462-Interview: James Early-The Bible Speaks To You

Today we have another interview with special guest James Early from “The Bible Speaks to You.” James and I met on #podMatch and quickly became fast friends. I invited him onto this program, not to entertain you, but to encourage you in your own journey of faith.

James and I will discuss the difference between religion and faith, and why the Bible really needs to be rescued from the grasp that fundamentalism has on it. the Bible is far more inviting and offers far more nuance than when dolled out in a transactional, dogmatic way. He shares my work in trying to help people experience the transformative process that Jesus offers everyone, and how he did so outside the framework of religion.

You can learn more at: The Bible Speaks To You , #Podmatch

461-Interview: Mark Collins-Freedom for Life

Today we have a special guest, Mark Collins from “Freedom for Life.” I just love finding people in the world who are passionate about their work and who have something profound to offer. In a world where everyone is a life-coach, or is striving for self-promotion, it’s refreshing to find the real deal, someone who has “decoded” life and offers a truly transformative solution and not mere life hacks.

Mark and I will discuss how we both came to focus our work on the subject of ontology or as Mark puts it “identity” and the conversation expands from there. I think you’ll find Marks nuggets of wisdom truly helpful and you’ll enjoy meeting another courageous soul in the world who is striving to love people into healing and well-being.

You can learn more about the work of Mark Collins at Freedom For Life .

#podMatch

460-The Concierge of Contemplation

“Are you ready to try something different? Can you carve out some time to be present with this content?

In today’s podcast and post I am going to give you a guided tour into my own contemplative practice. We’ll journey from our chair, through our breath, into our naked being whose center is everywhere and circumference is nowhere.

Join me now as I serve as your concierge of sacred space and lead you into your own contemplative experience, while I point out a few things along the way.

459- What is Contemplation?

“When you hear the term “Contemplation” what comes to your mind?  Many think its having deep thoughts, others see it as meditation, while others are skeptical because they have a negative understanding of the mystics.

In today’s podcast and post I do my best to answer the question: What is Contemplation? I’ll share the common assumptions, misconceptions, and my framework for understanding it.

Join me now as I explain the unexplainable with the hope that everyone listening will consider making it a practice in their daily life.

458-Rome 32: Applying Paul’s Letter

“When Paul wrote his letters to Churches, was he trying to write the Bible? If Paul’s words are authoritative now, then are so many churches still preaching conversion to religion?

In today’s final episode of our series in the book of Romans, we take all we’ve learned from Paul’s Gospel and deconstruction of his religion, and apply it to our modern world where church has become big business.

Join me now as I invite all comers out of institutional overreach, and return to a simple model of Christ following, and loving one another, for which our world is waiting.

457-Rome 31: Freedom or Non Faith

“What is your definition of sin? Is sin all the bad things we do, or the good things we don’t do?

In today’s podcast and post we continue our series in Romans as Paul uses his instruction about not judging others and accommodating those who are weak in faith to open up a life-hack that redraws the boundaries of our freedom and our sin.

Join me now as we discover a freedom and way to live which very few of us are able to comprehend.

456-Rome 30: Welcoming and Not Judging

“Why is it so hard to welcome those who are different without judging them? Why do people blame religions for being so judgmental, while being so themselves?

In today’s podcast and post we continue our series in Romans, examining Paul’s admonishment to welcome and not to judge others. I our world where some are so focused on tolerance and acceptance, why don’t we see these values extended to those with whom they quarrel?

Join me now as Paul exhorts us toward a faith that not only frees us from judgment, but by extension, frees us in love from judging others, and transforms us into a welcoming people.

455-Rome 29: Love Means Wake Up and Clean Up

“If religions are always talking about love, why are they behind so many wars?”

In today’s podcast and post, we examine Paul’s clear instruction on how we are to live under the law of love rather than the many laws of religion, or the lawlessness of irreligion. 

Join me now as we see the practical way that faith can still transform the world, and the unloving reasons why it hasn’t done so just yet.

454-Rome 28: Paul’s Unacceptable Political Instruction

“Are you able to see how politics has become the world’s biggest religion, replete with temples, worship services, dogma, devout congregations, influential leaders, and a lot of money?”

In today’s podcast and post, we continue our series in the book of Romans where Paul provides extremely clear instruction for how Christ followers should live politically within their cities…and why almost no Church will teach it.

Join me now as Paul takes away another religion from his audience, leaving them instead with a Christological framework for how to exist in a corrupted world.

453- One Hundred Nineteen: He

“What does it mean to be taught by God?”

In today’s podcast and post we return to our series entitled Psalms Greatest Hits, with part 5 of Psalm 119: He. 

Join me now as the Psalmist discovers what true and lasting success is all about, and how it stands is distinct contrast to the success the world is chasing. Let’s explore the motivators that reside deep within us, to see if even want a life in fidelity to God, and why we usually prefer something far less satisfying.