Life and Faith Together: Recent Episodes
David H Green
Do you want to live with your life and faith together? Do you want your weekend worship to be reflected in your mid-week lifestyle?
If this describes you and your values, the Life and Faith Together podcast is for you. This mid-week podcast will include a sermon, lesson, or interview that's designed to help you to live with your life and your faith together. With each episode being 30 minutes or less, this podcast is easily integrated into your schedule. You can listen during your daily commute, during your lunch break, or while you are getting a bit of exercise.
Hosted by Dr. David H Green (a pastor, preacher, and teacher of the Bible), the goal of this podcast is to help you to integrate your faith and life by teaching the great and historic Christian faith and by building your understanding of the Bible. If you have a question, or a topic that you want to include, please send an email to Connect@LifeAndFaithTogether.com.
We look forward to connecting with you as we connect our Life and Faith Together.
In this divided world, it's important that we learn to pray for our nation, even for the people we dislike.
Following the example of King David, we consider the act of prayer after being delivered from a time of danger or a season of difficulty.
In this divided world, it is important that we learn to pray for our nation, including people we dislike.
We consider what it means to be a citizen of the United States and a citizen of the Kingdom of God.
In this divided world, it is important that we learn to pray for our nation, including people we dislike.
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14, ESV) This month, we will find insight and wisdom in God's word as we have fun exploring Christmas celebrations. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, we will follow themes from Charles Dickens' classic work, "A Christmas Carol." As the Ghost of Christmases Past visits Scrooge, we are introduced to an entirely new side of the man. Young Ebenezer was, at times, truly lonely. Then, as a young adult, he was fun and filled with gratitude for the kindness shown him. But we also see Scrooge's decline into his love of money and see some of the heartbreaking costs that changed his life. When you look back on Christmas celebrations of years past, you might see similar images from the different phases of your life. But those moments -- good and bad -- are an essential part of who you are today. But what about that time before the birth of the Christchild in Bethlehem? What are the moments that shaped that precious time in history? This lesson looks back to a time when the people of God were fearful and filled with dread. Even their King, Ahaz, panicked and went into hiding. But the Prophet Isaiah was sent to the King with a word of encouragement. King Ahaz would not listen. He could not (or would not) receive a word of grace, even when that word came from God himself. What about you? As you look back across your life, including Christmases past, can you hear the promises of God? Will you receive a gift of kindness, a gift of Grace from God? "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14, ESV)
This month, we will find insight and wisdom in God's word as we have fun exploring Christmas celebrations. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, we will follow themes from Charles Dickens' classic work, "A Christmas Carol." We begin with introductions to Ebenezer Scrooge and Marley's Ghost. Marley, Scrooge's long-deceased business partner, is one of four characters with important messages for Scrooge. But Scrooge is unwilling to listen and unable to hear. Jesus, speaking to Pharisees, told a similar story of a wealthy man who, in death, found himself in torment. The man asked that someone be sent from the dead to warn his brothers. Speaking through Father Abraham, Jesus warns the Pharisees (and us), "If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead." (Luke 16:31) Consider this: Who are the messengers that God has sent (or is sending) to you? For whom are you a messenger of God's grace? Are you sending faithful messages?
“Come to Bethel, and transgress; to Gilgal, and multiply transgression; bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three days...." (Amos 4:4, ESV)
The (Not So Famous) Book of Amos is a relentless call to relationship, repentance, and righteousness. This five-part series will delve deeply into The Book of Amos, a valuable and historically significant text. You will be challenged to examine your life of faith, and to renew your relationship with the Living God.
“Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet?" (Amos 3:3, ESV)
The (Not So Famous) Book of Amos is a relentless call to relationship, repentance, and righteousness. This five-part series will delve deeply into The Book of Amos, a valuable and historically significant text. You will be challenged to examine your life of faith, and to renew your relationship with the Living God.
“Do not be deceived:
God is not mocked,
for whatever one sows,
that will he also reap.”
(Galatians 6:7)
"You were called to freedom, brothers.
Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh,
but through love serve one another.
For the whole law is fulfilled in one word:
'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"
(Galatians 5:13-14, ESV)
Very few words have caused more disagreement than the opening stories in the Book of Genesis. As you read through these familiar words, here are a few tips to help you discern the powerful importance of and meaning within the words.
To understand the Bible, you must let the words speak for themselves, without adding to or taking from the powerful message within the text. These steps may help you to do this:
- First, forget everything you have ever heard or thought about the creation stories. All too often we read between the lines and add unwritten editorial comments.
- Then focus on the words themselves and work to read with an open mind. This fresh reading of the written words will likely reveal important words and phrases that you have missed in the past.
- Finally, allow room for mystery, uncertainty, and miracles. Ancient readers of the Holy Writings were more comfortable with the knowledge that there is more to be revealed. By contrast, modern readers often make the mistake of believing that we have all relevant information available to us.
Keep reading through the Bible! Your faithful efforts will result in real and powerful blessings for you and for others around you.
Be blessed, my friend!
The Lifetime Bible Journal is a place to keep your personal notes as you read and study the Bible. This journal will help you to grow in your faith, year after year. For those who teach or preach from the Bible, this tool is essential for a lifetime of effectiveness. The more attention to give to it, the more likely this journal will become one of most important resources for your ability to grow in faith and in wisdom. Here you can follow your curiosity to study people, places, and events. Here you can leave questions unanswered. Perhaps here you can note the answers to these questions, sometimes years after you first contemplated the mysteries of God.
Building your own Lifetime Bible Journal requires little more than paper and a notebook. Over time you may find it useful to use notebooks and dividers as a system to keep and to use this journal. Or perhaps you will keep a drawer filled with file folders. For some, the convenience of keeping a paperless journal will use a tablet and maybe even a notetaking app. Having used all of these at one time or another, my system is a bit of a hybrid. When studying with focus, I use Bibles in the Olive Tree Bible App. Here it is easy to keep two translations open side-by-side. For me, this is ordinarily an English translation (usually the ESV) next to it original language (Hebrew for the Old Testament, Greek for the New Testament). At the same time, I write with pen and paper to maximize the benefits of the mind-hand relationship. There are important benefits to slowing your thought process by using your hand to write. Some can do this using a paperless system with a tablet and a notetaking app. My point is this: Know which system works best for you. And don’t be afraid to make changes over time. This is your journal. You are both the author and the audience. Do what works for you.
As mentioned in this podcast episode, here is a list of some of the resources that I use. If you use these links to purchase items at Amazon, I might receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you. When you purchase resources from Olive Tree, I do not receive a commission or any other financial benefit. Having used these resources for more 20 years or more, I recommend them without reservation.
Bible Tabs:
Majestic Rainbow Bible Tabs: https://amzn.to/3ScFHAW
Tabbies Catholic Gold-Edged Bible Indexing Tabs, Old & New Testament Plus Catholic Books, 90 Tabs Including 71 Books & 19 Reference Tabs (58330): https://amzn.to/41SZ7Om
Cardstock (for dividers):
Reskid Blank White Cardstock - Thick Paper - Heavyweight 110 lb Cover Paper 5.5x8.5 inches: https://amzn.to/48LJFWp
Notebook Paper:
Avery Mini Binder Filler Paper for 3 or 7 Ring Binders, College Ruled, 5.5" x 8.5", 100 Sheets (14230) White: https://amzn.to/3RUseMy
Avery Mini 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" Binder Filler Paper , Case Pack of 6 (14230),White: https://amzn.to/4aMt6LU
Notebooks:
1.5" Small Binder 3 Ring 9.5" x 8" Vintage PU Leather Book Style - Fits 8.5" x 5.5" Notebook Paper: https://amzn.to/4aPcbYX
Samsill Vintage Hardback Jr. Book Style 3 Ring Binder, 1 Inch Round Ring, Holds 200 Sheets - Dark Brown: https://amzn.to/48raeQX
Samsill 1 Inch 3 Ring Binder, Leather, Brown with Contrast Stitching: https://amzn.to/41PqZD4
Avery Mini Durable Binder for 5.5 x 8.5 inch Pages, 1 inch Round Ring, Black, (27257) (2 Pack): https://amzn.to/3NY3p17
Tops Cardinal Mini Round Ring Binder, 1-Inch, 8-1/2-Inch x 5-1/2-Inch, Black (07201): https://amzn.to/3HdN5Wi
If your 2024 Goals include studying the Bible, you may be interested in using electronic resources from Olive Tree (www.OliveTree.com). The 15% off coupon code (lifeandfaith15) is valid through February 28, 2024. The coupon code can only be used on OliveTree.com and not in the in-app stores within the app.
The Gospel of Luke is a magnificent telling of the life and work of Jesus. But there is much more to this writing than what meets the eye. There are some elements of this writing that cannot be translated into 21st century American English.
Dr Green will discuss Luke's Gospel and the life-changing resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Dr Green will also compare the three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). Reading these three together will give you insight into the world of the eyewitnesses to the life of Jesus, and their commitment to sharing these events with you.
There is one final important similarity shared by the Synoptic Gospels -- a call to action for all who have faith in God through Jesus Christ. The work is to teach and preach to others. Even in the earliest years of Christianity, followers of Jesus are instructed to live an honest life together with an honest faith.
Merry Christmas!
This special episode is the Christmas Story, as found in the Gospel of Luke (chapter 2).
Resources mentioned in this video (with links to purchase the books):
Read On! A Guide for Reading Through the Bible by David H Green (https://amzn.to/47KxgSC) This link is part of an Affiliate relationship with Amazon. If you use these links to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission (at no added cost to you).
Olive Tree Bible App (available at www.OliveTree.com) The app and some of its resources are free. Use coupon code "LifeAndFaith15" for a 15% discount on online purchases. This offer is valid through February 28, 2024. This coupon can be used only on www.OliveTree.com and not for purchases within the app itself.
The Gospel of Mark is a foundational part of the New Testament. Written earlier than other New Testament texts, the Gospel of Mark is an unvarnished presentation of the life and work of Jesus. In this show, Dr. Green will look to the beginning and the endings found in the Gospel of Mark. Together these clearly reveal the heart of Mark's message. Mark is clear that Jesus is the Messiah, the anointed Son of God, who has come to fulfill the work predicted by the ancient prophets.
This video series encourages you to read through the Bible each year, using Read On! A Guide for Reading Through the Bible in One Year (available exclusively at Amazon).
Resources mentioned in this video (with links to purchase the books):
Read On! A Guide for Reading Through the Bible by David H Green (https://amzn.to/47KxgSC) This link is part of an Affiliate relationship with Amazon. If you use these links to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission (at no added cost to you).
Olive Tree Bible App (available at www.OliveTree.com) The app and some of its resources are free. Use coupon code "LifeAndFaith15" for a 15% discount on online purchases. This offer is valid through February 28, 2024. This coupon can be used only on www.OliveTree.com and not for purchases within the app itself.
Jesus teaches some of his most important lessons in the Gospel of Matthew. Here you can find five speeches that, when read together, reveal details of the relationship between Jesus and his disciples. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus speaks to his original audience. Even more than that, Jesus speaks through them to our modern world. His lessons are powerful and personal. The invitation to follow Jesus is an invitation to a life filled with opportunities and challenges and blessings beyond imagination.
A life of true faith – a faith that is part of your day, every day - begins with reconsidering your priorities and your practices. You can then see more clearly the work that you are created to do. Learn more as you make a commitment to read through the Bible this year.
Read On: A Guide for Reading Through the Bible in One Year is available only at Amazon.
The Gospel of Matthew appears in the form of a story. Written and presented for ordinary people, the story is understandable and deeply moving. Written for an audience that lives in a world much like ours, the faith of the church becomes accessible.
This video introduces Matthew's story. A great way to begin reading through the Bible, you can start today!
Resources mentioned in this video (with links to purchase the books):
Read On! A Guide for Reading Through the Bible by David H Green (https://amzn.to/47KxgSC)
Matthew as Story by Jack Dean Kingsbury (https://amzn.to/4aawCzy)
These links are part of an Affiliate relationship with Amazon. If you use these links to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission (at no added cost to you).
Many people try. Some even succeed.
This is your invitation to join us as we read throught the Bible, beginning December 1, 2023. We will start in the Gospel of Matthew. Our daily readings can be found in "Read On! A Guide for Reading Through the Bible in One Year." The guide is available on Amazon.
Reading through the Bible each year may be the most helpful discipline for living your life of faith in your daily life. Reading through the Bible can be difficult. But it is well worth the effort. Reading through the Bible will change your heart and reshapre your priorities. By reading the Bible, you will learn about God. But more than that, you will learn about yourself.
Read On! A Guide for Reading Through the Bible in One Year is available in a paperback edition (https://amzn.to/3T5DvMs) and for a Kindle Reader (https://amzn.to/49VOnlV). These links are linked to an Amazon Affiliate program. By using these links to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. There is no added cost to you.
Thanksgiving Day and Giving Thanks
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV)
In the United States we are preparing to celebrate our annual Thanksgiving Holiday. This event is celebrated with a national holiday, sporting events, and a great feast. Millions of people will travel great distances to be with family and friends. But, in all this hectic work of going, doing, visiting, and eating, are we taking time to be grateful and to give thanks?
Today we reflect on the importance of giving Thanksgiving Day and thanks. Contemplating the idea of a “Life Verse” from the Bible, we will consider several statements about giving thanks.
In this episode, there will be some mention of the importance of keeping a journal. If you are interested in keeping your own journal, the following products might be helpful to you. (Please Note: Links to Amazon pages may be links to Affiliate Sales pages. When you make a purchase using these links, I may receive a small sales commission. There is no added cost to you.)
Journals and Planners:
Some Lines A Day - 5 Year Memory Notebook (Leuchturm1917, Hardcover)
Ziglar Performance Products, including the Ziglar Performance Journal, and the Ziglar Performance Planner
Fine Writing Notebooks:
Moleskine Classic Notebook (A5, 240 pages, Black Hardcover)
Leuchturm1917 Notebook (A5, 251 numbered pages, Black Hardcover) Through the years, this has proven to be my personal favorite. My shelves are filled with these notebooks in varying shapes, sizes, and colors.
Spiral-Bound Notebooks:
Ouzoustate Lined Spiral Notebook (3pack, A5 size, 160 Pages, Hardcover, internal dividers with pockets)
EUSOAR Spiral Lined Notebook (3packs, A5 size, 120 Pages, Hardcover)
Sharpie Pens (to write on the notebook covers):
Sharpie Metallic Permanent Markers (Chisel Tip)
Sharpie Metallic Permanent Markers (Fine Point)
Program Note:
On December 1, we will begin reading through the Bible in one year. Each Wednesday, this podcast will add depth and understanding to the readings. Occasionally we will take time to study something that piques our curiosity. Even though you don't need to read through the Bible to benefit from these 20-minute lessons, you may wish to do so. The Bible Reading Guide can be purchased online at Amazon in paperback or Kindle e-Book editions. (Because this is an affiliate link, I receive a small commission from each purchase. There is no added cost to you.)
Without gratitude, there is no hope. Without hope, there can be no gratitude.
Our national tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving is an enduring observance of hope for the future. In the past, our nation has had an annual thanksgiving observance, even in a time of uncertainty or tragedy. Looking at a few of these difficult celebrations (1793, 1863, and 1963), we can see the pattern of hope that inspires and defines our nations. Looking to a similar moment in Biblical history (Lamentations 5), we will see the same pattern connecting gratitude and hope.
Program Note:
On December 1, we will begin reading through the Bible in one year. Each Wednesday, this podcast will add depth and understanding to the readings. Occasionally we will take time to study something that piques our curiosity. Even though you don't need to read through the Bible to benefit from these 20-minute lessons, you may wish to do so. The Bible Reading Guide can be purchased online at Amazon in paperback or Kindle editions. (Because this is an affiliate link, I receive a small commission from each purchase. There is no added cost to you.)
Your Lot in Life is Your Legacy.
After a year of multiple surgeries and an unexpected retirement from parish ministry, Dr. Green reflects on his lot in life and the legacy of his pastoral work. With much gratitude he compares his feelings with comforting words from Psalm 16.
"The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance." (Psalm 16:5-6, ESV)
Psalm 106:1-2, 6, 44-48 (ESV)
1 Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! 2 Who can utter the mighty deeds of the LORD, or declare all his praise?
6 Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness. 44 Nevertheless, he looked upon their distress, when he heard their cry. 45 For their sake he remembered his covenant, and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love. 46 He caused them to be pitied by all those who held them captive. 47 Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise.
48 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! And let all the people say, “Amen!” Praise the LORD!
1 Chronicles 29:10-13 (ESV)
10 Therefore David blessed the LORD in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: “Blessed are you, O LORD, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. 11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. 12 Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. 13 And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.
Luke 11:1-13 (ESV)
1 Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.”
2 And he said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread, 4 and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’”
5 And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, 6 for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; 7 and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. 9 And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; 12 or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:1-13 (ESV)
1 Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.”
2 And he said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread, 4 and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’”
5 And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, 6 for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; 7 and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. 9 And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; 12 or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:1-13 (ESV)
1 Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.”
2 And he said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread, 4 and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’”
5 And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, 6 for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; 7 and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. 9 And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; 12 or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Matthew 6:5-15 (ESV)
5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 6:5-15 (ESV)
5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
To Celebrate Christmas is to embrace two important characteristics of God -- the smallness of a child born in humble circumstances and the grandeur of the Heavenly Host singing to the Glory of God. This episode (After the Lights) focuses on the second characteristic, the Heavenly Host singing to the Glory of God, and its effect on those who were there at that moment in time. The previous episode (The Smallest Light) looks to the the first of these characteristics of God, a child born into humble circumstances.
We learn at Christmastime -- and are reminded in our yearly celebration of it -- is that our God is with us in our humble existence and calling us to be a part of the celebration of the Great Heavenly Host.
Merry Christmas! And Happy New Year!
To Celebrate Christmas is to embrace two important characteristics of God -- the smallness of a child born in humble circumstances and the grandeur of the Heavenly Host singing to the Glory of God. The episode (The Smallest Light) looks to the the first of these characteristics of God, a child born into humble circumstances. The following episode (After the Light) focuses on the second characteristic, the Heavenly Host singing to the Glory of God, and its effect on those who were there at that moment in time.
Speaking to a large and friendly crowd, Jesus says, "Y'all are the light of the world." (Matthew 5:15)
Later in his life, Jesus is speaking to a large and UNfriendly crowd. To them Jesus says, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12, ESV)
So, which is it? Or, in the power of our God, can both statements be equally true?
As we continue to explore the relationship between light and darkness as they are found in the Bible, we now learn that each individual may carry the most powerful light of all.
When we think of the Light of God, it is easy to think of this as something personal, light for you and light for me. But the Bible teaches that the light of God is also Light for the Nations. As we prepare for Christmas and see the images of light all around us, we are reminded that the Light of God is greater than we can even begin to imagine.
As we prepare for Christmas, the season is marked by the images of light coming into the darkness. We even decorate our homes and shop with lights and trees. What is the importance of this light?
Jesus says to a crowd, "You are the salt of the earth...." and "You are the light of the world." (Matthew 5:13, 14) As Jesus speaks to that crowd, he effectively speaks through them and to each of us. What does it mean to be salt and light? How should this be reflected in the ways that we prepare for and celebrate Christmas?
This began with a simple question: What is the relationship between light and darkness? We want to believe that the answer is simple – something like, light always extinguishes darkness. We want to believe this. But we know it is simply not this easy.
When you look at the night sky, you see both darkness and light. In the darkest moment of might, there are stars and lights all around you. These lights exist in the darkness. But the darkness surrounds them.
What, then, is the real relationship between light and darkness?
As we prepare for Christmas, we are surrounded by lights. All of us can see these lights in the darkness. For others, there is a darkness that can be felt. For all of us, there is a real and abiding hope. Let’s explore the relationship between light and darkness. Let’s find and celebrate the greatest light and our greatest source of hope
A Season of Light
Revelation 22:1-5
“The Greatest Light”
Are you uncomfortable when people talk with you about giving generously?
Even if it makes us uncomfortable, the Bible is filled with common sense advice about giving generously. One of these lessons comes from the Apostle Paul when he was writing to the Christians in Corinth. As Paul is writing to this ancient audience, this message is still speaking to us. Even today we can be blessed if we follow through with this lesson about being generous and giving generously.
The month of November is a great time to pause and to give thanks. Farmers have harvested autumn crops and and are now preparing for the winter months ahead.
Condsider the reasons for your gratitude. Do more than counting your blessings. Take time to search your soul to find your treasures of Greatest value. Jesus gives helpful insight into ourselves and guides us to find our true treasures.
"Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21)
How big is your garden? What kind of fruit are you bearing?
With all of the demands on our time - work, family, friends, church, and maybe even a little personal time - we are keeping crazy-busy schedules. We think this is something new, something that has never happened before. But, when we read the Bible, we are reminded that the limitations of life are not new.
Jesus says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).
We receive life from a vine and are care for by the ultimate gardener. Will we yield our lives to his hand?
A busy schedule can feel overwhelming. The responsibilities that come with family, work, church, friends, and maybe even a little time for yourself, can feel like more than you can do. But when we think about twelve apostles that were appointed by Jesus, it's easy to believe that they were exceptional and that somehow they could do it all.
The Bible tells it differently. When Jesus appointed his twelve apostles, he did not instruct them to be all things to all people. He did not tell them to do everything themselves. Jesus told them to pray.
Jesus told those closest to him to pray. This is good advice for us, too.
“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38, ESV)
Perhaps the most holy and sacred of all places in the side of the grave. Standing beside a tomb, or looking into a grave, we are forced to confront the limits of life. But it is also there, in that place and in that moment, that we bring the full measure of our honest grief. This is the place where we need most to be reminded of the hope that is greater than life on this side of heaven, the hope that comes only through Jesus Christ. For many, we are emerging from a season of deep loss. Others are still painfully aware of all that is missing.
The great Christian hope is that there is more than this life. There is a promise of life eternal, a place of peace and wholeness. The Gospel of John tells us about this hope. But, to learn about the resurrection of Jesus from the grave, we must return to the grave itself. Here, at the most holy and sacred of all places, we find the greatest gifts that are promised by our God.
When we think about Holy Ground, we tend to look down at the solid earth, the soil beneath our feet, and think that this is all there is. But Jesus and his disciples worked on the water. It is there – on the waters of the Sea of Galilee – that the disciples witnessed first-hand some of the magnificent and awe-inspiring work of Jesus.
In the Gospel of Mark, the disciples become frightened when a storm threatens to sink their boat. Waking Jesus from a sleep, there is no indication of their expectations of Jesus.
Jesus surprised them all. He warned the wind and commanded the sea to be still. The disciples then seemed to be troubled by the great calm.
Often lost in this story is Jesus' subtle judgment that we act with too much timidity and too little faith. What then does this mean for us?
Take a moment to look around. Where are you? What do you see?
Sometimes, when we look around, we are unable to see the ongoing work of our God. We cannot see ourselves and our location as part of the unfolding work of God.
Take, for example, the fields where shepherds were keeping watch over their flock at night. They were visited by an angel who then proclaimed the most wonderful news. (Luke 2) If nothing else had happened there, these fields would be Holy Ground.
But generations before the shepherds arrived, there was a young widow working in these same fields. (Ruth 2) Ruth struggled to provide food for herself and for her widowed mother-in-law. So, after the reapers had cleared the field, Ruth was among the people who picked up the scraps that remained. The landowner noticed Ruth's hardship and her generosity for her mother-in-law. Boaz, a distant relative of Ruth's late husband, was charmed by this extraordinary young woman.
The stories of the shepherds and of Ruth have themes and lessons that are true today.
On September 11, 2001, the world changed when the United States was attacked by an enemy that, up to that moment, was invisible to most people. On September 11, 2022, a Sunday morning brought together people whose lives were changed by 9/11/2001 and a generation of peopleborn after the tragic events of that day.
We all experience moments that make no sense to us. There is just no way for us to understand. In moments like that, what does the Bible have to say? This is among the questions at the heart of these remarks.
If you have questions or ideas for future sermons and lessons, please connect by sending an email the Thrive@LifeAndFaithTogether.com.
Be blessed!
Filled with formality, the ending of aletter seems to be an unlikely place to find much substance. But, the final words of Paul's letter to the Romans are filled with magnified importance and an intense sense of urgency. There is a lot for us to learn from this closing prayer.
"... to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen." (Romans 16:27, ESV)
Be blessed.
Bless you.
Bless your heart.
These words are used over and over again. We use them so often, even we may not be fukky aware of what we are saying. This week we explore the meaning of "blessing." WHat is it? What examples of blessings can be found in the Bible?
The side of a grave. There is perhaps no place on earth where our faith matters more. Christian pastors approach the grave to give comfort to the grieving and to speak to the meaning of life of the deceased. For centurues, these words have included this: "I heard a voice from heaven saying, 'Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, 'that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!'" (Revelation 14:13)
We can be caught in the tensions between life and death, faith and doubt, work and rest. The Bible speaks to us in these tensions of life.
How do we celebrate in the life of the church? Or -- maybe we should ask -- DO we celebrate in the church? Sometimes we feel like acts of faith are an obligation. But the Bible gives great examples of celebrations. So, at times we should do just that, Celebrate!
The remarks in this podcast were recorded on Sunday, August 14, 2022, at the First Presbyterian Church in Conroe, Texas. There are references to the worship service. This was an important day in the life of the congregtation. We were celebrating and giving thanks to God for the important contributions of three young adults. Each of these has been an important part of the church's worchip services through the Covid pandemic. When the church was allowed no more than 10 people in the building, these individuals continued their work. As recent graduates, they are each entering into a new and exciting time in life. You can see the worship service at the church's YouTube Channel (www.YouTube.com/fpcConroe).
Worship may be one of the most identifiable practices of the Christian faith. But what exactly is worship? And why are there so very many different styles of worship services among Christians?
Worship - at its heart - is a conversation. This conversation is complex. But it is not complicated. This conversation involves each individual and the gathered congregation as a whole. Most of all, this is a conversation with the Living God. Looking to Deuteronomy 10, we will find an important lesson with essential practices for living our life and faith together.
"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." (Romans 12:12)
Over the past few years we have been overwhelmed by isolation and by lonliness. For some, this has been a terrible crisis of faith. For others, this has been a time to learn more about and to practice prayer.
Looking to the Bible we find real stories about real people. We can learn mush from their example of faith and prayer.
The frailty of human life is a compelling part of our reality. From youthful arrogance through mid-life crises to our golden years, it's always there. We live knowing that there will come a moment when we die. But, when we look through the lens of our limitations, we may be better able to God in the fullness of justice and love and mercy and hope.
The Bible includes lessons about hope. This hope can be trusted to carry us through life’s most difficult challenges. Because this hope does not originate within us, it is greater than any one of us can even begin to comprehend.
How about you? Do you have everything figured out? Or do you need a little help, and a lot of hope?
The Bible includes stories of real people who lived in the real world in real time, their time. The lessons they learned are important for us to understand. For example, the work of living a life of faith can be difficult. But the example of others – a mentor and a friend – can help us through even the most difficult of days.
This is the story of two people – Elijah and Elisha. The example of these prophets – their lives and their faith – are a rich source of important lessons for life today. One of these lessons is about the powerful relationship between a mentor and a protégé. This is the story of two real people who – like you – wanted to live a life of real and sincere faith.
God loves you. God is with you. God is in charge. God is stronger than anything. God will surprise you.
There are important lessons for us to teach to our children. But these are also important lessons for adults, too.
Looking to the Book of Genesis and the famous story of Joseph, we can learn about God and find a true source of comfort and strength. (Yes, even when we are in the middle of a terrible crisis!)
It happens to all of us. We look around our lives and see that there is so much brokenness, so much destruction. How, in those moments, can we find comfort, much less hope?
A foundational Christian belief is that we are created by God. If we are created by God, can the hands of our Creator repair, restore, or re-create a beautiful image from our shattered lives?
Looking to Jeremiah during his visit to the Potter's House, we can find a message of hope and inspiration.
Believers of every time and in every place are citizens of this world and, at the same time, citizens of the Kingdom of God. According to the Bible, what duty do we owe to the institutions of this world? And what do we owe as citizens of the Kingdom of God?
The circumstances of this message may be uniquely American (the July 4th celebration of Independence Day), but the questions are truly universal.
It happens to everyone. And it most certainly has happened to you -- a moment when it feels like light has gone out in your life. Looking back at this all too human experience, there are a couple of questions to be considered:
What do you do when life goes out of your life? How does our belief (our faith) change and grow?
We can learn from the example of a man named Saul (later known as the Apostle Paul) when Saul was literally and spiritually dazed and confused. Saul was helped by a most unlikely mentor.
The way that we go through life is important. When a Commencement Ceremony is over, you commence. Every participant, the graduates included, go out the door to whatever is next in life. Jesus teaches that when we go through a door, our character matters.
Focusing on the words of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew (chapter 7), we can learn more about the importance of understanding and following the Way of God.
The moment was tense. A betrayal was in progress. Within the next 24 hours Jesus' dead body would be placed in a tomb. And he knew it. As Jesus prepared the assembled disciples to confront the most terrible moment in their life together, he had a very clear message for them. This same message continues to speak with power and importance today.
We are to prepare the way.... Generations have done this before us. And, we pray, generations will do this after us. But what exactly are we suppposed to be doing? And how will this work as we live our life and faith together? A note about this eposode: The recording is from the 8:30 communion service at the First Presbyterian Church in Conroe, Texas on May 1, 2022. This worship service draws a small part of the congregation and is a bit more informal that the 11:00 service. You can find video of the 11:00 worship service at the church's YouTube channel (YouTube.com/fpcConroe).
To say that we put our faith in Jesus Christ is to acknowledge that we are doing the very best that we can do every day. We trust our God to offer His blessings and to help us through difficult moments and seasons of life. Sometimes we want to look back to a time that felt less complicated. But we are called to go forward with faith.
This is a very strange time in the United States. Our annual observance of Memorial Day comes together with news of a tragic shooting in an Elementary School. This raises important questions for every Christian. How does our faith shape our life in a time of grief? What message can we share from the Bible? And, perhaps most important, how can we communicate the message of hope in a way that it can be heard?
This mid-week podcast (with a sermon, lesson, or interview) is designed to help you to live with your life and your faith together. At 30 minutes or less, this podcast fits easily in your busy schedule. You can listen during your daily commute, during your lunch break, or while you are getting a bit of exercise.
Hosted by Dr. David H Green (a pastor, preacher, and teacher of the Bible), the goal of this podcast is to help you to integrate your life and faith by teaching the great and historic Christian faith and by building your understanding of the Bible. If you have a question, or a topic that you want to include, please send an email to Thrive@LifeAndFaithTogether.com.
We look forward to connecting with you as we connect our Life and Faith Together.