Ponder Anew Podcast

Two weeks ago, we heard about Paul telling Christians in Corinth that just because Jesus had come doesn't mean they could throw aside all ethical considerations. This week, as we read Galatians, we hear Paul telling Christians that the ethical doesn't amount to much.What is going on? This week we delve into the brilliant theology of Paul in his letter to the Galatians, but also begin to unpack...

As we work our way through the Bible, one book each week, we come to 2nd Corinthians. In some ways, the book reads as an awkward apology and fundraising letter at the same time. Ouch! On the other hand, it reads as a very personal reflection, by Paul, on what it means to have Jesus with us in times of suffering, challenge and division. Paul writes about the cross in 1st Corinthians. But in 2nd...

"Love is patient, love is kind." These are familiar words. But the original audience wasn't a couple on their wedding day, but a dysfunctional and divided congregation!1st Corinthians presents us with a society and congregation divided by wealth, status and religious background. Paul will have to marshal all the theological resources he has to reorient these people back toward Christ and toward...

I confess, we didn't make it through the Bible in a Year. We did finish the Old Testament though. The culprit is the group that meets locally to discuss these podcasts feasted on them and didn't want to miss episodes when the group couldn't meet during the summer and the holidays.But we pick back up with Romans! For this podcast, I want to tie together the personal impact of Paul's letter to the...

The most important book for the church in the 21st century? That is my claim! As we continue to work through the Bible, one book per week, we move into the book of Acts. This book records what happened after Jesus was risen from the dead and how the church began to spread throughout the Roman Empire. I offer this book is supremely important for us in the 21st century, when the church again finds...

In the Beginning was the Word. The Gospel of John presents Jesus as an intimate friend who is caring, strong and compassionate. Yet, the Gospel of John also has layers of symbolism and theology that make it a source of unending reflection.As we continue reading through the Bible in a year, we enjoy the Gospel of John this week. I have included a few more suggested readings because there will be...

Perhaps the greatest storyteller the world has ever known -- Luke, the Gospel writer! Pastor Rob reflects on what makes Luke so unique (his emphasis on women!) and also compelling.We continue reading the bible, one book, each week. This week we work through the Gospel of Luke. Seven chapters to read:Chapter 1 (Jesus birth); Chapter 4 (Temptation and first sermon); Chapter 5 (Call of Simon);...

There is a reason the medieval times depicted the Gospel writer Mark with a lion!! The Jesus we meet is on the prowl, ready for battle.As we work through the "Reading the Bible in a Year" I would encourage you, actually, not so much as to read Mark's Gospel, but listen to it. It is meant to be read, perhaps even around a camp fire. You will hear the intensity much more than you will read it. If...

The greatest story ever begins with ... a geneaology?As we continue moving through the Bible, we finally get to turn to the New Testament, starting with the Gospel of Matthew. Since we spent the last year reading through the Old Testament, Pastor Rob shows how the Gospel writer Matthew brilliantly weaves together the Old and New Testaments throughout his Gospel, starting with this genealogy of...

Is Jonah a story about a great big fish?Hardly -- it is a story about a great big God and the great big love of that God.Which sounds great, except that God's love is sometimes experienced like ... well... vomit of a fish that puts us back on the right path.We've been working through one book of the Bible each week this year, but we are doing a bit of cherry picking here with the minor prophets....