The Good News From The Gardens Podcast

A Faith That Works: Taming the Tongue Part 3 of a 5 part series in the book of James James 3:1-12 Mark 8:27-38 In both the Mark and James readings, there is an emphasis in truthful, life giving speech. James warns of the dangers of language, and in Mark Jesus seeks to draw the truth out of Peter in asking him, “Who do you say that I am?” If we say Jesus is Lord, then what flows from our mouths sho...

  A Faith That Works: Body and Soul Week two of five on a series in the book of James. James 2:1-17 Mark 7:24-37 This Sunday James makes a case that our bodies matter when it comes to exercising our faith. He argues that the love of God in Jesus Christ is made tangible for those in need when we use our physical means to meet physical needs. Does God’s grace move you to do good works? Responding to...

Long time Nativity member Doris Karlik sits down with Pastor Steve for a conversation about her youth as a Lutheran, her many roles in the local and national church, her love of God and love of Nativity. You don't want to miss this 93 year young woman's recollection of her upbringing in New Jersey, her 55 years as a member of Nativity, and her hope for its future.    Listen!  is an occasional seri...

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...

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...

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 utilizin...

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 lif...

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?  Click here to ex...

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 w...

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 i...

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...