Greetings, fellow believers. This blast from the ZenderTalk past (2001-2003) begins with my recounting of a Bible meeting I attend at the home of our midwife that featured a Mennonite man who decided that everyone in the living room that day should evaluate his or her life and compare themselves to Jesus. For the purpose of "giving up" and rejoicing in the perfection of Christ? No. For the purpose of trying harder to be like Jesus. I milk this one for all its worth; you're going to love it.

The big verse in question here is the KJV mistranslation of Matthew 5:48, "Be ye perfect!" Yes, I said "mistranslation." In Show 95, you will hear me quote four different translations of this critical verse that was completely mishandled by the Mennonite guy, ending with the Concordant Literal New Testament—where the full truth finally shines out. Spoiler alert: Matthew 5:48, it turns out, is a promise to Israel, not a challenge. You know—kinda like the New Covenant. (Spoiler alert #2: It IS the New Covenant.)

Rodney Paris ends this episode with MZTV 330 from December of 2019, an episode titled, "For Freedom Christ Frees Us." Wow! For sure, this is a classic. My favorite part is when I quote Paul telling the Galatians to "stand firm!" but he says this to them exhorting them to give up attempting law and to rest in the grace of Christ. I comment on how ironic it is that one must work hard to do nothing.

A little later, I contrast this with Paul's warning in Colossians to not be seduced into philosophy. One usually thinks of seduction as that which leads to something pleasurable. But here, the seduction is in studying human ideas about God in an attempt to overthink human reasoning.

In other words, stand firm in something easy because you can be easily seduced into something difficult. Ha. Only Paul, right?

MZTV 330 is an effective vaccine against the virus of Johnny and Kaitlin Greene, who teach that we must perfect ourselves (and even save ourselves) by our works.

Thanks to all of you for your continued support of this work, especially during this difficult period when I'm trying to recover from some pretty serious surgery. It has been a painful, frustrating time. Yet the show goes on because of your encouragement, your prayers, and your financial support.

Grace, peace, and love to you all,

Martin