Celtic Preacher

Responding To Suffering

Jesus was quick to point out the wrong ways of thinking and responding to suffering. He invites us to follow His new way of living in a broken world. Our choices, decisions, and responses will be influenced by how we view God, ourselves, and others. It's no wonder Jesus said, "You live in the world, but you're not of the world." The text is John 9 The healing of the blind man.
Sheltering In Place Week 2 Podcast 87

When The World Feels Out Of Control

During times of crisis, all our insecurities rise to the surface. All the things we rely upon suddenly feel shaky. Jesus addresses the need of the human heart to drink deeply from the Living Water that he freely gives. Podcast 86 Text John 4

There Is No Answer When We’re Asking The Wrong Question

Sometimes we are left wondering about people, God, or situations, and there is no clear answer simply because we are asking the wrong questions. We can learn a lot from Nicodemus' conversation with Jesus. Jesus corrects Nicodemus before he asks his question. Jesus discerns Nic is off track before the conversation begins. The text is Gospel of John 3  Podcast 85

Learning To Recognize God’s Voice

Peter, James, and John had trouble listening to God so you are in good company if you wonder why guidance isn't more precise. Many things get in the way of listening especially when we disagree with what we hear. Fortunately, God doesn't seem to have difficulty repeating the message until we get it. The text is Matthew 17.  The Transfiguration. Podcast 82 

Stop Pretending All Is Well

Pretending you are a good person or a happy, successful, or content person doesn't help bring us to a place of peace with ourselves and others.  Jesus' Way always leads to integration. The first thing that needs to be dropped is pretense. Jesus teaches that being truthful with ourselves is the first step toward living an authentic life. Matthew 5:21-37 Sermon on the Mount Podcast 81 

Love Always Protects

True love always protects the wisdom of the Bible teaches us. If you do not feel protected, it is not true love regardless of what someone tells you.  Good, healthy parents always protect their children, marriages, and partnership built on safeguarding all in their care thrive. We were designed to be a preserving quality in the world. "You are the salt of the earth," Jesus declares. When we are in line with God's ways,  we will always preserve and protect.  Podcast 80  Matthew 5:13-20

 

Feeling Out Of Balance Or Unstable? Jesus' Wisdom On Self Control

Have you ever said something you wish you hadn't, clicked the send button prematurely, or blurted out your opinion when no one asked for it? From binge-watching Netflix to yet another bowl of ice cream, self-control is not encouraged, taught, nor admired. West Coast US living is all about excess, everything has to be bigger and faster. Jesus offers an entirely different way, which leads to true contentment and freedom from the multiply addictions that highjack our peace of mind.   Text is Matthew 5   Podcast 79 

Life Is Aimless Without A Sense Of Direction

We all have a calling, according to Jesus. A calling isn’t merely for pastors, nuns, monks, and religious professionals. A calling drives you forward and gifts you with a sense of passion, direction and, purpose. A calling keeps you on track when the going gets tough. Jesus teaches his first students (and us) what that calling is.        Text Matthew 4 Podcast 78

It's Not So Much What You Do It's How You Do It

What does it mean to follow Christ? There's a phrase Jesus used often; he said, "Follow me."  What does he mean by that? How is it possible if he's not here? The whole idea of the following implies we are going somewhere. Where is that somewhere? The text is John 1:29-42 Podcast 77

The Forgotten Power Of Baptism

I entitled this talk the "forgotten" power of baptism because it seems to be relatively easy for followers of Christ's Way to get worn out, distracted and tired all because we forget of the promise of power, gifted to us, by Christ himself. When we feel overcome it can often be a sign we are trying too hard and going solo rather than staying in partnership with Christ. This talk gives an overview of baptism and why it is so important. The scriptures covered are Mark 1:9-11 and Romans 6         Podcast 76