Jon Behrens - Podcast Details

Shows

Naturally AdventurousS3E48: Mammal Watching with Charles Foley & Jon HallCharley interviews Charles Foley & Jon Hall, co-hosts of the 'Mammal Watching' podcast. Hippo recording courtesy of Charles Foley. If you wish to support this podcast, please visit our Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/naturallyadventurous?fan_landing=true Feel free to contact us at: ken.behrens@gmail.com or cfchesse@gmail.com Naturally Adventurous Podcast Travel Nature Adventure Birding 2023-07-0246 min

Sports Media Watch PodcastBest of SMW Podcast: Bret BehrensFrom the archives: WCIA (Champaign-Urbana) sports director Bret Behrens on the Sports Media Watch Podcast last year.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy 2023-01-3130 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Guarding the TongueThe tongue is unique in that it is half hidden and half public. It is the organ by which the heart expresses itself. It has the ability either to cause great harm or to build healthy solid relationships. Learning to guard the tongue is of greatest importance, both for the individual and for the community.2021-07-1125 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Ezekiel 4,5 An Iron GriddleEzekiel performs an elaborate pantomime showing the siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. The iron griddle between his face and the model city shows God hardening Himself to their prayers. Chapter 5 also explains why God's attitude is just and necessary.2021-07-0638 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Revolution and LawLaw is the only lasting basis for liberty. The American Revolution was a reaction to the British Parliament changing laws without the consent of the American colonies. Without the stable rule of law, tyranny quickly follows.2021-07-0424 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Ezekiel 1, By the Chebar CanalThe first part of Ezekiel takes place during the interval between the first and second Babylonian invasions of Israel. The prophecy begins with the appearance of God riding in a mysterious vehicle with four cherubs. It is here that Ezekiel is called to be a prophet.2021-06-2933 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Torah and AwokeningThe US is undergoing a 'Great Awokening' where secular culture is attacking Christian culture with religious fervor. The central fixture of this movement is a set of shifting standards of what is a 'sin'. This creates fear because one never knows what past or present behavior will be labeled a heresy and get one excommunicated. One point of the Torah being written in stone is that it does not change and is not subject to the whims of popular culture. What was sinful 3000 years ago is sinful today. On the flip side what was not sinful then is not so...2021-06-2721 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?The Kingdom is Like...In this final session Y'shua frees a woman whom Satan had bound for 18 years and heals a man of dropsy - both on the Sabbath. He then explains that the Kingdom social order will not be the same as the earthly order. Prominent people in Israel should not assume that they will also be honored in the kingdom.2021-06-2232 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?What Does This Mean?As much as we try to order the events in our lives, often things happen that are beyond our control. That happened to Joseph. He was jumped by his brothers, sold as a slave and then framed for attempted rape by his master's wife and thrown into prison. He had every opportunity to become bitter and lapse into helpless victimhood. He did neither of those things because he was able discern a meaning for his circumstances and develop a sense of purpose. We have the same opportunity in our lives.2021-06-2018 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Three Lost ThingsIn Luke 15, Y'shua tells three parables about the determination of one who has lost something valuable to find it. The parables intensify from one sheep in a hundred to one coin in ten and finally to one son. The point of the parables is that just as people will work hard to recover what is lost, so too will the Father sacrifice greatly to recover what He has lost.2021-06-1534 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?FearFear has been used by every aspiring slave master from Satan on down to the present. Looking at the past year's events in the news from Covid to cancel culture it is evident that the goal is to keep people fearful, divided and uncertain. That is why God in Scripture tells us over and over not to be afraid - fear clouds your judgment and makes you easy to enslave.2021-06-1321 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?The Call of the KingdomIn Luke 13 and 14 Y'shua tells parables about God's reaching out, first to Israel and then to the nations. In the parable of the banquet those who were invited refuse to show up, telling transparent lies as excuses. This causes the master to send his servants first to the poor and then to the nations to fill his hall with guests.2021-06-0834 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?HumilityIn the Bible humility is regarded as one of the central virtues. In the Jewish mussar tradition it is the foundation upon which character rests. Both Moses and Y'shua are described as humble, so humility is clearly a trait to be cultivated.2021-06-0624 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Lazarus and the Rich ManIn Luke 16, the conflict between Y'shua and the Pharisees over money continues. His perspective is that one cannot serve both mammon and God simultaneously. Their perspective is that they are exemplars of service to God and that they should be wealthy. His ensuing comments on divorce and the parable of Lazarus and the rich man demonstrate that they are not nearly so righteous as they assume.2021-06-0134 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?The Book of RemembranceIn the book of Malachi, God decried Israel's religious establishment for its cynicism and corruption. Their problem was that they did not see themselves and their behavior in the same way. There was, however, a remnant that feared God and spoke correctly about Him. These people are written in a book of remembrance that God will consult when He makes up His treasured possessions. Our nation today is every bit as corrupt as was Israel at the time of Malachi. The criteria for being entered into the book of remembrance is still the same.2021-05-3025 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?The Dishonest ManagerThe parable of the dishonest manager in Luke 16 is difficult because Y'shua praises the behavior of a man who cheats his employer so that he will look good in the community and not have to do menial labor once he is fired. The key seems to be that the manager is a shrewd judge of the master's character and commits himself to that understanding without reservation.2021-05-2532 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?God's Feasts Show the PlanThere are probably as many beliefs about the end times as there are denominations. That confusion serves as a method to keep us divided and arguing, making us much less effective than we should be. If we consider the seven appointed times on God's calendar, it is possible to clear away much of the clutter and attain clarity.2021-05-2422 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?While the Master is AwayIn Luke 12 there are two parables about an absent master. In the first, he is at a wedding feast and is coming home late and presumably happy. In the second he is away for a much longer period and has set a manager over his household. In both cases finding his house in order and his servants alert results in blessing. In the second parable if he finds the manager has misbehaved, things get much darker.2021-05-1832 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Joseph's TearsIn Genesis Joseph weeps exactly seven times. His tears are never the result of the affliction that he suffers. Rather they are all in the context of his relationship with his family. In this we see a very powerful man who is ultimately alone. His power is unable to gain him the thing that is most important to him - acceptance. The idea for this talk came from an article by Rabbi Sacks.2021-05-1623 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Treasure in HeavenIn Luke 12 there are two themes running through the commentary. The first is 'inside and outside.' There the contrast is between how things seem on the surface and how they are in reality. The second theme is 'possessions.' There the rebuke is that the Pharisees' focus is on wealth, status and possessions where it should be on the Kingdom.2021-05-1136 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?One to Rule Them AllIdol worship, the desire to get what appears to be a 'better deal' than God offers, is a constant temptation. Whether the idol be some pagan god or a politician or a man in a white lab coat, the details may differ, but the impulse is the same. In all cases the master idol is covetousness.2021-05-0919 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Woe to the PhariseesIn Luke 11, Y'shua is invited to dine at a Pharisee's house. The series of conversations that follow are about the contrast between what is visible and what is hidden. On the surface everything is righteous and correct; underneath there is greed and corruption.2021-05-0430 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Idolatry TodayThe human impulse to seek a 'better deal' than they believe is available from God has not gone away. Idol worship today looks a bit different than in Biblical times, but all of its pathologies are still with us. This new look helps keep idolaters from realizing what they are doing - allowing them even to attend church with a clear conscience.2021-05-0223 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Signs of His ComingTeaching His disciples about His future return, Y'shua warns that there will be many false messiahs. He tells them not to be fooled. His actual return will not be subtle and everyone on earth will learn of it directly from Heaven.2021-04-2729 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?The Lord's PrayerThis is an extremely Jewish prayer reflecting a difference in focus between the synagogue and the church. The focus of both the synagogue and the early church was bringing Heaven down to earth or repairing the creation. About 300 years ago the church shifted focus to getting people into heaven and began neglecting earthly governance.2021-04-2527 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Signs of the KingdomBeing accused of casting out demons by Beelzebul was a watershed in Y'shua's ministry. Before that He spoke plainly; afterwards in parables. He used the occasion to teach on the divided nature of Satan's kingdom and on the dangers of division within the Kingdom of God.2021-04-2033 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Knowing GodAs different cultures encountered God as described in the Hebrew Bible, they tended to try and understand and relate to Him in terms they were familiar with. Calvin, for example, was a lawyer and tried to fit God into a legal structure. The Catholic Church within the last decade wrote the humans could not understand God and out only access was through Jesus. These are all distortions. In the Bible, God presents Himself to man in very understandable and relatable terms.2021-04-1823 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?The Unjust JudgeContinuing the theme of prayer, Y'shua tells of a corrupt judge who is persuaded to give a widow justice because of her chutzpah. The points are that God is not unjust but that He appreciates boldness in prayer.2021-04-1332 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Fifty Days to LibertyThe fifty days from First Fruits to Shavuot (Pentecost) are symbolic of the transition from slavery to liberty in God's Kingdom. Those 50 days are echoed in the 50 years between Jubilees where liberty is proclaimed "throughout the land." This had special significance for Israel and for the founding fathers of the United States.2021-04-1122 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?The Friend at MidnightIn this first parable about prayer, a man goes to a neighbor in the middle of the night to borrow bread to entertain an unexpected guest. The point of the parable is that, just as a friend would not refuse such a request, God would also bestir Himself to help those who need it.2021-04-0634 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?History is ProphecyThe events that happen in the Patriarch's lives echo through succeeding generations. This is also true for the Nation Israel. If one studies the events of the Passover, one may find the same events happening in the burial of Jacob hundreds of years earlier. One may also find them foretold in the prophets. This talk is based on ideas originally presented by Rabbi Fohrman.2021-04-0426 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?The Lord's PrayerThe Lord's Prayer, or as some call it, the model prayer sets up the parables of the friend at midnight and the unjust judge. In this, it is a straight-forward compilation of the content of prayer. The prayer also highlights a difference between Hebrew thought and contemporary Christian thought on the purpose of prayer.2021-03-3031 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?The Rich Young RulerContinuing the answer to the question, "What shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Y'shua speaks with a young man of substantial means. His answer begins with instruction to follow Moses. When the young man says that he already does that, Y'shua sees through to the real impediment; the young man is too bound up with wealth and the world.2021-03-2328 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?DemonsDealing with demons was a significant part of Y'shua's ministry. It also featured prominently in the instructions He gave His disciples when He sent them out on their own. Demons are still very much a factor in the world we must deal with, and His instructions are still pertinent.2021-03-2132 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?The Good SamaritanIn the travel narrative, Y'shua is twice asked, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" In both cases the answer begins with, "Follow Moses." In this case, there is a follow on question, "Who is my neighbor?" In setting up the parable, Y'shua sets up the robbery victim as a generic human being. He is unconscious and so has no accent. He is naked and is not wearing distinctive clothing. In setting up the hero of the story as a Samaritan, He makes the parable applicable to all people, not just the Jews.2021-03-1635 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?I Have EnoughWhen Jacob and Esau meet after a twenty year separation, Jacob has sent his brother lavish gifts of livestock hoping to appease his anger. Esau tries to refuse the gifts saying that he has enough wealth already. Jacob responds that he also has enough wealth and presses the gifts his brother to take the gifts. That's how it reads in English translation. In Hebrew it is very different.2021-03-1423 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Luke Parables, Introduction And EschatologyAs Y'shua traveled to Jerusalem for the last time, He told a series of parables which lay out his mission and what will happen at the end of the age. The parables form a chiasm. This file is a general introduction and the first part of the chiasm, whch is "Follow Me". The outline is taken from the book, "Poet and Peasant" by Kenneth Bailey.2021-03-0936 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?The Church as BeachheadIn the Gospels, Y'shua twice sent His disciples out ahead of himself to, "Heal the sick, cast our demons and announce that His Kingdom was at hand." In other words, they were to establish a beachhead in enemy territory. That was also the mission of the church after His resurrection. The church today has largely lost site of that mission. It has been expelled from politics and has ceased to be an authority on cultural issues. As the church has faded, Satan has advanced. How should we act to regain the ground we have lost?2021-03-0726 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?James 4-5, Corroded Gold and SilverAt the end of the letter, James returns to the theme that great wealth is dangerous. Here he speaks against the one who has accumulated wealth by oppression, withholding the wages of those who labor in his fields. The letter concludes with a call to prayer and helping one another stay on the path.2021-03-0232 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Missing God's LoveMuch Christian teaching is in terms of salvation, grace and law. While each of those subjects is important, they cause us to miss or neglect understanding that God, first of all, loves people. Grace, law and salvation all deal with punishment - or more accurately the avoidance of punishment. Such a focus misses the warmth of the relationship that is possible when we focus on love.2021-02-2823 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?James 3-4, Taming the TongueThe tongue reveals the contents of the heart. In Scripture, God does not have a high opinion of man's heart. Accordingly James counsels keeping the tongue under control to avoid being consumed by the fires it can start.2021-02-2332 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Finding Your Purpose - Some Assembly RequiredOur society believes that the pursuit of happiness is the highest of goals. That is a dead end; leading to the spiritual cul-de-sac of appetite and consumption. Rather than happiness, we should be searching for meaning in our lives. This leads to purpose and the satisfaction of knowing that we are useful in God's hand.2021-02-2121 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?James 2, Faith and WorksSome have trouble reconciling James with Paul's emphasis on grace. There is really no conflict. James is emphasizing that a faith which does not translate into action is of no use. In other words, it would not meet Paul's definition of faith.2021-02-1641 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Sowing the WordIn explaining the Parable of the Sower, Messiah concludes that the good soil is fruitful where the road, the rocks and the weeds are not. If we compare his to Genesis 1 where God tells us to be fruitful and multiply, it becomes clear that fruitfulness in God's eyes involves more than just children. We are also expected to reproduce spiritually.2021-02-1423 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?James 1, A Letter to the DiasporaJames' letter is specifically addressed to the 12 Tribes in the dispersion. Thus we (and he) may assume that the recipients are familiar with the TANAK. The letter has been called the proverbs of the New Testament, since the things it says can generally be found in slightly different form in Proverbs. Because Proverbs was written over 1000 years earlier than James, it is useful to regard James as a cultural and linguistic update.2021-02-0935 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Self RighteousnessLuke 6 and Luke 18 are complementary. One is narrative, the other parable, but both involve the contrast between a Pharisee and an ordinary person. In both cases the ordinary person behaves humbly in the presence of God while the Pharisee acts as if he is doing God a favor by showing up. Also in both cases Messiah justifies the humble.2021-02-0723 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Micah 6-7, When I Fall, I Shall RiseThe prophet's message fits the times we are in. 'Their hands are on evil... the prince and the judge look for a bribe.' One cannot trust even family and neighbors. This is the judgment of God on His own people. Yet there will be a remnant whom He will lift up when His indignation has passed. That remnant will be those who trust in Him through these times.2021-02-0236 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Dishonest Weights and MeasuresIn the Torah and the Prophets, God warns Israel that He will not tolerate those who enrich themselves by fraud. The events of this past year have exposed the prevalence of double standards in the US. Law enforcement, financial markets, government agencies, elected bodies: all are seen to have been using dishonest weights and measures to gain power and wealth.2021-01-3125 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Micah 5,6 Bethlehem EphrathahThe prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem and that He would deliver His people from that nations that had oppressed them. Also in this session, God tells His people what He requires of them.2021-01-2635 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?ConfidenceThere is a great deal of rampant evil in the world today; in truth there always has been. In the face of ascendant evil it is tempting to despair, walking about with a defeated expression. To give in to that spirit is to forget the promises of God and to become ineffective in advancing His kingdom. God's people have lived under oppressive regimes in the past and have prevailed. So too can we.2021-01-2433 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Micah 4, Swords into PlowsharesIn the latter days, the nations will flock to the Mountain of the Lord to learn Torah. During that time peace and plenty will reign. Also during that time the Lord will regather and heal the dispersed of Israel and reform them into a mighty nation.2021-01-1932 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Three VoicesThere are three voices in Scripture: the priest, the prophet and the King. The priest speaks of Torah, the King speaks of human wisdom and the prophet speaks for God into a specific situation. Since Y'shua functions in all three offices, he speaks with each of the three voices at different times. Recognizing which 'voice' He is using makes the Gospels much clearer.2021-01-1728 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Micah 3, Corrupt ElitesThe elites of Israel - rulers, prophets, seers, etc. - had become corrupt. They used their offices to enrich themselves at the expense of the people they were supposed to lead and minister to. Because the corruption at the top had trickled down to the people, the whole nation was going to be plowed under and sent into exile.2021-01-1228 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Food for ThoughtThe rally against certification of the presidential election has caused a national uproar. In navigating these tumultuous times it is important to pay attention to what your thoughts dwell on. Thoughts trigger endocrine reactions that can have a long term effect on your well being. As always, Scripture has sound advice.2021-01-1030 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Micah 1,2 The Corruption of PowerThe prophet speaks of the corrupt power structure in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. There the wicked people in the government have no real fear of being stopped and so spend their time devising schemes to use their positions for personal enrichment.2021-01-0529 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?What God Did in 2020Psalm 105 commands God's people to 'Talk of His Wonderous Works.' As we look back on 2020, an incomplete list of God's wonderous works is very impressive and encouraging. The speaker is Matthew Behrens.2021-01-0314 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?HaggaiAs Israel returned from Babylon to rebuild the temple, they got resistance from local people who had been moved in by Assyria. This caused the project to stall. Haggai told the people that God was not pleased with the delay.2020-12-2935 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Care of the Soul, ChesedThe Hebrew word Chesed has no true English equivalent. It is translated using compound words like 'lovingkindness' or 'steadfast love'. It is one of the primary words used of God in Scripture. For us, it is love that sustains another physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually.2020-12-2724 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Judges 20-21, Benjaminite Civil WarAfter the people of Gibeah murdered the Levite's concubine, he sent evidence to all of the tribes asking that that evil be removed. The rest of the tribes asked Benjamin to deliver up the men of Gibeah. When they refused, the resulting civil war nearly eradicated Benjamin from Israel.2020-12-2238 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Winds of ChangeOver time, all human institutions tend to become corrupt and self serving. We see this in Scripture where even structures ordained by God, such as the Temple, lose their way and have to be overthrown. In the United States the past four years have seen the rot in our institutions exposed and public trust eroded. People are angry and fearful as they try and find something solid to trust. This presents believers with a great opportunity to speak of God's love and provision to the lost and afraid.2020-12-2023 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Judges 18-19, Wandering LevitesAfter the death of Samson, the tribe of Dan was unable to hold the territory allotted to them by Joshua and so migrated to the north. They picked up an idolatrous Levite in the process. In the next vignette, a reprise of the Sodom story, a Levite and his concubine are abused while staying the night in Gibeah. This sets up the Benjaminite Civil War.2020-12-1531 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?LoveWhen we read the Bible, we tend to interpret words according to our own language and culture. This often leads to a misunderstanding of what Scripture is trying to convey. In English the meaning of 'love' is very much context dependent. To love ice cream means something different that loving your spouse. So what is being said when Moses or Y'shua says to love God and your neighbor?2020-12-1322 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Judges 15-18, Samson and DelilahSamson continues to ravage the Philistines and so enable the tribe of Dan to hold the territory allotted to them by Joshua. The Philistines finally discover the source of his great strength and manage to bind Samson - to their ultimate destruction.2020-12-0827 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Judges 13-14, SamsonFrom the tribe of Dan, Samson was born to a previously barren woman. His conception was announced by a divine messenger and his manner of life was unique. He was sent by God to deliver Israel from the Philistines.2020-12-0134 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Care of the Soul, GratitudeGratitude is the antidote to envy, self pity, malice and covetousness. When cultivated, this soul trait can become a stream of living water that makes the field of life blossom.2020-11-2926 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Judges 10-12, JephthahThe Ammonites revive a 300 year old land dispute with Israel and invade to enforce their claims. Israel persuades Jephthah to take command and drive them out. In that process, Jephthah makes an unwise vow, the result of which is that he had no descendants.2020-11-2434 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?God's Fabric of FreedomLooking in Exodus at the sequence of events by which God took Israel away from Egypt and brought them to Mt Sinai, it becomes clear that, having once freed them, He did not want them again to descend into slavery. Thus we can regard Shabbat and the Torah as His prescription for their continued liberty and prosperity.2020-11-2235 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Judges 9, Bramble PoliticsAfter the death of Gideon, Abimelech, one of his sons by a concubine, conspired to murder the rest of his brothers in order to become king. His sole surviving brother gave an eloquent parable about a bramble bush becoming ruler over the trees. It is timeless and very much applicable to today.2020-11-1734 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Care of the Soul, PatienceThe Bible urges us to become more like Christ in our character. Like His Father, Christ was patient. Like all disciplines, developing patience is unpleasant, but the fruits are sweet.2020-11-1523 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Judges 8, Gideon's PursuitAfter driving the Midianites from the Jezreel valley, Gideon pursued them across the Jordan to finish the defeat. In that process he had to deal with two Israelite cities who refused to give him aid and with the tribe of Ephraim whose noses were out of joint.2020-11-1032 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?The Samson OptionThe president resembles the biblical Samson to an uncanny degree. Several times in his tenure the Philistines believe that they have him cornered only to find that that is not quite the case. Even when they finally do shave and mock him it is to their ultimate defeat. The speaker is Matt Behrens 2020-11-0816 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Judges 6-7, GideonWith Israel once again in apostasy, the Midianites spread across the Jezreel valley during the harvest. They plundered Israel's crops and oppressed her people. God called Gideon to drive the Midianites from the land.2020-11-0339 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?The Gospel in GenesisThe Gospel is not a New Testament concept. Rather is it fundamental to God's plan for humanity. As an example, Genesis 5 contains a clear statement of the Gospel. It is laid out in the names of the descendants of Adam.2020-11-0120 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Judges 4-5, DeborahThe Canaanites held the fortress city of Hazor and controlled the Jezreel valley which was ideal chariot country. Israel was mostly dismounted infantry. So the problem was how to overcome the tactical advantage of Canaanite army. In this, God lent a hand by bringing rain.2020-10-2732 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?The Anatomy of EvilIn a sense, the earth is one battleground in a much larger war that rages in heaven. As such, evil is very much a part of our world. We, as believers, have an advantage in that the sources and methods of evil can be understood, they can be defended against and they can be defeated. The readings mentioned are Genesis 3, Ezekiel 28 and Luke 2.2020-10-2533 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?The Fear of FreedomOne of the things Y'shua came to do was to set the captives free. Two thousand years later, there are still captives who need to be freed. The problem is that, although He has opened the prison doors, they either don't see it or they are afraid to leave their cells.2020-10-2022 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?How to Act While in ExileThe Bible gives us four case studies on how God's people conduct themselves in Exile: Joseph in Egypt, Moses in Egypt, Daniel in Babylon and Mordecai in Persia. From these examples we can learn how effectively to serve God and protect our people when the surrounding culture becomes hostile.2020-10-1826 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Judges 3, To Teach WarHaving failed to follow God's commandments and destroy the inhabitants of the land, Israel would never fully enjoy peace. They intermarried, followed other gods and reaped the consequences. Since they would not know peace, God set them up to study war.2020-09-2225 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Days of AweThe time between Yom Teruah and Yom Kippur is known as the Days of Awe. It is a time for reflection and repentance. Considering the events of 2020, it seems that God is calling us, both individually and nationally, to stop our wickedness and seek forgiveness. He who has an ear should listen.2020-09-2024 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Judges 1-2, DisobedienceJudges begins with Israel failing to obey God. They were instructed to wipe out the inhabitants of the land yet they took Adoni-bezek captive and humiliated him. This sets the tone for the entire book. Israel was not willing to carry through with the destruction of the Canaanites et al, so they were never to have peace nor were they able to have all the land that God wanted them to possess.2020-09-1536 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Finding Your WayThe time between birth and natural death is a journey with a purpose. It is a path leading toward a goal. For the believer, both the path and the goal are life. Because the way is difficult, it is tempting to focus on the path and neglect the goal, or on the goal at the expense of the path. Either of these strategies is a mistake. A successful journey requires keeping both in focus.2020-09-1322 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?2 Peter 3, As a Thousand YearsOne of the beliefs of those against whom Peter is warning is a lack of historical perspective. Their attitude seems to be that, since God has not moved within living memory, He is unlikely to care much about what people do with their lives - hence the appeal to sensuality. Peter says that God's perspective is historical, not immediate and that He does not miss anything.2020-09-0839 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Yom Kippur, Year End ReviewIn every human enterprise it is good periodically to pause and take stock of where you are, what you did poorly, what you did well and what you could improve. God provides such a pause in the Fall Feasts and specifically on Yom Kippur. On Yom Kippur all work ceases and the day is devoted to prayer, fasting and seeking God's forgiveness and guidance. The speaker is Matt Behrens.2020-09-0613 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?2 Peter 2.10, They Promise FreedomIn describing those who creep into the congregation and lead others astray, Peter says that one of their lures is the promise of freedom. This has always been the case with sin. In promising freedom from the restrictions of God's law, it holds out the promise of being a law unto oneself. While this is tempting, it eventually leads to ruin and death.2020-09-0135 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Proper SpeechDuring the 40 days before Yom Kippur, it would be wise to review Biblical wisdom on proper speech. Words are the basis for all creation and our ability to speak sets us apart from God's other creatures. If we use our voices well we become what He desires us to be; if not, we become agents of destruction. The talk refers to a book by Chofetz Chaim on the laws of proper speech. During the early part of the recording, we were having some tech problems, so there is some extraneous noise.2020-08-3023 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?2 Peter 2, False TeachersThe first paragraphs in the chapter parallels Jude speaking of false teachers who infiltrate the body and entice the gullible into some sort of sexual sin. Their motivation is greed either for money or for influence.2020-08-2530 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Yet Forty DaysThe month of Elul begins the 40 day count down to Yom Kippur. It is a time to take stock of ourselves and prepare for a meeting with the King. What have we accomplished during the past year? What are our hopes and plans for the coming year?2020-08-2319 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?2 Peter 1, Supplement Your FaithStarting from a position of faith in Messiah, Peter urges believers to work on the content of their character. It is a strong character that will keep the believer from falling into worldliness and so becoming unfruitful. It is character that makes one's election sure.2020-08-1828 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Slavery and the GospelThe whole Bible is concerned with slavery. The Torah is the account of God's redeeming Israel from slavery. The New Testament is the story of Christ's redeeming the world from slavery to sin. That being the case, why does the Bible allow slavery to continue?2020-08-1621 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?1 Peter 5, The Flock of GodAs an elder, Peter exhorts the elders who receive his letter to be faithful in tending God's flock. In this he is echoing Y'shua who gave explicit instructions and dire warnings to those He would leave in charge of His servants. Specifically, He warns them not to use their positions for personal enrichment at the expense of the flock.2020-08-1128 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?1 Peter 4, The Fiery TrialThe world is a difficult place in which there are trials and suffering. When the trials are for the sake of your faith, you share in Christ's suffering. This is far better than suffering because you deserve it.2020-08-0435 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?On the OffensiveHistory repeatedly shows that defense, no matter how stout, eventually loses. So it is with the Kingdom of God. If its citizens cease to press forward and take new territory, it will contract and wither under pressure from the enemy. That is what has been happening over the past 50 years in the United States.2020-08-0215 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?1 Peter 3, The Eyes of the LordThe Eyes of the Lord are watching to answer the prayers of the righteous, but ignore those of the wicked. The world is a difficult place and there will be abundant opportunities for others to mistreat you. Here Peter reminds his readers of Christ's example; having been reviled and unjustly killed, He acted to forgive and did not curse. Peter also exhorts that we should always be ready to gently explain the reason for our hope.2020-07-2835 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?HopeThe cumulative effect of the news about the world situation is to throw a heavy, wet blanket over believers. The antidote for depression is hope. In this we have examples in Scripture written to communities undergoing severe trials. The advice given there is often practical, immediate and useful to us today.2020-07-2626 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Principles of WarStudying war in church may seem odd, but it is Biblical. God is called 'A Man of War' as is David. Victory requires skill as well as bravery, training as well as resources. We can see in the life of Christ how he used each of the principles of war to achieve His victory. So too we must study war to become effective in His army.2020-07-2630 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?1 Peter 2-3, AuthorityWriting to a minority Hebrew community within a gentile nation, Peter urges them to be respectful of the gentile government. He also urges respect for God's authority structures within their own community and within their families. This is very similar to Jeremiah's message to the exiles in Babylon - You're going to be there for a while, so seek the good of your hosts for your own benefit and peace.2020-07-2139 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?Idolatrous InstitutionsPaul writes that covetousness is idolatry. In other words, we create idols to satisfy our greed. Historically, this happens when the stewards of an institution begin to run it for their benefit instead of for the reason it was created. In Israel, the priests turned the Temple into an idol by using it to enrich themselves. When this happened, God destroyed His own temple. Today, government has been turned into an idol operated to enrich those who are supposed to be its stewards.2020-07-1919 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?1 Peter 1-2, Called to Be HolyPeter, writing to Hebrews reminds them that they are God's chosen people. As such, they have a duty to conduct themselves in a way befitting that status. This is especially true of Hebrews living in exile among the gentiles.2020-07-1438 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?ForgivenessWith the exile of Christianity from our culture, we are seeing the death of forgiveness and the rise of ritual shaming. Forgiveness is seen as letting our enemies 'get away with it.' This is wrong. Biblical forgiveness is how we are able to heal, both as individuals and as a nation.2020-07-1226 min

The Crimson Thread - May I Gently Suggest?1 Peter 1:1-12, An Imperishable InheritancePeter, writing to Hebrews in the diaspora, starts his letter by explaining that Y'shua is He whom the prophets predicted and that His resurrection is the guarantee of an imperishable inheritance for them. This inheritance is kept in heaven awaiting for revelation 'in the last time.'2020-07-0732 min