Why do so many churches cling tenaciously to the Old Testament-style of laws and regulations? Why is “the ban” used? Why must some of us harken back to the Old Covenant’s admonitions to follow all of the church’s laws and regulations in order to “achieve” salvation? It is almost as though Christ never died for our sins, and seems to have never established a New Covenant.

 Tune in and get an earful!

Frankly, it's hard to know what to make of this text. Let us today, in keeping with the passage, wrestle with this topic. In this strange story, Jacob himself wrestled with a stranger all night long. Eventually the wrestling partner blessed Jacob. But he also gave him a limp. We don't know the identity of this unnamed stranger. At one point the text says Jacob wrestled with a man. However, that's not Jacob’s understanding at all. Jacob believed his wrestling partner was God.

"Count well the cost" Alexander Mack

The biggest threat to the Christian faith in the United States of America is not secularism or the growing number of “nones” and “dones.” Rather, the biggest threat to vibrant faith is token Christianity. Shopping cart Catholics, for instance,  are well known for selecting which of the churches teachings they will put in the shopping cart, and which to leave on the shelf. The shallow and noncommittal faith such as this does not breed vital believers in congregations. Who would be attracted to such a faith? As one young man said, if all my religion is going to change is my Sunday schedule then I'm not interested. I want something that is going to change my finances, my sex life, the way I work, the way I treat my family, the way I treat others, and the way I use my time.

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In defiance of religious tradition and heritage, and at the request of Jesus a woman steps forward to be healed. Jesus honored her faith by touching and healing her.

You see, SHE had faith, and God had the power to heal.

We must not only expect great things from God, but must also attempt great things for God. So often, God is willing, but we are hesitant. Faith requires that we make a bold response to the initiatives of Almighty God. Because, there is no telling what God can do IF and WHEN we believe!

Jesus admonishes the crowd, saying to them that while they surely are able to read the signs of earth, they seem totally incapable of interpreting the present time.

This message is about the opening of our "spiritual eyes" to the coming of the Redeemer, and of all the changes that this will bring. Listen in!

Here, in this podcast, we read Hebrews 11: it is often considered the Heroes of Faith Hall of Fame."

We will then speak briefly of the faith of the ancients, and the faith of modern mankind. 

From time to time we all stand in need of divine intervention that will bring hope and healing into our lives. No matter how many accomplishments come our way in life, no one is absolutely free of difficulty. Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man with a problem. Naaman suffered from leprosy. He, like all of humanity from time to time, had to contend with this humbling negative in his life, for which he seems to not to even dare to hope for a healing.

In the opening to this reading, Jesus confronts and also restores a demon-filled man.

This poor fellow had been living in the graveyard, gashing himself with stones. Soon enough, however, he was sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening with intent. He had wanted to follow Jesus, but was told to return to his village and to glorify God for the good that had been done.

Certainly when you have been restored to good health, you want to move on with your life. Jesus wouldn't have it—there would be no change of scenery for this individual. The same of often happens to us. Find out more in this short podcast.

Have you ever had an injustice done to you? God will pay back every true injustice, Scripture assures us.

In this short podcast, God on high truly can see the lowest depths of human depravity.

Here we see the exploits of Jezebel, wife to King Ahab of Israel, as she plots to bring down an innocent man—and seize his assets for the king. Take a listen, and hear how God operates in the behalf of the oppressed in all societies.

Join us here to celebrate Pentecost—the birthday of the church!

Read Scripture, and discuss how God is the author and finisher of not just our faith, but of many surprises, as well. Discover the biggest surprise of them all—Pentecost Sunday!

One of our shortest episodes, we here at Walking Jesus Podcasts don't forget the importance of this day. Some churches do, you know. 

Won't you join us, and see the reason that all Christians should be excited?