Celtic Preacher

Have you ever said something you wish you hadn't, clicked the send button prematurely, or blurted out your opinion when no one asked for it? From binge-watching Netflix to yet another bowl of ice cream, self-control is not encouraged, taught, nor admired. West Coast US living is all about excess, everything has to be bigger and faster. Jesus offers an entirely different way, which leads to true contentment and freedom from the multiply addictions that highjack our peace of mind.   Text is Matthew 5   Podcast 79 

We all have a calling, according to Jesus. A calling isn’t merely for pastors, nuns, monks, and religious professionals. A calling drives you forward and gifts you with a sense of passion, direction and, purpose. A calling keeps you on track when the going gets tough. Jesus teaches his first students (and us) what that calling is.        Text Matthew 4 Podcast 78

What does it mean to follow Christ? There's a phrase Jesus used often; he said, "Follow me."  What does he mean by that? How is it possible if he's not here? The whole idea of the following implies we are going somewhere. Where is that somewhere? The text is John 1:29-42 Podcast 77

I entitled this talk the "forgotten" power of baptism because it seems to be relatively easy for followers of Christ's Way to get worn out, distracted and tired all because we forget of the promise of power, gifted to us, by Christ himself. When we feel overcome it can often be a sign we are trying too hard and going solo rather than staying in partnership with Christ. This talk gives an overview of baptism and why it is so important. The scriptures covered are Mark 1:9-11 and Romans 6         Podcast 76

When you are not happy at Christmas, fear not, you are in good company. Christmas isn't about happy families, gifts, finding the love of your life, landing the right job, or any other happy endings the Hallmark movies tell us. The real Christmas story paints a picture of all not being well in the world along with a profound lack of peace, and yet, God gives the gift of assurance in a most unlikely way. Podcast 75 The text is Luke 2:1-14

Is there a point to all of this? When life is confusing, the ancient prophecy of Isaiah reminds us all is well. God has a plan and purpose in all things. The Biblical prophecy of Isaiah paints the unimaginable picture of the Peaceful Kingdom. We may not be able to see the plan, it may look hopeless to us, but throughout the course of history, God weaves the thread of this reign of peace throughout the ages to the end of time. God invites us to follow in the footsteps of the Prince of Peace. Text Isaiah 11 Podcast 73

Our minds travel effortlessly to the past. We can reminisce, long for, or regret the past.  We can fantasize about the future, worry about it, and overly plan for it, but Jesus cautions against this way of living. They are all distractions that can lead us away from what God desires to show us today. Text Matthew 24 Episode 72

Tension, pulled in opposite directions, the dilemma of two ways, two paths we've all felt it. Sometimes a lot can hang in the balance of a decision. Whether the decision we make is big or small, our peace of mind is unsettled until we make a choice. In Episode 71, CP looks at Pilate (the Roman official that ordered Jesus' death) to wrestle between two ways of living in the world. Text John 18

Yes, we know it’s wrong, but hate might be our first natural response toward someone who has hurt our loved ones or us. Having an enemy takes a lot of energy. Jesus offers us another way to respond to those who have damaged us. The text is Luke 6. Episode 70