Ponder Anew Podcast

Reading the Bible in a Year: Philippians

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:54:00 GMT

As we head into Easter, we resume our weekly podcast, picking up with the book of Philippians. This is admittedly not the directly next book in the Bible, but Philippians 2 is part of the Holy Week readings and as the podcast reveals, Pastor Rob has an argument to make: Paul is not responsible for American Christianity's focus on the individual, the transactional nature of religion and its escapism.

Questions:

1) What do you think it means to have the same mind among you as Christ Jesus?

2) Would you say your faith tends to be more personal or more communal? Are both necessary? Can you have a personal relationship with Jesus if you don't have a community of faith? Can you have a community of faith without people having an individual relationship with Jesus? Can you nurture both at the same time?

3) For people today, what do you think is the significance of Paul's argument that Jesus was not like other Greco-Roman gods?

4) Would you say the best way to introduce people to Christianity is by talking about it in terms of transaction or in terms of transformation? Or even in terms of conformation?

5) How has Jesus Christ conformed you to his life of death and resurrection?

6) Do you believe that Christianity is inherently escapist -- get me outta here?

7) Do you find there are times when you are ready for heaven?

8) Did Pastor Rob convince you that Paul is NOT to blame for the problems of American Christianity? Or are there other problems that need to be addressed!

Reading the Bible in a Year: Galatians

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 19:20:29 GMT

Two weeks ago, we heard about Paul telling Christians in Corinth that just because Jesus had come doesn't mean they could throw aside all ethical considerations. This week, as we read Galatians, we hear Paul telling Christians that the ethical doesn't amount to much.

What is going on? This week we delve into the brilliant theology of Paul in his letter to the Galatians, but also begin to unpack the back story. Ultimately, what we experience profoundly shifts our theological imagination and what we end up believing about the law, faith and righteousness.

Read the whole letter (you could skip chapters 3 and 4 if needed, but it is so short!) Some questions for consideration:

1) Have you ever been part of a community, like Galatia, that felt too legalistic and too exclusive. Did you choose to stay? Why or why not?

2) Have you ever had an experience of such sheer grace, like Paul, that you could not conceive of a world in which God could actually embrace humans outside of grace? What was it like talking to people that weren't blown away by God's grace after you had been?

3) Have you ever had a phase of life, like Luther, where you have earnestly tried to be a better human and have failed?

4) Have you ever been part of a community in which accountability, even accountability to Christ's teaching, was important? Can community - or any relationships - thrive outside of accountability?

5) Have you ever been part of a community where ethical teachings helped set healthy boundaries for the community or for you as an individual? Do you know people or have you been a person where you needed moral clarity from a church and did not receive this?

6) Have the teachings of Jesus ever been a source of inspiration to you that has ever changed your course in life?

7) What might it mean for Christ to live in us?

Reading the Bible in a Year: 2nd Corinthians

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 20:30:29 GMT

As we work our way through the Bible, one book each week, we come to 2nd Corinthians. In some ways, the book reads as an awkward apology and fundraising letter at the same time. Ouch! On the other hand, it reads as a very personal reflection, by Paul, on what it means to have Jesus with us in times of suffering, challenge and division. Paul writes about the cross in 1st Corinthians. But in 2nd Corinthians, Paul writes through the cross, that is, what faith looks like when things in life are hard.

You can probably read 1-2 chapters a night, but I would especially focus on chapters 4 and 5, perhaps even reading them more slowly.

Questions:

1) Have you ever had to apologize and ask for money at the same time?

2) Have you ever been mad at a faith leader (as the Corinthians were at Paul!)

3) Do you sense that God is more alive in your life when things are good or when they are bad? Why is it that many people actually stop attending church when life is hard?

4) Have you ever felt like a clay pot - ordinary, fragile but holding, or at least capable of holding, something good?

5) What is the appeal of a faith where as long as you believe enough, good things will happen? What is a potential problem with this?

6) Are there times in your life where you've needed to engage in conflict for their to be true reconcilation?

7) Are there times in your life where conflict was avoided and therefore true reconciliation did not happen?

8) When have you experienced reconciliation in your life? What role did faith play in this?

Reading the Bible in a Year: 1st Corinthians

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:42:51 GMT

"Love is patient, love is kind." These are familiar words. But the original audience wasn't a couple on their wedding day, but a dysfunctional and divided congregation!

1st Corinthians presents us with a society and congregation divided by wealth, status and religious background. Paul will have to marshal all the theological resources he has to reorient these people back toward Christ and toward each other.

Can Paul's rhetoric work on our hearts today, to bring us together across divides?

Read the whole letter, but at the very least: Chapters 1, 3, 5, 11, 12, 13 and 15

1) Does it disrupt or enrich your appreciation for "Love is patient, love is kind" to realize this was written to a dysfunctional congregation? Should it be used at weddings?

2) In what relationships and communities do you experience love like Paul talks about in 1 Corinthians?

3) Have you ever gone to worship simply because you thought someone else needed you there? To what extent does Paul's letter reveal the self-orientation of our faith communities today?

4) In Corinth, religion and class were clearly intertwined. How do you see religion and class working our world today?

5) Do you think a church can be politically engaged without taking the side of a certain class of people?

6) Paul offers a number of arguments / images / metaphors to unity in the congregation. Which of these do you find the most convincing yourself?

6b) What kind of experiences have you had within a faith community that have helped you see someone different as a brother or sister in Christ?

7) Could we skip the rest of the letter and just have chapter 13? Would that be enough to make us a loving community?

Reading the Bible in a Year: Romans

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 16:51:59 GMT

I confess, we didn't make it through the Bible in a Year. We did finish the Old Testament though. The culprit is the group that meets locally to discuss these podcasts feasted on them and didn't want to miss episodes when the group couldn't meet during the summer and the holidays.

But we pick back up with Romans! For this podcast, I want to tie together the personal impact of Paul's letter to the Romans on the reader, with the particular ways in which the reading of Paul's letter to the Romans has shaped Western and Christian history. In short, buckle up because we have a lot of ground to cover. If you want to read it over a week, aim for two chapters a day.

Questions

1) What parts of Romans were you familiar with prior to reading/listening? Have their been key points in your life -- funerals, weddings, baptisms or rites of passage that involved a reading from Romans?

2) Why do you think this book in particular has impacted so many?

3) How does the fact that Paul is writing this from prison shape your understanding of the letter?

4) Paul tends to have an urgent, if not passionate nature, a conviction that something deep is at stake with regards to what Christ has done for you, humanity and creation. Do you find yourself drawn to faith that is more zealous: The job of religion is to transform our fallen humanity through the brutal and glorious acts of death and resurrection OR drawn to a faith that is more "common sense", in that the job of religion is to tame our worst instincts and draw us into encounters with God that give us a sense of love existing in the world?

5) When you think about the ethics laid out by Paul (Romans 12 and 13) -- do they sound like kind of ethics that American society guides us toward or do they have a different approach?

6) Do you share Paul's conviction that nothing can separate us from God's love in Jesus?

Reading the Bible in a Year: Acts

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 14:08:03 GMT

The most important book for the church in the 21st century? That is my claim!

As we continue to work through the Bible, one book per week, we move into the book of Acts. This book records what happened after Jesus was risen from the dead and how the church began to spread throughout the Roman Empire.

I offer this book is supremely important for us in the 21st century, when the church again finds itself dislocated from the center of power. Suggested readings

Acts 1: Ascension and the first followers of Jesus regrouping in grief and joy

Acts 2: Pentecost and birth of the church

Acts 8:26-40 Philip and the Eunuch

Acts 9: Conversion of Paul

Acts 10: "Conversion" of Peter

Acts 16: Paul in Philippi

Acts 17: Paul in Athens

Questions

1) Are there any stories in the book of Acts that you know? Have you ever sensed the connection to our lives today?

2) Have you ever talked about your faith with someone who did not believe in the Gospel? In what ways is this hard? In what ways is this easy?

3) Have you experienced the Christian community as more, less or the same level of loving as the broader culture?

4) Who has been a witness to the Christian Gospel in your life?

5) Would you say the decline of Christian cultural influence: Doesn't seem real in your community and family? Is something that you grieve? Is something that you feel needs to be stopped by law?

6) Has your faith ever caused you to "suffer"?

7) Early on in the podcast, Pastor Rob mentions that the book of Acts has a number of miracles. What seems a bigger miracle: That the early church grew or that it grew without power?

Reading the Bible in a Year: John

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 16:04:42 GMT

In the Beginning was the Word. The Gospel of John presents Jesus as an intimate friend who is caring, strong and compassionate. Yet, the Gospel of John also has layers of symbolism and theology that make it a source of unending reflection.

As we continue reading through the Bible in a year, we enjoy the Gospel of John this week. I have included a few more suggested readings because there will be no podcast dropped over Thanksgiving.

To read: John 1 (creation and call of disciples; this passage is long enough you can break it up into two sections)

John 2 (Wedding at Cana and cleansing of Temple)

John 3 (Nicodemus)

John 4 (Woman at well)

John 6 (New Passover)

John 11 (Lazarus)

John 13 (Last Supper and friendship)

John 14 (Many rooms) or John 15 (Vine and Branches)

John 17 (Last prayer before his passion; it is a prayer for unity)

John 18 and John 19 (Passion)

John 20 and John 21 (Resurrection)

Questions for discussion

1) Why do you think John doesn't begin with the birth of Jesus?

2) How else does John feel different to you as a reader?

3) Do you think of Jesus as a friend? Why or why not?

4) What is easier, to think of Jesus as teacher, savior or friend?

5) Can you think of any Old Testament references in the Gospel of John, in parts you have read? Do some research on "lamb of God" from John 1. What did John mean by this?

6) Do you find yourself drawn into the Christian intellectual tradition or scared of it?

7) Do you find it easier to think of washing someone else's feet or having Jesus wash your feet?

Reading the Bible in a Year: Luke

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 20:09:19 GMT

Perhaps the greatest storyteller the world has ever known -- Luke, the Gospel writer! Pastor Rob reflects on what makes Luke so unique (his emphasis on women!) and also compelling.

We continue reading the bible, one book, each week. This week we work through the Gospel of Luke. Seven chapters to read:

Chapter 1 (Jesus birth); Chapter 4 (Temptation and first sermon); Chapter 5 (Call of Simon); Chapter 6 (start at vs 17, sermon on the plain); Chapter 10 (Good Samaritan and other good stuff!); Chapter 15 (the 'lost' parables); Chapter 24 (Resurrection)

Questions for discussion

1) What is your favorite story in Luke's Gospel?

2) Do you know a person named Mary, Lydia, Anna, Joanna or Elizabeth who are faithful?

3) Do you think that our church emphasizes women in Scripture enough?

4) What stories (likely from childhood) informed your moral and spiritual imagination?

5) Pastor Rob argues that for Luke, the Gospel of Jesus changes lives. Have you seen people changed by Jesus? Have you seen people NOT changed by Jesus? How has the Gospel changed you?

6) Pastor Rob argues that Luke is actually okay with the rich, he just wants them to be generous. Is he letting them off the hook too easily?

Reading the Bible in a Year: Mark

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 16:01:39 GMT

There is a reason the medieval times depicted the Gospel writer Mark with a lion!! The Jesus we meet is on the prowl, ready for battle.

As we work through the "Reading the Bible in a Year" I would encourage you, actually, not so much as to read Mark's Gospel, but listen to it. It is meant to be read, perhaps even around a camp fire. You will hear the intensity much more than you will read it. If you only have a limited time, I would read (listen!)

Mark 1-6; Mark 15 and 16.

Questions:

1) Did you grow up in a church or community that spoke about demon possession? How do you think about such passages in Scripture?

2) What are things in this world you would say - that is evil!

3) Do you find Jesus comforting or a bit scary in the Gospel of Mark?

4) Pastor Rob offers that in our postmodern age, the Gospel of Mark might get another hearing, in that the Western culture is being driven more by power-fear than guilt-forgiveness dynamics. Does this make sense?

5) Are you comforted or frustrated that the disciples in Mark's Gospel are often forgetful, doubting and prone to stupid conflict?

6) Why do you think Mark so emphasizes the death of Jesus on the cross, given the emphasis on the power of Jesus?

7) Why is the resurrection account in Mark so unresolved?

Reading the Bible in a Year: Matthew

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 18:45:07 GMT

The greatest story ever begins with ... a geneaology?

As we continue moving through the Bible, we finally get to turn to the New Testament, starting with the Gospel of Matthew. Since we spent the last year reading through the Old Testament, Pastor Rob shows how the Gospel writer Matthew brilliantly weaves together the Old and New Testaments throughout his Gospel, starting with this genealogy of Jesus.

If you don't have the chance to read the whole book:

Matthew 1 - prologue and birth of Jesus; Matthew 2 - Magi; Matthew 5-7 - sermon on the mount; Matthew 18 - humility, sin and forgiveness in the church; Matthew 25 - parables unique to Matthew; Matthew 28 - resurrection and great commission.

Questions for consideration

1) Are there people in your personal, communal or national family tree who you would not want shared with the world?

2) Why do you think Matthew includes them? Does he succeed in his intention?

3) Does it unsettle you or comfort you that Jesus' family tree had warts?

4) How might you respond to someone who said "The God of the Old Testament is angry and mean, whereas Jesus is nice"? How might Matthew respond?

5) Is it important to you that Jesus was Jewish?

6) Matthew's Gospel reminds us that Jesus was clearly invested in the lives of the poor. Why does our society look down on poor people?

7) Do you need to be on the margins, at some point in your life, to receive the Gospel?

Reading the Bible in a Year: Jonah

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 15:10:52 GMT

Is Jonah a story about a great big fish?

Hardly -- it is a story about a great big God and the great big love of that God.

Which sounds great, except that God's love is sometimes experienced like ... well... vomit of a fish that puts us back on the right path.

We've been working through one book of the Bible each week this year, but we are doing a bit of cherry picking here with the minor prophets. You can definitely read the whole book of Jonah!

Some discussion questions

1) What did you think of the book of Jonah when you were a child? What about when you shared the story with the next generation?

2) Pastor Rob offers that the book of Jonah itself knows it is exaggerating. Does that seem fair to you?

3) If the book does contain obvious exaggerations and intends to communicate truth on a more "mythical"/"deep" level does that undermine the story for you? Must this have happened as it said it happened for the story to have power for you?

4) In your life, have you ever run away from the call of God in your life? When? Why?

5) In your life, has God ever provided sanctuary or protection in a way that gave you the space and time to reflect and even repent?

6) In your life, has God have used fish vomit -- something rather gross -- to help you survive or come to your senses?

7) In your life, when has God loved others (especially another group) more than you did? Did you begrudge this? Did you feel your heart open to the other(s)?

Reading the Bible in a Year: The 12 Prophets

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 17:33:19 GMT

We finally come to the 12 Minor Prophets: Hosea, Joel, Amos, etc.

Does this mean 12 podcasts? Pastor Rob finds a cosmic loop hole to avoid this... we think!

This podcast will focus on the anger that often appears in the prophets, including the 12 "Minor" prophets, which we will treat as one book.

Reading the Bible in a Year: Daniel

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 15:24:01 GMT

"Read the writing on the wall!" From Paul Simon to even Bob Marley, the stories and images from the book of Daniel make their way into pop culture.

Yet, this book is rarely studied, especially in mainline or Catholic churches. Why is that? Because it fell victim to the modernist-fundamentalist debates. After some commentary on how we might transcend that (nasty) fight, we look at what the book of Daniel might say to us today, as we seek to live out our faith in a world that doesn't always share that faith.

Thanks again for reading through the Bible with us, one book at a time, in the Ponder Anew Podcast this year!

Reading the Bible in a Year: Ezekiel

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 16:10:30 GMT

Ezekiel saw 'da wheel, way up in the middle of the sky!

As we move ahead in reading the Bible, one book at a time, we come to the great prophet Ezekiel.

The book has many harsh words and terrifying images; yet it also has powerful visions of hope and new life, such as the story of dry bones coming to life. How do we move beyond being bewildered though? I offer that knowing the story of Ezekiel opens up some neat and potentially deep connections with this prophet. For he was someone who had to discover God's call precisely when he thought his life's plan was ruined.

Seven daily readings to work through this book:

1:1-28 (Call)

5:1-17 (Judgment)

10:1-22 (Glory departing Jerusalem temple)

34:1-17 (Promise of shepherd)

37:1-14 (Dry bones)

40 (Vision of temple; any part of it)

47:1-12 (restoration of creation)

Questions for discussion

1. What are hopes you had for your life when you were a child that have not played themselves out in a disappointing way? I.e., what are the "digging ditches in the mud 500 miles from my home" parts of your life?

2. What are hopes you had for your life when you were a child that have played themselves out, but in ways you couldn't expect. I.e., what are the "serving as priest without a temple" parts of your life?

3. What are times in life where you have discovered a purpose even when it wasn't part of your plan?

4. What are times in your life where you haven't understood what was happening at the time, only later to see how God was working?

5. Do you feel you have more of a call in life to be the doom-sayer when people don't see how big the problem is...or to speak a word of hope when people are catastrophizing?

6. What did you make of the fact that the book ends with the restoration of creation? What did you make of the fact that before creation is restored, worship has to be restored?

7. Do you ever feel that God gives you visions of what the future will look like?

Reading the Bible in a Year: Lamentations

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 19:24:53 GMT

An entire book of...lament!!

As we work through the Bible, one book at a time, we come to Lamentations. It feels a bit out of place here, in the midst of the prophets, but we will get into that in the podcast. More importantly, we will learn what this book can teach us today about lament.

I have not highlighted parts of the book to read, because you can easily read one chapter a day!

Questions for discussion

1. What is your first response to hearing that the Bible has a whole book of lament?

2. What are situations in life where you've felt like you didn't know what to say, because there didn't seem like anything could be said? Have you been in situations where people said something to you, but silence would have been far kinder?

3. How might you try to translate the poetry of Lamentations?

4. What are ways in which rituals or written words have provided you with great comfort in times of loss?

5. What has given you permission and access to depth of feelings, especially in times of sorrow, when it comes to a) Novels or stories b) Works of art c) Songs or pieces of music

6. Has writing, making art or making music ever helped you process grief?

7. How do you handle people who believe a situation is their fault, but it really isn't?

8. What is more likely for you to believe -- that God has forgotten you or that there is no God?

9. Have you ever demanded from God either justice or mercy?

10. What has helped open your eyes to the new mercies of God?

Reading the Bible in a Year: Jeremiah

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 14:29:03 GMT

Note: The podcast has an extra section after the "last trumpet." This is more historical background on how the book of Jeremiah was formed. This may or may not be for Biblical history buffs.

Next up as we walk through the Bible in a Year: Jeremiah. Jeremiah runs high on emotions, as the Word of Lord consumes the prophet. Because this Word brings the deepest judgment and the most too-good-to-be-true hope, people do not listen to Jeremiah. In fact, seek to stifle him. In our age of competing truths and efforts to stifle voices with whom we disagree, we find strange resonance with the story of Jeremiah.

It is the longest book in the Bible (by words). Here are some parts definitely worth reading

Jeremiah 1:4-10 (the prophetic call and commission)

Jeremiah 18:1-10 (Potter's house)

Jeremiah 20 (His arrest and lament)

Jeremiah 22:1-17 (Jeremiah's prophetic words on what makes a good king)

Jeremiah 29:1-14 (God's plans for a future)

Jeremiah 31:31-34 (the New Covenant)

Jeremiah 33:1-16 (More words of hope that point to Jesus)

Questions for discussion

1) Does it surprise you that Jeremiah is attacked for speaking God's Word?

2) When else in the Bible are people attacked for speaking God's Word?

3) Why do you think the temple priests got it so wrong?

4) Are there times in your life where you've had to acknowledge you were wrong -- that a previously held truth no longer made sense?

5) How do you handle people whose understanding of truth is different than yours? Are there people you no longer associate with because their version of the truth is so different than yours?

6) What needs to happen for our culture again to have the capacity to handle people having different points of view? Or do we need to limit what is said?

7) Why do you think that God allows for there to be different interpretations of the truth, even if only for a time?

8) What are truths you hold to because they resonate, not because you can prove them?

Reading the Bible in a Year: Isaiah

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 13:28:42 GMT

"In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the LORD..." Talk about an intro!! The book of Isaiah includes many powerful visions, visions that both terrify and inspire. We will do an overview of the whole book, but focus on this vision of the LORD, found in Isaiah 6.

We continue working through the Bible in a Year, one book each week. This week we start with the prophetic books of the Old Testament. Admittedly, the prophetic books can be a challenge because they often require (!) a bit of knowledge of ancient history to unpack.

The book of Isaiah is also pretty long, so if you are short on time, here are some passages definitely worth reading:

2:1-11 5:1-7 7:1-17 11:1-11 37:1-10 40:1-31 42:1-9 53:1-12 55:1-13 66:1-24

Some discussion questions

1. What did you know of Isaiah before you heard the podcast?

2. What did you make of the fact that Isaiah's prophecies cover centuries rather than a lifetime?

3. Is it illuminating or discomforting to think that books of the Bible maybe the work of a cohort rather than an individual?

4. Do you tend to have more of a cyclical or linear sense of time? Do you feel like history goes in cycles or progresses? What about your life?

5. What events in your life, your community and your nation have rocked your foundation? How did the Word of God speak to you in those times?

6. Did the point that prophecy in the Bible isn't like Harry Potter prophecy make sense? Is this helpful way to understand prophecy, namely, as something designed to draw you back to God?

7. Why do you think prophetic passages include images that are unsettling?

8. Are there bible passages, hymns or Christian art that help disorient you from real life and reorient you toward God?

9. Do you think seeing Jesus in this passage is helpful? Coherent? "Kosher"?

Reading the Bible in a Year: Song of Solomon

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 17:54:56 GMT

"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine!"

After a summer break, we pick back up looking at one book of the Bible each week. This week we look at Song of Solomon, which is, well, erotic poetry!

Questions for discussion - either in a group or to give me feedback.

1) What is your initial reaction to this book, especially if this is your first time reading it?

2) Did it feel "inappropriate"? If so, why?

3) I introduce the idea that the Bible shares stories with other ancient religions, but that the versions we have in the Bible are often "spun" in a unique way. Does this challenge or affirm your faith to think that other cultures have similar stories to the Bible?

4) The Bible employs language of husband and wife to speak of God's relationship to Israel and later Jesus' relationship with the church. Given how we think of marriage today, what is helpful about this metaphor? What is challenging?

5) What might it be like to shift our language from God loves you to "God is IN love with you?" or "I am in love with Jesus"?

6) Do you consider Christianity generally to have a neutral, positive or negative attitude towards sex?

7) What is your reaction to considering how important sex is to the stories in Genesis?

Reading the Bible: Summer Update

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 20:37:57 GMT

An midsummer update -- what Pastor Rob has been learning and studying that has kept him away from producing the Ponder Anew Podcast this summer.

A promise to finish the Bible with you but also an invitation into some pondering with him.

Bonus holiday episode: Ecclesiastes

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 18:20:37 GMT

Nothing says "Merry Christmas" like "Vanity of Vanities" right? It turns out this summer we had a website platform upgrade and so this episode never was uploaded. So here is nice theological chestnut for you to roast in your fireplace...

"To everything there is a season..." The book of Ecclesiastes contains lots of familiar passages, known well outside of church.

As we continue with #TheBibleInAYear, we continue with this timeless book of wisdom. The focus is on how this book can open up conversations with people who are not used to Bible conversations!

Lastly, we know we've slowed down with the podcasts over the summer. We will aim for one a month and then pick things back up full steam in the fall.

Reading the Bible in a Year: Proverbs

Fri, 23 May 2025 17:00:56 GMT

How does one pass on wisdom to the next generation? Can wisdom be passed on at all or must it be acquired by each person?

As we work through #TheBibleInAYear, we look at the book of Proverbs. While its primarily a collection of wisdom sayings, there is a deeper purpose, namely, seeking to raise up the next generation to be wise.

The last part of the podcast reflects a bit on the role of women in the book; I confess the last three minutes take us to the edge of what I understand about Scripture.

Reading the Bible in a Year: Psalms

Fri, 16 May 2025 15:02:48 GMT

If you only could take one Bible book with you onto a desert island, I would recommend the book of Psalms. It is an invitation to pray with other believers over the centuries, other believers around the world and finally, with Jesus Christ.

As we work through #TheBibleInAYear, we look at the book of Psalms, this ancient book of prayers. The focus of the podcast is encouraging and equipping you to pray through the Psalms.

Reading the Bible in a Year: Job

Thu, 15 May 2025 16:43:08 GMT

If there ever was a book of the Bible not to cover in a single podcast, it would be Job. The story of unjust suffering deserves -- demands! -- reflection. The podcast this week, which includes hearing God speak from the whirlwind (Job 41:1-11), hopefully serves as a guidebook rather than abridged version. As we work through #TheBibleInAYear, we look at the book of Job. (For this year's Ponder Anew Podcast we are looking at one book of the Bible each week).

Reading the Bible in a Year: Esther

Sun, 04 May 2025 12:12:44 GMT

Beauty pageants, palace intrigues, genocide and a courageous strong woman! What a story!!

As we work through #TheBibleInAYear, we look at the book of Esther. This book tells the (likely known) story of Esther, a woman first known for her beauty, then her bravery and then finally her cunning.

Beyond serving as a great story about a strong woman, the book brings up bigger questions, pressing for ancient Jews but increasingly relevant for modern Christians, of how much we can (and should) assimilate into a broader culture that doesn't hold to our religious principles.

Note: Sorry for the slight delay in publishing. Some software upgrades slowed down some things on this end. If the sound mixing is off, please let me know.

 

Reading the Bible in 2025: Nehemiah

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 14:51:08 GMT

As we continue reading #TheBibleInAYear, we turn to Nehemiah.

This book is very accessible -- it is a memoir of Nehemiah, who took it upon himself to rebuild the walls (and city) of Jerusalem. While the historical person of Nehemiah -- the cupbearer of emperor of Persia who chose to return to his people's native land of Judah to undertake a massive civic construction project -- does not easily map to our lives, the basic story is of a faithful person trying to decide what God would have them do in life. Furthermore, the book delves deeply into the complexities of rebuilding in our lives. It turns out that rebuilding isn't just about physical things, but relationships, communities and institutions.

Reading the Bible in 2025: Ezra

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 14:44:29 GMT

Homecoming!

The people begin to return to Jerusalem, thanks to Cyrus of Persia defeating the Babylonians and ending the exile of the Jewish leaders from Jerusalem. As we work through #TheBibleInAYear, we look at the book of Ezra, which focuses on the efforts of the priest Ezra (and others) who lead the rebuilding of the temple after the exile. The book itself is upbeat and celebrates the construction of the temple. That said, a more careful reading shows the strains of this homecoming and the deep sense that many have that, well, it used to be better.

More broadly, we focus on homecomings, memory, nostalgia and how we deal with things when they are no longer "they way it used to be."

Reading the Bible in 2025: 2 Chronicles

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 11:11:50 GMT

Who got the story right?

As we continue reading through #TheBibleInAYear, we turn to 2 Chronicles and King Hezekiah.

Most of us don't know Hezekiah that well, but it turns out that his story is told in not one, not two, but three different books! So which is right?

Today's theme though isn't really simply Hezekiah -- but who tells -- who chronicles -- your life?

(Note, the last 2 minutes is an invite to feedback on the podcast)

Reading the Bible in 2025: 1 Chronicles

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 11:54:53 GMT

As we continue reading through #TheBibleInAYear, we turn to 1 Chronicles and ... (wait for it) ... ancient Israelite genealogies!

This particular one is from 1 Chronicles 4:1-10. (If you do fast forward, pay attention to the last twenty or so seconds of it!)

Yet in these genealogies, I suggest, we discover a surprising answer to the question: What is the meaning of life?

The answer is not only compelling, but rather different than the one our culture offers.

Reading the Bible in 2025: 2 Kings

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 15:07:15 GMT

Flaming chariots, blinded armies and a meal of mercy. What is going on here!

As we continue reading through #TheBibleInAYear, we turn to 2 Kings and the work of the prophet Elisha. As a whole, 2 Kings is a "sad" part of Scripture in which things generally go from bad to worse. However, there are good and even miraculous things along the way, including the stories of Elisha. We will look at one particular story (chapter 6), but move to the broader question of how the God revealed in the Old Testament relates to God revealed in the New Testament.

Reading the Bible in 2025: 1 Kings (take 2)

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 15:11:38 GMT

This story is a bit like the red pill in the movie the Matrix. Reading it challenges our conceptions of free will and how God works in our world.

Get ready for some fun!

As we continue reading through #TheBibleInAYear, we turn to 1 Kings and the less well known prophet Micaiah (1 Kings 22). The guy, as it turns out, has the tough job of telling the king what the king doesn't want to hear. Or maybe. It gets complicated. A challenging look at how God may or may not control the rise and fall of empires...and what the church can and should do about bad leaders.

Note: Over the weekend of 3/15-3/16, there was a problem with the audio file. Hence the new version. Sorry - RJM

Reading the Bible in 2025: 2 Samuel

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 11:39:43 GMT

This week, we look at another R rated part of scripture: King David's affair with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband.

As we continue reading through #TheBibleInAYear, we focus on David's moral collapse, as recorded in 2nd Samuel (chapter 11-12). My sense is that most of us, even if we attended Sunday School, didn't study this passage. Most preachers avoid it on Sunday mornings because the topic is so racy. We need to reflect on it though, because its a humbling reminder of sin's power in our lives. And if sin is THAT powerful, what does grace look like? This story of sin and grace becomes not just David's story, but the story of Scripture and the story of our lives too.

Reading the Bible in 2025: 1 Samuel

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 11:20:34 GMT

Did you have a sense of wonder about life and about God as a child?

Many humans do...but this doesn't always endure.

The book of 1 Samuel allows us to follow a number of people from their childhood until their death. Like us, they go through life's ups and downs, both inspired and dejected at different points. These stories -- character arcs -- offer us the chance to reflect on how faith changes over our lives. As we continue reading through #TheBibleInAYear, we focus on the "call" of Samuel, when God gives him a mighty word to speak, even though Samuel is only a child. Will Samuel's sense of awe continue over his life? We ponder this together.

Reading the Bible in 2025: Ruth

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 09:35:25 GMT

Do conservatives care about the poor? Do liberals care about family values at all?

The book of Ruth provides us a glimpse at how God calls us to love BOTH our family and the stranger in need. As we continue reading through #TheBibleInAYear, we look at the moving story of Ruth. Although it is a short book, it is rich with meaning and especially relevance for today. It turns out that 3,000 years ago, humans also struggled, perhaps not so much with conservative/progressive divides over government social programs, but difficult questions about whom we owe the obligation of care.

(Note: The podcast is slightly longer than normal because the reading from Ruth is closer to 2:30, but it couldn't be broken up easily)

Reading The Bible in 2025: Judges

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 08:52:40 GMT

Welcome to the book of Judges. R-rated at best, this is an intense book of violence, societal breakdown and strong women. The book, which slows the moral collapse of a people, ironically ends up also highlighting the importance of leadership. As we continue reading through #TheBibleInAYear, we focus on Deborah and the book of the Judges.

Reading The Bible in 2025: Joshua

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 09:24:03 GMT

The heroine of this story is

Not a jew
Willing to lie to authorities
A prostitute
All of the above

Welcome to the book of Joshua, the book in which the ancient Israelites get their act together, and with a little help from their "friends", take over the promised land...

As we continue reading through #TheBibleInAYear, we focus on the story of Rehab and its place in the book of Joshua.

Reading the Bible in 2025: Deuteronomy

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 16:37:39 GMT

"Hear O Israel, the LORD your God is one."

Boom!

These are the most important words Moses says in the Bible, if not the most important words in the whole Old Testament.

As we continue reading through #TheBibleInAYear, we look at the book of Deuteronomy. We will focus specifically on the words of Moses in chapter 6, which will allow us to resolve: what to do about Sunday school, whether Judaism is a religion of grace and the origins of monotheism.

Reading the Bible in 2025: Numbers

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 10:26:35 GMT

We continue working through #TheBibleInAYear, looking at the book of Numbers. This book isn't about numbers though, it is about the wilderness! Crazy, big and wild -- both God and life!

Some come aboard for some adventure. We will look at Numbers 22, sometimes referred to as "Balaam's talking Ass."

Note: This podcast is closer to 25 minutes, not because of content, but because the story needs a bit of background

Reading the Bible in 2025: Leviticus

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 12:04:55 GMT

We continue working through the #BibleInAYear. This week we focus on Leviticus, probably one of the harder books of the Bible to read. Fear not, we will get through this book together -- and discover it still speaks to us!

To get us into Leviticus, we look at some of the laws laid out in chapter 19. Some of these are inspiring still today. Others seem to come from a far, far away galaxy. What do we make of this?

Note #1: I realize this podcast is a bit closer to 25 instead of 22-23 minutes, but it takes a bit to frame Leviticus in a way that makes sense to us today!

Note #2: If I were to do a truly extended uncut version, I would go into how Jesus' death on the cross relates to the sacrifices in Leviticus. For another podcast!

Reading the Bible in 2025: Exodus

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 19:03:54 GMT

We continue with our reading of the Bible in one year by looking at Exodus. The focus story is the call of Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3).

The first part of the podcast is about "exodus" - the liberation of the ancient Israelites. This is the theme, but we need to make sure we don't hear it with only 21st century Western ears!

The second part of the podcast is about "names", literally, as you will discover, the other name for Exodus.

I admit I cut out a final five or so minutes, reflecting on the implications of our behavior on God's name. If you are interested, let me know!

Reading the Bible in 2025: Genesis

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 01:00:03 GMT

With this podcast, we launch our reading through of the Bible. We will start in the garden of Eden, reminded of how God intends for the world to work.

In 2025, we will look at a different book of the Bible each week, focusing on one story that embodies the whole of that book.

Also, for those who struggle with the "historicity" of Adam and Eve, the second half of the podcast is for you.

Reading the Bible in 2025: Warm-up IV

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 18:04:01 GMT

We wrap up our Advent warm-up with a look at Matthew's Gospel. The writer Matthew has lots of Old Testament connections. A reminder that the stories in the Bible draw on each other. They reinforce but also reinterpret each other. Hopefully this stitching together gives us permission to see how the stories of Scripture stitch together with our lives.

May this be your *final* 2024 encouragement to walk through the Old Testament in 2025 as a way to better understand the words and actions of Jesus.

Reading the Bible in 2025: Warm-up III

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 18:21:03 GMT

Miracles of miracles!

What do we do with the miracles in the Bible? For many in modern (Western) culture miracles don't quite make sense given how we understand how the universe works.

This is the third in our Advent 2024 season of the Ponder Anew Podcast. We are looking at the Christmas story to tackle some of the questions and even struggles people have when it comes to reading Scripture.

Reading the Bible in 2025: Warm-up II

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 16:42:48 GMT

We continue our Advent 2025 series. We are looking at the Christmas story to prime the pump on reading through the Bible in 2025.

This week we consider the fact that the Gospel stories have different accounts of the same story. How do we handle the fact that the Bible itself presents different versions of the same story? To answer this, we need to look at how the New Testament came to be.

Reading the Bible in 2025: Warm-up 1

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 14:35:25 GMT

In 2025, we are going to work through the whole Old Testament together, taking one book each week.

To get us ready for that, we need to address a few "How to read the Bible" matters. In the last weeks of 2024 (the weeks of Advent!), we will look at the Christmas stories in Scripture as a way to take up some of these questions about how to approach Bible reading. This week we take up the question -- is the Bible history or myth? To settle this question, we will look at Luke 2:1-7... "In those days..."

μαθητης: Word of week 7 (Fall 2024 Series)

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 19:09:23 GMT

λυτρον: Word of week 6 (Fall 2024 Series)

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 17:58:51 GMT

If Jesus is the ransom (Mark 10:45), then who got paid off? Pastor Rob looks at another Greek word this week, λυτρον, one that leads to quite a mystery (mystery is also a Greek word, but not the focus of this week!)

σωζω: Word of week 5 (Fall 2024 Series)

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 15:33:39 GMT

"Have you been saved?" Christians use the word "save" all the time. But what do we really mean by this? Does Jesus' salvation mean entrance into heaven? Or at least mostly mean that?

To reflect on σωζω - " I save", we focus on a conversation in which Jesus and disciples reflect on the rich man who walked away from Jesus (Mark 10:23-27). Of course, we end up all over Scripture, but we can start there. Actually, we start with 90's teen sit-coms...let's get pondering!

αποστασιον: Word of week 4 (Fall 2024 Series)

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 18:06:27 GMT

This week is a two for one special -- two words, both translated into English as "divorce."

In the middle of Mark's Gospel, Jesus goes on a long road trip with his disciples. This week (Mark 10:2-9) we hear Jesus offer some striking words on divorce, which is, was and will be a complex topic, both culturally and personally.

γεεννα: Word of week 3 (Fall 2024 Series)

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 15:49:25 GMT

Nothing to do with Hell, the demonic and the forces of evil is ever easy. Including translating words that have to do with "hell"! We look at γεεννα, a word that can be translated, well, as hell, but also a lot of other things too! (Mark 9:42-48 is where this word is found, among other places in Scripture)

παις: Word of week 2 (Fall 2024 Series)

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 16:36:10 GMT

This might be the easiest word of all to translate this fall. It means "child". But what "child" meant than and what "child" means today are very different things.

Note: I intended this to be a mini-podcast. But then the word got interesting.

Χριστός: Word of the week (Fall 2024 podcast series)

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 13:59:27 GMT

For fall 2024, we will do a shorter podcast, focusing on one Greek word per week. This word will come from the week's Gospel reading (in the Revised Common Lectionary).

This week we start off with Χριστός, a word found in Peter's confession of faith (found in Mark, Matthew and Luke!)

'Worst Book in the Bible', Episode 8

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 16:39:07 GMT

Is freedom a good thing?

We wrap up the book of Judges with a story that seems a punishing indictment of freedom, especially freedom that has descended into lawlessness (Judges 20-21)/

First, we look at how the book of Judges frames the final stories. It is clear that the book of Judges is making an argument about human freedom, government and God.

Second, we reflect on how the underlying tension between order and freedom plays itself out in our modern politics. (Or: how the major political forces in our country relate to the main thesis of the book of Judges.)

'Worst Book in the Bible', Episode 7

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 16:32:22 GMT

One of my childhood heroes -- Samson! (middle chapters of Judges)

Alas, the story doesn't read well for me as an adult. A reflection on the malformed character of Samson and what me might do to avoid this happening to us.

'Worst Book in the Bible', Episode 6

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 15:19:58 GMT

How do you measure the spiritual health of a nation? Of a person? As we look at Judges 6, we see how the book's writers subtly argue that spiritual malaise leads to political collapse leads to economic downturn leads to environmental destruction. Do we still think this way 3,000 years later? Likely more so than we think.

‘Worst Book in the Bible’, Episode 5

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 18:26:40 GMT

Deborah (Judges 4-5) was just too cool for one episode; there is more in her leadership to explore and learn from. But this isn't just Deborah part II, we also include an another strong (?!) woman, Jael.

'Worst Book in the Bible', Episode 4

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 21:49:03 GMT

Finally we get a break from the tough stories of the book of Judges. We get Deborah! What an amazing woman. She is bold and wise. You can read about her in Judges 4 and 5.

After a reflecting on how she might actually have written part of THE book, I ponder about the book she could have written on leadership, specifically on listening.

'Worst Book in the Bible', Episode 3

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 15:39:55 GMT

The story for this week's podcast is not exactly Sunday School material: deceit, murder and poop! (Judges 3, Ehud's story)

Have fun! (If I could do the podcast over, I might have mentioned how I think part of this story is simply the story teller having fun around the camp fire!)

Worst Book in the Bible’ Season: Episode 2

Fri, 31 May 2024 18:50:58 GMT

We continue with episode 2 of looking at the book of Judges, this week moving ahead to chapter 2. The core issue in chapter 2 is the challenge the Israelites face in passing on their faith to the next generation, who grow up with different experiences than they had. 3,000 years later we wrestle with the same issues. What can we learn? (What have we learned!)

'Worst Book in the Bible' Season: Episode 1

Fri, 24 May 2024 18:14:09 GMT

For Summer 2024, we look at...the book of Judges. That's right, that Old Testament book that is SO, well, Old Testamentish. One might argue it is the worst book in the Bible.

This week we start off with chapter 1, which is highly problematic for most modern (Western) readers. Can we glean anything from this passage? Ponder Anew thinks we can!

7 Last Words, Episode 7: It is finished

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 12:56:30 GMT

"It is finished" (John 19:30) With this word from the cross, we finish our series on the last words of Jesus.

To get at the significance of what Jesus says, we consider the words of other famous people, especially religious luminaries.

7 Last Words, Episode 6: My God, My God, why have you forsaken me

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 16:12:21 GMT

Jesus in the cross cries out in existential suffering: "My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me?"

Does God suffer? Can you love someone and not suffer? Does God suffer with you on the cross?

The podcast begins with a reflection on the marriage metaphor in Scripture (and in Luther's thinking); then delves into a history of how Christians have answered the question "Does God suffer?" Likely people born in the 20th or 21st century would say "yes" but this was not the historical answer of the church. Our current approach to seeing God as one who suffers gains and loses something against the historical understanding of the church.

7 Last Words, Episode 5: Into your hands I commend my Spirit

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 18:25:30 GMT

"Into your hands I commend my Spirit." Jesus was a spiritual person. A spiritual guru.

What does it mean for us as humans to be spiritual? A reflection on what we've lost in terms of spirituality over time and what we can recover.

7 Last Words, Episode 4: Woman, behold your son; behold your mother

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 14:53:39 GMT

"Woman, behold your son; behold your mother."

America has many crises; one of them is loneliness. A reflection on why we are a lonely people and what Christ (and Christ alone!) is doing about it.

7 Last Words: Today you will be with me in Paradise

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 16:23:15 GMT

"Today you will be with my in paradise" With these words, we interrupt this Lenten series on the cross to talk about paradise and heaven!

Turns out the Bible describes heaven as paradise, but a "whole" lot more beautiful and mind-blowing than we can imagine.

7 Last Words, Episode 2: I thirst

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 18:56:37 GMT

We continue with our seven words, this week picking up with "I Thirst"

With these words, Jesus reveals he is human. In this podcast, we consider Jesus humanity.

A) What is the difference between gods and humans -- what would the divine lose by become human?

B) What might the divine gain by becoming human? To get at that, we need to explore more deeply the difference in humans, animals and the divine...

7 Last Words, Episode 1: Father, Forgive Them

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 18:07:41 GMT

We begin a new series for Lent 2024. We will focus on the 7 last words of Christ from the cross. This week we start with "Father, Forgive Them, they know not what they do."

Two foci this podcast season

The Words of the Cross as an invitation to prayer
The Words of the Cross as reason for why, in spite of so much, we are still Christians.

Pieces for Peace 5: Quirinius

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 07:39:16 GMT

We wrap up our pieces for peace series with the most unlikely piece of the nativity, Quirinius the Governor of Syria.

Did he exist? When did he rule? When was Jesus born? Why does Luke include him?

But first, what does it mean for Luke to understand himself as doing history?

And lastly, what does this have to do with the peace of Christ?

Pieces for Peace 4: The missing peace, part 1

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 02:03:39 GMT

What piece of the manger scene do you imagine is there...but probably isn't in most (store bought) nativity scenes.

Who is the missing piece that is a part of your imagined nativity? An invitation to some holy pondering, including a reflection on the incarnation and inevitability of inculturation of the Gospel.

Pieces for Peace 3: Mary

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 05:00:45 GMT

For this week's podcast, we take up THE holiday question: Mary, did you know?!

Pieces for Peace 2: Angels

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:40:08 GMT

We continue with our Pieces for Peace theme this Advent, focusing on the angels. They appears lots in the first fear chapters of Luke. And they keep telling people "Do not be afraid." Why is this? What peace of Christ do they offer us?

Pieces for Peace 1: Animals!

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 20:35:43 GMT

This Advent we will focus on "Pieces for Peace" how the different pieces of the manger scene can invite us to come into the peace of Jesus. We start off with the animals in the manger. Of course we get to Jesus and the restoration of all things. Plus a coda on the question - are there dogs in heaven?

Sunday to Monday, Episode 6

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 16:25:04 GMT

"Render unto Caesar the things of Caesar and to God the things of God." These are words of Jesus that have shaped the course of human history!

In the first half of the podcast, we consider the story behind the quote, which focuses on money and idolatry. In this part of the podcast, we focus on the disconnect between Sunday and Monday around finances. In the second half of the podcast, we consider this quote, reflecting on why the year 1648 continues to shape our understanding of church and state. In short, we finally unpack where this gap between Sunday and Monday came from!

Sunday to Monday, Episode 5

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 17:26:21 GMT

Episode 5: Talk about a Sunday-Monday gap. Last Saturday I watched as Israel was brutally attacked by Hamas. Last Sunday I heard about the peace that passes all understanding! A world at war is a world that Christ has not fully overcome. It is also a world that leaves us with many haunting questions

What do we make of the human tendency toward violence?
What do we do with Bible passages, like the parable in Matthew 22:1-14, that suggest that God ordains violence?
How do we respond when we are hurt, breaking cycles of retribution?

In the second half of the podcast, I go a big deeper into working Bible passages that don't fit with our understanding of the God we have met in Jesus Christ.

Sunday to Monday, Episode 4

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 18:56:42 GMT

Jesus throws down the gauntlet with the religious leaders of his day (Matthew 21:33-46). In so doing, he challenges us to consider our own lives and what we build our lives on - what is our cornerstone? Behind this lies the question, how do our Sunday commitments line up with our Monday actions? And over this question is a deep umbrella of grace, which I also being to explore but invite you to consider in your own life. In the second half of the podcast, I delve into the historical meaning of the parable and the reality that the history of church is a struggle between the institution and the prophetic!

Sunday to Monday, Episode 3

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 20:18:42 GMT

For our third episode of this season, we focus on Jesus interaction in the Temple (Matthew 21:23-32), which culminates in Jesus telling a parable rich with both judgment and mercy.

The focus of this episode is Jesus as teacher; the first half is more focused on what that looks like in our lives; the second half is a theological unpacking of how understanding Jesus as teacher does not weaken the role of Jesus as savior!

Sunday to Monday, Episode 2

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 20:19:10 GMT

We continue looking at parables from Matthew's Gospel (Matthew 20:1-16), playing with the disconnect between the world and ethics of the Bible (peace, forgiveness, love, grace) and the world and ethics of the World (conflict, jealousy, anger). We are calling this the Sunday-Monday gap. In this story, the lord of the vineyard (God!) gives everybody the same amount regardless of how many hours they worked in the vineyard. Grace isn't always fair and that can drive us nuts!

Sunday to Monday, Episode 1

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 13:02:18 GMT

It is a new season on the podcast, looking at bridging the Sunday to Monday gap. To get at this gap, we will reflect together on the parables of Jesus in Matthew's Gospel.

For our first parable, we look at Matthew 18:21-35 and the story of the forgiven yet unforgiven servant. This parable suggests, hauntingly enough, that the forgiveness of Sunday doesn't translate into gracious living on Monday

Romans Podcast, Episode 6: God's Heart is Big

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 21:03:47 GMT

Is forgiveness the same as erasing of a debt?

We wrap up our season on the first chapters of Paul's letter to the Romans, focusing on Romans 4:16-25. Turns out that the God we've come to know in the cross of Jesus Christ is interested in something far more grand than simply canceling debts...

Romans Podcast, Episode 5: Boundaries

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 20:50:56 GMT

Why were the police called to our church cemetery? Good question! Listen to the podcast and find out.

This week's episode though is about neither cemeteries or police officers. Rather, in this week's episode we examine the major social boundary in the early church - the boundary between Jews and Gentile converts. How Paul and the early church address this says a great deal about boundaries, faith communities and the universal love of Jesus.

The specific passage comes from Romans 4 (1:1-12, with some verses cut).

Romans Podcast, Episode 4: The Case Against Penal Substitution

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 13:48:26 GMT

If you've ever been given a tract on the streets about Jesus, it like uses verses from Romans 3 to tell you a story that goes like this

You are a bad person
God is mad at you and wants to punish you
God loves you though and so he sent his son Jesus to take your deserved beating
You must believe this to actualize the substitution of your penalty onto Jesus

A look at why this is not what Paul's argument is about in Romans 3.

The Ponder Anew Podcast looks at the ancient words and stories of Scripture, pondering anew their meaning for today.

Romans Podcast, Episode 3; Justice and Mercy

Sat, 01 Jul 2023 17:48:42 GMT

Is God both merciful and just? As Paul continues to build his argument about who God is and what God has done for us, he leans heavily into the justice of God (Romans 2:3-16). Can we have a just and merciful God? How do we see justice and grace playing themselves out in this passage? While this passage alone doesn't answer this question, it points us in a direction worth exploring.

Romans Podcast, Episode 2

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 21:04:36 GMT

Summer means a few things: Fireflies, fireworks and fantastic photos of nature. Lovely, right!! In this podcast, we continue in Romans 1, considering the things of summer: creation and independence day. And oh yes, of course, God's revealed glory and wrath too.

Romans Podcast, Episode 1

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 17:33:23 GMT

We start a new season of the podcast here, looking at Paul's Letter to the Romans. Pastor Rob explains why he was reluctant to look at this book of the Bible...but why reading "A Man Called Ove" on a long plane ride convinced him he had no choice!

What's the buzz: Episode 4

Tue, 30 May 2023 17:41:50 GMT

What’s the Buzz? Episode 4.

For the month of May, the Ponder Anew Podcast features the children of St. Paul Lutheran in Lititz. If even if you are not a part of this congregation, you will find the perspective of the children fascinating and inspiring!

For each episode, Deacon Emily Myallis leads the children in a conversation about how they experience different elements of worship. For this fourth episode, the aspect of worship is "Praying."

The “What’s the Buzz” season title comes from the phrase that that Deacon Emily uses to focus the conversation: “May we BEE _____”; the phrase this week is “May we BEE filled."

What's the Buzz: Episode 3

Wed, 24 May 2023 18:05:29 GMT

What’s the Buzz? Episode 3.

For the month of May, the Ponder Anew Podcast features the children of St. Paul Lutheran in Lititz. If even if you are not a part of this congregation, you will find the perspective of the children fascinating and inspiring!

For each episode, Deacon Emily Myallis leads the children in a conversation about how they experience different elements of worship. For this third episode, the aspect of worship is "Sending."

The “What’s the Buzz” season title comes from the phrase that that Deacon Emily uses to focus the conversation: “May we BEE _____”; the phrase this week is “May we BEE sent."

What's the Buzz: Episode 2

Tue, 16 May 2023 17:14:59 GMT

What’s the Buzz? Episode 2.

For the month of May, the Ponder Anew Podcast features the children of St. Paul Lutheran in Lititz. If even if you are not a part of this congregation, you will find the perspective of the children fascinating and inspiring!

For each episode, Deacon Emily Myallis leads the children in a conversation about how they experience different elements of worship. For this second episode, the aspect of worship is Holy Communion.

The “What’s the Buzz” season title comes from the phrase that that Deacon Emily uses to focus the conversation: “May we BEE _____”; the phrase this week is “May we BEE united."

 

 

 

What's the Buzz? Episode 1

Tue, 09 May 2023 18:40:25 GMT

What's the Buzz? Episode 1.

For the month of May, the Ponder Anew Podcast features the children of St. Paul Lutheran in Lititz. If even if you are not a part of this congregation, you will find the perspective of the children fascinating and inspiring!

Deacon Emily Myallis leads them in a conversation about how they experience different elements of worship.

The "What's the Buzz" season title comes from the phrase that that Deacon Emily uses to focus the conversation: "May we BEE _____"

For this first episode, the phrase is "May we BEE fed" and the aspect of worship is Holy Communion.

Lent VII: The Anti-Hero

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 06:00:44 GMT

Final episode of the season. We learn who the true anti-hero is.

Lent VI: Good Grief

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 19:33:06 GMT

"Good Grief" It is easy for Charlie Brown to say; but it is harder in life to grieve.

Pastor Rob looks at the encounter of Jesus with two of his disciples, Mary and Martha, as they grieve the death of their brother. It provides a window into how Jesus accompanies us in our grief as well as an opportunity to reflect on the ways in which our culture currently makes grieving difficult.

Lent 2023 V: Muddy hands

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 15:44:09 GMT

Three years ago our nation went into lockdown for the pandemic. Wow!

We continue with encounters between Jesus and people, this week hearing from John chapter 9 about Jesus healing a man. Everyone except for Jesus wants to focus on sin and blame; Jesus wants to open everyone's eyes to God's works and glory. This remains a challenge for us as we continue to emerge from the pandemic -- focusing on God's goodness working its way in our world instead of fixating on sin and blame.

Lent 2023 IV: How to build a cultural bridge

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 08:00:17 GMT

Note: This podcast is a bit longer than normal. See below.

For our 3rd podcast of this season, we reflect on the encounter of Jesus with an unnamed Samaritan woman. Jesus and this woman come from different "tribes"; as such, we see here what it is like for Jesus to interact with and find common ground with someone of a different background. In a world fraught with divisions and desperately in need of bridge building, there is much we can learn from here.

This main teaching in this podcast is unpacking the seven steps Jesus takes to form a bridge with someone of a different culture.

The Scripture reading (John 4) is longer and the podcast includes background on the Jewish-Samaritan conflict. If you feel comfortable with the story and that societal vision, you can forward to about the ten minute mark.

Lent 2023 III: How to talk to a Pharisee

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 17:13:07 GMT

How do you talk to a Pharisee? In this episode, we look at John 3, in which Jesus encounters Nicodemus, a Pharisee. Through this encounter, we deconstruct what Jesus means when he says that to enter the kingdom of heaven, you must be born again, and we discover that to talk to a Pharisee, you have to walk with one, too.

 

Lent 2023 II: Parent and Child

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 17:31:27 GMT

We continue our season on Encountering Jesus in the Gospel of John. In this episode, we look at John 2, in which Jesus meets his mother, Mary. Through this encounter, we explore one of the most vulnerable relationships in life -- parent and child.

Lent 2023 I: How do you know me?

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 19:52:57 GMT

A new podcast season: Encountering Jesus (Looking at John 1-11)

In this podcast, we introduce the season by looking at the haunting question of Nathaniel to Jesus: "How do you know me?" (John 1) Again and again, Jesus reveals how much he knows the person with whom he is speaking. He is quickly able to get to the core of who they are and then lead them to a new place. This podcast is a reflection on people's encounters with Jesus and within that an invitation to encounter Jesus ourselves.

Christmas Bonus Episode: What Child is This

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 19:33:38 GMT

A Christmas gift: a bonus episode! We look at What Child is This as well as Philippians 2, arguably the world's oldest Christmas hymn. From the beginning, Christmas and the cross have been connected.

Prepare the Royal Highway

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 20:29:08 GMT

Wrapping up (get it, for Christmas, wrapping...) the mini-Series here on Christmas and Advent songs, we turn to a lesser known carol, "Prepare the Royal Highway." A reflection on the Christmas' terrible love affair with paganism, the Gospel of Mark's haunting intro and Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey.

Silent Night

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 21:56:25 GMT

This week we consider "Silent Night" -- It was, of course, as it is always is, requested. The making of this beloved hymn is in itself a "Hallmark Christmas" story. But was the real Christmas story quite so "Hallmarky"?

O Holy Night

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 00:55:48 GMT

The people have spoken: They want to hear about O Holy Night. This beautiful hymn has quite a powerful history!

Savior of the Nations, Come

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 14:44:46 GMT

We kick off a new season of the podcast. For the next few weeks we will be looking at various Christmas (or Advent) hymns. For each one, we will look at the Scripture behind the song, using this as an avenue to ponder anew the story of Jesus' birth.

For the first week, we will look at one of the oldest hymns we have: Savior of the Nations Come (Veni Redemptor Gentium). We will pair this with the intro to John's Gospel and reflect on inviting others into the mystery of Jesus' birth.

Whaddaya know Joe (Kid’s Podcast on Joseph, Episode 5): Forgiveness

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 17:30:19 GMT

As we've been journeying with Joseph and his family this fall, the children in our congregation have been doing a podcast, led by Deacon Emily Myallis.

In this final episode of "Whaddaya know Joe" the kids talk about forgiveness and God working things out for the best.

Human forgiveness is different

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 13:11:45 GMT

We wrap up the season on Joseph. It all ends well -- peace in the family, peace in the heart of Joseph and peace in the world.

A reflection on reconcilation.

Whaddaya know Joe (Kid's Podcast on Joseph, Episode 4)

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 18:33:34 GMT

We continue hosting the "Whaddaya Know Joe" podcast out of this channel. In Episode 4, the kids discuss candy, glasses...and what does it mean to change!

Transformation (Joseph Season, Episode 5)

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 15:57:46 GMT

In this episode, we look at the transformation of Judah. What did it take for God to transform Judah? What does the transformed life look like?

Whaddaya know Joe (Kid’s Podcast on Joseph, Episode 3)

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 15:34:33 GMT

In this episode, Deacon Emily invites the kids into some deeper reflection on the week's theme: resilience.

(This is a children's podcast that is being launched through this podcast channel during this season of Joseph)

Overcoming Adversity (Joseph Season, Episode 4)

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 13:54:12 GMT

Finally, the story starts to go Joseph's way!! The podcast ends with a reflection on overcoming challenges; but first, a lengthy aside on what we mean by "God saves."

Whaddaya know Joe (Kid’s Podcast on Joseph, Episode 2)

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 18:07:14 GMT

This episode is of a new podcast, "Whaddaya know Joe." This podcast, made by Deacon Emily Myallis, gives kids space to share their thoughts and learn about the story of Joseph.

While this podcast idea is in the pilot phase, it will be produced from Pastor Rob's Ponder Anew Podcast.

Don't find your passion; find your neighbor in need (Joseph Season, Episode 3)

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 14:05:14 GMT

We pick up this episode with Joseph in prison. Pastor Rob looks at the injustice in the situation and how Joseph becomes a model "sufferer."

A reflection on suffering wrong and helping others.

Whaddaya know Joe (Kid's Podcast on Joseph, Episode 1)

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 13:50:26 GMT

Pastor Rob introduces a new podcast, produced by his colleague and wife Deacon Emily Myallis. Deacon Emily serves as the children's minister at St. Paul Lititz. She is piloting a podcast this season in which she discusses the bible story with children.

The Reuben Option (Joseph Season, Episode 2)

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 21:21:09 GMT

The plot thickens as the brothers betray Joseph (Genesis 37:15-36). A humbling tale of the temptations we face to take the easy road instead of the right path!

Any Dream Will Do (Joseph Season, Episode 1)

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 19:10:43 GMT

Pastor Rob kicks off a new podcast season, looking at the story of Joseph (starting with Genesis 37:1-11).

A warm-up question: Have you ever had a dream that revealed something to you about real life?

Also, after the trumpet send-off is a bit more information about how you can dig deeper into the conversation.

Summer Reading Invite: Philippians

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 19:35:13 GMT

Getting a bit anxious as summer ends? Pastor Rob encourages you to read a rather short but moving book of the Bible, Paul's letter to the Philippians.

Summer Reading Invite: Mark

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 19:12:37 GMT

Need some summer reading? Pastor Rob invites you to consider reading a book from the Bible, in this case, the Gospel of Mark.

Who might like the Gospel of Mark? A) Anyone who likes stories that move B) Anyone who likes a mystery or C) Anyone who realizes they are not perfect.

What is worth living and dying for?

Fri, 27 May 2022 18:20:02 GMT

We wrap up the middle section of the book of Acts with a look at Acts 12, the arrest of Peter. I reflect less on the cost of living as a disciple and simply the cost of living, the necessity to make choices and commit our lives to prayer. Hopefully this podcast provides a tying together of this season's reflection on faith and boldness in following Jesus.

How we can overcome ethnic and racial prejudice

Fri, 20 May 2022 13:51:04 GMT

We live in a society and world that still has racial prejudices. A reflection on how the early disciples overcame their prejudice -- by the Spirit -- and how God might be calling us forward.

Who has the power anyway?

Sat, 14 May 2022 10:50:29 GMT

We move with Paul (and Silas and Luke!) to Philippi. A look at the surprising way power works in God's economy.

Do you like bacon?

Thu, 05 May 2022 14:18:34 GMT

We continuing looking at the book of Acts (focusing on the middle part). In this episode, we turn our attention from Paul and Ananias to Peter and Cornelius. A look at why we can eat bacon as Christians...and more importantly, about the breadth of God's love for this world.

Living on a Prayer (Acts II Season, Episode 1)

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 14:50:42 GMT

We begin a new season here on the podcast, returning to the book of Acts. As we look at the stories from the middle part of the book of Acts, we reflect on what it means to have faith -- to follow where God calls us. In this episode (Acts 9), we meet a man knocked off his high horse and another called to risk their life. Some ponderings on humility and courage.

Entertaining angels (Genesis Season, Episode 10)

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 09:29:11 GMT

We are just about wrapping up with Abraham, Sarah and Hagar. A story about hospitality and miracles. The art is Rublev's icon of the Trinity, based on this Genesis story.

Introducing Hagar (Genesis Season, Episode 9)

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 10:30:41 GMT

This week we meet a new person in the Bible: Hagar. An Egyptian slave-girl; ancestor to the Arabs; mother of Abraham's first child. But also someone who is an abused outcast...and insightful outsider.

Lament (Genesis Season, Episode 8)

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 19:34:15 GMT

We continue with Abraham. Abraham reveals a deep faith here that allows him to ask hard questions. Not so much questions about the existence of God, but questions and even complaints about what God is doing in our lives.

The Plot Thickens (Genesis Season, Episode 7)

Sat, 12 Mar 2022 07:36:15 GMT

Last week, everything was great for Abraham. He was called. He obeyed. The world was blessed. This week, we read how Abraham's journey hits a road bump!

Call of Abraham (Genesis Season 5, Episode 6)

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 10:58:47 GMT

We move ahead in Genesis to the the call of Abram/Abraham (Chapter 12:1-8). Love discovering how a bronze age guy in the middle east...is strangely relatable! Join us on the (Lenten) Journey of Faith.

Eve (Genesis Season, Episode 5)

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 11:56:36 GMT

In this episode we meet a new character -- Eve! A podcast on a biblical understanding of loneliness, fellowship and marriage.

Eden (Genesis Season, Episode 4)

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 14:13:41 GMT

In this episode 2, we look at the garden of Eden and address some big questions: How the Bible's editors were smarter than you; How much dirt is in God's fingernails; Whether humans have souls; and What paradise actually looks like.

Sabbath (Genesis Season, Episode 3)

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 15:32:20 GMT

We live in a world that ignores God's command to honor the sabbath. We do so at a high cost. First, a look at the sabbath within Scripture; then a reflection on what it might mean for us to recover the gift of sabbath in our lives.

Made in the Image of God (Genesis Season, Episode 2)

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 16:25:03 GMT

In Genesis 1, we are told that as humans we are made in the "image of God." What does it mean to be made in the "Image of God"? Pastor Rob takes us on a tour of the past millennia of thinking on the matter.

Genesis and the creation of the world (New Season! Episode 1)

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 11:46:38 GMT

A new season has begun. We will be working through the book of Genesis (at least part of it!) this season.

This podcast includes a reading of Gen 1:1-25, the first five and half days of creation.

This podcast also includes reflection on how these Genesis passages reveal truth.

Season 3, bonus Christmas episode

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 13:46:32 GMT

We couldn't end the fun just yet. A final bonus Christmas episode on the names of Jesus, brought to us by the three kings!

Names of Jesus: Season 3, Episode 4: Beloved

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 15:05:57 GMT

To wrap up our mini-season on the names of Jesus, we will focus on the name given to Jesus by the Heavenly Father: Beloved!

Season 3, Episode 3: Names of Jesus, Emmanuel

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 15:40:45 GMT

In this episode we take a look at the name of Jesus: "Emmanuel", which means "God is with us." I explore how Jesus embraces this name; it turns out that Jesus is God with us, not simply when life is good, but also in the most difficult of circumstances.

Also, I get out of the linguistic clouds of last episode and back into the mud of life with this episode!

The names of Jesus: Season 3, Episode 2

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 15:07:41 GMT

In this episode you get two words for the price of one! Listen to find out which name of Jesus is explained. Hint: It has to do with hope!

The name of Jesus: Season 3, Episode 1

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 15:34:09 GMT

For Advent 2021 we are offering a short-season (4 weeks) on the names of Jesus. The podcasts are a bit shorter -- they will also used within small groups at St. Paul. Even if you are not at St. Paul, hopefully these podcasts will open some avenues for prayer and faith these weeks leading up to Christmas.

First episode: The name Jesus itself!

Persecution of the Church, Season 2, Episode 8

Sun, 24 Oct 2021 09:49:23 GMT

We conclude season 2 with the story of Stephen's Martyrdom (Acts 6, 7 and 8). He is the first to die for his faith in Jesus; but he is not the last. In fact, Christians around the world are persecuted to this day.

For this podcast, I invited a friend of mine, Nick Todd, to discuss the persecution of Christians around the world. I realize the episode is long; around 16:18 we switch from a global focus to a look at persecution (or not) in the United States context.

Sometimes people mess up, Season 2, Episode 7

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 16:37:59 GMT

It turns out that humans, even those living in Christian communities, make mistakes, complain, withhold love, get jealous and let us down! What to do within a community when someone sins? Acts 5 and Acts 6 present two different ways of dealing with failures and sin within a community.

Freedom is not autonomy: Season 5, Episode 6

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 11:10:48 GMT

Season 2, Episode 6

Masks, vaccines, all sorts of COVID-protocols have triggered deep discussions in our society about freedom, including religious freedom. In this podcast, Pastor Rob offers a reflection on religious freedom from the book of Acts. In a nutshell: Our freedom isn't just autonomy, but is a freedom to do God's will in our lives.

Measuring Church Health (Extra of Season 2, Episode 5)

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 17:01:40 GMT

In this episode, Pastor Rob reflects on how we measure the health of a community or organization, especially a church.

Note: This episode may be a bit geekier than most. Also thanks to a number of church members as well as Rev. Robert Wallace for conversation on this topic.

A tale of a motor bike: Season 2, Episode 5

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 16:14:18 GMT

In this episode, we consider the community which the Holy Spirit gave birth to: the community of Acts 2. This miraculous community challenges and inspires our ideas about what church and community mean.

Season 2, Episode 4

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 17:10:11 GMT

Tongue of fire and tongues of language. There are a lot of miraculous things happening in Acts 2 aka Pentecost aka "The birthday of the church." Pastor Rob reflects on what might be the less obvious but likely more significant miracles occurring in this passage.

Season 2, Episode 3: The Lutheran Church of Jerusalem

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 16:02:45 GMT

Churchy people, in churchy places doing churchy things. The only thing missing is mission, a sense of the community beyond itself. Kind of sounds familiar! A look at Acts 1, the first "Lutheran Church of Jerusalem" and what must happen for a group of people to become a community in mission.

Season 2, Episode 2: A community of witnesses

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 16:15:23 GMT

In this episode we focus on the final words of the "earthly" Jesus to his disciples. Why are these the final words? Moreover, why did he still need to say anything after the resurrection? A reflection on the community of witnesses over the centuries of which you are a part.

Season 2, Episode 1: The Joy of Community

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 17:32:30 GMT

Welcome to Season 2: The joy of Community.

Pastor Rob invites us into a season 2, in which we will ponder the joy of community as we read together the (first part of the) book of Acts. Why did Luke write it and why should we read it today?

Season 1, Episode 9 (True Finale)

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 17:02:02 GMT

We thought we were finished. But here is a true season finale on Rebuilding with Nehemiah!

The focus is on how we tell our story.

Season 1, Episode 8: Interpreting the Word

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 16:05:22 GMT

Season finale!! :-) Pastor Rob reflects about the creation of the Old Testament (revealed in the book of Nehemiah!), the power of the word and yet our capacity to go terribly wrong in our interpretation.

Season 1, Episode 7: No more Craklin' Oat Bran

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 15:06:14 GMT

What is happening in our world: I can't find Cracklin' Oat Bran at the store!

We learn from Nehemiah how to rebuild once the crisis is over -- when the question is no longer "how?" but "why?" and "so what?"

Season 1, Episode 6: Heat that opens seeds

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 15:42:19 GMT

The long-term stress of rebuilding impacts Nehemiah and the community in both healthy and unhealthy ways. Pastor Rob reflects on the impact of this season's long-term stress in our lives: Some times its like a heat that opens the most beautiful seeds. Other times, its a sword in our hands that prevents us from opening our hand to God and others.

Season 1, Episode 5: What to do with boring parts of the Bible?

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 16:36:10 GMT

Let's face it, not all parts of the Bible are exciting. Some sections read ancient history textbooks that seem to have little import for our life. Pastor Rob looks at chapter 3 of Nehemiah (one such chapter!) and ponders how we can learn from such parts of Scripture.

Section 1, Episode 4: Faith AND Reason

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 11:57:08 GMT

Nehemiah demonstrates that faith and reason are not incompatible! Rebuilding means discerning -- syncing up our hearts and heads.

Season 1, Episode 3: You have no claim here!

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 17:05:21 GMT

Season 1, Episode 3: You have no claim here!

In this episode, we finally get to Jerusalem. Along the way, Nehemiah is going to be assisted by someone from whom we least expect God's aid...and is going to encounter his first haters. Pastor Rob reflects on how others can be instruments of God in our rebuilding...but yet at other times, how the actions and words of others seem directly opposed to constructive rebuilding. Such people must be met with the words of Nehemiah: You have no claim here!

This confusing reality, that some we encounter surprise us as agents of God while others oppose us, calls for true wisdom and prayer.

Season 1, Episode 2: No flaming swords

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 16:34:06 GMT

We continue our first season, looking at Nehemiah.

This week we reflect on the ways in which God is at work in small and unexpected ways in our lives, enabling us rebuild and serve in the Kingdom! Unlike Greek mythology, the gifts and tools God gives us are rarely flaming swords...

Episode 1

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 19:11:00 GMT

Season 1, Episode 1

Are you ready for rebuilding one or many facets of your life? Join us for our podcast as we reflect on rebuilding through the Biblical book of Nehemiah.

We kick off the podcast with a look at the "pre-work" Nehemiah does as he prepares for the greatest rebuilding project of his life?