I recently texted to ask Brian about what fascinates him lately. I liked his answer so much I invited him to do a podcast interview. The main theme of his response was that Jesus is intent on delivering people from the wounds, lies, and effects of rejection.  We also discussed 80's music, Texas barbeque, and my idea for an app that shocks people who say the illegal phrase.

Each of us is pursuing what we treasure. There is no person who has no "treasures." In Matthew 6:1-18 Jesus helps provide us with a few simple tools meant to free our hearts from a common snare -- living for the approval of our peers. He does this so that we can enjoy the true happiness of really knowing God in life.

Jesus said unless our righteousness exceeds that of the Scribes and Pharisees we cannot see the kingdom of heaven (Matt 5:20). What does that mean?

My wife Carrie's report: He knocked it out of the park. Solid gospel preaching.

This chat was like a bunch of mini donuts. Since each of them are so small, might as well eat the entire bag.

What if those two goals aren't mutually exclusive? What if God is the true Source and Fountain of all joy and the further we get from Him, the less happy we become? What if glorifying God is impossible unless we ENJOY God? And what if holiness and happiness run together as surely as sin and misery?

Jesus breathed on his disciples and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit." He's still breathing on his disciples!

Teaching on 9 of the gifts of the Holy Spirit from 1 Corinthians 12...

And the prayer time at the end.

Where is this realm where God lives?

Is it far?

If so, how relevant to our here and now can it be?

What sort of Being is God?