Temptations from satan may be like honey to your ears. Unfortunately, they typically leave you hungry afterwards. Or even worse... they might leave you injured or even dead. They are sweet to your tongue and yet bitter to your stomach.
Sin often tastes great... but it is less filling. The drug addict spends his or her life trying to recapture that first elusive high. That path may lead to overdose... and possibly death. Get it?
The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).
John 10:10 [AMP]
Listen to This Podcast:
If your browser supports it, a player will appear below...
Download:
If you can’t play the podcast here, you can click this link to download the MP3 of this podcast.
Love covers a multitude of sins. So ramp up your love walk and cover those sins!
He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats or harps on a matter separates even close friends. A reproof enters deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred lashes into a [self-confident] fool.
Proverbs 17:9-10 [AMP]
We apologize for the less than optimal sound quality on this series... but we hope the messages will touch your hearts.
Listen to This Podcast:
If your browser supports it, a player will appear below...
Download:
If you can’t play the podcast here, you can click this link to download the MP3 of this podcast.
Don’t trip when people get offended with you. They were offended by Jesus too...
Just a Carpenter
1-2 He left there and returned to his hometown. His disciples came along. On the Sabbath, he gave a lecture in the meeting place. He made a real hit, impressing everyone. "We had no idea he was this good!" they said. "How did he get so wise all of a sudden, get such ability?"
3But in the next breath they were cutting him down: "He's just a carpenter—Mary's boy. We've known him since he was a kid. We know his brothers, James, Justus, Jude, and Simon, and his sisters. Who does he think he is?" They tripped over what little they knew about him and fell, sprawling. And they never got any further.
4-6Jesus told them, "A prophet has little honor in his hometown, among his relatives, on the streets he played in as a child." Jesus wasn't able to do much of anything there—he laid hands on a few sick people and healed them, that's all. He couldn't get over their stubbornness. He left and made a circuit of the other villages, teaching.
Matthew 6:1-6 [MSG]
We apologize for the less than optimal sound quality on this series... but we hope the messages will touch your hearts.
Listen to This Podcast:
If your browser supports it, a player will appear below...
Download:
If you can’t play the podcast here, you can click this link to download the MP3 of this podcast.
Want to go Deeper?
Our long-form audio teaching Forgive Me, Forgive You is available for on-line listening... free of charge.
Oatmeal isn’t the only right thing to do… forgiveness is the ultimate right thing to do!
"The king summoned the man and said, 'You evil servant! I forgave your entire debt when you begged me for mercy. Shouldn't you be compelled to be merciful to your fellow servant who asked for mercy?' The king was furious and put the screws to the man until he paid back his entire debt. And that's exactly what my Father in heaven is going to do to each one of you who doesn't forgive unconditionally anyone who asks for mercy."
Matthew 18:32-35 [MSG]
We apologize for the less than optimal sound quality on this series... but we hope the messages will touch your hearts.
Listen to This Podcast:
If your browser supports it, a player will appear below...
Download:
If you can’t play the podcast here, you can click this link to download the MP3 of this podcast.
Want to go Deeper? Our long-form audio teaching Forgive Me, Forgive You is available for on-line listening... free of charge.
On a snowy day, an altrusitic act is appreciated. On a sunny day, a simple greeting is ignored. The temptation comes to get offended. We must not give in to that temptation!
21 Then Peter came up to Him and said, Lord, how many times may my brother sin against me and I forgive him and let it go? [As many as] up to seven times? 22 Jesus answered him, I tell you, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven! 23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a human king who wished to settle accounts with his attendants. 24 When he began the accounting, one was brought to him who owed him 10,000 talents [probably about $10,000,000], 25 And because he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and his children and everything that he possessed, and payment to be made. 26 So the attendant fell on his knees, begging him, Have patience with me and I will pay you everything. 27 And his master's heart was moved with compassion, and he released him and forgave him [cancelling] the debt. 28 But that same attendant, as he went out, found one of his fellow attendants who owed him a hundred denarii [about twenty dollars]; and he caught him by the throat and said, Pay what you owe! 29 So his fellow attendant fell down and begged him earnestly, Give me time, and I will pay you all ! 30 But he was unwilling, and he went out and had him put in prison till he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow attendants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and told everything that had taken place to their master. 32 Then his master called him and said to him, You contemptible and wicked attendant! I forgave and cancelled all that [great] debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 And should you not have had pity and mercy on your fellow attendant, as I had pity and mercy on you? 34 And in wrath his master turned him over to the torturers (the jailers), till he should pay all that he owed. 35 So also My heavenly Father will deal with every one of you if you do not freely forgive your brother from your heart his offenses.
Matthew 18:21-35 [AMP]
We apologize for the less than optimal sound quality on this series... but we hope the messages will touch your hearts.
Listen to This Podcast:
If your browser supports it, a player will appear below...
Download:
If you can’t play the podcast here, you can click this link to download the MP3 of this podcast.
Want to go Deeper? Our long-form audio teaching Forgive Me, Forgive You is available for on-line listening... free of charge.
Why is it some people seem to go out of their way to make you feel bad? Human nature would say to strike back... to do something mean and nasty back to them as revenge. But the Bible tells us that Good Sense dictates that we restrain our anger... that we overlook the offensive things that others do. This opens the door for love to come in.
Good sense makes a man restrain his anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression or an offense.
Proverbs 19:11 [AMP]
8 Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others].
9 Practice hospitality to one another (those of the household of faith). [Be hospitable, be a lover of strangers, with brotherly affection for the unknown guests, the foreigners, the poor, and all others who come your way who are of Christ's body.] And [in each instance] do it ungrudgingly (cordially and graciously, without complaining but as representing Him).
1 Peter 4:8-9 [AMP]
Listen to This Podcast:
If your browser supports it, a player will appear below...
Download:
If you can’t play the podcast here, you can click this link to download the MP3 of this podcast.
Want to go Deeper? Our long-form audio teaching Love is Your Protection is available for on-line listening... free of charge.
God will see your righteous behavior and defend you. Unfortunately, people sometimes see your righteous behavior and accuse you of being unrighteous.
We see an example of that in the Old Testament. A woman who wanted to have a baby prayed to ask God for a blessing. The man of God saw her and assumed she was drunk.
And as she continued praying before the Lord, Eli noticed her mouth. Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved but her voice was not heard. So Eli thought she was drunk.
1 Samuel 1:12-13 [AMP]
In the Bible, Hannah (not to be confused with Hannah Montana) was falsely accused by the prophet of being drunk when, in fact, she was praying to the Lord. And would you believe that this Old Testament faux pas is repeated today in the 21st Century? But just as He did in the olden days, God still protects those whose hearts are right in His eyes.
Listen to This Podcast:
If your browser supports it, a player will appear below...
Download:
If you can’t play the podcast here, you can click this link to download the MP3 of this podcast.
Want to go Deeper? Our long-form audio teaching Defender is available for on-line listening... free of charge.
Our friend Charlie Peacock wrote a wonderful song called “Monkeys At The Zoo” to describe those things in our lives that can wreck our personal walk with The Defender.
You may be a perfect Christian, but I definitely am not. I know what it is like to catch yourself (or to be caught by The Spirit) acting like a monkey in the zoo. Fortunately, we can repent... receive forgiveness... and continue to live within the protection and defense of the Lord.
My sacrifice [the sacrifice acceptable] to God is a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart [broken down with sorrow for sin and humbly and thoroughly penitent], such, O God, You will not despise.
Psalm 51:17 [AMP]
If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].
1 John 1:9 [AMP]
God is our Defender. He will send His hosts to deliver you from those who rise up to destroy you. What a wonderful promise. However, it is important to remember that, in order to be a recipient of His protection, we must live the type of life that honors Him.
Listen to This Podcast:
If your browser supports it, a player will appear below...
Download:
If you can’t play the podcast here, you can click this link to download the MP3 of this podcast.
Want to go Deeper? Our long-form audio teaching Defender is available for on-line listening... free of charge.
A favorite TV show from our childhood was The Equalizer, a master spy who would be your personal defender in times of trouble.
That show has since been canceled. The star of the series is now deceased. And worse of all... this was fiction and not real life. But there is a Defender Who is real, Who will never go away, Who will be quick to defend you... and He is always there!
For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service].
Psalm 91:11 [AMP]
God will defend and protect you. He will send His angels to accompany and defend and preserve you. He does this because He is a loving Father. Part of the requirement for receiving His protection is when we obey and serve God. As you walk with Him, you will grow to know Him more.
God will defeat your enemy (satan) and hold off all who would work against you… and he will discipline you when you screw up. He is your Father. He is your defender.
Listen to This Podcast:
If your browser supports it, a player will appear below...
Download:
If you can’t play the podcast here, you can click this link to download the MP3 of this podcast.
Want to go Deeper? Our long-form audio teaching Defender is available for on-line listening... free of charge.
What is the worse sin? Is it lying? Murder? Adultery? The Bible lists seven things that God hates. If God hates something, then logic and reasoning would say that you ought not to do such a thing. What are those seven things that God hates?
16These six things the Lord hates, indeed, seven are an abomination to Him:
17A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18A heart that manufactures wicked thoughts and plans, feet that are swift in running to evil,
19A false witness who breathes out lies [even under oath], and he who sows discord among his brethren.
Proverbs 6:16-19 [AMP]
This week’s podcast is seven minutes of wisdom on those things that God hates. Don’t do those things!
Listen to This Podcast:
Download: Click here to download the MP3 of this podcast.
A mature Christian is one who walks the Love Walk...
As a spiritual baby, you just cry and mess yourself (and others) a lot. But as you mature in your spirituality... you make the right decisions. And the best decision is to let the Love of God flow through you into the lives of others.
Listen to This Podcast:
If your browser supports it, a player will appear below...
Download: Click here to download the MP3 of this podcast.
If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.
John 3:16-18 [MSG]
4 But God--so rich is He in His mercy! Because of and in order to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us, 5 Even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation).
We conclude this series correcting a minor error in the last segment, then wrapping up this series.
For indeed we have had the glad tidings [Gospel of God] proclaimed to us just as truly as they [the Israelites of old did when the good news of deliverance from bondage came to them]; but the message they heard did not benefit them, because it was not mixed with faith (with the leaning of the entire personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness) by those who heard it; neither were they united in faith with the ones [Joshua and Caleb] who heard (did believe).
Hebrews 4:2 [AMP]
God’s desire is to love you, to bless you, to provide for you... to be your God, your Everything.
Listen to This Podcast:
Download: Click here to download the MP3 of this podcast.
If you have been following this entire series, you should be a faith giant. If not... it is easy to go back and follow all parts of this series of seven-minute podcast.
For indeed we have had the glad tidings [Gospel of God] proclaimed to us just as truly as they [the Israelites of old did when the good news of deliverance from bondage came to them]; but the message they heard did not benefit them, because it was not mixed with faith (with the leaning of the entire personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness) by those who heard it; neither were they united in faith with the ones [Joshua and Caleb] who heard (did believe).
Hebrews 4:2 [AMP]
Allow the word that you hear to be mixed with faith... a powerful combination!
Listen to This Podcast:
Download: Click here to download the MP3 of this podcast.
Living a lifestyle of faith will help us transcend the state of the economy. Receiving the righteousness of Christ means (as King David wrote) that we will never be forsaken and our offspring will never beg for bread.
1NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. 2For by [faith--trust and holy fervor born of faith] the men of old had divine testimony borne to them and obtained a good report. 6But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].
Hebrews 11:1-2,6 [AMP]
Enjoy this week’s podcast.
Listen to This Podcast:
Download: Click here to download the MP3 of this podcast.
So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself).
Romans 10:17 [AMP]
As we consume mass quantities of what God has to say, it forms the substance of what we are hoping for.
1NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, [a]the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. 2For by [faith--[b]trust and holy fervor born of faith] the men of old had divine testimony borne to them and obtained a good report. 6But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].
Hebrews 11:1-2,6 [AMP]
We need to yield to the Holy Spirit. After all, He has the right of way.
Listen to This Podcast:
Download: Click here to download the MP3 of this podcast.
Faith can change everything about your life. Get the word of God in you and let it build up faith.
1NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, [a]the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. 2For by [faith--[b]trust and holy fervor born of faith] the men of old had divine testimony borne to them and obtained a good report. 6But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].
Hebrews 11:1-2,6 [AMP]
Listen to This Podcast:
Download: Click here to download the MP3 of this podcast.
Thanks to our friend Levi Lusko for his contributions to this week’s Podcast. Faith in our being children of God, and in the soon return of Jesus Christ, will carry us through these difficult economic times.
1NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, [a]the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. 2For by [faith--[b]trust and holy fervor born of faith] the men of old had divine testimony borne to them and obtained a good report. 6But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].
Hebrews 11:1-2,6 [AMP]
Listen to This Podcast:
Download: Click here to download the MP3 of this podcast.
Our faith is built by absorbing good spiritual nutrition... not spiritual junk food.
1NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, [a]the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. 2For by [faith--[b]trust and holy fervor born of faith] the men of old had divine testimony borne to them and obtained a good report. 6But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].
Hebrews 11:1-2,6 [AMP]
Listen to This Podcast:
Download: Click here to download the MP3 of this podcast.
God’s word is food that nourishes our spirt man. How so? Listen to this week’s podcast.
1NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, [a]the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. 2For by [faith--[b]trust and holy fervor born of faith] the men of old had divine testimony borne to them and obtained a good report. 6But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].
Hebrews 11:1-2,6 [AMP]
Listen to This Podcast:
Download: Click here to download the MP3 of this podcast.
God is our Heavenly Father. How do I know? The Bible tells me so:
For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning. Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].
Hebrews 4:15-16 [AMP]
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father! The Spirit Himself [thus] testifies together with our own spirit, [assuring us] that we are children of God.
Romans 8:14-16 [AMP]
Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, [the door] will be opened. Or what man is there of you, if his son asks him for a loaf of bread, will hand him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will hand him a serpent? If you then, evil as you are, know how to give good and advantageous gifts to your children, how much more will your Father Who is in heaven [perfect as He is] give good and advantageous things to those who keep on asking Him!
Matthew 7:7-11 [AMP]
To purchase the freedom of (to ransom, to redeem, to atone for) those who were subject to the Law, that we might be adopted and have sonship conferred upon us [and be recognized as God's sons]. And because you [really] are [His] sons, God has sent the [Holy] Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, Abba (Father)! Father! Therefore, you are no longer a slave (bond servant) but a son; and if a son, then [it follows that you are] an heir by the aid of God, through Christ.
Galatians 4:5-7 [AMP]
This week’s podcast is fourteen minutes of wisdom... a bonus!
Listen to This Podcast:
Download: Click here to download the MP3 of this podcast.
For some Christians, there are debates about which are more important... spiritual fruits or spritual gifts. But here is a thought. Whatever gifts and/or fruits one may have... those gifts are most important if they are used to bless others in the name of Jesus Christ. Check out Saint Peter’s comments on this subject:
7-11 Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!
1 Peter 4:7-11 [MSG]
This week’s podcast is fourteen minutes of wisdom... twice your usual amount. Enjoy it!
Listen to This Podcast:
Download: Click here to download the MP3 of this podcast.
What is the worse sin? Is it lying? Murder? Adultery? The Bible lists seven things that God hates. If God hates something, then logic and reasoning would say that you ought not to do such a thing. What are those seven things that God hates?
16These six things the Lord hates, indeed, seven are an abomination to Him: 17A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18A heart that manufactures wicked thoughts and plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, 19A false witness who breathes out lies [even under oath], and he who sows discord among his brethren.
Proverbs 6:16-19 [AMP]
This week’s podcast is seven minutes of wisdom on those things that God hates. Don’t do those things!
Listen to This Podcast:
Download: Click here to download the MP3 of this podcast.
It is not worth killing yourself over. Whatever it is going on in your life... change your mind and your circumstances will follow!
We continue our series of podcasts based upon the Powerhouse Sermon Never Give Up… Never Surrender by emphasizing that, no matter how bad your life may be... it beats the alternative.
We continue our series of podcasts based upon the Powerhouse Sermon Never Give Up… Never Surrender with the second part of our study on not looking back.
You are My witnesses, says the Lord, and My servant whom I have chosen, that you may know Me, believe Me and remain steadfast to Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me.
We continue our series of podcasts based upon the Powerhouse Sermon Never Give Up… Never Surrender by examining the danger of focusing on the past and not moving forward in Christ.
12-14I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.
We continue our series of podcasts based upon the Powerhouse Sermon Never Give Up… Never Surrender by examining the role of Jesus Christ as the way out of trouble and difficult times.
8All others who came [as such] before Me are thieves and robbers, but the [true] sheep did not listen to and obey them. 9I am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out [freely], and will find pasture. 10The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).
John 10:8-10 [AMP]
Need to find a way out of the problems in your life?
We heard Lon Solomon quoted the sad story of an unloved teenage girl who took her own life because she felt unloved. In the news we have heard of many people who kill themselves because of the economy or other tragic circumstances.
In the Powerhouse Sermon Never Give Up… Never Surrender, we discuss many of the ways that satan seeks to destroy us by making us want to destroy ourselves. We also discuss the scriptural solution to that situation. Over the next five weeks, we will feature some of the teachings from that audio series.
Schisms are something that God hates (Proverbs 6:16-19). Schisms are something that Jesus prayed that the disciples would not have (John 17:11). Schisms are something that St. Paul gave great effort towards avoiding (Acts 24:16). Schisms are something that must not exist in the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:25). Schisms are a disease that prevents God’s people from doing what God wants us to do. This week’s Seven Minutes of Wisdom is about schisms.
Listen to This Seven Minutes of Wisdom:
Download: Click here to download the MP3 of this podcast.
Our long-form audio teaching Get Rid of Your Sin Before Your Sin Gets Rid of You is available for on-line listening... free of charge.
You can also download a free copy of our book Five Men Who Faced the Roaring Lion.
m