This passage contains the parable of the mustard seed and leaven. In the Bible, leaven is referenced both positively and negatively. What does it mean here? Also, Jesus Himself explains the parable of the wheat and the tares. https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=20586986
Peace in an angry world
Why do so many people seem to be so angry or easily angered so much of the time? Is that a question too big to tackle here? Maybe, but how ready people are to be angry and with such ferocity suggest that we should at least get a start on the subject. We know from … Continue reading Peace in an angry world
Podcast: Matthew 13:24-30
Why doesn't God do something about the evil in this world? The parable of the wheat and the tares in Matthew 13 addresses this question that people so often ask. https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=20542199
Podcast: Matthew 13:10-17
The disciples ask Jesus why He speaks in parables. What response does Jesus give? Hear what Jesus has to say. https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=20495444
What to do about noise
Many years ago, the military noticed that helicopter pilots were suffering great fatigue just because of the noise the helicopter makes. Noise is fatiguing and certain kinds of noise can actually, literally, drive us to insanity. But what if noise drove us to one of three places (or all three!)? Turning off the noise. Jesus … Continue reading What to do about noise
Podcast: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Jesus tells the Parable of the Sower. Why does Jesus speak in parables? From the parable, which soil do you identify with? https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=20414285
Peace amidst a noisy culture
Does it seem to you that no matter how much time passes and how much effort and money are put into responding to problems, people are just as upset and fearful as ever? During the first year or so of the pandemic it seemed like two opposing groups were afraid of the same thing. Many … Continue reading Peace amidst a noisy culture
Podcast: Matthew 12:43-50
Jesus speaks of unclean spirits in this passage. Where do we see this in the world around us today? How are people closing themselves off to God's witness to the world? How do we remain in Jesus' family? https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=20332997
Podcast: Matthew 12:38-42
When the Pharisees ask for a sign, Jesus responds that they will only receive the sign of Jonah. What is the sign of Jonah, and why is it significant? Jonah is indicative of whom? https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=20202815
Living Together before Marriage
In the past weeks I’ve addressed some aspects of modern weddings (you can read about those here and here). Today, let’s consider living together before marriage. Why has it become so common and accepted? The short answer is because living together is easy and speaking against it is hard. The long answer is very long, … Continue reading Living Together before Marriage