https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-ec6id-19e6690

In today’s episode, I turn on the microphone and share what the Lord puts on my heart, including this from Isaiah 41:

I said, ‘You are my servant’;
I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

All who rage against you
will surely be ashamed and disgraced;
those who oppose you
will be as nothing and perish.
Though you search for your enemies,
you will not find them.
Those who wage war against you
will be as nothing at all.
For I am the LORD, your God,
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-km463-19d963e

Elder, Overseer, Shepherd, Pastor, Bishop, Apostle

Various Christian traditions have different meanings for these terms. It can be confusing, and the meanings of these words have been obscured over the years. 

• What does the Bible say?
• How are we to understand the Lord’s will regarding church leadership?
• What are the various roles of church leaders?
• Why in the world do we use these terms?!
• What is a Bishop?
• What marks an Apostle? 

Let’s get into it. 

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-kcdpv-19c2e9b

Often, we don’t have clarity about next steps. What is the Lord’s will for us? In the Kingdom, something is more important than clarity about such questions. Today, Mike addresses that issue. 

And, Mike talks about the difference between bribery and extortion!

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-ep9ji-19a5ea9

Today, Mike talks about hedonism, the world’s wisdom, and how to walk along the path of life. What must die?

Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-cufss-1985078

What do bits, rudders and sparks have in common?

Want to be perfect?

Do you want true religion? Do you want to avoid self-deception?

James, the brother of Jesus, has the answers.

We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he
says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. 

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-y9j5m-1934ff5

In today’s episode, Mike looks at what Peter, Paul, James, the writer of Hebrews and the Lord Himself say about suffering. He also uses the phrase, “you go girl!”

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs–he wants to please his commanding officer. — 2 Timothy 2

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? — 1 Peter 4

Mentioned in this episode: Suffering is Not for Nothing.  

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-sh7yr-1928e5b

Continuing the last episode, Mike looks at the place of perseverance and rest as we walk through times of suffering. 

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while,
    “He who is coming will come and will not delay.
    But my righteous one will live by faith.
    And if he shrinks back,
    I will not be pleased with him.”
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved. — Hebrews 10:35-39

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-tdvjz-1925934

Why does God allow suffering? How are we to live through the hardships we experience? In this episode, Mike looks at what the Bible says about the place of suffering and God’s purposes. 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” — Hebrews 12:1-3

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-xvj2v-191a44a

How can a Christian live a life worthy of God’s calling? What is God’s call? Mike addresses those questions, and he tells a story of how the Lord manifests His Spirit through Words of Knowledge. 

“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” — 1 Peter chapter 2

“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” — Ephesians chapter 4

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-jjh5j-190b305

Let’s look at what the New Testament says about Tithing. Does Jesus command His disciples to tithe? Do the apostles tell us to obey the law of tithing? 

The topic of tithing can be divisive in the church; it is important to look at what the Lord says, and to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

“But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.” — Luke 11 

Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. — 2 Corinthians 9