Ground Up Faith

Today Jesus tells his disciples he must go to Jerusalem, suffer and die. Peter doesn't want to see this happen but Jesus has a surprise for Peter and us.

Today, on the heals of Matthew's attempt to walk on water Jesus asks his disciples who he is. Peter answers correctly and gets a new name, connected both to his correct answer for today and his past misadventures. Let's see what this scene has to say for our lives today.

In today's sermon Paul's hearer's are very spiritual. They know that God is involved in so many aspects of life but don't yet have the eyes to see and the words to speak of the God found in Jesus. Likewise we find spiritual meaning in so many aspects of our life, but we need to practice our faith to see the hand of God moving in the meaningful moments of life.

It's been a long break for me in the podcasting. You've maybe been wondering where Ground Up Faith has been. This sermon, my first post back in a Long time, may help answer some questions. Future episodes will likely delve into more of this story. But for now let's listen to some of my story with Jesus. Check back for more!

We may know many of the stories of the Bible; and we may even have a basic outline in our minds; but those stories come to life in new and exciting ways when we appreciate the Big Picture of the Bible's one story. In this four part series we'll do just that!

Dietrich Bonhoeffer is one of the most important theologians, not just of the 20th Century, but for the entire church. His writings and his shows a true life of discipleship.

The Book of Revelation has often been considered one of the most confusing and frightening books in the Bible. Many through the centuries have doubted that it should even be in the Bible. Martin Luther was equally perplexed by it. On one occasion he wrote that "Christ is neither known nor taught in it." But then on another occasion he wrote that it can be a book of immense "hope and comfort."We are going to tackle this most perplexing Book of the Bible and through our studies find it to be a rich treasure of hope and comfort as Luther said. Along the way we will also wrestle with how this book is so misused and just how much that damages the work of Christians throughout the world. I know you're going to have a good time and learn a lot with this one!

The Book of Revelation has often been considered one of the most confusing and frightening books in the Bible. Many through the centuries have doubted that it should even be in the Bible. Martin Luther was equally perplexed by it. On one occasion he wrote that "Christ is neither known nor taught in it." But then on another occasion he wrote that it can be a book of immense "hope and comfort."We are going to tackle this most perplexing Book of the Bible and through our studies find it to be a rich treasure of hope and comfort as Luther said. Along the way we will also wrestle with how this book is so misused and just how much that damages the work of Christians throughout the world. I know you're going to have a good time and learn a lot with this one!

The Book of Revelation has often been considered one of the most confusing and frightening books in the Bible. Many through the centuries have doubted that it should even be in the Bible. Martin Luther was equally perplexed by it. On one occasion he wrote that "Christ is neither known nor taught in it." But then on another occasion he wrote that it can be a book of immense "hope and comfort."We are going to tackle this most perplexing Book of the Bible and through our studies find it to be a rich treasure of hope and comfort as Luther said. Along the way we will also wrestle with how this book is so misused and just how much that damages the work of Christians throughout the world. I know you're going to have a good time and learn a lot with this one!

The Book of Revelation has often been considered one of the most confusing and frightening books in the Bible. Many through the centuries have doubted that it should even be in the Bible. Martin Luther was equally perplexed by it. On one occasion he wrote that "Christ is neither known nor taught in it." But then on another occasion he wrote that it can be a book of immense "hope and comfort."We are going to tackle this most perplexing Book of the Bible and through our studies find it to be a rich treasure of hope and comfort as Luther said. Along the way we will also wrestle with how this book is so misused and just how much that damages the work of Christians throughout the world. I know you're going to have a good time and learn a lot with this one!

The Book of Revelation has often been considered one of the most confusing and frightening books in the Bible. Many through the centuries have doubted that it should even be in the Bible. Martin Luther was equally perplexed by it. On one occasion he wrote that "Christ is neither known nor taught in it." But then on another occasion he wrote that it can be a book of immense "hope and comfort."We are going to tackle this most perplexing Book of the Bible and through our studies find it to be a rich treasure of hope and comfort as Luther said. Along the way we will also wrestle with how this book is so misused and just how much that damages the work of Christians throughout the world. I know you're going to have a good time and learn a lot with this one!

The Book of Revelation has often been considered one of the most confusing and frightening books in the Bible. Many through the centuries have doubted that it should even be in the Bible. Martin Luther was equally perplexed by it. On one occasion he wrote that "Christ is neither known nor taught in it." But then on another occasion he wrote that it can be a book of immense "hope and comfort."We are going to tackle this most perplexing Book of the Bible and through our studies find it to be a rich treasure of hope and comfort as Luther said. Along the way we will also wrestle with how this book is so misused and just how much that damages the work of Christians throughout the world. I know you're going to have a good time and learn a lot with this one!

In Theography, a theological biography of Jesus, we will get to know Jesus in a new and fresh way. On this episode we look at the resurrection of Jesus and consider what he was doing for the 40 days he was on Earth prior to his ascension.

In Theography, a theological biography of Jesus, we will get to know Jesus in a new and fresh way. On this episode we look at the accounts of Jesus' Passion and Death.

In Theography, a theological biography of Jesus, we will get to know Jesus in a new and fresh way. On this episode we look at the Lukan Travel Narrative and consider both the stories within and the significance of this part of Luke's Gospel within the Jesus story.

Theography, a theological biography of Jesus, we will get to know Jesus in a new and fresh way. On this episode we will consider the beginning of Jesus' ministry, his baptism and temptation, the call of his disciples, and his first teachings.

In this, the first of a live five part series we begin exploring who Jesus of Nazareth is. Theography, a theological biography will get to know Jesus in a way we often over look. On this episode we begin with some of the back story of Jesus, look at his birth and consider what the first 30 years of his life look like prior to his public ministry.

On our final installment we go back to the beginning and hear about the first song of U2's first album Boy. The song is I will Follow and it explores the depth of love. We also close with U2's 2002 Super Bowl halftime show.

Today we continue our study with U2's song One. We consider the various ways this song address human community in light of the Gospel. To watch to U2 preform One Livehttps://youtu.be/WvJKGQ5gKKkTo watch an alternative version played and the end of the podcasthttps://youtu.be/pMPXzAcIKkI

This week we listen to a conversation between Bono and Eugene Peterson, translator of the Message. We also consider two songs, Yahweh and 40. One is a Psalm and the other a modern day psalm.

This week we continue our look at the music of the Irish Rock Band U2. We consider Sunday Bloody Sunday as a Psalm of Lament and Where the Streets Have no Name as giving voice to our greatest desire, Jesus.

This week we begin a six part series looking at the music of the Band U2 and its faith implications.

Today we hear the Christmas story, its familiar and treasured. But maybe its too familiar and maybe we're missing some of what this is really about. Listen in to find out more!

Today we hear the story of Joseph's Annunciation. You're probably familiar with it...but I bet you've never heard it this way. Listen in to find out more!

In today's episode we hear a fantastic story of John the Baptist in his shocking appearance in the wilderness...only its not so shocking when viewed through the eyes of faith. We can't see this on our own; instead its handed down to us. Listen in to find out more!

In this episode we consider the crucifixion of Jesus in preparation for Christ the King Sunday.

Today we hear the story of the rich fool who brings down his barns to put up larger ones. What does this story have to say to us today in the complexity of our lives? Listen in to find out!

At the NC Synod's 2022 Gathering Bishop Tim Smith issued a challenge to the 197 congregations in our Synod that 70% would become involved in the work of Refugee Resettlement through Lutheran Services of the Carolinas. As a Fundraiser through Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for the LSC Be The Light Campaign to Resettle Refugees, I will be riding my bike to and from work Monday - Friday for the week of June 27th - July 1st. A one way trip is 19 miles multiplied by the 10 legs is 190 miles! Would you pledge to support the vital, Biblical work of welcoming refugees? If so, please prayerfully consider a per mile pledge (for example, .50 cents a mile comes out to a donation of $95). Or you can give a one time gift for the whole ride.To give click the link below:https://www.goodshepherdmtholly.org/give/

Today Jesus promises to send an advocate to accompany us. But what exactly is an advocate and what does this look like in our life? Listen to find out more!

Today we hear Jesus' command to love one another; but the context for this lesson will have a lot to say about what loving really means.

Today we hear Jesus passing along the greatest commandment, to join him in his act of love. But the context of this commandment will open up the true depth of this act of love.

We find Jesus in the Temple today celebrating Jewish Festivals that call people to remember their identity as people of God. Jesus uses that occasion to remind us to consider carefully the voices we listen to in understanding our lives in the light of God.

Today we hear a story about Jesus' time in Jerusalem celebrating Jewish History. He invites us to listen to his voice as opposed to others.

Today we hear the story of Jesus' third appearance to his disciples following his Resurrection.  It's an odd story...and yet a familiar one as well. What might it have to say to us today?

In today's sermon we hear the story of doubting Thomas and we wonder about what's so wrong with doubt...and if there may in fact be better names for Thomas. Listen in to find out more.

Today we observe Palm Sunday...only today's account of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem makes no mention of Palms...what's up with that?

Today we hear about Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. We're familiar with people making entrances...we've made a few ourselves. But what does Jesus' entrance have to say to us?

In today's sermon we hear about an evening Jesus Spends with his friends where Mary anoints his feet.

Today we hear the Parable of the Prodigal Son and consider the importance of counting...who counts? Listen on the find out!

Today we consider the Parable of the Prodigal Son...but which character should be the focus of this Parable and what might that say to us?

Today we consider a rather uncomfortable text about challenging stories...alongside it, we consider uncomfortable stories from our own day.

In today's episode of Brewing Thoughts, we consider the Journey of Nicodemus as he moves from being just another Pharisee to being a disciple of Jesus. Along the way we'll consider what his story means for our own faith journey.

Today we hear Jesus tell a story about a gardener caring for an underproducing fig tree. The gardener has a trick up his sleeve for the tree...and that might just be a trick for you as well!

Today we consider the image of a hen gathering her brood under her wings as an image for how Jesus cares for us and invites us to care for others.

Today we hear of an encounter between Jesus and the Pharisees where they express concern for Jesus' well being. We consider in closer detail who these Pharisees are.

Today we again consider the story of Jesus' temptation; but today we consider it alongside our own temptation in the wilderness.

In today's episode of Brewing Thoughts, we pause to consider the origins and the enduring significance of an odd, yet meaningful Christian Practice, Ash Wednesday.