God intends to call people to himself through his son and his son's followers for what is to come.

Advent is a season of Hope - because we see what God has already done.

Joe reports a bit on his recent trip to Ireland and discusses our source of comfort in the face of the ambiguities of this world. Note that this talk was originally given with slides.

Slides for 2023-01-15 episode.

We're starting our new "hot topics" series with a consideration of how Christians are called to handle disagreement. This message takes a broad, principled approach to handling disagreement formed through considering Paul's advice to the Jesus people in Rome, particularly in chapters 12-15 of his letter to the Romans.

How do we, as followers of Jesus, handle disagreement while continuing in the peace to which Jesus has called us? This episode discusses the practical considerations that we need to address, led by Jesus, in order to undertake cooperative efforts together and with other groups wisely and in peace.

We began a series on "top topics" a couple of weeks ago, covering introductory principles and approaches. This week, we plunge in (bravely or foolishly?) with the topic of abortion, considered from a Jesus-follower perspective. At least that's the intent!

How should the church handle abuse in families or even in the church? Lately, we have many times not been doing so well.

Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. and Holy Bible: The Message (the Bible in contemparary language). 2005. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.

We, as human beings created in God's image and commissioned to care for His creation, have a responsibility to care for the earth and for one another. This week we consider the story of the Reynolds family who quite unexpectedly found themselves confronted by this issue - a "big decision"

For visuals, please consider watching the Raising the Phoenix video: https://vimeo.com/204600715

https://www.oaks2b.com/2023/02/17/notes-for-the-hot-topics-creation-and-human-care-message/

Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...

Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.