Firm Foundation with Bryan Hudson

Download Keynotes Slides Summary of the Message: The message “The Foundation of Fathers” emphasizes that fathers are part of God's design for helping children become who God created them to be. The main Scripture is Psalm 103:13–14, which says that as a father shows compassion to his children, the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him, because He “knows our frame.” Pastor Hudson explains that “frame” means a person's God-given structure, design, gifts, and purpose. Fathers should therefore know their children's frame, nurture it, and not crush or impose another vision on them.  The main points: God is the model Father God knows our frame, understands our weakness, and responds with compassion. Earthly fathers should reflect that same compassion and understanding. Fathers must recognize and nurture a child's God-given design Children should not be forced into a parent's unrealized dreams. Fathers should help identify gifts, leadership traits, personality, and purpose, then guide those qualities with discipline and wisdom. A father's foundation has three dimensions: destiny, design, and duty A father's destiny is to show compassion and bring correction. His design is to tend, keep, cultivate, and protect what God has entrusted to him. His duty is to stand in the gates, lead the way, overcome obstacles, build for the future, and set standards. Correction is instruction, not simply punishment Pastor Hudson distinguishes correction from spanking, teaching that true correction involves explanation, modeling, training, and helping children learn to correct themselves. Fathers are gatekeepers and protectors Fathers should be involved in the places that shape their children—schools, communities, systems, and relationships—so they can discern whether those environments support or distort the child's God-given frame. Family legacy matters Proverbs 22:28 is used to show that fathers and forefathers set “landmarks”—standards, values, and examples—that help future generations know the right direction. The final responsibility is to listen, learn, lean, and love Children should listen to, learn from, lean on, and love their fathers—and all believers should do the same with the Heavenly Father. The message teaches that fathers are called to reflect God's compassion, understand their children's purpose, provide instruction and protection, and build a foundation that helps future generations walk in God's design.

Summary of Bible Study by Patricia Hudson - June 17, 2026 Topic: Philippians 2 — Joy in Serving Patricia Hudson opened the Bible study with prayer, thanking God for the day, for the opportunity to study, discuss, share, and grow. She emphasized that the Holy Spirit is the true teacher and prayed that the Word would encourage each heart. She also prayed over the concerns of life, including family, health, finances, and daily living, affirming that God is working in every situation and that His love is great and unconditional. The study began with a review of the previous lesson from Philippians chapter 1. Patricia connected the study to the larger theme of being “rooted and grounded.” She referenced Philippians 4:9, where Paul instructs believers to keep putting into practice what they have learned, received, heard, and seen. The central idea was that spiritual growth requires action. Believers are not only to hear the Word of God but to live it out in daily life. When God's Word is practiced, the peace of God becomes active in the believer's life, helping them navigate conflict, hardship, confusion, and everyday responsibilities with stability and wisdom. Patricia reviewed the background of the book of Philippians. Paul wrote the letter around A.D. 61 while imprisoned in Rome. The church at Philippi was established during Paul's second missionary journey after he received the Macedonian call in Acts 16. Philippi was a Roman colony in Macedonia, and the church was mostly made up of Gentile believers. Patricia noted that Philippians is often called Paul's “joy letter” because joy and rejoicing appear throughout the book, even though Paul was writing from prison. This shows that true joy is rooted in Jesus Christ, not in circumstances. A major point from the review was Philippians 1:6, where Paul expresses confidence that God, who began a good work in the believers, would continue that work until it is completed in Christ. Patricia emphasized that God works in us to build character and through us to bless others. The class reflected on examples of teaching, prayer, encouragement, service, and influence in family and community life as evidence of God's continuing work. The class also discussed why the church at Philippi was so closely connected to Paul. Participants noted that Paul had suffered deeply in Philippi, including being beaten and illegally imprisoned because he was a Roman citizen. Acts 16 was highlighted as important background, including the conversion of Lydia, the deliverance of the slave girl, Paul and Silas being imprisoned, and the jailer's conversion. Patricia explained that Paul's suffering and ministry in Philippi created a deep bond between him and the believers there. The Philippian church also supported Paul financially and remained loyal to him throughout his ministry. Patricia pointed out that Philippi was the first Christian congregation established in Europe and became a launching point for the spread of the gospel into Europe. Because Philippi was a patriotic Roman colony, Christians there faced pressure and persecution for declaring Jesus as Lord rather than Caesar. Despite these pressures, Paul's letter to them focuses on joy, peace, humility, unity, and contentment. Unlike some of Paul's other letters, Philippians contains few rebukes. Instead, it is mostly a letter of encouragement, gratitude, and exhortation. The main focus of the lesson was Philippians 2, especially the theme “Joy in Serving.” Patricia introduced the focus verse, Philippians 2:4: “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” She also read an easier translation, which says believers should not think only about what they want to do for themselves but should also think about how they can help other people. This set the tone for the chapter: Christian maturity is expressed through humility, unity, and concern for others. Patricia read Philippians 2:1–4 and explained Paul's call to unity through humility. Paul urges believers to be like-minded, to have the same love, to be of one accord, and to be of one mind. Patricia connected this to the issue Paul mentioned in Philippians 1, where some preached Christ from pure motives while others preached from jealousy, rivalry, and selfish ambition. She suggested that Paul may have been addressing attitudes of selfish ambition and division in the church. His answer was not merely correction but a call to humility, unity, and service. A key teaching point involved the “if-then” statements in Scripture. Patricia explained that Philippians 2 begins with conditional statements: if believers have encouragement in Christ, comfort from His love, fellowship in the Spirit, tenderness, and compassion, then they should respond by being like-minded, loving one another, and walking in unity. She compared this to John 8:31–32, where Jesus says that if people abide in His Word, then they are truly His disciples, they will know the truth, and the truth will make them free. The class discussed how abiding in God's Word leads to maturity, understanding, freedom, and transformation. Participants shared personal reflections about how the Word of God brings freedom. One person spoke about learning to hear God through His Word. Another shared that when they began seeking understanding for themselves, they realized that some behaviors were rooted in ignorance and began to change as they became rooted in the Word. Patricia emphasized that the truth of God's Word can make people free from their past, from things spoken over them, from wrong patterns, and even from themselves. The Word of God brings healing, clarity, growth, and forward movement. Patricia then connected Philippians 2 to Philippians 4:8–9, where Paul instructs believers to think on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. She explained that peace is connected to what believers meditate on and practice. People often seek peace while filling their minds with stress, negativity, or things they cannot change. Patricia encouraged the class to allow God to help them with the matters of their own lives and not become overwhelmed by burdens God has not assigned them to carry. When God does call believers to speak or act, they should do so boldly, then release the results to Him. The study then moved to Philippians 2:5–11, where Paul presents Jesus Christ as the supreme example of humility. Patricia read the passage: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” She emphasized that Jesus, though equal with God, humbled Himself, took the form of a servant, came in human likeness, and became obedient to death, even death on the cross. Because of this, God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name. Patricia explained that Christ's example gives believers grace to desire and imitate humility. To further explain the deity and supremacy of Christ, Patricia read from Colossians 1 and Colossians 2. She highlighted that Christ is the visible image of the invisible God, that all things were created through Him and for Him, that He existed before all things, and that He holds all creation together. She also emphasized that the fullness of God dwells in Christ and that believers are complete through their union with Him. This helped connect Christ's humility with His greatness: Jesus served not because He was weak, but because of divine love and purpose. Patricia explained that serving others does not always begin with desire or joy. Sometimes believers serve while grieving, while sick, while tired, or while dealing with personal challenges. Yet Christ's example teaches that service is rooted in humility, obedience, and love rather than selfish ambition. Class participants reflected on how serving together creates a bond among believers. One participant noted that when people serve together through grief, sickness, and hardship, they develop a common purpose and a special bond, much like Paul had with the Philippian church. The lesson continued with Philippians 2:12–18. Patricia read Paul's instruction to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,” while also emphasizing that “it is God who works in you both to will and to do His good pleasure.” She used the Living Bible wording: “For God is at work within you, helping you want to obey him, and then helping you do what he wants.” Patricia raised an important discussion question: if God is working in believers and helping them obey, why do believers still need to submit to biblical conditions and make choices? The class answered that believers still have a choice. God gives grace, desire, and power, but believers must submit their will to Him. Another important emphasis was Philippians 2:14–16, where Paul tells believers to do all things without complaining and disputing so they may shine as lights in a dark world. Patricia explained that complaining, arguing, bickering, and strife do not reflect a transformed life. She noted that in families, workplaces, and other environments, people can easily fall into conversations focused on everything that is wrong. Believers must sometimes step back from that atmosphere and choose not to participate in negativity. Instead, they are called to speak life, be light bearers, and demonstrate the transforming power of God's Word. Patricia shared a personal testimony about coming to herself, similar to the prodigal son. She reflected on a time in her younger years when she realized she had drifted from what she knew was right. She remembered how her mother-in-law, Gay Nell Hudson, shared a gospel tract with her and planted a seed that helped lead her toward the Lord. Patricia used this testimony to show the power of prayer, the Word, and personal witness. One person's light can touch another life, and that life can go on to touch many others. Toward the end of the study, Patricia briefly introduced the final section of Philippians 2, which discusses Timothy and Epaphroditus. She encouraged the class to finish reading the chapter on their own. Timothy was with Paul during his ministry and imprisonment, and Epaphroditus was sent by the Philippian church to bring support to Paul in Rome. Patricia explained that Paul was under house arrest, likely chained to rotating guards, which gave him repeated opportunities to preach the gospel. Even in confinement, Paul continued spreading the Word. His imprisonment became another platform for ministry. Patricia concluded by assigning the next study passages. The class would continue with Philippians 3 on July 2 and Philippians 4 on July 15. She encouraged everyone to keep studying, reading, and preparing so they could continue sharing insights during the discussion. The study closed in prayer. Patricia thanked God for His fullness revealed in Christ, for His plan in each person's life, and for the people who prayed, planted seeds, and helped open hearts to the gospel. She thanked God that since the moment believers received Christ, He has continued working in their lives. She prayed that the Word they had learned, seen, heard, and experienced would continue to be practiced, and that God's peace would guide them. Overall, Patricia Hudson's Bible study taught that Philippians 2 calls believers to live out their faith through humility, unity, service, obedience, and spiritual maturity. The Christian life is not passive. God works in believers, but believers must also choose to obey, serve, avoid complaining, walk in love, and shine as lights in the world. True joy is found not in comfort or circumstances, but in Christ-centered service and in practicing the Word of God.

Listen to Message from Sunday, June 14 Rooted & Grounded Part Five: Standing Where God Made a Way   Joshua 4:5, “Cross over before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and each one of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, 6 that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?'

Detailed Sermon Summary “Standing Where God Made a Way” Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min. Part 5 of the “Rooted & Grounded”  Watch the 14 minute video: "The Road to Juneteenth" Pastor Bryan Hudson's sermon, “Standing Where God Made a Way,” connects the biblical account of Israel crossing the Jordan River in Joshua 4 with the historical meaning of Juneteenth. The central message is that believers, families, communities, and nations must remember the places where God brought deliverance, because remembrance preserves gratitude, identity, wisdom, and responsibility. The sermon begins by framing Juneteenth as more than a national holiday. It is presented as a memorial of deliverance and a reminder that God makes a way where there is no way. Dr. Hudson connects Juneteenth to the broader biblical theme of God delivering people from bondage, especially Israel's deliverance from Egypt and later their crossing into the Promised Land. He also references his video, “The Road to Juneteenth,” which traces the journey from emancipation declared to freedom enforced. Joshua 4: Remembering the Crossing The primary Scripture is Joshua 4:1–11, where God commands Joshua to have twelve men, one from each tribe of Israel, take twelve stones from the Jordan River after the people crossed on dry ground. These stones were to be set up as a memorial so that future generations would ask, “What do these stones mean?” The answer would preserve the story of how God cut off the waters of the Jordan and brought His people through. Dr. Hudson explains that this crossing parallels the Red Sea crossing under Moses forty years earlier. In both cases, God removed a barrier that His people could not remove on their own. The Jordan River was not always deep, but it did flood seasonally. God stopped the waters so Israel could cross, then instructed them to take stones from the riverbed—stones that were normally hidden—and make them visible as a testimony. A key insight is that the stones were not objects of worship. They were reminders of the God who acted. The stones pointed beyond themselves to God's power, faithfulness, and deliverance. Juneteenth as a Stone of Remembrance Dr. Hudson then connects Joshua's stones to Juneteenth. Just as Israel needed memorial stones to remember deliverance, African Americans and the nation need Juneteenth as a memorial of freedom delayed, freedom enforced, and freedom remembered. He explains that the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1862 and took effect on January 1, 1863, but freedom was not fully enforced in Texas until June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston and announced General Order No. 3. This shows one of the sermon's major historical lessons: freedom declared is not always freedom practiced. Justice often requires enforcement. Juneteenth, therefore, is not merely a celebration. It is a memorial, an educational moment, and a call to remember both God's deliverance and the human struggle required for justice. Theological Foundation: Human Dignity and the Image of God A major theological point in the sermon is that all people are made in the image and likeness of God. Because of this, no person or group has the right to dominate, dehumanize, enslave, or exploit another. Dr. Hudson emphasizes the importance of saying “enslaved people” rather than simply “slaves.” To call someone a slave can make bondage sound like their identity. But their true identity is that they were human beings made in God's image who were enslaved by others. This point becomes the moral foundation for the sermon's critique of slavery, racism, domination, and exploitation. Slavery was especially evil because it involved humans made in God's image enslaving other humans made in God's image. A Sober View of American History The sermon also calls for honesty about American history. Dr. Hudson says Juneteenth should never have been necessary. If the nation had truly lived up to biblical principles from the beginning, enslaving Africans would never have been tolerated. He notes that the founders debated slavery and compromised in order to form the nation. Some opposed slavery, while others wanted to preserve it because of the economic benefits of free labor. That compromise, he explains, carried a terrible cost and eventually helped lead to the Civil War. Dr. Hudson does not reject love for the nation, but he urges listeners to avoid “rosy narratives” that ignore the blood, suffering, and injustice woven into the nation's history. The proper response is gratitude mixed with sobriety, remembrance, and responsibility. God Still Makes a Way The sermon repeatedly returns to the message that there are always barriers to cross. God parted the Red Sea under Moses. God stopped the Jordan River under Joshua. God made a way for enslaved people through emancipation and enforcement. And God still makes a way for His people today. Dr. Hudson says that today's breakthroughs may not always look as dramatic as the Red Sea or Jordan crossings, but the principle remains the same: when God brings people through obstacles, they should remember, testify, and move forward in faith. Memorials Are Educational Another key theme is that memorials are meant to teach. In Joshua 4, the stones were designed to provoke questions from children. When the children asked what the stones meant, the older generation was responsible to explain God's deliverance. Dr. Hudson applies this to holidays such as Juneteenth, Thanksgiving, Easter, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and others. These are not merely days off or occasions for celebration. They are opportunities to educate, remember sacrifice, and pass meaning to the next generation. He warns that routines, celebrations, and comfort can obscure legacy. People can enjoy the benefits of history without remembering the sacrifice that made those benefits possible. Therefore, remembrance must be intentional. Standing Where God Made a Way The title phrase, “Standing Where God Made a Way,” captures the sermon's central conviction. Dr. Hudson teaches that many of us are living in places of blessing that exist because God worked through previous generations. We are standing on ground made possible by God's intervention, people's prayers, sacrifices, faith, courage, and perseverance. This applies personally, spiritually, historically, and nationally. We stand where parents, grandparents, ancestors, saints, activists, soldiers, and faithful servants endured hardship so future generations could live differently. Twelve Contemporary Stones of Remembrance Near the end, Dr. Hudson gives twelve “stones” that people and families can set up as memorials today. These are practices and places that help preserve memory, identity, and gratitude: Education — learning the truth and teaching it to others. Vicarious living — learning through the lives and experiences of others rather than repeating their mistakes. Identification — seeing oneself connected to faithful and courageous people from the past. Honoring — highly valuing parents, elders, ancestors, and those who made sacrifices. Testimony — telling what God has done personally and collectively. Studying history — learning the real story, not only simplified or sanitized versions. Serving others — turning remembrance into action. Shared experience — building memories and meaning together as families and communities. Museums — places such as Freetown Village that preserve and teach history. Family gatherings — moments that connect generations. Anniversaries — recurring opportunities to remember God's faithfulness. Juneteenth — a national and spiritual stone of remembrance that points to deliverance, justice, and responsibility. These “stones” help people stay rooted. They prevent forgetfulness. They help connect the present generation to legacy and history. Final Exhortation The sermon closes with a call to preserve memories that are worth preserving. Dr. Hudson urges listeners to be intentional with their children, grandchildren, families, and communities. If people do not connect present blessings with past deliverance, they may lose their way in the future. The final prayer thanks God for His goodness, for ancestors and heroes known and unknown, and for the fact that we are standing where God made a way. The prayer also asks God to help His people remember, honor, educate, and never take His blessings—or the people He used—for granted. Core Message The sermon's core message is: God makes a way through impossible barriers, and His people must remember where He brought them from. Memorials—whether stones, holidays, testimonies, museums, family stories, or historical observances like Juneteenth—help us honor God, educate future generations, and move forward without forgetting the sacrifices that made our present blessings possible.

Ephesians 3:17, That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height-19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.   1 John 4:10, In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

Theme: Rooted and Grounded — Practicing What We Have Learned Primary Texts: Philippians 4:9; Philippians 1 This Bible study focused on the book of Philippians, especially Paul's encouragement to believers to keep practicing what they had learned, received, heard, and seen. The key idea was that spiritual growth requires action: when believers continue putting God's Word into practice, the God of peace will be with them. Peace helps believers navigate conflict, confusion, hardship, and daily life with stability and wisdom.  The lesson introduced the historical background of Philippians. Paul wrote this letter around A.D. 61 while imprisoned in Rome. The church at Philippi was established during Paul's second missionary journey after he received the Macedonian call in Acts 16. Philippi was a Roman colony in Macedonia, and the church was mostly made up of Gentile believers. Philippians was described as Paul's “joy letter” because joy and rejoicing appear repeatedly throughout the book, even though Paul was writing from imprisonment.  A major focus was Philippians 1:6, where Paul expresses confidence that God, who began a good work in the believers, would continue that work until it is completed in Christ. The discussion emphasized that God works in us to build character and through us to bless others. Participants shared examples of how teaching, prayer, encouragement, service, and influence in family and community settings reflect the good work of God continuing through their lives.  The study also highlighted Philippians 1:9–11, where Paul prayed that the believers' love would overflow more and more in knowledge and understanding. This love was not merely emotional, but active, discerning, and rooted in Christ. The fruit of salvation was described as righteous character produced by Jesus Christ, bringing glory and praise to God. Paul's imprisonment was presented as an example of how difficult circumstances can become opportunities for ministry. Instead of becoming bitter or giving up, Paul saw prison as another place to spread the gospel. Even the palace guards became aware that he was in chains because of Christ. The class reflected on how believers today may not be physically imprisoned, but still face discouragement, grief, uncertainty, and hardship. Like Paul, they are called to demonstrate faith in difficult circumstances. The lesson concluded with Paul's call for believers to live as citizens of heaven, standing together in one spirit and one purpose for the faith of the gospel. The study addressed biblical suffering as more than inconvenience or not getting what one wants. Suffering was described as standing against what one has been delivered from, and as something God can use to shape character, strengthen faith, and display His glory. Key Takeaways God's Word must be practiced, not only heard. Peace comes as believers continue walking in what they have learned from Christ. God's good work continues in believers throughout their lives. The fruit of salvation is righteous character that brings glory to God. Hardship can become an opportunity to witness, grow, and encourage others. True joy is rooted in Jesus Christ, not in circumstances. Believers are called to unity, love, purpose, and faithfulness as citizens of heaven. Homework Given Read Philippians 1:7–8 and reflect on this question: Why did Paul say the believers at Philippi had a special place in his heart? The class was encouraged to consider not only their financial support of Paul, but also their partnership, loyalty, love, and shared commitment to the gospel.

Listen to Message from Sunday, May 31 Rooted & Grounded Part Four: Living Through Love   1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

DOWNLOAD KEYNOTES SLIDES “Living Through Love” Part Four of the Series: “Rooted& Grounded” Message by Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min. This sermon, part four of the “Rooted and Grounded” series, teaches that believers must be rooted and grounded in God's love as a primary responsibility. Drawing from Ephesians 3:17–20 and 1 John 4, the message emphasizes that true love does not originate from human effort, emotion, or personality, but from God Himself. The sermon contrasts phileo love, which is relational, emotional, and often expects reciprocity, with agape love, which is sacrificial, unconditional, and comes only from God. Because God is love, those who are born of God are empowered to love beyond natural limits. A key theme is that believers are called to “live through Him”—through Christ and through the love God has imparted. God's love is demonstrated through Jesus, who became the sacrifice for sin, not because humanity first loved God, but because God first loved us. This perfect love also casts out fear, giving believers confidence, peace, and freedom from torment. The sermon concludes by reminding listeners that God does not merely possess love—He is love. Therefore, abiding in love means abiding in God, and living through love is evidence of knowing Him.

Mark 9:49, For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another. Matthew 5:13 You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot by men.  Leviticus 2:13, And every offering of your grain offering you shall season with salt; you shall not allow the salt of the covenant of your God to be lacking from your grain offering. With all your offerings you shall offer salt.

This is an excerpt from Chapter 5 of “Biblical & Social Justice: What Is It?,”
entitled “A Nation Founded on Christian Principles?”      Listening to the stories of Christian nationalists, one might become persuaded that the United States descended from heaven. Any assertion that the United States was founded on Biblical and Christian principles must also concede that slavery was part and parcel of an unbiblical and unChristian version of so-called Biblical and Christian principles. It is not necessary to attribute the founding of the nation to the Bible or an organized Christian effort. Any review of the actual history of the founding of the United States, absent spiritualized narratives, shows that highly educated and brilliant men were responsible for debating, working, and creating the founding philosophies and documents. All the Framers were informed by their education, experiences, and faith. They were also informed by selfish motivations and economic interests.   It is noteworthy that the Framers decided not to include Scripture in the founding documents. This is consistent with their objective to avoid creating a nation controlled by the church or by religion. Below is a summary of the Framers: Almost all of the 55 Framers had taken part in the Revolution, with at least 29 having served in the Continental forces, most in positions of command. All but two or three had served in colonial or state government during their careers. The vast majority (about 75%) of the delegates were or had been members of the Confederation Congress, and many had been members of the Continental Congress during the Revolution. 25 had been state governors. More than half of the delegates had trained as lawyers (several had even been judges), although only about a quarter had practiced law as their principal means of business. Others were merchants, manufacturers, shippers, land speculators, bankers, or financiers. Several were physicians or small farmers, and one was a minister. Of the 25 who owned fellow humans, 16 depended on slave labor to run the plantations or other businesses that formed the mainstay of their income. Most of the delegates were landowners with substantial holdings, and most, except for Roger Sherman and William Few, were very comfortably wealthy. George Washington and Robert Morris were among the wealthiest men in the entire country. Much of that wealth was built through the unpaid labor of enslaved persons. Of the 55 Framers, only one was a Christian minister. Regarding the religious faith of the Framers: Of the 55 delegates to the 1787 Constitutional Convention, 28 were Anglicans, 21 were other Protestants, and two were Roman Catholics (D. Carroll and Fitzsimons). Among the Protestant delegates to the Constitutional Convention, eight were Presbyterians, seven were Congregationalists, two were Lutherans, two were Dutch Reformed, and two were Methodists. A few prominent Founding Fathers were anti-clerical notably Jefferson. It is a reach of imagination and romanticism to believe the 55 Framers acted as a group of Christians in consultation with the Scriptures and prayer. The work of the Framers, as is the case with most good work, owes to the skill of the persons working, whether Christian or non-Christian. One very significant factor argues against the rosy Christian nationalist perspective about our nation's founding: SLAVERY. For many of us, celebrating our nation's founding as a triumph of the Bible and Christianity is offensive given the treatment and property status of our ancestors. To be sure, the formation of the United States, developing the governing documents, and organizing independent colonies was a triumph of human enterprise and self-governing. The telling of history cannot overlook owning, selling, and abusing humans in the service of other humans used to build their economy, was decidedly ungodly. It was not something Jesus would have done. The historic facts regarding the formation of the nation are compelling reading without the hyperbole of a Christian nationalist narrative. The facts are far more interesting than the fabrications.   -  

Our topic today is “The Blessing of Faithfulness.” Reading Psalm 101:6, David wrote: “My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land, That they may dwell with me; He who walks in a perfect way, He shall serve me.” The New Living Translation reads this way: “I will search for faithful people to be my companions. Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me.” Let me also read Psalm 36:5: “Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.” David describes the type of people that God will use greatly. He also expressed his preference for people who would serve with him. He stated that God wants—and he wants—faithful people as companions. He wasn't looking for the famous, the wealthy, the powerful, or the self-promoting. Our faithfulness can only proceed from God's faithfulness. As we read, God's faithfulness reaches to the clouds. It is never about how many people you can count. It is always about who you can count on. What we want to settle in our hearts is this: We want to be faithful because God is faithful. Even giftedness is no shortcut, because giftedness without faithfulness becomes a liability. Walking with God and walking with others is beyond a casual association. Only faithfulness qualifies people for nearness and trust. Of all the characteristics required to serve God and serve others, being faithful is at the top of that list. Proverbs 28:20 reads: “A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.” So achieving blessing in life isn't difficult; it is connected to faithfulness to God and faithfulness to others. When it's all said and done, we want to hear the words of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 25:21: “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'” Let me encourage you to listen to my message from last Sunday, which is part two of the series “Rooted and Grounded.” That message was entitled “Agency: The Power Working Within.” Never underestimate the power of God in you to give you the ability to act, to make things happen, and to influence your environment—and not just be influenced. That's called agency. God bless. Have a great day, and be encouraged.

DOWNLOAD KEYNOTE SLIDES BRIEF SUMMARY: In Rooted & Grounded, Part Two: The Power Working Within, Pastor Bryan Hudson teaches from Ephesians 3:14–21 that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think because His power is working within believers. Being rooted and grounded in love gives us stability, while God's inner power gives us strength, confidence, and responsibility. The sermon emphasizes that believers are not powerless, even when they feel weak or overwhelmed. God's power within us gives us agency—the ability to act, choose, make decisions, resist oppression, and make a difference. Pastor Hudson connects this spiritual truth to personal life, ministry, history, and justice, showing that God's power is not only for personal blessing but also for serving others and impacting systems. The main message is: God's power within us enables us to live in victory, bless others, and use our God-given agency to make a difference in the world. DETAILED SUMMARY Series Title: Rooted & Grounded   Part Two: The Power Working Within Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min. Main Text: Ephesians 3:14–21 Key Verse: Ephesians 3:20,  “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us…”  Central Theme This sermon teaches that God's power is not only above us or around us, but working within us. Pastor Hudson connects Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3 to the believer's personal life, the church's corporate mission, and the broader responsibility to use God-given power to bless others and confront unjust systems. The message moves from personal encouragement to social responsibility. God's power within believers is not merely for feeling better, receiving blessings, or personal success. It is also for agency, dominion, service, courage, justice, and community impact. 1. Review of Part One: Rooted and Grounded Pastor Hudson begins by reviewing the first part of the series. He explains that the phrase “rooted and grounded”combines two images: Rooted is an agricultural term. It pictures a tree planted deeply in soil, drawing life, nourishment, and stability from its roots. Grounded is an architectural term. It pictures a building resting on a strong foundation. The point is clear: There is no growth without roots, and there is no structure without foundation. Believers must be rooted in God's love and grounded on a solid spiritual foundation. This foundation prepares them to understand and experience the power of God working within them. 2. Paul's Prayer in Ephesians 3 The sermon centers on Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3:14–21. Pastor Hudson highlights the major blessings Paul prays for: The believer is strengthened with might through the Holy Spirit in the inner person. Christ dwells in the heart by faith. The believer is rooted and grounded in love. The saints are able to comprehend the width, length, depth, and height of Christ's love. They come to know the love of Christ, which surpasses knowledge. They are filled with all the fullness of God. Then Paul reaches the powerful conclusion: “Now to Him who is able…” Pastor Hudson emphasizes that the words “He is able” summarize the confidence of the passage. God is able to do what we cannot do. He is able to work beyond human weakness, limited resources, opposition, uncertainty, and difficult circumstances. 3. God's Ability Works Through God's Power in Us A major point of the sermon is that God's ability is not disconnected from believers. God does exceedingly abundantly above what we ask or think according to the power that works in us. This means God's power is not only external. It operates internally through believers. Pastor Hudson stresses that life contains situations, circumstances, opportunities, and uncertainties. In all of these, believers need the mindset that God is able. But they must also understand that God often works through the power He has placed within them. This power is not only for individual comfort. It is for generational impact, ministry, witness, and service. Pastor Hudson uses the example of ministry at a juvenile center, where young men were saved, to show that lives are changed when God's power works through people. 4. God Is Never in a Slump Pastor Hudson uses sports illustrations to explain that people may go through “slumps,” but God never does. He references athletes such as James Harden and Shohei Ohtani to show that gifted people may have seasons when they do not seem to perform at their normal level. Yet the ability remains within them. He applies this spiritually: believers may feel like they are in a slump, but God is never in a slump. The Holy Spirit is never in a slump. The Word of God is never in a slump. Therefore, when believers feel weak, stuck, or discouraged, the issue is not that God's power has disappeared. The issue is learning how to reconnect with, believe in, and act according to what God has already placed within them. 5. The Meaning of “Power”: Dunamis Pastor Hudson explains that the Greek word for power in the New Testament is dunamis. He connects it to the idea of dynamite, noting that it refers to inherent ability, force, or capacity. This power is not merely emotional excitement. It is the power residing in something by virtue of its nature. For believers, this means God has placed real spiritual capacity within them. The sermon emphasizes that believers should not speak against what God has placed inside them. Even when they do not feel powerful, they should agree with God's Word. Pastor Hudson says believers should not primarily ask, “How do I feel?” Instead, they should ask, “What do I believe?” Faith-filled speech matters because people hear their own words. What believers say can either strengthen or weaken their faith. 6. Powerlessness Is a Feeling, Not the Truth Pastor Hudson identifies one of the worst feelings people can have: the feeling of powerlessness. However, he warns that feelings are data, not final truth. A person may feel powerless, but that does not mean they are powerless. He refers to 2 Corinthians 2:10–11, where Paul says believers are not ignorant of Satan's devices. Pastor Hudson applies this principle by teaching that one of Satan's devices is to make people feel powerless. The enemy wants believers to accept the idea that they cannot act, decide, resist, speak, move, or make a difference. But this is deception. The believer must reject the lie of powerlessness because God's power is working within. 7. Agency: A Key Concept in the Sermon A central concept in the sermon is agency. Pastor Hudson defines agency as the ability or power to act, make decisions, choose, make things happen, and influence one's life and environment rather than being controlled by others or circumstances. He teaches that agency is part of being made in the image of God. The closest biblical concept to agency, he says, is dominion. Using Genesis 1:26–27, he explains that God gave humanity dominion over creation. However, he makes an important distinction: God did not give people dominion over other people. Agency means believers have responsibility before God to act faithfully. It does not mean controlling others. 8. The Loss of Agency as a Strategy of Oppression Pastor Hudson teaches that one of the enemy's strategies is to remove people's sense of agency. He shares personally that there have been times when he felt beat down, disrespected, or overwhelmed to the point that he began looking for others to tell him what to do. In those moments, he recognized that the enemy had tried to convince him he no longer had agency. He recalls his mother's counseling approach: after talking with someone, she would ask, “Now, what are you going to do?” That question restores responsibility. Counseling, advice, prayer, and encouragement are valuable, but the person must eventually act. Agency requires decision and action. 9. Agency and the Founding of the United States The sermon then moves into a civics and history application. Pastor Hudson notes that the United States is approaching the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the nation. He warns that people will hear many romanticized and fabricated versions of American history. He urges listeners to value the full truth, not only the polished narrative. He says the founding of the United States was rooted in agency because the colonists rebelled against the repressive reign of King George III. They resisted taxation, lack of representation, and oppressive control. The nation was founded through rebellion against repression. That was an exercise of agency. However, Pastor Hudson then exposes the contradiction: while the founders exercised agency for themselves, they denied agency to enslaved Africans. 10. The Contradiction of Liberty and Slavery Pastor Hudson highlights the contradiction between the language of liberty in America's founding documents and the reality of slavery. He references the population of the colonies around the founding, noting that a significant number of people were enslaved. He also mentions the 1790 census, which counted millions of people in the new nation, including hundreds of thousands of enslaved people. The point is not merely historical. It is theological and moral. The founders spoke of liberty, justice, domestic tranquility, and the blessings of freedom, but enslaved people were excluded from those promises. Pastor Hudson asks: if the nation was truly founded on Christianity and the Bible, why were so many people kept enslaved? He argues that the nation had brilliant founders and a remarkable Constitution, but the full history must be told honestly. 11. The United States Was Not Founded as a Christian Government Pastor Hudson references the 1797 Treaty of Tripoli, signed during the presidency of John Adams, which stated that the government of the United States was not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion. His point is that while many founders respected Christianity and some were Christian, the government itself was designed to be secular, not a church-state system. He argues that the founders understood the danger of religious power being fused with government power, as had happened under monarchy in England. This section supports his broader theme: people must know the truth, reject idolatry, and exercise agency wisely. 12. Civil Rights as an Example of Agency Pastor Hudson then connects agency to the Civil Rights Movement. He references the Freedom Riders of 1961, including young Black and white activists who rode buses together into the South to protest segregation. They knowingly entered dangerous situations because they believed segregation was wrong. He mentions that the buses were attacked and firebombed, yet the Freedom Riders demonstrated agency by standing up to injustice. He also references Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s “I Have a Dream” speech, especially the image of coming to the nation's capital to “cash a check.” King used the words of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence to demand that America honor its promises. This is presented as agency in action: knowing what belongs to you, standing on truth, and acting for justice. 13. God's Power Within Is Agency Pastor Hudson brings the sermon back to Ephesians 3:20 by saying: God's power within is agency. The power working in believers is not passive. It enables them to stand up, speak out, help people, challenge the status quo, and use their lives to make a difference. This power is not only about personal victory. It is about responsibility. Believers are called to use their agency to empower others. 14. Responsibility to Bless Others The sermon closes with several scriptures that emphasize responsibility, service, and good works. Pastor Hudson cites Jeremiah 29:7, where God tells His people to seek the peace of the city where they have been carried. He explains that peace means more than the absence of conflict. It includes completeness, welfare, soundness, and making a difference where one lives. He also cites Acts 20:35, where Paul reminds believers to support the weak and remember Jesus' words: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” He references Titus 3:14, which teaches believers to maintain good works and meet urgent needs so they will not be unfruitful. Finally, he cites Galatians 6:10, which says that as believers have opportunity, they should do good to all, especially those of the household of faith. The sermon ends by calling believers to use their agency and dominion to honor God by blessing others. Main Takeaways The believer is rooted and grounded in love, but also empowered for action. God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think. God's power works within believers, not only around them. Feelings of powerlessness are not the truth. Agency is part of being made in the image of God. Dominion does not mean controlling people; it means acting responsibly under God. The enemy tries to remove people's sense of agency. Oppressive systems often function by denying agency to others. Believers must use God's power within them to bless others, seek justice, meet needs, and impact systems. The blessing of God comes with responsibility.   Concise Sermon Thesis Because believers are rooted and grounded in God's love, they carry God's power within them. That power gives them agency—the God-given ability to act, choose, serve, resist oppression, bless others, and make a difference in their generation.

Message from Sunday, May 3 Rooted & Grounded Part One: Strengthened With Might   2 Kings 4:1 A certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, saying, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord. And the creditor is coming to take my two sons to be his slaves.”So Elisha said to her, 2“What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?” And she said, “Your maidservant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.” 3 Then he said, “Go, borrow vessels from everywhere, from all your neighbors—empty vessels; do not gather just a few. 4 And when you have come in, you shall shut the door behind you and your sons; then pour it into all those vessels, and set aside the full ones.” 5 So she went from him and shut the door behind her and her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured it out. 6 Now it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another vessel.” So the oil ceased. 7 Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt; and you and your sons live on the rest.”

Message from Sunday, May 3 Rooted & Grounded Part One: Strengthened With Might   Romans 5:2 (NLT), Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory."   

DOWNLOAD KEYNOTE SLIDES This sermon by Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min., begins the series “Rooted and Grounded” with the message “Strengthened with Might,” based on Ephesians 3. The central idea is that believers must be deeply rooted and firmly grounded in the love of God in order to live with spiritual strength, purpose, and endurance. The message emphasizes that there are kingdom prerequisites—foundational habits, principles, and depths of relationship with God—that cannot be skipped. Just as students need prerequisites before advanced courses, believers need to be established in God's love before they can fully serve others and walk in God's purpose. A key theme is the wise use of time and attention, described as non-renewable resources. The sermon warns against being distracted by things that may look good but are spiritually obsolete or irrelevant to God's purpose. Instead, believers are called to invest their focus in Christ, His Word, and His love. The sermon explains that being rooted is an agricultural image, like a tree planted deeply, while being grounded is an architectural image, like a building on a solid foundation. Both point to the need for a stable life built on God's love. The source of spiritual strength is the inner life: being strengthened by the Holy Spirit in the inner person, allowing Christ to dwell in the heart by faith. The love of Christ is described in four dimensions: wide, long, deep, and high—reaching all people, lasting eternally, going into human brokenness, and lifting believers into God's higher purpose. The sermon concludes with an affirmation that believers will make God's kingdom a priority, use their time and attention wisely, and allow Christ to deepen their relationship with Him so they may be strengthened with might by His Spirit.

Ephesians 3:14, For this reason I bow my knees to the Father [f]of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Psalm 37:5, Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass This is an excerpt from the Audible edition of new book:"Learning to Trust God More: 21-Day Devotional from Psalm 37" It is available in three editions: Print, Kindle ebook, and Audible digital voice at https://bit.ly/4tqWi46 Includes contributions from Patricia Hudson, Stacy Williams, and Pastor L. Irving Robb. In these times, we need to live on the firm foundation of loving and trusting the Lord, even while being active in serving others, and helping the vulnerable. This Psalm begins with the words, "Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity." It ends with the words, "But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble." This 21-day devotional will educate, encourage, and inspire you to walk in faith in God and develop the courage to engage with wisdom.   Here are the topics for each day: Day 1 — Do Not Fret Day 2 — The Temporary Nature of Evil Day 3 — Trust & Do Good Day 4 — Delight in the Lord Day 5 — Commit Your Way Day 6 — God Will Vindicate Day 7 — Loosen Your Grip on Anger Day 8 — Waiting with Hope & Active Faith Day 9 — The Way of Meekness Day 10 — Use the Power of Another Day 11 — God Sustains the Righteous Day 12 — Evil is Self-Destructive Day 13 — How Less Can Be More Day 14 — God Knows Your Days Day 15 — The End of the Wicked Day 16 — Generosity Reveals the Heart Day 17 — Ordered Steps, Part One Day 18 — Ordered Steps, Part Two Day 19 — A Living Testimony Day 20 — God Loves Justice Day 21 — Salvation Belongs to the Lord

Mark 6:30-32, Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. 31 And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. 32 So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.

Message from Sunday, April 5 Raised to Walk in the Newness of Life   Romans 12:15, Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.  

DOWNLOAD KEYNOTE SLIDES This message centers on the resurrection of Jesus as both a past event and a present reality. It explains the phrase “Jesus is risen” as emphasizing that Christ is alive now, not merely that He rose in the past. Drawing primarily from Romans 6:4 and related passages, the sermon teaches that believers identify with Christ in His death, which brings liberation from sin, and that this liberation leads to elevation through “newness of life.” The message highlights two main principles: identification leads to liberation, and liberation leads to elevation. Through Christ's resurrection, believers have access to resurrection power every day for healing, strength, encouragement, renewal, and victorious living. The sermon closes by urging listeners to embrace their new identity in Christ, walk in resurrection power, and live uplifted lives that also help lift others. Romans 6:1, What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Romans 6:4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

“Blessing in the Secret Place, Bounty in God's Plan” Psalm 91:1, He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”  Leviticus 25:18, If you want to live securely in the land, follow my decrees and obey my regulations. 19 Then the land will yield large crops, and you will eat your fill and live securely in it. 20 But you might ask, ‘What will we eat during the seventh year, since we are not allowed to plant or harvest crops that year?' 21 Be assured that I will send my blessing for you in the sixth year, so the land will produce a crop large enough for three years. 22 When you plant your fields in the eighth year, you will still be eating from the large crop of the sixth year. In fact, you will still be eating from that large crop when the new crop is harvested in the ninth year. Pastor Bryan Hudson's, D.Min. sermon centers on the theme that living close to God and trusting His plan leads to provision, protection, and completion of what He has started. Drawing from Psalm 91:1–2 and Leviticus 25:22, he connects the church's anniversary theme, “Faith Alive,” to the truth that faith is alive because Jesus is alive, and because God is not finished with His people yet.  A major emphasis of the message is that believers must learn to walk by faith and not by sight. Dr. Hudson illustrates this with testimonies about churches paying off mortgages and leaders who acted in faith before they saw the final outcome. His point is that because Jesus finished His work, believers can trust God to help them finish theirs. What looks unfinished in the natural is already complete in God's purpose.  From Psalm 91, he identifies two mandates and two affirmations: believers are called to dwell in the secret place of God's presence and abide under His shadow, meaning they must live near God and trust His protection. They must also confess that the Lord is their refuge and fortress and declare their trust in Him. In a shaky world, God remains the believer's secure foundation.  From Leviticus 25, Dr. Hudson explains the principle of preserved provision. God commanded Israel to let the land rest in the seventh year, but He also promised such an abundant harvest in the sixth year that it would sustain them until new crops came in. This becomes a lesson in obedience, trust, rest, and preparation: God provides in advance for seasons when visible increase is not happening. The preacher applies this practically to financial stewardship, saving, tithing, and breaking cycles of lack through obedience to God's order.  He then applies the message directly to Hope of Glory Church, saying that their eighth year is a transition year. As they approach paying off their mortgage, they are nearing a new season of freedom, provision, and possibility. Being debt free is not just about relief from bills, but about having more seed to sow and entering greater fruitfulness. He reinforces this with Amos 9:13, describing a season of such abundance that one harvest overlaps with the next.  The sermon closes with three main principles: God honors His own order, God provides for obedience, and God's provision can be stored. Dr. Hudson urges the congregation to activate faith by believing, speaking, and acting. He ends with corporate affirmations declaring that their faith is active, they will obey God without hesitation, dwell in His presence, trust His covering, sow in this season, retire the mortgage, and enter a new season of abundance.  In one sentence: this sermon teaches that faithful obedience in God's presence positions believers to receive His preserved provision, finish what He started, and step into a new season of abundance.

Luke 9:1, Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 And He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece. 62, But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” "Fit” means suitable, ready, or well-positioned for kingdom service. 

Pastor Hudson reviews the earlier themes of the series: the peril of the past, seen in Lot's wife looking back; the peril of the present, seen in Israel facing the Red Sea and Pharaoh's army; and the promise of the future, which requires faith to see beyond present obstacles. He stresses that before people can move forward outwardly, they must first move forward inwardly—in heart and mind. Using Luke 9:62, Pastor Hudson explains that Jesus' words about putting one's hand to the plow and not looking back speak to focus, commitment, and Kingdom readiness. To be “fit for the kingdom” means being suitable, ready, and well-positioned for God's service. Looking back, carrying too many distractions, or losing focus makes a person ineffective in their calling. He then connects this to the story of the man at the Pool of Bethesda in John 5. The man had been disabled for 38 years and was trapped in a system of false hope, waiting for healing in the water but never experiencing change. Pastor Hudson says the man's real problem was not just his condition, but the system he was stuck in. Bethesda represents the kinds of systems people rely on that actually keep them stuck—socially, emotionally, spiritually, financially, or relationally. A key insight of the message is this: you are not the stuck thing; the system is stuck. People are not defined by their trauma, environment, or condition. God did not create anyone to live in bondage. Pastor Hudson uses the illustration of boots stuck in mud: the person is not stuck—the boots are. The answer is to step out of them. In the same way, believers must step out of mindsets, habits, environments, and patterns that keep them bound. He emphasizes that the miracle for the man at Bethesda was not in the water, but in leaving the water when Jesus said, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” Becoming unstuck is not always dramatic; often it happens through simple but important steps like changing your environment, setting boundaries, changing your mindset, ending destructive relationships, refusing gossip, or breaking unhealthy cycles. The message closes with the acrostic FORWARD: Faithful, Obedient, Resilient, Wise, Aligned, Redemptive, Destined. These qualities describe the kind of life that moves with God. Pastor Hudson's final encouragement is that believers should remain focused, avoid rigged systems and false hope, and keep moving forward because forward is the only direction God is moving.

  Message from Sunday, March 8 The Promise & Peril of Systems   John 5:5, Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years.6, When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” 7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” 9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. A system is a structure of interacting parts that produces outcomes, good and bad. Navigating systems requires:  Knowledge,  patience, perseverance, willingness to adapt, and courage to challenge when necessary. In this text, we see the convergence and collision of different systems: 1. The system of the man and the people at Bethesda. 2. The system of false hope 3. The system of how disabled people were treated 4. Religious systems 5. The system of Jesus & the Kingdom of God  

HEAVEN - Psalm 103:19, The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all. CHURCH - 2 Corinthians 3:9, For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building. SOCIETY - Jeremiah 22:3, “Execute judgment and righteousness, and deliver the plundered out of the hand of the oppressor. Do no wrong and do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, or the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place.” Matthew 25:34-36 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.'

Hebrews 12:1-2, Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. The greatest challenge to moving forward is the past and the present Three perspectives: THE PERIL OF THE PAST THE PERIL OF THE PRESENT THE PROMISE OF THE FUTURE THE PERIL OF THE PAST Successes, failures, mistakes, and even people who keep us looking back.  THE PERIL OF THE PRESENT Allowing circumstances alone to define your reality. The perils of the past and present can conspire to ruin your perception of the future The most significant difference between you, your lived experience, and a crisis is what you think about it. THE PROMISE OF THE FUTURE The Promise of the future is your character in Christ and God's promises.  

Summary of Message by Pastor Bryan Hudson, DMin FORWARD: The Only Direction God Is Moving (Generated by OpenAI) This message presents “Forward” as a foundational theme: God's direction is always forward, and those who walk with Him must align themselves with that movement. The focus is on developing the right perspective, mindset, and faith to move into a new season with clarity and spiritual strength. Hebrews 12:1–2, Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Perception by Ryan Holiday: Perception is how we see and understand what occurs around us—and what we decide those events will mean. Our perceptions can be a source of strength or of great weakness.  Just because other people say that something is hopeless or crazy or broken to pieces doesn't mean it is. We decide what story to tell ourselves. Or whether we will tell one at all. Welcome to the power of perception.    Forward Is a Mindset Forward is more than physical movement. It is a way of thinking and living. Without a forward mindset, life becomes confined to two realities: The past (what has already happened) The present (what is currently happening) But God is always revealing something beyond what we currently see. A forward mindset embraces growth, development, and destiny rather than remaining trapped in memory or circumstance.   Perception Shapes Experience A central principle of the message is that perception influences reality. Events are real, but how we interpret them determines how they shape us. Believers must guard against allowing: Other people's narratives Cultural narratives Emotional reactions to define their reality. This is not about positive thinking alone; it is about aligning perception with God's Word, promises, and character. Faith itself is a God-centered perspective. What you perceive may not automatically change circumstances—but it will change you, and that transformation positions you for forward movement.   Hebrews 12:1–2 — The Roadmap for Forward Movement The message uses Hebrews 12:1–2 as a spiritual roadmap for going forward: Lay aside every weight — not everything that slows you down is sinful, but unnecessary burdens must be released. Lay aside sin — entanglements that ensnare must be removed. Run with endurance — forward progress requires persistence, not speed. Run your race — avoid distraction, comparison, and outside noise. Look unto Jesus — He is both the author (starter) and finisher (developer) of faith. Forward living requires discipline and focus. Just as travel requires a map, purposeful spiritual movement requires direction and clarity.   The Greatest Obstacles: The Past and the Present The message identifies two major threats to forward progress, along with a third contrasting promise: The Peril of the Past The Peril of the Present The Promise of the Future   The Peril of the Past The past becomes dangerous when it pulls us backward emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. The peril of the past includes: Successes that create complacency Failures that create shame Mistakes that create regret People who try to hold us in old versions of ourselves A key distinction is made: Remembering means learning lessons. Looking back means longing to return. Looking back prevents growth because it distracts from what God is doing now. The warning of Lot's wife illustrates that backward movement can lead to destruction. She was instructed to flee judgment, but instead turned back toward what she was leaving. The lesson: when God says move forward, hesitation and reversal are dangerous. The message also emphasizes the importance of accurate remembrance. Ignoring or distorting history does not solve problems; it perpetuates them. To move forward properly, foundations must be truthful and sound.   The Peril of the Present The present becomes perilous when circumstances alone define identity and possibility. The example of Israel at the Red Sea (Exodus 14) demonstrates this danger. They had been delivered from slavery but faced: An impassable sea ahead An advancing army behind Their past slavery mindset combined with present fear tempted them to retreat. Circumstances seemed to say they would never be free. The command “Go forward” was not merely directional; it was transformational. It was a call to: Change perspective Reject fear-driven narratives Align with God's promise Even when nothing had visibly changed in the moment, God's word introduced a new reality. The message stresses that the greatest difference between a crisis and victory is often what you think about it. God's perspective interrupts fear and invites repentance—not necessarily from sin, but from wrong thinking. Repentance is defined as changing the mind, and mindset change becomes the gateway to blessing.   Moving Forward Requires Intentional Alignment Forward progress may require practical changes: Adjusting what influences your thinking Limiting negative or fear-based inputs Choosing trusted voices Refusing paralysis by over-analysis Standing still is easy. Moving forward is difficult because it involves risk, mistakes, and emotional discomfort. But stopping is not an option if God is moving.   The Promise of the Future If the past contains peril and the present contains pressure, the future contains promise. The promise of the future rests on two anchors: Character in Christ God's promises These provide stability when circumstances fluctuate. Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before Him,” seeing the future redemption of humanity. That forward vision sustained Him through suffering. Likewise, believers endure by focusing on what God is building ahead.   The Meaning of FORWARD The message concludes by defining forward living through seven qualities: Faithful — steady and full of faith Obedient — responsive to God without delay Resilient — able to recover after setbacks Wise — operating in Christ-centered discernment Aligned — staying in step with God's Word and plan Redemptive — participating in spiritual and social restoration Destined — moving toward God's appointed purpose Final Emphasis The core declaration remains clear: Do not be trapped by the peril of the past. Do not be defined by the peril of the present. Live in the promise of the future. God's way is forward. Those who walk with Him must move in that same direction—mentally, spiritually, relationally, and missionally—bringing others along toward redemption and purpose.

Day 21 — Salvation Belongs to the Lord By Pastor Bryan Hudson, DMin LINK TO ALL LESSONS IN THE DEVOTIONAL   Psalm 37:39–40, “But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, And save them, Because they trust in Him.” Key Thought: God is always our refuge and deliverer. Prayer: I trust You, Lord. As we conclude this 21-day devotional through Psalm 37, let us remember this is a wisdom psalm, not a lament. David is not “venting” or expressing frustrations. He contrasts the temporary flourishing of the wicked with God's plan and provision for the righteous. Verses 39–40 serve as a summary of the entire psalm. Some key themes we learned from Psalm 37: •  Do not fret because of evildoers (vv. 1–2) •  Trust in the Lord (v. 3) •  Delight in Him (v. 4) •  Commit your way to Him (v. 5) •  Wait patiently with expectation (v. 7) •  Meekness is not weakness (v. 11) •  The wicked will perish (vv. 9–22) •  God knows our days (vv. 18-19) •  Generosity Reveals the Heart (vv. 21-22) •  Our steps are ordered by the Lord (vv. 23–24) •  The righteous are upheld (vv. 23–24) •  God's justice prevails (vv. 27-29) David closes this psalm by reminding us who is in charge, what God will change, and where we are headed. Our identity and security are rooted in Christ. “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) “The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord” David emphasizes the true source of salvation: It is “from the Lord.” Salvation does not originate: •  From personal strategy •  From retaliation •  From political advantage •  From accumulated power Systems, people, politicians, programs, and religions all promise some form of salvation—power to lift people to a better place in life. All of these may help in one way or another, but enduring salvation only comes from the Lord. The Hebrew word for “salvation” means deliverance, rescue, victory. God's salvation is both temporal and eternal, with benefits now and the blessing of a new reality after this life. We are not limited to only longing for the “sweet by and by." God can grant some earthly heaven before heaven in the afterlife. Do not underestimate God's ability to empower victorious living while we are still living among all the perils of the wicked. Consider the words of the Apostle Peter: Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:10–11) The “entrance” is experiencing heaven on earth while on the way to God's heaven. Note the responsibility to “make your calling and election sure,” which simply means to lean into God and His kingdom. We read in Psalm 23:5, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.” New Testament Scriptures Confirm God's Delivering Nature: Romans 8:31,  “If God is for us, who can be against us?” 2 Timothy 4:18, “The Lord will deliver me from every evil work…” “He is their strength in the time of trouble” The Hebrew word for “strength” מmeans fortress, stronghold, and a place of protection. We don't only focus on what God does, but who God is. He is not merely a rescuer; He is a refuge. We don't have a transactional relationship with God by seeking “a blessing” when we need it. We live in a covenantal relationship with God, day by day. “He shall deliver them from the wicked, And save them, Because they trust in Him.” Remember: •  Salvation originates from God alone. •  God Himself is the refuge of the righteous. •  Trouble does not cancel covenant protection. •  Deliverance is certain, though timing may vary. •  Trust is the foundation of divine rescue and progress going forward. Psalm 37 ends where it started: “Trust in the Lord.” I trust that you were inspired, encouraged, and educated through this 21-day journey through Psalm 37! It was a joy preparing these lessons and having contributions from Patricia Hudson, Stacy Williams, and Pastor Lee Robb. “Every good thing happens on a Firm Foundation!” Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min. New Covenant Church   Reflection question: What are some takeaways from this devotional that have become foundational to your life going forward? Key insight I gained today: Today's action item based on insight:   LINK TO ALL LESSONS IN THE DEVOTIONAL

MESSAGE SUMMARY Learning to Trust God with the Desires of My Heart By Patricia Hudson, M.S. 1) Opening prayer and purpose of the message Patricia opens by thanking God for the day and asking Him to help her speak words that are “seeds”—words that will touch hearts and produce fruit in the lives of both in-person listeners and livestream viewers. Her prayer emphasizes that God's work is corporate and individual: He is speaking to the whole church, but also to each person's specific life, struggles, and calling. She thanks Dr. Bryan Hudson for the opportunity to minister, connecting her message to the church's yearlong focus: “Delight in the Lord, desires of the heart fulfilled.” She references an earlier teaching (Dec. 28) titled “Joy is Delight, Bent for God,” which becomes the foundation for how she develops Psalm 37:4. 2) Starting with the Day 4 devotional: Delight means “bent” With Pastor Hudson's permission, Patricia begins by reading the Day 4 devotional, “Delight in the Lord.” The devotional's key idea is that: God reshapes desires before He fulfills them. “Delight” biblically means to take pleasure in, to incline toward, or to bend. What we delight in is revealed by what pulls us, shapes us, motivates us, and “bends” us—either positively or negatively. This introduces a crucial lens for the entire sermon: delight is not a feeling only—it is a direction. Delight means your inner life is being shaped, inclined, and formed. She stresses that because “to delight is to be bent,” we must pay attention to our desires and discern whether they come from God or from something else. As we delight in the Lord—His character, presence, and promises—God forms us into a “shape” that pleases Him. 3) Relational, not transactional: God gives transformed desires Patricia repeats a major refrain: life with God is relational, not transactional. In other words, Psalm 37:4 is not a “deal” where people delight so God gives a wishlist. Instead: Delighting in God reshapes the heart. What God fulfills is not merely personal ambition, but desires that have been transformed by relationship with Him. She quotes Pastor Hudson's idea that what comes from being “bent” through relationship with God is being granted, bestowed, and entrusted with genuine heart desires. She also highlights another phrase: Jesus refines, aligns, and “calibrates” the heart, so what we increasingly desire reflects God's will. 4) The “bend” metaphor: transformation can be uncomfortable Patricia explains why “bend” matters to her: bending changes shape, and bending is not always comfortable. Depending on age, bending can be easier or harder, but the point is spiritual: Being bent toward God may not feel easy, and the shape we start with may not be the shape we end with, because God is bending us for His purposes. This becomes a pastoral encouragement: discomfort does not mean God is absent—it can mean God is shaping you. 5) The guiding questions: where do desires come from? Patricia invites the Holy Spirit to guide listeners through several reflective questions: What (or who) is the source of my desire? Are there desires of the soul (mind, will, emotions) and desires of the flesh? (Yes—but they are different.) Is “desire” the same as “desires of the heart”? Do desires of the heart come from God? Are heart desires only meant to bless me—or also to bless others? Her direction is clear: this teaching is not merely about getting what we want, but about understanding purpose. 6) Word study: “desires of the heart” as petition flowing from delight Patricia introduces a word study to emphasize that Psalm 37:4 is specific. She explains that the Hebrew term she's focusing on carries the sense of: a heartfelt plea, a request, a petition toward God. She says this word appears only twice in the Old Testament (Psalm 20:5 and Psalm 37:4), which for her underscores that the phrase is purposeful and weighty. Her takeaway: true desires of the heart become petitions God is willing to satisfy when they arise from delight in Him. So she urges people to watch how they use the word “desire”—because we can want many things, but “desires of the heart” in this sense are the kind that rise out of communion with God. 7) Continual desires: God isn't done with you One of her most encouraging points is that the “desires of the heart” concept implies something ongoing—not finished, continual. That excites her because it speaks directly to people who wonder, especially later in life, “Lord, is there still more?” Her answer is yes: as you continue delighting in the Lord, God continues shaping desires and giving zeal and passion to finish your race and fulfill purpose—regardless of age. 8) Abraham and Sarah: a case study in trust, waiting, and purpose Patricia then turns to Abraham and Sarah to show how this works in real life. She frames their story as a living example of learning to trust God with heart desires. a) Genesis 12 — Called to go without knowing God calls Abram to leave his country and go to a land God will show him. Patricia imagines the human reactions: “Where are we going? What are we going to do? Are you serious?” Yet Abram trusts God and goes—at 75 years old, emphasizing again that it is never too late for purpose. b) Genesis 15 — God promises an heir Abram voices concern: “What good are blessings if I have no son?” God responds with the promise of a son and descendants as numerous as the stars. Abram believes, and God counts it as righteousness. c) Genesis 16 — Sarah tries to “help God” Patricia highlights the emotional realism: Sarah is barren, years pass, hope fades, frustration grows. She calls it a picture of what people still do today: desperate people do desperate things. Sarah proposes Hagar as a workaround, and Ishmael is born. Patricia emphasizes that human solutions can create complications and conflict—because it wasn't God's plan. d) Genesis 17 — God reiterates: “I said what I said” This becomes one of Patricia's repeated phrases: God reaffirms His promise. He changes Abram and Sarai's names to Abraham and Sarah, and specifies that Sarah will bear the promised son Isaac. Her point: God has not changed the original promise, even though time passed and mistakes were made. e) Genesis 21 — Isaac is born after 25 years Isaac is born when Abraham is 100 and Sarah is 90—a 25-year wait from the initial promise. Patricia contrasts this with how impatient people can be: we pray today and struggle to wait even days. But she stresses: waiting is not empty time—something is happening in us. God is preparing people to carry what He promised. She states it plainly: circumstances don't change the promise, and delays don't cancel God's purpose when we remain delighted in Him. 9) Genesis 22 — The test: will you trust God with what you love most? After Isaac arrives—the heart's desire—God tests Abraham: offer Isaac. Patricia frames this as the ultimate picture of her theme: Will you obey God with the desire of your heart? Can you trust the Giver even with the gift? Abraham prepares to obey, declaring in faith that God will provide. God stops him and provides a ram. Then God reaffirms the covenant again: blessing, descendants, and worldwide impact through Abraham's offspring. Patricia's conclusion from this scene: Abraham learned trust over time, and the test revealed where his heart truly rested—in God, not merely the promise. 10) Bigger than personal blessing: prophetic purpose fulfilled in Christ Patricia then lifts the story to its larger meaning: Abraham's longing for an heir was not only personal—it was prophetic. Through Isaac's line comes Jesus Christ. God's promise that Abraham's seed would bless the nations finds fulfillment in Christ. She reads from Romans 4 to emphasize that Abraham's faith was recorded for our benefit, so believers today can trust that God keeps His promises and counts faith as righteousness through Christ. 11) Modern illustrations: “the this” and “the that,” and purpose that blesses others Patricia brings the message into contemporary life through two examples: a) Jan Mitchell's testimony (Jan. 18) She shares Jan's lesson: “You need the this to get to the that.” The journey (“the this”) may be uncomfortable, but it is often necessary for what God intends (“the that”). Patricia highlights the idea that if God gave some things immediately, they would bless only in the moment—but God's goal may be larger: overflow for the world, not just private relief. b) Ophelia Wellington and Freetown Village Patricia describes how a desire to teach African-American history grew into Freetown Village, reaching over one million people through programs. Her point: God can take a desire and unfold it into a life purpose that touches generations. There are “bumps, bends, drop-offs,” but purpose matures through perseverance and trust. 12) Closing invitation: partner with God, don't perform for God Patricia closes by returning to Pastor Hudson's framing: as we delight in Him, we will see the desires of our heart fulfilled. She calls the congregation to accept God's invitation: trust Him do good dwell in the land feed on His faithfulness delight in the Lord commit your way to Him And she clarifies: these are not fleshly works to earn something; we are laborers together with God.     

Day 8 — Waiting with Hope & Active Faith Psalm 37:9 — For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the Lord, They shall inherit the earth. Key Thought: God's purpose is our greatest asset Prayer: Teach me how to wait on what You are preparing “Evildoers shall be cut off” The Hebrew phrase “cut off” speaks of severance, removal, or loss of standing. In covenant language, “cut off” means exclusion from blessing. It does not necessarily mean death. The focus of this text the unsustainability of evil. The history of the world has seen many evil persons, governments (such as Nazi Germany), and evil deeds. Along with the blessings of God we see the perils of life and people of bad will. Biblically, “evildoers” are those who act unjustly, oppress others, prosper through wrongdoing, and benefit from manipulated systems. Evil involves willful participation in what harms others and dishonors God. Evildoers may flourish for a time, but their influence and works will not endure. This is not something we can simply pray away. It is something we work on as Christ followers, communities, and citizens. Sometimes Jesus helped people just for the sake of helping people (such as feeding and healing others). He was not always “evangelizing,” because His motive was loving and serving people. “Those who wait on the LORD” The Hebrew word “wait” means more than time passing. It carries the idea of hope, expectancy, patience, and active faith in God. We wait and expect because God's power is greater than our power. Our faith is expressed through endurance and obedience to His instructions. Waiting on the Lord is the antidote to fretting. Instead of overreacting to evil, we remain anchored in God's timing and character. From this place of strength, we can gain wisdom to know what to do. When you are at the airport waiting for a flight, technicians are preparing the airplane and making sure there is nothing impeding your route. When you are waiting, God is working. “They shall inherit the earth” “Inherit” is a covenant word. Biblically, inheritance is connected to continuity, belonging, and stability. Jesus said, “I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it” (Revelation 3:8). “To inherit the earth” is more than land ownership (which comes later). It is participation in God's ordered world, living within His purposes and enjoying what He provides. These things can happen while we are living on this earth, even among evildoers. Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). We do not want this earth in its present state forever. We want to make the best of the environments in which we live during our lifetimes. When it is all said and done, there will be a new heaven and a new earth in which we will live and reign with Christ. But our focus now is to serve God's purposes in our generation. Reflection Question: In light of this Scripture and lesson, what does waiting on the Lord mean?  

DOWNLOAD KEYNOTE SLIDES DOWNLOAD MESSAGE SUMMARY Sermon Summary: “The God of Your Days” Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min. Psalm 37 is a psalm of wisdom, not lament. It instructs believers how to live faithfully when injustice and wickedness appear to prosper. God's command to “do not fret” calls for courageous engagement without anxiety, fear, or spiritual distortion. “The LORD knows the days of the upright” affirms God's intimate involvement in every season of life—past, present, and future. God is the God of all our days, including times of joy, hardship, abundance, and loss. God's faithfulness extends across generations. Long before we were born, God was already at work, planting seeds through the faith, obedience, and integrity of those who came before us. Our true inheritance is not merely material but includes faith, character, courage, and purpose—things that outlast wealth and recognition. Remembering and preserving inheritance is essential. Forgetting history weakens identity, while intentional storytelling strengthens future generations. Above all, God Himself is our greatest inheritance. Unlike material possessions, what God gives cannot be lost, diminished, or destroyed. Because our hope is in Him—not in systems or people—we will not be ashamed in evil times. God preserves His people through both trust and action. Faith works through obedience, wisdom, and responsibility. Even in seasons of famine—spiritual or natural—those who remain grounded in God's Word will be satisfied. Final Affirmation: God is the God of our days. He knows the days of the upright. Our inheritance in Him is forever. We will not be ashamed in evil times. In days of famine, we will be satisfied.    

Greetings! Today we begin our 21-day journey through Psalm 37! Our theme is “Learning to Love God More.” We will go verse by verse and allow the Lord to speak to our hearts and minds. In addition to myself, other contributors include Patricia Hudson, Stacy Williams, Min. Bertha Fields, and Pastor Lee Rob. I will be writing the majority of the lessons, and I deeply appreciate the contributions of these fellow servants of God. Lessons will be posted by 5:30AM each day. I encourage you to incorporate these brief lessons into your regular devotional rhythm.   Would also like to invite you to join New Covenant Church for Corporate Prayer on Zoom Wednesday evening at 7:30 PM (EST).   If you'd like to do your own study in the book of Psalms 37, here are some resources:   Enduring Word https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-37/ Bible Gateway; (The paid version has many more resources) https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/ StudyLight https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/dsb.html#google_vignette   _________________________________________   Day 1 — Do Not Fret   Scripture: Psalm 37:1, Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. Key Thought: Anxiety over evil drains the soul more than evil itself. Prayer: “Lord, quiet my spirit and anchor my trust in You.” It is no exaggeration to say that we are witnessing, in real time in our nation, workers of iniquity. This is not something new, but rarely has it been on full display at a national level among national political leaders. We are seeing despotism and dictatorial tactics in a nation where the Constitution says that “We The People” are the basis of our form of government—what Abraham Lincoln described as government “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” I share this because we have to be very mindful of not allowing ourselves to fret when we consider what is going on. Here in our state of Indiana, we are seeing situations that are harmful to people, especially the most vulnerable among us. As we are dealing with many grievous situations in our world, those of us who will not be silent must maintain balance. We must remain vigilant and active. At the same time, we must avoid strife or becoming obsessed with the deeds of evildoers. The Scripture plainly says, “do not fret.” As a matter of fact, in Psalm 37 the words “do not fret” appear three times. The third mention, in verse 8, states: “Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret—it only causes harm.” So while we who will not be silent, as many others are, must stay engaged. We also have to draw closer to God and keep our hearts clear of wrath, strife, and fretfulness. One way to do that is what we are doing right now—spending time in the Word, in prayer, and allowing the Holy Spirit to minister peace to our hearts. Jesus said in John 14:26–27, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Through this peace, we can steady our troubled hearts, and we will not fear the actions of ungodly people. REFLECTION QUESTION: "In what ways, specifically, do I need to stop fretting?" Key insight I gained today: Today's action item based on insight:

DOWNLOAD KEYNOTE SLIDES Sermon Summary: “Delight: Learning to Trust God More” Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min. www.BryanHudson.com / www.NewCovenant.org This sermon introduces the spiritual theme of delight as both the 2026 vision emphasis and the foundation for a 21-day devotional journey through Psalm 37. Pastor Hudson teaches that delighting in the Lord is not passive emotion but an intentional, practiced orientation of life that results in deeper trust in God and fulfilled desires aligned with His will. Foundational Scriptures Psalm 37:3–5, Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. 4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.  Psalm 90:12 – “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” These texts frame the message by connecting trust, delight, wisdom, and stewardship of life. Numbering Our Days: Wisdom Through Awareness Psalm 90:12 teaches that life has limits, and those limits are a gift. Recognizing limitation brings clarity and focus, helping believers invest energy in what truly matters. Key insights: Limitation is not negative: It helps eliminate distractions and refocus purpose. Time is a stewardship: Time is non-renewable; once spent, it cannot be reclaimed. Wisdom values quality over quantity: As maturity grows, the goal shifts from “trying everything” to living intentionally. Awareness matters: Living “awake” to God's activity helps believers avoid taking people, opportunities, or blessings for granted. What Delight Really Means Delight is a simple word with profound spiritual significance. Delight reflects three things: Desire – what you want Disposition – your attitude and emotional posture Direction – where your life is headed Biblically, delight means to bend, incline, or shape. What a person delights in is what they are ultimately bent toward. Over time, delight forms character, priorities, and spiritual posture. If someone dislikes what they see in their desires or direction, God's grace allows for intentional change. The Power of Choice and Obedience God leads, but believers still choose. Personal power lies in decision-making aligned with God's will. Psalm 37 outlines repeated actions: Trust (in the Lord), Do (good), Dwell (in the land), Feed (on His faithfulness), Delight (yourself in the Lord), Commit (Your way to the Lord), Trust (in Him)  These are not one-time acts but repeated behaviors that train the heart. [WATCH VIDEO] Parable of Spiritual Formation: Learning Changes the Brain Using a scientific illustration of learning (neural pathways and muscle memory), Pastor Hudson explains that: Repetition creates pathways. Practice strengthens habits. What becomes “second nature” is the result of sustained discipline. Spiritually, obedience works the same way. Prayer, worship, generosity, faithfulness, and trust are learned behaviors that shape a believer's inner life over time. Christian growth is not transactional (“pray once and move on”) but relational and transformational. Delight Can Shape Us for Good—or Harm Just as hearts can be shaped toward God, they can also be trained toward foolishness. Proverbs 1:22, “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, And fools hate knowledge. Culture often reinforces habits that produce spiritual immaturity.   The key question becomes: “How am I bent?” What a person practices repeatedly eventually defines their nature.   Do Not Glory in Gifts—Glory in Knowing God Jeremiah 9:23–24 warns against placing confidence in wisdom, strength, or wealth. Important truths: Blessings can become burdens if they replace trust in God. Success without spiritual grounding leads to misplaced confidence. True delight is found in understanding and knowing the Lord. Trusting God more requires trusting things less.   God Delights in His People David's testimony in 2 Samuel 22:19 shows that God delivered him because He delighted in him. Looking back over hardship reveals God's faithful support and deliverance into “broad places” of freedom. This echoes the old gospel lyric: “I look back and wonder how I got over.” God brings His people through—not because of perfection, but because of faithful relationship.   Seeking the Kingdom Is a Continual Practice Jesus taught that seeking the Kingdom is ongoing, not occasional. Delight requires consistent alignment, shaping believers so God can bless them without the blessing overwhelming them. Matthew 6:33, But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. God: Shapes before He gives, Trains before He entrusts, Aligns before He expands   Blessings are meant to be enjoyed and shared, not idolized. God's Pleasure Is to Give Luke 12:31, But seek [delight in] the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. 32 “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure [delight] to give you the kingdom. There is: No begging No striving No manipulation When hearts are aligned, desires become pure, motives mature, and requests reflect God's will.   The Promise of Alignment Isaiah 58:14 declares that those who delight in the Lord will: Ride on the “high places” of God's purpose Walk in freedom Live unrestrained in God's will This is not about fame or excess, but about living fully in God's intended design. Conclusion Delight is learned. Trust is cultivated. Faithfulness forms pathways in the heart. As believers are trained, shaped, and bent toward God: Trust deepens Desires align Blessings become sustainable Life reflects God's purpose The prayer of the sermon: “Lord, train me, shape me, and bend me into a form that pleases You. I am learning to trust You more.”

Matthew 18:1,  At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 

God's Word as the Calibration Standard Psalm 119:105, Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Life must be aligned to God's Word to avoid drift, error, or distortion. 2 Corinthians 13:5, Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. We don't need to make assumptions or just operate on our feelings. The Bible gives us objective standards. Renewal of the Mind is like a Recalibration Romans 12:2, Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. The world introduces bias and noise; the mind must be recalibrated so perception and decision-making reflect God's will. Correction and Course Adjustment Proverbs 3:5–6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart… He shall direct your paths.” Serving 1 John 3:16–18, Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

TRANSCRIPT: Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute – Talk #204 Topic: The Value of Struggle Greetings and welcome to another Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute. This is Talk #204, and our topic today is The Value of Struggle. I'm going to spend a bit more time with this topic by reading from Genesis chapter 32, beginning at verse 24: “Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. Now, when He saw that He could not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip, and the socket of Jacob's hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. And He said, ‘Let Me go, for the day breaks.' But Jacob said, ‘I will not let You go unless You bless me.' And He said to him, ‘What is your name?' He said, ‘Jacob.' And He said, ‘Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with man and have prevailed.'” There are many lessons to learn from this text—not just what I've read, but the whole context. Today, we're focusing on the lesson of the value of struggle.   Struggle as a Divine Encounter We read that Jacob was alone with God. The text calls Him a man, but we know this was a pre-incarnate manifestation of Jesus Christ. This struggle was designed to take Jacob to another level. We sometimes perceive struggle as a hindrance, but the Apostle James made it clear that when trials and tests come, we should not think it strange. James said: “Do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you.” He compared it to gold being refined in fire. He also said: “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” And then he tells us that patience has a work—to make us complete and entire, lacking nothing. So there is value in your struggle, but you have to frame it that way. You have to see it that way in the grace of God.   Persistence in the Pain As Jacob and this Man wrestled until the breaking of day, when the Man saw He could not prevail against him, He touched the socket of Jacob's hip. His hip went out of joint. But even in the midst of Jacob's hip being out of joint, he continued to wrestle until the Man said, “Let me go, for the day breaks.” Jacob replied, “I won't let you go until you bless me.” One of the values we gain in struggle is not giving up—not quitting, not caving in, not making excuses. Because if you are in a struggle in the will of God, there is a purpose for it. God is doing something to elevate you. Again, as James said: “Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” So even though Jacob was in pain, even though his hip was out of joint, he kept wrestling until he prevailed.   Understanding Jacob's Name When the Man asked him, “What is your name?” he said, “My name is Jacob.” We often think of Jacob as the supplanter and deceiver, but I believe the greater revelation is this: When Jacob was born, he was the twin of his brother Esau. Esau came out first, and the Bible says Jacob had a hold of Esau's heel. When they pulled Esau out, Jacob came with him, gripping his brother's heel. The name Jacob literally means “one who takes the heel.” I've always considered this an attribute of Jacob— the tenacity, the sticking with it, the not giving up, the holding on to the heel. So when God asked him, “What is your name?” it was as if he was saying, “I am the one who takes hold of the heel and won't let go.” He proved his value and his purpose in that struggle.   From Jacob to Israel Then the Man said: “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed.” Israel means “one who struggles with God” or “God strives.” It is a name that represents the value of struggle. The one who persevered—even sometimes to his own detriment—was elevated through struggle. God acknowledged him as one who struggles with God and prevails. When the Bible says the Man could not overpower him, it was not that God was weak. God allowed resistance to test him and to grow him. This was not a power struggle—this was a relational struggle. God wanted to elevate the relationship between Himself and Jacob, and that happened through struggle.   The Limp Was Repositioning, Not Punishment Jacob's limp was not punishment—it was repositioning. He could no longer walk in self-sufficiency. He could no longer identify as the one who “takes hold of the heel and won't let go.” That is self-sufficiency. He had learned to trust God, to engage God, and to stay engaged with God. One of the things about disability—or helping people with disability—is that it makes you recognize your need for help and assistance from others.   A Word for 2026 As we enter this new year, 2026, recognize the value of struggle—past, present, or future. Don't look at it as something to hinder you. Realize that no matter what happens, God is elevating you, and you will not be the same after an encounter with God. The most important lesson is this: You will be less self-sufficient and more God-sufficient.   Ministry Update As you may be aware, I am on a mini sabbatical for the month of January. I invited Pastor Lee Robb to minister at New Covenant Church, and he brought a very important message entitled “Desires That Don't Betray You.” Be sure to click the link in this blog to watch that message on YouTube and download the detailed summary. I appreciate Pastor Robb for being such a blessing. This coming Sunday, we will be blessed by the ministry of Jan Mitchell. God bless. Have a great day, and be encouraged.

Ecclesiastes 10:10, If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but wisdom brings success.

Message from Sunday, December 28 Joy is Delight – Bent for God Psalm 37:3, Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. 4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.

DOWNLOAD KEYNOTE SLIDES Psalm 37:3, Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. 4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. Dr. Bryan Hudson teaches that biblical joy is not dependent on circumstances but is a deep, settled gladness rooted in God's presence, promises, and purposes. Joy is defined as delight—being “bent” toward God in devotion, obedience, and purpose—rather than temporary happiness that comes and goes. Drawing from Luke 2, Psalm 37, Nehemiah, and Habakkuk, the message explains that true joy develops as believers delight themselves in the Lord, abide in Him daily, and remain committed to His will even in difficulty. Using Nehemiah's example, Dr. Hudson shows that joy is strengthened when people refuse to become comfortable in complacency, stay aligned with God's mission, and serve others faithfully. Ultimately, “the joy of the Lord is your strength” because a life bent toward God produces enduring resilience, purpose, and spiritual power.

Message from Sunday, December 21 "Good Tidings of Great Joy" Luke 2:8, Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

In Good Tidings of Great Joy, Pastor Bryan Hudson teaches that joy is central to God's redemptive plan and flows from living in God's presence. Drawing from Psalm 16:11 and Luke 2, he explains that joy is not the same as happiness—happiness is momentary, but joy is constant, like the air we breathe when we remain in God's presence. The angelic announcement of Jesus' birth reveals that the gospel itself is “good tidings of great joy” meant for all people. Jesus came to create the conditions for humanity to experience God's presence, receive new life, and live in sustained joy. Pastor Hudson emphasizes that rejoicing is the outward expression of inward joy, and believers are called not only to experience joy themselves but to share it with others through acts of love, service, and outreach—helping people encounter the lasting joy found only in Christ.

Listen to My Message from Sunday, December 14 God's Redemption Design: More Than a Personal Savior Part Two of Designed for Destiny TRANSCRIPT: Greetings, and welcome to another Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute. As a matter of fact, this is talk #200! Praise God! We began this series in January of 2022. I thank God for His grace that empowers me to bring you these inspirational talks. I trust you've been blessed and encouraged by them. Our topic today is “The Last Adam Solved Our Problem.” Reading from 1 Corinthians 15:45, “And so it is written, the first man Adam became a living being. The last Adam became a life-giving Spirit.” The problem we had was the disobedience of Adam in the Garden of Eden. He and his wife did not follow God's instruction. When they disobeyed God, death entered the world. There was first a spiritual death, and then humanity succumbed to physical death. They were not designed to die physically, but sin always brings death—both spiritually and physically. However, this did not take God by surprise. In that same moment, God made a promise that the seed of the woman would crush the head of the serpent, which is a type of the devil. Jesus destroyed the works of the devil.  While neither Adam, nor Eve, nor the serpent understood what God said at the time, we know in hindsight that this Seed was preserved all the way to the coming of Jesus through the Virgin Mary. Romans 5:15 reads: “For if by one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One.” Jesus, the Last Adam, became a life-giving Spirit. This text explains that by one man's offense, Adam's, death reigned through that one sinful seed. The Scripture goes on to say that those of us who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. Through Jesus, we live in the gift of righteousness, and we reign in life over sin, Satan, and defeat. Amen! So the Last Adam, Jesus, solved our problem. Rejoice in that! God bless. Have a great day, and be encouraged.

DOWNLOAD KEYNOTE SLIDES In this message, Pastor Bryan Hudson teaches that while Jesus is indeed our personal Savior, God's redemptive design is far greater than individual salvation. From Romans 8:29 and Colossians 1:19–20, he shows that God predestined believers to be conformed to Christ, forming a collective people—His church—through whom He reconciles and influences the world. Salvation is not merely personal but part of God's broader plan to redeem humanity and creation. Dr. Hudson contrasts man-made design, shaped by sin and selfishness, with God-made design, in which believers are God's workmanship created for good works. He emphasizes that destiny is expressed through service, not self-service, and warns against reducing Christianity to private spirituality or political power. God calls His people to be “salt and light,” influencing systems with righteousness—not taking them over. Using the parable of the Good Samaritan, he explains that we do not choose our neighbors; love requires us to serve anyone in need, even those unlike us. Jesus transforms “neighbor” from a category into a calling. The sermon also traces the biblical design of redemption from Genesis, showing how Jesus—the “last Adam”—undoes the failure of the first Adam and restores humanity. Dr. Hudson concludes that believers “reign in life” (Romans 5:17) not as earthly rulers but through the shared authority and life of Christ. Salvation is personal, but not for personal ends. God's destiny for us is collective: a chosen, royal, holy people who fulfill His purposes together.

Listen to My Message from Sunday, December 7 Designed for Destiny: Created for Good Works Romans 8:29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. As a visual communications major in college and a designer for almost 50 years, ever since high school, I appreciate God's intention as the ultimate designer. You have also been responsible for design in one way or another, whether formally or by making decisions about how your home looks and functions. On your job, through your volunteer tasks, planning a vacation, or working with others, design is always a vital part of any fruitful task. Design is the engine of purpose, or what we also call destiny. While the concept of destiny is large, the actions of destiny are comprised of consistent small steps—something we also call process. From the foreknowledge of God, our text states that we were predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son Jesus. That's a big concept, but it was manifested in many smaller steps. From God anticipating the fall of Adam and Eve, stating, “He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel”—foretelling of Jesus' death as a bruised heel, resulting in defeating Satan and the power of death, “a bruised, or busted, head.” From that beginning in the garden, God protected and preserved the messianic seed all the way to the virgin Mary. Here's the important thing about design: the designer is always paying attention to his or her design. Because it is an investment of time and resources, there's no way a designer will neglect the design. I say that to remind you that because you are designed by God, He pays attention to you. In the words of the Hebrews writer (2:6),  “What are mere mortals that you should think about them, or a son of man that you should care for him? Yet for a little while you made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor.” Because you and I were designed or made a little lower than the angels and crowned with glory and honor, your Designer never stops thinking about you and adjusting His work in your life and in our lives together. Let that thought live in your heart and mind today.

DOWNLOAD KEYNOTE SLIDES Romans 8:29, For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Ephesians 2:10, For we are His workmanship [masterpiece], created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Summary Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min. teaches that every believer is designed by God with intention and created for a purposeful destiny, which Scripture calls “good works.” Drawing from Romans 8:29, he explains that God has predestined us—not by pre-programming our choices, but by providing a divine design we must willingly discover and walk in. Destiny is not a single large event; it is the consistent, faithful, everyday actions done in alignment with God's purpose. Pastor Hudson contrasts manmade design, which produces spiritual deadness and conformity to the world, with God's design, which brings life, identity, and transformation through His love, grace, and mercy. Believers are God's “workmanship”—His masterpiece—uniquely created like fingerprints, each with a distinct role that strengthens the collective body of Christ. Emphasizing that identity in Christ is both individual and communal, he reminds the church that we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God's special people. As such, we reject the “pandemic of self-service” and embrace a life of service to God and others. The sermon concludes by calling believers to walk in their God-given design, encourage one another, and live as salt and light in the world.

Download Keynote Slides Colossians 1:12, Always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the  inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.   1 Thessalonians 5:18, In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you In this message, Pastor Bryan Hudson, DMin. teaches that thanksgiving is far more than a holiday—it is a foundational posture for a victorious Christian life. Drawing from Colossians 1:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, and other Scriptures, he explains that giving thanks is evidence of the inheritance God has placed within us and a continual practice that renews our minds, stabilizes our emotions, and keeps our hearts clear. Like the peace offerings in Leviticus—voluntary, heartfelt, and spontaneous—true thanksgiving flows from love, not obligation. Using the redwood tree's shared root system as an illustration, he shows that believers are rooted together in Christ and strengthened through collective gratitude. Pastor Hudson warns that withholding thanks leads to darkened thinking, while a lifestyle of gratitude brings joy, peace, and spiritual resilience even amid trials. Ultimately, giving thanks is a continual offering, the “fruit of our lips,” that keeps us in God's presence (coram Deo) and grounds our identity as accepted, blessed people who live in the light.

1 Peter 2:9–10 (NKJV) “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.”

Listen to my Message from Sunday, November 16 Ministry in The Margins: How Small Acts Have Eternal Impact   MESSAGE SUMMARY PDF     Proverbs 4:23, Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

DOWNLOAD KEYNOTE SLIDES DOWNLOAD SERMON SUMMARY   SERMON SUMMARY (by OpenAI) Ministry in the Margins: How Small Acts Have Eternal Impact By Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min. Matthew 25:31 “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' 37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'   1. Introduction: Jesus will separate those who served from those who did not. Dr. Hudson opens with Matthew 25, where Jesus describes the Son of Man returning in glory, separating people like a shepherd divides sheep and goats. This passage reveals how God evaluates lives—not by spectacle or prominence, but by compassionate actions taken toward “the least of these.” Jesus lists personal, human-scale acts: Feeding the hungry Giving drink to the thirsty Welcoming the stranger Clothing the naked Visiting the sick Ministering to the imprisoned The righteous are surprised—they don't remember doing these things for Jesus. But He replies: “Inasmuch as you did it to the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” This text reveals Christ's heart for people and His identification with the marginalized. 2. Two Levels of Ministry: Macro & Micro Dr. Hudson explains that Jesus operated at two simultaneous levels: A. Macro (Big Picture) The “40,000-foot view” God enthroned in heaven Christ coming in glory with angels The sweeping rule of God over all creation Jesus doing “big things”—miracles, world-changing acts This is the majestic, transcendent dimension of Christ's ministry. B. Micro (Personal & Individual) Jesus noticing one hungry person One thirsty person One stranger One sick or imprisoned person One woman touching His garment One boy with a small lunch The same King who rules the universe also sees individual people in need. "Jesus sees you right where you are.” Christ never stops seeing the person while seeing the big picture. The Problem With People Who Only See Macro Some people only want big, impressive ministry. They become “legends in their own minds.” But without micro-vision—tenderness, compassion, awareness—you cannot truly minister to people.   3. What God Actually Pays Attention To Dr. Hudson stresses that we live in a culture fascinated by entertainment, showmanship, and spectacle. But: God is not impressed with big platforms or big productions. God does not measure greatness the way people do. God pays attention to people and their conditions, especially those who are suffering. Illustration: Prison Ministry Prison ministry strips away props, technology, and fanfare. You can't take your laptop, phone, Apple Watch, or screens. You go in with: A Bible A simple watch Glasses A few notes And Jesus in your heart This is micro-level ministry—core, simple, compassionate. God pays attention to that. 4. A Big God Who Sees and Uses Small Things A. God Sees Small Things Luke 12:6–7 – God cares about sparrows and numbers every hair on your head. Jesus regularly highlights small acts of faith, not big personalities. B. God Uses Small Things Biblical examples: A boy's small lunch (loaves & fishes) Rahab's small but courageous lie to protect the spies David's sling and five smooth stones Samson's donkey's jawbone The woman's touch of Jesus' garment Gideon's 300 soldiers A man loaning Jesus his donkey All small acts. All with massive impact. C. God Uses Simple Things Especially in ministry to the marginalized—juvenile centers, prisons, people at the margins of society. Simplicity reveals Christ most clearly.   5. Ministry in the Margins: The Meaning of “Margins” The sermon uses the metaphor of a book: The text is the main content—where “most people” live. The margin is outside the center—where people feel unseen, unwelcome, or displaced. Some people live in the margins because: Society pushes them there They don't fit expected norms They experience hardship, injustice, or lack They aren't embraced by the “main text” Jesus, however, identifies with people in the margins. He says: “I was hungry… I was thirsty… I was a stranger…” He does not say “they were hungry.” Jesus dignifies the marginalized by identifying with them personally. Christ's Identification With the Marginalized Jesus Himself: Was never literally sick or imprisoned Was never homeless in the modern sense But He chooses to identify with those who are. Why? Because if you are trapped in the same condition yourself, you cannot lift someone else out. He identifies so He can elevate. 6. The Problem in American Christianity Dr. Hudson warns against a version of Christianity obsessed with: Power Privilege Proximity to the wealthy Cultural influence Celebrity preachers “Macro-only ministry” The Gospel calls us back to the heart of Christ—a heart that sees the hungry, thirsty, undocumented, imprisoned, and sick. As his grandfather preached: “You got what you wanted, but lost what you had.” 7. Macro & Micro Together in Scripture Examples: Proverbs 16:9 Macro: A man plans his way Micro: The Lord directs his steps James 2:14 Macro: Faith Micro: Works Both are required. 8. Sheep vs. Goats: A Call to Be a Sheep A. Sheep Characteristics Gentle Stay close together Easily follow the shepherd Respect boundaries Stay where God places them Ready to inherit the kingdom because they've been walking with the King B. Goat Characteristics Wander into danger Break boundaries Independent Do their own thing Resist leadership Not oriented to the flock Self-willed This explains the behavior of many people. C. Why Sheep Inherit the Kingdom Not because God “picked” them that day, but because: They were already aligned with Christ Their lives consistently reflected His compassion Their hearts were shaped by love, not self-service “Be a sheep and not a goat.” 9. Final Exhortation: God's Kingdom Is Love in Action Jesus separates people not by: Religion Church attendance Public image Size of ministry Amount of Bible knowledge But by compassion expressed toward others. Two realities: The unrighteous (goats) face judgment for indifference and self-service. The righteous (sheep) inherit the kingdom because they carry the King's heart. “Faith works through love.” — Galatians 5:6   10. Closing Prayer Themes Gratitude for the Word Correction and reorientation of our attitudes Desire to reflect the compassion of Christ Awareness that God sees even sparrows—and certainly sees us Thankfulness for people who care and serve quietly A commitment to be sheep, not goats A call to draw close to Jesus and His heart for the marginalized One-Sentence Summary This sermon teaches that while God is great and majestic (macro), He pays the closest attention to small, compassionate acts done for people in the margins (micro), and those who consistently walk in such compassion—His “sheep”—are the ones who inherit His kingdom.

Matthew 25:31 “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' 37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'