Caleb is back and Danny couldn’t be happier. On this week of Nobody Special, we look at the events of Good Friday and discuss what makes this such a crucial event for the history of the world. Grace by definition is highly unmerited and why we struggle with this as a concept. Also, we discuss how the disciples routinely missed the obvious statements of Jesus declaring that Jesus would die for their sins. Honestly, these guys….
This week Caleb and Danny take a letter from Classic Joni (Claaaaaaasssic Joni). He asks our thoughts on the Enneagram. This personality test has become popular in Christian circles over the past few years and we look at the role these thing play in our day to day lives. Furthermore, we look at who gets to define us and what it means to be defined by Jesus Christ. Also, we discuss the Spiritual Gifts and how we have a tendency to group ourselves according to our gifting when we should be coming together. Identity is something that we should allow Jesus Christ to define us, not our own thoughts or the thoughts of any particular personality test.
This week Caleb and Danny take a letter from Classic Joni (Claaaaaaasssic Joni). He asks our thoughts on the Enneagram. This personality test has become popular in Christian circles over the past few years and we look at the role these thing play in our day to day lives. Furthermore, we look at who gets to define us and what it means to be defined by Jesus Christ. Also, we discuss the Spiritual Gifts and how we have a tendency to group ourselves according to our gifting when we should be coming together. Identity is something that we should allow Jesus Christ to define us, not our own thoughts or the thoughts of any particular personality test.
On this episode Caleb and Danny take a letter from our overseas listener. He want to know how to start and maintain a devotional life, spending time getting in to the word. Getting into this habit can be tricky and we break down our tips and tricks for being more disciplined. Also, we look at whether devotionals are good or not for the Christian and when we should be using them.
One this episode, we celebrate this holiday by walking through the origins of Saint Patrick. It turns out, he is not even Irish. But he was willing to give up everything he has for the sake of the Gospel. From his actions, arguably western civilization was saved. Also, we found a fantastic description of the Trinity with the Shamrock. So much of St. Patrick is cloaked in story and we look at what is what and how we can be impacted by his life even today.
One this episode, we celebrate this holiday by walking through the origins of Saint Patrick. It turns out, he is not even Irish. But he was willing to give up everything he has for the sake of the Gospel. From his actions, arguably western civilization was saved. Also, we found a fantastic description of the Trinity with the Shamrock. So much of St. Patrick is cloaked in story and we look at what is what and how we can be impacted by his life even today.
As James concludes his letter, he discusses the need for one another as put our faith on full display. Throughout the course of James’ letter, he has constantly exhorted his readers to take the faith they held in their soul and express it outward. Yet, as a member of the body of Christ, we are not to go through our spiritual path on our own. We are guided by the mentors and leaders who have gone before us to show us how to walk in our faith. We have our peers and friends to hold one another up and challenge one another along the way. Furthermore, we guide those who come after us. For the Christian to successfully be connected to his or her Christian community, there is a minimum of three generations of interaction, each one providing different opportunities and challenges for the believer.
We will at some point experience the corruption of others around us. Yet, this should not shake our faith. The God we serve is an eternal God who is drawing all things to Himself. At the end of time itself, it is God who will stand in Judgment over the wicked and the righteous. Until then, we must not fall into the same trap as the wicked in pursuing gain, but remain steadfast and patient waiting on the Lord, speaking with wholeness and integrity. James continues to discuss the connection between faith and works, specifically in the face of the wealth and power that the world offers. Our God is eternal and our strength comes from God whose strength will never run out.
James continues his discussion of wisdom and how we apply it to our lives as Christians. James begins with a rhetorical question challenging to the reader to take a look inward and ask “Am I wise?” Wisdom goes beyond a simple understanding of what is right. While wisdom includes understanding, it goes beyond that. Wisdom, and thus a wise person, applies what they have learned. Yet, this wisdom is easily contrasted with the wisdom of the world. The world will encourage us to pursue selfish gain over and at the expense of others. The wisdom of Heaven, though, strives for a greater and deeper expression of a life changed and redeemed by an everlasting God.
James continues his discussion of wisdom and how we apply it to our lives as Christians. James begins with a rhetorical question challenging to the reader to take a look inward and ask “Am I wise?” Wisdom goes beyond a simple understanding of what is right. While wisdom includes understanding, it goes beyond that. Wisdom, and thus a wise person, applies what they have learned. Yet, this wisdom is easily contrasted with the wisdom of the world. The world will encourage us to pursue selfish gain over and at the expense of others. The wisdom of Heaven, though, strives for a greater and deeper expression of a life changed and redeemed by an everlasting God.
