The parable of the talents is pretty straight forward, until it isn’t. Like all of Jesus’ parables, this one is painted with broad strokes of the brush, by design. While it is precise in it’s meaning, the application to our individual lives can look different. Plus, there are a number of questions that can haunt us as we strive to deliver God a good return on His investment. In this episode, we ask (and hopefully answer) some of the nagging questions many often ask, including:
- What is God’s expected return on his investment in us?
- How does one measure whether or not they’re giving God his deserved return? More disciples? More studies? Better relationships?
- What about our spouses? What kiind of return does God expect from me, regarding my spouse?
- And how about our kids? Even grown ones?
- What if we look around and see fruit that we’re not proud of. Is it our failure to deliver a good return? Is it something else?
- Where do I go from here?
Maybe you’ve ready Matthew 18 many times before, and have a good grasp of forgiveness. In this episode we attack the topic from a different angle
We’re all likely familiar with the parable of the soils or sometimes title the parable of the sower. The fact that this parable has multiple names assigned to it is an indicator that there’s a lot going on. In this episode we dive into the parable’s 3 components: seed, soil and the person sowing the seed, with applicable lessons we can each take away to become better soil and sowers. Matt 13:18-23, Luke 8:4-15, Isa 55:10-11, Ezek 36:26, 1 Cor 3:10-11, Heb 3, Heb 10:37-39
The parables offer insight into spiritual reality, using physical examples. Often times, there are multiple layers to them that may go unnoticed at first. This is certainly the case with the parable of New Wineskins in Matt 9:16.
At issue: What is the fundamental transformation that occurs when a person moves from being controlled by the law (as we all were) to being controlled by the Spirit? Can both mind sets co-exist? What can the Old Testament temple teach us about God’s dwelling in us? How ‘good’ do we have to be in order for God to live in us? Where’s the line between how much we should or shouln’t get away with? We answer these questions and more, as we explore the following passages:
- Matt 9:16
- Luke 22:20
- Romans 8:2, 5-9
- Col 2:21
- 1 Kings 8:1-10
- Acts 2 (the whole chapter, really)
No matter where you’re at in life, Luke 15:11-32 has impactful lessons for all of us, if we step back and observe a bit more.
Part of our “Things You Can Control” series, we delve head-first into the deep end of the pool. No, we’re not claiming to fix every marriage challenge in just one episode. But we DO guarantee that your marriage will have at least ONE new spouse in just ten days.
Modern Israel is at the heart of global news as enemies of the nation state continue their efforts to wipe Israel off the map or at the very least, neutralize it. And to be sure, the chorus of modern ‘prophesy experts’ grows louder with each attack, claiming that to not stand with Israel is to not stand with God’s people and in fact - is to stand AGAINST God and His people. Is this right? What’s the root of this sentiment? Where does it come from? Is God’s plan centered around physical Israel? Are today’s events a fulfillment of prophesy that God will establish His kingdom? What IS a Christian to think of physical Israel, anyway? Who ARE God’s chosen people? What IS God’s unfolding plan?
Big questions that have Biblical answers. In this episode we’ll discuss:
1) The modern sentiment toward Israel of mainstream Christianity as revealed through modern geo-political events
2) Our shared heritage with the Jewish people and affinity toward modern Israel
2) The two foundational assumptions contributing to mainstream Christianity’s view toward physical Israel
3) Who Israel is, according to the Bible
4) Replacement Theology: What is it? Is it Biblical? Is it anti-semitic?
5) The root cause of violence toward Jewish people
6) What a Christian’s attitude toward Israel should be, according to the Scriptures.
Scriptures discussed will include:
1) Romans 2:11
2) Acts 10:34
3) Leviticus 19:15
4) Romans 9:3-8
5) Romans 9:27
6) Romans 11:28-31
7) Romans 11:1-5
8) Galatians 4:22-31
9) Galatians 6:15-16
Audio used for educational purposes include:
1) “Stand with Israel” - John Hagee - soundclip from video on Christians United for Israel UK -https://youtube.com/shorts/nArRZlf0Gs8?si=SMEla-KBIKH3WYmA
2)”From the river to the sea…” chant - @Polishmigrants https://youtube.com/shorts/nArRZlf0Gs8?si=SMEla-KBIKH3WYmA
3) Adolph Hitler Speech at Krupp Factory in Germany (1935) - https://youtu.be/FJ3N_2r6R-o?si=lemXgvfCFjoV6Rug
Citation from Liberty Universty -
1) Thomas D. Ice essay on Replacement Theology - https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1105&context=pretrib_arch
Some say money doesn’t make the man, and that money isn’t a measure of spiritual success. Others say health & wealth is THE measure of a person’s spiritual favor with God. So who’s right? And, what can we control, anyway? Lastly - does it matter as far as Christ is concerned? You may be surprised…
NEWS FLASH - the world is STILL going insane. What’s a Christian to do? How about controlling the things that God gave us to control. In this episode we dive deeper into Time. We try to avoid the cliches, (although I think we may have stumbled on one or two). The bottom line is found in Ephesians 5:16. What does it mean to redeem something, how do you know what your time’s worth and how to allocate? Let’s dive in!
We live in a world turned upside down, and you don’t need (or want) to hear it from us! But… what DO you do about it anyway? Uncle Philmore calls into the show with an epic rant, Jason drops some Christian rap music from the 80’s and most importantly, we offer legitimate reasons to and tactics for overcoming the burden of the craziness around us. Hint - it’s about time!
