A Podcast about Living Freely in a World Given Back to Us
Mark 16:1-8
It started in a garden with a woman faced with death, her man cowering behind, waiting to see what would happen. It ends in a garden with women faced with death, their men cowering behind, in this case in a locked room, to see what would happen. Continue reading “In a Garden”
Are there any who are devout lovers of God?
Let them enjoy this beautiful bright festival!
Are there any who are grateful servants?
Let them rejoice and enter into the joy of their Lord!
Are there any weary with fasting?
Let them now receive their wages! Continue reading “The Easter Sermon of John Chrysostom (circa 400 AD)”
Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil
The resurrection of Christ is everything. If this did not happen than all is lost. But if this did happen all is gained. All depends on the death and resurrection of Christ. Continue reading “This Is the Night”
One word. One word in the Greek language that sums it all up, tetelestai. It means “it is finished.” It is the word Jesus spoke on the cross announcing to the world, to His people, and to His devilish enemies that His mission was accomplished. One word that means everything to us weary souls. It is finished. It is paid for. Heaven is secure. Now hope can reign. One word, tetelestai. Continue reading “One Word”
Hebrews 2:14-15
“Look! A cross!” These three words came from the mouth of a seven-year-old girl. A couple of years ago, my wife and I took a short trip to Custer State Park in South Dakota. We had some company. Our goddaughter and her family went with us. While there, we visited its famous burros. These burros are descendants from the group of donkeys that used to give rides from the Sylvan Lake Lodge to Harney Peak. As time and technology progressed, the need for donkey rides ceased. The owners then let them loose in the park. Continue reading “From Donkey to Cross”
They were people on the move. The bags were packed, the kids were dressed, shoes were tied. This was the pilgrim’s meal as they set out for the Promised Land. No one travels on an empty stomach. And so, with their robes tied to keep them from tripping on the long road to God’s country, they ate. Continue reading “Maundy Thursday: We Are a People”
Luke 6:43-45
“No good tree bears bad fruit.” But you do. You bear bad fruit every day. The fact that you manage to also produce edible-looking fruit which the world around you ingests and lauds as ‘pleasing to the eye’ is beside the point. The world does not determine which trees are good or bad anymore than it decides who goes to heaven or hell. Here, as in all matters of the Divine, we must let the Word alone speak: “There is no one who does good, not even one” (Psalm 14:3). Continue reading “Good Trees, Declared by God”
A Meditation on Acts 8:1-8
At least 120 people have died in Nigeria in the last month or so. Not because of famine or disease or government oppression. But because they professed faith in Christ Jesus or lived near people who did. This isn’t unique to Nigeria. In other regions of Africa and especially Asia, our brothers and sisters face severe danger every day. And I suppose this should not surprise us. Continue reading “Free because “It Is Finished””
The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
Can you imagine a church with this marquee? “Come now this Holy Week—sin and death and other unpleasantries—for you!” How do you soften that? With a honey-glazed ham and candy? Continue reading “Jesus’ Hour Has Come…For You! Reflections on Passion Sunday”