Star-Crossed Kingdoms

In this reflection, I focus on the first martyr of the Christian community, Stephen.

In this reflection, I consider God’s testing of Israel and, in reaction to Joel’s translation, I talk about sanitizing our English translations.

In this episode, I consider the Apostles’ decision to appoint Deacons in response to a source of conflict in the early church. This scenario reminds me that even at the beginning Christian communities were not perfect. Part of being a follower of Christ is maturing and adapting, being Christ-like in the face of conflict. They way we do things is part of walking in the Spirit.

In this episode, I reflect on the quick shift of the Israelites to following alternative practices that betray their sole allegiance to the God who brought them out of Egypt.

In this reflection, I focus on the communal sharing of the early churches, I emphasize its voluntary nature, and I consider the harsh judgement on Ananias and Sapphira.

In this episode, I note the way in which the author/editor recaps events from Joshua, re-introduces Othniel, and reflect on violence in Scripture.

In this episode, I read aloud without commentary John Henry Newman’s second sermon, “The Immortality of the Soul”, from his Plain and Parochial Sermons Volume 1

In this episode, I reflect upon the relationship between mighty deeds and witness to who Jesus is in the book of Acts.

In this episode, I reflect upon the final words of Joshua and the implications for the future of the Sons of Israel in the land of promise.

In this episode, I focus on Peter giving something other than silver and gold to a panhandler. I consider this passage in light of a recent interaction I had in which someone suggested that giving anything other than what a panhandler asks for is paternalistic.