Tales of Faith Podcast

Intro (00:00:00)Context is Key (00:00:55)Overall Context‘Ad’ Break (00:0Text Me (00:0Section 1: Acts 17:16-21 “Lets Find Something to Do While We’re Waiting”Section 2: Acts 17: “In Him we Live and Move and Have our Being” (00:Addendum 1: Acts 17:32-34 Mixed Reviews” (00:Foreshadowing: Next Week on Tales of Faith (Philippians 1)That’ll Preach (00:Sermon ThoughtsTeaching ChildrenIntro (00:00:00)L: Greetings, and welcome back to Tales of Faith, a podcast on the Narrative Lectionary. I am n.A: And I am n. This is episode 443 for Fifth Sunday of Easter on May 3, 2026, though we are recording on April 27, so if something major has happened between when we record and when you listen, then we won’t be able to comment on it.L: Today we are talking about Acts 17:16-31, Paul’s Sermon in Athens, and will be using the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition. So let’s get started with the Context:Context is Key (00:00:55)Overall Context* Athens the center of philosophical thought for the ancient word in a way that continues to influence Western thought down to today.* Socrates, 5th Century BCE* ‘Socratic Method,’ asking questions to get to deeper meaning (or exposing logical fallacies) * no one desires what is bad, and so if anyone does something that truly is bad, it must be unwillingly or out of ignorance* all virtue is knowledge* Plato, Generation after Socrates* Student of Socrates* Wrote in dialogues, much of our knowledge of Socrates comes through Plato* Metaphysical understanding, Realm of Forms; realm of ideas with more reality than the material world* immutability of the human soul, also reincarnation* Allegory of the Cave* Established the Academy* Aristotle, 4th Century BCE* Enrolled as a student in Plato’s Academy, became the tutor for Alexander the Great, and then returned to Athens to establish the Lyceum.* Countered Plato’s metaphysics, giving greater weight to empirical observation and practical concerns* Life is valuable, resources should be allocated to reduce poverty/death* Epicurianism, 3-2nd Centuries BCE* Atomism* “the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain” (though not quite hedonism* Stoicism, 3rd Century BCE* applied the concept of apatheia (indifference) to personal circumstances rather than social norms* Materialism* Living in accordance with nature* Place of power- Agora (marketplace)Context for Acts* After getting run out of Philippi, Paul and Silas are run out of Thessalonica* Went to Borea, had a decent reception, but then a mob from Thessalonica came and stirred up trouble.* Sent Paul to the coast while Silas and Timothy remained in Borea to finish setting up the church there.* Paul is meeting up with them in Athens‘Ad’ Break (00:0L: Today’s episode is brought to you today by Pascalism.A: Are you pretty sure that you follow the correct religious teaching, but that little bit of you wonders? Do you generally reject any non-materialistic view of the universe, but wouldn’t mind making a side-bet on the spiritual (without all of the messy ethical implications). Why not try Pascalism, just in case. We will add you to our list so that you have an eternal back-up plan.L: Named after 17th Century French Philosopher, Blaise (Blaze) Pascal; who suggested that it is logically beneficial to wager on the existence of God.A: Oh wait, not Pedro Pascal?L: No, Blaise Pascal.A: This is not the way.L: Anyways, cover all of your bases with Pascalism.Text Me (00:0Section 1: Acts 17:16-21 “Lets Find Something to Do While We’re Waiting”L16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply distressed to see that the city was full of idols. 17 So he argued in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons and also in the marketplace[d] every day with those who happened to be there. 18 Also some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers debated with him. Some said, “What does this pretentious babbler want to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign divinities.” (This was because he was telling the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.) 19 So they took him and brought him to the Areopagus and asked him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? 20 It sounds rather strange to us, so we would like to know what it means.” 21 Now all the Athenians and the foreigners living there would spend their time in nothing but telling or hearing something new.d. 17.17 Or civic centerSection 2: Acts 17: “In Him we Live and Move and Have our Being” (00:A22 Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, “Athenians, I see how extremely spiritual you are in every way. 23 For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. 24 The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things. 26 From one ancestor[e] he made all peoples to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, 27 so that they would search for God[f] and perhaps fumble about for him and find him—though indeed he is not far from each one of us. 28 For ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said,‘For we, too, are his offspring.’29 “Since we are God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the deity is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of mortals. 30 While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”e. 17.26 Gk From one; other ancient authorities read From one bloodf.17.27 Other ancient authorities read the Lord“For in him we live and move and have our being” (ἐν αὐτῷ γὰρ ζῶμεν καὶ κινούμεθα καὶ ἐσμέν [En autō gar zōmen kai kinoumetha kai esmen]) and “For we are indeed his offspring” (Τοῦ γὰρ καὶ γένος ἐσμέν [Tou gar kai genos esmen]).The first is likely drawn from Epimenides of Crete a semi-mythical 6th-century BCE Cretan philosopher, poet, and prophet. He is known for his mystical insights and association with Greek religious reforms and is credited with a famous “Liar Paradox” statement about Cretans (see below).The biblical phrase originates from a hymn to Zeus who was the chief deity in the Greek pantheon. Here is the whole fragment of the quotation:“Ζεὺς ἄρχει· Ζεὺς δ’ ἔσχατος, Ζεὺς κεφαλή, Ζεὺς μέσσα, πάντα δὲ Ζεύς· ἐν τῷ γὰρ ζῶμεν, κινούμεθα καὶ ἐσμέν.”“Zeus is the beginning, Zeus is the end, Zeus is the head, Zeus is the center; all things are Zeus. For in him we live and move and have our being.”The hymn emphasizes Zeus’s omnipresence, creative power, and sustaining role in the universe. Paul takes the concept originally applied to Zeus and applies it to the God of Israel, the creator, and sustainer of life (Psalm 104:29-30; Colossians 1:17). While Zeus in the Greek hymn is part of creation, Paul emphasizes that the true God is distinct from His creation but also intimately involved in it as a sustainer (Acts 17:25) and personal God (Acts 17:27).The second is likely drawn from Aratus (Phaenomena, c. 315–240 BCE), though some attribute it to Cleanthes (Hymn to Zeus). Phaenomena by Aratus of Soli is a didactic poem describing constellations and weather patterns rooted in Stoic cosmology. Paul’s quotation of τοῦ γὰρ καὶ γένος ἐσμέν is located right at the beginning, praising Zeus as the divine principle governing the universe. Humans are described as Zeus’s “offspring” because of their dependence on him as the source of life and order in the universe.The other possible source of the quotation is Cleanthes, a Stoic philosopher who wrote Hymn to Zeus. Although, the form of the quotation is ἐκ σοῦ γὰρ γένος ἐσμέν, which is a bit different, Cleanthes echos similar themes of divine immanence and governance, writing of humanity’s connection to Zeus and their responsibility to live in harmony with the divine order.For Aratus and Cleanthes, “offspring” (γένος [genos]) denotes a shared essence with Zeus as the divine principle. In this sense, humans are rational beings who participate in the universal logos (principle, reason). Paul reframes “offspring” (γένος [genos]) to emphasize humanity’s relationship to the Creator, not as beings sharing divinity but as creatures made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). He uses this idea to critique idolatry (Acts 17:29).In both cases, the original context refers to humanity’s relationship to Zeus. Paul is repurposing the sense to refer to the God of Israel presenting Him as the one true creator.Source: https://ginoskos.com/paul-s-direct-quotations-of-greco-roman-philosophers-and-poetsAddendum 1: Acts 17:32-34 Mixed Reviews” (00:L32 When they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some scoffed, but others said, “We will hear you again about this.” 33 At that point Paul left them. 34 But some of them joined him and became believers, including Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them. Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Intro (00:00:00)Context is Key (00:0Overall Context‘Ad’ Break (00:0Text Me (00:0Section 1: Acts 16:16-18 “You Are Super Annoying, Be healed”Section 2: Acts 16:19-24 “You Broke Her” (00:Section 3: Acts 16:25-34 “Prison Not-Break” (00:Addendum 1: Acts 16:35-40 “Habeas Corpus” (00:Foreshadowing: Next Week on Tales of Faith (Acts 17, Paul in Athens)That’ll Preach (00:Sermon ThoughtsTeaching ChildrenIntro (00:00:00)A: Greetings, and welcome back to Tales of Faith, a podcast on the Narrative Lectionary. I am n.L: And I am n. This is episode 442 for Fourth Sunday of Easter on April 26, 2026, though we are recording on April 21, so if something major has happened between when we record and when you listen, then we won’t be able to comment on it.A: Today we are talking about Acts 6:16-34, Paul and Silas in Prison, and will be using the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition. So let’s get started with the Context:Context is Key (00:0Overall Context* Early church serving as witnesses to Jesus, and making disciples.* Saul, now known more by his Greek name, Paul, has been setting up churches in predominantly Gentile (non-Jewish) areas along side of Barnabus (Son of Encouragement).* Council of Jerusalem has ‘decided’ that Gentiles will not be expected to conform to Torah observance.* after the council, Paul and Barnabus split because Barnabus wanted to bring John Mark, but Paul held a grudge over John Mark abandoning them in Pamphilia.* Barnabus and John Mark go to Cyprus* Paul hooks up with Silas, and they head back to Lystra and Darbe, where they also take on Timothy.* Paul receives a vision of a man from Massadonia (not to be confused with the Man of La Mancha) urging him to bring the gospel there.* They are now in Philippi staying at the ‘house of Lydia’ which may or may not be a brothel.‘Ad’ Break (00:0L: Are you being dragged before the local magistrates for disturbing the peace, when all you did was cast out a demon? Are you charged with proclaiming false gods and foreign customs? Have you been beaten and arrested even though you are a Roman citizen? Do you need someone to fight for you?A: Call Lucretius Sergius Veridicus and Herminius Blandus Iustitia, right now! Our team of lawyers and orators are the finest in all of southern Macedonia, and we will fight for you!L: (Personal testimony) My favorite goat was gored by a wild oxen, but Veridicus got me 10 dinarius and a new goat, plus I got to light the pyre for the oxen!A: Yes, call Veridicus and Iustitia at VII VII VII - IX V III - IX I IX I. Call today!Text Me (00:0Section 1: Acts 16:16-18 “You Are Super Annoying, Be healed”L16 One day as we were going to the place of prayer, we met a female slave who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners a great deal of money by fortune-telling. 17 While she followed Paul and us, she would cry out, “These men are slaves of the Most High God, who proclaim to you[d] the way of salvation.” 18 She kept doing this for many days. But Paul, very much annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I order you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.d. 16.17 Other ancient authorities read to usSection 2: Acts 16:19-24 “You Broke Her” (00:A19 But when her owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the authorities. 20 When they had brought them before the magistrates, they said, “These men, these Jews, are disturbing our city 21 and are advocating customs that are not lawful for us, being Romans, to adopt or observe.” 22 The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates had them stripped of their clothing and ordered them to be beaten with rods. 23 After they had given them a severe flogging, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to keep them securely. 24 Following these instructions, he put them in the innermost cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.Section 3: Acts 16:25-34 “Prison Not-Break” (00:L25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was an earthquake so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. 27 When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, since he supposed that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted in a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” 29 The jailer[e] called for lights, and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them outside and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They answered, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 They spoke the word of the Lord[f] to him and to all who were in his house. 33 At the same hour of the night he took them and washed their wounds; then he and his entire family were baptized without delay. 34 He brought them up into the house and set food before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced that he had become a believer in God.e. 16.17 Other ancient authorities read to usf. 16.29 Gk HeAddendum 1: Acts 16:35-40 “Habeas Corpus” (00:A35 When morning came, the magistrates sent the police, saying, “Let those men go.” 36 And the jailer reported the message to Paul, saying, “The magistrates sent word to let you go; therefore come out now and go in peace.” 37 But Paul replied, “They have beaten us in public, uncondemned, men who are Romans, and have thrown us into prison, and now are they going to discharge us in secret? Certainly not! Let them come and take us out themselves.” 38 The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans, 39 so they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city. 40 After leaving the prison they went to Lydia’s home, and when they had seen and encouraged the brothers and sisters there, they departed.Foreshadowing: Next Week on Tales of Faith (Acts 17, Paul in Athens)That’ll Preach (00:Sermon ThoughtsTeaching Children Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

NL 441- A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to DamascusIntro (00:00:00)Context is Key (00:01:00)Overall Context‘Ad’ Break (00:05:29)Text Me (00:06:45)Section 1: Acts 9:1-9 “A Funny thing happened on the way to Damascus”Section 2: Acts 9:10-18a “Do What Now?” (00:19:20Addendum 1: Galatians 1: “Paul’s Side” (00:31:12)Foreshadowing: Next Week on Tales of Faith (Acts 16, Paul and Silas go to Prison) (0That’ll Preach (01:00:30)Sermon ThoughtsTeaching ChildrenIntro (00:00:00)L: Greetings, and welcome back to Tales of Faith, a podcast on the Narrative Lectionary. I am n.A: And I am n. This is episode 441 for the Third Sunday of Easter Sunday on April 19, 2026, though we are recording on April 14th, so if something major has happened between when we record and when you listen, then we won’t be able to comment on it.L: Today we are talking about Acts 9:1-19a, the conversion of Paul, and will be using the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition. So let’s get started with the Context:Context is Key (00:01:00)Overall Context* Book of ‘Acts’ or the Acts of the Apostles’* Part of the Luke/Acts Cinematic Universe* Acts’ view of the Early church* Received HS on Pentecost, which then sent them out* Tight-knit commune in which everyone’s needs were met, Peter is one of the most prominent leaders* Recently a Deacon, named Stephen was the first Jesus-follower to be martyred* This began a persecution of ‘the Way’ by the Jewish authorities, led by a Pharisee named Saul.* Saul will be eventually known as the Apostle Paul, and the second half of Acts will primarily follow his missionary journey.* Paul Cynamatic Universe* By the time the book of Acts was written, the writings of Paul had been widely distributed.* He does make reference to persecuting the church and being trained as a pharisee (Galatians 1)* Makes no mention of blindness.* History* We know there were early struggles over dominance of the christian movement.* James (the brother of Jesus, and/or the Elder)* Mary Magdalene* Paul the Apostle* Peter the Rock (aka. Simon, Cephas)* The early institutional church saw Peter as the victor, and treated him as such.‘Ad’ Break (00:05:29)L: Today’s episode is brought to you by GPS™, The Godly Positioning System. Have you ever wondered if you were on the right track, if you were doing what God wanted you to do?A: Do you ever wish that there was a clear sign to know if you were going the wrong way, well be careful what you wish for.L: With GPS’s patented redirection system, you will get a clear sign from the Living God if you are outside of God’s will. Signs may include: loud noises, visions of Jesus, whirlwinds, plagues, and more. With these clear signs, you can get back on track, and on with your day. Try GPS right now!A: Warning: not all people react to GPS in the same way, discrepancies may arise from those nearby as to what was seen or heard; GPS may cause you to do something that you really, really, really don’t want to do; may cause temporary blindness; use with caution, and always make sure that instructions are in line with the breadth of scripture and not a psychotic break. Use only as directed.L: Use GPS, because killing in the name of God is always wrong, even when it aligns with your political ideology.Text Me (00:06:45)Section 1: Acts 9:1-9 “A Funny thing happened on the way to Damascus”L9 Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5 He asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. 8 Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing;[a] so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 For three days he was without sight and neither ate nor drank.* 9.8 Other ancient authorities read no oneSection 2: Acts 9:10-18a “Do What Now?” (00:19:20A10 Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” He answered, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision[b] a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem, 14 and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; 16 I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” 17 So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul[c] and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.b. 9.12 Other ancient authorities lack in a visionc. 9.17 Gk himAddendum 1: Galatians 1: “Paul’s Side” (00:31:12)L11 For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin, 12 for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.13 You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism. I was violently persecuting the church of God and was trying to destroy it. 14 I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. 15 But when the one[b] who had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace was pleased 16 to reveal his Son to me,[c] so that I might proclaim him among the gentiles, I did not confer with any human, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were already apostles before me, but I went away at once into Arabia, and afterward I returned to Damascus.18 Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days, 19 but I did not see any other apostle except James the Lord’s brother. 20 In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie! 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia, 22 and I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea that are in Christ; 23 they only heard it said, “The one who formerly was persecuting us is now proclaiming the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me.b. 1.15 Other ancient authorities read Godc. 1.16 Gk in meForeshadowing: Next Week on Tales of Faith (Acts 16, Paul and Silas go to Prison) (0That’ll Preach (01:00:30)Sermon ThoughtsTeaching Children Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Intro (00:00:00)Context is Key (00:01:05)Overall Context‘Ad’ Break (00:02:36)Text Me (00:04:13)Section 1: John 20:19-23 “Peace B*****s”Section 2: John 20:24-25 “I’m Gonna Need Some Proof” (00:27:10)Section 3: John 20:26-29 “Stick Your Finger” (00:41:02)Section 4: John 20:30 “The Reason for All of This” (00:55:00)Foreshadowing: Next Week on Tales of Faith (Acts 9, Paul’s Conversion) (01:03:00)That’ll Preach (01:05:27)Sermon ThoughtsTeaching ChildrenIntro (00:00:00)A: Greetings, and welcome back to Tales of Faith, a podcast on the Narrative Lectionary. I am n. L: And I am n. This is episode 440 for the Second Sunday of Easter Sunday on April 12, 2026, though we are recording on ___________, so if something major has happened between when we record and when you listen, then we won’t be able to comment on it. A: Today we are talking about the John 20:19-31, the Resurrection, and will be using the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition. So let’s get started with the Context:Context is Key (00:01:05)Overall ContextMary Magdalene went to the tomb earlier today, found it empty, and told Peter and the Disciple Jesus lovedThey came to check it out and believed that his body was not thereMary Magdalene then saw 2 angels and Jesus who told her that he had been raised, and to go and tell the disciples. Our text for this week starts out later that day, and then concludes one week later. ‘Ad’ Break (00:02:36)L: Today’s episode is brought to you by Tombwatch™. Have you just entombed the person you thought was the Messiah, but are not quite sure what is going to happen with the body?A: You don’t want to show up on Sunday morning and find the body missing with no answers: was it stolen by the Religious authorities, was it taken by the Romans, was it absconded by other disciples, or was he raised from the dead just as he said he was going to be?L: Listen, we all face uncertainty in this life, and in the next, so why not have complete certainty and objective factual evidence forever and ever. A: But what would that kind of evidence do for your faith?L: What?A: If we had firm proof of a physical resurrection, how would we be welcomed into a story that invites us into a newness of life?L: Oh, yeah, I guess even the gospels don’t depict what the resurrection actually looked like. A: And with today’s ubiquity of AI generated videos on the one hand, and government officials telling us to doubt what actual video evidence shows, what would be the point?L: Your right, never mind, Tombwatch, you can keep your imaginary money that you didn’t pay us. Today’s episode is actually sponsored by the Resurrection account from John’s Gospel, with all its beautiful uncertainty. Text Me (00:04:13)Section 1: John 20:19-23 “Peace B*****s”L19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”Section 2: John 20:24-25 “I’m Gonna Need Some Proof” (00:27:10)A24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin[a]), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”20.24 Gk DidymusSection 3: John 20:26-29 “Stick Your Finger” (00:41:02)L26 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”Section 4: John 20:30 “The Reason for All of This” (00:55:00)A30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may continue[b] to believe that Jesus is the Messiah,[c] the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.b. 20.31 Or may comec. 20.31 Or the ChristForeshadowing: Next Week on Tales of Faith (Acts 9, Paul’s Conversion) (01:03:00)That’ll Preach (01:05:27)Sermon ThoughtsTeaching Children Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Intro (00:00:00)Context is Key (00:01:05)Overall ContextLast Time on Tales of Faith‘Ad’ Break (00:03:40)Text Me (00:04:20)Section 1: John 20:1-10 “Well, That’s Weird”Section 2: John 20:11-18 “Mistaken Identity” (00:16:49)Foreshadowing: Next Week on Tales of Faith (John 20, Verifying Thomas)That’ll Preach (00:41:38)Sermon ThoughtsTeaching ChildrenIntro (00:00:00)L: Greetings, and welcome back to Tales of Faith, a podcast on the Narrative Lectionary. I am n. we apologize for being out for a couple of weeks.A: And I am n. This is episode 439 for Easter Sunday on April 5, 2026, though we are recording on March 30th, so if something major has happened between when we record and when you listen, then we won’t be able to comment on it.L: Today we are talking about John 20:1-18, the Resurrection of Jesus, and will be using the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition, with our own edits to de-gender references to God. So let’s get started with the Context:Context is Key (00:01:05)Overall Context* Jesus was dead to begin withLast Time on Tales of Faith* Jesus has been arrested, tried by the religious authorities, condemned, and crucified.‘Ad’ Break (00:03:40)L: Today’s episode is brought to you by Disciple™ Brand Running Shoes.A: Do you have somewhere to be in a hurry, and some Rock-guy to be faster than?L: Do you absolutely need to be the first to a place (but not actually need to be the first to go inside)?A: Then you need Disciple Brand Running Shoes. Disciples are available in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.L: Disciples are also available in narrow, wide, and double wide.A: Use our discount code FASTERTHANPETER for an exclusive sticker bragging that you are quicker than the Bishop of Rome in Arrameic, Latin, and Greek.L: Try Disciple Brand Running Shoes, and make your Sunday morning run miraculous.Text Me (00:04:20)Section 1: John 20:1-10 “Well, That’s Weird”L20 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3 Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. 4 The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, 7 and the cloth that had been on Jesus’s head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed, 9 for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples returned to their homes.Section 2: John 20:11-18 “Mistaken Identity” (00:16:49)A11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look[a] into the tomb, 12 and she saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir,[b] if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew,[c] “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not touch me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and she told them that he had said these things to her.Who goes to the tomb?Matthew: Mary Magdalene and the ‘other’ MaryMark: Mary Magdalene, Mary mother of James, SalomeLuke: Mary Magdalene, Mary the Mother of James, Joanna, and the other women.John: Mary Magdalene (alone)What/who is there?Matthew: Soldiers, Earthquake, and AngelMark: Stone already rolled away, a young manLuke: Stone already rolled away, tomb emptyJohn: NothingWho tells them?Matthew: an angel of the LordMark: a young man dressed in white, right sideLuke: Two men in dazzling clothes who suddenly appearedJohn: No one at first, later two angelsWhat do they do?Matthew: Go with ‘fear and joy’ to tell the disciplesMark: Run from the tomb in terror and amazement, tell no one (telling is implied)Luke: Tell the apostles, but are dismissed.John: Tell Simon Peter and the Other discipleWho else goes to the tomb?Matthew: No oneMark: ?Luke: PeterJohn: Peter and super-fast other discipleWho sees Jesus?Matthew: The women, later the disciplesMark: Nobody listedLuke: Emmaus Disciples, All the disciplesJohn: Mary Magdalene (on her 2nd visit), rest of the disciples that night, all the disciples next week.Foreshadowing: Next Week on Tales of Faith (John 20, Verifying Thomas)That’ll Preach (00:41:38)Sermon ThoughtsTeaching Children Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Intro (00:00:00)Context is Key (00:01:15)Overall ContextLast Time on Tales of Faith‘Ad’ Break (00:03:25)Text Me (00:06:35)Section 1: John 18:28-32 “No, You Take Care of It”Section 2: John 18:33-38a “Some Light Existentialism” (00:19:45)Section 3: John 18:38b-40 “Scape Goat” (00:48:05)Foreshadowing: Next Week on Tales of Faith (John 19, Jesus CondemnedThat’ll Preach (00:58:55)Sermon ThoughtsTeaching Children Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

We are back, sorry for the hiatus. I did not include all of the fancy stuff to get it out sooner. May not be useful, but hopefully at least entertaining. Intro (00:00:00)Context is Key (00:01:30)Overall ContextLast Time on Tales of Faith‘Ad’ Break (00:06:46)Text Me (00:08:42)Section 1: John 11:1-6 “Urgent Message”Section 2: John 11:7-16 “Failure to Communicate” (00:24:25)Section 3: John 11:16-27 “Resurrection Song” (00:48:51)Section 4: John 11:28-37 “Jesus Wept” (01:11:17)Section 5: John 11:38-44 “Coming Out Party” (01:26:32)The rest of the story (01:34:05)Foreshadowing: Next Week on Tales of Faith (John 13, Jesus Washing Feet)That’ll Preach (01:37:35)1Sermon ThoughtsTeaching Children Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Intro (00:00:00)Context is Key (00:01:05)Overall ContextLast Time on Tales of Faith (Ezekiel Valley of Dry Bones)‘Ad’ Break (00:08:50)Text Me (00:10:28)Section 1: Isaiah 55:1-5 “Ho, all Who Thirst” (00:10:45)Section 2: Isaiah 55:6-9 “My Ways Are Not Your Ways” (00:22:55)Section 3: Isaiah 55:10-11 “The Word Does Not Return Empty” (00:36:45)Section 4: Isaiah 55:12-13 “The Trees of the Field Shall Clap Their Hands” (00:43:48)The rest of the story (00:48:09)Foreshadowing: Next Week on Tales of Faith (John 1)That’ll Preach (00:58:43)Sermon ThoughtsTeaching ChildrenTales of Faith is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Intro (00:00:00)Context is Key (00:01:02)Overall ContextLast Time on Tales of Faith (Daniel, Shadrack, Mishack, and Abednigo)‘Ad’ Break (00:09:53)Text Me (00:12:34)Section 1: Ezekiel 37:1-6 “Can These Bones Live?” (00:12:43)Section 2: Ezekiel 37:7-10 “Breath” (00:24:52)Section 3: Ezekiel 37:11-14 “Resurrection” (00:38:39)The rest of the story (00:52:42)Foreshadowing: Next Week on Tales of Faith (Isaiah 55)That’ll Preach (00:56:31)Sermon ThoughtsTeaching ChildrenBlooper (01:08:37) Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Happy Thanksgiving!*Call to Worship (Responsive) (Daniel 3- NRSVCE)Leader: Blessed are you, O LORD, God of our ancestors, and worthy of praise;People: and glorious is your name for ever!Leader: For you are just in all that you have done; all your works are true and your ways right,People: and all your judgements are true.Leader: God of the exiled. We, like Daniel and his friends, find ourselves away from our true home. We are refugees, immigrants, and ex-patriots, because our final allegiance is to a kin-dom that is not of this world. For now we are called to build houses and live in them, plant gardens and eat from what is planted, to seek the welfare of the city and nation we are called to. Yet we are not to bow down to the idols of this present age. We are called to seek your kin-dom first, to plant and nurture seeds, to faithfully resist and disobey injustice. Today we light a candle of hope as we wait with eager expectation for your coming kin-dom.Episode BreakdownIntro (00:00:00)Context is Key (00:01:18)Overall ContextLast Time on Tales of Faith (Jeremiah)‘Ad’ Break (00:12:51)Text Me (00:14:47)Section 1: Daniel 3:1 “An Homage to My Ego” (00:0Optional Reading 1: Daniel 3:2-7 “Who was there again?” (00:17:22)Section 2: Daniel 3:8-12 “Whistle Blowers” (00:22:50)Section 3: Daniel 3:13-15 “One Last Chance” (00:32:43)Section 4: Daniel 3:16-18 “Nah, We’re Good” (00:35:35)Section 5: Daniel 3:19-23 “If There’s Anything More Important than my Ego on this Ship, I want it hunted down and shot” (00:39:49)Section 6: Daniel 3:24-27 “One of Them is Real Shiny” (00:55:56)Section 7: Daniel 3:28-30 “Actually, Your God is OK” (01:26:34)Interstitial 1: Daniel 3:24-90 (NRSVCE) “Singing in the Furnace” (01:26:34)The rest of the story (01:14:02)Foreshadowing: Next Week on Tales of Faith (Ezekiel 37, Valley of Dry Bones)That’ll Preach (01:18:06)Sermon ThoughtsTeaching Children Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Intro (00:00:00)Context is Key (00:01:12)Overall ContextLast Time on Tales of Faith (Amos, Isaiah)Text Me (00:03:04)Section 1: Jeremiah 29:1 “A Letter to Those Exiled” (00:03:41)Interstitial 1: Jeremiah 29:2-3 “Taking the Elites” (00:05:56)Section 2: Jeremiah 29:4-9 “Get Comfortable” (00:08:22)Section 3: Jeremiah 29:10-14 “Judgement on Israel” (00:22:14)The rest of the story (00:34:37)Foreshadowing: Next Week on Tales of Faith (Daniel, Shadrack, Mishack, and Abednigo)That’ll Preach (00:38:50)Sermon ThoughtsTeaching ChildrenBlooper (00:53:02) Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Sorry for missing last week, enjoy this one. Here is some liturgy based on some other parts of AmosCall to Worship (Amos 5 CEB)Leader: Seek good and not evil, that you may live;People: and so the LORD, the God of heavenly forces, will be with you just as you have said.Leader: Hate evil, love good, and establish justice at the city gate.People: Perhaps the LORD God of heavenly forces will be gracious to what is left of Joseph. Amen.Prayer of Confession (Unison) (Amos 2, 5, 6, 9)The LORD proclaims, for three crimes of the United States, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment. Because they have rejected the instructions of the LORD and have not kept God’s statutes, but have been led astray by the same lies after which their ancestors walked. Because they sell the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals- they who trample the heads of the poor into the dust of the earth, and push the afflicted out of the way. They hate the one who reproves at the gate, and abhor the one who speaks truth. Therefore because you trample on the poor, and take from them levies of grain; you have built houses of hewn stone, but will not live in them. For I know how many are your transgressions, and how great are your sins- you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe, and push aside the needy at the gate. Woe to those who are at ease in Columbia, and for those who are secure in Washington. Woe to those who lie in comfort while their people starve. Let justice roll down like rivers, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Amen.*Assurance of Pardon (Amos 9:13-15)Leader: The time is surely coming, says the LORD, when the one who plows shall catch up with the one who reaps and the treader of grapes with the one who sows the seed; the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and all the hills shall flow with it. I will restore the fortunes of my people, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine, and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit. I will plant them upon their land, and they shall never again be plucked up out of the land that I have given them, says the LORD your God.People: Thanks be to God! Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Intro (00:00:00)Context is Key (00:01:07)Overall ContextLast Time on Tales of Faith (Calling of DavidText MeSection 1: 1 Kings 5:1-5 “Continued Trade Relations” (00:05:15)>⁰FootnotesInterstitial 1: 1 Kings 5:5-7:51 “By Other Hands” (00:11:59)Section 2: 1 Kings 8:1-11 “Dedication” (00:19:38)Section 3: 1 Kings 8:12-13 “A Dwelling Place for God” (00:27:05)Interstitial 2: 1 Kings 8:14-61 “Return to the LORD” (00:32:55)Solomon’s Prayer of DedicationSolomon Blesses the AssemblyThe rest of the story (00:50:29)Foreshadowing: Next Week on Tales of Faith (God Speaks to Elijah 1 Kings 19)That’ll Preach (00:57:13)Sermon ThoughtsTeaching Children Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Again, not as fancy, but here you go. Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Hey, things are crazy so no fancy editing or timestamps, hope you enjoy. Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Intro (00:00:00)Context is Key (00:03:32)Overall ContextLast Time on Tales of Faith (Name of God)Text MeSection 1: Exodus 16:1-3 “The Good Old Days” (00:03:32)Section 2: Exodus 16:4-5 “A Test” (00:10:43)Section 3: Exodus 16:6-8 “Complaining Against the LORD” (00:15:22)Section 4: Exodus 16:9-12 “I’ll give you Meat” (00:33:11)Section 5: Exodus 16:13-18 “Enough for Everyone” (00:38:27)The rest of the story (00:51:57)That’ll Preach (01:09:08)Sermon ThoughtsTeaching ChildrenForeshadowing: Next Week on Tales of Faith (God Calls Samuel; 1 Samuel 3)Blooper (01:15:24)Tales of Faith is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Hey all, sorry that we are a little late (or a lot, if you are a paid subscriber), lots of stuff going on, we will try to get back on track. Intro (00:00:00)Context is Key (00:01:36)Overall ContextLast Time on Tales of Faith (Blessings of Jacob)Text MeSection 1: Exodus 2:23-25 “Are you there God, it’s me Miriam” (00:12:18)Section 2: Exodus 3:1-7 “Suddenly Nothing Happened” (00:30:53)Section 3: Exodus 3:7-12 “Why Me?" (00:48:49)Section 4: Exodus 3:13-15 “I AM” (00:57:38)Section 5: Exodus 5:10-17 “Me No Talk Good” (01:13:52)The rest of the story (01:38:05)That'll Preach (01:42:52)Sermon ThoughtsTeaching ChildrenForeshadowing: Next Week on Tales of Faith (God Provides Manna Exodus 16)Tales of Faith is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Intro (00:00:00)Context is Key (00:01:12)Overall ContextLast Time on Tales of Faith (Binding of Isaac)Text MeSection 1: Genesis 27:1-4 “A Secret Blessing” (00:05:48)Interstitial 1: Genesis 27:5-14 “Plans within Plans” (00:15:16)Section 2: Genesis 27:15-17 “Esau in Disguise" (00:25:13)Section 3: Genesis 27:18-23 “If is Smells like a Duck… (00:25:45)Interstitial 2: Genesis 27:24-28:9 (00:31:34)Section 4: Genesis 28:10-16 “Jacob’s Dream” (00:37:55)The rest of the story (00:58:10)That'll Preach (01:08:28)Sermon ThoughtsTeaching ChildrenForeshadowing: Next Week on Tales of Faith (God’s Name is Revealed, Exodus 3)Tales of Faith is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Ordinary TimeSeason after Pentecost the Rev. AJ Ocharthttps://www.checkiday.com/Liturgy Liturgy from "Worship in a Matthew 25 Church: Resources for Congregations and Presbyteries" Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Presbyterian Mission Agency. https://www.presbyterianmission.org/wp-content/uploads/M25-Worship-Guide.pdfwww.biblegateway.com/New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.RevOchart's Daily Prayer is the intellectual property of the Rev. Aaron Ochart, unless otherwise indicated. Copyright 2025. "Allamande" by Wahneta MeixsellSubscribe through Substack in order to receive a daily email with this prayer in video and audio form: https://revochartdaily.substack.comOpening 00:00:00Scripture 00:01:08Reflection 00:02:37Prayer 00:12:15Listen to the audio version on Spotify:#DailyPrayer #PCUSA #prayer #NRSVUE #Acts #HolySpirit #pentecost #Spirit #pentecostal #Joel #SpiritofGod #Democratization #egalitarian #allflesh #gender #classTales of Faith is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Ordinary TimeSeason after Pentecost the Rev. AJ Ocharthttps://www.checkiday.com/Liturgy Liturgy from "Worship in a Matthew 25 Church: Resources for Congregations and Presbyteries" Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Presbyterian Mission Agency. https://www.presbyterianmission.org/wp-content/uploads/M25-Worship-Guide.pdfwww.biblegateway.com/New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.RevOchart's Daily Prayer is the intellectual property of the Rev. Aaron Ochart, unless otherwise indicated. Copyright 2025. "Allamande" by Wahneta MeixsellSubscribe through Substack in order to receive a daily email with this prayer in video and audio form: https://revochartdaily.substack.comOpening 00:00:00Scripture 00:01:11Reflection 00:02:39Prayer 00:19:00Listen to the audio version on Spotify:#DailyPrayer #PCUSA #prayer #NRSVUE #Acts #HolySpirit #pentecost #Spirit #pentecostal #Joel #SpiritofGod #Democratization #egalitarian #allflesh #gender #classTales of Faith is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Podcast on the #NarrativeLectionary This is episode 402 for the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost on September 14th, 2025. Today we are talking about Genesis 21:1-3; 22:1-14, and will be using the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition, unless otherwise noted.New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.Tails of Faith is the intellectual property of the Rev. Aaron Ochart, unless otherwise indicated. Copyright 2025. Intro (00:00:00)Context is Key (00:01:09)Section 1: Genesis 21:1-3 “Bouncing Baby Boy” (00:04:25)Section 2: Genesis 22:1-2 “Do What Now?” (00:11:13)Section 3: Genesis 22:3-5 “An Early Morning Filicide” (00:18:03)Section 4: Genesis 22:6-8 “I've got Questions” (00:21:44)Section 5: Genesis 22:9-12 “Cutting it Close” (00:25:33)Section 6: Genesis 22:13-14 “Substitutionary Atonement” (00:49:31)Section 7 (Extra): Genesis 22:19 “Did you forget something? (00:54:26)That'll Preach (01:00:25)Foreshadowing: Next Week on Tales of Faith (Jacob’s Dream Genesis 27:1-4, 15-23; 28:10-17) (01:09:03)Outtakes (01:10:25)Tales of Faith is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Intro (00:00:00)Context is KeyOverall Context (00:01:15)Last Time on Tales of Faith (00:04:35)Text MeSection 1: Genesis 1:1-5 “Once Upon a Time” (00:05:13)Section: 2 Genesis 1:6-8 “Waters” (00:25:51)Section 3: Genesis 1:9-13 “Land Ho!” (00:33:17)Section 4: Genesis 1:14-19 “The Heavens Declare” (00:38:47)Section 5: Genesis 1:20-23 “Sky things and Water things” (00:45:55)Section 6: Genesis 1:24-25 “Want to eat, don’t want to eat, wants to eat you” (00:52:43)Section 7: Genesis 1:26-27 “Image of God” (00:57:27)Imago Dei (00:58:02)Gender Equality (01:03:02)Gender Diversity (01:06:04)Dominion (01:16:53)Section 8: Genesis 1:28-31 "Dominion" (01:21:06)Section 9: Genesis 2:1-4a “Rest” (01:25:04)That'll Preach (01:38:00) Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Hi, and welcome back to Tales of Faith, a Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary. Thank you for those who have stuck with me all this time. We are trying to be more consistent this year, so getting started earlier. This podcast is an overview of the whole of year 4 (John), and a brief introduction. Tales of Faith Podcast for the Narrative Lectionary year 4 (John). Context is Key (00:01:05)Text Me (00:18:00)NL401: September 7, Genesis 1:1-2:4a (00:19:06)NL402: September 14, Genesis 21:1-3; 22:1-14 (00:19:45)NL403: September 21, Genesis 27:1-4, 15-23; 28:10-17 (00:20:23)NL404: September 28, Exodus 2:23-25; 3:1-15; 4:10-17 (00:22:00)NL405: October 5, Exodus 16:1-18 (00:22:24)NL406: October 12, 1 Samuel 3:1-21 (00:22:59)NL407: October 19, 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 51:10-14 (00:23:44)NL408: October 26, 1 Kings 5:1-5; 8:1-13 (00:28:58)NL409: November 2, 1 Kings 19:1-18 (00:31:24)NL410: November 9, Amos 1:1-2, 5:14-15, 21-24 (00:32:20)NL411: November 16, Isaiah 9:1-7 (00:33:33)NL412: November 23, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-14 (00:32:11)NL413: November 30, Daniel 3:1, [2-7] 8-30 (00:35:35)NL414: December 7, Ezekiel 37:1-14 (00:36:13)NL415: December 14, Isaiah 55:1-13 (00:37:05)NL416: December 21, John 1:1-18 (00:38:46)NL417: December 24, Luke 2:1-14 [15-20]; NL418: December 25, Luke 2:8-20; NL419: December 28, John 1:19-34 (00:39:35)NL420: January 4, John 1:35-51 (00:41:50)NL421: January 11, John 2:1-11 (00:42:28)NL422: January 18, John 2:13-25 (00:43:13)NL423: January 25, John 3:1-21 (00:44:45)NL424: February 1, John 4:1-42 (00:45:30)NL425: February 8, John 4:46-54 [5:1-18] (00:46:23)NL429: February 15, John 9:1-41 (00:47:09)NL430: February 18, John 10:1-18 (00:48:31)NL431: February 22, John 11:1-44 (00:49:48)NL432: March 1, John 13:1-17 (00:50:48)NL433: March 8, John 18:12-27 (00:54:26)NL434: March 15, John 18:28-40 (00:56:05)NL435: March 22, John 19:1-16a (00:56:49)NL436: March 29, John 19:16b-22 (00:58:31)NL437: April 2, John 19:23-30 (00:59:52)NL438: April 3, John 19:31-42 (01:00:29)NL439: April 5, John 20:1-18 (01:01:39)NL440: April 12, John 20:19-31 (01:02:28)NL441: April 19, Acts 9:1-19a (01:03:41)NL442: April 26, Acts 16:16-34 (01:04:31)NL443: May 3, Acts 17:16-31 (01:05:08)NL444: May 10, Philippians 1:1-18a (01:06:02)NL445: May 17, Philippians 2:1-13 (01:06:37)NL446: May 24, Acts 2:1-21; Philippians 4:4-7 (01:07:13)That'll Preach (01:08:04) Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Tales of Faith Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary NL 315; Isaiah 61:1-11; NRSVUE for December 15, 20242024 Advent Candle LightingsWeek 3Call to Worship (Responsive) (Isaiah 60)Leader: Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples;People: but the LORD will rise upon you, and God’s glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn…Leader: The sun shall no longer be your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you by night;...People: for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended.Leader: Oh radiant dawn. Amidst the deep darkness of our world, your light has come! The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness does not overcome it. You call us as children of light, to bring your light to the darkness of our world, to systems and structures of darkness. You call us to bring your light to those in deep darkness, those who are in need of human compassion. You call us to bring your light to the darkness we try to hide in ourselves. We have seen your glory, the glory as of a parent’s only child, full of grace and truth. From your fullness we have received grace upon grace. Today we light the candle of joy, a sign of your growing light and life in the world. (Light 2 purple candles and 1 pink candle)Hymn of Advent: #85 Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah (v. 3)People: Today we gather as a community of light and life. We gather in the name of the one who is in deep solidarity with those who are hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, and in prison; and who are called to be in deep solidarity with them as well. May we be children of light! Amen.Prayer of Confession (Unison)Oh Spirit of God, you have come to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the broken-hearted, and bring liberty to the captives. You come to make all things right, to lift up those who are downtrodden, and to bring down those who exult themselves. We admit that we are often too slow to hear your Spirit’s call. We have pity on the oppressed, broken-hearted, and imprisoned rather than giving them the dignity that they deserve. We do not receive this good news as good. We worry about the thrones and palaces that we have built. Help us to hear your word of liberation, both for those oppressed and for their oppressors. Anoint us with your Spirit, that we may rebuild what has been destroyed, that we may work for and proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor. Amen.Assurance of Pardon (Isaiah 63)Leader: I will recount the gracious deeds of the LORD, the praiseworthy acts of the LORD, because of all that the LORD has done for us, and the great favor God has shown to us according to God’s mercy, according to the abundance of God’s steadfast-loving-kindness. For God has said, ‘Surely you are my people, children who do not deal falsely’: and God has become our savior in all our distress. Friends, believe the good news of the gospel. In Jesus the Christ, our sins are forgiven!Tales of Faith is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Tales of Faith Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary NL 312; Jeremiah 36:1-8, 21-23, 27-28; 31:31-34; NRSVUE for November 24, 2024 Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Greetings all, here are some of my thoughts on 2 Samuel 7:1-17, enjoy. Tales of Faith is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Tales of Faith is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Check out the latest Podcast for Sunday, September 22nd. Just me this week, but I talk about Joseph, generational patterns, gender bending, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Tales of Faith is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Discussion on Genesis 15:1-6 (and beyond) for September 8, 2024Tales of Faith is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to the Tales of Faith Narrative Lectionary Podcast. Join us for an in-depth conversation about Genesis 2:4b-7, 15-17; 3:1-8“Redeeming Sex: Naked Conversations About Sexuality and Spirituality” by Debra Hirsch” Blog Post to come. #Genesis #Narrativelectionary #Feminism #Native #Indiginous #Humanity #Creation #Sex #HistoryChicks #Parenting #Purityculture #Adam #Eve #sin #Nakedness #evesfault #patriarchy #mysogany #power Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

This week we discuss 1 Corinthians 15:1-26, 51-57. We talk about Mother’s day and misogyny, Resurrection and Ascension, this world and the next, and the expectation of the imminent coming of Christ both in the first century, and now. Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Mawidge, Mawidge is what bwings us togever today. Today we discuss 1 Corinthians 13 (the Love Chapter) and find that there is a lot more than can be preached at a wedding, like the Devine Feminine, cross bearing, non-misogynistic/anti-patriarchal, eternally orgasmic, deeply relational, ever-living lifeforce that we know only in part. Referenced today: * “What “Hypocrite” Means to Jesus” Sermon on the Mount Episode 17 Bible Project Podcast Episode* “Daniel Kirk: Making the Vision of the New Testament Moral” Homebrewed Christianity Podcast * “Surviving God: A New Vision of God Through The Eyes of Sexual Abuse Survivors” by Grace Ji-Sun Kim and Susan M. Shaw, Broadleaf Books, 2024* “Redeeming Sex: Naked Conversations about Sexuality and Spirituality” by Debra Hirsch, InterVarsity Press, 2015* (Not directly referenced, but alluded to) “The A to Z of the New Testament” by James F, McGrath, Eerdmans, 2023 Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

IN which we talk about the rough start and persecutions in Thessalonica, Paul’s letter to that church, and process our own saying goodbye to a congregation. Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Hi y’all, happy Eastertide. Today we discuss Acts 3:1-10 (and the rest of Acts 3 and 4). We discuss Disability theology, a First Century view of Resurrection, the possible allegory/parable of Pilate’s choice, The Life of Brian, and making Israel Great Again (all this during a major rainstorm). Hope you enjoy. Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Greetings, We are back with a conversation about Apocalyptic literature, and specifically Mark 13Today’s text is Mark 13:1-8, 24-37 (thought we also talk about 9-23 as well). I reference “Boys will be Girls” by Derik WebbOur scriptures come from the New Revised Standard Version and New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition, and my notes come from Netbible.org Tales of Faith is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome, and sorry that I have been AFK. Today’s TextMark 10:32-52 (NRSV) (NRSVUE)Other StuffJesus Break dancing meme: https://knowyourmeme.com/photos/466060-lol-jesusTales of Faith is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Hi all, so sorry that I have not updated recently, but trying to get back into it again. I also found out that there is a discrepancy between the list of readings that I started my worship planning with, and the one that is now on the Working Preacher website, so we are talking about two scriptures today:Mark 5:1-20 (Gerasene Demoniac), which I have for this week, but the current schedule has for last week. and (starting at 22:36)Mark 5:21-36 (Jairus’ daughter and the woman in the crowd), which I have for next week, but the current schedule has for this week. Hopefully next week we will be more on track. Thanks for the grace. Tales of Faith is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Starring Aaron Ochart as Luke Skywalker, Louise Ochart as Princess Leia, R2-D2 as R2D2, and James Earl Jones as the voice of Darth Vader. Introducing Chewbacca’s family: his wife Malla, his father Itchy, and his son Lumpy.With special guest stars: Beatrice Arthur, Art Carney, Diahanne Carrorl, The Jefferson Starship, Harvy Korman, and an animated Star Wars story!(cue 20 minutes of Shriiwook) Note: If you have not seen the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special, you are surely missing something (like most of these jokes). Opening CrawlIt is a time of occupation. The land once known as Israel and Judah is being occupied by the ROMAN EMPIRE, the most recent in a list of imperial masters. Judea is ruthlessly ruled by the Tetrarch, HEROD the GREAT. The SANHEDRIN, the Jewish ruling party, tries to hold on to the freedoms that they have, but are plagued by infighting between the priestly SADDUCEES and the reform-minded PHARISEES. Violent terrorist groups like the  ZEALOTS and other groups seek to be free from the Romans through strength, while the ESSENES seek solitude and religious purity in the wilderness.The Jewish people long for the restoration of national sovereignty. There is a growing hope for a MESSIAH, an ‘anointed one’ who is to fulfill God’s promise to King David of an ever-ruling descendent. Many would-be Messiah’s have come and gone. God’s people continue to ask, “How long, O Lord?”... The Texts* Christmas Eve Morning: Luke 1:5-13 [14-25], 57-80* Christmas Eve Night: Luke 2:1-14[15-20]* Christmas Day: Mark 1:1-20Overview of LukeBible Project- Luke (Read the Bible Series)Bible Project: Luke-Acts Series* Theological Introduction (Ch 1-2)* 1:1-4 Abstract* 1:5-25 The birth of John the Baptizer Foretold* 1:26-38 The Birth of Jesus foretold* 1:39-45 Mary visits Elizabeth* 1:46-56 Magnificat* 1:57-66 Birth of John the Baptizer* 1:67-80 Zechariah’s Song* 2:1-7 Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem * 2:8-20 Shepherds* 2:21-38 Jesus presented at the Temple* 2:39-40 Return to Nazareth* 2:41-52 Jesus as a boy at the Temple* Jesus’ Early Ministry (Ch 3-9)* The Turn towards Jerusalem (Ch 9-19)* Passion (Ch 19-23)* Resurrection (Ch 24)Overview of MarkBible Project- Mark (Read the Bible Series)Bible Project: Mark Series* Early Ministry (Ch 1-3)* 1:1-8 the Proclamation of John the Baptizer* 1:9-11 Baptism of Jesus* 1:12-13 Temptation of Jesus * 1:14-15 Jesus’ message* 1:16-20 Calling the first disciples* 1:21-28 Jesus heals a man on Sabbath* 1:29-34 a crowd around Jesus* 1:35-39 Jesus gets away from the crowd* 1:40-45 Jesus cleanses a Leper* 2:1-12 Friends of a paralytic man get him to Jesus* 2:13-17 Jesus calls Levi* 2:18-22 Question about fasting* 2:23-3:6 What does Sabbath mean?* 3:7-19a The multitude at the lake, Jesus chooses twelve* 3:19b-30 The power of Beelzebul* 3:31-35 The real family of Jesus * Mid Ministry (Ch 4-8)* Later Ministry (Ch 8-10)* Passion (Ch 11-15)* Resurrection (Ch 16)Pop Culture Connections:As far as Nativity Luke/Matthew mash-ups go, “The Star” is pretty good. Also, You can check out my Christmas Playlist on Spotify (I also have one for Advent)Boring Stuff:New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. http://nrsvbibles.orgMusic: “Flying” by Track Tribe, edited by Revochart, YouTube Audio Library LicenseTales of Faith is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back from Exile, and to the book of Ezra (and Nehemiah, but focussing on Zerubbabel).  Last Time on Tales of FaithIt is a time of Return! CYRUS GREAT of PERSIA has ended the Babylonian Exile. He has allowed the former inhabitants of Judah and Israel to return to Jerusalem. ZERUBBABEL, a child of the Exile, has been empowered to restore the Temple and worship of YHWH in Jerusalem. Not all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were exiled, however. What will the returning exiles think of those they are returning to, and what of those who remember the days of national sovereignty?... The TextEzra 1:1-4; 3:1-4, 10-13Overview of Ezra/Nehemiah Bible Project- Ezra-Nehemiah (Read the Bible Series)Bible Project- Ezra/Nehemiah (Tim Mackie Lecture)Torah order* Zerubbabel and Jerusalem Worship (Ezra Ch 1-6)* Cyrus Moved by YHWH to send Zerrubbabel to Jerusalem (Ch 1-2)* 1:1 Historical preface * 1:2-4 Cyrus’ decree* 1:5-11 Narrative telling of return* 2:1-70 Details of return * Zerubbabel does what he was sent to do (Ch 3)* 3:1-5 Zerubbabel (and co.) rebuild the altar (in dread of neighboring people) and reinstitute daily sacrifices, and Festival of Booths.* 3:6-9 Jeshua (Jesus) rebuild the Temple foundation* 3:10-11 The Foundation of the Temple is consecrated* Weirdness /Zerrubbabel faces opposition (Ch 3-4)* 3:12-13 The (young) people celebrate while the older people weep * 4:1-5 The locals try to help with the rebuilding of the Temple, but are not allowed.* 4:6-24 The locals get Artaxerxes to stop on the Temple.* 5:1-6:12 The Prophet Haggai makes a counter-suit and King Darius allows work on the temple to resume. * 6:13-18 The Temple 1s completed and consecrated* 6:19-22 Passover Celebrated* Ezra and Torah Faithfulness (arguably)- Ezra Ch 7-10* Artaxerxes Moved by YHWH to send Ezra to Jerusalem (Ch 7-8)* 7:1-10 Historical Preface* 7:11-28 Letter from Artaxerxes to Ezra* 8:1-14 Details or return* Ezra does what he is sent to do (Ch 7-8)* 8:15-20 Separating out the Levites* 8:21-23 Fasting and praying* 8:24-30 Details on gifts for the Temple* 8:31-36 Return to Jerusalem* Weirdness (Ch 9-10)* 9:1-4 Ezra reacts (strongly) to intermarriages* 9:5-15 Ezra’s (intense) prayer* 10:1-5 Covenant to divorce foreign wives* 10:6-17 Foreign wives and children rejected* 10:18-44 A (surprisingly small) list of those who divorced their wives* Nehemiah and the Wall- Nehemiah Ch 1-7* Artaxerxes Moved by YHWH to send Nehemiah to Jerusalem (Ch 1-2)* 1:1-11 Nehemiah, cupbearer to Artaxerxes, hears about the bad state of Jerusalem* 2:1-10 Artexerxes sends Nehemiah to Jerusalem* 2:11-16 Inspection of the wall* 2:17-20 Decision to fix the Wall* Nehemiah does what he was sent to do (Ch 3)* 3:1-32 Work is Organized* Opposition (Ch 4-7)* 4:1-23 The locals oppose the rebuilding of the wall* 5:1-13 Worries about food* 5:14-19 Nehemiah’s generosity* 6:1-14 Continued opposition* 6:15-7:4 Walls completed* 7:5-60 Details of returned exiles* Weirdness* 7:61-65 The people who don’t belong* 7:66-73 Totals* Spiritual Renewal- Nehemiah 8-12* 8:1-18 Ezra and Nehemiah have the law proclaimed and taught to people * 9:1-37 National Confession* 9:38-10:39 Details on who signed the covenant* 11:1-35 Population of Jerusalem and daughter cities increased* 12:1-26 Details of priests and Levites* 12:27-43 Dedication of the Wall* 12:44-47 Temple responsibilities* Spiritual Failure/Weirdness- Nehemiah Ch 13* 13:1-3 Foreigners separated* 13:4-31 Nehemiah’s Reforms: * 13:4-9 Kicks Tobiah out of one of the rooms in the temple (where he has been squatting)* 13:10-14 The correct portions had not been distributed, so levites were working in the field, N sends them back. * 13:15-22 Sabbath laws reinstated* 13:23-31 N finds Levites who were still married to foreigners, so he beats them (in the name of the Lord, of course)Notes:* Zerubbabel means “the one sown in Babylon”* Ezra means “helper” (same root as Ezer) * Nehemiah means “God comforts”Links:Bible Project- Ezra-Nehemiah (Read the Bible Series)Bible Project- Ezra/Nehemiah (Tim Mackie Lecture)Bible Worm Podcast Episode 514- (2023), Episode 115: (2019)Data over Dogma Podcast: “The Why Question” with David WrightPop Culture Connections:As mentioned last week, there is a pretty big recent Pop-culture reference to another Ezra (Big Spoiler Warning for those who have not watched Ahsoka) Boring Stuff:New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. http://nrsvbibles.orgMusic: “Flying” by Track Tribe, edited by Revochart, YouTube Audio Library LicenseTales of Faith is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back, thanks for joining us for the second Podcast for Narrative Lectionary. This week we are looking at Isaiah 40:1-11 (we also read Isaiah 39:4-8). This week I am trying for a hybrid, there is the podcast as well as some of the blog elements. Thank you for your interaction as I am exploring what I can do for this resource. Your feedback is most appreciated (and yes, I know it would be nice to get these resources with more time before Sunday, I am trying). Sorry about the mismatched audio, still working on the levels. Last Time on Tales of FaithIt is a time of Exile. The people of Israel have been living in BABYLON for almost seventy years. Jerusalem and the temple have been destroyed. They have had to depend on their faith, each other, and the GOD who has accompanied them. However, their is a new Empire on the horizon, the PERSIAN EMPIRE, and their Emperor CYRUS THE GREAT, who is a threat even to Babylon. Could this new Emperor be God’s instrument of peace?…TextIsaiah 40:1-11Overview of Isaiah Bible Project- Isaiah (Read the Bible Series)* Ch 1-12: Isaiah’s Vision of Judgement and Hope for Jerusalem* Ch 13-27: Judgment and Hope for the Nations* 13-23 Fall of Babylon & Israel’s neighbors* 24-27 A Tale of Two Cities* Ch 28-39: the Rise and Fall of Jerusalem* 28-35 Accusation against Jerusalem’s Leaders* 36-38 Hezekiah’s Rise * 39 Hezekiah’s Fall, Exile* EXILE* Ch 40-66: Hope* 40-48 Announcement of Hope* 40:1-31 God’s people are comforted* 41:1-29 God’s Help for Israel* 42:1-9 The Servant™ is introduced* 42:10-20 A Hymn of Praise* 42:21-25 Israel’s past disobedience and their consequences* 43:1-44:8 God’s promise of blessing * 44:9-20 A quick TED Talk on the futility of idol worship* 44:21-28 Israel is not forgotten* 45:1-19 Cyrus, God-Emperor of Persia, God’s instrument of God’s peace* 45:20-46:13 Idols will be unable to save Babylon* 47:1-15 Babylon will be humiliated* 48:1-22 God is the creator and redeemer* 49-55 The Servant™  fulfills YHWH’s mission* 56-66 The Servant™ inherits YHWH’s kingdomNotes: * The Babylonian Exile officially lasted from 597-538 BCE, so 59 years. Links: Bible Project- Isaiah (Read the Bible Series)Bible Worm Podcast Episode 514- (2023), Episode 114: (2019)Pop Culture Connections:The vision of the future presented by Star Trek Soilent Green- feed the people with the peopleLord of the Rings, Galadriel does not take the ringHomebrewed Christianity: “Have Yourself a Lord of the Rings Christmas Movie Marathon”Boring Stuff:New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. http://nrsvbibles.orgMusic: “Flying” by Track Tribe, edited by Revochart, YouTube Audio Library License Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe

Hello there, (General Kenobi) Welcome to the new podcast version of my Tales of Faith blog. My wife, Louise (who serves as Christian Education Leader at our church), and I discuss Jeremiah 33:14-28, make some geeky references, and discuss possible sermon topics for both children and adults. We are working out the publishing schedule, but we are certainly working on getting the podcast out earlier in the week than my blog usually is (sorry). Thanks for listening!Tales of Faith is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Tales of Faith at talesoffaith.substack.com/subscribe