Radical Grace/The Lutheran Difference

On this edition of Radical Grace Radio we talk about Blasphemy Laws. They don't exist in the US pretty much, but in several European countries there are still blasphemy laws on the books... I forgot to mention, those are in Christian countries. We talk about specific instances in Greece and how if we were in Greece right now much of what we would preach would be considered blasphemy. And with another word that ends in "y", since the season of Epiphany started on a Sunday this year, we took some time to talk about Gentile kings and things like that. What a surprise it must have been for Jews in the first century to see Gentiles seeking out the newborn King.

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We share out thoughts on what has to be the best movie of 2012, and likely the best movie of 2013, Les Miserables. Not only are the themes of the film striking, but the story of redemption told of Jean ValJean is one that every Christian should pay attention to. One can clearly hear strains of law and gospel and how living under the law can lead to spiritual death... as well as physical death. We also, once again, take up the topic of doomsday, in this case self made doomsays, like the so called "fiscal cliff".

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After a really tough year in a lot of ways, it's a good thing that Christmas comes this time of year. We all need some good news. But here's something about the Good news that we usually don't think about. Where did Jesus learn it? You can say, if you want, that He's God and he therefore knows everything, but in his human nature, growing up from a baby to a young man, where did Jesus hear this good news? You'll be surprised at the answer.

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It's Doomsday at Radical Grace Radio! Yes, it's the end of the Mayan Calendar, and this is it. It's over. Again. Oh wait, we've been here before, haven't we? But all is not lost because Christ has won.Also, we talk about the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary, which isn't an easy topic because it's so difficult to make sense out it. However, we may not be able to make sense out of it, but we can try to move forward and find meaning for ourselves and lost loved ones. As pastor Gary say, out minds and spirits rebel against the idea that life and death have no meaning, and whether we believe it or not, even the most disturbing and tragic things can have meaning in our lives.

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When John The Baptist came and was calling the people of Israel to repent and be baptized, he wasn't having them do it because they needed to get holy really fast. He was calling them to repent, or to "defect" because something was about to shake this world. The one whose advent was foretold was coming to dispense his blessing on his people, and to lay an axe at the foot of the root of the tree as well. Something was about to shake the world...

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Keeping the Holidays pure, or at least not getting them mixed up... Look up! For your redemption draw near. It's Advent Folks, and that's important because the church at large is living in what can be described as a long, long wait for Jesus to return. It was a long wait the first time, and since he came the first time we have assurance he will come again.So Look up! Your redemption draws near.

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Is it ever right to ignore the things that God has put in your lap to do? Now there's a loaded question, especially in a Christian culture that is constantly asking people find "God's will for your life". Well, the problem is that too many people think that God's will basically stops at conquering sin in your life. This is where Martin Luther in his Small Catechism, when talking about the commandments, shows that not only is there a prohibition in each commandment, but also a prescription. In other words, the commandment doesn't just say "do not", but it also says "do this instead". That and more about "Defecting" and believing the good news.

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So We're exploring Repentance lately, mainly because we think people's understanding of Repentance is off base, again... So we looked at the passage from Luke Chapter 3 verses 1 through 14..."John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. John answered, “The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.” Tax collectors also came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.”

We've misunderstood this whole passage. Listen to Pastor Gary explain how.

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So the elections are over, and Barack Obama won. So what's a Christian to do? Fret over the coming Gloom and Doom, that's what. Or at least that's what the buzz has been ever since. In fact, there's been such a loud call to repent from various corners of Christendom that you'd think God's about to go off on the United States for not voting Obama out. But here's a game, if you will, consisting of some questions, and you have to answer them in order.1. What criteria would you use to show that the United States is under God's blessings or judgement?2. What means do you think God would use to dispense Blessings or Judgment?3. What behaviors, attitudes, policies or cultural trends result in either God's blessings or God's Judgment?Answer me these questions 3!

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Bumps: Top Deck at Perth, by Uncle Hamish and the Hooligans, Agnus Dei, based on "Sagitta Lluminis" from Puella Magi Madoka Magica, arranged by kapelletriona

It's Election Day folks! And what better topic for a Christian Radio Show than to talk about Voting and Politics! Yes! All your electioneering needs are met in this one episode. Yes!Then it's 7 principles for measuring your Christian Walk. Or is it 70 times 7, I keep forgetting.

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