From These Stones - Freedom Current, Episode 6

(Ep 6) The guys have been recovering from life, so they have a little catching up to do—Jeremiah does his best comment voice—Brock explains coffee’s goodness, the nature of electrocution, and the reality of the Internet—Jeremiah remembers his grandma—The vicious cycle of guilt and pride is analyzed as counter to the freedom current we have with Jesus ----- Discussion: Brock and Jeremiah read about the sermons of John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus from Matthew chapter 3. John offered, commanded, advised repentance, on the authority of God the Holy Spirit, and he said that boasting in ethnicity, lineage, family background or upbringing, etc., is not enough to restore relationship with God. Repentance is actually freely available to any and all. And with repentance comes closeness with God. This is a story about the road to peace with God! If you don't have a Bible to follow along, below is the passage that we are reading: ----- Matthew 3:1-17 (ESV) [1] In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, [2] “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” [3] For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’” [4] Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. [5] Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, [6] and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. [7] But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? [8] Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. [9] And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. [10] Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [11] “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. [12] His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” [13] Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. [14] John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” [15] But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. [16] And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; [17] and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (ESV) ----- Credits: 1. Thanks to Brad Adams for creating, recording, and mastering all of the music for the Freedom Current podcast! The intro, the outro, etc. were done by Brad in his home studio. Thanks so much, Brad! 2. Thanks to Halteman Village Baptist Church in Muncie, Indiana for giving us office space for Jeremiah and Brock to film and record this podcast! http://www.hvbchurch.org/ 3. Thanks to Remedy City Church in Muncie, Indiana for teaching us the gospel every week and for providing the resources for us to bring the remedy of Jesus Christ to the needs of our city! http://remedycitychurch.org/ 4. And, thanks and all glory to God for answering our prayers as we've desired to start this podcast!