The Exclusive Claims of Jesus | Part 2

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-59csw-17b5c83

In this second episode in the series, we look at more claims that Jesus makes, exclusive claims that do not allow us to think if Him as merely a good teacher or a moral person.

“I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.”

“I tell you the truth, before Abraham was born, I am!” 

Is He Liar, Lunatic, or Lord?

Orderly Worship | TSH Part 6

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-52mk7-1766270

In this final episode on this Spiritual Hamburger, we look at the Biblical teaching on orderly worship, what pleases God. Just as in the first century, churches today may fall into disorder and a lack of unity. May it not be so.

“If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored.”

“Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.
But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.”

Tongues & Prophecy | TSH Part 5

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-57a7c-1756f8f

Today we look at Paul’s teaching on two gifts: Tongues and Prophecy. Though these gifts are often misunderstood, misapplied or confusing, just as they were in the first century, the Bible gives us clarity about what these gifts are and how to walk in them.

We must remember that these gifts are not the “meat of the hamburger.”  Love is the most excellent way.

“For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.”

The Meat of the Hamburger | TSH Part 4

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-iyfpi-174bf1a

In today’s episode, Mike talks about body life and the meat of this Spiritual Hamburger: the primacy of love.

In his letter, Paul continues to emphasize unity and service because the gifts of the spirit caused disunity and unloving actions in the church. Let’s listen for God’s instruction to the church today.

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

. . . eagerly desire the greater gifts, and now I will show you a most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 

The Gifts | TSH Part 3

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-jn3pd-174294d

Today we look a very important part of this Spiritual Hamburger: the lists of spiritual gifts that Paul gives in his letters — what are they, how do we get them, and why they are given. They are:

1. Prophecy (4x)
2. Teaching (3x)
3. Speaking in different kinds of tongues (2x)
4. Healing (2X)
5. Interpretation of tongues
6. Message (Word) of wisdom 
7. Message (Word) of knowledge 
8. Faith 
9. Miraculous powers
10. Distinguishing between spirits
11. Apostolic
12. Evangelistic
13. Pastoral
14. Workers of Miracles
15. Helping others
16. Administration
17. Service
18. Encouraging/Exhortation
19. Contributing to the needs of others
20. Leading
21. Acting in Mercy

In Short: Joseph Wasn’t Bitter Toward His Brothers

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-tmsk3-1727c14

Joseph wasn’t bitter toward his brothers who threw him into the pit and sold him as a slave to Egypt, or toward Potiphar’s wife who lied about him and got him thrown into jail. It was part of God’s plan. 

 Jesus wasn’t bitter toward Judas who betrayed him. Of course it hurt to be betrayed by a friend. But the truth is Jesus could have completed His mission without John, James and Peter, but He could not have done it without Judas. Judas was the only apostle necessary in Jesus’ life to get Him to the cross and fulfill what God had for His life. 

 In the same way, we all need a Judas in our lives to help us get to our cross so we can die to ourselves and fulfill God’s plan for our lives.  

The people who hurt us most are the biggest blessing because it brings us closer to God, and causes us to die to ourselves so we can become more like Christ and live for all that God has for us. There is no reason for me or anyone else to become bitter. 

 We’re also called to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. It’s not as easy to do as it is to say, but I’ve grown in this last year. God has really been teaching me the importance of this, of loving our enemies, of praying for those who persecute us, and to not become bitter when people hurt us. 

 So, remember, it all helps us to become more like Jesus. When people speak evil against us and lie like Jesus said they would, it can turn to a blessing. 

 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.