The Cost of Discipline. In this episode, we sit with St. Athanasius and his writings on the life of St. Antony. How did Christians in the 4th century view spiritual warfare and affliction? What is the relation of discipline to prayer, piety, and resisting temptation? What did 4th century Christians think about virtues and vices, and whether they were (or weren’t) related to the Christian life? Is it better for Christians to seek a place of solitude or community when focusing on heavenly things versus worldly things? How does Mammon factor into this? What does Scripture teach about the evil one, demons, dark powers, and evil spirits? Do we as modern Christians agree with Athanasius and Antony’s views about spiritual warfare, and if not, why? This and much, much more on this week’s episode.

For many years, I held piety as my god.

Peter enters into a discussion that doesn't tickle our ears very well, but it still a plain fact of the Christian's life: we will suffer on account of Christ.

On this episode of Preaching the Text, John Hoyum and Steve Paulson discuss the story of Mary and Martha.

We don’t start with behavior and work toward Christ. We start with Christ and everything works out from there.

Repent and believe the Good News! Everything is OK.

Four stars! The story of Ruth is the rom-com of the year! But actually, it's even so much better than that. Craig and Troy open up the book of Ruth and start to see how God unfolds His long game through this spectacular and important story.

Sorry, racism, ethnic clashes, cultural differences, are nothing new to the world or the church. Listen to these fools talk about Galatians, racism, and Christianity. Also, a little Smalcald Articles on the Gospel!

Orgies and drunkenness and licentiousness, oh my! Sometimes Christians get hung up on the really “big” sins, but Paul lists quarreling and jealousy right there with them. What’s the connection? Craig and Troy discuss how love does no wrong to a neighbor, for love is the fulfillment of the law.

“There is no obedience that does not have its eyes on either God or neighbor. An obedience that is motivated by what we will get out of it is no obedience at all.”

Can there be joy in obedience? That depends on if obedience if a free choice or the result of threats.