Shalom Anglican Podcast

As Lenten season comes to a close we consider Paul’s example of faith. Here we get a visual of what we loose, gain, and how to keep living in this world.

Lent isn't forever! Lent is heading toward the hope of the resurrection. While Lent can have a heaviness to it as we walk with Jesus towards the cross, there is also a hope of new life coming. Our passages today help us lift up our heads to consider how Lent may bring us into a new season with God... a new understanding of God... and a new vision for what God is doing in the world.

Our readings today warn us of the dangers of spiritual pride, complacency, and presumption. This is another appropriate meditation for us during this season of Lent.

In this message, Fr Rob focuses primarily on the gospel text which is a fascinating story of Jesus addressing a question he was asked concerning a popular debate at the time. In typical "Jesus fashion" he shows how it's the wrong question and brings the focus back to the heart of the questioner and us. It also has Jesus dealing with a threat from a local political leader and Jesus' heart for Jerusalem.

What can we learn during this season of Lent from the temptation of Jesus?

How do we enter into a Holy Lent? It's a lot more than just giving up chocolate. Listen to this message to learn more.

Our texts for the seventh week of Epiphany paint a rich picture of salvation. We begin with the great need of humanity. That there is deep hurt and brokenness in our world. We move to the fact that God has sent Jesus to do something about it. And then amazingly Jesus sends us to continue doing something about it. And finally, all of this is for the purpose that people might believe in him and receive life in his name!

Our Lectionary texts this week lead us to reflect on 4 simple questions. All of these together act as a kind of spiritual check up. May you draw near to Jesus as you reflect on these for your self.

1. Who do you trust?

2. What influences you?

3. What do you value?

4. Where is your hope?

What does it look like when God's grace lands in a life? Our passages for today present us with a kind of pattern for how God works. In this message we look at three stories of grace as we consider Gideon, Peter, and Paul. In the end we'll ultimately see how our own stories are also stories of grace.

Every year on February 2nd the church remembers when Jesus was presented in the Temple. And in our gospel reading and other texts for today we're given a set of beautiful themes that provide a spiritual framework for us to consider. In this sermon Fr Rob will cover the themes of longing, revealing, confronting, and trusting.