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Episodes
Dedicated to the legacy of bold thinking Christianity through the writings of George MacDonald and Michael Phillips.
Episodes
Nov 27, 2015
Nov 27, 2015
6 min
Again we encounter Jesus making a point with overstatement. No one seriously expects us to go through life saying nothing but yes and no. Jesus himself did not do so either. Once more we gain further insight into his words from the Lord's brother James, who gave this command in its more familiar form: Let your yes be yes, and your no be no. (James 5:12)
Nov 25, 2015
Nov 25, 2015
6 min
It is easy to hear words such as, "He who is ashamed of me and my words...of him will the Son of Man be ashamed." (Mark8:38, Luke 9:26), and read ourselves right out of the text.
Nov 23, 2015
Nov 23, 2015
6 min
It continues to be astonishing, once we see it, how much of Jesus' teaching concerned the simple things of life - such "unspiritual" things. Where is all the theology and doctrine? Of course we can turn to Romans or Ephesians if we want that sort of thing. But where is it in the Gospels? It's not there.
Nov 20, 2015
Nov 20, 2015
6 min
One of Jesus' most familiar "I am" declarations in John's gospel is, I am the truth. To love Jesus, therefore, one must love truth.
Nov 18, 2015
Nov 18, 2015
6 min
Many of the Commands of Jesus emerged out of free-flowing conversations with those around him. It can therefore be difficult to perceive his higher intent in the midst of a specific exchange.
Nov 16, 2015
Nov 16, 2015
6 min
Most Christians are well familiar with Jesus' injunction against condemnation: Judge not. We are less acquainted with the form of judgment he does tell us to make.
Nov 13, 2015
Nov 13, 2015
6 min
Literalists eager to discover loopholes in the Commands will easily be able to dismiss a blanket injunction against obscenity.
Nov 11, 2015
Nov 11, 2015
6 min
The unfortunate image conjured up by this passage in the minds of many is of a poor suffering beast of burden, a hundred pound slab of oak laced to his back, a plow tied behind, laboring in the hot sun from sunup to sundown. Not a very appealing life!
Nov 9, 2015
Nov 9, 2015
5 min
There are two ways to read Jesus' invitation, Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Nov 6, 2015
Nov 6, 2015
6 min
Most commentators, theologians, pastors, and teachers, through the years have interpreted this passage through a salvationary lens. It may be, however, that a more subtle reading strikes closer to home, and perhaps probes more meaningfully to the heart of Jesus' intent.