Scripture Episodes

Enough is enough! We can hesitate. We can procrastinate. We can make excuses. The reality is, like Jesus’ first disciples, we have what we need to get the job done. You know... the one we committed to when we became disciples ourselves. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a look at today’s passage from the Gospel of Luke. See if you look at the scripture from a more pastoral perspective or from a more, dare we say, realistic perspective. Could it be that sometimes Jesus just wants to knoc...

How do we use our skills and resources for "Kingdom purposes?" This week on "Coffee to Go," we're talking about money, blessing, and the political implications of the Gospel with two challenging parables from the book of Luke. The discussion centers on the themes of financial stewardship, social justice, and radical discipleship. Blake and Karin question the notion that financial success is a divine blessing, instead suggesting that true blessings lie in using one's skills and resources for "...

Celebrating is always fun, but it’s even better when shared with family and friends. In today’s passage from the Gospel of Luke, Jesus intervenes amidst criticism from religious leaders for dining with sinners and tax collectors, whom society considered traitors. Through parables of a shepherd finding his lost sheep and a woman recovering a lost coin, Jesus illustrates the joy in Heaven over one sinner who repents compared to 99 righteous individuals. And, in both stories, a crowd is invited to ...

It’s not uncommon to sing songs or participate in activities in which we talk about laying down our burdens. And yet, Jesus says, “take up your cross and follow me.” What’s it going to be... or is it a little of both? Well, in this week’s Gospel passage from the 14th chapter of the Gospel of Luke, it seems that the cross wins. No one ever said being a disciple was going to be easy, but Jesus did say we wouldn’t have to do it alone. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they consider what it ...

Take a couple of minutes out of your day to breathe, rest, and reflect. Focus on the positive things around you and the hope that lies before you. God’s spirit is always with us, but sometimes hard to sense until we take the time to slow down and listen with intention. Awaken to God’s Presence provides you that opportunity through guided reflections and spiritual practices allow you to be still. So, find a quiet spot or a place that just makes you feel safe and spend some time with yourself and ...

The “H” words of the day and not honor or homage, but rather, humility and hospitality. Of such is the upside-down Kingdom of God. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a conversation on the passage from Luke 14 that challenges social norms by inviting diverse individuals to meals and encourages us to consider our personal social obligations. Grab a seat ... just be careful which one you choose ... and a cup of coffee and get ready to be honest with yourself. Don’t get too comfortable, you ...

Laws have their place, but when it comes to following a law ... especially “God’s law” ... at the expense of someone’s dignity, we may need to look deeper into the intent of the law. In today’s text from the Gospel of Luke, Jesus pushes the religious leaders to think carefully about the true meaning of Sabbath, and to consider how a legalistic view can actually cause harm which is never God’s intent. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a conversation about Sabbath as Jesus suggests it is ...

Join our guides, Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith—along with host Karin Peter, the snarky one—for an adventure of discovery navigating the provocative, complex, ancient, humorous, judgmental, yet revelatory text of the early Christian Church. Explain, explore, and experience the New Testament. This month's text: 1 Peter Download the Transcript. Host: Karin Peter Guest: Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Int...

Join our guides, Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith—along with host Karin Peter, the snarky one—for an adventure of discovery navigating the provocative, complex, ancient, humorous, judgmental, yet revelatory text of the early Christian Church. Explain, explore, and experience the New Testament. This month's text: The Pastoral Letters. Download the Transcript. Host: Karin Peter Guest: Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and I...

Join our guides, Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith—along with host Karin Peter, the snarky one—for an adventure of discovery navigating the provocative, complex, ancient, humorous, judgmental, yet revelatory text of the early Christian Church. Explain, explore, and experience the New Testament. This month's text: Philippians. Download the Transcript. Host: Karin Peter Guest: Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!...

Join our guides, Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith—along with host Karin Peter, the snarky one—for an adventure of discovery navigating the provocative, complex, ancient, humorous, judgmental, yet revelatory text of the early Christian Church. Explain, explore, and experience the New Testament. This month's text: Galatians. Watch this podcast here: https://youtu.be/VTof1vgKA2c Download the Transcript. Host: Karin Peter Guest: Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith Thanks for listening to Project ...

Join our guides, Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith—along with host Karin Peter, the snarky one—for an adventure of discovery navigating the provocative, complex, ancient, humorous, judgmental, yet revelatory text of the early Christian Church. Explain, explore, and experience the New Testament. This month's text: First Corinthians. Download the Transcript. Host: Karin Peter Guest: Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Inst...