Bart Byl on John 20:19-31.

Though his followers had abandoned him at his crucifixion, the risen Jesus appears to them, offering peace and commissioning them to announce the forgiveness of sins in his name. Even the most skeptical disciple, Thomas, is transformed by his encounter with the risen Lord into a bold witness who would carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

[Caravaggio’s painting The Incredulity of Saint Thomas can be viewed here.]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bart Byl on Colossians 1:15-23.

The apostle Paul declares the cosmic supremacy of Christ, emphasizing his role as the creator, sustainer, and ultimate purpose of all things. Through his death on the cross, Christ reconciled all things to God, who took the initiative to restore the relationship between sinful humanity and their Creator. We now stand before God without blemish or accusation, having been freed from the powers of sin and death, sharing in Christ's ministry of reconciliation.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bart Byl on 3 John.

Series: Discipleship on the Edge

In his third letter, the apostle John commends Gaius for his faithfulness and hospitality towards traveling missionaries. However, he also condemns Diotrephes for his selfish ambition, gossiping, and refusal to welcome fellow believers. These contrasting examples of moral behaviour prompt us to ask ourselves: are we ambitious for ourselves, or for the glory of the Name?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bart Byl on 2 John.

Series: Discipleship on the Edge

As soon as a fledgling church begins to sprout, Satan sends false teachers to draw it away from Christ. Because he knows that when we abandon or neglect Christ, we’ve lost touch with life itself.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bart Byl on 2 Peter 3⁠.

Series: Discipleship on the Edge

The apostle Peter warns that in the last days, scoffers will mock the promise of Christ's return, deliberately forgetting the divine origin and end of all things. However, God is not slow in keeping his promise, but patient, desiring all to come to repentance before the day of the Lord arrives. Therefore, we ought to live holy and godly lives, making every effort to be found spotless and blameless, growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bart Byl on Philemon.

Series: Discipleship on the Edge

Paul's letter to Philemon addresses a delicate situation involving Onesimus, a slave who had left his master and then becomes a Christian under Paul's guidance. Paul urges Philemon, Onesimus's master, to welcome him back not just as a slave but as a brother in Christ, encouraging him to forgive and welcome him. The letter highlights the transformative power of the gospel, challenging societal norms and creating new relationships of love within the Christian community.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bart Byl on Titus 1:1-4; 2:11-3:8.

Series: Discipleship on the Edge

As we struggle with the frustrating human condition, the letter to Titus offers profound insights. Anchored in the promise of eternal life, Paul emphasizes the transformative power of God's grace, urging us to embrace a life of godliness while we await the fullness of our inheritance in the age to come.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bart Byl on 1 Timothy 4:1-5.

Series: Discipleship on the Edge

In the last days, the Spirits warns, deceitful teachers will appear in the church teaching the doctrine of demons: forbidding marriage and forcing people to abstain from certain foods. Paul urges us to resist this distortion of Christian asceticism by practicing gratitude and enjoyment of God's creation as acts of worship. The best defense against the Enemy’s hatred of creation is a childlike simplicity of heart that finds joy in God's gifts. In doing so, believers fulfill their priestly role in unifying the spiritual and material, highlighting the ultimate goal of all creation being offered back to God in Christ.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bart Byl on 2 Thessalonians 1.

Series: Discipleship on the Edge

Despite enduring heavy persecution, the believers in Thessalonica are following Christ with joy. Paul encourages them with the hope of Christ’s return, when he will not only publicly vindicate God’s children, but share God’s glory with them.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bart Byl on 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11.

Series: Discipleship on the Edge

How do we grieve with hope and live alertly in anticipation of Christ's return? Paul offers the Thessalonians guidance on mourning with the assurance of victory, urging them to live in alert readiness for the Lord's imminent coming. In present grief and toil, we must hold onto the joyful expectation of eternal life, remind ourselves and each other that those in Christ will share in His triumphant return and everlasting kingdom.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.