The Epistle of Joy – Episode #11 (Video)

In today’s episode we start Chapter 3. In this chapter, Paul shifts gears and speaks of a troublesome group which had been causing the Philippians some problems…

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is not irksome to me, and is safe for you. Look out for the dogs, look out for the evil-workers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the true circumcision, who worship God in spirit, and glory in Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh. Though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If any other man thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law a Pharisee, as to zeal a persecutor of the church, as to righteousness under the law blameless. – Philippians 3:1-6

The audio isn’t great, I don’t think I’ll record in that location again, but here’s what I had to say:

For an audio-only version of this video, please click here.

Previous Episode | Next Episode

The Epistle of Joy – Episode #10 (Video)

Today we conclude Chapter 2 of Philippians by reading about Paul’s account of Epaphroditus:

I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, for he has been longing for you all, and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. So receive him in the Lord with all joy; and honor such men, for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete your service to me.

– Philippians 2:25-30

Here are my closing thoughts for Chapter 2:

For an audio-only version of this video, please click here.

Previous Episode | Next Episode

Online Dating as a Catholic: Part 3

Today is the final post in our series on on-line Catholic dating. It is written by my friend Matthew Grivich, author of the book Rational Faith

As I mentioned in the first post, Catholic Match “how we met” stories are not helpful because they are more advertisements than anything and don’t really help single people. For this reason, I will give our “how we met” story and I’ll leave in a lot of the little details (and things that could have derailed the relationship). It gets to be a long story, but I would have valued these types of stories when I felt like I had no idea what I was doing.

2015.02.14 Jennifer Torrano & Matthew Grivich Engagement

Read more

Music Monday: I come by the blood

I first came across “I come by the blood” when I visited an Evangelical congregation in London. It’s really difficult to play on the guitar, but the chord changes are just superb!

You are the perfect and righteous God
Whose presence bears no sin
You bid me come to Your holy place
How can I enter in
When Your presence bears no sin?
Through Him, who poured out His life for me
The atoning Lamb of God
Through Him, and His work alone
I boldly come

I come by the blood, I come by the cross
Where Your mercy flows
From hands pierced for me
For I dare not stand on my righteousness
My every hope rests on what Christ has done
And I come by the blood

You are the high and exalted King
The One the angels fear
So far above me in every way
Lord, how can I draw near
To the One the angels fear?
Through Him who laid down His life for me
And ascended to Your side
Through Him, through Jesus alone
I boldly come

1 4 5 6 7 8