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

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-dcxr8-1901e15

The subject of Tithing can be confusing and divisive. What is right?  What does the Lord expect of us, His people, regarding tithes?  The answer may be more nuanced that you think. In today’s episode, we look at tithing in the Old Testament.   

“Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord. . . . And every tithe of herds and flocks, every tenth animal of all that pass under the herdsman’s staff, shall be holy to the Lord.”  – Leviticus 27:30-32 

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-8f4qj-18f65e2

With no preparation, Mike turns on the microphone and shares what the Lord puts on his heart.

Please remember to weigh carefully what is said, and in all things bring glory to the Father. 

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-rkprn-18e03f6

Today we take a look at the life of Barnabas, a man often overlooked today but very often in the heart of the Lord’s work in the book of Acts. 

“He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith.” 

– Acts chapter 11

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-9wvyc-18d8e7b

Why does the Lord do His good work in us? The answer may be surprising, especially for a sentimental and hedonistic generation. 

“Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am going to do these things, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you have gone. I will show the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Sovereign LORD, when I show myself holy through you before their eyes.vereign LORD, when I show myself holy through you before their eyes. — Ezekiel chapter 36

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-wme9y-18c50b1

In today’s episode, Mike talks with his wife Olga about their recent border crossing between Estonia and Russia — the experience itself and the Kingdom lessons learned.