faith

by

The Holiness of Marriage

Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and the Gospel.

Jesus has strong words about divorce and remarriage. Does this situation apply to you? Rather than rationalize what Jesus teaches, let the Lord convict you where there was sin in your life in this regard. It does not mean that God wants you to return to a shattered or abusive relationship.

The Eastern Church sees marriage and divorce in the following way. There is a difference between a precious, ceramic vase that is cracked and can be fixed and one that is shattered into smithereens on the floor. In keeping with the analogy with marriage, both circumstances likely involve sin. In the one, effort needs to be made for repair. In the other, grief over the loss and moving on, humbled yet grateful for saving grace.

Mark 10:2-16

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Kingdom entered as a child v. 15

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year B, we read from the Gospel of Mark.

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.

by

Syrian Siege

Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and 2 Kings 6:1-7,
the beginning part of the reading.

[From the original version of the book]

Intrigue, unbelief, fear, famine, cannibalism—witness the extent of the sufferings of the people at the hands of the enemy Syrians. Yet the Lord is with the people. Marvel at God’s intervention in causing the Syrians to hear the sounds of approaching horses and chariots coming after them when this does not actually happen.

God will intervene on your behalf. When you have enemies coming against you in sieges of disease, strife, quarrels, call upon the Lord. God’s power is more within you than whatever is coming against you from without.

Recall the disciples besieged by fear in that upper room after Jesus was crucified. He comes right through the wall and shares the power of his peace. Even when your senses tell you he is not coming to you, believe that Jesus is already here.

2 Kings 6—7

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: You know my innermost thoughts 6:13

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the season of Kingdomtide this year we read Proverbs 22—23; 2 Kings; Ecclesiastes 5—8.

 

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information

by

Serious Warnings – Recorded

Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and the Gospel.

[From the original version of the book]

Jesus does not mince words when it comes to eternal life; the stakes are too high. Read these warnings as though for the first time.

Do you readily share your deepest conviction about absolute values? We are called to witness to others about eternal life. This means confronting others, not with judgments but with convictions. It includes sharing your faith in eternal life and the concern that others might be placing their eternal life in danger by the way in which they live.

Co-dependency means that we allow others to determine our actions, instead of God. Are you bold enough not to allow your actions to be a function of what others think of you?

Mark 9:38–50

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example:At peace with one another v. 50

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year B, we read from the Gospel of Mark

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.