Author: Higher Things

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Gospeled Boldly Podcasts

Final Appeal – Gospeled Boldly #74

And you thought the American legal system moved slowly! In this episode, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke read about Paul’s appearances in the courts of governors Felix and Festus. Both of whom are more interested in placating the Jews than carrying out true justice. What’s a Roman citizen to do? Take their case to the highest court in the land, of course!

In the Backwards Life, Thomas asks Pastor to comment on the philosophy behind having large families as a tool to shape the culture.

This episode covers Acts 24:1-25:12. 

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Gospeled Boldly Podcasts

Citizen Paul – Gospeled Boldly #73

Citizen Paul

Dear, have something to eat before you kill that heretic! In this episode, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke read about Paul’s captivity in Jerusalem, under the protection of an abashed tribune. He gets spared from the scourge, only to instigate a Pharisee vs. Sadducee feeding frenzy. Then, when some Jews plot to kill him, a well-timed tip by his nephew gets Paul on a horse bound for the Governor.

In the Backwards Life, Pastor Brown talks about guardian angels. Does he ruin Christmas? You be the judge!

This episode covers Acts 22:22-23:35.

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Gospeled Boldly Podcasts

Bound and Determined – Gospeled Boldly #72

Gospeled Boldly Episode 72: Bound and Determined

Paul doesn’t know the meaning of the phrase, “come quietly.” In this episode, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke read on as the Jews get Paul arrested for the… wait, what’s the count again? Paul makes one more plea to his countrymen on behalf of the Gospel, but instead of a pulpit he preaches from between Roman guards.

In the Backwards Life, Thomas asks Pastor to explore the recent flood of accusations leveled against politicians and celebrities from an 8th Commandment perspective.

This episode covers Acts 21:17-22:21.

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Gospeled Boldly Podcasts

Spirited Away (to Jerusalem) – Gospeled Boldly #71

Belts are fickle: they hold up your pants, then they tie you up. In this episode, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke read about Eutychus falling asleep during Paul’s sermon. And by falling, we mean FALLING. Then, Paul sets his face toward Jerusalem for his Pentecost date with destiny.

In the Backwards Life, Pastor Brown addresses the place of violence in TV, movies, and other media, and does a dramatic reading of some Tolkien for good measure.

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Gospeled Boldly Podcasts

Inside Voices! – Gospeled Boldly #70

Skip the quiet, let’s start a riot! In this episode, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke discuss their pre-The Last Jedi hopes and dreams*, then read of the hopes and dreams of the sons of Sceva being dashed by a demon that’s more savvy than they bargained for. Then, an uproar breaks out in Ephesus at the instigation of some uppity silversmiths, prompting the town clerk to shush ’em up.

In the Backwards Life, Pastor Brown talks about modern visions of Christ, the Roman Catholic Church, and enthusiasm.

This episode covers Acts 19:11-20:6.

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*Our post-The Last Jedi conversation will be be up shortly on Thomas’ YouTube Channel.

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Gospeled Boldly

Paul’s Mediterranean Grand Tour

Thomas makes an embarrassing confession? In this episode, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke read as the apostle Paul preaches to the Athenians. Then, Paul carries on to Corinth to begin part one of an uphill battle. After that it’s on to check up on other churches — and who is this Apollos guy anyway?

In the Backwards Life, Thomas asks Pastor if traveling to Jerusalem (or any other historical destination) is a more “spiritual” activity than staying home.

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Gospeled Boldly

The Bible Guide to Podcasting – Gospeled Boldly #68

The Bible Guide to Podcasting - Gospeled Boldly #68

The Bible Guide to Podcasting – Gospeled Boldly #68

Our opening horrific scene stars Jason… but not in the way you’d think. In this episode, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke dive into the Bible and read about hospitable Christians getting extorted. Then the noble missionaries split the party, and Paul goes into the pagan hub of the ancient world to proclaim peace on Mars Hill.

In the Backwards Life, Pastor Brown addresses the question of whether it’s okay to read things besides the Bible.

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Lectionary Meditations

“Behold, your king is coming to you, humble….” – A meditation for Advent 1

16_Durer_Christ's entry into Jerusalem Artwork: Christ's entry into Jerusalem Artist: DÜRER, Albrecht Date: 1511 Technique: Woodcut Location: Notes: The Small Passion Subject: «Hosanna to the Son of David!» Hosts: Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco , The [IMAGE] Harvard University Art Museums [IMAGE] Own Resources [IMAGE] School of Information and Library Studies, University of Michigan [IMAGE]

“Behold, your king is coming to you, humble….”

So, what sort of Jesus are you expecting this Christmas? When we get through all the hoopla, what sort of Jesus, what sort of Messiah are you wanting to see this Christmas, this coming year? Are you wanting a Santa-Jesus who will come with tons of awesome gifts won by death defying feats on shopping on Black Friday? Are you wanting a Reformer Jesus who will lead the glorious revolution and get rid of all the bad things in society? Or maybe even just your own personal Jesus who will cater to your every whim and constantly validate everything you do?

This is why Advent starts with the story of Palm Sunday. In Advent we focus upon the coming of Christ Jesus, and we focused upon Palm Sunday because it is there in the triumphal entry that we are reminded what sort of Jesus, what sort of Messiah we actually have. It’s not the Jesus of our dreams of greed or anger or insecurity. It’s not a Jesus who is going to push people around for us. No, Jesus, your King, comes to you humble.

 Humble. Meek. Light and Gentle.

Sometimes we can wish that Jesus would just burst into this world like some sort of Divine superhero and just start busting things up and smashing the bad guys and taking us and making us rule and giving us all sorts of power. That’s not Jesus’s goal. He comes not to destroy, not to crush, not to beat up our enemies and give us their stuff, but to win forgiveness so that none of us need to stay crushed and buried in the grave.

Your Jesus is humble for you. He goes quietly to the Cross on Good Friday to win you eternal life, not by being violent but by suffering violence in your place. In a most light and gentle way, Jesus brings about the most astonishing change and revolution in your life through the waters of Holy Baptism, raising you to new life and drowning every sin and wickedness in you. He is the most personal of Saviors, giving you His Body and Blood in His Supper so that you would be forgiven of the times when your selfish whims run amuck, so that you would be given everlasting and eternal salvation in Him.

 Instead of all the strange things you might want Jesus to be, instead, see your Savior riding into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. There He is, coming to you humble. There He is, coming for your good.

Single Reflection

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Categories
Gospeled Boldly

In the Grip of the Python – Gospeled Boldly #67

Serpents offering forbidden knowledge? Say it ain’t so! In this episode, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke read about Paul’s journey through Macedonia, where he and Silas were beaten and jailed for interrupting some demonic commerce. Speaking of commerce: how would you like to buy a robe colored with snails?

In the Backwards Life, Pastor Brown examines why divination and fortune telling is… just stupid.

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