A discussion and interview style show hosted by Steve Bremner, blogger, author, and missionary to Peru. Join Steve as he interviews authors and other interesting people. Sometimes funny, sometimes serious, but always worthwhile. Guests have included authors such as: Dr. Michael L. Brown, S.J. Hil…
Sorry to those of you who've been patiently waiting for me to come back to the podcast. Time has just kind of slipped away from me, and I didn't realize how long it's been since the last episode was published live. I plan on coming back to it, but the hiatus is "indefinite" for the time being for reasons I share in this half episode before getting into a selected chapter from a recent audiobook, Divine Healing Made Simple I narrated for Praying Medic. Contact me if you'd like to receive a free promo code to listen to it on Audible. Here is the link to my Buy Me A Coffee link if you'd like to cover my editing and hosting expenses for this podcast so I can move forward again with it outsource some things to speed up the production process for new episodes. Blessings and fire on your head. Audible UK link for the book: Divine Healing Made Simple
I tackle a couple of world events. I say a “couple”, though it’s true, but I spend more time disproportionately focused on the situation of John Allen Chau, the missionary who was killed by The Sentinelese tribe on the North Sentinel Island off the coast of India. I felt like I needed to say something and offer my perspective, hoping that my slant is unique not just because I’m also a missionary — plenty of missionaries are chiming in on social media. Not just because I have a platform to do so, and not just because I have any opinions. But I feel like this is one of those gray areas and the rightness or foolishness of his actions which led to him being killed are not as black and white as people taking sides about this would insist it is. I respect and agree with my brothers and sisters in Christ who feel Chau counted the cost and will receive a martyr’s reward, while I ALSO have reservations and feelings that the perspective he went about this the way he did was also a bit misguided. But after that I have difficult with the oversimplifying of this that people on both sides are doing. Since the topic is multi-faceted, I decided to turn on the mic and share my thoughts verbally, for those of you who would want them, so there’s less confusion about what I’m saying if you can hear me out instead of just reading me out. And hopefully not adding to the noise. I’ve also thought of many other things I could have said and thoughts I could have included in this recording that I didn’t, but there are a lot of misconceptions about what a missionary is as it is that perhaps I’ll explore in another episode or find a suitable guest to have a discussion with about these things. But suffice it to say, I hope you get some value out of these thoughts today. Blessings to you! My Relevant Blog Links: Missionary or Glorified Tourist? When Mission Isn't Sexy Do You Know What Your Missionaries Are Actually Doing? Things Your Missionary Will Never Tell You External Links: John Chau, Missions, and Fools - Ed Stetzer, Christianity Today John Allen Chau: Do missionaries help or harm? - By Toby Luckhurst BBC News
I got to be interviewed by Ryan J. Rhoades, founder of Reformation Designs this past weekend. He does a weekly FB live interview series on the subject of branding. We talked about writing and publishing books, of course. This is the raw file, unedited, so there were a few glitches, and you hear me say um and uh a lot more than normal as a result. We covered a lot, but if you’re ready to soak in some information like a sponge or writing a book is something you’ve been wanting to do then this video should help get you off to a good start. Ryan and I have been in conversation for some time now and we’ve finally joined forces and are providing a comprehensive package for authors and writers wanting to create an excellent, professional and high quality book. Ryan will be doing all the visual branding (covers, social media images, website artwork if needed, etc…) for our authors, while I’ll continue coaching writers and helping craft their content. If you’re not an author yourself but know someone who could use our help, we offer a 5% referral fee. If you refer someone to us and they become a paying client of ours, we’ll award you 5% of what we earn on that project. Creating a book is a huge endevor, and since we value and appreciate that someone is coming to us and trusting us with bringing their “baby” into the world, we want to thank you for recommending us to them with a paid referral. If you would like to work with us on your book, or need help creating it, get in touch and book a call with me below and we’ll see if we’d make a good team together. After booking you will be re-directed to an application form which will help us know more about your project before the call. My booking calendar: http://meetme.so/SteveBremner Also check out Ryan's new podcast, The Creative Revolution Podcast
Derek Snook, self-described son of a Baptist minister and entrepeneur joins me to discuss his recent book, The Definition of Success: What Living Homeless Can Teach You. He tells me what was intended as a one-night experiment lasted a year, and years later he has decided to publish a book about how this experience had an impact on him and what he learned from it, including a well-paying temp agency he started and recently sold. Definitely a different take on "loving your neighbor as yourself" if I ever heard one! A few interesting points that came up in our discussion: While Derek could have quit this experiment at any given momenty and gone back home, most homeless and less fortunate don't have that option How living in bubbles in our culture is destructive to indviduals and groups, including the toll isolation is taking on mental health in general The intriguing way a city's layout is actually important to society What can we do to erase the barrier between wealthy and poor churches, as well as the racial divide, even in the church, between black and white congregations Relevant Links: Derek's website at dereksnook.net Follow Derek on Instagram. Get a copy of his book from Amazon. Check out Derek's 2015 TedX talk at this link: https://youtu.be/haoTlVcg0PE
Dr. Brian Simmons, lead translator for The Passion Translation of the Bible joins me this week for an insightful interview and discussion. In this episode we cover: How he handles peoples' criticism that he's a "lone ranger" translating the Bible; and how he learns to listen to critics in case God is speaking to him through them Epiphanies he had while discovering the appropriate words in the text while translating the Bible into a tribal dialect as a missionary How his translation work has helped him see a few popular Bible passages we've been misunderstanding in English We also discuss our mutual favorite book of the book, Song of Songs I also ask Brian if Jesus spoke in tongues (a question I've been asked since releasing my book on Lies People Believe About Speaking in Tongues. The importance of translating meanings not just words And much more... Relevant Links and Books Mentioned in Today's Show: What's God Really Like? by SJ Hill, audiobook narrated by yours truly. The Passion Translation dot com - The TPT's official website Passion Movement dot com. - Support the Work of this Translation Stairway Ministries - Ministry website of Brian and Candice Simmons Brian Simmons on Audible.
Here's an 18-minute clip from the audiobook version of What's God Really Like? Unique Insights into His Fascinating Personality. Get the full audiobook at https://www.stevebremner.com/sjbook or on Amazon at this link. Enjoy!
Florida State Representative Kimberly Daniels and pastor of Spoken Word Ministries church in North and South Florida joins us this week to discuss her brand new book Breaking the Power of Familiar Spirits: How to Deal with Demonic Conspiracies from Charisma House. We discuss: Her background including before she came to Christ and was bound by drugs How she got into politics, first as a council member in Jacksonville, FL and then as a member of the Florida House of Representatives How one can have soul ties not just to other people, but also to ministries and places Strategies of the enemy to attempt to cause you to not fulfill your calling The balance in her life as a pastor and a public servant Witchcraft, fetishism, and cursed objects that can bring trouble into our homes. This was a very fascinating conversation, and I hope you enjoy it (which I believe you will). Get Kim's book on Amazon. Check out her Facebook page at State Representative Kimberly Daniels. Check out her ministry website at KimberlyDaniels.net.
I recorded an impromptu episode a couple of nights ago, rather spontaneously and share some of my thoughts and things I've recently learned about the Day of Pentecost. If you're a Bible detail geek like me, you'll be just as fascinated to reflect on the times and seasons of the Lord and patterns in Scripture. Such as the things we glean about Pentecost by looking at just what the people of God were celebrating in the first place on that day when Jews from all around the world had gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Harvest or the Feast of Weeks. This week's episode is a shorty but goodie. Hope you are uplifted and edified by it.
Dr. Michael L. Brown joins me again, this time to talk about his newest book, Playing With Holy Fire. It was a privilege and an honor to have him back on the show again. We discuss some of the excesses and abuses that plague the charismatic movement and Pentecostal church, as well as other aspects of the abuse of funds and "fame" of some preachers, all in a gracious tone, without calling anybody out by name. For those of you listening and you have no idea who he is, he’s got a lot of other books and sermons he’s given about various topics, like revival in America, personal holiness, Jewish apologetics, the culture wars, to name a few. He’s also a national radio show host his show is called The Line of Fire. He was one of the leaders of The Brownsville Revival, which birthed the FIRE School of Ministry that I went to in my early twenties. Books Mentioned Today: Playing With Holy Fire: A Wake-Up Call to the Pentecostal-Charismatic Church Authentic Fire: A Response to John MacArthur's Strange Fire Whatever Happened to the Power of God? & It's Time to Rock the Boat Relevant Links: Ask Dr. Brown The Line of Fire Radio Charisma Town Hall Ask Dr. Brown YouTube Channel
We talk about seeing in the spiritual realm in this episode of the podcast with Blake Healy, author of The Veil. Ministry has been a foundational part of Blake’s life from the very beginning. He grew up as a missionary kid, living throughout different parts of Western Europe. He got involved in the prophetic ministry at the age of twelve and started serving on prophetic teams when he was thirteen. He began teaching about the prophetic at fifteen. He now travels around the world teaching about the prophetic and seeing in the spirit. Since moving to Atlanta with his wife April, Blake has been serving in the Bethel Atlanta School of Supernatural Ministry and is now the Director of Bethel Atlanta’s School of Supernatural Ministry and oversees the Prophetic Ministry at the church. Links: Check out Blake's book, The Veil on Amazon, and his website BlakeHealy.com
Check out this sample from the first chapter of the new audiobook, One Bloody Road: The Glorious Way of Discipleship by J.G. Garrett. In this episode we'll be hearing a selection from the beginning of Chapter 1: Via Dolorosa. The Book's Description on Amazon: For one singular purpose Jesus of Nazareth came into this world: to destroy the work of darkness and reconcile God's children of creation to Himself. Jesus came that we would have life, and life in perfect union with Him just as He shares with the Father and the Spirit. The bloody cross was the crucible through which this glorious reunion was consecrated, and the crucible through which Christ has called us into the divine family. Through the cross we share His blood and through Christ's blood we share the DNA of heaven. But we must walk the walk. This book is a call to the one road of true discipleship - the road walked by the first disciples and the early church. The road largely avoided and forgotten in today's discipleship plans and programs. One Bloody Road is a call back to the glorious way of discipleship on which Christ himself is found. It is the road by which we can live forever in the fullness of God's eternal family and on which we can see heaven manifest in this world. This road to eternal life, paved with Jesus's own pain and glory, starts wherever and whenever you will lay your life down for Him. ------------ If you're not already an Audible member, sign up today at www.audibletrial.com/fireonyourhead, and with your 30-day free trial you can use the credit you'll receive toward this book and listen risk-free. Get the book in any version on Amazon.
We misunderstand the difference between the God who is presented in the Old Testament and the seemingly contradictory one we see in the New Testament. Today's guest tells us that there are aspects of God's personality we haven't even begun to tap into! How often do you think of God's artistry, creativity and ... humility. Wait, God is humble? Yes, he's the epitome of humility! Join me this week as I finally talk again with S.J. Hill for the first time on the podcast in nearly 5 years and he shares why! Things that came up (sorta in this order): The Jewish approach to Scriptures at the time We're to begin with Jesus as our template, not Moses The significance of it being Moses & Elijah who appeared with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration Authors of the Scriptures and how they were inspired and not dictated to, leading to imagery and wording unique to many of their personalities What is God's wrath? Is he actively attacking and punishing those he's disappointed with, or allowing them to have their own way (ie. sowing and reaping) and experience the consequences? Penal substitutionary atonement -- OK we didn't use that phrase exactly, but we do discuss whether Jesus really saved us FROM the Father's anger How can I open up to God if I think he's always angry with me? And I think one of my favorite parts of today's podcast was the part where we discuss HUMOR in the New Testament, particularly the parables of Jesus. Books mentioned in today's show: Enjoying God What's God Really Like? Fascinating Insights Into His Unique Personality by SJ Hill Between Heaven and Mirth: Why Joy, Humor, and Laughter Are at the Heart of the Spiritual Life by James Martin Relevant Links: SJ Hill Online website SJ's articles on GodTV Audibletrial.com/FireOnYourHead
Ever wonder what causes some people who've lost a limb to feel phantom pains as though they still had that limb? Or what makes some people want to cut off their own leg? Ever wonder how a really handsome guy or a stunningly beautiful woman could have horribly low self-esteem and believe themselves to be ugly? I'll give you a common denominator: it's all in the mind. This week I discuss a few of these things as they relate to our inner man coming through and having more influence over our natural man in this realm. If stress and worrying can have detrimental effects on our physical health, can't positive imaging and faith not in turn have the opposite? Relevant text this week: Luke 16:19-31 Proverbs 4:20-23 Books mentioned in this episode: Psycho-cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz Mastery by Robert Greene
Lovesick: the latest audiobook I was privileged to narrate for Eric Gilmour. This makes my fourth one, and I’m not saying this just to promote it, but it’s hands down my favorite of his so far — and I’ve read all of them but one. I don’t know whether it’s because of the content, or the fact that every time I record an audiobook for Eric I feel the presence of God strongly in my recording studio, and I just simply get edified a tremendous amount. Or whether it’s the use of a few key verses from the Song of Solomon — my favorite book of the Bible — that he uses to frame his chapters. But it’s a great book, whether you read it or listen to the audiobook, which Eric has made available ahead of the print or digital versions. He’s released it on his YouTube Channel, which you can listen to below or open in a new tab or browser so you can listen and not be stuck on this page. Update: The book is now available in paperback and hardcover format. About Eric: Eric William Gilmour is the founder of Sonship International – a ministry seeking to bring the church into a deeper experience of God’s presence in their daily lives. Eric is a speaker and author who enjoys sharing on the revelation of Jesus Christ in the Scriptures and personal experience of God. Get a credit to use towards a free audiobook when you start a 30-day audible trial membership by signing up at this link: audibletrial.com/fireonyourhead.
Updating a bit on where I've been for the last several months and why I've not been podcasting. If there's one keyword you take away from my intro and build up to the sample chapter, it's the word NORMALISATION. The second half of the episode is from the audiobook Seeing in the Spirit Made Simple, by Praying Medic. The chapter is called Seeing in the Spirit: Gift or Ability?. Description of the Book Can Anyone see in the Spirit? Seeing in the Spirit Made Simple provides clear, simple, biblical instruction that will help you see the invisible world of the spirit. It is the second book in The Kingdom of God Made Simple series; a self-study course designed to train believers how to live out the fullness of the life offered to us as heirs of God's kingdom. The predominant view in the church today holds that seeing in the spirit is a rare gift given to only a few special people or an anointing we must seek. With the same straightforward, down-to-earth style used in Divine Healing Made Simple, the author holds this view up to the light of scripture and suggests that it has no biblical basis. Rather than being a gift given by God to only a few people, seeing in the spirit is an innate ability we all possess, which lies undeveloped in most of us. Through prayer, training, and exercise, this ability can be awakened and used by virtually anyone. The author provides Bible-based teaching along with dozens of testimonies and illustrations. There are also practical exercises at the end of the chapters to help develop your ability to see in the spirit. Praying Medic and his wife have only recently learned how to see in the spirit. Come along as they re-trace the path they've taken that has led them to see angels, demons, and the heavenly realms. Whether you're a seasoned seer or a newbie, you'll learn from the experiences and insights they share. Not only will you develop better spiritual eyesight, but your relationship with God will grow too. Here's a Preview of What You'll Learn: Misconceptions and Myths About Seeing in the Spirit The Biblical Basis for Seeing in the Spirit The Nature of the Spiritual World Angelic Appearances The Word of Knowledge Working Creative Miracles Visiting the Heavenly Realms Get the audiobook here. Get a credit to use towards a free audiobook when you start a 30-day audible trial membership by signing up at this link: audibletrial.com/fireonyourhead. Got a book in you and want to hire me as your writing coach? Or just need help taking your manuscript to market? Book a call with me: Meetme.so/SteveBremner
Just a quick FB Live I did a few weeks ago but hadn't had the time to edit into an audio podcast. I share some quick insights regarding paying the price, whatever that may be for us individually, when we have a vision or an image we can latch on to. The writer of Hebrews says of Jesus "...for the joy set before him, endured the cross." I contrast this with looking at the behavior and actions of the man who found the treasure in a field and immediately went and sold all he had so he could buy the field he found it in. In other unrelated news, I've been lacking in the podcast updates lately while I focus on my new business and strategy for staying funded on the mission field. Need help bringing your book into existence & launching it? Let's talk: http://meetme.so/SteveBremner.
Sorry for the poor sound quality for this episode. I tried doing my first Facebook Live podcast the other night, and this is the audio from the video. I cleaned it up as best as I could but it's not as crisp and clean sounding as normal. Anyway, I share a funny or confusing testimony about having had my wallet stolen, and then some thoughts on 2 Samuel 7:3-16 when God spoke to David about why he would not be the one to build Him a temple. Enjoy!
This week after a long hiatus from doing interviews, we welcome back on the podcast Carlos Rodriguez. This time it was over Skype as he was back in Raleigh, North Carolina and I’m here in Peru (I still thank God for technology!). You may recall he’s the author of the wildly popular Happy Sonship blog, and he’s got a new book coming out with Whitacker House called Drop The Stones: When Love Reaches the Unlovable. Things we talked about: Being fans of Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul and his own time of breaking bad and stepping down from ministry Inspiration for the book and how it came about since the last time we interviewed him in the Spring of last year We then get talking around the text that his book is based on, John 8 where the woman was caught in adultery and Jesus handled the situation beautifully when the religious leaders threw her at his feet and demanded he obey the law and stone her or see to it that she was stoned. We ponder and discuss how there’s power in Jesus’ words “go and sin no more” because he first said to her “neither do I condemn you”. It seems there’s camps of people in the Body of Christ who emphasize one aspect of Jesus’ words to her while neglecting the other. Don't forget to check out our crowdfunding campaign at YouCaring.com/EmilyBremner as we could still use your help with our upcoming medical expenses!
Nine Lies People Believe About Speaking in Tongues is finally available in audiobook format. Discover the Biblical Truth about the controversial gift of speaking in tongues Have you ever been told that speaking in tongues is “not for today?’ Maybe you’ve heard people speak in tongues... and it seemed weird. You thought to yourself, “This is too strange to be God!” Or, maybe you believe that people can still speak in tongues today... but it’s not for everybody. Whether you’re skeptical or intrigued, whether you speak in tongues or don’t, this book is for you! In Nine Lies People Believe About Speaking in Tongues, I biblically confront myths about speaking in tongues head-on and answer some of the most common questions about this controversial spiritual gift. But wait -- there’s more! If you email me proof of purcahse (ie digital receipt), I'll send you 7 bonus mp3s from Brian Parkman, mentor of mine and co-writer of two of the chapters. These files he’s given me permission to give away are teachings he offered in recent years on the following: 2 classes of The More Excellent Way (see 1 Corinthians 13) 5 classes of Practicing and Imparting Spirit Baptism Each class on average is between 60-75 minutes long, making this upwards of 7 hours of bonus content, and perfect for those of you wanting to understand the dynamics of the various types of the gift of speaking in tongues. You’ll also learn to minister the baptism to other people and help them understand it better, along with other really cool stuff that has personally had a big impact on me and my relationship with the Holy Spirit. All of this for only $14.95 (or $9.95 if you're already an AudibleListener) and if you read to the end I’ll tell you how to get it free! Sound good? OK, here’s how you get it! If you purchase the audiobook from Audible and forward me your receipt or your order confirmation — anything digital or scanned proving you legitimately got the audiobook — to fireonyourhead (AT) stevebremner (DOT) com, I’ll send you a link with all the bonus downloads. If you’re not yet a member of Audible, you can get the audiobook for $14.95, or $9.95. You don’t have to be a member of the US store, and you can buy it in your territory (e.g the U.K. Australia, or even on Amazon, iTunes, etc… ) to take advantage of this offer and get the bonuses, but in the US territory you can get it free with a 30 day trial membership. If you join Audible's 30 day trial, you'll be given a credit that can be used toward the book allowing you to get it for free. You can forward me your order confirmation even if you didn't pay for the book but just used the free credit you got with your 30 day free trial. Sign up at AudibleTrial.com/FireOnYourHead That Audible membership will be a handy time saver for all of the things you want to learn, although you can cancel your membership when your 30 days are up and still keep the audiobook long after. If you are not a member of Audible and for whatever reason, unable to join, you can purchase it directly from my store and automatically get the bonus mp3s upon successful payment and not need to forward me anything. Rules/Terms/Conditions/The Fine Print/Things You Should Know I will be answering the email once every 24 hours every day for the duration of this promotion. Please be patient if you don't hear from me immediately. All my links in this page are affiliate codes, meaning I may get a commission if you click on them and make your purchase through them. However, my links are all to Audible's US store. This doesn't mean you need to make your purchase in the US territory but can get it from any of Audible's stores. Prices presented to you by Audible may be different from listener to listener, based on various things such as whether you're already an AudibleListener or a new one You CAN purchase the book on Amazon or iTunes and forward me that receipt. However, you will only be able to start a 30 day trial (and obtain the audiobook free) on Audible.
This week our episode centers around a sample chapter from my new audiobook for Nine Lies People Believe About Speaking in Tongues which is finally available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. Links mentioned in the show: One Bloody Road: The Glorious Way of Discipleship by John Garrett -- this is the book I'm currently doing the narration for, and until Mar 3rd you can get the Kindle version for only 99 cents! How to Get Audible's Audio Books for Less than $5 each Book Description for Nine Lies: Discover the Biblical truth about the controversial gift of speaking in tongues! Have you ever been told that speaking in tongues is "not for today?" Maybe you've heard people speak in tongues...and it seemed weird. You thought to yourself, "This is too strange to be God!" Or, maybe you believe that people can still speak in tongues today...but it's not for everybody. Whether you're skeptical or intrigued, whether you speak in tongues or don't, this book is for you! In Nine Lies People Believe About Speaking in Tongues, Steve Bremner biblically confronts myths about speaking in tongues head-on and answers some of the most common questions about this controversial spiritual gift. You'll get answers to questions like: Do I get baptized in the Holy Spirit at salvation...or is that another experience? Is tongues only for Charismatics and Pentecostals? Am I able to speak in tongues without an interpreter? Can I speak in tongues whenever I want? Discover for yourself what it means to speak in tongues and step into a whole new level of personal encounter with the Holy Spirit! Don't have a membership with Audible yet? Join here at audibletrial.com/fireonyourhead and start a 30-day trial and get a FREE credit to use for purchase of any audiobook of your choice. Update:
Sorry for the long delay in new episodes. Been busy recording audiobooks which takes quite a bit of my time, but provides some $ to stay on the mission field and not be in overdraft, which I have to admit, I really kinda like. In the meantime, you can get my recently narrated book by Eric Gilmour called Enjoying the Gospel for dirt cheap, while I also work on another one of his. I'm super excited to be involved in this aspect of content creation of some really anointed books by some neat men of God doing great things for the Kingdom in the earth today. Which leads to today's episode. This week it's a short episode as we dive into a free sample from Eric Gilmour book, Enjoying The Gospel. Description of the Book: The gospel is the offering of God's presence to men. It is the invitation into a life of experiencing God. The inspiration of our lives must be our past experiences of him; our satisfaction must be our present experience of him; our hunger is for our future experiences of him. I would much rather touch him than attempt to define him. I would rather move him than seek to simply understand him. I would rather know him than merely perform his works. Are you with me? Let us live our lives enjoying this glorious gospel! Get the full audiobook here. Get a credit to use towards a free audiobook when you start a 30-day audible trial membership by signing up at this link: audibletrial.com/fireonyourhead.
You may have noticed I’ve been posting fewer podcast episodes in recent months as well. I haven’t gone anywhere, but I have added a new habit to my lifestyle that in some ways has interfered with the time in my routine I used to have for writing and recording. I’ve been going to the gym. For the first time in my adult life, I have a gym membership, and I have lost almost 26 lbs since July 2nd. I’ve also likened speaking in tongues to a workout for your inner man the same way hitting the gym, using weights and cardio machines are a workout for your physical body. Today's podcast is half stream-of-consciousness and half re-iterating thoughts from my blog post about this from a few weeks ago that seemed to really resonate with people and encourage people to pray in tongues more. Enjoy!
We have an exciting opportunity to translate our book Nine Lies People Believe About Speaking in Tongues into Spanish so we can distribute it in Peru where we serve as missionaries. We can’t do this without your help. The cost will be spread over the following stages of the process: The translation of our book 9 Lies People Believe About Speaking in Tongues into Spanish, and two other books of mine if we exceed our minimum budget. Hiring an editor for the Spanish translation(s) upon completion. Artwork and typesetting of the book(s). Printing copies locally (here in Peru where we live). In order to get a discounted rate, we will need to print a certain minimum number of copies. Please click on the link below for a detailed breakdown of costs and our goal. Link http://stevebremner.com/shop/crowdfunding/help-us-translate-our-book/ Other reasons we need your help: The majority of the people we minister with and who we disciple in Peru don’t read or speak English, so it’s in our best interest to give books like this to them in their own language. The opportunity for you to partner with us in this and be involved in the process of getting this into the hands of Peruvians in both the suburbs and shanty towns, as well as the jungles we minister in, and the high lands. We’ve found over the years as we’ve minister with regular support and special donations, that those who give also pray for the success of what they’re sowing their hard-earned money into. We believe God gave us this particular book to remove the obstacles in many people’s way so that they could walk in the Spirit and exercise this particular gift, and as such, we know you won’t just be financing this, but joining us in prayer for its success and fruitfulness. Enjoy today's show which also includes ministry updates and some testimonies. -Steve
This is the second half of the discussion I recorded with Dave Edwards a few months ago. We discussed preterism and futurism, which basically are diametrically opposed worldviews when it comes to end-times theology, and how each one shapes your outlook in obvious ways. I explain in the introduction why it took so long for this episode to get published, as well as update a bit on things. Check out Jonathan Welton's book Raptureless on Amazon, or read the first edition free on his website here. Enjoy!
This week I talk with fellow author Michael King, author of the books Gemstones From Heaven, Feathers From Heaven, and The Gamer's Guide to the Kingdom of God. As you can probably guess, we talked about the subject matter of those first two books, and it was a very enlightening conversation. Topics covered: What is the purpose of gemstones? How does he answer critics and skeptics Job and his friends Divine healing signs and wonders in general God doing things outside of our box, or things God does that we don't know "the full picture" of Be sure to check out Michael's books as well as his website at The Kings of Eden.
Greetings friends, This week no episode of my podcast again this week while I edit the latest interview with another fellow author named Michael King. But in the meantime, here's the second of two parts I did on The Warrior's Cry Podcast, which I mentioned recently I had recorded. James decided to split the interview in two and this week we discussed "the dones" and further and discuss Unity in the Body of Christ Head on over to iTunes or your favorite podcatcher to listen to the show, and if you like what James is doing, make sure to subscribe. Enjoy!
Greetings friends, This week no episode of my podcast, but here's the first of two parts I did on The Warrior's Cry Podcast, which I mentioned recently I had recorded. James decided to split the interview in two and this week we discussed a bit of what I'm doing in Peru as well as unity among believers in both ministry and in our lives. Head on over to iTunes or your favorite podcatcher to listen to the show, and if you like what James is doing, make sure to subscribe. Enjoy!
I recorded this episode about 6 weeks ago and never got around to editing it and publishing it online. I shared from an article of Kris Vallatton's called 6 Reasons to Write and spent the second half of the show giving my personal Kindle and Audio book recommendations in relation to leaving your safety net and taking the leap, albeit my point of reference is obviously related to writing, but I am positive you will get stuff out of today's show with other entrepreneurial ideas or dreams you are sitting on. Links of Kris Vallatton's that I mentioned helped kicked my writing and vision for this podcast into high gear back in 2010: Writing With the End in View Writing For a Legacy My personal Recommendations all links are to the audiobook version, as I listened to them that way and recommend it: Todd Henry Picks Die Empty: Unleash Your Best Work Every Day Louder Than Words: Harness the Power of Your Authentic Voice The Accidental Creative: How To Be Brilliant at a Moment's Notice You Are a Writer (So Start Acting Like One) by Jeff Goins Stephen King’s Writing Memoir (I read the Kindle version of this) Seth Godin picks: Poke the Box The Icarus Deception, & The Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris (I read the Kindle version as opposed to listening to the audio version) Quitter by Jon Acuff Join Audible for 30 days and get one free audiobook of your choice. Link: Audibletrial.com/Fireonyourhead Scrivener Unleashed As mentioned in this week's show, My friend David Lee Martin has prepared a course called Scrivener Unleashed where he offers some of the only teaching out there I’m aware of that focuses on both the Windows version and not just the Mac version of Scrivener. Normally you can find one or the other. The cost of this training is $97, and contains comprehensive over your shoulder videos, but listeners of the podcast can get a 50% discount when you enter the coupon code fireonyourhead at checkout.
Hey guys, Sorry for the delay in new episodes. Recently I got a chance to catch up with David Edwards, as we're trying to post episodes together than more than once per year. This week I had not done a good job double checking that my Electro Voice mic was the input source for our skype call, so the result is crap quality sound, but stellar quality revelation Dave shares with us and testimonies that seem to keep involving wind of the Holy Spirit. Listen and be encouraged! Also, don't forget to check out the new podcast I'm a part of called Warriors on the Wall with James Edwards, Travis Brown and Lawrence DeBold where we discuss current events every two weeks from a various Christian perspectives.
Hey guys, I know I've been slow to publish a new episode of the Fire On Your Head podcast in like 2 months, and also I haven't posted any new blog posts in a while. In the meantime, I'm excited to announce a new podcast I'm a part of called Warriors on the Wall. It's with three other guys named James Edwards, Travis Brown, and Lawrence DeBold, as well as a guest and we discuss current events from our various perspectives. I'm the token Canadian. It's a lot different than Fire On Your Head, or at least in terms of topics and format that my podcast stays away from. The first episode is now up and I had a lot of fun! Link: http://www.thewarriorscry.com/warriorsonthewall/ You can find the show in your favorite podcatcher (iTunes, Stitcher, Podcast Addict, etc....) For clarification's sake, this is show I'll be a part of as well as this podcast, and not instead of. On the first episode of The Warriors on the Wall we discuss the horror of religious fanaticism by muslims worldwide, and the murder of homosexuals by a muslim extremist in Orlando. We dive into a discussion about Black Lives Matter, Blue Lives Matter, and All Lives Matter. Then we talk about Pokemon. It doesn't all relate but we tried to make this inaugural podcast the most interesting and varied that we possibly could. Enjoy, and Blessings and fire on your heads!
Hey friends, Sorry for the delay in posting a new episode. As I share in the beginning, I've been really struggling with allergy flare-ups since it's incredibly humid down here in the part of Peru where we live. This week I shared some thoughts and reflections on why we crave religious institutions and why is it so easy for human beings to desire someone else to do our spirituality for us while we sit back and become spectators. We don’t usually think of Moses with “goodness” and grace. Yet, the Apostle Paul compared this as inferior to the glory we get to know in the face of Christ under a new covenant! What happened? “Aaron and all the people of Israel saw Moses, and behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him.” (Ex 34:30) Not only were they afraid, but Moses had to wear a veil over his face whenever he was not speaking with God (vv 33-35) This is one thing we see in humankind over and over again. Like the first time Moses ascended the mountain, the very people God wanted to come inhabit and have relationship with wanted to keep God at arm’s length and obey rules and a command without yet knowing what they would be. These are some of the things I dive into today as I reflect on how God wants to inhabit us, dwell among us and have relationship with us directly and not through our leaders or any other intermediary. Links: Why You Haven't Found An Organic Church Yet - My Response to a Recent Post by Frank Viola Why We Crave Religious Institutions... and Why I'm Not Leading Churches for a While Longer - Rob Wilkerson Thoughts on Why We Crave Religious Institutions Face to Face: No Need For Media Books: What On Earth Is Glory? A Practical Approach to a Glory-Filled Life by Paul Manwaring
After spending the better part of the weekend in bed sick over the weekend, I got myself up on Monday to try kicking this cold that I've been fighting and recorded some of my thoughts into my microphone. I get a little preachy. But it's also with trepidation that I share these thoughts because I'm not trying to just be a critical armchair critic. There are two main points I cover today: 1) I share quotes from an eyewitness of the Azusa Street Revival who talks of how it was totally spontaneous and everybody contributing -- kinda like the stuff we've been discussing on the podcast about house churches and organic churches. 2) Then I get into full-on "preach mode" and spend time in the whole paragraph of 2 Chronicles 7 that the infamous prayer meeting verse comes from. After listening to this through for a full edit, I realize there's a lot left to be said and that I've left out, but I guess we'll just have to get back to that later, eh? I don't dog the importance of gathering together to pray, but simply remind you what we need is to go do it and get out of the upper room, not just gather in it all the time in order to receive (which if you remember me saying, also has its place.) Please listen with an open heart. Remember, I'm more FOR these types of things than "against" them, but I just think what I share today is worth considering. Relevant links by Dr. Stephen R Crosby, a regular guest on the podcast: Revising Revival Part 1: 2 Chronicles 7:14 in context Revising Revival Part 2: There's no "If You" in the New Covenant Revising Revival Part 3: The futility of 2 Chronicles 7:14 & An Open Letter to Revival - by Carlos A. Rodriguez
This week Carlos Rodriguez was visiting our ministry, Oikos, here in Peru and I was able to twist his arm and sit down with me for a podcast interview/discussion. This is a real bonus for me as I got to do it in person instead of over the internet. Carlos is one of the pastors of Catch the Fire - Raleigh, in North Carolina. We discussed the Brownsville Revival and the Toronto Blessing, and the similarities and differences both in those movements and in our personal lives, as we apparently are both the same age and attended those schools of ministry while the other did also. We also discussed "happy sonship" and his blog, as well as his trip(s) to Peru Enjoy! Books Mentioned in this episode: Experiencing the Father’s Embrace & Spiritual Slavery To Spiritual Sonship both by Jack Frost Designed For Inheritance: A Discovery of Sonship by Carlos Rodriguez Nine Lies People Believe About Speaking in Tongues by moi. Don't forget to check out Carlos's site at HappySonship.com
Today’s episode was a long time coming, as it had been on my mind to invite today's guest on the show for quite a while, but I never went for it until a few months ago. If you are a subscriber to the podcast or a long-time listener of this show, then you have heard me refer to him on many occasions, sometimes as a point of reference when talking about certain things like hyper-grace or revival. Today's guest Dr. Michael L. Brown is host of the nationally syndicated talk radio show The Line of Fire, author of a bazillion books, such as Authentic Fire, Hyper-Grace, and the five volume series Answering Jewish Objections to Jesus, among many others. He was also one of the leaders of the Brownsville Revival, which birthed the FIRE School of Ministry that several other guests of the podcast went to or graduated from or taught at. As of late, Dr. Brown is also a columnist for Charisma magazine and Town Hall. In today’s episode I asked him: How he got started in writing. How he determines what he’s going to do with inspired content What lifestyle habits does he have in his life so as to keep fostering the habit of writing. His tools of choice for writing Traditional publishing vs. self-publishing, since he has done both. Why doesn’t he do any audiobooks (yet) Does he still have to submit manuscripts, or do publishers come to him begging him to write a book? The number one way to promote a book. Building Your Platform & ethical self-promotion. How many books he keeps on his computer at any given moment that eventually will become books. And more... We close out the rest of the episode after that sharing listener feedback in response to last week’s episode with Matthew Robert Payne on charging for personal prophecies through his website. Links: Ask Dr. Brown The Line of Fire Radio Charisma Magazine Town Hall Ask Dr. Brown YouTube Channel
This week I’m privileged to have on the show my mate from down under Matthew Robert Payne. We spent nearly two hours talking about writing books on the kingdom of God, but specifically the prophetic. Early on we wound up opening a can of worms and discussing whether it’s ethical to pay someone for personal prophecy, or a better way of putting it: is it wrong to charge for prophetic ministry? We spent a while talking about this before moving on to discussing honoring leaders and mixing prophecy with national elections, as well as some of Matthew’s angelic encounters. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed! Check out Matthew's Amazon book page. Don't forget to check out his website at Personal-prophecy-today.com/.
Would you be shocked, offended or apathetic if I told you I haven’t had any female guests on the podcast in over 6 years? Yes, that’s right, somehow six years have gone by since the last time Fire On Your Head welcomed a female guest. Not because we’re sexist, but like as I explained in the introduction, none of the people I’ve invited on the podcast in recent years have gotten back to me. We finally break that streak and welcome author of the forthcoming book, God’s Feminist Movement, Amber Picota to the show. We discussed a lot of different things, such as: the pros and cons of repurposing blog content into a book, the challenges I faced when I published my first Kindle book how she scored a book contract with Destiny Image Publishers how her time so far in the Welton Academy also led to her going through the Scripture with a new set of eyes to see things we’re oftentimes conditioned to accept without question. God’s Feminist Movement and what it is. We’ve heard a lot of prophetic voices talk about how God is turning the hearts of the fathers to the hearts of the sons, but what about… the mothers? Amber shares her powerful testimony and a lot more... Join us this week for an in-depth conversation. Check out Amber's site at AmberPicota.com, and pre-order a copy of her book on Amazon. Other books mentioned in the show: Powerful & Free by Danny Silk Fashioned to Reign by Kris Vallotton Normal Christianity by Jonathan Welton Playing Second Fiddle: God's Heart for Harmony Regarding Women and the Church by Judi Peers
This week Dave Edwards and I catch up and record it for your benefit. In a nutshell we discuss vision. What are you dreaming about? Do you have vision for it? Do you just need a little push or a kick to “go for it” and get out of the upper room? A phrase that came to me in our conversation was the question “Can you see it first? Or do you need to see someone else do it first and then follow the path they forged?" We talked from there about pioneering versus settling, and going for the dreams and callings God’s given us versus waiting for someone to give you permission or “choose you”. Books mentioned in this show: By Seth Goins - Poke the Box and The Icarus Deception By Todd Henry - Louder Than Words: Harness the Power of Your Authentic Voice & Die Empty: Unleash Your Best Work Every Day By James Altucher - Choose Yourself!
Have you ever been told that speaking in tongues is “not for today?’ Maybe you’ve heard people speak in tongues and it seemed weird. You thought to yourself, “This is too strange to be God!” Or, maybe you believe that people can still speak in tongues today, but it’s not for everybody. Whether you’re skeptical or intrigued, whether you speak in tongues or don’t, my new book 9 Lies People Believe About Speaking in Tongues is for you. Get your copy wherever Christian books are sold, and head over to SteveBremner.com and click on the first link on the home page for more information about how you can spread the word. Blessings and fire on your head! Steve Bremner
This week I’m privileged to have Larry Sparks on the show. I’ve been following Larry for a little while now and recently took the plunge and invited him to be on the show. Larry Sparks is on a mission that can be captured in three words: Encounter, Activate, and Transform. His driving passion is to see people encounter the presence of the Holy Spirit, activate God's power in their everyday lives through supernatural discipleship, and transform their worlds by representing Jesus Christ and advancing His Kingdom. As an author, speaker, and revivalist, Larry is committed to harnessing the power of media to equip the body of Christ for supernatural living. His ministry, Equip Culture, exists to provide tools and resources that empower Christians to discover their inheritance in Christ and live a life where anything is possible. Supernatural discipleship is one of Larry's main areas of emphasis. He presently serves as Director of Curriculum Resources for Destiny Image Publishers where he creates media-based resources that equip believers to sustain supernatural lifestyles characterized by the pursuit of God's presence and demonstration of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, signs, wonders, and miracles. Having ministered in university, church, and conference settings, Larry delivers a message of supernatural empowerment and spiritual passion. A repeat guest on CBN's Spiritual Gifts Webcast and host of the weekly Voice of Destiny radio broadcast, he is also a blogger, columnist and a regular contributor to Charisma Magazine and Charisma News. So you can see why he’s a great fit for Fire On Your Head. We started off discussing the balance and tension between being carriers of the Holy Spirit’s revival presence, but yet still needing to contend to manifest it. On the one hand it’s true that all has been done on the cross and we don’t “earn” anything from God. But at this point I ran my analogy by Larry that just like Israel in the wilderness receiving manna on a daily basis, they still had to go collect it. If you slept in you missed that day’s manna, but you still didn’t work to create the crop or sow manna seed and cause it to harvest. God did His part, we do ours. As I reflect on the conversation and listened to it again while editing it, I was pleasantly surprised how flawlessly we segued into talking about the marriage of revival and discipleship in the second half of this show. Regular listeners are going to enjoy today’s show, no doubt about it. We all need upper room experiences, but the goal is not to stay in the upper room and never go into the streets below with the power of God to a dying world around us. Enjoy today’s episode! Links: Larry’s website: Lawrencesparks.com/ Voice of Destiny Podcast The 1 Lies Millions of Christians Believe About the Holy Spirit.
Finally, an interview for the first time in like what, 5 months? Today’s guest goes by the name of Chad Kidd. Chad and I have a mutual friend through Stephen Crosby, and we’re both a part of a group on Facebook about ‘the dones’ which has been a theme lately on the show and will be for a little while longer. There's the dones, and then there's the "called out ones." I posted a message in the group looking to have a group Skype call or Google chat hangout, and Chad was the only one available so we converted the conversation into a podcast discussion which I think you’re going to enjoy. We also briefly discuss his book, Rethinking the Unthinkable: In the Light of Love which he co-wrote with his wife Ondrea documenting their reflections on exiting the institutional church and how God has been leading them ever since over the years that followed. Topics we discussed: When we discuss being done, what is it we’re done with? Done with institutional and relationship-less Christianity, and not done with a relationship with Jesus Christ. We discuss a blog post "A Response to Christians Who Are Done with Church" by Carey Nieuwhof We would never do ‘family’ the way we do church. We discuss a threshold most, if not all dones and “called out ones” reach which tips them past the line of how much they can take before they need to leave the Institutional Church in order to satisfy that longing. Join us today as we bounce ideas off of each other regarding being a called out one. Check out Chad’s blog at Roadofkingdom.blogspot.com
This week I finally get around to publishing an episode I recorded back in November before things got really busy for Lili and me. In today’s post I want to give you some updates about the feedback we got on the last episode (back in September) with Dan Daily about the Done with Church “movement”. Never have I gotten as much feedback for an episode as that one, so I share some of the feedback! Make sure to check out the following items mentioned in this week’s episode: The Missional Man Podcast with Jonathan Chambers The Gordian Knot of Institutional Church with Rob Wilkerson And don’t forget to pre-order a copy of my new book, 9 Lies People Believe About Speaking in Tongues available everywhere February 16th. Blessings and fire on your head, Stevie B
Where has all the time gone? Literally. Sorry for the lack of updates in the last several months. We have been quite busy in ministry things down here in Peru, and with getting ready for the book launch, then we went to Canada to visit family over Christmas. On top of that moved into a new an unfinished apartment 9 days before our flight. Today's episode is an mp3 of me preaching at River Run Fellowship in Peterborough, Ontario this past Sunday before we returned to Peru. I shared about some themes long-time listeners of the podcast are familiar with in terms of discipleship and only having one shot at this life. Will you stand before Him on that day wishing you had done more with your time and your talents, or will you hang your head in shame wishing you had done more? Enjoy today's message about how time stops for no one, therefore it's up to us to decide how we're going to spend it in light of eternity. Blessings and fire on your head, Steve Bremner
Gone are the days when missionaries left their homeland to only have the chance to communicate to their friends and family via sketchy phone service and snail mail. The Internet allows instant—mobile even—access to just about anyone in the world. It’s a whole new world. Several months ago ChurchMag Staff Writer Chris Wilson had the opportunity to interview me about using tech on the mission field. In fact, if you listened to the episode of the Fire On Your Head podcast with him about what we both wish we knew before we started blogging, well this interview was actually recorded first. It's just now going live, but good things take time, right? You’ll also hear about technology being used in other places in the world—other than the Western world. Here are some cool ways to connect with ChurchMag: Their cool blog Twitter Facebook Google+ You can leave a comment below or use the ChurchMag Podcast hashtag: #cmagcast Enjoy!
This week on the podcast I have a very interesting conversation with Dan Dailey. As usually happens in internet land, I came across a blog post he wrote, wrote a response to it, he found it, and we became social media friends and eventually had a podcast conversation. To bring yourself up to speed, he wrote a blog post called Regarding the Done with Church Buzz. A few months later when it was getting heavily shared on Facebook thanks to Wayne Jacobsen, I wrote my own Regarding the Done with Church Buzz in response to his. Dan shares his background and how he wound up ‘leaving the institution’ and becoming a ‘done’. Practically born in a church pew, Dan comes from a long line of pastors and ministers on both sides of the family which takes us to about a year ago. By age 35, Dan doesn’t think he missed any two Sunday services in a row over a span of twenty years, and led worship and served as an elder, would preach in his fellowship on many occasions. Going strong after the Lord, but no longer 'attending' and fellowship, how did he become one of the 35 million former church attenders who now identifies himself as a "done"? We explore his journey in today's episode. Check out Dan's blog at danieldailey.wordpress.com
If you believed it would be 500 years before Jesus returned instead of that He may return any minute, would that affect the way you live your day-to-day life? I know for many the answer would be no. But unfortunately I know many more believers for whom it would make a world of difference. If we believe we’re in the last of the last days, and that Jesus will come in 5 years instead of say 500, we will live and act accordingly and “let it” get worse by our inaction and watching the sky awaiting Jesus’ return. Even people who believe in a post-tribulation rapture can still live with a mentality that everything has to get worse with the only difference from their pre-trib counterparts is that the Church will be here for that worsening. If it does all get worse, does that mean it’s acceptable to not do anything about the evil in the generation around us? Unfortunately, it usually does… Give this episode a listen and be challenged. Links mentioned: Why a Victorious End Times View is Needed to Transform Culture Praying Medic's book A Kingdom View of Economic Collapse.
This week I am privileged to have on the podcast one of the men who's heavily influenced my ministry here in Peru. I'm talking about Mike Breen, author and phrase coiner. In the first part of our chat I ask Mike where he came up with the idea for Lifeshapes. In the second half of the conversation I ask Mike where Missional Communities came from. Mike shares some stories of how this took shape in the late 1980s and early 90s and what obvious lessons emerged from his experiences. Towards the end of this week's episode he tells us of the "Happy hour" ministry he's launched in his new neighborhood. Visit Mike's site at DisciplingCulture.com Follow Mike on Twitter @Mike_Breen Instagram @mikejamesbreen, Like his Facebook page at mikebreen3dm.
This week I am privileged to have Mark Burgess back on the podcast for the first time in almost three years exactly to the month. We discuss family on mission and give some descriptions of experiences, good and bad, that we’ve had creating a discipleship culture here in Chorrillos, Peru. It’s not a matter of prioritizing family or the mission, but combining them and being a family, whether biological or extended, who are on a mission together. We believe this is the bedrock for seeing disciples made, and a movement expand as we’re finally starting to see down here in our sphere of influence. In this show we discuss: Why your pastor can’t disciple you Why discipleship is HARD work and the reason many would rather not bother with it, and instead resort to collecting people to be passive and sit in the pew week after week The danger of allowing words like “organic”, “missional”, and “discipleship” to be buzzwords without any practical life application Why we need to walk the walk and not just talk the talk of the Kingdom of God and the making of disciples Practical ways we can do family on mission in our own contexts and cultures Visit our ministry's website at Oikosperu.com
A few weeks ago I was privileged to be on The Praying Medic Podcast. Over the previous weekend PM and I had a three hour recorded Skype conversation on the heels of having just recently recorded a lengthy episode of my own podcast with Chris Wilson on blogging and writing. This is the second part of my interview with Praying Medic on his podcast to talk about book publishing and self-publishing. This part is nearly 82 minutes long Check out funny negative reviews we mentioned: The Amazon review of sugar-free gummy bears can be found here. The review of the book Moon People can be found here. Resources Mentioned in the Show My Books We Discussed: 6 Lies People Believe about Divine Healing 9 Lies People Believe About Speaking in Tongues Increase Your Faith Praying Medic's Books We Discussed: Divine Healing Made Simple Seeing in the Spirit Made Simple Other Books: Life Resurrected by Jesse Birkey I Must Say: My Life As a Humble Comedy Legend by Martin Short Editing: If you’re looking for an editor, you might check out Lydia Conrad Scrivener Unleashed If you’re interested in checking out the word processing program Scrivener, you can find their website here. Enter 'fireonyourhead' as your coupon code if you'd like to purchase Scrivener Unleashed and get it for about $48 instead of $97. Scrivener Unleashed will teach you how to use it whether for Windows or Mac with Pastor David Lee Martin as your tutor. There's a LOT of content in these videos.
A few weeks ago I was privileged to be on The Praying Medic Podcast. Over the previous weekend PM and I had a three hour recorded Skype conversation the heels of having just recently recorded a lengthy episode of my own podcast with Chris Wilson on blogging and writing. Join us in a passionate discussion about publishing books. Whether you’re a reader, an author or someone who aspires to publish books, this discussion is sure to have something of interest to you. We begin with an update on what our friends have been doing. You'll hear names come up like Jesse Birkey and Jeremy Mangerchine, both of whom are people I've had on the show at least once, and who I would not have ever met if not for Praying Medic connecting us in some way. The lesson to be learned? The power of connecting with like-minded people in your area of interest or ministry. Then we discuss recent book projects, including Praying Medic's next book on how the Kingdom of God responds to economic crisis. We then shift gears and share our thoughts and experiences with writing books and how each of us wrote our first one. We wrap things up with a discussion about the importance of editing. There’s much more ground that we cover in part 2 next week. Praying Medic's blog can be found at: Prayingmedic.com Resources Mentioned My Books We Discussed: 6 Lies People Believe about Divine Healing 9 Lies People Believe About Speaking in Tongues Increase Your Faith Praying Medic's Books We Discussed: Divine Healing Made Simple Seeing in the Spirit Made Simple Other Books: Life Resurrected by Jesse Birkey On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King. Read my full-detailed review of the book, If You’re Serious About Writing, Read Stephen King’s Memoir Editing: If you’re looking for an editor, you might check out Lydia Conrad
This week we have returning guest Stephen Crosby on the show mostly to discuss themes in his book, Praise, Worship, and the Presence of God: A Better Way to Worship — A New Covenant Perspective Here are some bullet points to summarize each section of our conversation: 6:00 - The Worship leader — Access to God through Music? Do they really take us into and out of the presence of God? Nope. No such thing exists. No brokers of His presence. Jesus has done it. We are in God’s presence because of what Jesus did on the cross, and not because of anything the worship leader does. The manifest presence of God is like oxygen in your lungs — it’s something you breathe. 16:05 - The recent history of contemporary worship music and practices ("Restoration of David’s Tent") Have you ever wondered or been asked WHY we do things the way we do in our charismatic services when it comes to the music before the preaching? Chances are you have little idea and neither will the person you ask. We just do it. In 1948 a move of God is where it all changed. Prior to that, hymns were typical. Out of this movement came the “restoration of David’s tent” which spread a misinterpretaiton of Amos 9:11-15 through a lot of the church and evolved during the charismatic movement of the 60s and third wave of the 80s. We discuss the need to understand what we are doing and what our theology behind it is. 26:56 - No to apostles and prophets, but yes to a modern paid position that has no NT substantiation? You can find more churches who will fight and split over modern-day apostles and prophets despite their repeated mention in the New Testament, but yet you can’t find the modern professional musician worship leader in the NT, yet it seems nobody questions that. Why on earth is that? If we can have the presence of God without music, then we have to ask ourselves why are we bothering and what are we doing? On the other hand, just because we can’t find something in the New Testament doesn’t mean it’s forbidden or morally wrong, however, we should be carefully to not then elevate these things to a level of status and requirement. 43:00 — Swapping one high for another: when worshipping and sensing the anointing becomes addictive We talk about how the look and feel of a lot of the “cutting edge” worship can take on a rock concert appearance and if you muted the volume you wouldn’t know the difference. The same way the Jews of Jesus’ day had built so much tradition on what was once originally pure law code, in a sense we’ve done the same thing with various traditions related to worshipping through music. 57:00 There are no second generation burning bushes Dr Crosby explains how one of the ways we find ourselves in situations or methods and traditions is when one generation experiences God in a certain way, and when discipling the next one they are taught the “how tos” of the first generation’s experience, but without experiencing that same burning bush for themselves. One of two things happens: We fake it because we want to experience it so bad, or We go into despair because we not experiencing it like the previous generation did. Likewise, David’s life is not our example. He merely is a type and shadow who pointed the way to the Messiah who came. The One greater than David has come, and He has united Himself in Spirit with us in the inner most being. If you’re going to create a template for worship and “pressing in” to His presence, do it based on Christ who is IN you and not old covenant modalities. Deep down in our own souls, we struggle with needing to earn and be rewarded, rather than just accepting what’s been given and freely poured out on the cross at Calvary. Charismatics and Pentecostals who are thrill-addicted struggle to believe it can all really be that simple. We close out the last half hour or so of the discussion sharing stories and experiences, for better or worse. Visit Dr Crosby's site at www.stevecrosby.org
There's a video that's been making the rounds on social media lately of Shia Labeouf yelling various iterations of "just do it", followed by the customary parody videos the internet is making. This episode of the podcast is not meant to join in on the meme, but in a similar way, what's holding you back? JUST DO IT! We talk about how the biggest reason a whole generation of Israel that left Egypt failed to enter the Promised Land, because they basically talked themselves out of it. Ten people were able to ruin it for over 2 million people. A whole generation of Israel that missed their purpose, and made God wait for the next one to be raised up. Many believers already know there are various levels on which Israel rebelled against the Lord, and various specifics could be pointed to in the wilderness narratives as the cause of their spending 40 years there instead of inheriting their promised land immediately after leaving Egypt. However, it is interesting to note how seriously this incident affected their destiny. It is worth taking serious consideration for our own lives since 1 Cor 10:6 says these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire or crave evil as they did. Give this a listen and ask yourself: who are you listening to? Whose opinion matters so much to you that, even though they mean well, you are listening to them instead of God and pursuing whatever He has put on your heart to pursue? To subscribe to our podcast, visit this link for options: http://stevebremner.com/subscribe-to-podcast/ Enjoy!