440-Rome 18: The Amazon Boxes Keep Coming

“What does it mean to be “In Christ.” Popular preachers tell us that it means we have been converted to the Christian religion, or that we belong to the correct Christian church, but Paul has another idea…

In today’s podcast and post we continue in our series in Romans with another section of chapter eight, where Paul makes a distinction about what it means to be “in Christ.”

Join me now as Paul reveals how his Christology can free all comers from the limitations of both Plato and religion.

439-The Gospel of Instagram

In this special edition podcast, I riff on my experience on Instagram where I observed pastors railing at each other about who has the correct Gospel. I share some of my experiences with a few different versions of the Gospel that have surfaced in Evangelicalism along with my experience so far on how I have come to understand it. In the end, I hope this rant serves you and gives all comers a new perspective, and a bit more thirst to explore what the Gospel looks like in their lives.

438-Rome 17: Setting The Mind

“What does it mean to set our minds on something? And why doesn’t our world consider this a spiritual practice?

In today’s podcast and post, we continue our series in Romans, considering Paul’s admonishment against setting our minds on the things of the flesh. 

Join me now as we discover that the battle between our flesh and spirit is not for the appearance of moral superiority, but is the very means by which all things will be renewed.

437- Rome 16: There is NOW…NO Condemnation

“What does it mean to be “in Christ?” Evangelicalism tells us that it means we are converted to the Christian religion, but how could that be true, if this religion didn’t exist when Paul wrote this letter?

In today’s podcast and post we continue to follow Paul’s logic…All have sinned AND all are Justified in Christ. Paul’s Good News is that everyone is “technically been put in-Christ”, but not everyone considers themselves to be there.

Join me now as we learn why religion insists on condemnation when Paul claims we’re now done with that.

436-Rome 15: The Real Hotel California

“If one of your deeply hidden sinful secrets were to be made known to everyone at church, or work, or on your social media, would you face condemnation and judgment, or compassion and understanding? I think we all know the answer to this…

In today’s podcast and post we continue our series in Romans with a look at chapter 7. Is Paul making excuses for his behavior? Is he saying: “The Devil made me do it.”?

Join me now as Paul’s Gospel reveals that freedom from sin is neither the stopping of our sin, nor the tolerance of sin, but the loving distinction between sin and the sinner, which is supposed to free the world from condemning one another

435- Rome 14: Faith Despite Sin

“What does it mean to have ‘freedom from sin?’ Paul’s answer may shock you because it would not likely  be accepted in most modern churches.

In today’s podcast and post we continue our series in Romans finishing up chapter 6 with a look at Paul’s framework for inner and outer freedom. Paul’s letter is hitting its stride, and if you are staying with it, prepare for your mind to expand.

Join me now as we discover how freedom is an alternative captivity that is based upon the compulsion of love rather than the obligation of our appetites.

434-Rome 13: If God Justifies All, Why Even Try?

“If God has justified all people, then what’s the point of trying to live morally? Why not just let everyone do whatever they want?

In today’s podcast and post we continue our series examining Paul’s letter to Rome, with a look at the pushback that his religious audience is giving. What is it about the Gospel that causes the religious mind to reject its inclusivity? Why doesn’t it make sense to some?

Join me now as we learn Paul’s framework for how this all plays out, and why so many prefer religion to the Gospel.

433-Rome 12: Good News is Actually Good for ALL

“If the Gospel is called the Good News, then why isn’t it good for so many in our world? Is it possible, that religion has distorted the Gospel to the point that we no longer recognize it? 

In today’s podcast and post, we continue our series examining Paul’s letter to Rome. We’ll examine the original text and clearly follow Paul’s defense of his Good News which said: “All people are made right with God.”…something religion rejects.

Join me now as Paul reasons with the religious mind and invites all comers into a larger and freer understanding of faith.

432-Rome 11: Paul Explains How ALL Are Justified

“What is your reaction when I say: “Everyone has been put right with God.” How does this idea sit with your religion or theology? 

Today we continue in our series exploring the book of Romans with Paul’s defense to the religious mind that ALL ARE JUSTIFIED or “put right” with God. Chapters 5 and 6 exist because just like today, Paul’s religious audience follows Plato more than Christ.

Join me now as I provide a metaphor for how Paul’s Gospel is both totally inclusive without being a Universalist, and extremely exclusive without being a fundamentalist.

431-One-Hundred Nineteenth: Gimel

“When you hear the term: ‘The commandment of God’ what reaction does it invoke within you? If you are like most people, not much happens.

Today we continue our ongoing series of Psalms Greatest hits with then next section of Psalm 119. This chapter is unique not only in the Psalms but in the whole of Sacred text. It is the center piece the Bible, and if we have the ability to hear it, will reorder every priority in our lives.

Join me now as we compare our experience with God’s voice with that of the Psalmist, and we try to close the gap between them.