Connecting Faith & Life with Mister Brown

Do I have to read my Bible to be a Christian? Learning to play duck, duck, goose. We need to stop pretending we are not going to die. All of this, and more, on this episode of Connecting Faith & Life!Do I have to read my Bible to be a Christian? Technically, no; but let me ask you this: Do you have to read your playbook as an athlete? Do you have to listen to your spouse if you're married? Do you have to listen to your GPS when going somewhere unknown?Proclaim news update included! And, a story about why I let a group of kids teach me how to play duck duck goose.As Christians, should we stop pretending we are not going to die? Why are we so afraid of dying? What does the Bible say about death?Join me for the conversation as we dig into each of these topics, and more![0:00] Intro[2:00] Do you have to read the Bible to be a Christian?[14:30] New things at Proclaim Ministries[25:00] Duck, Duck, Goose![27:10] An uncomfortable topic[37:00] Quotes about death[44:40] Philippians 1:12-24Shai Linne - Gotta Know the Books https://youtu.be/StG7yayWzlwhttps://bibleproject.com31 Days of Wisdom https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlfQxg4v6uXwPCqdsZ_VJd5M7KxkxqSa8Give https://proclaimministries.com/givehttps://www.thechoosewellprogram.comLet's Talk About Death https://proclaimministries.com/teaching?sapurl=LytyeWR0L2xiL21pLytzZHd3M3ZkP2JyYW5kaW5nPXRydWUmZW1iZWQ9dHJ1ZSZyZWNlbnRSb3V0ZT1hcHAud2ViLWFwcC5saWJyYXJ5Lmxpc3QmcmVjZW50Um91dGVTbHVnPSUyQmNrMmtiemY="Live for God by connecting faith and life."Download our app to get notified every time we upload new content https://proclaimministries.com/appSupport the ministry https://proclaimministries.com/giveFollow Proclaim Ministries:https://www.facebook.com/proclaimministrieshttps://www.instagram.com/proclaimministries/

Pastor Josh Galgan joins me on the podcast to discuss passing our faith onto the next generation.[0:00] Where do our thoughts come from?[4:45] No longer bound by sin[5:50] Helping our kids memorize scripture[8:20] Teaching our kids to think critically[10:40] Resources for families Bible lessons and memory verses for kids https://proclaimministries.com/kids Download our app to get a Bible reading plan or listen to the Bible being read to you https://proclaimministries.com/appListen to the Bible http://bible.is[15:00] Parents, don't be afraid to talk to your kids[16:30] Ask the Holy Spirit to help you[18:30] Your older kids still want you[21:00] Independence vs dependence[21:30] Love, Lead, Launch[22:20] Faith formation is not a set it and forget it[24:10] Focus on the foundations[25:00] Speak this verse over your kids' lives, Numbers 6:24-26 "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." The Family Blessing by Rolf GarborgBible Verses:2 Corinthians 10:5Job 31Romans 6Philippians 4:8Genesis 1:27Numbers 6:24-26Helping you connect faith and life.

Pastor Josh Galgan joins me on the podcast to discuss passing our faith onto the next generation.[0:00] Intro[1:20] Josh Galgan's video about passing the faith on to the next generation[3:27] Why did Josh make the video?[4:20] Josh's role in church[5:40] Misinterpreting scripture, 1 Corinthians 10:13[6:22] Interpreting scripture correctly, John 15:4-5, 2 Corinthians 12:8-10[8:15] Whose responsibility is it to point our kids to the Lord?[11:40] Deuteronomy 6:5-9 and real-life application[16:55] What are you doing to be like Jesus and to consider others?[18:25] Don't worry about what you don't know. Focus on what you do know.Bible Verses:1 Corinthians 10:13John 15:4-52 Corinthians 12:8-10Deuteronomy 6:5-9Ephesians 4:26Philippians 2:4

Join me for part 2 of my honest discussion about the challenges and blessings of being a pastor with Pastor Jeff Lange at Faithbridge Church in Park Rapids, MN. [0:00] Continued...[0:55] Our everyday ministry[2:30] "Reverend" Brown[6:55] How does Jeff balance all that is involved with pastoring a church?[10:30] Pastors need us[11:20] 3 ways for people to interact with, support, and encourage pastors.[15:50] Pastors shouldn't be put on a pedestal. They are people too.[19:10] Summing it all up...Bible Verses:John 15Ephesians 4Acts 6

Join me for part 1 of my honest discussion about the challenges and blessings of being a pastor with Pastor Jeff Lange at Faithbridge Church in Park Rapids, MN. [0:00] Intro[0:30] Jeff Lange's ministerial experience.[1:20] What it's like being a lead pastor now.[3:40] How should we look at a pastor's role?[5:50] What does Jeff think his role is as a pastor?[7:25] What other things does Jeff do to "equip the saints"?[11:05] Jeff's testimony[12:00] Pastor's kids can still be kids[13:40] It's lonely at the top[16:00] Represent Jesus well no matter what your role[18:00] Practice the presence of God and being counter-cultureBible Verses:Ephesians 4:111 Timothy 3Colossians 32 Corinthians 5

I have been doing a lot of events lately and sometimes I wonder...does it matter how many people received the Gospel at any one of those events? Yes, but there's a caveat.[1:30] Thank you for your support https://proclaimministries.com/give[2:35] What we think about God matters.[5:45] Recent events. "God Made Me and You", Shai Linne https://youtu.be/gebBnWfI03I[9:44] Genesis 1:27 memory verse with hand motions for God's creation and design, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."[11:40] What I learned from these events. Does it matter how many kids trusted Christ as their savior?[14:20] What is salvation? Salvation is being rescued from sins penalty, sins power, and the very presence of sin one day. Sin's penalty is death and eternal separation from God in hell. Romans 6:23Romans 6:1-72 Corinthians 5:17Acts 16:31John 1:12[19:00] God is faithful to do His work and we should abide in Him. John 15:1-5https://proclaimministries.com/newsHelping you connect faith and life.

This is Part 2 of Brandon's story of being a bully and choosing to make a change.Watch Part 1 here https://youtu.be/-4-DOh8fnaA[1:00] I have to get this off my chest. Philippians 1Thank you for your support https://proclaimministries.com/give[3:26] The verse of the day: Colossians 3:22-24 "Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."[6:08] Washing dirty tables as an act of worship unto the Lord[9:12] Brandon's testimony continued[9:50] Personal responsibility & identity[15:00] Other teens who are struggling[16:53] "Never underestimate the power of a moment."Learn more about The Choose Well Program https://www.thechoosewellprogram.com

Twelve years ago, Brandon was impacted by an assembly I did through The Choose Well Program. This is Part 1 of his story of being a bully and choosing to make a change. Watch Part 2 here https://youtu.be/c5n_hE0m22g[0:30] The Connecting Faith and Life Podcast is now available on every major podcast platform. Consider supporting Proclaim Ministries https://proclaimministries.com/give[2:08] A Bible app for people who do not like to read the Bible. http://bible.isTeaching at VC Family Church https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlfQxg4v6uXyp2kUdDU89g64PjUkE7_PDBible Resources I Use https://youtu.be/Y3PbYZtaXII[5:50] Philippians 1:1-6 - One of my life verses. God will finish the work He started. 2 Timothy 2:13 Thought of the Day Bible Commentary https://youtu.be/kFM2WzNqEC4 *New* series in Philippians coming soon.[10:50] Part 1 of Brandon's Testimony: A 12-Year Impact[13:11] Brandon's story of being a bully[17:45] What caused Brandon to stop being a bully[22:22] Bad choices don't define you[26:06] The better wayFind out more about The Choose Well Program https://www.thechoosewellprogram.com

Welcome to this episode of Connecting Faith & Life where our goal is to help you connect our faith with our everyday life.   Sometimes I think, “If I had a million dollars, I would be better.” But if I had a million dollars, where would my trust be?  My foundation and trust are in God alone because God is faithful! Instead of worrying, we need to seek God and pray. “Worry about nothing, and pray about everything.”[1:30] Trusting God or Money - Thought Of The Day | Are You Worried? Matthew 6:25-34 Watch This! - https://youtu.be/SxlYnX6BHYI[9:00] God gives us what we need. Proverbs 30:7-9[12:58] Instead of worrying, do this. Philippians 4:4-7[15:00] God is faithful. 2 Timothy 2:13[16:45] Why God? - Thought Of The Day | When God Doesn't Make Sense - https://youtu.be/NVr5gDDhP3UBible Verses from this video:Romans 12:1-2Matthew 6:25-34Matthew 6:33 Proverbs 30:7-9 Philippians 4:4-72 Timothy 2:13Resources:https://www.thechoosewellgroup.comGet Wisdom | 31 Days Through the Book of Proverbs playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlfQxg4v6uXwn9LJeZV7Pz4uLCfK_xVH931 Days of Wisdom: A Journey Through Proverbs playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlfQxg4v6uXwPCqdsZ_VJd5M7KxkxqSa8Proclaim Ministries: https://proclaimministries.com

"Forgive those who hurt you or your hurt may never end." Forgiveness is so important because we receive it from Jesus Christ and we should be giving it to those around us.  Forgiveness is not saying what someone did is "okay."  If someone put a burning brick in your hand, you are not going to hold on to it; you are going to let it go so it doesn't continue to hurt you. Forgiveness works in the same way.  I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to be in proximity to students and be salt and light to them.  It is so important for us as believers to be in proximity to unbelievers. How are they ever going to know the Word of God if believers are not in proximity with them? [1:22] Forgiveness and the Bible account of JosephGenesis 45: 1-8 - Joseph forgives his brothers.Genesis 50:15-21[12:14] I young girl I met who is struggling with unforgiveness[13:47] Drug use and generational sin[15:34] Something To Think About | The Gospel Series https://proclaimministries.com/teaching[16:15] Proximity, being salt and light to unbelievers and The Choose Well ProgramThe Choose Well Program https://www.thechoosewellprogram.comSupport Proclaim Ministries https://proclaimministries.com/giveProclaim Ministries: https://proclaimministries.com

What is the gospel?  How do we share it?  How do people receive it?  The gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ came to die for our sins! As it says in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, “… Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”  The message of the gospel is one that calls for a response.  You either receive Christ or you reject Christ, there is no in-between.  You don't have to pray a special, perfect-worded prayer; it is about trusting in Christ, placing your faith in Him, and accepting the gift of salvation through Christ Jesus.  When someone gives you a gift, when does it actually become yours? When they buy it? When they wrap it? When they present it to you? No, a gift actually becomes yours when you receive the gift.  As it says in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  The message of the gospel is the good news that Christ died for our sins.  His sacrifice made the gift of salvation possible.  1 Corinthians 15:3-4 John 3:16 John 1:12Romans 5:8 Romans 6:23 2 Corinthians 5:21 1 John 3:1Proclaim Ministries: https://proclaimministries.comValley Christian Family: https://vcfamily.org

What is our role as parents? How are we to handle our concerns for our kid's spiritual health? How do we avoid being “Too Controlling?” Parenting is one of the toughest, but most rewarding jobs out there. There is no Step 1, Step 2, Step 3 process to parenting because every kid is uniquely created by God. The decision to follow Christ is a personal decision our kids have to make. However, we can guide them, teach them, and model what living for Christ looks like. As Pastor Travis Osborne says, “We are going to give our kids every reason possible that they will embrace Christ as their Lord, their Savior, and to follow Him.”I believe our job as parents is to Love, Lead, and Launch our kids! Join us as Pastor Travis Osborne and I dig into the discussion of parenting!

As a Christian, is it okay to not always be “okay”? Does every day feel like a battle? Do you think God is ever disappointed? In this episode of Connecting Faith & Life we are going to dive deeper into these questions with the help of our special guest, Pastor Travis Osborne. As believers, we fight a spiritual battle every day, and it is so important to “get your face in the Word of God!” Reading scripture is spiritual food for your soul, just like broccoli is healthy food for your physical body. As we dig into these questions our goal is to help you connect your faith with your everyday life. Proclaim Ministries: https://proclaimministries.comValley Christian Family: https://vcfamily.orgThe Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com

How should we respond to the shooting in Uvalde, Texas? God calls us to pray. To pray for our world, to pray for people to be saved, and to pray for those grieving. The Bible says to “weep with those who weep." (Romans 12:15) My advice would be to stop pointing fingers, pray, and ask God “what is mine to do?” What is it that He wants us to do? 3 main points from this video: 1. It's okay to be sad.2. Ask yourself: "What is mine to do?"3. Keep moving forward (based on a quote from Martin Luther King, Jr.)More Bible verses: John 15:19; John 17:14-16; 1 John 2:15; Romans 12:2; James 1:27Life With the Browns https://www.lifewiththebrowns.com/blog/encouragement-in-the-midst-of-tragedyThe Choose Well Program Video In Response To The Shooting In Uvalde, Texas: https://youtu.be/exvkYta4KBk

John 9 talks about a man who was blind from birth and receives his vision from Jesus. Imagine what it would be like to go your whole life without sight and then receive it all at once. That is what it is like to trust Jesus Christ as your Savior. You were blind in your sin before and you receive sight after you believe. Watch the full episode here https://youtu.be/GekxFYiC5Jc

Is 4 hours a day enough time in the Word of God? Is 20 minutes a day enough time? How much time is enough to spend in the Word of God? Building a foundation of faith comes from reading the Bible, so we should do it daily, period. Watch the full episode here https://youtu.be/GekxFYiC5Jc

How do we expect unbelievers to believe the Bible if they don't have true life? 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 says that only belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior brings life. Ephesians 2:1-10 talks about how we are all dead in sin before we know and recognize Christ. Watch the full episode here https://youtu.be/GekxFYiC5Jc

Does legislation have the power to change people's lives or does the Gospel? Legislation might change some lives, but only the Gospel has the power to change lives forever. We get caught up in the issues of the day and forget that the Gospel message has the power to change people's lives for eternity. Trusting Jesus Christ as your savior transforms you. Our world can't be transformed without Jesus. If you believe in the power of the Gospel, how does that change your approach to racism, justice, gender, or abortion? Tell me about it. 2 Corinthians 4: 1-6; Ephesians 2: 1-10;  John 92;  Corinthians 5: 17;  Romans 1: 16; 2 Corinthians 5: 21

Does God have a Conservative agenda or a Liberal one? Is He Right or Left? Does God pick sides? What are your thoughts? Watch this clip and let me know. Watch the full episode here https://youtu.be/gygaQWT-9Lg

We all need God. We all need a savior. So we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Our mission at Proclaim Ministries is to help people connect faith and life. Whether you believe that Jesus Christ is your savior or not, we want to help you connect your faith to your life and your life to the Creator.Colossians 1: 15-20; Jeremiah 2: 13Colossians 1: 28 “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.”Watch the full episode here https://youtu.be/gygaQWT-9Lg

Is racism our biggest problem? Are politics our biggest problem? I say no. Our biggest problem and biggest sin is that we reject and neglect God in our culture today. Jeremiah 2: 13 tells us the two sins we have committed. Read this verse, watch this clip, and tell me what you think - Is our biggest problem that we reject God?Watch the full episode here https://youtu.be/gygaQWT-9Lg

When presenting the Gospel in our culture today, it is wise to remember that there are real people involved. Yes, we must always speak the truth, but speak it with compassion and respect because all people are made in the image of God. The Gospel is a light in the hot cultural topics we face today and salvation through Jesus Christ is the answer.Watch the full episode here https://youtu.be/gygaQWT-9Lg

We leave people empty when we argue cultural issues without boldly preaching the Gospel. The cancel culture phenomenon may try to stop the truth from being told, but Christians can be bold with the truth of God's Word. God created all. God set the standard for living. Please pray for me and for this podcast and that I can continue to speak boldly and speak the truth. Colossians 4: 3-6; Jeremiah 2: 13Watch the full episode here https://youtu.be/gygaQWT-9Lg

What does it mean to walk in wisdom? As Christians, it means being led by the Holy Spirit in all that we do and say. It means seasoning our words with salt - using our words in ways that others will be willing to listen. It is being gracious toward people who don't understand what we do. Bringing the truth to people requires compassion, not beating them with our words.Watch the full episode here https://youtu.be/gygaQWT-9Lg

It's easy to point fingers at other people - to point out what we see them doing wrong. But if we are so busy pointing out other people's faults, are we pointing people to what is truly needed - salvation through Jesus Christ? Let's work on submitting to God's Kingdom and not on whether we are on the Left or the Right.Watch the full episode here https://youtu.be/gygaQWT-9Lg

URGENT prayer request! There are a lot of narratives in our culture. I think God has the best narrative out there. I want to engage the culture where it is.[2:55] The verse that Proclaim Ministries is based on and the two-fold focus of Proclaim Ministries: Proclaim Ministries is based on Colossians 1:28 “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” We want to proclaim Jesus Christ. We want to help believers connect their faith and their life. Helping those who don't have faith. We want to present the Gospel to everyone. [6:00] The two evils we have all committed. Jeremiah 2:13 - Rejecting God and the world He created.[9:28] The URGENT prayer request in 6 parts (2 Timothy 3: 1-5; Colossians 4: 3-6): 1. Pray that I present the Gospel clearly and unapologetically.2. Pray that I walk in wisdom toward outsiders.3. Pray that I would be gracious and my words seasoned with salt.4. Pray for my opportunities.5. Pray that I would be able to engage in these cultural topics.6. Pray that I would speak the truth in love. [25:50] Proclaim Ministries resources: the app at https://proclaimministries.com/app; Give to Proclaim Ministries at https://proclaimministries.com/give; subscribe to our YouTube channel http://youtube.com/proclaimministries Peace!