Devotions in the Deep End: Recent Episodes
Cam Buchanan
A series of short messages from scripture, with the ambitious aim of eventually exploring the whole New Testament - in around 15 minutes at a time!
Cam Buchanan is the senior pastor at Mount Gambier Baptist Church in regional South Australia. We'd love to know where you are listening from - connect on Facebook and stay in touch - https://www.facebook.com/devotionsinthedeepend
There are four accounts across the gospels about a woman anointing Jesus with perfume. There is some debate about them all telling of the same event, or if there were in fact two instances.
I'll show my own hand on that conclusion in this episode. Then, we'll take around three episodes to explore all four accounts. There's so much to take in across them all!
This is the last part of the Olivet Discourse - and it's a tough passage to consider! The Sheep and Goats speak of the day of judgement that we'll all face, and Jesus is calling us to consider "That Day" deeply...and be ready!
This is better known as the parable of the Ten Virgins, but maidens is an equally useful description! This is part of the Olivet Discourse, and feeds further into the idea of being ready for "That Day."
This short episode appears in the Olivet Discourse so it's being briefly covered, with the acknowledgement that some of this came up in earlier episodes. One part of the teaching has not thus far, so this serves as a chance to look at that particular section.
This is the 4th instalment of the Olivet Discourse - the part where Jesus speaks specifically about the end of the age.
This is the third episode in our exploration of the Olivet Discourse. In this one, we're looking at a key phrase (which the title implies) that appears first in the book of Daniel. Jesus offers a small piece of insight into what is considered one of the hardest texts in the Old Testament to interpret, and this episode will interact with some of the history that came about after Daniel's vision, and how it can be applied through the lens of Jesus's words. I've kept this short in order to not overwhelm! I hope it helps understand a tough scriptural idea.
This is the second episode in my exploration of the Olivet Discourse. This focuses on the journey of gospel proclamation that disciples participate in, as well as the persecution that will come with it.
We are going to take a handful of episodes to explore what is known as the Olivet Discourse. This is the introductory part of that journey!
This episode explores a pretty powerful and fitting end to the way Jesus has interacted with the religious leaders around him, offering a very big exclamation mark on all that has been recently covered.I have sought to offer a balance of thought and hope you're able to see this here. Some modern writers seek to point out the face value story of a widow's faith in a way that appears to ignore the surrounding context. I do think there is value in considering the faith of this lady, and the example she becomes because of the way Jesus points her out.But doing this ends up reducing the point to the subject of far too many modern offering talks!There are others who point out the culture of hypocrisy all around her, and that context certainly matters. The leaders around her most certainly 'devoured widow's houses.' This episode gives considerable attention to this idea also.But this view can highlight the apparent victim status of the widow - she is seen as being coerced into giving in order to religiously fit in. While I agree she should be more a recipient of the temple treasury than a contributor to it, there is also a clear element of faith and pure devotion in play that cannot be ignored.So, I've kept all that in mind while making this episode, and I hope I do the passage justice!
This is the third and final instalment of the 'Seven Woes' in Matthew 23. It's a pretty telling piece of scripture to explore, but across all of the episodes in this trilogy, we are called to deep reflection about ourselves. The un-churched, non-religious world is not the target of Jesus' words here - the people of God are!
As the title suggests, we're taking a look at the 7 Woes - this is the first of three episodes exploring this section of scripture.
Jesus is beginning to offer a very complete commentary on the way he considers the faith of the Scribes and Pharisees around him to be - and it's not a pleasant one as you might expect! In this episode, we explore the positives and negatives outlined by Jesus in these 12 verses, and we have a bit of an inventory of questions at the end which call us to consider ourselves deeply - the last thing we want to do is end up in a similar place in the commentary!
A shorter episode to get the new season started! This looks at a special piece of Bible commentary from Jesus himself, one that calls us to consider the deeper meanings of "Messiah," and one that sets a chain reaction on how Psalm 110 is interacted with throughout the whole New Testament!
A teacher of the Mosaic Law seeks out Jesus to learn what the greatest commandment is, and out of a perceived 613 options, Jesus offers two.
This episode explores an intriguing question presented to Jesus, and the masterful way he engages with it. While the initial question is a strange one, it makes way for an even greater truth to emerge for us today - one that is a key part of our faith.
In the middle of the Passion Week, Jesus finds himself being challenged by some rather random folk with questions that they think will stop him in his tracks. This episode deals with the first one - a question about tax which is a little more loaded than we might first imagine...
This is another challenging parable told by Jesus during the Passion Week. And while others have dealt with the religious leaders of the time, this one speaks to the wider audience...including of course, US!
We are still exploring a series of tougher parables that are being told during the Passion Week. The priests and elders are still in Jesus' sights at this time, but the conclusion in this episode will lead to some serious questions for our faith expression today.
With the "Passion Week" in full swing, the parables that Jesus is speaking out are becoming less subtle each time! This is the first of a handful of strongly spoken ones, with an unambiguous point to the audience at hand. But they also call us to reflect on our modern faith expression too - it's safe to say that all of us are one parabolic son or the other!
A short interaction between Jesus and the priests following the cleansing of the Temple - this is the opening discussion before a handful of parables are presented to them
This episode explores some of the symbolism behind the so called 'Cursing of the Fig Tree.' Was it a case of Jesus being 'hangry?' Or, was there something deeper going on?
The second piece centered on Jesus' Triumphant Entry. A great passage for reflection around the Holy week, but also a natural forward movement in the narrative any time you are listening to this series.
This is the first of three shorter reflections on the event known to us as the "Triumphant Entry." This particular episode involves a short look at some key Old Testament prophecies and how these are being fulfilled through Jesus, with Matthew's attention to Zechariah 9 being the centrepiece of this section of the journey.
The final episode before the "Passion Week" narrative begins - an important parable that helps us understand the Kingdom of God a little more.
This is an exploration of the ministry of Jesus to Bartimaeus and Zacchaeus, and the common ground they both shared.
As the disciples start approaching Jerusalem, Jesus has both an ominous statement to make about his own cross, but also some strong words for his disciples as they respond to that news in a strange way!
This particular episode really should have come out a few week ago, as it is a natural conclusion following episodes 94 and 95. Truth is, I wanted to take a bit extra time to think this one through before I recorded it, as the role of the 'judge' in this parable was something I wanted to feel comfortable speaking into.
Welcome to our 100th episode! This is an exploration of the parable of the workers in the vineyard, with a specific focus on what us Aussies would call the "EBA" of a Christian life and its rewards to come.
This is the follow up section of bible that continues after the Rich Young Ruler leaves the discussion. There is of course more discussion about wealth and its hold on us, but also some deep insights about what Jesus is calling for when we follow him.
This is a journey of exploration around the identity of the Rich Young Ruler and a glimpse of his theology and where it lacked in the eyes of Jesus. It is also contrasted with a short piece immediately before it which speaks of being like a child. This is part 1 of 2 episodes around this particular passage.
This is the second of two episodes focusing on the Parable of the Pharisee & the Tax Collector. In this episode, we explore the prayers of these men and the "justification" that Jesus tells us each man experiences as a result
This is the first of two episodes focusing on the Parable of the Pharisee & the Tax Collector. In this shorter episode, we take some important time to set the scene. When we read that the Tax Collector "stands at a distance," it might be helpful to understand what that distance looked like!
A conversation that began with a Pharisee's question in the last episode comes to its conclusion with a key teaching for Jesus' disciples.
The passage Cam explores here contains two separate conversations, each around the same subject. The Pharisees ask it first, but Jesus offers answers to them first, followed by a deeper answer to the disciples. It would take a bit too long to cover both in one episode, so we've made this shorter one first to cover the beginning of the conversation.
In this (slightly longer) episode, we explore at a well-known passage about the healing of 10 lepers, and take a brief look at how leprosy in scripture speaks into something more than just skin lesions. At the end, since Jesus himself asks a question which isn't answered in this passage, we take a moment to surmise what some answers to that question may be. It's a bit of a different episode from mew this week, and I hope you find it helpful.
A challenging passage that explores finance at one level, but also the way we engage with people around us - we all likely have a "Lazarus" in our lives, so be sure to consider this passage in light of that!
This is another pointed interaction between Jesus, his disciples and a certain group of people reduced to 'sneering!' Ultimately, this parable will lead us to understand "future living" a little more, with a call for a more integrated faith expression.
This is the second time Jesus speaks about 'counting the cost,' this time using some strong images and challenging statements as he does so. "Carrying a cross" in order to follow has a lot of significance given the time in which the narrative is set - just months from the one he himself would carry and be nailed to...
A reflection on a strange comment at a meal table that leads to a pointed parable from Jesus! This episode also serves as a completion of a series of teachings that occur in this one location.
A shorter episode that continues the teaching that is going on at a Sabbath meal table. These few verses could have been tacked onto the previous episode or even the next one, but I really felt it was necessary to give them a little bit of special attention.In terms of the topic of rankism, here's a handy book to explore if you are interested: Robert Fuller, All Rise: Somebodies, Nobodies and the Politics of Dignity (Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2006)
The theme of observations made on the Jewish Sabbath continues in this episode with Jesus addressing an event in a Pharisee's home, seemingly right after worship! You'll notice that I'll offer three reflections on the parable that is shared in this setting, and one of those is based on my current reflective journey of thinking about church after the time we know as "Christendom." I hope these short reflections trigger some of your own!
We have another instance of Jesus healing on the Sabbath Day which leads us to some interesting questions about our own modern times of gathered reflection and worship. A lady who is described as a 'Daughter of Abraham' becomes a good case study for us to consider in our current context.
These are two very full-on metaphors for the immediate audience of Jesus - the fig tree and the vineyard have both been used to describe Israel as a people through the Old Testament prophets. So for Jesus to address these metaphors in such a distinct way is worth exploring!
Special show note:
Some of what I've said may for some indicate hints of "replacement theology." This is not deliberate and I'm not looking to make any point for or against that thinking in this episode. That said, the parable does lead us to wonder whether the parabolic "fig tree" was eventually "chopped down" or not! The 'cursing of the fig tree' later in the gospel accounts, as well as the events of AD70, do call us to consider what that means for Israel after that time. I think at the very least a case can be made for the vineyard and fig tree metaphors to include the church today even if the church does not replace the original application. Feel free to contact me on Facebook if you want to interact with that more!
This episode makes way for a parable that will follow in the next episode, but addresses a mindset that appears to have formed among the people of ancient Israel in the days of Christ. The events of the passage are still somewhat unknown to us today, but the theology behind them is worth exploring. Here's my quick take on this interesting passage!
A short devotional piece that explores the teaching of Jesus around reading the times both physically AND spiritually.
Jesus brings out some very strong statements at this stage of the gospel accounts, and now's the time to engage with them! In this episode we'll be looking at what Jesus means by "bringing fire" and "bringing division" to the earth. These on the surface are not easy ideas to work with, but a deeper look will reveal some distinct calls for those who wish to follow him in this life. By the end of this episode, I am hoping that you will be pondering what the question "Us...or...Him?" would mean in your context.
For the first time in this series we begin to look at the return of Jesus in a time still yet to come. Not in any huge way, just one passage as Jesus brings the subject up, and in particular the posture of watchfulness and diligence that he will be looking for. As the gospels reveal more of this idea, I'll be sure to give each piece the attention I've given this one!
This is a short take on the Parable of the Rich Fool, as a follow up to the previous episode where Jesus is asked to intervene in a will. In both lessons, we are warned about the sin of covetousness and the crazy way it comes to be in the first place - the short answer: it comes in Christians when blessing is not used properly!
This is a quick episode that offers some thoughts around the question of one man that will lead to another parable. The question of a will from one man becomes a warning about covetousness for a whole people! Not the most popular subject, but one we often overlook in our lives!
This is a well-known story in the New Testament, but one that's not often spoken on, although I think it really should! Anyone in leadership or service in the church would do well to take a look at this episode and consider where they might fit into the story!
This is an incredibly well known parable, and I happen to think it's an absolute work of art! I love the ebbs and flows of the story as Jesus tells it, and I have a clear picture at least in my mind of a crowd that would be taken on an enthralling emotional journey as it was being told. I hope a portion of my enthusiasm for this story comes across as you listen!
We all know the story of the Good Samaritan (and we'll look at this in the next episode), but we don't often interact with the question or the person who triggered the teaching! This episode will do just that - we'll look at the good and the questionable elements of this conversation, because the questions of this 'expert' have been questions some of us have asked at times too.
A SPECIAL FOCUS EPISODE
As we follow the gospel narrative, we can see that the parable of the Good Samaritan is coming up fast, and other passages featuring Samaritans will come up in future episodes because they are mentioned in key ways throughout the gospels and the book of Acts. To grasp the depth of this character (and others) in Jesus' story-telling, it's actually helpful to learn a little bit of Samaritan history. Here is an 11-minute crash-course!
As we study the passages around the sending of the 72, a few unique things appear which feel like they need time to explore. In this case, a few verses in Matthew's gospel appear around this time, and this episode takes some time to explore an amazing invitation from Jesus.
The second message that explores the sending of the 72 in Luke's gospel. This is a slightly different sort of devotional piece that reflects on the way the disciples interacted with the authority they were given, as well as Jesus' joy at what these disciples were now learning for themselves.
It's wonderfully poetic when the episode title and episode number both match up!
This is the first of two reflections on Jesus sending the 72 likely just weeks from the cross at this stage of the narrative. It has parallels to the sending of the Twelve but also stands alone with some twists to the plot that don't appear in the first instance.
The timeline of Jesus' life and ministry is getting shorter at this stage, and the call to "follower-ship" is both urgent and uncompromising, as we'll soon see in the passage this episode explores.
This is a story of mercy received, and mercy withheld. It's a massive lesson Jesus is telling for the benefit of the church - even now!
This is a very short reflection on the issue of forgiveness within the church. These verses sit right between two very big ideas, so I though I would give this a bit of direct attention before going into the parable that follows. I hope it's helpful to you!
This is a bit of a look at a well-known, but often overlooked teaching from Jesus. When there are disputes and issues of sin in the church, they must be dealt with, and Jesus gives some very clear instructions on how we are to do this. Here are my thoughts on what Jesus has to say.
This is the third and final part of my exploration of the Parable of the Lost Son (aka 'Prodigal Son'). This addresses the attitudes us 'long-timers' can develop even as God does amazing things all around us!
I have prepared three shorter podcasts around the Parable of the Prodigal Son, and this is the second of these. The first two are designed in part for your personal reflection; but I am also hopeful that they might be helpful to your own faith sharing work too. You may want to consider sitting with an un-churched friend as you listen and reflect together over this message, and the one that comes immediately before. If you DO try that, please be sure to let me know how it goes!
I have prepared three shorter podcasts around the Parable of the Prodigal Son, and this is the first of these. The first two are designed in part for your personal reflection; but I am also hopeful that they might be helpful to your own faith sharing work too. You may want to consider sitting with an un-churched friend as you listen and reflect together over this message, and the one that will come immediately after. If you DO try that, please be sure to let me know how it goes!
This is a well known parable, which happens to have been told in two very different contexts going by how the various Gospel writers present it. As I put this episode together, I found myself thinking a lot about modern sheep farming and the mindset of what one lost sheep might really mean to a farmer or shepherd on human terms. My learning over this time gave me a new appreciation for the parable, and for the extra reminder that God's ways really are higher than ours!
This episode feels a little bit different - at least to me anyway! It explores a small and sometimes overlooked detail in all this conversation about greatness, childlikeness and servanthood. It also speaks loudly to the Christian 'tribalism' that we sometimes fall into. This episode also contains a little more personal reflection at the end, adding to the difference in presentation. I hope it is helpful to somebody!
This is the well-known passage where Jesus talks about millstones and deep sea diving! In all seriousness though, there is a lot for us to consider as believers in this passage - where Jesus makes it clear that our conduct matters as an example to others, and that we all need a "look out for the little ones" policy!
This episode begins to look at some interestingly-timed ambition amongst the disciples, and their debate about "who would be the greatest." In this episode we see a very strong response from Jesus - with a lesson very-much worth taking on board today.
In this episode, we learn about the ministry going on at the foot of the mountain in the wake of the Transfiguration. We see a bit of a rabble going on, but Jesus is able to put things right in the end.
This is a pretty significant event that presents Jesus in a very unique way. There is a fair bit of theology that can be drawn out from this event, as well as a bit of a modern day reflection on the spiritual times of our lives as well.
In this short episode, we continue the stream of thought that was covered in the last one. In episode 57, Jesus was issuing a challenge to his disciples after Peter's hasty responses; but here, the whole crowd is brought into the story. The call to discipleship is a hard one as we will soon see; but the promises to those who answer the call are completely worth the cost!
This episode looks at the way Jesus introduces the cross to the discussion among his disciples, now that they have worked out his Messianic identity. It also looks at the initial response of the disciples, concluding with a challenge for us all to lean into the thoughts of God, rather than the thoughts of man.
The third of a trilogy which explores the discussion between Jesus and the disciples at Caesarea Philippi. In this episode we will learn about some key responsibilities which will be given to the church - ones which have been interacted with in a variety of ways in the modern church. Here's Cam's brief take on what these responsibilities entail.
The second in a trilogy which explores the discussion between Jesus and the disciples at Caesarea Philippi. Following Peter's amazing revelation, Jesus begins to spell out how things will be different going forward. Quotation note: I presented a bit of an overview of thought from Author Dann Spader in this episode. For further consideration, here's the book I was referring to: 4-Chair Discipling, Moody Publishers, 2019
This episode is the first of a trilogy which explores the big question presented by Jesus to Peter and the other disciples at Caesarea Philippi: "Who do you say I am?" This short devotion explores the actual question and answer, while future episodes will go deeper into what the answer will mean going forward.
In this episode, we are going to interact with a significant conversation that occurs between the Pharisees and Jesus. They are looking for further signs, but Jesus is looking to show something far grander than what they could even begin to ask for! In episodes to come, we will be looking at a number of calls to further our growth as disciples, but this conversation gives us a chance to address things that have the potential to block the process.
Quotation note: There was a 100-word collection of thoughts in this episode from Author Larry Osborne. The book being referenced to is Accidental Pharisees: Avoiding Pride & Exclusivity and the Other Dangers of Overzealous Faith - Zondervan, 2012
Yes, you read that right! It's a unique word that Jesus uses in a special time of ministry to a deaf and mute man. It may well be a word that YOU need to hear from Jesus too as we enter a new year that is still feeling a little uncertain!
This is a passage that really captures the imagination! A woman comes to Jesus, and is apparently referred to as a 'dog' for her trouble. It's not a preacher's favourite passage to cover, but it has been a fascinating journey for me as I've sought to speak into this controversial passage. I really hope this helps shed light on a Bible passage that is difficult to read without going below the surface of what is being said.
I've reached a milestone!! Getting 50 episodes out has been a real adventure of learning and I'm grateful to all who have been listening in. In this episode, we are looking at some interesting critique of Jesus' observation of certain religious practises, and why he wasn't so obsessed with them like the other religious folk were. It turns out, you could wash your hands all you liked, but remain dirty at the same time if other things were not being addressed! Take special note of the difference between 'tradition' and 'command' in this episode, as this does in many ways speak to us today as well.
This is an exploration of a famous and sometimes cliched miracle of Jesus. I'm hoping that what we look at in this episode gets a little bit away from the cliches and picks up some cool lessons for us - in particular the difference between faith and risk in a situation where the miraculous is what you're depending on for something to work!
This is a little longer than I usually publish, but the link between the two stories of Jesus feeding the 4000 and the 5000 was so profound that bringing them together felt like a good way to go. I hope this is as challenging to you as I found it to be!
The third and final installment of a trilogy of teaching around the Sending of the Twelve. This episode explores some of the more difficult parts of Jesus' instructions to them before they depart.
This is the second in a short trilogy of teaching around the sending and commissioning of the twelve disciples. It explores some of the easier parts of Jesus' instructions to them before they depart.
At this point of the story of Jesus, it is estimated that we're likely crossing into the third and final year of his public ministry. And this transfer comes at the same time Jesus begins to prepare his disciples for some new missional endeavours. This episode will introduce us to this process with a look at three key traits that Jesus deems important for those engaged in this activity...
This is the part I left out of last episode - the story known as the "Woman with the Issue of Blood." I titled it a little differently to perhaps reflect part of the idea that I wanted to bring out of the passage in this episode. It also completes the idea of "2 case studies in humility" that i began to unpack last time as well.
In this episode we get to explore the first of two case studies which look at humility, as well as a significant miracle. We'll get to explore Jesus' authority over death, and walk away with various forms of hope for both now and the future.
This is a quite well-known passage, but it speaks into so many things when we look at this closely. There's some significant theological insight in these verses as well as some key things that challenge is about faith and fear. Hope it helps somebody today!
This is a passage that has captured imaginations and even instilled a bit of fear in some who have encountered it. Sometimes it gets misunderstood, and there is also a broader message that is being told by Jesus even as he makes these strong statements. In this episode, I've attempted to both engage with the big picture of the passage, but also tap into this very unique idea of blasphemy that Jesus warns us about. I hope this helps to clear things up for some, and call others deeper into a life of discipleship by identifying more closely with Christ's Kingdom community!
These are well-known parables and I've offered a short reflection on each of them in this episode. Hope this helps!
A short episode taking a look at two really short ideas from Jesus about the Kingdom he is inaugurating.
In this episode, we are looking at a pretty loaded parable. In a small way, it begins to address some of the questions that many in the world have as we consider the goodness of God and the issue of judgement and eternity. It also shows us God's perfect timing in some ways, and in others, his amazing mercy towards us!
This is the first of many parables that Jesus uses to speak of the ways of his Kingdom. And unlike most of them, this one comes with an explanation from Jesus himself! We pray this episode presents something fresh on a commonly taught passage, and that the reflections at the end lead you to look deeply at what the Lord is doing within.
This is a really short episode designed to provide a few thoughts about how we engage with a special ancient teaching method known as parables. I hope it is a helpful tool for you as you engage with the episodes that are coming up next.
This is a pretty powerful story in Luke's gospel about a young boy being risen from the dead. In this passage we see Jesus demonstrating compassion for a widow, but we're also able to see some deeper truths about the overall ministry of Jesus as we consider this event too.
In this episode, we explore an interesting contrast. Jesus is back in the ancient village of Capernaum, and finds two forms of religious expression in play - both somewhat surprising. The Jewish elders have one form of faith that appears to be lacking as far as Jesus is concerned; but the hero of this passage turns out to be a complete outsider, with faith that grabs the attention of Jesus in a pretty profound way.
With the Sermon on the Mount complete, now is a good time to take a special look at the Twelve men that Jesus rose up to continue leading the church after his departure. It is believed by many scholars that the disciples are specifically assembled and set apart from about this time onward, and it is a fun exercise to look at the team that Jesus put together and the challenges they might have faced as they formed. It also put some perspective on the way Jesus puts us together today as well!
Also, credit should go to a writer named Dale Roach for the inspiration behind the title of this episode. You'll see why towards the end of the session!
This is the final episode that explores the Sermon on the Mount, and in particular one last area in which we are called to respond. Thanks for tuning in so far!
This is the second-last episode that explores the Sermon on the Mount, and perhaps Jesus' first call to response at the end of this famous sermon. In this teaching, Cam looks at Jesus' teaching about looking for the 'Narrow Path,' and listening to 'True Prophets.'
This is a shorter episode that looks at a special invitation from Jesus to engage with God and be open to His gift of the Holy Spirit. This is the first of a series of shorter episodes as we come to the end of the Sermon on the Mount.
Matthew 7:1 gets quoted often, and is probably one of the better known verses in the world around us. In this episode, Cam takes a look at this verse with the aim of ensuring we understand what judgement is and how to avoid going down that path, but also offering a way forward where others still have the ability to speak into our lives in healthy ways.
In this episode Cam looks at how an 'eternal perspective' is lived out, with the substance of our lives (ie: our wallets and what they represent) being one major way this is expressed. This is a message that looks heavily at money because Jesus is pretty explicit about that part; but at the same time it addresses other areas such as worry and faith and God's overall concern for us.
In this episode, Cam takes some time looking at what Jesus has to say about prayer beyond the initial 'framework' of the Lord's Prayer. We'll soon see that there are some big challenges about how we relate to God, how we relate to each other and how these are somewhat intertwined in our prayer. After these challenges, Cam takes a brief look at the subject of fasting as a devotional practise.
Welcome to the first episode for 2021! In this episode, Cam explores some ideas that come out of Jesus' teaching on the practice and attitude of prayer. This includes some thoughts on the well-known and often recited "Lord's Prayer." As the year begins, perhaps this could be a great episode to help you recharge your prayer habits!
We are still exploring the Sermon on the Mount and starting to look at a bit of a theme that will be in play for the next few episodes. 'Acts of Righteousness' were some of the standard devotional practises of the Jews in the days of Christ. Obviously he felt they were good things and he offers a way for those following him to observe them, but we also see that there is a very wrong way to go about these things as well. This episode looks at the devotional practise of giving to others. I also apologise for taking a bit longer than planned in getting this out. In the last couple of weeks our state has had a number of changes with COVID restrictions which kind of derailed other plans for a little bit there! We're back no track for weekly content once again!
A challenging message from Jesus here about the way we respond to the treatment and persecution of others. Love, prayer and generosity are to be the radical response! I hope this is a useful episode for you!
This is a more complex topic to discuss as we consider the words of Jesus in the world today. Marriage is clearly valued in scripture, and clearly Jesus is among those promoting them sticking together, but there are also times where this is just not possible. It's my prayer that all those listening to this episode get a sense of clarity - that we must not see marriage as a cheap commodity in any way; but also that we see grace in place for those times where the 'ideal' is not our reality. I apologise for the delay in getting this episode out, but as you might expect I wanted to give some serious thought to it before it was published. Even now it feels like there will be things unanswered, and I will welcome engagement on this topic through my facebook page!
This is a pretty simple idea and only a short episode, but there is a back story to what Jesus says in these verses which is worth noting. Also, this is presented around another incredibly important topic that will be covered next time!!
In this episode, we continue to explore this theme in the Sermon on the Mount where righteousness should 'exceed that of the Pharisees.' Again, Jesus is vocal about the heart and what is contained there, and lust and adultery is in his sights in this passage! Please note that although there is nothing explicit in this episode, there are be things you might want to filter from younger ears!
In this episode we look at how Jesus begins to speak into the Law of Moses that he came to 'fulfil.' He takes something we all would take for granted as something NOT to do; then he lays down the challenge for us all to consider the things that might already be going on within us that puts us at great risk of being something we never intended to be!
This is a pretty important idea to get our minds around! The Old Testament has been treated a number of ways over the years as Christians have interacted with it; so it seems vital that if Jesus would speak about his own relationship with/to it, we really should take the time to listen and engage with that. This is a slightly longer episode, but given the content, I'm hoping you'll be willing to really go deep into what is being explored here! If there are questions along the way, hit up the Facebook page and let's have a chat about it!
In this episode, we are seeking to simply bring one theme of the Sermon on the Mount to a close before focusing on the next bits, with Jesus' teaching on Salt and Light being a way of doing that. A life enriched by the Beatitudes should leave a lasting and penetrating effect on the world around them; and the idea of Salt and Light offer the perfect metaphors to describe that effect!
In this episode, Cam completes the segment known as the Beatitudes with a look at Jesus and persecution. This certainly won't be the last time we look at this subject, but for now, we are simply looking at it as part of the 'blessed life' that Jesus teaches us to pursue.
In this episode we look at various ideas of peace and what that looks like in the ministry of Jesus; as well as what a peacemaking ministry looks like in us as believers...as opposed to the lesser expression of 'keeping' the peace!
This is a look at what a 'pure heart' means in scripture, with this Beatitude being our starting point. The 'heart' is used extensively as a special metaphor in a wide range of biblical work, with significant meaning to a believer. Because of this significance, we should not be surprised that Jesus calls for a special kind of purity in this of our lives. I hope this helps you understand this idea a little better!
Mercy is a key way of understanding the heart of God, and a key expression of the Christian faith, so we hope this somewhat shorter episode helps you understand this trait just a little more!
In this episode, we look at what it means to 'hunger for righteousness' as Jesus calls us to do. We'll explore some ways righteousness is expressed, and what 'hunger,' 'thirst' and 'filling' can look like in our lives.
This has often been a misunderstood trait in the teachings of Jesus. Cam hopes this will shed some light on what it means to be meek, and the courage it takes to live this trait out like Jesus did.
I am taking my time going through the statements of blessing that are found at the start of the Sermon on the Mount (better known as the Beatitudes). In this shorter episode, I take a bit of a look at the idea of a Christian in 'mourning' as well as the comfort that comes as a result. Feel free to chime in with thoughts or feedback as we go along with any of my episodes - I have a Facebook page and would love to get to know my audience better! Music credit 'On The Verge' by Joseph McDade (www.josephmcdade.com)
This is a massive part of the New Testament, which will be covered in great detail. Cam recommends a very regular habit of reading this section of scripture because it shows the big picture of how to live out the value system of the Kingdom of God. In this episode, Cam gives a bit of insight about how the Sermon fits in Matthew's gospel account, how it speaks to the immediate audience, and finally, how we can interact with the first offer of blessing that is presented in the first verses. Music credit: 'On the Verge' by Joseph McDade (www.josephmcdade.com)
Speaking from Matthew 12:1-8, Cam looks at a major criticism aimed at Jesus and his disciples - the way they interacted with the sacred weekly event called the Sabbath. Jesus addresses this in a really powerful way which is worth taking the time to explore. At the end of this session, Cam also asks us about the way we engage with the idea as well. It is only an entry-level reflection for now, because this idea of Sabbath will certainly come up for discussion again in the future! Music credit: 'On The Verge' by Joseph McDade - www.josephmcdade.com
In this episode, Cam looks at the continuing conversation that is taking place at or around Matthew's table. Although a group of Tax Collectors are the actual guests of the event, it's the gate-crashing Pharisees who are being shown some important lessons here! The passage being used in this episode is Luke 5:33-39 Music credit: On the Verge by Joseph McDade (josephmcdade.com)
This is a powerful passage to consider on a number of fronts. We have the story of Matthew, and Cam will speak into he dynamics of his profession and why this is affected his place in the world around him. And we have the added wrinkle of the Pharisees and their response to all that they saw Jesus doing. There is a chance that we might see ourselves in at least one of the people mentioned in this story! If so let the Lord lead you in mercy and grace!
This is a bit of a survey of Mark Chapters 1 and 2, with a brief look at the many ways Jesus showed the authority he had. It's important to look at all these things because they show Jesus' deity as well as his power over all things. At the end of this message, there will be a bit if a challenge - how are we to respond to all this authority that Jesus has?
In this episode, Cam will speak from Luke 5:1-11, with some insights about the way Jesus began to draw disciples to himself. It's amazing to ponder that Jesus took the teaching method of a Rabbi; and went to the region and demographic to call followers that other Rabbis simply would not go! In this setting, Peter, Andrew, James and John are found and called.
In this episode, Cam looks at what is believed to be the central message of Jesus - the Kingdom of God. In this episode, Cam is reading from Matthew 4:12-17 and Mark 1:15, and we look at what allegiance to this new Kingdom that Jesus speaks of might look like. Music credit: On the Verge by Joseph McDade (josephmcdade.com)
In this episode, we explore the first significant sermon of Jesus when he returns to his home town. We look into the sense of familiarity that is in play there; and address the way this can make its presence felt in us too. Music credit: On the Verge by Joseph McDade (josephmcdade.com)
Following on from Jesus' baptism, the next event to look at is the Wilderness Temptation. There were specific things in play here to challenge Jesus and his Messianic call, and there are things that we can learn about and apply as well. Jesus was according to Hebrews 'tempted in every way,' so this is a great passage to learn from. Music credit: On the Verge by Joseph McDade (josephmcdade.com)
If we're going to go through the whole New Testament, then we need to start right at the beginning! We begin this podcast series by looking at Jesus of the eve of his public ministry. There is great value in discovering afresh these things that Jesus did, and recapture the depth and significance of these events! I hope this helps you understand Jesus a little more, and why baptism is such a major thing for believers today. Music credit: On The Verge by Joseph McDade. Check his music out at josephmcdade.com