Listen, Live, and Learn: Recent Episodes
Arlene Romaine
Join me, Pastor Arlene Romaine, for this podcast, where we listen to scripture, apply it to our lives, and learn about ourselves, our world, and our God.
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Jesus asks the question... "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" It's not so personal a question, is it? But the next one Jesus asks brings it on home... "Who do YOU say that I am?" It's an excellent question! And one we should be asking ourselves.
The Religious Authorities of Jesus' day arrive, demanding a miraculous sign to prove Jesus is sent by God. Jesus replies to their demand by telling his disciples to beware of them and reminds them of his two greatest miracles... feeding the 5,000 and feeding the 4,000. Today, this bad yeast exists as those who claim to speak for Jesus whose own messages sound nothing like his teaching. This is the yeast that Jesus tells us, as his disciples, we must beware of, today.
In this episode, Jesus' disciples will learn a new lesson... as Jesus touches, teaches, heals, and feeds the Gentiles. It's a lesson we all need to remember!
The religious authorities of Jesus' day criticize him for allowing his disciples to eat before washing their hands. Jesus response? Take a look at yourself! The words we speak are a direct reflection of the condition of our hearts. Those whose hearts are fixed upon the merciful love of God, naturally reflect that love and mercy by the ways in which they speak to others.
There are times when we ask the Lord for a challenge, and Jesus does exactly this. But, then we begin to question what we want and our ability to succeed in carrying it out, we grow afraid, uncertain, and overwhelmed. We forget that we are filled by the Spirit's power, and that the Lord is right there, ready, willing and able to stretch out his hand and save us.
The execution of John the Baptist was a dark moment in our Gospel narrative, but tis sad moment was no more tragic for us than it was for Jesus and the disciples. Yet, even as they head off for some time alone to grieve, the necessary work of God's Kingdom does not end, and the common people who are searching for hope in this world of darkness and sin become their priority... and there are literally thousands!
Finding Jesus is like discovering a hidden treasure, beyond compare. Yet, we can also expect that those closest to us may not appreciate what we've found, and may actually take offense at our faith, just as some did to Jesus... and these were the people of his own hometown!
Jesus scatters good seed into the world, and promises that someday there will be no more sin, no more evil, as his seed is gathered into the barns of his Father. Life in the Kingdom of God awaits and we are called to grow strong as we wait, in order to be a blessing, today.
In this familiar parable, called "The Sower," God scatters the message of God's grace upon one and all, asking US to contemplate which type of soil we are. But, there's good news (of course there is!) We do not have to simply accept the weeds, the rocks, and the misunderstandings that choke our faith. In Christ's church, we've been given everything we need to cultivate the soil in which God's seed can produce a bumper crop.
In this episode, Jesus declares the relationship between himself and all those who believe in him. He declares himself to be the greatest sign ever given to this world of our relational God and the lengths God has gone to show us God's love and make us into family.
In this season of great joy (and stress,) take a moment to remember WHY it is we celebrate at all! The Birth of Jesus, as read from the Gospel of Luke.
Jesus speaks to the religious authorities, who claim he Jesus drives out demons by the power of Beelzebub. He condemns them, calling them a Brood of Vipers, and proclaiming the only unforgivable sin. What is it? Give a listen!
God gave the seventh day, blessed it and made it holy... set apart from the rest of the week. Sabbath is an essential part of a life of faith, but some make it legalistic, while others ignore it altogether. In a world of 24/7 work, taking time for Sabbath is more important than ever.
Jesus tells us to expect problems when we dedicate our lives to him. Interpersonal issues, persecutions, temptations all await us. But, the reward for following him and placing him first in our lives is greater than any obstacles we will face.
Jesus sends out the 12, with clear instructions. But Jesus sends us out, too, knowing that the message will not always be welcomed. But the power of Almighty God dwells within us, and will give us the words we are to say.
Our faith in Jesus Christ holds the power to make us see the world with new eyes, and send us out into the world as servants of the Lord, with utter confidence in him.
Jesus does a new thing with us by coming into the world, in order that we could be as close to God as any human being can possibly get while here in the flesh. God is doing a new thing with you. Do you perceive it?
Jesus forgives sins AND heals and makes whole? He eats with tax collectors AND sinners?? Why, that's ME! Forgiven, healed and made whole.
In this episode, Jesus begins his ministry of healing and making whole. He begins by telling us that he is willing to do so. First, for a Hebrew man, then for a Roman soldier, than for the mother-in law of his disciple, Peter.
In this episode, we finish Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. They are new. They are different. They are radical. They are for us, in order to understand how God wants us to live in ways that are rock-solid, and produce good fruit, for ourselves, and others.
Jesus teaches that God see it all... our needs, our actions, and our motivations. In this episode we discover that to be forgiven, we must be forgiving. In doing so, there is true freedom! But it is also probably one of our greatest challenges.
Jesus teaches the fulfillment of the Old Testament Law and the Prophets, and in doing so, shows us the kind of extravagant love God desires.
In this episode, Jesus is teaching his followers what it looks like to be a disciple of God's Son. It looks MUCH different than the ways of this world!
Jesus calls two sets of brothers... Simon Peter and Andrew, and James and John, the sons of Zebedee. But he didn't stop there! Jesus continues to call disciples... YOU and ME! And we are STILL essential to Jesus' life-giving message in the world. Give a listen to this relaxing, meditative podcast and be refreshed!
Immediately following his baptism in the Jordan, Jesus is cast into the wilderness, where he tries the limits of his physical, human nature. There is a lot we can learn from Jesus' time in the wilderness, especially when we are feeling alone or tempted to turn away from God.
Why was Jesus baptized? Why do WE baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit? In this week's episode, we hear God's Word, and how it applies to our lives, as Christ followers.
God spoke to Joseph in dreams, and is still speaking to us today! The practice of discernment is an important aspect of the Christian faith.
Continuing with the Gospel of Matthew, in this episode we read about the journey of the Magi, who follow the light if the star. There is an innate need within all human beings, to know our Creator and the Wisemen's journey tells us about how far GOD would go so that we might know God.
I think we'd all agree that Mary and Joseph gave their all to God's purpose of bringing about the incarnation. But what does this mean for us, as followers of Jesus Christ? In this episode, we retell the narrative of Christ's birth, apply it to life today, and learn how to live it out in our daily lives.
Join me in this first episode of Listen, Live, and Learn! We begin with the Gospel of Matthew, and its long, genealogical narrative of names... and even I do some tripping over them! But, WHY are they even there? And what's the point of continuing to read them, for US, today? Give a listen to find out!