The Unbroken Ground

Ep. 15: Bran Flakes

Hello Fellow Travelers! Continuing with the agricultural theme of April, I will spend the following few podcasts talking about the parable of the sower found in Matthew 13. This week is about the seed that fell on the path. The path is hard ground that is not meant for seeds. Similarly, it is hard for us to hear from God when our hearts are hard. What is the condition of the soil in your heart? What do you do if you find it to be hardened? 
Check out my blog: Unbroken Ground - Exploration of Christ, Community, and Creativity (patheos.com)
 
Matthew 13
The Parable of the Sower
13 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
10 The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?”
11 He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12 Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables:
“Though seeing, they do not see;    though hearing, they do not hear or understand.
14 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:
“‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding;    you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.15 For this people’s heart has become calloused;    they hardly hear with their ears,    and they have closed their eyes.Otherwise they might see with their eyes,    hear with their ears,    understand with their heartsand turn, and I would heal them.’[a]
16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.
18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

Jim Time Flex: March 2023

Hello Fellow Travelers! Jim joins me to look back at March. We talk about prayer and what it means to be a conduit of the Holy Spirit. We also talk about the latest John Wick (relatively no spoilers). Then we tackle the real questions like: Would you rather fly at 20 mph or run at 100 mph? Longest podcast yet! As always, please email questions or comments to theunbrokenground@gmail.com 

Ep. 14: Fruity Loops

Hello Fellow Travelers! April is here, and I continue to think through the Gospels and what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. What fruit are you producing in your life? I wrote a couple of blogs on Patheos (find them here and here) in response to tragedy and how we should live as Christians. In this podcast, I look at Matthew 7:16-20. Jesus uses the example of fruit to reveal the hearts of His disciples. Are you producing fruit or artificially flavored fruity loops? In a broader sense, I use that as a place to expand to Kingdom Life and how we are Kingdom bearers wherever we go. Thanks for listening. I am humbled that you would take your time to listen, and I pray you find it encouraging. As always, feel free to send questions or comments to theunbrokenground@gmail.com

Ep. 13: Mustard Cakes

Hello Fellow Travelers! Mustard Cakes continues from Ep. 12 on prayer and then into a couple of parables about the Kingdom of God. Why doesn't God create spectacle after spectacle to win people to His Kingdom? Why do we hesitate when praying for God to move? If I surrender to God, do I have to move to Africa? How is God calling you to show your faithfulness in your daily walk? Luke 13:18-21
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Unbroken Ground - Exploration of Christ, Community, and Creativity (patheos.com)
Email: theunbrokenground@gmail.com

The Interviews: Jesse

Hello Fellow Travelers! We are back again with another special interview episode. This time I get to talk to my friend Jesse about the unique way in which God is using his interests and talents to make the world a better place. Listen to how Jesse got started on his reptile saving that turned into education and entertainment. Jesse has the heart to create positive, clean content for the whole family. He also loves reptiles and talking about them. If you want to learn more about his sanctuary or watch videos about snakes, turtles, and gators - check out the links below! 
Forgotten Friend Reptile TV - YouTube
Home Page | Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary
Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary | Elm PA | Facebook
 
 

Ep. 12: Annoying Neighbors

Hello Fellow Travelers! In Episode 12, I tackle the subject of prayer. Why does Jesus tell a story about a neighbor who gets out of bed because of his persistent friend? How does it relate to prayer? What can we learn from Jesus' words on prayer in Luke 12? 
For questions, comments, or encouragement, feel free to email: theunbrokenground@gmail.com  

Ep 11: Awkward Dinner Parties

Hello fellow travelers! This week I dive into Luke 7: 36- 50. When was the last time you meditated on how wonderful the gift of hope is? When was the last time you were overwhelmed by the beauty of salvation?
If you have questions or future topics - theunbrokenground@gmail.com 
 
I also write a blog; you can find it here: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/unbrokenground/

Ep 10: Can Marketing Save Jesus?

Hello Fellow Travelers! This episode is different. It is all about Jesus, but I also discuss the He Gets Us campaign. And why it feels like we need to remind people who Jesus is. And why political parties don't deserve the time and energy, so many people give to them. 
Exciting news tidbit 1:  I have a new home for my blog- Unbroken Ground - Exploration of Christ, Community, and Creativity (patheos.com)
If you want to keep up to date with the blog and podcast, find our Facebook page here: The Unbroken Ground | Facebook