Passages

As 21st century American Christians, it is hard to relate to being a persecuted Christian. Jesus tells us that we are being sent out like, "lambs in the midst of wolves." What chance do Christians have in a hostile world? This week's episode explores the teaching Jesus gave his followers for just such a time.

The people of God have always been on the move. Since the days of Abram, God invites people to look outward rather than just inward. All of this is still a choice. Like Abram had to decide to "go", so do we.

Program Note: Passages will be taking a break and will return on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

What matters in life? In many ways, the book of Ecclesiastes exists to tell us what DOES NOT matter in life. The closing chapter of Ecclesiastes invites us to wonder about the right kind of question we need to ask about life.

You have likely heard someone say, "We are waiting until just the right time." You may have also heard someone say, "Here today and gone tomorrow." Opportunity seems to strike at a time when we are not always ready for it. Do we wait or go? This week's episode explores the importance of trust in God as we decide if to wait or go.

Enjoying life can be difficult for some. There are many who hold a sense of guilt, obligation, or some other duty which keeps them from experiencing the enjoyment of life today. Being too goal-driven can lead us far away from enjoyment with our nose to the grindstone. This week's episode explores how God calls us to enjoy life while always being aware of what really matters most.

Talking about death is hard. Most of us steer clear of the topic and only touch upon it when required. Is there wisdom for us to gain in a conversation about dying? Is there a good death? What lessons can we take from others to deepen our life of faith? This week's episode explores the tough topic of death and dying. The good news is that there is a hope for wisdom and life through death.

Joy is less of an emotion and more of a choice. When we choose to live our life only for ourselves and those who benefit us, we find ourselves in an endless cycle of greed. It is a joyless way of life. When we make the choice for joy we can find a way toward true enJOYment and gratitude.

The choice to be together or "go it alone" is one we face now more than ever. The isolation of pandemic may have led us to believe that isolation is better for us. God's wisdom is filled with encouragement to find joy in shared work, support, and protection. This week's episode explores how a "cord of three strands is not easily broken."

We have all had the "time of our life" or "killing time." Knowing that there are times and seasons in our lives should not surprise us. It is part of being human. How will we hold the time we are in? What will we do...or not do...in this season of life? This week's episode explores how can hold time better.

The Book of Ecclesiastes is not a book we read too often. Its darker and more cynical wisdom sounds just a little too dreary. What this book offers us is a realistic view of the world we live in whether we chose to admit it or not. If this is true, what can we learn here? This rich book is about how we hold our work, play, love, and most of all, joy.