In this episode I answer a question in a Q & A Forum about temptation from the Lord’s Prayer.
Tag: discipleship
Freed to serve [Sermon]
“The truth will set you free.” So said Jesus. Aren’t we already free? Not necessarily. Good things are both now and in the future. This sermon on John 8:31-38 explores just these things.
The truth will set you free (from what?), and why standing on the shoulders of giants isn’t enough (Growing Deeper with John 8:31-38)
Free from what? For what? Why was this famous statement so controversial and why can we miss it’s meaning? This episode is a Bible study on John 8:31-38.
Follow the Light [Sermon]
“I am the light of the world. Whoever WATCHES me…” Oops, nix that. “Whoever FOLLOWS me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Let’s talk about why and how in this sermon on John 8:12-30. The light might not always take you where you want to go; but it takes you where you need to go.
Following the light of the world and pillar of fire into a dark uncertainty (Growing Deeper with John 8:12-30)
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” So said Jesus. What did he mean? What does uncertainty, darkness and danger have to do with it? That’s what I explore in this episode which is an in-depth look at John 8:12-30.
In a new and uncertain era, what is our stronghold and purpose? [Sermon]
Is it the dawn of a new, uncertain era? Are we in the ‘gray zone’? This sermon explores Jesus’ words at the Feast of Tabernacles in John 7:25-52 and some guidance for the road ahead.
Jesus as the source of living water at the Feast of Tabernacles, and into an uncertain era (Growing Deeper with John 7:25-52)
Jesus said: “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'” What did he mean, and how does that shape who we are in the coming era? That’s what I explore in this podcast episode which looks in-depth at John 7:25-52.
Can we really trust that Jesus said and did all that, or have the Gospels been distorted?
Do the Gospels accurately preserve what Jesus said and did? Haven’t they become distorted? How can we know with any confidence? This podcast (audio and text) gives you 5 important points to consider.
The difference between a 2D and 3D disciple [Sermon]
A round orange piece of paper may look like a basketball from a distance, but you can’t shoot hoops with it. Following Jesus is a 3D (not a 2D experience); it involves learning but also doing. This sermon on John 1:35-41 explains why and how.
Follow me: Jesus enlists disciples (Growing Deeper with John 1:35-51)
You learn by doing. Yes, head learning is important, but hand learning makes it real. This episode is a biblical study of John 1:35-51 and what it means to follow Jesus.
Hit the Light [Sermon]
What does it mean that Jesus is the “radiance of God’s glory,” and how do we bask in it? The right kind of light makes you see things you didn’t see before. This sermon is a high-level summary of our series on Hebrews.
Four indispensable priorities, radical generosity, and singular sincerity (Growing Deeper with Acts 2:42-47)
In this episode of The Pulse Podcast I give an in-depth look at Acts 2:42-47, an inspiring text about the on-fire life of those first disciples devoted to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer… practices that continue to sustain us today.
Pentecost, godly contagion, and carriers of the Holy Spirit (Growing deeper with Acts 2:1-41)
In this episode of The Pulse Podcast I give an in-depth look at Acts 2:1-41, the powerful outpouring of God’s Spirit at Pentecost, and share 3 insights for our lives (and the church) today.
The way of the cross, no matter the cost [Sermon]
The cross was a humiliation and torture ritual. So what does it mean when Jesus says we cannot be his disciple unless we carry one? And what does he mean by “hating” our families? Is he being literal? This sermon explores all this by looking at Luke 14:25-35.
Renouncement, torture, true freedom, and apprenticeship under Jesus (Growing deeper with Luke 14:25-35)
This podcast goes in-depth with Jesus’ words about hating family and cross-carrying as disciples (Luke 14:25-35). Did he mean it? What is going on? I also discuss torture, renouncement and true freedom.
Should we say ‘If it’s your will’ when praying for someone to recover from illness?
When praying for someone to recover from illness, some people say, “If it’s your will.” Why? And isn’t that always his will? That’s was a question from a Q & A Forum that I answer here.
The Lord of the Party [Sermon]
He sets the scene, sets the table, and sets the guest list. Our job is not to rearrange the scene, the table, or his guest
Defining our neighbours and showing mercy broadly (Growing deeper with Luke 10:25-37)
Sure, love your neighbour. But who is my neighbour, and how? That’s what Jesus teaches us about in this in-depth look at the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37.
Radical gratitude and love from the soil of forgiven sin (Growing Deeper with Luke 7:36-50)
An in-depth look at this text and the intersection of Jesus, sin, gratitude, love and deleting words from dictionaries.
Falling, failing and faith in the footsteps of Jesus [Sermon]
Jesus calls us to a high ethnical standard. But what about when we fail? Along with the very serious “blessings and woes,” that’s what this sermon explores. It is based on Luke 6:17-36.
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