In this encoure presentation we look at the fourth of the seven churches in Asia, explore the informal fallcy known as Bulverism and share a story that reminds us of the meaning of Christmas presents.

I give thanks for a godly man who prayed and changed my life, explore the meaning and defend the doctrine of Limited Atonement and introduce Pastor Pinhead, and the education he received.

In this repeat performance we consider the glory that God is intimate, near to us. We likewise look at the reality and limits to corporate guilt, and finally encourage the reading of Ray Bradbury's classic, The Illustrated Man.

A classic holiday episode of the JCE podcast looks at the value and importance of holidays, remembers a hero you never heard of and gives thanks for our listeners.

I give thanks for 8 years with Lisa. I explore the destructiveness of tariffs. In Month of Sundays we look at Jacob favoring Joseph; in In the Beginning we consider God opening Sarah's womb. And finally, we explore the folly of turning Jesus into a means.

I give my two cents on the election and what it means for our future. Plus, I see in Jacob's reunion with Esau Christ's grace toward us. We consider Jesus commanding the wind and the waves to obey and how studying God's sovereignty is profoundly practical for believers.

I consider the importance of repentance and forgiveness in marriage, encourage us to rest in Christ's reign in the coming days of unrest, ponder the sins of Jacob, Laban and Rachel as they separate, recount the ministry we've accomplished this year and remember our call to steward God's creation.

Lisa and I conclude our series on perseverence in the face of trials. I consider the scariest thing about the promises made by both presidential candidates, Laban getting outsmarted by Jacob, the free wheeling 70s and the dreaded dangers of JARTs, plus, what is necessary for true gospel unity.

I give thanks for eight years of marriage to Lisa. I bemoan a world without reason, where affirmations need no evidence, puzzle over Rachel and Leah bartering over Jacob, see Abraham repeat an earlier sin and rejoice over the immutability of God.

Lisa and I discuss persevering through gossip. I affirm that hurricanes are controlled, puzzle over Jacob's marriage to Leah and Jesus' comment that we should let the dead bury the dead. We conclude by comparing and contrasting the Greek notion of fate, and the Biblical affirmation of God's absolute sovereignty.