Devotions in the Deep End

This is a massive part of the New Testament, which will be covered in great detail.  Cam recommends a very regular habit of reading this section of scripture because it shows the big picture of how to live out the value system of the Kingdom of God.  In this episode, Cam gives a bit of insight about how the Sermon fits in Matthew's gospel account, how it speaks to the immediate audience, and finally, how we can interact with the first offer of blessing that is presented in the first verses.

Music credit:  'On the Verge' by Joseph McDade (www.josephmcdade.com)

Speaking from Matthew 12:1-8, Cam looks at a major criticism aimed at Jesus and his disciples - the way they interacted with the sacred weekly event called the Sabbath.  Jesus addresses this in a really powerful way which is worth taking the time to explore.  At the end of this session, Cam also asks us about the way we engage with the idea as well.  It is only an entry-level reflection for now, because this idea of Sabbath will certainly come up for discussion again in the future!

Music credit:  'On The Verge' by Joseph McDade - www.josephmcdade.com

In this episode, Cam looks at the continuing conversation that is taking place at or around Matthew's table.  Although a group of Tax Collectors are the actual guests of the event, it's the gate-crashing Pharisees who are being shown some important lessons here!  The passage being used in this episode is Luke 5:33-39

Music credit: On the Verge by Joseph McDade (josephmcdade.com)

This is a powerful passage to consider on a number of fronts.  We have the story of Matthew, and Cam will speak into he dynamics of his profession and why this is affected his place in the world around him.  And we have the added wrinkle of the Pharisees and their response to all that they saw Jesus doing.  There is a chance that we might see ourselves in at least one of the people mentioned in this story!  If so let the Lord lead you in mercy and grace!

This is a bit of a survey of Mark Chapters 1 and 2, with a brief look at the many ways Jesus showed the authority he had.  It's important to look at all these things because they show Jesus' deity as well as his power over all things.  At the end of this message, there will be a bit if a challenge - how are we to respond to all this authority that Jesus has?

In this episode, Cam will speak from Luke 5:1-11, with some insights about the way Jesus began to draw disciples to himself.  It's amazing to ponder that Jesus took the teaching method of a Rabbi; and went to the region and demographic to call followers that other Rabbis simply would not go!  In this setting, Peter, Andrew, James and John are found and called.

In this episode, Cam looks at what is believed to be the central message of Jesus - the Kingdom of God.  In this episode, Cam is reading from Matthew 4:12-17 and Mark 1:15, and we look at what allegiance to this new Kingdom that Jesus speaks of might look like.

Music credit:  On the Verge by Joseph McDade (josephmcdade.com)

In this episode, we explore the first significant sermon of Jesus when he returns to his home town.  We look into the sense of familiarity that is in play there; and address the way this can make its presence felt in us too.  

Music credit:  On the Verge by Joseph McDade (josephmcdade.com)

Following on from Jesus' baptism, the next event to look at is the Wilderness Temptation.  There were specific things in play here to challenge Jesus and his Messianic call, and there are things that we can learn about and apply as well.  Jesus was according to Hebrews 'tempted in every way,' so this is a great passage to learn from.

Music credit:  On the Verge by Joseph McDade (josephmcdade.com)

If we're going to go through the whole New Testament, then we need to  start right at the beginning!  We begin this podcast series by looking  at Jesus of the eve of his public ministry.  There is great value in  discovering afresh these things that Jesus did, and recapture the depth  and significance of these events!  I hope this helps you understand  Jesus a little more, and why baptism is such a major thing for believers  today.

Music credit:  On The Verge by Joseph McDade.  Check his music out at josephmcdade.com