Two Edge Talk

A "How-To" for Forgiveness

 

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Forgiveness is easy to praise, yet hard to accomplish.

Knowing that you should forgive and knowing how to successfully accomplish forgiveness are two different animals.  Deacon Tim points out in this week's podcast that even if you HAVE forgiven someone, resentment can creep back in later if you are not watchful.

A really helpful and provocative podcast. Take a listen!

The Lord's Prayer

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The Lord's Prayer is, of course, a primary prayer in Christianity. It actually has two biblical sources: Matthew- Chapter 6, and Luke- Chapter 11.

Deacon Tim and Cyndi talk through this prayer in a way that (we pray) help you grow closer to your Father.

Give Up My Dreams!

 

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In this week's episode, Cyndi and Deacon Tim discuss whether following your heart's deepest desire is the same thing as following God's will. 

As always- provocative!

Occasions of Sin

 

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Logically, it stands to reason that "he who plays with fire is the most likely to get burned".  Are you playing with spiritual fire?  Tune in to this episode of Two Edge Talk and give that topic some sincere reflection.

 

Mysteries, Through Mary

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If you think about the lessons and stories in Scripture, they are really quite abbreviated, a "just the facts, ma'am" sort of version of the events.  For me, Scripture really comes alive when I can imagine the real-live people present, their emotions, the details of the situation - the humanity of those events. 

A powerful gateway into the the heart of Scripture is through the eyes of Mary.  Imagine her thoughts as a parent:  the wonder of watching this child grow into manhood........then miracles occur........then the accusations..........then the brutal, unjust death..........then, resurrection!   This glimpse into the life of Christ through the eyes of his mother gives us fresh perspective and new insights into our Saviour. 

 

"Blessing" as a Verb!

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Many of us are comfortable with the word "blessing" as a noun, such as,   "My wife is a blessing to the world."  

However, "blessing" can also be a verb to denote action on YOUR part.  It's perfectly acceptable (and encouraged) to ask God to confer divine favor/protection/grace upon a person, place, or thing. 

Do we have any "blessers" out there?  Post a comment if you have a "blessing" story to share, and God bless you!

The Power of Evil

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What is the power of Satan?  In this day and age, people tend to discount the power (or even the existence) of the Devil, which in a sense is a victory for the forces of darkness.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church holds to the Biblical teaching that Satan is a fallen angel.  Is his power equal to that of God?

The Catechism goes on to state: 

"The power of Satan is, nonetheless, not infinite. He is only a creature, powerful from the fact that he is pure spirit, but still a creature. He cannot prevent the building up of God's reign. Although Satan may act in the world out of hatred for God and his kingdom in Christ Jesus, and although his action may cause grave injuries—of a spiritual nature and, indirectly, even of a physical nature—to each man and to society, the action is permitted by divine providence which with strength and gentleness guides human and cosmic history. It is a great mystery that providence should permit diabolical activity, but "we know that in everything God works for good with those who love him."

Listen to this week's podcast and let us know your thoughts about the power of evil.

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Jesus Quotes- Deacon Tim's Top 5

Deacon Tim reviews with Cyndi five of his personal favorite quotations from Christ this week. 

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To summarize:

Mark 14:13 “And He sent two of His disciples and said to them, "Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him;...”

Luke 17:9 “Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do?”

Luke 22:19 “And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

John 3:8 “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

John 6:12 “After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, "Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted."

Of course, you will need to listen to the podcast to see why they are his favorites.  What are your favorites? 

Download Top 5 Jesus quotes

Sinners- what are you gonna do?

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We all know that Jesus loves us- even to the point of being mocked, tortured, and crucified for our eternal salvation.  We also know that we are called to love our brothers and sisters, so we naturally hate the idea of treating our brothers and sisters differently than they wish to be treated.  Is this Biblically supported?  Deacon Tim reminds us of several Biblical passages on the subject, including this one in the New Testament:

1 Corinthians 5:11-13
But I now write to you not to associate with anyone named a brother, if he is immoral, greedy, an idolater, a slanderer, a drunkard, or a robber, not even to eat with such a person. 
For why should I be judging outsiders? Is it not your business to judge those within? 
God will judge those outside. "Purge the evil person from your midst."

Tough stuff.  What to do with those who we love but who are in unrepentant sin?  Tune in, listen, think, and comment!

A New Understanding

Ever read something, then come back to it later and get something completely different out of the same passage?

As students of the Bible, we have all likely experienced these "Ah hah!" moments many times.  Deacon Tim shares some of his favorite such moments with Cyndi in this week's episode.

To download, save this link: A New Understanding