It’s the oft-cited “Giver’s Game.” So, let’s stop “giving” useless, hollow tropes. God calls us to give more – and provides all that we’ll ever need to deliver.

(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C-Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Join us as a memberPlant a chapter where you live. Consider becoming a corporate partner. Follow C-Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)