The Good News From The Gardens Podcast

090124 | Just Do It!

A Faith That Works: Just Do It!
James 1:17-27
Part 1 of a 5 week series in the book of James. Martin Luther was not a fan of the book of James, calling it, “an epistle of straw”. He believed its grace was not sturdy enough to be included in the canon. He insisted that James relied too heavily on the works of an  individual as their saving grace, and not faith in God alone. Wherein Mark has claims that sin comes from within: James says it comes from the outside world, which Christians need to avoid. Churches have taught that both are true. in this message we faithfully seek to understand our sin, God’s grace, and our response to it.
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082524 | God’s “Offensive” Armor

God’s “Offensive” Armor
Ephesians 6:10-20 
This Sunday we end our trip through the book of Ephesians with the well-known Armor of God discourse. Paul’s words to the church in Ephesus uses military garb as a metaphor for how to protect one’s self from the evils of the world. Because of Jesus we are equipped to go on the offensive. Because of Jesus, our faith and actions might be offensive. Join us this Sunday at 9AM as we consider how when it comes to matters of faith, our best offense is a strong defense.
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081824 | Filled with the Spirit!

Ephesians 5:15-20
Filled with the Spirit!
 We continue our series in Ephesians wherein the Apostle Paul writes to the congregation in Ephesus about living wisely, and praising God in, and through all things. What does wise living look like to you in these days? Paul asks us to understand the will of the Lord. Might that be where we encounter wisdom? Might a working definition of wisdom be utilizing the experiences of the past, so as to understand and face the present, and to be increasingly better equipped for the future. Said like that, might wisdom be akin to faith? Have a listen and, explore our God and his Son Jesus as our source of wise, praise-filled living.
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081124 | Put Away Malice, Live in Love

Ephesians 4:25-5:2
Put Away Malice, Live in Love
In this Sunday’s reading from Ephesians we hear the Apostle Paul state what the behavior of a Christian community is to look like. In short, they are to be living demonstrations of the revolutionary “new humanity” forged in Jesus’ death and resurrection. In what ways can we put away what is not life-giving, and live in ways that promote and give life? How might you go higher, for the one who went high upon the cross for you? Have a listen of this message and consider ways in which you can embrace an improved humanity for the sake of Christ and the world we live in. 
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080424 | Hungry Hearts

Hungry Hearts
John 6:24-35
Jesus is pursued by a crowd. A conversation ensues about why they are searching for him. Are they hungry for more of the bread He provided them, or are they hungry for more signs that Jesus himself is the work of God? Join us this Sunday at 9AM as we distinguish between earthly, and heavenly food. What fuels your living? What does your heart hunger for? 
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072124 | "If You Don't Go, You Don't Know"

Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
Jesus’ attempt to retreat with his disciples is disrupted by an overwhelming demand for their ministry. Jesus diverts his attention to a crowd of people who appear lost.
What happens when our need for healing and wholeness, is met by the One who recognizes our need for healing and wholeness? For your own healing and wholeness, in what ways are you moving to where Jesus is, or will be? Listen to this message and ponder the healing reach of the ever present, and compassionate Jesus Christ.      
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071424 | The Days of Our Lives

Mark 6:14-29
The Days of Our Lives
This passage from Mark is the stuff daytime soap operas are made of, mistaken identities, infidelity, persons played as pawns for power, greed, and revenge. Whether it is 30 or 2024 CE, these are the days of our lives. Situated after Jesus sending the twelve out two by two, this story about John the Baptist’s death foreshadows the danger of speaking God’s truth in Jesus Christ. It is for all the dirty deeds in this ancient soap opera, and our lives that God sent his only so that we can be made clean. Have a listen as we air out King Herod and family’s dirty laundry, and learn a thing or two from it for ourselves.    
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Evangelism 101: OJT with Jesus

Mark 6:1-13
Back in his hometown, Jesus runs into disbelief and opposition surrounding his knowledge and healing powers. Right on the heels of this experience, He sends his disciples into villages two by two to do what he just had difficulty doing. His instructions, “take nothing for your journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but two wear sandals and not to put on two tunics.” This doesn't seem to be a model of success for a traveling salesman, let alone traveling healers, or is it?! In this message let's ponder together what evangelism might look like for us in this day and age. 
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063024 | That Healing Touch

Mark 5:21-43
That Healing Touch
In this message we hear two intermingled stories of Jesus healing. A desperate father asks Jesus to heal his actively dying daughter. While enroute to said child, a woman who has bled for 12 years reaches to touch Jesus cloak and is instantaneously healed. Jesus takes the time to hear her story. Meanwhile, tending to the dying girl has been put on hold. It is too late, and she is presumed dead. Once there, Jesus commands her to stand, and she does. These two stories offer us insight into the mode, and timing  of Jesus healing, and the sole prerequisite for being healed - do not fear, only believe.  
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061624 | God's Mustard Cutting Kingdom Mysteries

Mark 4:26-34
Through two similar parables in this week’s Gospel we hear Jesus describe how the kingdom of God works. The kingdom God, the proliferation of what is good and righteous comes to be through any and all possible means. And though it may seem will-nilly, and unordered, consider the process of seed to harvest. Or consider the unassuming mustard seed, whose benefits may be hard to see, that is, until it grows and provides for the birds of the air. In this message, you will be reminded of God’s provision and providence in our lives.
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