Skip to main content
Rogue Table Talks

Rogue Table Talks

By Mike Sherman

A place we gather to discuss our message series, culture and how the two intersect.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
PodBean Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

RTT 127 - Choosing Freedom

Rogue Table TalksOct 30, 2021

00:00
25:43
RTT - On Culture Podcast and The Embassy Newsletter

RTT - On Culture Podcast and The Embassy Newsletter

Thanks for supporting the Rogue Table Talks community for the past couple of years! It has been a blast! Chad and I have loved talking to you!

I want to invite the RTT audience to a new thing I am doing. I have a newsletter that will be launching mid-April or so and a podcast that goes with it.  I would love all of you to be a part of that community as well.

The newsletter is called The Embassy - at theembassy.substack.com - you can subscribe for free and get some content that will always be free and there is a paid option for all the content (it is pretty cheap, I think).  The podcast is free and is called On Culture (that link is for Spotify, but it is available everywhere - including Apple Podcasts). The tone will be similar to Rogue Table Talks and we'll assume the same sort of audience, but it won't be based on a single scripture passage as much as cultural issues (and we'll reference scripture along the way). On Culture will feature Chad along with other friends ... so if you have enjoyed RTT, I would love to have you subscribe to On Culture (and I would love to have you subscribe to The Embassy also!).

Love you all,

Mike

Apr 04, 202202:53
RTT 132 - Christmas and Blessing

RTT 132 - Christmas and Blessing

RTT 132 - Blessing, Good News, Light, Presence, and Fulfillment

Genesis 12:1-3

The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

  • Blessing to the world … in God’s plan - promise

Luke 2:13-20

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

  • Good News of Great Joy … fulfillment

Matthew 5:13-16

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

  • Light of the world … blessing / fulfillment through us

Ephesians 2:19-22

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

  • God’s presence and dwelling in us, His church … fulfillment

Final fulfillment in heaven …

Dec 18, 202130:26
RTT 131 - Crucifixion and Grace and Peace

RTT 131 - Crucifixion and Grace and Peace

Not Circumcision but the New Creation

11 See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!

12 Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Not even those who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh. 14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which[a] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. 16 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to[b] the Israel of God.

17 From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.

Dec 11, 202116:15
RTT 130 - Restore and Keep Going

RTT 130 - Restore and Keep Going

Galatians 6:1-10

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Dec 04, 202127:41
RTT 129 - Flesh and Spirit

RTT 129 - Flesh and Spirit

Keep in Step with the Spirit

Galatians 5:16-26

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

  • We are free - but are commanded and encouraged to walk by the Spirit
  • The flesh and the Spirit - competing desires
    • How do we understand this?
  • Under the Spirit or under the law?
  • Works of the flesh
  • Works of the Spirit
    • Belonging to Christ - crucifying the flesh with its passions and desires
    • Denial of Self … Living Sacrifice ...
Nov 19, 202126:25
Quick Update

Quick Update

No episode this week - we'll catch you next week

Nov 14, 202100:17
RTT 128 - The Freedom of the Gospel

RTT 128 - The Freedom of the Gospel

Galatians 5:1 ff - What does Freedom mean?

Nov 07, 202134:48
RTT 127 - Choosing Freedom

RTT 127 - Choosing Freedom

Chad and Mike discuss Galatians 4:21-31 ... an obscure sounding passage with a couple of profound points to ponder.

Oct 30, 202125:43
RTT 126 - Knowing and Being Known

RTT 126 - Knowing and Being Known

Galatians 4:3-20

  • From the elementary principles (or spirits) of the world to son or daughter of God
    • From ESV Study Bible: “Gal. 4:3 elementary principles. Both here and in v. 9 the expression refers to the elementary principles the Galatians previously followed, which for Jews would be the Mosaic law and for Gentiles the basic concepts of their pagan religions. But the additional overtones of demonic bondage in this phrase should not be ignored; they were, in terms of their mind-set and life situation, under a legalistic system and enslaved, and Paul explains in v. 8 that this enslavement was “to those that by nature are not gods.” Legalistic superstition and demonic domination are closely linked.”
  • From slave to son or daughter to heir … destiny
  • “But now that you have come to know God, or rather be known by God” you want to turn back to the “weak and worthless elementary principles (or spirits) of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more”? (People of Israel on shore of Red Sea)
  • They make much of you, but for no good purpose … (being manipulated in a culture war … isn’t that a version of what is happening here?)
Oct 23, 202133:45
RTT 125 - The Plan All Along

RTT 125 - The Plan All Along

The Big Story Has Been the Plan All Along ...

17 What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise. 18 For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.

...

21 Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. 22 But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.

C.S. Lewis - Man or Rabbit

Mere morality is not the end of life. You were made for something quite different from that. J. S. Mill and Confucius (Socrates was much nearer the reality) simply didn't know what life is about. The people who keep on asking if they can't lead a decent life without Christ, don't know what life is about; if they did they would know that 'a decent life' is mere machinery compared with the thing we men are really made for. Morality is indispensable: but the Divine Life, which gives itself to us and which calls us to be gods, intends for us something in which morality will be swallowed up. We are to be re-made. All the rabbit in us is to disappear - the worried, conscientious, ethical rabbit as well as the cowardly and sensual rabbit. We shall bleed and squeal as the handfuls of fur come out; and then, surprisingly, we shall find underneath it all a thing we have never yet imagined: a real Man, an ageless god, a son of God, strong, radiant, wise, beautiful, and drenched in joy. '

'When that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.'2 The idea of reaching 'a good life' without Christ is based on a double error. Firstly, we cannot do it; and secondly, in setting up 'a good life' as our final goal, we have missed the very point of our existence. Morality is a mountain which we cannot climb by our own efforts; and if we could we should only perish in the ice and unbreathable air of the summit, lacking those wings with which the rest of the journey has to be accomplished. For it is from there that the real ascent begins. The ropes and axes are 'done away' and the rest is a matter of flying.

Children of God

23 Before the coming of this faith,[j] we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. 24 So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.

26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Oct 16, 202132:58
RTT 124 - The Necessary (for Transformation) Gospel

RTT 124 - The Necessary (for Transformation) Gospel

'When that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.' The idea of reaching 'a good life' without Christ is based on a double error. Firstly, we cannot do it; and secondly, in setting up 'a good life' as our final goal, we have missed the very point of our existence. Morality is a mountain which we cannot climb by our own efforts; and if we could we should only perish in the ice and unbreathable air of the summit, lacking those wings with which the rest of the journey has to be accomplished. For it is from there that the real ascent begins. The ropes and axes are 'done away' and the rest is a matter of flying. (C.S. Lewis - Man or Rabbit?)


Galatians 3

Oct 10, 202128:16
RTT 123 and a half

RTT 123 and a half

Just a quick note ... 

Oct 02, 202100:44
RTT 123 - Living Out the Gospel

RTT 123 - Living Out the Gospel

Big Rocks:

  1. Believing the Gospel and Living the Gospel (vv. 11 - 14)
  • What kind of living betrays the gospel? (re: self? Others? acceptability?)
  • The fallibility of leaders (the apostles not perfect, scripture inerrant)
  1. Grace and Works - the gospel (vv. 15-16)
  • The emphasis on the emphasis … we really can’t be justified by works of the law. Why does this idea (justified by works) die so hard?
  1. Grace and Life and Death (vv. 17-21)
  • We are justified by the gift of grace … and we have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer my life … how do we betray this?  (other half)
  • Luke 17:7-10 … saved by grace and crucified with Christ … a servant of the King … bond servant
  • Instead of salvation by works … we are working out our salvation in fear and trembling
Sep 25, 202135:23
RTT 122 - Authority of the Gospel

RTT 122 - Authority of the Gospel

RTT 122 - Authority of the Gospel

Galatians 2:1-10

Paul Accepted by the Apostles

Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. 2 I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. 3 But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. 4 Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery— 5 to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. 6 And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me. 7 On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised 8 (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), 9 and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.

_______

Big Rocks:

  1. Why was Timothy circumcised?
  • Strategy of an Ambassador (2 Cor 5, 1 Cor 9 …) vs.
  • Requirement of the Gospel
  1. Catholicity
  • What is this? Why do we need it?
  • Authority of the message - how that works in the church -
    • (The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill)
  1. Unity in the mission
  • We could use this in a moment where the church is devouring each other.
Sep 18, 202135:25
RTT 121 - Whose Gospel?

RTT 121 - Whose Gospel?

RTT 121 - Gospel from God

Galatians 1:11-24

Paul Called by God

11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to[e] me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.

18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother. 20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me.

_______

  • The gospel that was preached to me is not man’s gospel …
    • Last week - no other gospel …
    • This week - it isn’t made up by people … divine source
    • I received this gospel through a revelation of Jesus Christ
    • Validated as the same gospel as the other apostles
  • Quick overview of what Paul’s gospel is …
    • Creation / Fall / Redemption / Recreation
    • Sin - Wrath - Sacrifice - Grace - Faith - Transformation - New Life
  • A quick primer on Epistemology … how do we know things?
    • Post truth world … everyone has their own truth … live your truth …
    • But - as Pilate asked - “What is Truth?”
      • Definition
      • How we get it … God reveals it to us …
      • Why we need revelation (general and special)
      • Our ability to find truth is dependent on God’s enablement to find it
  • Another reason the gospel is a gospel of grace:
    • Initiative - God called him by grace before he was born … foreknew
    • Humiliation
    • Sacrifice
    • Continued transformation through our fallenness …
    • The revelation of the gospel …
  • The evidence of the true gospel - Paul’s life change …
Sep 12, 202136:09
RTT 120 - Another Gospel (Part 1)

RTT 120 - Another Gospel (Part 1)

RTT 120 - Another Gospel

Galatians 1:1-20

Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2 and all the brothers[a] who are with me,

To the churches of Galatia:

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

No Other Gospel

6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.

10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant[b] of Christ.

_______

  • The situation in Galatia
  • The urge for another gospel …
    • Every Christian Cult or Sect … my experience with LDS missionaries …
    • All of us at some point …
    • The gospel for me - but not for thee …
    • … or for thee but not for me
  • What are other gospels?
Sep 04, 202125:10
RTT 119 - Pray for One Another

RTT 119 - Pray for One Another

RTT 119 - Pray for One Another

Some passages:

1 Timothy 2:1-4 - First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Col 4:3-4 - At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

Phil 1:19-20 - for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Matt 5:44-45 - But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

Romans 12:12 - Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

2 Cor 1:11 - You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.

John 17 - Jesus prays for our sanctification, protection, and unity … so the world may see

_______

  • What are some things in common here?
  • What does this tell us about prayer?
    • (You are what you pray … where your heart is … etc.)
  • How do we think of prayer?
Aug 28, 202134:23
RTT 118 - Serve One Another

RTT 118 - Serve One Another

RTT 118 - Serve One Another

Galatians 5:13

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

John 13:12-17

When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant[c] is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

Matthew 20

  • Laborers in the Vineyard
  • Jesus Foretells His Death a Third Time
  • A Mother's Request

20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. 21 And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” 22 Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” 23 He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” 24 And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,[c] 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave,[d] 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

  • One another - interconnectedness - we should not only receive or only give … we need each other
  • Identity … who we are … both servant and one another
  • Command …
  • Are we following Christ if we are not serving
    • Ways to serve … formal role in the church or community / informal …
  • Don’t waste your life … “waste” your life … (vacation at children’s camp)
Aug 21, 202134:44
RTT 117 - Encourage One Another

RTT 117 - Encourage One Another

RTT 117 - Encourage One Another

(Encouragement is not just saying nice or positive things)

(I can do all things … If you can dream it you can do it … etc.)

Romans 15:1-2

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.

Romans 15:4-5

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,

  • An obligation to please my neighbor for his good - to build him up  (truth)
  • Encouragement of scripture - giving courage and hope for the story we are in
  • Encouragement and endurance to live in harmony with one another

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord,[d] that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

  • Therefore … because of this truth - encourage one another with these words - with the truth of the story we are in, with a reminder of a future hope …
  • Notice - not encourage one another that you will get that job or that you won’t get sick … that may not be true - but with the larger story that puts all these things into perspective

Hebrews 10:24-25

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

  • Encouraging one another to love and good deeds and all the more as you see the Day drawing near … this is what is encouraging - the Day is drawing near, so we can be encouraged, we don’t have to pretend to be.
Aug 14, 202134:14
RTT 116 - Teach One Another

RTT 116 - Teach One Another

Colossians 3:14-17

Let the word of Christ dwell among you richly.

Teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thanksgiving in your heart to God.

1 Timothy 1:3-7

As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, 4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship[a] from God that is by faith. 5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.

What our culture teaches and how it teaches … shame / outrage / tribe

Can the church teach the same way?

How do you teach the person next to you in a small group, for example - what does it mean to teach and admonish one another in all wisdom?

What are the endless genealogies and myths and speculations and vain discussions of our day?

Do you have to have a take on everything? … Finally my brothers, whatever is pure ...

Aug 07, 202115:14
RTT 115 - Forgive One Another

RTT 115 - Forgive One Another

Your neighbor’s dog kills your dog or cat …

  • How do you respond?

Your dog kills your neighbor’s dog or cat …

  • How do you respond?

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  (Colossians 3:13)

What makes forgiveness so hard?

  • Hurt / grief / pain …
  • Justice … (what makes being forgiven so hard?)

Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold[h] was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. 26 “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.  (Matthew 18:23-27)

10 thousand talents - 10 thousand bags of gold: one talent is 20 years of wages for a laborer

In our economy - $10/hour - $80/day - $400/week - $20,800/year - one talent = $416,000

  • 10,000 talents = $4,160,000,000 (over $4 billion)

28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins.[i] He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. 29 “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ 30 “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. 32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”  (Matthew 18:28-35)

100 denarii - 100 days of wages for laborer - $8,000

Why is forgiveness just?

Why is withholding forgiveness so bad?

Do I realize how much I have been forgiven?

Admit something needs to be forgiven - Admit that I am commanded to forgive

Peacemaking - Peacefaking … overlooking an offense vs. peacefaking

Return good for evil - do not hold it against them, do not hold the moral high ground, give up righteous victim status

Love keeps no record of wrongs

Jul 31, 202142:26
RTT 114 - Honor and Bear With One Another

RTT 114 - Honor and Bear With One Another

Romans 12 starts with the illustration of the body - which invites us to see each other in the body as important and necessary and worthy of honor ...

Then Rom 12 says to outdo one another in showing honor. In order to honor and respect one another we have to see each other as the image bearers and followers of Christ.

Every member of the body is to be held in the highest of esteem.

What does it mean for Christians who:

  • Are on the other side of the political divide
  • Who are coming from a completely different understanding of culture
  • Who raise their children in a way that is different from you
  • Who … have all other sorts of differences ??

Honor one another - Romans 12:10

Wait for each other 1 Corinthians 11:33

Have equal concern for  1 Corinthians 12:25

Submit to  - Ephesians 5:21

In humility consider others better than yourself - Philippians 2:3

Humility is a great step towards honor.

Bear with one another - Ephesians 4:1-6

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Jul 23, 202113:33
RTT 113 - Love One Another

RTT 113 - Love One Another

Identity - Who are we?

Team sports stories …

How do we answer that question? (as individuals only or as individuals within a group)?

The problem of our identity in our culture ....

How should we answer that question?

In Christ …

In the Body of Christ …

In the Church … the family of God … etc.

Those we love - are connected to eternally …

John 15 - Love one another … a new commandment ...

1 Peter 2:4-5,9-10 - As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.  Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Loving one another should be part of our group identity …

  • May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.  (I Thessalonians 3:12)
  • Dear friends, since God so loved us,w e also ought to love one another. (I John 4:11)
Jul 11, 202137:59
RTT 112 - Love in the Big Story

RTT 112 - Love in the Big Story

<ul>
<li><strong>Why are Hallmark movies attractive?<br />
</strong></li>
<li><strong>I trashed them earlier, but was reminded (rightly) that people are attracted to them for a reason. A non-cynical celebration of love … simple, but attractive<br />
</strong></li>
<li><strong>… they are made as happily ever after stories - and we were made for that …<br />
</strong></li>
<li><strong>What are good love stories?<br />
</strong>
<ul>
<li><strong>Pride and Prejudice<br />
</strong></li>
<li><strong>Little Women<br />
</strong></li>
<li><strong>Shrek<br />
</strong></li>
<li><strong>A Beautiful Mind vs. The Notebook<br />
</strong></li>
<li><strong>Marriage Story / 100 Days of Summer …<br />
</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>What do we want in love stories? “You complete me …” Jerry McGuire<br />
</strong>
<ul>
<li><strong>Do you remember the conversation - is there a perfect person for me? (Mosaic)<br />
</strong></li>
<li><strong>The Find Your Boaz/Ruth meme …<br />
</strong></li>
<li><strong>The risk of love … the sacrifice of love …<br />
</strong></li>
<li><strong>We want a guarantee …?<br />
</strong></li>
<li><strong>… and there is the One we are made for<br />
</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Love and Ephesians 5 … Christ and the Church …<br />
</strong>
<ul>
<li><strong>Christ and faithfulness in love ...<br />
</strong></li>
<li><strong>Christ and sacrifice in love ...<br />
</strong></li>
<li><strong>Christ and affection in love ...<br />
</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Jul 04, 202134:54
RTT 111 - Redemption and the Big Story

RTT 111 - Redemption and the Big Story

RTT 111 - Redemption in Stories and in our Story

  1. What is redemption?  (vs. innocence?)
    1. How are we different from the angels?
    2. 1 Peter 1:10-12 - Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time[a] the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.
    3. We wish we could do it over or wipe it away or that it never happened - but what we get instead is redemption. Angels don’t have anything to wish away - they are innocent - but they don’t really get redemption.
    4. Redemption is part of the human story - this Big Story we are in (and angels only play a part in this story - maybe they have one of their own).
    5. Redemption isn’t bad to good.  It is bad to redeemed bad. Angels can’t relate, because they were never bad …
  2. Redemption in stories
    1. Edmund in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe … post redemption, he is different (and better) than if he would have never needed it. How?
      1. What does redemption give us if we grasp it?
      2. What do we lack if we never grasp it?
      3. If we think of ourselves as good instead of as redeemed bad, will we ever have true humility? Will we have grace for others? Will we be in a place of forgiveness?
    2. Clint Eastwood’s character in Gran Torino … think how different the story would be if he was a great guy his whole life … think how much he had to change to sacrifice himself redemptively as he did …
      1. You are the tax collector or the Pharisee …
      2. Luke 18:9-14 - He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed[a] thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
    3. The two sons in the parable … one is redeemed - one thinks he is good - the one who knows he is redeemed is the one we are to emulate. Do we struggle with this? Try to convince ourselves and others that we are good instead of redeemed bad? What does that do to us?
    4. We have a story of redemption
      1. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace (Eph. 1:7)
      2. Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,  (Ps 107:2)
      3. That is different from a story of innocence -
Jun 28, 202132:45
RTT 110 - Sacrifice in the Big Story

RTT 110 - Sacrifice in the Big Story

Ladybird

The Dark Knight

Harry Potter

Armageddon

Inside Out

... and so on, and so on ...

Sacrifice is a key element in so many stories because it is perhaps the key element in our Big Story 

John 15:12-14 - This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.

Love involves laying down our life - being a living sacrifice (Rom 12:1), denying ourselves and picking up our cross ... and so on, and so on ...

Jun 19, 202129:40
RTT 109 - Stories and the Big Story

RTT 109 - Stories and the Big Story

Stories and the Big Story

A brief theology of culture - what is culture and how should we live with respect to the culture in our world? How do stories in general and movies, in particular, help us understand and experience true things about the big story we are in?

Example - what can we see about good/evil in The Dark Knight?

Acts 17:16-34


Jun 13, 202138:28
RTT 108 - Loving Your Neighbor - Seeds and Demons

RTT 108 - Loving Your Neighbor - Seeds and Demons

RTT 108 - Loving Your Neighbor - Seeds and Demons

Loving our neighbor - 2 ways to look at it.  (or, most aspects of the Christian life … 2 ways to look at it)

And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. 27 He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. 28 The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

30 And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? 31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, 32 yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” (Mark 4:26-32)

This view of what the kingdom is like and what kingdom work looks like ...

They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes.[a] 2 And when Jesus[b] had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. 3 He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, 4 for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones. 6 And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him. 7 And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” 8 For he was saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” 9 And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” 10 And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. 11 Now a great herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, 12 and they begged him, saying, “Send us to the pigs; let us enter them.” 13 So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea.(Mark 5:1-13)

This view of what the kingdom is like and what kingdom work looks like …

Translation to loving my neighbor

  • Little by little … at first imperceptible, then visible and impactful
  • Dramatic, big, decisive …

Which view are we drawn to?

Do we feel that, having “failed” in what seemed like a decisive encounter, the game is over (that Mark 4 process is over also …)

Jun 06, 202131:15
#107 - Loving Your Neighbor - Alienation and What Keeps You From Loving Your Neighbor

#107 - Loving Your Neighbor - Alienation and What Keeps You From Loving Your Neighbor

Theme of Alienation … the fall brings alienation 

(The following list of alienations from the fall are from Professor Jerram Barrs, Covenant Seminary - all errors mine)

  • God & us
  • Us & God
  • From ourselves
  • From each other
  • Loss of Dominion (from our role)
  • Body & Spirit
  • From creation

How that impacts loving our neighbor …

Biblical theme of being called out of comfort and into a journey, because our home is elsewhere and our citizenship is elsewhere … all throughout the Bible - Abram / Jacob / Joseph / David / Israel itself / Jesus has nowhere to lay his head / Paul / Apostles … us

Now the Lord said[a] to Abram, “Go from your country[b] and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”[c]

4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. 5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, 6 Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak[d] of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. 7 Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him. 8 From there he moved to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. And there he built an altar to the Lord and called upon the name of the Lord. 9 And Abram journeyed on, still going toward the Negeb.(Genesis 12:1-9)

  • This seems like a part of God’s plan - why?
    • Can we do this without a physical relocation?
    • What other kinds of relocations are possible?
    • Is this a necessary part of following?
  • What makes this movement “successful”?
  • What gets in the way of making this movement “successful”?
  • How does this conflict with our expectations?
  • How can the idea of living “successfully” instead of “faithfully” be part of the problem?
  • The story of praying for a neighbor and they move away and you pray sometimes for them if you remember … and that is the end of the story … (no bow to put on it)
May 30, 202134:45
#106 - A Look At The Last Year (or So)

#106 - A Look At The Last Year (or So)

  • What have you grieved?
  • What have you missed?
  • What has encouraged you?
  • What has disappointed you?
  • Where have you found hope?
  • How have you seen God move?
  • How has this impacted your relationship with God or your spiritual growth?
  • How has this impacted your relationship with the church? Calvary people?
  • Where do we go from here?

Psalm 130

A song of ascents

Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;

Lord, hear my voice.

Let your ears be attentive

to my cry for mercy.

3 If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,

Lord, who could stand?

4 But with you there is forgiveness,

so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

5 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,

and in his word I put my hope.

6 I wait for the Lord

more than watchmen wait for the morning,

more than watchmen wait for the morning.

7 Israel, put your hope in the Lord,

for with the Lord is unfailing love

and with him is full redemption.

8 He himself will redeem Israel

from all their sins.

May 23, 202138:03
#105 - Love Your Neighbor - For the Welfare of the City

#105 - Love Your Neighbor - For the Welfare of the City

“Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.(Jeremiah 29:4-7)

The other … the us and the them

This is our story - we want a different story …

For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are among you deceive you, and do not listen to the dreams that they dream, for it is a lie that they are prophesying to you in my name; I did not send them, declares the LORD.

“For thus says the LORD: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, vand I will fulfill to you my promise vand bring you back to this place. (Jeremiah 29:8-10)

Those giving you a different story - don’t listen to them … this is the deal …

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the LORD, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile. (Jeremiah 29:11-14)

We are to work for the blessing of others now - our ultimate blessing comes later

At our physical address - also our digital neighborhood

May 16, 202131:48
#104 Love Where You Live- Let's Take a Walk

#104 Love Where You Live- Let's Take a Walk

Join Mike and Chad as they discuss how Jesus was neighborly to others. He was out with people? How can we learn to be with our neighbors like Jesus did?

May 09, 202132:39
#103 Love Where You Live - Loving Your Neighbor

#103 Love Where You Live - Loving Your Neighbor

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[c] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:37-39)

Being a bad neighbor …

What is the momentum in our culture toward being a bad neighbor?

But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. Jeremiah 29:7

Practical steps to loving your actual neighbors …

Chris McKinney - Author, Place for a Purpose

Before we talk about how we should neighbor, we first must understand what story we are living in.

In our culture, to be a good neighbor is to leave one’s neighbor(s) alone.

To be a good neighbor in God’s story is to be someone who moves toward his or her neighbors in love.

So we need to move toward them in love, mindful of a culture where, at least on the surface, they want (and expect) to be left alone.

Creation: The First Neighborhood

In God’s story, we embrace the reality that we are created for relationship with God and others. We don’t leave our neighbors alone, we move toward them.

Fall: Neighborly Discord

Adam and Eve’s rebellion ushered into their neighborhood a new relational reality of Isolation, fear, and suspicion of both God and neighbors.

Redemption: Placed for a Purpose

Your address is not an accident, and neither is your neighbor's.

Restoration: Neighborhoods Put Right

We know where the story is headed and that influences how we live right now.

What would change if God answered your prayers for your neighbors and neighborhood?

May 02, 202133:33
#102 Knowing Jesus - Jesus Returns

#102 Knowing Jesus - Jesus Returns

  • The end of (this part of) the story …
  • The nature of the fascination with the end times in the church …

Matthew 24:36-44 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

  • What do we learn about the return of Jesus here?
  • The different views of the return of Christ
    • Pre-, A-, Post-Millenial
    • Pre-,Mid-,Post-Tribulation
    • The “Left Behind” Theology
  • What is the command? And the reason for the command? (v.44)

Matthew 24:45-52 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants[d] and eats and drinks with drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

  • Metaphor QT Night Manager …

The Parable of the Ten Virgins … The Parable of the Talents...

  • These are telling us something we need to know about the return - what is it?
  • Be about the work of transformation, worship, in community, impacting the world ...
Apr 27, 202135:41
#101 Knowing Jesus - What is Jesus Doing Now?

#101 Knowing Jesus - What is Jesus Doing Now?

In addition to discussing their theological author names...Mike and Chad discuss what Jesus is doing here and now. 

  • The ministry of Jesus … something in the past
  • It is finished … but what is finished?
  • What is he doing now? And why does it matter?
  • Simplistic view … God sends the Son, who dies and rises and asks the Father to send the Spirit and the Spirit is now here and the others are gone ...

1 John 2:1-2 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

Hebrews 7:25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

  • We don’t know what this means - but it means something in the present now …

John 14:3 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am..

  • Working on the next part of the story …
  • Preparing the way for us in our future on Earth ...

Matthew 16:8 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

  • He is building the church - with the Holy Spirit …

Revelation 1:12-18 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.
When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades

  • We are Ambassadors for this distant King who isn’t distant …
  • The work of the Spirit, distinct but not separated from the work of the Son
  • Mystery of the Trinity
  • Worship this living and present God …

Book Recommendation - Union with Christ - J. Todd Billings

Apr 18, 202132:09
#100 Knowing Jesus - The Ascension

#100 Knowing Jesus - The Ascension

RTT 100 - Knowing Jesus - Ascension

  • We’ve talked before about examples of movies or stories that appear to be over and resolved, but which have another chapter … you appear to reach the resolution, but then there is more …
  • After Easter, there is more - the story may appear to be over, but a lot still has to happen
  • Here are all the benefits … here are all the reasons for celebration … here is what is changed with regard to my relationships and life and identity … Now what?

Acts 1:1-10  In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.  After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.  On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.  For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit.” Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”  He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.

  • Their old expectations die hard … we try to fit the new data into our old understanding, even when it is obvious that our old understanding was wrong or incomplete.
  • Here is one of the more things … the Holy Spirit … power …
    • Baptism of the Holy Spirit
  • Here is one of the more things … mission … you will be my witnesses
  • What is a “more things” not mentioned here … (church / body)
  • OK - so do we try to live the Christian life without these things?
Apr 11, 202138:59
#99 Knowing Jesus - The Resurrection

#99 Knowing Jesus - The Resurrection

  • The reality of the resurrection - and why it matters ...

1 Corinthians 15:12-19  Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied

  • We have a faith that relies on the supernatural and miraculous - without that, there isn’t anything …
  • Alternatives to a miraculous, physical resurrection …
    • Jesus didn’t rise - his death is an example of sacrificial love …
      • Jesus isn’t divine - he is an example of a good person and we can be like him … there is spirituality … but we can be just as spiritual as Christ …
      • So we can say he “rose” metaphorically - he “lives on” in his disciples
    • Jesus rose “spiritually”
      • His body is still in the tomb - his spirit “rose” … no resurrection, just a ghost
    • But these leave the essence of the gospel as something else - or non-existent
  • Paul’s words … why is this true?

1 Corinthians 15:20-28  But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For “God[c] has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. 28 When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.

  • What do I want from my faith or “my faith”?
    • If all I want is a better-behaved life, maybe I don’t need the resurrection … the above metaphorical resurrections work … but if I don’t think I really can just “be better” - then I truly believe my faith is in vain without the resurrection … do I believe that?
    • Do I need miraculous help?
    • “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied”
      • Because love is costly - because the “good life” isn’t possible or not lasting or without hope …
      • Hope in Christ on a small scale just doesn’t work …
Apr 04, 202134:07
#98 Knowing Jesus - The Upper Room

#98 Knowing Jesus - The Upper Room

What is Easter to you? We may not often think this way, but it is the story of YOUR redemption. Join Mike and Chad as they discuss in this week's episode.

Luke 22:7-16
Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”  9 “Where do you want us to prepare for it?” they asked.  10 He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, 11 and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 12 He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there.”  13 They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.  14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”

Mar 28, 202136:47
#97 Knowing Jesus - Clearing the Temple

#97 Knowing Jesus - Clearing the Temple

What is our view of Jesus? Why do we think of Him that way? Find out what Mike and Chad have to say in this week's episode! Thanks for listening! Wanna be a part of the conversation? Leave us a voice message: https://anchor.fm/roguetabletalks

Mark 11:15-18
On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’” 18 The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.

Mar 21, 202135:53
#96 Knowing Jesus - The Triumphal Entry

#96 Knowing Jesus - The Triumphal Entry

Join Mike and Chad as they discuss story and how it may not be what we expect. Jesus' life was a real "they won't be expecting that!" moment.  

John 12:12-19  The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,
“Hosanna!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Blessed is the king of Israel!”
14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written:
15 “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion;
    see, your king is coming,
    seated on a donkey’s colt.”
16 At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him.
17 Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. 18 Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!”

Mar 14, 202137:21
#95 Knowing Jesus - Mary Anoints Jesus

#95 Knowing Jesus - Mary Anoints Jesus

Is there an acceptable amount of extravagance? Join Mike and Chad as they discuss this week.

John 12:1-11
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages. ” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” 9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.

Mar 07, 202136:01
#94 Knowing Jesus - Jesus Meets Zacchaeus

#94 Knowing Jesus - Jesus Meets Zacchaeus

Join Mike and Chad as they discuss Jesus' encounter with Zacchaeus and what transformation in our lives, and others, might mean.

Luke 19:1-10
Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.  

5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.  

7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”  

8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”  

9 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Feb 28, 202138:40
#93 Knowing Jesus - Raising Lazarus from the Dead
Feb 21, 202136:07
#92 Knowing Jesus - All or Nothing

#92 Knowing Jesus - All or Nothing

What is our understanding of what it means to follow Jesus? Mike and Chad discuss on this week's podcast.

John 10:22-39
Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. 24 The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”

25 Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”

31 Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him, 32 but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?”

33 “We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.”

34 Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I have said you are “gods”’? 35 If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be set aside— 36 what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’? 37 Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father. 38 But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.” 39 Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp.

Feb 14, 202139:20
#91 Knowing Jesus - Prayer

#91 Knowing Jesus - Prayer

How do you pray? Do you think that we should be "taught" to pray? This week, Mike and Chad discuss why Jesus taught us to pray and how sometimes our prayers may not be what we think they are.

Matthew 6:5-15 And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 Pray then like this:
“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
10 Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread,
12 and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Feb 07, 202136:19
#90 Knowing Jesus - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem

#90 Knowing Jesus - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem

Jesus has counted the cost and asks us to count the cost … do we? Is it worth it?

Luke 9:51-55 As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them. Then he and his disciples went to another village.

Isaiah 50:6-7  I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. Because the Sovereign Lord helps me,  I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.

Luke 9:57-62  As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”
Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
He said to another man, “Follow me.”
But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.”
Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.

Jan 31, 202136:54
#89 Knowing Jesus - Transfiguration

#89 Knowing Jesus - Transfiguration

What does it mean to live a transformed life full of glory?

Matthew 17:1-8  After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. 4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” 8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

2 Corinthians 3:7-18 The Greater Glory of the New Covenant 7 Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, transitory though it was, 8 will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? 9 If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! 10 For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. 11 And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!  12 Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 13 We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate[a] the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Jan 24, 202137:26
#88 Knowing Jesus - Have You Guys Been Paying Attention?

#88 Knowing Jesus - Have You Guys Been Paying Attention?

How do we miss the point? Do we still not see or understand?

With the same group of facts … we see different things … we need to be pursuers of the love of the truth versus the love of our narrative …

Do you ever change your mind?

Mark 8:11-21  The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. 12 He sighed deeply and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to it.” 13 Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side. 14 The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. 15 “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.” 16 They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.” 17 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” “Twelve,” they replied. 20 “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” They answered, “Seven.” 21 He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”

Jan 17, 202139:48
#87 - Knowing Jesus - Called Out and Sent Out

#87 - Knowing Jesus - Called Out and Sent Out

  • Why are we here?  What is the church?
  • The called-out ones and the sent-out ones …
    • The church has a mission vs. the mission has a church

Matthew 10:7-11 As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,[a] drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

9 “Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts— 10 no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep. 11 Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave.

  • Proclaim the kingdom and display the kingdom …
    • Not just something the church can do or should do or something super-involved people can do - but it is a central purpose of the church - the church as an expression of displaying the kingdom and proclaiming the kingdom …
  • Live in an open-handed fashion …
    • Freely you have received - (have we?) - so then give freely …
      • Life, time, attention, affection … and money …
    • The church is dependent on the go … on the fly … you are not going to have everything planned out …
  • You aren’t going to be ready …
    • These guys were not ready by any standard we would be comfortable with …
  • The growth is up to God …
Jan 10, 202138:52
#86 - Knowing Jesus - You Give Them Something To Eat

#86 - Knowing Jesus - You Give Them Something To Eat

Jesus Feeds The 5000

Mark 6:35-44  By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. 36 Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered, “You give them something to eat.”They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages[e]! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?”38 “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.”39 Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42 They all ate and were satisfied, 43 and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. 44 The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.

  • Why does Jesus ask them to do what they cannot?
  • When/how/why is that repeated for us?
Dec 27, 202037:38