Audio Blog Podcast

Philippians 4:6-7. Some say we live in a society that embraces a culture of fear. Fear, anxiety and worry saturate our lives. According to Scripture, God's peace is not determined by our circumstances, whether good or bad. In this first part, we look at the role of fear in our lives and what God says about it. (1/2)

Colossians 3:15-17. We recognize Trinity Sunday, and the work of the triune God in the lives of all who are His. And so we see the work of God in the community of faith, in those who respond to Christ's peace, His message, and His wisdom.

Acts 2:1-21. Recognizing Pentecost Sunday, we read the account of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the believers as they met together. We see the giving of the Spirit in the light of the festival celebrating the giving of the Law. What is the significance of the Spirit being given on this same day?

Psalm 112. The writer of this psalm offers us parents a poem and a prayer for our children. It is a prayer of blessing, and abundance and success. But it is a prayer that is connected to a living example of walking with Christ in joyful obedience. Our children see it, and they will know it for themselves. - David speaking

John 4:23-24. In the conversation with the Samaritan woman, Jesus is confronted with a question about the right way to worship. We look at Jesus' response and what it means to be a church that worships in spirit and in truth. (4/4 "Identity Series") With the enhanced .m4a podcast, there are accompanying slides that reveal the new church logo and identity.

John 1:14. The scriptures are full of examples of God's generosity in His mission to save humanity. We look at 3 of these pictures, the river, the table and the cross. The Message version of the Bible describes a God who became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. Wherever the river flows, it brings life. So should we. (3/4 "Identity Series")

Hebrews 10:23-25. The writer of Hebrews makes a plea in the face of persecution, trial and suffering, "Do not stop meeting together!" There is something about the community of faith that inoculates us, and insulates us from wavering, and losing hope. What does it mean to be a church that is caring in community? (2/4 "Identity Series")

James 1:2-3. James in writing to the exiles was not concerned about persecution, trials, or suffering. He was mostly concerned with the maturing of their faith in Jesus Christ. We see throughout the scriptures that this is God's dream for those who love Him. What does it mean to be a church that is growing in faith? (1/4) "Identity Series"

John 20:19-31. The followers of Jesus were stunned after a completely upending series of events. They lost everything they thought was going to happen within 3 days. Huddled behind locked doors in fear, they get a surprise visit by the resurrected Christ. What happens when Jesus comes?

In our worship, we shared in Communion around the Lord's table. So, we include a responsive confession and citing of the Lord's prayer in this podcast. 1 Corinthians 15:19-26. Paul gives us reason to not only have hope for today, but bright hope for tomorrow. We investigate Jesus' final showdown with death, and why we still experience death around us. But there is no longer anything to fear in death. For we die with Him, but are also raised to new life in Him. He is Risen indeed!

Philippians 2:5-11. By inference Paul presents the tale of two kinds of kings. There is the conventional king, who tends to show their might, extravagance, authority and riches. They separate themselves from all. Then we have Jesus, who emptied himself of all these things, in order to equate with all, even the lowliest. And not just equate, but to love, to save and restore. We are commanded to have this same attitude.

Philippians 3:4-14. What is our identity wrapped up in? Paul laid the high trump card down on the table for the Philippians. If it came down to a contest on religious excellence and performance, he won hands down. But then he says the unexpected. Something happened to Paul, and it changed everything. Can it change us too?

Psalm 32; Joshua 5:9-12. In the Lectionary passages for this date, we see a thread where God rolls with us in the deep circumstances of our lives. He rolls away our shame, and invites us to a safe place, one of joy. This place of course is His very presence. We can hide in Him, and David shows us how it can happen.

1 Peter 2:10. Continuing with the theme of who we are in Christ. Peter lays a bomb on this rag tag assembly of believers from every culture and every sphere, saying "You were not a people". He goes back to the book of Hosea to explain why, and share the good news that "Now, you are His people", even in the place of exile. (3/3)

1 Peter 2:9. Continuing with the theme of who we are in Christ. We have a clear identity. We are a part of the kingdom of God. Chosen. Jesus takes us who come from different places and cultures and makes us a holy nation, together, set apart for His good purpose. (2/?) David speaking.

Luke 4:1-13. Many of us struggle with temptation. Some feel guilty about even being tempted. It may be comforting to know that Jesus was also tempted. But temptation is much more than doing bad. What was the devil's real purpose in tempting Jesus? And how can His experience help us in our wilderness times?

1 Peter 2. Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our faith. Peter also calls us living stones that are built up around this Rock. And so we become the temple, the dwelling place of God's Spirit. This Rock is not inanimate, but living and active, connecting and nourishing all who are set in it. (1/?) - David speaking

Romans 13:8-9; Matthew 5:43-45. When under a "life sentence" in Jesus, we are under His rule and lordship in our lives. Are we not then under an obligation to do the things that Jesus wants his life and energy used for? It is one thing to love our friends, but was He serious in commanding us to love our enemies?. (3/3)

Deuteronomy 15:12-18; Romans 1:1. We live in a society that champions personal freedoms and rights. But is freedom really the highest of human virtues? Paul, a privileged Roman citizen refers to himself as a slave for Christ. So what are we in Christ: slaves, friends, servants, heirs or children? The answer may be surprising. (2/3)

John 12:20-33. Everything in God's kingdom starts with a seed. But the way of the seed is a death sentence. It is also the way of Jesus. He came to die for us and to stand in solidarity with us in our death sentence. He invites us to die with Him, so the power of Satan, sin and death will be broken. (1/3)