Episodes
Tuesday May 31, 2016
COA #29 - Be a Gentle Person
Tuesday May 31, 2016
Tuesday May 31, 2016
The final two fruits of the Spirit listed by Paul in Galatians 5:23 are positively astounding. If we are paying attention, they stagger the world of our spiritual preconceptions.
Monday May 30, 2016
Command #41 - Forgive
Monday May 30, 2016
Monday May 30, 2016
We noted that forgiveness is one of the least understood components of Christian doctrine. Sadly, it is misunderstood by Christians and non-Christians alike.
Friday May 27, 2016
Command #40 - Beware of Practicing Piety to be Noticed
Friday May 27, 2016
Friday May 27, 2016
Righteousness is one of the more curious character qualities of the committed Christian disciple. Jesus tells us to let our light shine before men, but to pray, fast, and do good in secret. If it is visible obedience by Christians that changes the world, why are we also commanded to be invisibly righteous?
Thursday May 26, 2016
COA #28 - Walk Faithfully by Faith, Not by Sight
Thursday May 26, 2016
Thursday May 26, 2016
The Spirit-fruit Paul defines as "faithfulness" clearly derives from, though may not be exactly the same as, that quality of mind and heart we call "faith." Though originating out of the same root, the two clearly carry distinct attributes.
Wednesday May 25, 2016
Command #39 - Pray, Fast, Give, and Do Good in Secret
Wednesday May 25, 2016
Wednesday May 25, 2016
It is fearfully easy to read the Do Not Commands and assume, "Oh, I would never do that." Because the context of examples used by Jesus sometimes seems so ludicrously absurd, we too easily overlook our own glaring presence in the midst of the Gospel pages.
Tuesday May 24, 2016
COA #27 - Do Good, Love God, Be Good
Tuesday May 24, 2016
Tuesday May 24, 2016
Many may be the lingering objections from yesterday's examination of kindness. It is admittedly bold to identify a principle of behavior and conduct as surpassing theology to epitomize the foundation of the gospel message.
Monday May 23, 2016
Command #38 - Be a Son or Daughter of God
Monday May 23, 2016
Monday May 23, 2016
Created by his hand and in his image, all humanity are God's children. Yet we are put upon this earth to become something more, to become true sons and daughters of chosen obedience. Given life and, in time, independence, our destiny is gained by yielding back that independence into the hand of our Creator, and thus, by that relinquishment, discovering eternal childship.
Friday May 20, 2016
Command #37 - Do Not Defraud
Friday May 20, 2016
Friday May 20, 2016
Countless sermons and devotions have been based on Jesus' exchange with the man we know as the "rich young ruler." The first three gospels recount the story using largely identical words and phrases. Indeed, this passage is one of those upon which scholars base their conviction that Matthew and Luke founded their writings upon Mark's gospel.
Thursday May 19, 2016
COA #26 - Be Kind
Thursday May 19, 2016
Thursday May 19, 2016
The more down-to-earth one makes the teachings of the Bible, the more certain intellectual spiritualists resent the absence of doctrine, theology, and analysis. The practicality of the Bible is too much for them.
Wednesday May 18, 2016
Command #36 - Be A Servant
Wednesday May 18, 2016
Wednesday May 18, 2016
From the elusive Command, Lose your life, we now encounter one of the most down to earth of all the Commands: Be a servant. No mystery exists here. We all know what it means to serve, to put someone else's need ahead of our own...the good deed, the kindness shown, the helping hand, the burden shared, the load lifted, the feet washed, the cup for the thirsty wayfarer. Opportunities for service are presented us every moment of every day.