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Amen Podcast

Podcast Amen Podcast
Amen Podcast
Preaching the good news of Jesus Christ and how it applies to everyday life. amenpodcast.substack.com

Available Episodes

5 of 275
  • God's Law Explained | Catechism #7
    In honor of Valentine's Day, let's explore a profound question from the Christian catechism: What does God's law require? The answer lies in two simple yet powerful commandments, but first, let me share a timely story about the real Saint Valentine.The True Story of Saint ValentineIn the third century, during the reign of Emperor Claudius, a priest named Valentine took a bold stand for love. While Claudius was sending young men to die in meaningless wars, Valentine secretly married Christian couples, knowing that married men were exempt from military service. This act of defiance saved countless lives and allowed young families to flourish. Valentine's commitment to love ultimately cost him his life – he was executed in his 40s for his actions and attempts to evangelize Claudius himself.This story perfectly illustrates the two fundamental commandments that encompass all of God's law.The Two Great CommandmentsAs Jesus teaches in Matthew 22:37-40, all of God's law – every command and prophetic word – can be distilled into two essential principles:* Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind* Love your neighbor as yourselfWhat Does It Mean to Love God?Loving God means:* Enjoying His presence* Obeying His commands* Putting Him first in every area of life* Starting each day by asking: "Is this action motivated by love for God, or love for something else?"What Does It Mean to Love Your Neighbor?The command to "love your neighbor as yourself" isn't about self-love as a prerequisite – it's about extending the same care and consideration to others that we naturally give ourselves. Just as we instinctively seek our own wellbeing, we're called to actively pursue the happiness and growth of others, even when it requires difficult choices.The Heart of the MatterHere's the challenging truth: we can't fulfill these commands on our own. Our natural state is one of selfishness – just watch any baby and you'll see this truth in action. That's why the story of God's law doesn't end with commands, but with Christ.The same God who gave the law on Mount Sinai later sent His Son to a different mountain – Calvary – not just to give us the law, but to fulfill it perfectly on our behalf. Through Christ's sacrifice, we receive both forgiveness for our failures and a new heart capable of truly loving God and others.Practical ApplicationThis transformation shows up in everyday moments:* In how we start our day, choosing to put God first* In how we handle difficult conversations* In how we make decisions that might cause temporary discomfort but lead to long-term growth* In how we extend grace to others, just as we've received graceClosing ThoughtsThe requirements of God's law – loving Him and loving others – aren't just rules to follow. They're an invitation to experience life as it was meant to be lived. Through Christ, we receive the power to move beyond our natural selfishness and into a life marked by genuine love for God and neighbor.As we celebrate Valentine's Day, let's remember the priest who gave his life demonstrating these twin loves, and more importantly, the God who makes such love possible through Christ.This post is adapted from Episode 7 of our weekly catechism series, where we explore the core doctrines of the Christian faith. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com
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  • Determined
    How to Remain Loyal to God. amenpodcast.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com
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  • Being Thoughtful
    In Matthew 22:15-22, we find one of Jesus's most famous responses to his critics. While many know this passage as simply being about "rendering unto Caesar," there's a deeper wisdom here about how we should live as Christians.The Setup: A Careful TrapThe scene opens with the Pharisees plotting to "entangle" Jesus in his words. They send their disciples along with the Herodians—an unlikely alliance of religious purists and political supporters of Rome—to trap Jesus with what seems like an impossible question: "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?"This wasn't just about taxes. If Jesus said yes, he would alienate devout Jews who saw Roman currency as idolatrous (it bore Caesar's image and proclaimed him lord). If he said no, he'd be marked as a political insurgent against Rome. It was, in modern terms, a "gotcha" question.Jesus's Thoughtful ResponseBut Jesus, showing remarkable wisdom, doesn't rush to answer. Instead, he:* Recognizes their malice despite their flattery* Asks to see the coin used for taxes* Uses their own possession of Roman currency to expose their hypocrisy* Delivers his famous response: "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's"The Deeper Message: Being Thoughtful ChristiansThe real lesson here isn't just about taxes—it's about thoughtfulness. Jesus exemplifies James 1:19: "Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger." His response wasn't just clever; it was thoughtful and measured.In our modern world of instant reactions and hot takes, this message is more relevant than ever. Being thoughtful means:* Taking time to understand situations before responding* Not being rushed into hasty answers* Recognizing that God is not slow, but sovereign* Being aware of attempts to trap or manipulate us* Responding with wisdom rather than reactionThe Challenge of Modern LifeWe live in a world that pushes us toward constant hurry and efficiency. We put in our AirPods to multitask, rush through our daily routines, and fill every moment with content. But this hurry can prevent us from being truly thoughtful.Consider: When was the last time you did a task without background noise? When did you last take time to really think before responding to a challenging situation?Practical Steps Toward Thoughtfulness* Start your day intentionally, not rushed* Create space in your mind by reducing mental clutter* Practice being present in mundane tasks without constant stimulation* Be especially thoughtful with those closest to you* Remember that God's sovereignty means we don't need to rushThe Heart of the MatterJust as the coin bore Caesar's image, we bear God's image. The real question isn't just about what we owe to earthly authorities—it's about giving ourselves back to God. This requires thoughtfulness, intentionality, and the wisdom to slow down and listen before speaking. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com
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  • How to Glorify God
    catechism question #6. amenpodcast.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com
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  • How to Understand God's Ways
    Here's a podcast description:Alex Wilson delivers a sermon from his garage church in Kauai, Hawaii, exploring the biblical theme of how God chooses the unlikely to accomplish His purposes. Drawing from 1 Corinthians and the story of Mordecai and Haman from the Book of Esther, Wilson illustrates how God often uses those the world considers weak or foolish to demonstrate His wisdom and power. The message emphasizes that Christians don't need to prove themselves because they're already approved by God, concluding with a practical analogy comparing this truth to a Costco membership card. This sermon is part of the House Church series, aimed at encouraging spiritual growth within local church communities. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com
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Preaching the good news of Jesus Christ and how it applies to everyday life. amenpodcast.substack.com
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