Jesus is innocent, and yet he is treated with brutality. What happens in his trial, torture and crucifixion has some striking parallels to the coronation of a new roman ruler. What does it all mean? This episode is a Bible study on John 19:1-16a.
Category: Podcast
How to get the most out of a sermon
If you follow Jesus, listening to sermons is a significant part of your discipleship. They are called a “means of grace” (i.e. they can be a channel of God’s generosity, guidance and help in your life, even via imperfect preachers). So don’t you want to understand, make the most of, and engage with them? This talk provides practical assistance. It’s about being proactive, not passive.
8 book recommendations to grow your faith
I was recently asked for book recommendations that would help grow someone’s faith. Here are 8 that I believe are accessible-yet-meaty.
Fun Lent Trivia
What’s the deal with Lent? Here’s a fun trivia session I had with the congregation about the name, 40 days, ashes, and our focus.
Betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane (Growing Deeper with John 18:1-18)
The time has come. Soldiers arrive (with Judas). Where is Jesus? Tempers flare. Peter grabs his sword. This episode is a Bible study on John 18:1-18 and takes us through the first part of the passion story.
Praying for what Jesus prays for [Sermon]
Jesus prayed specific things for his future followers. If you believe, that’s you! This sermon (and podcast) explores John 17. Let’s pray what Jesus prayed for us, and also see what he wants from our lives.
Scattered disciples and a suffering Saviour who triumphs (Growing Deeper with John 16:25-33)
They’ve given up so much to follow Jesus. And yet, the will be scattered. They will abandon him. Despite this, they will receive peace from a suffering Messiah who has “overcome the world.” This podcast is a Bible study on John 16:25-33.
The advantage of Jesus’ departure, three ways the Spirit works, and sorrowful joy (Growing Deeper with John 16:4b-24)
How in the world can it be to the disciples “advantage” for Jesus to leave? But it is. Otherwise, he will not send the Holy Spirit to them. This episode looks is a Bible Study on John 16:4b-24 and looks at this question and also 3 ways the Spirit works in the world.
Making margin in your life for discipleship – a talk with Sarah Han
You want to follow Jesus and even share him with others. But you’re so busy. Your “margin” is nil. This podcast is a talk with the Rev. Dr. Sarah Han, a professor at Tyndale who is writing a book on the importance of creating margin in our lives to be faithful disciples of Jesus.
Persecution, being hated, and falling away according to Jesus (Growing Deeper with John 15:18-6:4)
Jesus said to abide in him. That includes loving him and following his commands — oh, and also be hated! This episode is a Bible study of John 15:18-16:4. “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.”
Looking within and spiritual disciplines as we seek to love God – an interview by Chris Pullenayegem
I was recently interviewed by Chris Pullenayegem from the Vancouver School of Theology about looking within, spiritual disciplines, and encouraging an ethos of discipleship in a congregation. This podcast is a recording of our talk.
Abiding in Jesus the true vine, and bearing his fruit (Growing Deeper with John 15:1-17)
Jesus tells us he is the true vine, his Father is the gardener, and we are the branches. We are to “abide” in Jesus and bear fruit. What does he mean and how does this give us “joy”? That’s what I explore in this episode which is a Bible study on John 15:1-17.
What Jesus teaches about the Holy Spirit and how that helps you (Growing Deeper with John 14:15-31)
God will send a special Helper to live within Jesus’ people: The “Parakletos.” Who is this Holy Spirit and what does he do? This episode is a Bible Study on John 14:15-31.
What do we really know about the historical Jesus, and how does that impact our faith? [Sermon]
Jesus is the centre of our faith. He came to give us life; but what was his like? What did he look like? What was
Something forgotten, fun facts and curiosities about the Christmas story
Why a census? How far to Bethlehem? Was Jesus born inside or outside? What is something we’ve forgotten (but previous generations didn’t)? This episode shares an informal, interactive time with the congregation on Christmas morning as I answer these questions and more.
“If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” Does Jesus give us a blank cheque in prayer?
Jesus said: “If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” Is that a blank cheque? This podcast is a short exert from a worship service on December 18, 2022 and provides some explanation.
A closer look at the nativity in Luke 2:1-20: politics, fear, subversion, war and hope
We know the Christmas story. Or do we? If it doesn’t seem revolutionary or exciting, you’re not seeing the whole picture. This podcast and blog is a closer look at Luke 2:1-20.
Exclusive Inclusion: Is Jesus the only Way? [Sermon]
In confusing times Jesus offers a word of clarity, compassion – and controversy. “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Is Jesus really the only way? That’s what this sermon explores.
Jesus prepares a place for us, is the (only) Way, and calls us to bold prayer (Growing Deeper with John 14:1-14)
This teaching by Jesus includes comfort, controversy, and a call. First, he tells his disciples that he goes ahead to prepare a place for them
Love one another as I have loved you: the meaning of Jesus’ new commandment (Growing Deeper with John 13:31-38)
Love. It can change things. A lot of things. Bonhoeffer wrote: “Love asks nothing in return, but seeks those who need it.” The command to
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