Growing Spiritually

In this episode, Alex discusses the importance of family togetherness and the Fourth and Fifth Commandments from his backyard gym. He shares how House Church began with the vision of families worshiping together rather than being separated into different rooms. He explains the three aspects of Sabbath: rhythm (establishing healthy patterns), rejuvenation (spiritual and physical restoration), and rest (embracing God's grace without working for salvation). Alex connects the Sabbath to the commandment to honor parents, emphasizing that our first relationship with father and mother shapes all future relationships. He concludes that a right relationship with God through Christ enables us to heal other relationships and truly embrace Sabbath rest. The episode is part of the Amen podcast, which can be found at amenepodcast.com and on Instagram. AmenPodcast.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com

In a world that constantly pulls us toward immediate gratification and worldly success, we often forget a profound biblical truth: for those who love God, the best is yet to come.A Wisdom the World Doesn't UnderstandRecently, I was reflecting on Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 2:8-9:"None of the rulers of this age knew this wisdom because if they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But it is written: What no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has conceived—God has prepared these things for those who love him."This passage reveals something extraordinary about how God works. The rulers who crucified Jesus—Tiberius, Pontius Pilate, Herod Antipas, and the religious leaders—acted in complete ignorance of God's wisdom. Had they understood what their actions would ultimately accomplish, they would have stopped immediately.They had no idea that by crucifying Jesus, they were signing their own death warrant. They couldn't foresee how this seemingly small religious execution would lead to the rise of Christianity and eventually the end of the Roman Empire as followers of Christ lived as loyal citizens under Rome while giving their ultimate allegiance to God.Living Differently: The Example of DanielThis pattern of God working in ways that exceed human imagination appears throughout scripture. Consider Daniel, who served in the highest levels of government yet remained uncompromisingly devoted to God.When faced with a law forbidding prayer to anyone but the king, Daniel didn't hesitate or hide. Daniel 6:10 tells us: "When Daniel learned about the document that had been signed, he went to his house... three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before."Daniel changed nothing when threatened with the lions' den. Why? Because his life was already aligned with God's purposes. He already loved God and lived differently, so when pressure came, consistency—not change—was his response.For those living in alignment with God's will, the key isn't radical change but faithful consistency. For those not living in obedience to God, significant changes may be necessary. But for Daniel, obedience meant simply continuing what he was already doing.What No Eye Has SeenThroughout his life, Daniel repeatedly experienced things he could never have imagined:* Surviving the lions' den* Sleeping to the sound of purring lions* Seeing Judaism become elevated throughout the Persian Empire because of his faithfulness* Witnessing the king decree that everyone should worship Daniel's GodThese experiences beautifully illustrate Paul's promise that "what no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human heart has conceived, God has prepared for those who love him."The Greater DanielJesus is the greater Daniel. Just as Daniel emerged from the lions' den unharmed with no broken bones, Jesus emerged from death itself without a single bone broken—fulfilling the prophecy of Psalm 34:20.What enabled Jesus to endure the cross? Hebrews 12:2 tells us it was "for the joy set before him." That joy was knowing that for His children, the best was yet to come. His love for the Father and His love for us carried Him through.From Darkness to LightWhen I was eight years old, I was exposed to inappropriate content at a friend's house. That experience began a journey into darkness I couldn't have imagined at the time. Yet, more than twenty years later, God has completely reversed that trajectory.Never would I have dreamed that God would take that broken child and transform him into someone who influences others for good. What seemed irreversible—the shame and darkness—God turned completely around.The Power of the CrossThis is why I can't stop talking about the cross. It's not just that God redeemed us there; He reversed everything sin did in our lives. The cross gives us power to let go of anything we're holding onto too tightly—those things we think define us—because we know the best is yet to come.How Does This Change Us?So I leave you with this question: How does believing the best is yet to come encourage you today?Whatever you're facing—however dark, lonely, or impossible your situation seems—if you hold onto the hope of the cross and resurrection, you can live differently. You can endure. You can overcome.Because for those who love God, the best truly is yet to come.amenpodcast.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com

Continuing our series on Matthew 22amenpodcast.comWhen Religious Critics AttackIn our ongoing exploration of Matthew 22, we encounter Jesus facing his second challenge of the day. After silencing the Pharisees, Jesus now confronts the Sadducees, who approach Him with skepticism and mockery about the resurrection.The passage (Matthew 22:23-34) reveals how Jesus masterfully responds to those who attempt to trap Him with theological questions. This interaction provides powerful lessons for believers today who face criticism or mockery for their faith.Who Were the Sadducees?Before diving into Jesus' response, it's important to understand who the Sadducees were:* They only accepted the Torah (the first five books of the Bible) as authoritative scripture* They rejected the concept of resurrection because they found no explicit mention of it in the Torah* They were part of the religious establishment that felt threatened by Jesus' growing influenceThe Trick QuestionThe Sadducees approached Jesus with what they believed was a foolproof theological trap:"Teacher, Moses said if a man dies having no children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. Now there were seven brothers among us. The first married and died, and having no offspring, left his wife to his brother. So too the second and third, down to the seventh. After them all, the woman died. In the resurrection, therefore, of the seven, whose wife will she be? For they all had her."Their question referenced Deuteronomy 25:5-6, the law of levirate marriage designed to preserve family lines. By creating this extreme scenario involving seven brothers marrying the same woman, they hoped to mock the very concept of resurrection that Jesus taught.Jesus' Two-Fold ResponseJesus doesn't hesitate or become defensive. Instead, He identifies two critical flaws in their thinking:* "You know neither the Scriptures..." - Despite their supposed expertise in the Torah, they missed its deeper teachings about eternal life* "...nor the power of God" - They limited God's abilities to their own understanding of realityJesus then explains that marriage is an earthly institution, not continued in heaven the same way. More powerfully, He uses their own accepted Scripture against them, quoting Exodus: "I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." By emphasizing that God "is not the God of the dead, but of the living," Jesus affirms the resurrection from within the very Torah they claimed to revere.Silencing Enemies God's WayThis passage teaches us vital lessons about dealing with those who mock or criticize our faith:* Stay grounded in Scripture - Jesus didn't rely on eloquence or personal attacks but on the truth of God's word* Trust in God's power - When we limit God to our understanding, we miss His greater purposes* Let God silence critics - Rather than seeking personal vengeance, allow God's truth to speakA Personal ExampleI'm reminded of our own journey in ministry. Years ago, my husband and I began creating Christian content online, facing mockery and criticism from many who thought it was "weird" or "cringe." A year before COVID-19, we felt led to start digital church services despite skepticism.When the pandemic hit, what had seemed foolish to critics suddenly became essential. The infrastructure we had built became a lifeline for thousands seeking spiritual nourishment during lockdowns. Without fighting our critics or defending ourselves, God vindicated our efforts through His timing and provision.The Final WordThe crowd's reaction to Jesus' response says it all: "they were astonished at his teaching." The Sadducees, who came to trap Jesus, found themselves silenced instead.This remains true for believers today. When we face opposition, mockery, or attempts to undermine our faith, we don't need to fight back in our "own power, own pride, or own vengeance." Instead, like Jesus, we can rely on God's Word and God's power.God will get the final word. His Word will not return void. Our call is to remain faithful, continue in what He's called us to do, and trust Him with the results."For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12Join us next week as we continue our series through Matthew 22 with Jesus' third response to His critics.Prayer Prompt: Where in your life do you need to trust God to silence critics rather than fighting them yourself? Spend time asking God to help you know His Word more deeply and trust His power more fully.If this post encouraged you, please share it with others and subscribe to receive our weekly devotionals directly to your inbox. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com

amenpodcast.comAs I sat in the quiet of early morning, a conviction settled over me. In our fast-paced, entertainment-saturated world, how often do we truly put God first?When my wife and I lived in California before returning to Kauai, we intentionally kept television out of our bedroom. This simple choice led us to earlier bedtimes and earlier mornings—and surprisingly, a deeper connection with God. It wasn't about the schedule itself, but where we placed our priorities.The First Three CommandmentsIn our 52-week study of the catechism, Question #9 asks: "What does God require in the first, second, and third commandments?" The answer reveals a profound framework for our relationship with God:* Know God as the one true and living God* Avoid all idolatry* Treat God's name with fear and reverenceThese first three commandments all center on our relationship with God, while the remaining seven govern our relationships with others. But I've discovered these aren't just ancient rules—they're a diagnostic tool for my spiritual health.Modern Idols in DisguiseWhen I spend hours scrolling through entertainment instead of in prayer, what does that reveal about my priorities? The "god of entertainment" competes with the one true God for my attention and affection. Other "gods" slip into our lives too—success, finances, self-sufficiency, even creativity.True worship requires treating God's name—His character, His word, and His works—with genuine reverence. When I rush through prayer or Scripture because I stayed up too late watching shows, I'm not giving God the honor He deserves.Breaking FreeRecently, I felt God convicting me to return to Him and remake my mornings. If I truly believe He is the one true and living God, shouldn't I trust that time with Him is more valuable than an extra hour of sleep? If His name is upon me as His child, shouldn't I live with purpose rather than emptiness?Making this change isn't about trying harder—that approach always fails. Instead, we must look to Jesus:* Jesus knew and confessed God as the only true God* Jesus put the Father first in all things, constantly overturning idols* Jesus showed complete reverence for God's name in how He livedOn the cross, Jesus took the punishment for our failure to keep these commandments. Our broken relationship with God was restored through His sacrifice. When Jesus cried, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" He was experiencing the separation our sin deserved.But three days later, God raised Jesus from the dead, proving He will never forsake us—even when we fail. He leads us toward a fuller life, saying, "You don't know what you're missing when you prioritize lesser things over Me."Your TurnWhat changes might God be calling you to make? Where have modern idols crept into your daily rhythms? Remember, don't just try harder—look to Jesus, who perfectly fulfilled these commandments and offers us grace to grow.When we realign our priorities and put God first—whether through earlier mornings, intentional prayer, or mindful worship—what once felt like burden becomes joy. The table He invites us to is worth every sacrifice.How are you honoring God in your daily rhythms? Share in the comments below.This post is part of our 52-week study of the catechism. Join us next week as we continue exploring the Ten Commandments.#alexwilson #amenpodcast #catechism This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com

amenpodcast.comIntroduction: The Two Ages in ScriptureThroughout the Bible, we see a consistent theme of two distinct ages:* The Present Age - characterized by rebellion, sin, and death* The Age to Come - characterized by God's rule and righteousnessAs Christians, we live in the tension between these two ages. Christ's death and resurrection have ushered in the age to come, yet we still experience the realities of the present age.Key Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:6-7"We do, however, speak a wisdom among the mature but not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age who are coming to nothing. On the contrary, we speak God's hidden wisdom in a mystery, a wisdom God predestined before the ages for our glory."What is Spiritual Maturity?1. Spiritual maturity is not about physical age* Example: Samuel as a boy hearing God's voice (1 Samuel 3)* Contrast: Eli, physically mature but spiritually dull* Timothy being told, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you're young"2. Spiritual maturity is characterized by obedience* Moving from spiritual milk to solid food (Hebrews 5:14)* "The reason why Christians don't mature in the church is because they don't walk in obedience"* Growth happens when we do what God has told us to do3. Spiritual maturity means accepting reality* Recognizing we live in a fallen world* "Spiritual maturity is realizing I can't always get what I want"* Not being flustered when things don't go our way (like Esther, Ruth, and Mary)4. Spiritual maturity means responding to God's voice* Samuel's response: "Speak, for your servant is listening"* Answering God directly instead of always running to intermediaries* Jesus' sacrifice ensures we can hear God's voiceHow to Grow Spiritually* Recognize the age you belong to: You were born into the present age but born again into the age to come* Walk in obedience: Don't justify sin while expecting spiritual growth* Exercise faith: "Everything in your life requires faith"* Respond when God calls: Like Samuel, be quick to say "Here I am"* Accept your inability to control everything: Christianity isn't about controlling the world but about living faithfully within itThe Glory That Awaits* "A Christian's glory is that we might be like Christ"* God predestined this glory "before the ages" (1 Cor 2:7)* Jesus died so we could hear God's voice like Samuel did* In spiritual maturity, "there is nothing that the gates of hell will prevail over you"Closing ChallengeWhere is God asking you to mature, and you're not listening?Where is He saying, "just grow up"?What area of obedience is He calling you to embrace today?"Spiritual maturity is having the knowledge that I am not a part of this age. I'm a part of the age to come." This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com

By Alex and LokelaniWelcome to our Substack! As promised, we're providing deeper content to complement Amen podcast. This is the third and final part of our series examining Matthew 22:15-22, the famous passage about paying taxes to Caesar.The ScriptureThen the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words, and they sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone's opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. Tell us then what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, "Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax." And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" They said, "Caesar's." Then he said to them, "Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."When they heard it, they marveled, and they left him and went away. — Matthew 22:15-22Key Message: What Should Consume Our Zeal?In our final exploration of this passage, we examine Jesus' response through the lens of politics and what deserves our zealous devotion.The Cultural ContextDuring Jesus' time, Caesar's coins represented more than currency—they contained inscriptions declaring Caesar divine. This created tension for devout Jews who recognized only one God. The religious leaders were attempting to trap Jesus with an impossible choice:* If he said "pay taxes," religious Jews would see him endorsing idolatry* If he said "don't pay taxes," Roman authorities would view him as an insurrectionistJesus' brilliant response transcended this false dichotomy while revealing a deeper truth.The Image We BearWhen Jesus asked "whose image is on this coin?" he wasn't simply finding a clever escape from their trap. He was highlighting a profound truth about identity and allegiance.Just as coins bear Caesar's image and belong to Caesar's domain, we bear God's image and belong to God. While we can participate in earthly systems (pay taxes, vote, engage in civic life), our primary identity and loyalty must remain with God.Warning Signs: When Politics Overshadows FaithHere are some warning signs that politics may be displacing spiritual priorities:* Being more excited about political rallies than worship* Speaking more passionately about candidates than Christ* Skipping church to watch debates* Defining fellow Christians primarily by their political affiliations* Exhibiting rage rather than the fruit of the Spirit when discussing politicsFinding Balance: The Early Church ModelThe early Christians weren't politically disengaged—they actively sought the welfare of their cities while maintaining ultimate allegiance to Christ. This dual posture made them both beneficial to society and threatening to those in power. They wanted the common good but refused to worship the emperor.This is our model: we can be thoughtfully engaged citizens while remembering that our first love and ultimate hope lies not in political systems but in Christ's kingdom.After the AmenAm I zealous about the things of God? How does my passion for God's kingdom compare with other concerns in my life? When I discuss politics, do I exhibit the fruit of the Spirit or the works of the flesh?A Call to WisdomPolitics tends to bring out strong emotions, often leading to division even among believers. Wisdom calls us to:* Prioritize Kingdom values above partisan identities* Engage respectfully with those holding different views* Remember that sanctification happens at different paces* Care deeply about our communities while maintaining our first loveOur goal isn't to create a perfect Christian nation through political power, but to live as faithful witnesses who reflect Christ's character in every sphere of life—including the political. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com

By Alex WilsonWhen I was 17, my parents gave me my dad's 1997 Chevy Silverado. The truck was almost completely made of steel, and their thinking was simple: if Alex gets into an accident, he has a better chance of walking away because of how tough this truck is. They were right – I did get into a wreck, and I walked away from it. I even went to school that day.This gift was meant to protect me, to help me flourish, to get me safely to school and football practice. It was given so I might live an abundant high school life. But I trashed the gift. I didn't honor it – I did donuts, raced my friends, drove without a seatbelt. I failed to honor the gift they had given me.God's law is a lot like that truck.In our ongoing 52-week study through the New City Catechism (by Crossway), we arrive at Question 8: "What is the law of God stated in the Ten Commandments?"The law that God gave to Moses was a gift to His people. Think of it as a vehicle to transport them from Egypt to the promised land, to get them from point A to point B safely so they could flourish and experience the abundance of life that comes from walking in communion with God. But like me with my truck, they saw it as something to be broken.Let's break down the Ten Commandments:The first four commandments focus on our relationship with God:* Have no other gods before me* Do not make an idol for yourself* Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God* Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holyThe remaining six govern our relationships with others: 5. Honor your father and mother 6. Do not murder 7. Do not commit adultery 8. Do not steal 9. Do not give false testimony 10. Do not covetJesus beautifully summarizes these into two commands: Love God and love your neighbor. The first four commandments show us how to love God, while the last six teach us how to love our neighbors.Here's the challenging part: if you break even one of these commandments, you've broken them all. If you've kept them perfectly for 30 years but fail in year 31, you've broken them all. These laws show us how holy God is and how impossible it is for us to keep them perfectly on our own.This is where Christ enters the picture. He takes God's law – this gift – and obeys it completely because He is perfect, the Son of God. He dies to pay the punishment for our law-breaking (death), and rises three days later by the Spirit of God.This means we now live under a new covenant. If you trust in Jesus, you're no longer under the covenant of works (trying to perfectly obey the law to earn salvation) but under the covenant of grace. Jesus did the work for us. Even when we slip up, we remain in right relationship with God because of Christ's perfect obedience.Now we can finally experience the gift of God's law as it was intended. Instead of seeing it as a monster lurking over us, we can view it as the gift it truly is – a guide to abundant life and flourishing.I think back to my reckless driving days. I was searching for happiness in all the wrong places, putting myself in danger, living with anxiety. What if I had stopped and recognized that truck as the gift it was? What if I had shed my entitled attitude and instead spent time caring for it, appreciating it?Here on Kauai where we live, I see local boys with their first trucks taking such incredible care of them – washing them, maintaining them, treating them with respect. There's a joy they have that others miss when they don't treat their vehicles as gifts.Can we approach God's law the same way? Instead of viewing it as a burden, what if we saw it as a gift that shows us the path to abundant life? Under the covenant of grace, God's law isn't a harsh taskmaster but a loving guide, leading us to freedom rather than slavery.If you want to dive deeper into these weekly reflections, subscribe to our Substack where I post detailed outlines of each episode. And if you'd like to support this podcast, visit AMENpodcast.comSee you next week for Question 9!With love, Alex This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com

From Persuasion to Power: Learning to Trust God's StrengthIn a recent sermon from House Church's Corinthians series, Pastor Alex explores 1 Corinthians 2:3-5, unpacking Paul's approach to ministry and what it teaches us about authentic faith.The Power of WeaknessThe passage reads:"I came to you in weakness and fear and in much trembling. My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with the demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not be based on human wisdom, but on God's power."Alex highlights how Paul, despite his impressive credentials as a former Pharisee, approached the Corinthians in "weakness, fear, and trembling." Why? Because his message—that a crucified carpenter was actually the Son of God—sounded absolutely crazy in their context.In Corinth, public speakers typically used eloquent, theatrical speech following Aristotle's methods. But Paul deliberately chose not to use these persuasive techniques. Instead, he relied on God's power to demonstrate the truth of his message.Explanation vs. DemonstrationPaul didn't want the Corinthians' faith to be based on clever arguments or persuasive speech, but on experiencing God's power firsthand. Alex explains:"He didn't want their faith to be an explanation. He wanted their faith to be a demonstration."This distinction matters deeply. When our faith rests on human persuasion rather than God's power, it becomes vulnerable to what Alex calls "false conversions"—people who are emotionally moved by entertaining messages but whose faith eventually fades.David and Goliath: Faith in ActionTo illustrate true faith, Alex turns to the story of David and Goliath. He points out that David didn't approach Goliath with impressive weapons or armor, but with complete confidence in God's power. While Goliath relied on intimidation and his physical advantages, David declared he was coming "in the name of the Lord of armies."In the Bible, a person's name represents their character. David wasn't just invoking God's name—he was expressing complete trust in God's character and power. This is what faith is: believing in God's character and power rather than our own abilities.Looking Back to Move ForwardAlex connects this to how God continually called Israel to remember His deliverance from Egypt—their "Red Sea moment." For Christians today, the cross serves the same purpose. When we face challenges that seem impossible, we look back to the cross and resurrection as proof of God's power and faithfulness."Where you're going to be able to get through circumstances where, you know, I can't do this on my own strength is to look back at the crucifixion, to look back at the cross. That is your Red Sea moment."After Hours ReflectionsIn a post-sermon conversation with his wife Lokelani, Alex shares how this message challenges him personally. As someone naturally gifted at charming and persuading others, he has to be careful not to rely on those abilities when sharing God's Word.Lokelani adds that it's about "not mustering up our own strength" but allowing the Spirit to work through us. They agree that true spiritual impact comes not from confidence and polished presentations, but from approaching ministry with genuine humility and dependence on God.Alex concludes with an insightful observation: "How do you know you're being led by the Spirit? Do you feel that weakness, fear and trembling? Do you feel that like, 'man, this sounds crazy, but I know it's true'?" This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com

In our latest episode of the Amen podcast, we explored a profound truth from Matthew 22:15-22 – the story of Jesus and the denarius. While this passage is often discussed in terms of taxes and civic duty, there's a deeper message about finding true contentment and joy in God.The Missing DenariusOne detail that often gets overlooked is that Jesus didn't have a denarius when asked about taxes. He had to request one from his challengers. This wasn't because He was making a statement against money or government – He was practical enough to tell people to pay their taxes. Rather, it revealed something beautiful about His relationship with God: Jesus was supremely happy and content despite owning very little.Understanding True DelightThis brings us to Psalm 37:4: "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Many interpret this verse as a formula: if we're happy in God, He'll give us what we want. But the truth is more profound – when we truly delight in God, what we want changes. The desire of our new heart becomes God Himself.Consider Abraham's story. He wanted a son for years, and God blessed him with Isaac. But when God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, it revealed that Abraham's true desire wasn't just for a son – it was for God Himself. Similarly, Jesus showed us that true wealth isn't found in denarii, but in delighting in the Father's will.Living Simply and QuietlyThis understanding transforms how we view success and contentment. When we're truly delighting in God:* We stop measuring our worth by cultural standards* We find freedom in living simply* We realize we may already have everything we need* Our focus shifts from accumulating more to enjoying God morePractical ApplicationHow can we cultivate this delight in God? Here are some insights from our discussion:* Embrace Imperfect Moments: Your quiet time doesn't have to be perfect or even quiet. God meets us in the mess of daily life.* Use Technology Wisely: Don't feel guilty about using tools that help you create space for God, whether it's noise-canceling headphones or appropriate entertainment for your children while you pray.* Start Your Day with God: There's only one opportunity each day to start with God. While you can exercise or work later, that first moment with God is precious.* Remember You Already Have Him: If you're a believer, you don't need to change everything to delight in God. Often, it's just about enjoying what – and Who – you already have.A New Perspective on God's GiftsSometimes God gives us responsibilities or roles we wouldn't have chosen for ourselves. These aren't burdens meant to diminish our joy – they're opportunities to experience more of Him. Whether it's parenthood, a challenging job, or an unexpected ministry, these can become pathways to deeper delight in God.ConclusionTrue delight isn't found in having more denarii in our pockets or achieving cultural success. It's found in God Himself. As we learn to delight in Him, we often discover that we already have everything we truly need. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com

In honor of Valentine's Day, let's explore a profound question from the Christian catechism: What does God's law require? The answer lies in two simple yet powerful commandments, but first, let me share a timely story about the real Saint Valentine.The True Story of Saint ValentineIn the third century, during the reign of Emperor Claudius, a priest named Valentine took a bold stand for love. While Claudius was sending young men to die in meaningless wars, Valentine secretly married Christian couples, knowing that married men were exempt from military service. This act of defiance saved countless lives and allowed young families to flourish. Valentine's commitment to love ultimately cost him his life – he was executed in his 40s for his actions and attempts to evangelize Claudius himself.This story perfectly illustrates the two fundamental commandments that encompass all of God's law.The Two Great CommandmentsAs Jesus teaches in Matthew 22:37-40, all of God's law – every command and prophetic word – can be distilled into two essential principles:* Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind* Love your neighbor as yourselfWhat Does It Mean to Love God?Loving God means:* Enjoying His presence* Obeying His commands* Putting Him first in every area of life* Starting each day by asking: "Is this action motivated by love for God, or love for something else?"What Does It Mean to Love Your Neighbor?The command to "love your neighbor as yourself" isn't about self-love as a prerequisite – it's about extending the same care and consideration to others that we naturally give ourselves. Just as we instinctively seek our own wellbeing, we're called to actively pursue the happiness and growth of others, even when it requires difficult choices.The Heart of the MatterHere's the challenging truth: we can't fulfill these commands on our own. Our natural state is one of selfishness – just watch any baby and you'll see this truth in action. That's why the story of God's law doesn't end with commands, but with Christ.The same God who gave the law on Mount Sinai later sent His Son to a different mountain – Calvary – not just to give us the law, but to fulfill it perfectly on our behalf. Through Christ's sacrifice, we receive both forgiveness for our failures and a new heart capable of truly loving God and others.Practical ApplicationThis transformation shows up in everyday moments:* In how we start our day, choosing to put God first* In how we handle difficult conversations* In how we make decisions that might cause temporary discomfort but lead to long-term growth* In how we extend grace to others, just as we've received graceClosing ThoughtsThe requirements of God's law – loving Him and loving others – aren't just rules to follow. They're an invitation to experience life as it was meant to be lived. Through Christ, we receive the power to move beyond our natural selfishness and into a life marked by genuine love for God and neighbor.As we celebrate Valentine's Day, let's remember the priest who gave his life demonstrating these twin loves, and more importantly, the God who makes such love possible through Christ.This post is adapted from Episode 7 of our weekly catechism series, where we explore the core doctrines of the Christian faith. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com