We've all had our try at responding to criticism. It seems no matter what choices we make, there is someone waiting to criticize and judge. That's not to say than any of us are above criticism or that there is no benefit to listening and discerning when it comes our way. The cold truth is that much that is offered even as helpful criticism is just a veiled attempt to frustrate and discourage.

The passage we will be discussing is in Luke 7 where the antagonists accuse Jesus of being a glutton and drunkard. Let's examine Jesus' response and see what he did. Once again, his actions are impressive and instructive.

This podcast is the result of a collaborative effort between Gary and his son Matthew. Matt is an elementary school art teacher in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. Over the past few years has created a series of "Jesus" drawings at youth rallys and special services. He begins with a blank canvas and sketches as I preach a sermon based in the Gospel of John and select passages from 1 John.

I encourage the listener to consider who their personal view/understanding of the Savior becomes more detailed in time. Consider how we come to know Jesus incrementally as if one brush stroke or scratch of the charcoal at a time.

Jesus has compassion, reaches out and touches a leper and with that action demonstrates the gospel in microcosm. We find here Grace, Inclusion and a foreshadowing of substitutionary atonement. Listen in as Gary and son, Nate have a conversation about one of the great things Jesus did. Explore with us the wonder of the Savior.

Listen in today as Wayne Hawley shares thoughts about the nature of the church as an encouraging enterprise. Each member contributes in ways he or she probably does not fully appreciate. You will be encouraged and inspired by listening in.

It is easy to lose sight of what is most important. A thousand and one things scream to get done. Jesus must have experienced this more than most. Listen in today as we explore the texts found in Luke 4: 40-44, and Mark 1: 35-39.

Many of the activities of Jesus are centered around miraculous works. No doubt, the miracles of Jesus loom large in the acts of mercy he administers during his earthly ministry. This series will focus on some of what might be referred to as ordinary, even though extraordinary.....things Jesus did.

Today we look at the last few verses of the Gospel of John where Jesus asks Peter if he loves him. 3 times the question is asked. Jesus affirms Peter and sets the stage for the early period of the church. It might not be a miracle, but these verses and the action of Jesus illustrated here, provide the foundation for the next big chapter in the playing out of God's story. In Acts 2 and following we will see the great importance of what Jesus does here with Peter's affirmation.

Does the church have a mission? OR Does God have a mission and the church plays a role in the carrying out of that mission? Admittedly, this question could get bogged down in semantics, but I think there is something worth considering.

The church follows closely the style of Jesus in responding to needs and crises. There is no doubt that Jesus had a strategic plan and the early church had goals and purposes. But time after time, Scripture shows that the church, like Jesus, was a response organism.

Listen in today and explore this idea. Your ideas and feedback are always appreciated. Thanks for being a part of our podcast family.

Jesus specialized in responding to a crisis. From his first miracle in Cana of Galilee, he calmly handles crisis after crisis in his ministry. Miracles are often a part of the story. No matter what the circumstance, Jesus draws others into the story. On each occasion there is frequently found these three: Prayer, Planning and Participation.

In today's story of the feeding of the 5,000, we find Jesus at work responding to a crisis. Listen in as Josh Cleveland and Gary Cleveland have a conversation about the story and the many stories found within it. May this conversation lead to many others about the things Jesus did.....and continues to do.

We wrap up our series on Prayer "As A Manner of Speaking" today. We finish with a conversation between Job and God. This being the occasion of Fathers' Day, we make application in particular to fathers and how we demonstrate trust in God in how we face tough circumstances.