On this Valentine’s Day, Barry starts a series focused on love. How important is this thing anyway? What is it not? What does it produce? And what drives it? God answers all these questions in his son, and we ought to be taking notes in preparation for how we treat our neighbors.       […]

Barry walks us through an addendum to the On Purpose episode (131), highlighting the differences between being human and being a human. While all humans are equally valuable, God’s purpose for each sets them apart. Scriptures: Psalm 139, 116; Gen 9; Lev 19; Acts 3, 2 Cor 1:4-6; Mk 5  

We may prefer our day-to-day experiences, to understand and measure out our lives with coffee spoons. But Barry reminds us that God is beyond understanding. The fact that our relationship with God is the most fulfilling thing we can experience means we must also be intentional to welcome inexplicable encounters.  

Barry revisits a well-known set of verses in a somewhat less known Psalm for Sanctity of Life week. While Psalm 139 does indicate that our beginning is “fearful and wonderful” it also explains why our end is sacred.     Scriptures: Psalm 139, 119:105 Job 38:1-4 James 1:16-18 Gen 3:16

Barry highlights newsworthy events from 1984 to the present. These events gave shape to America. Will only the events shape 2024, or will we determine the outcome? Articles: The Biggest News Story Every Year Since 1950, 24/7 Wall St.; A Guide to Middle East Politics in 2014, The Guardian  

Barry walks down Decade Lane a bit, starting with 1954 to talk about events occurring in the world that shaped America. As we look at our future through the past, a question comes to mind: is time hurtling us down the path, or do we have a say in the matter? Referenced Episode: Colorblindness Rehab […]

In Psalm 63, Barry traces a pattern that leads to praise through some very difficult times. Picture the context of a wilderness with the strength of a memory that enables us to relive the faithfulness of God. It’s strange that the loss of something creates room for its memory, which then opens a hidden path […]

Barry talks with Dr. Scott Bridger about Christians in Gaza, their struggles during wartime, and why their presence is necessary if peace is ever to come to the region. We must cheer the gospel on as we see the teachings of Jesus offer the world peace through his ambassadors. Article: https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2023/november/israel-gaza-ceasefire-palestinian-christians-west-bank-evac.html  

Barry looks at Matthew 2’s account of the birth of the world’s King. His entry into the world brought down the powerful, lifted up the lowly, and invited in the outsider. And it still does.     Scriptures: Matt 2, 4:12-17 Micah 5:2 James 4:1-10 Eph 3:1-7 Hosea 11:1 Jer 31:15 Is 11 John 1:46

Barry finishes up his discussion of the hot topics free speech and vulnerable people groups. Despite the dilemmas and conflicts that emerge he reminds us to act first in the interest of others, and last in the interest of self. Article: https://connect.chronicle.com/index.php/email/emailWebview?email=OTMxLUVLQS0yMTgAAAGPsVZNuoEC5jsBfl4b6id1OmUecj3oc33DKDeJPyti36MGr0tl7v2JLKbNnio5jyQgo_x2wh4MD1JmAhcXgWYbE0e0V2qKIjDnVQ