[2] Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, [3] for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. [4] And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

[5] If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. [6] But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. [7] For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; [8] he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

[9] Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, [10] and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. [11] For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

[12] Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. [13] Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. [14] But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. [15] Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

[16] Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. [17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. [18] Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

[19] Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; [20] for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. [21] Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

[22] But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. [23] For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. [24] For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. [25] But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

[26] If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. [27] Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. (ESV)

Jan 28, 202304:06

Ep. 41 Edgewood EdgeUCation Part 3 Expository Preaching

Find original post at blog.harmlessonline.net

Jul 18, 202210:25

Ep. 40 - Edgewood Edge-U-Cation part 2 - Body Member NOT Church Attender

This episode was originally a blog post. You can read that post by clicking here:

https://blog.harmlessonline.net/2022/07/edgewood-edgeucation-part-2-body-member.html

Jul 13, 202212:35

Ep. 39 - Edgewood EdgeUCation - Person not Program

This is episode number 39. This was originally a blog post titled: Edgewood Edge-U-Cation - Person Not Program. You can read the original post here:

https://blog.harmlessonline.net/2022/04/edgeucation-person-not-program.html

Jul 12, 202209:40

Ep. 38 - Sermonic Timing

This is episode Number 38 for my Harmless Podcast. This episode was originally a blog post from March of 2022 called "Sermonic Timing." You can read the original blog post by clicking here:

https://blog.harmlessonline.net/2022/03/sermonic-timing.html

Jul 12, 202206:12

Ep 37 - Parables will do a thing more bold.

This was originally a blog post written on October 23, 2021.

You can read that post by clicking here:

https://blog.harmlessonline.net/2021/10/parables-will-do-thing-more-bold.html

Jul 12, 202203:00

Ep 36 A Harmless Guide to Being a Better Man

A Harmless Guide to Being a Better Man

http://blog.harmlessonline.net/2021/05/a-harmless-guide-to-being-better-man.html

(Just one man's opinion.)

May 24, 202108:22

Ep 35 - "I liked the white better."

The title comes from something that Gandalf says in The Fellowship of the Ring. Read the full blog post here: http://blog.harmlessonline.net/2021/05/i-liked-white-better.html

May 12, 202104:44

Joshua 3 and 4 for Sunday

Joshua 3 and 4 for Sunday, May 16th, 2021.

https://esv.to/Joshua3

May 11, 202107:12

Luke 5 for Edgewood

Read Luke 5...

May 08, 202105:43

Ep 34 - Masking Tape is not Binding

This episode was originally a blog post. You can read it here: http://blog.harmlessonline.net/2021/05/masking-tape-is-not-binding.html

May 08, 202109:58

Ep 33 - LIBERTY+

This is episode number 33. This episode was originally a blog post, but I've taken to the habit of turning my longer blog posts into podcast episodes as well. Here is a link to the original blog post: http://blog.harmlessonline.net/2021/05/librety.html

May 03, 202113:20

Psalm 16 for Wednesday Night

Psalm 16

Apr 28, 202101:46

Ep. 32 Thoughts from a Black Truck

Musings from my black truck.

Apr 27, 202114:13

Ep. 31 - Waiting (A Blog Post on Isaiah 40)

A blog post on Isaiah 40

Apr 21, 202109:08

Psalm 15 for Wednesday Night

Psalm 15

A Psalm of David.

[1] O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent?

Who shall dwell on your holy hill?

[2] He who walks blamelessly and does what is right

and speaks truth in his heart;

[3] who does not slander with his tongue

and does no evil to his neighbor,

nor takes up a reproach against his friend;

[4] in whose eyes a vile person is despised,

but who honors those who fear the LORD;

who swears to his own hurt and does not change;

[5] who does not put out his money at interest

and does not take a bribe against the innocent.

He who does these things shall never be moved. (ESV)

Apr 21, 202101:12

Psalm 14 for Wednesday Night

Psalm 14

To the choirmaster. Of David.

[1] The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”

They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds;

there is none who does good.

[2] The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man,

to see if there are any who understand,

who seek after God.

[3] They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt;

there is none who does good,

not even one.

[4] Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers

who eat up my people as they eat bread

and do not call upon the LORD?

[5] There they are in great terror,

for God is with the generation of the righteous.

[6] You would shame the plans of the poor,

but the LORD is his refuge.

[7] Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!

When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people,

let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad. (ESV)

Apr 13, 202101:30

Ep. 30 - "...there is foul air down there, or I am no guide."

Original Blog Post here:

http://blog.harmlessonline.net/2021/04/there-is-foul-air-down-there-or-i-am-no.html

This episode is the audio version of this blog post.

Apr 09, 202111:52

Psalm 13 for Wednesday Night

Our Psalm for Wednesday, April 7, 2021 will be Psalm 13. Feel free to join us at Edgewood Church at 6:15 pm for our reading of this Psalm and our time of praying together.

Psalm 13

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

[1] How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever?

How long will you hide your face from me?

[2] How long must I take counsel in my soul

and have sorrow in my heart all the day?

How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

[3] Consider and answer me, O LORD my God;

light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,

[4] lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,”

lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.

[5] But I have trusted in your steadfast love;

my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.

[6] I will sing to the LORD,

because he has dealt bountifully with me. (ESV)

Apr 06, 202101:09

Ep. 29 - 25 Years Wed

Today marks the date of my 25th wedding anniversary. Here is a blog post on that thought: http://blog.harmlessonline.net/2021/04/25-years.html

Apr 05, 202102:38

Luke 5:1-11 for Sunday

The scripture that we will be covering on Sunday, April 4, 2021 will be Luke 5:1-11. Listen to Pastor Matt read through this portion of scripture in preparation for church tomorrow.

Luke 5:1–11

[1] On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, [2] and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. [3] Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. [4] And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” [5] And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” [6] And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. [7] They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. [8] But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” [9] For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, [10] and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” [11] And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him. (ESV)

Apr 03, 202102:58

Psalm 12 for Wednesday Night

Psalm 12 for Wednesday Prayer Meeting... This one is for Wednesday, March 31st, 2021.

If you live in the Danville Area, feel free to join us at Edgewood Church at 6:15 pm.

Psalm 12

To the choirmaster: according to The Sheminith. A Psalm of David.

[1] Save, O LORD, for the godly one is gone;

for the faithful have vanished from among the children of man.

[2] Everyone utters lies to his neighbor;

with flattering lips and a double heart they speak.

[3] May the LORD cut off all flattering lips,

the tongue that makes great boasts,

[4] those who say, “With our tongue we will prevail,

our lips are with us; who is master over us?”

[5] “Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan,

I will now arise,” says the LORD;

“I will place him in the safety for which he longs.”

[6] The words of the LORD are pure words,

like silver refined in a furnace on the ground,

purified seven times.

[7] You, O LORD, will keep them;

you will guard us from this generation forever.

[8] On every side the wicked prowl,

as vileness is exalted among the children of man. (ESV)

Mar 31, 202101:41

Ep 28 Perspectives from the Red Van no. 2

More perspectives from the red van for this day.

Mar 25, 202110:15

Psalm 11 for Wednesday Night

This week at Edgewood Church, we will be looking at Psalm 11. If you live in the Danville, IL area, feel free to join us for our prayer meeting.

Psalm 11

To the choirmaster. Of David.

[1] In the LORD I take refuge;

how can you say to my soul,

“Flee like a bird to your mountain,

[2] for behold, the wicked bend the bow;

they have fitted their arrow to the string

to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart;

[3] if the foundations are destroyed,

what can the righteous do?”

[4] The LORD is in his holy temple;

the LORD’s throne is in heaven;

his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man.

[5] The LORD tests the righteous,

but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.

[6] Let him rain coals on the wicked;

fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.

[7] For the LORD is righteous;

he loves righteous deeds;

the upright shall behold his face. (ESV)

Mar 24, 202101:33

Ep. 27 Red van ride home number one

This is my first attempt to post an episode from my phone on my ride home.

Mar 23, 202109:13

Psalm 10 for Wednesday Night

This week at Edgewood Church, we will be looking at Psalm 10. If you live in the Danville, IL area, feel free to join us for our prayer meeting.

Psalm 10

[1] Why, O LORD, do you stand far away?

Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

[2] In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor;

let them be caught in the schemes that they have devised.

[3] For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul,

and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the LORD.

[4] In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him;

all his thoughts are, “There is no God.”

[5] His ways prosper at all times;

your judgments are on high, out of his sight;

as for all his foes, he puffs at them.

[6] He says in his heart, “I shall not be moved;

throughout all generations I shall not meet adversity.”

[7] His mouth is filled with cursing and deceit and oppression;

under his tongue are mischief and iniquity.

[8] He sits in ambush in the villages;

in hiding places he murders the innocent.

His eyes stealthily watch for the helpless;

[9] he lurks in ambush like a lion in his thicket;

he lurks that he may seize the poor;

he seizes the poor when he draws him into his net.

[10] The helpless are crushed, sink down,

and fall by his might.

[11] He says in his heart, “God has forgotten,

he has hidden his face, he will never see it.”

[12] Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up your hand;

forget not the afflicted.

[13] Why does the wicked renounce God

and say in his heart, “You will not call to account”?

[14] But you do see, for you note mischief and vexation,

that you may take it into your hands;

to you the helpless commits himself;

you have been the helper of the fatherless.

[15] Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer;

call his wickedness to account till you find none.

[16] The LORD is king forever and ever;

the nations perish from his land.

[17] O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted;

you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear

[18] to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,

so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more. (ESV)

Mar 17, 202103:04

Ep. 26 - I'm a Non-Racist

This was originally a blog post. You can read it at my blog: Harmless Thoughts: I'm a Non-Racist.

Mar 11, 202116:33

Ep 25 - Can Christians Get Tattoos?

This was originally uploaded in 2016 or 2017... Not sure. It is from a "failed" podcasting attempt, that I was going to call, "Ask Pastor Matt." This is the one and only episode that I ever made, and to be honest, I forgot it was out there.

Mar 10, 202114:14

Psalm 9

To the choirmaster: according to Muth-labben. A Psalm of David.

[1] I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart;

I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

[2] I will be glad and exult in you;

I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

[3] When my enemies turn back,

they stumble and perish before your presence.

[4] For you have maintained my just cause;

you have sat on the throne, giving righteous judgment.

[5] You have rebuked the nations; you have made the wicked perish;

you have blotted out their name forever and ever.

[6] The enemy came to an end in everlasting ruins;

their cities you rooted out;

the very memory of them has perished.

[7] But the LORD sits enthroned forever;

he has established his throne for justice,

[8] and he judges the world with righteousness;

he judges the peoples with uprightness.

[9] The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed,

a stronghold in times of trouble.

[10] And those who know your name put their trust in you,

for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.

[11] Sing praises to the LORD, who sits enthroned in Zion!

Tell among the peoples his deeds!

[12] For he who avenges blood is mindful of them;

he does not forget the cry of the afflicted.

[13] Be gracious to me, O LORD!

See my affliction from those who hate me,

O you who lift me up from the gates of death,

[14] that I may recount all your praises,

that in the gates of the daughter of Zion

I may rejoice in your salvation.

[15] The nations have sunk in the pit that they made;

in the net that they hid, their own foot has been caught.

[16] The LORD has made himself known; he has executed judgment;

the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands. Higgaion. Selah

[17] The wicked shall return to Sheol,

all the nations that forget God.

[18] For the needy shall not always be forgotten,

and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.

[19] Arise, O LORD! Let not man prevail;

let the nations be judged before you!

[20] Put them in fear, O LORD!

Let the nations know that they are but men! Selah (ESV)

Mar 09, 202102:42

Ep 24 - Abortion Addressed

Abortion Addressed

Read the full text of this podcast on my blog: Harmless Thoughts: Abortion Addressed

Mar 03, 202110:45

Psalm 8 - For Wednesday Night

Pastor Matt reading Psalm 8 for our Wednesday Night Service at Edgewood Church.

Psalm 8

To the choirmaster: according to The Gittith. A Psalm of David.

[1] O LORD, our Lord,

how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory above the heavens.

[2] Out of the mouth of babies and infants,

you have established strength because of your foes,

to still the enemy and the avenger.

[3] When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,

the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,

[4] what is man that you are mindful of him,

and the son of man that you care for him?

[5] Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings

and crowned him with glory and honor.

[6] You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;

you have put all things under his feet,

[7] all sheep and oxen,

and also the beasts of the field,

[8] the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,

whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

[9] O LORD, our Lord,

how majestic is your name in all the earth! (ESV)

Mar 02, 202101:19

Ep 23 - Stir the Pot - Poke the Beast

You can read the full text of this podcast on my blog...

http://blog.harmlessonline.net/2021/02/stir-pot-poke-beast.html

Feb 25, 202118:49

Ep 22 - Remote Church isn't Church

The full text of this episode can be found on my blog:

http://blog.harmlessonline.net/2021/02/remote-church-isnt-church.html

Feb 19, 202117:11

Psalm 5

Edgewood Church's Scripture reading for Wednesday, February 3rd, 2021 is Psalm 5.

https://esv.to/psalm5

Visit Edgewood Church at

www.edgewood-danville.org

or listen to sermon audio at

anchor.fm/edgewood-church

Feb 03, 202101:39

Luke 3:1-22 (ESV)

https://esv.to/Luke3:1-22

Jan 16, 202103:06

Ep 21 - Saturday Unscripted Number 1 - Introducing John!

Episode Number 21

First "Saturday Unscripted" Episode:

Proverb of the Day is Proverbs 12:1

[1] Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,

but he who hates reproof is stupid. (ESV)

Main Topic: Sermon Prep on Luke 3:1-22 (https://esv.to/Luke3:1-22)

Jan 16, 202119:31

Episode 20 - Destroy Strongholds

Episode Number 20

Proverb of the Day -- Proverbs 1:7 -- [7] The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. (ESV)

Neil Shenvi: Critical Theory, Social Justice, and Christianity... are they compatible? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E33aunwGQQ4

2 Corinthians 10:3–6 -- [3] For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. [4] For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. [5] We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, [6] being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. (ESV)

Jan 13, 202119:08

Luke 2:39-52

https://esv.to/Luke2:39-52

Jan 09, 202101:48

Ep 19 - Some thoughts on current events...

Episode Number 19... My *edited* thoughts on current events.

Jan 07, 202101:38

Luke 2:22-38 (ESV)

https://esv.to/luke2:22

Jan 02, 202102:26

Ep 18 - Introducing Leviathan (and Glenn Sunshine)

In this episode, I read through the introduction to Slaying Leviathan by Glenn Sunshine. I added a little bit of commentary and offered up a few reasons why I am reading this book and encouraging others to do so as well.

Get the book, Slaying Leviathan by Glenn Sunshine on Amazon.

Dec 18, 202019:11

Luke 2:1-21 (ESV)

http://esv.to/luke2:1-21

Scripture for Sunday, December 20th, 2020 for Edgewood Church in Danville Illinois.

Dec 18, 202002:27

Chpt 5 - The Mortification of Sin by John Owen

Chapter 5 of the Mortification of Sin by John Owen.

The Mortification of Sin by the Puritan Pastor, John Owen, is in the public domain, allowing me to read it in this podcast without breaking any copyright rules. You can find the full text of this book on the Monergism Site: https://www.monergism.com/mortification-sin-believers-ebook-1

Dec 10, 202010:36

Luke 1:57-80 (ESV)

http://esv.to/luke1:57-80

Luke 1:57-80 (ESV)

Dec 04, 202003:50

Ep 17 - The End of Church as we Know It.

It's the end of the church as we know it...

... and I'll be fine.

Thanks for listening!

Nov 24, 202026:01

1 Samuel 1:2-11 --- Hannah's Prayer

http://esv.to/1Samuel2:1–11

Hannah's Prayer after the birth of Samuel.

Nov 21, 202002:19

Ep 16 - Embryonic Jesus and the Evil of Abortion

I will try to post some pictures that I reference on my blog at http://blog.harmlessonline.net

Nov 17, 202019:25

Luke 1:39-56 (ESV)

Nov 14, 202001:52

Chpt 4 - The Mortification of Sin by John Owen

Nov 12, 202009:21

Luke 1:26-38

Passage of Scripture for the Sermon on 11/8/2020 at Edgewood Church in Danville, IL

www.edgewood-danville.org

Nov 07, 202001:52

Ep 15 - Conversational Calvinism

This episode is also a blog post! You can find the original post here: https://blog.harmlessonline.net/2020/11/conversational-calvinism.html

Nov 06, 202009:30

Ep 14 - Sounding Political

Episode 14... Sounding Political!

Nov 03, 202019:18

Chpt 3 - The Mortification of Sin by John Owen

Chapter three of The Mortification of Sin by the Puritan Pastor, John Owen. This book is in the Public Domain, so I am able to read it in this podcast without breaking any copyright laws.

Oct 30, 202017:11

Chpt 2 - The Mortification of Sin by John Owen

The Mortification of Sin by John Owen is in the Public Domain, meaning I can read this book to you without breaking any copyright laws.

This is Chapter 2.

Oct 28, 202023:40

Ep13 - A Boat and a Dock - An Illustration

An illustration that I used this past Sunday referring to the Dock of Orthodox Christianity and the Boat of Cultural Respect.

Oct 27, 202029:33

Chpt 1 - The Mortification of Sin by John Owen

The Mortification of Sin by Puritan Pastor, John Owen.

Reading with Pastor Matt:

Updated Reading of this chapter

Chapter 1 Part 1

Chapter 1 Part 2

Chapter 1 Part 3

Oct 27, 202012:12

Remote Teaching and Learning

In this episode of Harmless Thoughts, Matt shares some thoughts on Remote Teaching and Learning... Specifically three issues that he forsees coming up. Feel free to share your thoughts and questions and/or critiques.

Aug 26, 202014:57

I'll be back soon.

I've been away from this for a bit... but that doesn't mean there aren't harmless thoughts floating around ready to be recorded (or typed).

Jun 23, 202000:60

S1 E011 Catching UP!

Catching up.

I haven't posted a podcast in a little bit. I needed to do one, just to get back into it! I talk about a variety of topics here, but mostly introduce a few new ones that I could be talking about.

May 05, 202019:24

S1 E010 8 types of responses to our situation

In this episode...

First, I hope the audio quality is better than the last three or four episodes.

Second, I would like to share the 8 types of responses that I've encountered when chatting about the current situation that we are in.

Mar 20, 202015:27

An Apology for Poor Audio Quality

I listened to the last few episodes, and the audio quality was horrible. I think I have it fixed now.

Mar 20, 202000:31

S1 E009 Social Distancing

I've been practicing Social Distancing my entire life.

In this episode I discuss some thoughts on the CoronaVirus. (one word).

Mar 18, 202018:21

S1 E008 Why I Canceled Church

I canceled church for 3/15/2020 at Edgewood.

In this episode, I share some thoughts about "Why" I made that decision.

Mar 14, 202010:05

S1 E007 Babies and Bible Reading

After a week off... Episode 7.

This is a short episode where I briefly share my thoughts on babies and Bible Reading.

Mar 09, 202011:53

S1 E006 Up in Smoke

In this episode of Harmless Thoughts I briefly discuss, hopefully, to get a conversation started, my experience (or lack of) with marijuana and the focus of my counsel as a pastor since it is now legal in the state of Illinois.

Feb 23, 202015:05

S1 E005 Story Time #1 - Time To Go

If you are a former student, you may remember this story.

Feb 23, 202011:22

S1 E004 Sermon Prep Update

This week: I share some thoughts on the last few sermons from my church... the direction that this series has taken and some thoughts on where it will go next.

Feb 15, 202024:42

S1 E003 I have an "UM" Problem

In episode 3 I will discuss (briefly) my "um" problem.

I will then answer my second listener question, "How has my teaching changed since I first started?"

Feb 12, 202015:04

S1 E002 First question!

In episode 2 I answer my first question from a "listener" of the podcast!

Feb 06, 202017:58

S1 E001 Saturday Depression

This is the first episode of my podcast.

This week I will deal with the basics of what I would like to do and then I will discuss my Saturday Depression.

Feb 01, 202016:29