Welcome to this week’s episode, a special rerun from our Speaking of Life archive. We hope you find its timeless message as meaningful today as it was when it was first shared.
Watch video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRsO5-7moak
Program Transcript
Speaking of Life Script 4040 | Living Your Best Life
Greg Williams
You’ve heard the phrase, “Don’t settle for less!” It’s a well-meaning attempt to motivate you to not give up on the best life you have envisioned for yourself. You’ve likely heard the challenge in regard to relationships, your career, financial dreams, or even your personal growth goals.” It can be any number of things where you are challenged to not settle for less. Add to this the number of motivational gurus who “know” the secret to not settling. They will gladly share their discoveries with you in their latest book or video, for a small price of course (since they are not settling for less).
But how do we know if we have settled?
If we were ever asked if we are living our best life, I think most of us would say “No, of course not.” We are creatures who are always longing for more. How could we ever honestly say we have arrived at our best life?
This is where a Biblical and Christian perspective is helpful. The believer already knows it is not up to him or her to envision or bring about their best life. That has been settled in Jesus. He is our life and to choose anything less is what the Bible calls idolatry. The Bible is full of dire warnings against idolatry because God loves us, and he knows that choosing anything over Jesus for our life is to truly settle for less on a catastrophic level.
King Solomon’s story recorded in Ecclesiastes speaks vividly to how more gold, more women, bigger palaces, and faster horses simply do not bring the lasting fulfillment — a fulfillment that can only be found in a relationship with the true God of the Bible.
Here is another such warning painting the same picture of settling for less.
Has any nation ever traded its gods for new ones, even though they are not gods at all? Yet my people have exchanged their glorious God for worthless idols! The heavens are shocked at such a thing and shrink back in horror and dismay,” says the Lord. “For my people have done two evil things: They have abandoned me—the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!”
Jeremiah 2:11-13 (NLT)
Jesus is the fountain of living water, and our loving Father has given us our best life in Jesus Christ. We can never achieve for ourselves more than God gives us by his grace. And he has given us his Son, in whom we can live our best life by the Spirit. We have all spiritual blessings in Jesus now, so let’s not become distracted by shiny things and get caught up in the striving for what we already possess in Jesus! Know this: you can trust the Father – after all, he never settles for less when it comes to you and me.
I’m Greg Williams, Speaking of Life.
Program Transcript
Speaking of Life Script 4040 | Living Your Best Life
Greg Williams
You’ve heard the phrase, “Don’t settle for less!” It’s a well-meaning attempt to motivate you to not give up on the best life you have envisioned for yourself. You’ve likely heard the challenge in regard to relationships, your career, financial dreams, or even your personal growth goals.” It can be any number of things where you are challenged to not settle for less. Add to this the number of motivational gurus who “know” the secret to not settling. They will gladly share their discoveries with you in their latest book or video, for a small price of course (since they are not settling for less).
But how do we know if we have settled?
If we were ever asked if we are living our best life, I think most of us would say “No, of course not.” We are creatures who are always longing for more. How could we ever honestly say we have arrived at our best life?
This is where a Biblical and Christian perspective is helpful. The believer already knows it is not up to him or her to envision or bring about their best life. That has been settled in Jesus. He is our life and to choose anything less is what the Bible calls idolatry. The Bible is full of dire warnings against idolatry because God loves us, and he knows that choosing anything over Jesus for our life is to truly settle for less on a catastrophic level.
King Solomon’s story recorded in Ecclesiastes speaks vividly to how more gold, more women, bigger palaces, and faster horses simply do not bring the lasting fulfillment — a fulfillment that can only be found in a relationship with the true God of the Bible.
Here is another such warning painting the same picture of settling for less.
Has any nation ever traded its gods for new ones, even though they are not gods at all? Yet my people have exchanged their glorious God for worthless idols! The heavens are shocked at such a thing and shrink back in horror and dismay,” says the Lord. “For my people have done two evil things: They have abandoned me—the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!”
Jeremiah 2:11-13 (NLT)
Jesus is the fountain of living water, and our loving Father has given us our best life in Jesus Christ. We can never achieve for ourselves more than God gives us by his grace. And he has given us his Son, in whom we can live our best life by the Spirit. We have all spiritual blessings in Jesus now, so let’s not become distracted by shiny things and get caught up in the striving for what we already possess in Jesus! Know this: you can trust the Father – after all, he never settles for less when it comes to you and me.
I’m Greg Williams, Speaking of Life.
Psalm 81:1, 10–16 • Jeremiah 2:4–13 • Hebrews 13:1–8, 15–16 • Luke 14:1, 7–14
The theme for this Sunday is a life of faithful obedience. The psalmist calls us to worship with a reminder to joyfully praise our Redeemer, listen to his voice, and obey him. In the Old Testament passage, the prophet Jeremiah shares God’s word to his people, which says they have traded in their precious relationship with their Redeemer for what was of little or no value. The author of Hebrews gives a description of what a life of faith in Christ looks like. And in the Gospel of Luke, we see Jesus teach some guests at a dinner the difference between their path of self-exaltation and his way of humble hospitality and service.
How to use this sermon resource.
Our Life of Faith
Hebrews 13:1–8, 15–16 ESV
Who first shared the gospel of salvation by grace through faith with you? Who in your life helped you grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ? Why were they so influential in your life?
Often, we do not pay enough attention to how the choices we make and the way we live our lives influence the people around us. As those who follow Christ, we are called to reflect the Lord Jesus Christ to those around us. We participate in his life and ministry in this world through our everyday lives, as we work, play, rest, and interact with one another.
In Hebrews 12, the author summarizes the point being made throughout the book, that Jesus Christ ratified a superior covenant in his blood, which supersedes that which was ratified using the blood of animals. God’s word to his people is his own Son, the One the apostle John called the Word of God, the Logos. He intercedes for us and acts as our high priest, our intercessor, and our mediator, with our Father in the Spirit. Having established these indicatives of our faith, the author offers a description of what this new life in Christ looks like in our everyday lives.
[Read Hebrews 13:1–8, 15–16 ESV]
As we go through this passage, we want to remember two things. The first and most important thing we want to remember is who God is, specifically in the person of Jesus Christ. In our passage for this Sunday, we learn that Jesus is unchanging in his saving grace and love. And we find that the Lord is our Helper, who is faithful and present in every instance, enabling us to be content and at peace in troubling times.
The second thing we want to remember is that our lives are meant to be a response of gratitude and praise for all God has done for us in Jesus Christ. The author of Hebrews shares some specific ways in which we, as those who trust in Jesus, live in this world. As we look at them, we can see that these ways are reflective of the life and person of Jesus Christ. All we say and do is in and through Jesus, done in his name, for the glory of God.
We realize that often we do not act and speak as those who are a true reflection of our Lord Jesus Christ. So, as we read these passages filled with imperatives or commands, we may believe that these are instructions for what we must do. Instead of thinking of these things in a prescriptive manner, it is better for us to think of them as a description of what a life of faithful obedience to Christ looks like. When we trust in Jesus and allow him to live his life in and through us by his Holy Spirit, this is how we behave.
As we prayerfully read this passage in openness to the Holy Spirit, let’s hear from God, and allow him to do whatever he needs to in our hearts and minds. As we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit and allow him to convict us and do his transforming work in our hearts and minds, and in our lives, this passage becomes a way in which God works his healing and transformation in our lives. By his Spirit, he gives us new motivations, new goals, and new desires. The Lord provides us with his power and presence, bringing us his strength and renewal.
Let us pray: Father, by your Spirit, please open us up to what you want to say to us in this passage. Enable us to hear your words to us. As we look at these verses, grant us a deeper repentance and faith. Turn our hearts and minds back to you. May your Spirit transform us by faith, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. Hebrews 13:1–3 ESV
“Let brotherly love continue.” Does this mean sisterly love is unimportant or omitted? No, this is not referring to genders or love from or between males. The Son of God showed himself to be our Brother. We should love one another as our elder Brother, Christ, has loved us. He showed his love for us as he joined us in our darkness and brought us into the light of God. One evidence of faith in Christ is the love of God which is shared between us as brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ.
Our heavenly Father shared his table with us, making a place for each person in and through Jesus our Lord. Our heart of hospitality toward others reflects God’s own heart of hospitality. We want to remember that in showing hospitality to others, we are showing hospitality to Jesus. When Abraham offered Eastern hospitality to strangers, he discovered he was hosting the Lord himself.
Jesus was held a prisoner by those who should have treated him with honor and respect. There are those who are imprisoned for his sake, or who are imprisoned unjustly, as he was. We do not want to forget those who are held captive in this way. Jesus came to set captives free, and we want to remember those who need released, for Jesus’ sake.
[Consider using a current example of Christians being persecuted.]
The author of Hebrews continues with a new topic:
Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. Hebrews 13:4 ESV
Our worldview regarding sexual relations needs to be grounded in the person of Jesus Christ. In his incarnation, the Son of God joined himself with humanity. He became one with us, so that we might be one with him. That is a connection that will never be broken by him. Even now, as our resurrected and ascended Lord, he bears our glorified humanity. This shows God’s heart when it comes to our covenant relationships.
When we look at God’s covenant relationship with ancient Israel, we find that the nation did not stay faithful to God, but pursued other love interests, depending on others instead of depending upon God. Despite ancient Israel’s unfaithfulness, which made her worthy of God’s “divorce,” the Son of God came in human flesh to bring restoration and renewal in the form of a new covenant relationship.
God desires faithfulness, fidelity, and integrity in our relationship with him and in our relationships with one another. For this reason, we choose to esteem the other better than ourselves and to cause no harm in the use of our body when it comes to sex.
Going on, the author of Hebrews tells us how to live contently:
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5–6 ESV
When we are in need or want, we often immediately think of all our available options. We wonder how we are going to work things out using what we have on hand. The money we have or the money we lack becomes our focus. But the author of Hebrews reminds us instead to focus on who God is for us in Jesus Christ. “The Lord is my helper,” the author of Hebrews writes, and for that reason, we have no need for fear.
As we already said, God desires us to live faithfully with others and to do no harm. The love of money can lead to hoarding while others go without or to oppressing others so we can store up more and more. Let’s not forget: Jesus taught frequently on wealth and greed, even more than on sexual matters.
Now the author of Hebrews turns in a new direction:
Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:7–8 ESV
The gospel of Jesus Christ is not altered by our circumstances, our culture, or even our response to the good news. Therefore, we can rest in the unchangeableness of our Lord and Savior. The gospel of Jesus Christ transforms lives. There are mature believers who have influenced us and guided us on our spiritual journey. As we remember those who walk this journey ahead of us or with us, we are encouraged and helped to stay on track.
We measure each person, though, by the yardstick of Jesus Christ, tempered with his grace and truth. Someone may be a charismatic, influential leader, but it does not automatically mean we should follow them. The evidence of their lives may show us that they have areas in which they need to grow up in Christ. We may need to find someone else to guide us in those areas in our Christian walk.
Finally, we see a summation of our life in Christ and what we are to be doing as those who are in Christ:
Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:15–16 ESV
When we look at Christ and his response to the Father in the Spirit, we see how we are to live as those who reflect God’s glory and goodness. We consider the unity, oneness, and love of the Trinity expressed in Jesus’ incarnational life, death, resurrection, and ascension. From this, we are given clear direction in how we live in faithful obedience, worship, and gratitude. As we trust in Jesus’ perfections, and in his intercessions on our behalf, and allow his Spirit to reign in our hearts and lives, we experience healing, transformation, and renewal. The way in which we live changes, and we begin to resemble our Lord more and more.
One of the most important ways our lives can resemble our Lord is “to do good and to share what we have.” Living a generous life is one way we respond in faithful obedience to the work of his Spirit in our hearts and lives. Our actions arise out of a heart and mind surrendered to the will and purposes of Jesus Christ and filled with gratitude for all he’s done.
In tune with God’s heart, we live in the truth of who we are as God’s beloved children, designed to reflect his glory and goodness and love. Our sacrifices are the overflow of God’s love at work in and through us by his Holy Spirit. They are welcomed by the Father through Jesus’ intercessions on our behalf. And this gives us even more reason for gratitude and praise!
As we close, let’s consider the different ways listed in this passage we are to reflect God’s glory and goodness in this world. What does the Spirit indicate needs attention in your life? Is there something God wants to change? How might you begin to participate with what he wants to do in your life?
Let us pray: Father, thank you for all that you are doing in our lives through Jesus by your Spirit. We open ourselves up to you and ask you to finish what you have begun in us. Keep us in tune with your heart and obedient to your will, through Jesus our Lord and by your Spirit. Amen.
Ted Johnston—Year C Proper 17
Listen to audio: https://cloud.gci.org/dl/GReverb/GR066-Johnston-YearC-Proper17.mp3
August 31, 2025 — Proper 17 in Ordinary Time
Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16
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Program Transcript
Ted Johnston—Year C Proper 17
Anthony: Our final passage of the month is Hebrews 13:1–8, 15–16. It is a Revised Common Lectionary passage for Proper 17 in Ordinary Time, August 31.
Let mutual affection continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. 3 Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them, those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. 4 Let marriage be held in honor by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers. 5 Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for he himself has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” 6 So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?” 7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
“Keep your lives free from the love of money,” verse 5 says, “and be content with what you have.” What might you say about this? A prophetic word, a social commentary. What does the church need to hear about this, Ted?
Ted: Don’t get me going.
Anthony: Well, I’m inviting you to, actually.
Ted: I don’t mean to get on my high horse because this speaks to my heart and is convicting, but I must say that the author of Hebrews …
Anthony: Yes.
Ted: … is certainly focusing in now on ethical matters. He is getting at the reality of his readers’ everyday life, and what they are thinking, what really motivates them, and therefore what they are doing. And he’s urging them to embrace, and through a Christ-like life, show forth the truth and power of the gospel.
You talk about evangelism; you talk about our Christ-like example in the world has a lot to do with how we live. And we don’t do it to impress people. We don’t do it for the favor of people. We do it because that’s the way Christ is, and we’re participating in his life.
And one specific behavior that he zeroes in on is living in contentment — free from a love of money is part of that. Money representing material goods, certainly an issue for these folks because following Jesus was often leading to them losing their way to make money. Their businesses were being closed down because of it. Their Jewish neighbors wouldn’t do business with them.
And that’s an issue for us today. Did they, do we, love money more than Jesus? It’s a challenge in a world that it becomes increasingly materialistic. Maybe we don’t have the same kinds of problems or temptations that they did in that respect, but we certainly face that challenge today.
And we are challenged to ask ourselves, are we generous with what we possess? Do we use our resources in order to offer hospitality to strangers, is the example he gives, which by the way, them being Jews familiar with the Old Testament, with Hebrew scriptures would have thought of those passages in the Hebrew scriptures that talk about the necessity of caring for people who are strangers among us — foreigners, if you will.
That’s certainly an issue in our world today, especially in the United States and other fairly wealthy nations. If you don’t mind, I’d like to read something that I ran across from Walter Brueggeman on that very issue. This is from Away, Other Than Our Own devotional for Lent. He said:
I believe the crisis in the United States Church has almost nothing to do with being liberal or conservative. It has everything to do with giving up on the faith and discipline of our Christian baptism, settling for a common generic US identity that is part patriotism, part consumerism, part violence, and part affluence.
That’s not an easy thing for people who are affluent and living in luxury — you and I, both, we live in luxury compared to most people in the world and certainly most people in history. And it’s easy to be seduced by that. And so, we have to look to Jesus, who though he experienced some physical blessings, I suppose you could say, would never grasp for those things. And he always shared what he had, even if it was very little. And we’re challenged to do the same thing, to show that kind of hospitality, to embrace strangers and to live in contentment, not to always be constantly trying to grasp for more.
And that is a challenge to us, and, I think, one that that makes me stop and think about it and we should stop and think we should be aware of that. The reason for it is in order for us to share more fully in the way of Jesus and to live a Christ-like life that can be seen by others and therefore help them to see Jesus.
And so there we are. He’s ending on a pretty strong note with these folks and it’s a word of correction for sure.
Anthony: It is, because if the church looks exactly like the world and its priorities, how can the church bear witness to Christ? How can it be an agent of change in the world?
You mentioned Walter Brueggeman. We’re recording this episode in June, and yes, Walter died within the past week and he was an Old Testament scholar, theologian, and a gift to the church. And I just want to commend his book on Prophetic Imagination to our listening audience. It’s a powerful word, and it’s a challenging word. And the church throughout its history has had to be challenged from time to time.
And I think what you just said is really an important word for all of us. Ted, we’re on the gun lap coming around to the end here, and I wanted to close with this. The writer of Hebrews says that Jesus will never leave you or forsake you, verse 5. The Lord is my helper, verse 6. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever, verse 8. So why don’t we end the episode with a proclamation of that good news of God revealed in Jesus Christ.
Ted: Yeah. Both the passage we read in Colossians, and now this in Hebrews — those were written nearly 2000 years ago, are really relevant today. And the reason for that is because Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
What that means is he is steady. He can be counted on. He is faithful, always faithful, and that’s great good news for us because Jesus, who is fully God and fully human, is very much alive and is with us and can be counted on at any time in any circumstance, whether that be true in first century Judea or 21st century North America or any continent on the face of this earth.
Jesus is the pioneer and perfecter of our faith and can be trusted, trusted to never leave us or forsake us. And so, we may place fully our trust in him. By God’s grace, trusting in Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit, we may, we must trust and follow him with reverence, perseverance, gratitude, and courage.
Anthony: And there you have it folks. Ted, it’s great to have you back. We’ve worked together in various ministry capacities through the years and we haven’t had a chance to catch up in months. It’s great to chat with you brother about the good news revealed in Jesus and holy scripture.
Tec: Likewise.
Anthony: This has been really sweet to have you on. And as a final word to our listening audience, I want to remind you, God has torn the temple curtain.
Ted: Amen.
Anthony: And nothing you can do can mend it. It is done. It is finished. Grace has conquered. Jesus has conquered all. And so, as the writer of Hebrews pointed us to, and Colossians pointed us to, cast off that old life, there’s something better awaiting us.
The promise of what is to come, new heaven and new earth, and let us move forward in the power of the Holy Spirit.
I want to thank the team of people that helped make this podcast possible. Reuel Enerio, Elizabeth Mullins, and Michelle Hartman. It’s a joy to work with them. And again, Ted, it was a joy to have you on the podcast, and as is our traditional end, we’d like for you to close us with a word of prayer.
Ted: Sure. Let’s pray.
Father, as we bring this time and your word to a close. We thank you for the great cloud of witnesses that you have given us. We thank you for your faithfulness to us through your Son and by your Spirit, for the way you have led your people to testify by their lives, and sometimes their deaths, to your goodness and grace.
Father, in this life, we often face great difficulties. Help us when we do to not be discouraged or distracted. Help us not to compromise or give up. And Lord Jesus, our high priest, keep our eyes fixed on you. And Holy Spirit, turn our eyes and our hearts toward Jesus. Give us that grace of perseverance. Strengthen our faith. Grant us a compelling vision of the fullness of our salvation that is coming in a new heaven and a new earth, the home for which we long. And now, Father, may you who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead, our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, equip us, equip those who are hearing this, with everything good for doing your will.
And Father, may you work in us what is pleasing to you through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. In his name we pray. Amen.
Program Transcript
Ted Johnston—Year C Proper 17
Anthony: Our final passage of the month is Hebrews 13:1–8, 15–16. It is a Revised Common Lectionary passage for Proper 17 in Ordinary Time, August 31.
Let mutual affection continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. 3 Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them, those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. 4 Let marriage be held in honor by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers. 5 Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for he himself has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” 6 So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?” 7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
“Keep your lives free from the love of money,” verse 5 says, “and be content with what you have.” What might you say about this? A prophetic word, a social commentary. What does the church need to hear about this, Ted?
Ted: Don’t get me going.
Anthony: Well, I’m inviting you to, actually.
Ted: I don’t mean to get on my high horse because this speaks to my heart and is convicting, but I must say that the author of Hebrews …
Anthony: Yes.
Ted: … is certainly focusing in now on ethical matters. He is getting at the reality of his readers’ everyday life, and what they are thinking, what really motivates them, and therefore what they are doing. And he’s urging them to embrace, and through a Christ-like life, show forth the truth and power of the gospel.
You talk about evangelism; you talk about our Christ-like example in the world has a lot to do with how we live. And we don’t do it to impress people. We don’t do it for the favor of people. We do it because that’s the way Christ is, and we’re participating in his life.
And one specific behavior that he zeroes in on is living in contentment — free from a love of money is part of that. Money representing material goods, certainly an issue for these folks because following Jesus was often leading to them losing their way to make money. Their businesses were being closed down because of it. Their Jewish neighbors wouldn’t do business with them.
And that’s an issue for us today. Did they, do we, love money more than Jesus? It’s a challenge in a world that it becomes increasingly materialistic. Maybe we don’t have the same kinds of problems or temptations that they did in that respect, but we certainly face that challenge today.
And we are challenged to ask ourselves, are we generous with what we possess? Do we use our resources in order to offer hospitality to strangers, is the example he gives, which by the way, them being Jews familiar with the Old Testament, with Hebrew scriptures would have thought of those passages in the Hebrew scriptures that talk about the necessity of caring for people who are strangers among us — foreigners, if you will.
That’s certainly an issue in our world today, especially in the United States and other fairly wealthy nations. If you don’t mind, I’d like to read something that I ran across from Walter Brueggeman on that very issue. This is from Away, Other Than Our Own devotional for Lent. He said:
I believe the crisis in the United States Church has almost nothing to do with being liberal or conservative. It has everything to do with giving up on the faith and discipline of our Christian baptism, settling for a common generic US identity that is part patriotism, part consumerism, part violence, and part affluence.
That’s not an easy thing for people who are affluent and living in luxury — you and I, both, we live in luxury compared to most people in the world and certainly most people in history. And it’s easy to be seduced by that. And so, we have to look to Jesus, who though he experienced some physical blessings, I suppose you could say, would never grasp for those things. And he always shared what he had, even if it was very little. And we’re challenged to do the same thing, to show that kind of hospitality, to embrace strangers and to live in contentment, not to always be constantly trying to grasp for more.
And that is a challenge to us, and, I think, one that that makes me stop and think about it and we should stop and think we should be aware of that. The reason for it is in order for us to share more fully in the way of Jesus and to live a Christ-like life that can be seen by others and therefore help them to see Jesus.
And so there we are. He’s ending on a pretty strong note with these folks and it’s a word of correction for sure.
Anthony: It is, because if the church looks exactly like the world and its priorities, how can the church bear witness to Christ? How can it be an agent of change in the world?
You mentioned Walter Brueggeman. We’re recording this episode in June, and yes, Walter died within the past week and he was an Old Testament scholar, theologian, and a gift to the church. And I just want to commend his book on Prophetic Imagination to our listening audience. It’s a powerful word, and it’s a challenging word. And the church throughout its history has had to be challenged from time to time.
And I think what you just said is really an important word for all of us. Ted, we’re on the gun lap coming around to the end here, and I wanted to close with this. The writer of Hebrews says that Jesus will never leave you or forsake you, verse 5. The Lord is my helper, verse 6. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever, verse 8. So why don’t we end the episode with a proclamation of that good news of God revealed in Jesus Christ.
Ted: Yeah. Both the passage we read in Colossians, and now this in Hebrews — those were written nearly 2000 years ago, are really relevant today. And the reason for that is because Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
What that means is he is steady. He can be counted on. He is faithful, always faithful, and that’s great good news for us because Jesus, who is fully God and fully human, is very much alive and is with us and can be counted on at any time in any circumstance, whether that be true in first century Judea or 21st century North America or any continent on the face of this earth.
Jesus is the pioneer and perfecter of our faith and can be trusted, trusted to never leave us or forsake us. And so, we may place fully our trust in him. By God’s grace, trusting in Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit, we may, we must trust and follow him with reverence, perseverance, gratitude, and courage.
Anthony: And there you have it folks. Ted, it’s great to have you back. We’ve worked together in various ministry capacities through the years and we haven’t had a chance to catch up in months. It’s great to chat with you brother about the good news revealed in Jesus and holy scripture.
Tec: Likewise.
Anthony: This has been really sweet to have you on. And as a final word to our listening audience, I want to remind you, God has torn the temple curtain.
Ted: Amen.
Anthony: And nothing you can do can mend it. It is done. It is finished. Grace has conquered. Jesus has conquered all. And so, as the writer of Hebrews pointed us to, and Colossians pointed us to, cast off that old life, there’s something better awaiting us.
The promise of what is to come, new heaven and new earth, and let us move forward in the power of the Holy Spirit.
I want to thank the team of people that helped make this podcast possible. Reuel Enerio, Elizabeth Mullins, and Michelle Hartman. It’s a joy to work with them. And again, Ted, it was a joy to have you on the podcast, and as is our traditional end, we’d like for you to close us with a word of prayer.
Ted: Sure. Let’s pray.
Father, as we bring this time and your word to a close. We thank you for the great cloud of witnesses that you have given us. We thank you for your faithfulness to us through your Son and by your Spirit, for the way you have led your people to testify by their lives, and sometimes their deaths, to your goodness and grace.
Father, in this life, we often face great difficulties. Help us when we do to not be discouraged or distracted. Help us not to compromise or give up. And Lord Jesus, our high priest, keep our eyes fixed on you. And Holy Spirit, turn our eyes and our hearts toward Jesus. Give us that grace of perseverance. Strengthen our faith. Grant us a compelling vision of the fullness of our salvation that is coming in a new heaven and a new earth, the home for which we long. And now, Father, may you who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead, our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, equip us, equip those who are hearing this, with everything good for doing your will.
And Father, may you work in us what is pleasing to you through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. In his name we pray. Amen.
Small Group Discussion Questions
- Is there a difference between behavior based on our effort to keep commands we are given, and freely living in joyful response to Jesus Christ as he lives in us by the Holy Spirit? How so?
- How do we find comfort in the reality that Jesus does not change in his love for us and his faithfulness to us? In what way is this related to the gospel message?
- Why is it important to ground our worldview regarding generosity in Jesus Christ? What did the author say were sacrifices pleasing to God?
