Teach Me Thy Statutes

Jaksot

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  The Law: A Two-Edged Sword 28.06.2025 12min

  In today's episode, we wrestle with St Paul's description of the Mosaic Law in Romans, which he indicates is both good, yet a cause of us stumbling. We conclude by pointing out how Paul resolves this inherent conflict with the Law. 
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  I Will Draw All Men To Myself 21.05.2025 13min

  In John 12, Jesus begins the final week of His earthly ministry, with "Greeks" (Gentiles) coming to hear Him. We discuss what this signifies and how it connects to Jesus statement that when He is lifted up, He will draw all men to Himself. We also discuss the notion of Jesus comparing His death to a grain of wheat. 
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  Philip Baptizes the Samaritans 07.05.2025 17min

  We discuss the events that led to one of the first deacons, Philip, baptizing many of the Samaritans, and why Peter and John later came to lay hands on them for the reception of the Holy Spirit. We contemplated the devastation and confusion of the disciples following Jesus' crucifixion, and concluded with an explanation of how this distinction between baptism and the laying on of hands applies to the Church today. 
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  John (the Baptist) Sends His Disciples 26.02.2025 13min

  We discuss why John the Baptist sent his disciples to Jesus, questioning if Jesus was the Messiah. Through that exchange, we come to realize how John can be called "the greatest born of women," yet least in the kingdom of heaven. We conclude by discussing why Jesus is talking about taking the kingdom by violence. 
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  "Where Your Treasure Is..." 22.01.2025 10min

  In today’s episode, we discussed teachings from the Gospel of Luke, focusing on the significance of where one places their treasure and the importance of being prepared for judgment. Fr Aaron shared an example from his personal experience that helped drive home the poignance of Jesus’ teaching: “For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also.” 
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  Mary Said "Rabboni" 30.10.2024 12min

  We discuss Jesus' appearance to Mary Magdalene, in which she recognized Him only when He called her by name. What does that mean and why did she call Him "Rabboni?" Why did Jesus tell her not to hold on to Him? 
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  Why Paul Argues About Circumcision 09.10.2024 15min

  Today's discussion centered around why Paul made such a big deal about the issue of circumcision among Gentile Christians. Ultimately, Paul's concern was with interpreting Scripture/the Old Testament correctly. We concluded by talking about practical implications from Paul's argument in this day and age. 
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  Spiritual Warfare & The Armor of God 25.09.2024 9min

  We discuss the nature of spiritual warfare and Paul's metaphor of putting on the whole armor of God, with an emphasis on how the spiritual warfare is fought not so much between dueling forces of good and evil per se, but against our own innate biological impulses. 
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  John 3:16 and Nicodemus 11.09.2024 17min

  To provide context for the famous verse John 3:16, we discussed the complex person of Nicodemus, one who accepted Jesus, yet was still initially ashamed to publicly proclaim Jesus' teaching. We also learn why Nicodemus was ashamed of Jesus' teaching of being born again, and what that teaching means. 
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  Jesus as the Firstfruits of the Resurrection 28.08.2024 12min

  In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul focuses on the resurrection of Christ. We discuss why Paul focuses on the resurrection and why it is so important to Paul to recognize Jesus as the "firstfruits" of the resurrection. 
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  The Dormition Gospel Reading 15.08.2024 12min

  For the feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God, the Orthodox Church appoints a reading from Luke that references a different Mary. Why does the Church choose that reading? What does the reading mean? And what is the significance of Mary's witness to Christ? 
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  Wheat and Tares 31.07.2024 13min

  The parable of the wheat and tares (or as it is translated in our reading, the weeds) is a key parable that corresponds to the parable of the seed. We discuss its importance in today's episode. 
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  Become Like Children 19.07.2024 13min

  We begin today by discussing the half-shekel tax the Pharisees wanted Jesus to pay, and the significance of Jesus interaction with His disciples around this episode. We concluded by discussing the implications of becoming like a child. 
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  Let Your Light Shine or Hide Your Deeds? 12.06.2024 14min

  Today we examine Matthew 5 and compare it to Matthew 6, discussing the apparent contradiction. Specifically, in Matthew 5, Jesus tells His disciples to let their light shine before men so that they may see their good deeds. Yet, just one chapter later Jesus tells them to pray, fast, and give alms in secret. What are we to make of this? We reconcile these seeming contradictions in today's episode. 
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  Jesus As Both Shepherd & Door 05.06.2024 13min

  In John's Gospel, Jesus talks about Himself as both Shepherd and Door. We discuss what each of these allusions means, while also contrasting Jesus with the false shepherd Pharisees, those who are condemned in Ezekiel. 
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  Following God's Commandments vs Philosophical Pursuits 17.04.2024 13min

  We discuss how the Bible, generally, and today's passage from Proverbs, specifically, challenges the worldview of its time--seeking "sophia" (wisdom) through philosophical pursuits. Proverbs teaches us that true wisdom is found in following God's commandments. We specifically mention a passage from today's reading that deals with controlling anger. 
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  The Cross and the Midpoint of Lent 10.04.2024 16min

  We discuss the scriptural reason why the cross is our focus on the 3rd Sunday and 4th week of Lent. We conclude by focusing on the true meaning of "taking up your cross," explaining why a common understanding of this principle is not accurate. 
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  Cain, Abel, and Anti-Possessiveness 27.03.2024 13min

  We discuss the story of Cain and Abel and how it teaches one of the most important lessons of Lent: becoming antipossesive. 
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  Genesis 1, Lent, and Pascha 20.03.2024 19min

  We discuss the first reading of Lent, Genesis 1:1-13, and how this text relates to what we as Orthodox Christians do during Lent, and how it also connects with our celebration of Pascha. 
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  Joel Prepares Us For Lent 13.03.2024 12min

  With Lent approaching, we now have readings from the Old Testament appointed. Today, we discuss the book of Joel and how it prepares us for the ultimate purpose of the Lenten season, which is to remind us of the upcoming Judgment.