Why is it so confusing to talk about Jesus’ return? This episode begins discussing some foundational isms that may clarify some of today’s bigger theological narratives.

God is with us in the midst of the threat of differing world views such as tribal politics. The solutions to sin, hatred, oppression, and division, do not emerge from more of the same but something entirely new. Jesus and the Kingdom of God are always new. Even though religious verbiage is familiar and old fashioned in common thought, Jesus’ teaching is always new-life bringing.

Is the rise of tribal politics a threat to the kingdom of God? That rise certainly is an opponent. Yet, many don’t really understand Jesus’ teaching about the kingdom of God, sometimes (in Matthew’s Gospel) called the kingdom of heaven. Jesus came to kick evil out of this world. You and I are commissioned to make that more and more of a reality. Tribal politics promises new and free identity but the end of such pursuits is slavery in one form or another. The kingdom of God delivers. Let’s discuss how in this episode.

Athletes seem to use this verse of Paul’s more than the rest of us. Why? Is Paul speaking of selfish or personal accomplishment in regard to himself while he’s in prison? Imprisonment would appear to be the opposite of victory. Paul embraces suffering and has learned that the secret of contentment (not satisfaction) lies in following Jesus. Paul is able to cope with life’s roller coaster because Jesus is the model human, not flashy philosophies which dominated his culture and ours. Want to have the power to live through adversity and comfort? Look no further than Jesus.

How does a congregation shine in the dark? Joy of the Lord, Jesus.

How does Jesus embody God or is it that other way around? God exalts Jesus as the Scripture promises, but it’s looks much different than what everyone expected.

Thinking like Jesus is counterintuitive. Exalting ourselves is common in our world. Jesus was shamed. How does this help us to be unified in the purposes of God and be holy, though? In this episode, we begin talking about the poem that Paul finds central to the Philippians’ success as Christians. It’s how Christians will effectively live out the truly human vocation which God has given us as well.

Unity is key. Not through compromise of our beliefs in Jesus but through intentional support of the truth of Christ. Unity is key because proper unity creates greater potential for the good news of Christ to be spread and understood and believed.

Paul is imprisoned for claiming that the emperor, likely Nero, is not the real ruler of the world. Astonishingly, Paul tells the imperial guard who oversee his chains. He’s glad about this. Yet, what does this mean for Paul personally? Death? Perhaps. Paul is somehow able to form a different perspective of his circumstances and the circumstances of the little Philippians church. Both are experiencing the same trials that Jesus experienced. They are living out the life of Jesus in the empire and more and more continue to hear the news, whether it’s framed favorably or scandalously.

What could our partnership in the Gospel look like if we modeled the partnership of Paul and the Philippians?