Episode 361: For a few years now philosophers and social commentators have been advocating the Benedict Option for Christians in response to the rise in secular influence and moral depravity in America. What is the Benedict Option? Tune in as I examine what this is, where it comes from, and if there is a better option for Christians in America today.
Episode 351: “The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he did not exist.” But how would he do that? How would the devil trick the world into believing that he does not exist? Tune in as I explore this question.
Today in Church History: Felix Manz becomes the first Anabaptist martyr, drowned in the Limmat River for rebaptizing Christians as adults (1527).
Episode 258: The Supreme Court ruled on Hobby Lobby’s case. It has been interesting to hear the dissent from secular progressives on this ruling, especially the claim that now a boss is imposing their religious convictions on employees. Really? What does it REALLY look when a boss imposes their religious beliefs on employees? Tune in as I discuss this, plus…
Is it just me or does anyone else find it coincidental that the same week gay pride events are being held in America, parts of Iraq and Syria are declared an Islamic state? If that is not a contrast in countries I do not know what is. Here in the states, freedom has been hijacked to such a degree that immoral behavior is literally paraded down Main Street. There in the Middle East, a self-proclaimed religion of peace rapes and murders women for not paying a tax. The world over evil abounds.
The Bible says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Proverbs 14.34). When a nation or people put into practice and keep the word of God, it is a blessing. As the Psalmist says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (33.12). However, whether that nation of people be Hebrew, American, or Islamic, sin is a black stain on any people. So we see two very different yet equally sinful situations on opposite sides of the planet. “‘There is no peace,’ says the Lord, ‘for the wicked’” (Isaiah 48.22).
What leads to this? The abandonment of God’s word. In America, secular progressives have sought to legislate God’s word out of schools, buildings, and monuments. In the Middle East, the Koran is the religious book of choice and any other alternatives are ruthlessly eradicated. In both nations there is famine in the land, “not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord” (Amos 8.11). “O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord” (Jeremiah 22.29, ASV). “For when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness” (Isaiah 26.9). And with righteousness comes exaltation.
Episode 216: Join in as I walk through the second lesson of the Upon the Rock Bible Study. Who is Jesus? Why is He so special? We will examine several texts which address these and other questions. Below is the downloadable worksheet.
Episode 213: After 75 years of research and over $20 million spent, researchers have discovered how men can live happy lives. The study can be boiled down to two factors: don’t abuse alcohol and cultivate relationships. Tune in as I show how we did not need a 75 year, +$20 million project to figure this out.
Episode 211: Tomorrow is a national holiday whereupon we give thanks for a variety of reasons and blessings. Tune in as I share some of the things I’m thankful for and why it is so important we be grateful people.
Episode 202: Ever get that feeling that you know you should say something but you don’t. Tune in as I present the third & final installment of a sermon series I preached here in Merced about God’ Spirit. Imagine being fearless because you know God will give you exactly what you need. This is part 3 of a 3 part series.
Episode 200: We approach the mount and begin our climb – Blessed are the poor in the Spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Tune in as I break this verse down and explain what this means for the Christian today.
Questions of the Day:
Who was the meekest man?
Is there a lost book from the Bible that talks about reincarnation?
Is there any reason to read the apocryphal books found in some Bibles?
Episode 198: In this special edition of the podcast, I present a sermon at Merced church of Christ about the power available to Christians who have the Holy Spirit living within them. This is part 2 of a 3 part series.
Episode 197: We draw ever closer in our approach of the single most significant declaration of what it means to be a citizen of the kingdom of Christ. In this episode, I lay the final groundwork in understanding the Beatitudes. Tune in as I give further observations of this monumental text.
Live from the Pulpit 