Fresh Start in Christ with Viroqua Nazarene

Do you know the difference between the phrases “it’s in the Bible…somewhere…” and “the Bible teaches…”? There is a difference and we look at Colossians 3:1-4:6 to understand it.

Have you ever felt like Christianity was just about checking a to-do list? (Or maybe a "Ta-Don't list"?) In Colossians chapter 2, Paul identifies that too much importance had been put on religous rituals, festivals and man mad rule. Rules that were made to help us "be like Jesus" too the place of Him. Paul shows us we need to find out "who is Really our Master?"

What do you have in common with a candle? Potential. And so did Daniel and his friends. Let's look at how they fared underpresser and underfire.

We continue our study of the book of Colossians, discovering that part of Paul's big message to them was to be wary of specific philosphical bullies. Who were they and what did Paul say in response? Check out this podcast for the full scoop.

Everyone wants to be included. Paul brings his first personal correspondence with the Colossian church, with important directions and encouragement.

Joy. Do you have it? How will anyone know? In this podcast we look at the theme of Joy/Rejoicing in Philippians, culminating in Chapter 4. (Note: some audio at the end may be hard to hear.)

What does it mean to be Christ-like? Paul not only spells it out, but gives a practical application in ch 4.

Philippians 1 brings us into this ministry partnership that Paul and Timothy shared with the church in Philippi. In partnership there are inherent benefits and risks. Paul spells them out for us in this chapter.

The Magi and the Holy Family. God provided for them and used them to provide for others. When we lay down what we have, God can pick it up and do more with it than we could ever hope for. Even our blessings, our prayers, and our burdens.

In the midst of everyday, ordinary practices and routines, amazing and surprising things can happen. In this podcast we look at Luke 2:21-39 and hear the strange occurrences mary, Joseph and baby Jesus dealt with and how the responded.

This is the recording of the entire Sunday morning worship service on Christmas Eve day, 2023.

Sometimes to look ahead toward something exciting or joyous, it’s in comparison to the current “not so joyous” situation. In Psalm 126 we will look at a song people sung and it’s deeper meaning.

The Hebrew word, “hesed” is translated “unfailing or steadfast love”. This is the Love described in this marriage vow, the covenant a man and a woman engage in - this is the Love they are called to and the love they promise to one another. This is how God lives you and me. With unfailing Love. Steadfast Love. Faithfulness. But what if we don’t see or feel God’s faithfulness right now?

Part of the “Joy of Every Longing Heart” advent series. Darkness and light, lament and hope, are more related than we sometimes like to admit. We can’t appreciate one without acknowledging and understanding the other.

Firefighters wear fire resistant jackets, pants, boots, helmets to protect against their enemy - fire. Police officers wear bulletproof vests among other gear to keep them safe from criminals. In this podcast, Paul shares an illustration of armor and protection against the Christian’s Real enemy.

Good Health. Family. A Working Car. Food on the table. A warm home. These are things we may take for granted throughout the year, but when they are in danger or removed somehow, we truly begin to understand and appreciate what we are/were missing. In this message, with the help of Psalms we can gain some insight to thankfulness that is in light of our present situation or in spite of it.

In order to not fall into the same old traps of the old life, we have to identify what they are. By comparison we can see the New Life in Christ is most certainly a charge for the Better.

Unity among believers of Christ is of utmost importance but has not always seen as achievable. In this podcast we look at Paul's various teachings on when it means to be One Body, unified in Christ Jesus.

People are perishable but they are also precious. What are we to do about that? In this podcast we examine the most famous Bible passage in light of the dairy section at your local grocery store.

They hold it together. They tear down hostility. Make foreigners into family. Two words. Listen in to this podcast on Ephesians 2.

Did you choose to listen to this podcast or are you predestined to do so? I know, that’s an oversimplification. But in this podcast, we explore Ephesians 1 and learn about the Historical Christian stances on predestination. Also we will hear what the church of the Nazarene teaches concerning salvation, free will, and what God desires for each person.

They’ve got millions of views on YouTube. They have half a million followers on Instagram. Whatever they are “trying out” during their next video will become the next big trend. Influencers. Paul calls out a particular group of them and how to withstand their sway.

Have you ever lost an item that was very precious to you? In this podcast I recount a recent story of the finding of something important to me, but also talk about Jesus’ 3 Lost Parables from Luke 15.

What things in your life do you regret doing? Maybe that tattoo of someone now not in your life? Perhaps a piercing that keeps sagging over time? Paul didn’t want the Galatians to do something they’d regret, and in this podcast we will talk about what it was and why it would be ultimately regrettable.

Yes I am going to talk about Batman and the Bible in this podcast. There was just something about Galatians 4 that rang true with the story of Bruce Wayne and I just had to go there. Join me. #batman