JTalkin'

In the past year I have heard a number of pastors preach sermons.  Some really connect with their flock and leave a message that impacts the heart.  Others don't.  What is a "missing ingredient" in some of these messages?  Here are just a few musings from a retired preacher.

The amazing life of Chamberlain continues to the trenches around Petersburg.  What would you do if you were shot through both hips while leading a charge of thousands of men?  Listen to what Chamberlain did, and be inspired!  

I really believe in giving our kids real flesh and blood heroes.  Here is an American hero we can all be proud of.  When the chips were down, and no one was coming to rescue them, Chamberlain did the right thing, the courageous thing. 

How well do you know George Washington?  He was not the "marble man" staring at you from the one dollar bill.  He was a man of enormous courage, faith, and perseverance.  Listen to these two episodes from his life in 1776, and be encouraged by lessons we can learn from his life!

What do 2 Chronicles 20:12 and the Story of Dunkirk have in common?  Tune in and find out (and be encouraged today)!

If you want to challenge your thinking, strengthen your mind, expand your vocabulary and your horizons, read widely!  Here is a good list of some good reads to feed and train your brain!!

To feed your mind great thoughts, we really need to know the great thoughts of the Reformation and the Enlightenment era...whether we agree with them or not.  Enjoy this short list of great literature (which still effects our world today).  

 Do you take care of your body?  I hope so!  Well, we need to take care of our mind too!  Just like we feed and exercise our body, we need to do the same for our mind.  Read widely.  Learn from the amazing facts and fiction of ancient literature.  You might be surprised at how exciting and thoughtful and encouraging people in the ancient world were.  And you'll be the richer for reading some...

Western Civilization did not just pop up out of the ground one day 200 years ago.  The seeds were germinating in the 1000 year period between the fall of Rome and the beginnings of America.  Dr. J provides a short reading list to understand what people were experiencing and thinking back then, and how their thoughts are still impacting us today!

This is probably the nerdiest podcast I will ever do.  I talk about my favorite authors, commentaries, systematic theologies, and linguistic tools that have helped me over 44 years in Christian ministry.  And, I throw in a "Dad" joke to boot!  Enjoy!

Chiune Sugihara was a Japanese diplomat in World War II who saved thousands of lives by disobeying his government.  He could not stand idly by and watch people perish without doing the right thing.  

A Dutch homemaker and a pastor conspired in World War II to save thousands of Dutch (both Jew and Gentile) from the Nazis.  True story.  I hope it inspires you today.  

Rabbi Melchior lost no time in warning his people.  And the Danes did not forget their fellow citizens.  Be inspired by people who did the right (and dangerous) thing at the right time! 

I read a 25 year old newspaper clipping about Dr. John Morton-Finney, who at the age of 100 had earned eleven college degrees, overcome racial prejudice, built a great life, and inspires greatness.  I hope his life inspires you today.  

Do you know the name of Robert Raymond Scott?  You should.  He is a young man, an American hero, who should never be forgotten.  Be inspired today by his act of utter selfless devotion.  

If the Law that God gave to Moses is now fulfilled and no longer binding on Christians today, why did God give it in the first place?  Tune in and find out!

There have been plenty of sightings of Unidentified Flying Objects over the centuries, and some of them have no natural explanation.  Does the Bible give us any guidance on what these things may be, and what their purpose is?  

If the Law of Moses is fulfilled and terminated at the Cross, and the Christian is not under its authority any longer, then do we have moral law for us today?  If so, where is it in the Bible?  

The Law of Moses is 613 commandments and statutes in quite a large portion of the Bible (the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy).  But Christians don't seem to try to obey this large section of Scripture.  Why is that?  Are these laws binding on Christians today, and if not, why?  

My family asked me if there is one verse they could use when talking to people about their faith, instead of memorizing a ton of passages.  So, here is one verse that says a lot about what we have in Christ.  

This is a brief prayer written by a dying soldier over 150 years ago.  I think it helps us prioritize things, and put things in their proper perspective.  Enjoy.  

A personal story of talking to my dying friend at the steel mill.  

Dr J deals with a few scriptures commonly used to promote the idea that God always promises physical healing for all Christians in response to faith (i.e. 1 Peter 2:24; John 14:12-14).  How do we know what are God's promises and commands for the Church, the Body of Christ today?  

Dr J looks at the claims from some that God wants all Christians to be financially prosperous.  Does the Bible support this claim?  Is this part of the true Gospel that we see in the New Testament?  

Dr. J deals with Proverbs 18:21 and Deuteronomy 7:12-16 in light of Prosperity Gospel claims, and asks a few tough questions for us to ponder.