The Rob Skinner Podcast

Live the Warrior's Life Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:5 (NLT) Episode Summary In this episode of The Rob Skinner Podcast / The 10X Christian Podcast, Rob explores what it means to move from studying the Christian life to living it with courage, conviction, and spiritual toughness. Inspired by the ancient warrior Telamon of Arcadia—who said, "It is one thing to study war and another to live the warrior's life"—Rob challenges listeners to stop approaching faith as theory and start embodying it as a daily battle fought with clarity, purpose, and courage. Drawing from 2 Timothy 4:5, Rob highlights Paul's charge to Timothy: Keep a clear mind Don't fear suffering Share the Good News Fully carry out the ministry God has assigned This episode calls believers to embrace the "warrior life" of discipleship—stepping into hard things, facing fear head-on, and living boldly for Christ. Key Points Studying faith is good—but living it is where transformation happens. Paul wrote 2 Timothy from prison, urging believers not just to talk about courage but to show it. Real discipleship is proven under pressure: in rejection, misunderstanding, spiritual battles, and perseverance. A 10X Christian chooses conviction over comfort and mission over fear. Living the warrior's life means stepping into ministry, sharing your faith, forgiving people, and acting even when afraid. Challenge of the Day Ask yourself: Am I studying faith, or living it? Take one bold step today: Share Jesus with someone Forgive someone Step into a ministry opportunity Do the hard thing God has placed in front of you A 10X Christian doesn't run from the fight—they stand firm, believing God has already won the battle. Scripture of the Episode 2 Timothy 4:5 (NLT): "But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you." How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast If you'd like to help support Rob's mission to multiply disciples, leaders, and churches, you can give a gift here:

Summary In this episode of The Rob Skinner Podcast, Jesse and Alexandra Ghoman share their inspiring journey of faith, love, and ministry. From their beginnings in faith to their marriage and transition to leading the Charleston Church, the Ghomans open up about the joys and challenges of ministry life. They discuss personal losses, leadership lessons, and the power of relationships in growing a vibrant church community. Their story is one of humility, perseverance, and faith — a powerful reminder that great ministry is built on love, teamwork, and trust in God's plan. Key Takeaways Jesse and Alexandra's unique journeys of faith and calling. The importance of deep relationships and authentic community in ministry. How to navigate challenges and losses in leadership. Proven strategies for church growth and community engagement. The role of humility and collaboration between evangelists and elders. Building a strong culture of leadership development. The power of faith to overcome obstacles. Creating an inviting and inspiring environment for families. The lasting impact of personal relationships on church health and growth. Dreaming big for the future — multiplication, vision, and legacy. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and Background 01:48 – Faith Journeys: Becoming Christians 06:21 – Meeting and Marrying: Jesse and Alexandra's Love Story 11:54 – Ministry Beginnings: From Boston to Charleston 15:38 – Transitioning to Charleston: Reasons for the Move 19:22 – Growing the Church: Strategies and Challenges 28:29 – Navigating Loss: Personal and Ministry Challenges 31:32 – Recognizing Unique Gifts in Leadership 34:35 – The Importance of Experience and Expertise 37:27 – Strategies for Raising Up Leaders 47:07 – Building Healthy Relationships with Elders 52:58 – The Value of Humility and Time in Leadership 56:13 – Intentional Friendships and Community Building 56:54 – Vision for the Future: Multiplication and Growth 01:02:10 – Making Life Count: Priorities and Legacy

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner   Michael and Angela DeAquino have a unique passion and ministry:  Coaching parents on how to raise their kids before their first child is born.  Hoping to avoid many of the pitfalls of parenting this couple with five kids believe that the earlier parents get help raising their kids, the better.  They recently wrote a book on the subject and are helping ministries prepare married couples to raise spiritual kids. More about Michael and Angela: Michael was born to Brazilian parents who immigrated to the U.S. and eventually settled in Chicago. His dad was trying to make ends meet and got involved in Amway for a time. One day, while knocking on doors in their apartment building, he met a group of disciples who were having a Bible talk. They invited him in, and not long after, both of Michael's parents became Christians in the Chicago church. Michael was six years old at the time. He grew up in the Chicago church and was part of an awesome youth ministry. At 14, he decided to become a disciple himself. After graduating high school in 2003, he joined the campus ministry in Champaign, IL. During his sophomore year, he visited a friend who attended Harding University and loved the atmosphere there. He transferred to Harding his junior year to pursue a Bible degree with a focus on Youth and Family Ministry. During his senior year, his former teen ministry leader from Chicago called and asked if he'd consider leading the campus ministry in Cincinnati. After graduating in 2007, Michael moved to Cincinnati to take on that role. Angela didn't grow up in the ICOC. She was first invited to church in fourth grade by her best friend Kelly, who invited her on the bus. Angela came on and off but eventually became a Christian her senior year of high school in 2006. She was part of the graduating class that moved from the teen ministry into the Cincinnati campus ministry in 2007, which is when Michael began leading it. We started dating in 2008 and got married in 2011. We had our first child in 2013 and today have five kids (one boy and four girls). In 2017, we were invited to interview for the Youth and Family Ministry position in Denver, Colorado. We moved there in 2018 and led the ministry for four years. In 2022, we transitioned out of full-time ministry. Angela now stays home and homeschools our kids, and Michael works full-time as a realtor here in Denver. The Parenthood Primer and The Parenthood Project Ministry After 11 years doing campus ministry, we noticed that many campus students who had been raised in our churches were struggling spiritually. The reason we decided to move to Denver to serve in Youth and Family Ministry was because we thought that if we could reach them earlier, in high school or middle school, we could help them be better prepared. But eventually, we realized the real need was to reach parents earlier. That insight led us to the idea of pre-parental counseling, helping couples prepare for parenting before they even have kids. We wrote a book called The Parenthood Primer: A Pre-Parental Counseling Workbook for Expecting Christian Couples. It is designed to help couples build a solid foundation for faith and family before their child arrives. We also started The Parenthood Project, a non-profit ministry that helps churches build young parent ministries. Many churches do a great job with teens, campus students, young professionals, and marrieds, but once people start having kids, they often lose that sense of community and support. Our goal is to help churches bridge that gap by equipping and encouraging young parents early on so their homes can be spiritually strong from the start. There are long-term benefits for churches and it's also a huge evangelistic opportunity. Our focus now is helping churches and parents build strong families before and during those early parenting years. We have a website where parents and churches can sign up for our online pre-parental counseling course, along with many other resources and opportunities. (We are currently involved in helping 13 churches.) Michael and Angela DeAquino

  The Rob Skinner Podcast: Releasing Your Spiritual Emergency Brake Keywords: spiritual growth, overcoming fear, faith, personal development, Christian life, release the emergency brake, live free, purpose, growth, no regrets Episode Summary In this inspiring episode, Rob Skinner unpacks the idea of spiritual growth through the vivid metaphor of an emergency brake. Just like a car can't move freely when the brake is engaged, many Christians struggle to move forward in faith because of hidden fears, doubts, or regrets. Rob challenges listeners to identify what's holding them back and to release those spiritual brakes through prayer, surrender, and renewed trust in God. This episode will help you live free, pursue your purpose, and experience the kind of faith that moves without hesitation or regret. Key Takeaways If you've ever felt held back spiritually, it's time to release the emergency brake in your life. A locked brake keeps even the most powerful engine from moving forward. When your spiritual brake is on, you can press the gas but make little progress. God calls you to throw off everything that hinders and run your race freely. Stop replaying the past — name it, pray about it, and let it go. A car wasn't designed to run with the brake on — and neither were you. God created you to move forward, unhindered, fully alive, and free in His purpose. Memorable Quotes "Whatever it is, name it. Pray about it." "The road ahead is wide open." "He created you to run free." Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Spiritual Growth 00:42 – The Emergency Brake Analogy 02:35 – Identifying What Holds You Back 04:25 – Moving Forward in Faith Support the Show If this episode encourages you, visit RobSkinner.com to learn more about Rob's mission to multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

The Rob Skinner Podcast: The Unmatched Work Ethic of Michael Jordan Keywords: Michael Jordan, work ethic, basketball, practice, excellence, team spirit, devotion, faith Episode Summary In this episode, Rob explores the legendary work ethic of Michael Jordan — a man whose devotion to practice and team success defined his greatness. Discover how Jordan's relentless drive, even in the face of injury, reveals powerful lessons about discipline, excellence, and spiritual growth. Rob connects Jordan's example on the court to how we can live lives of faith, focus, and devotion off the court. Key Takeaways Michael Jordan's practice habits were legendary. He prioritized practice over games and improvement over recognition. Jordan's devotion to his team was unmatched — even practicing when injured. Excellence in basketball, as in life, stems from daily dedication. Team success, not personal glory, was always his focus. His work ethic inspired everyone around him. Greatness is forged in practice, not performance. The same principles of devotion apply to our faith and walk with God. Memorable Quotes "MJ would practice like it was his last day." "Practice is more important than the games." "I'll practice when I'm hurt." Episode Chapters 00:00 – Rediscovering Devotion to Spiritual Practice 00:37 – Devotion: The Key to Spiritual Growth Support the Show If this episode inspires you, visit RobSkinner.com to learn more about Rob's mission to multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner Kolade Paul-Ajuwape has a big dream to reach the lost in Japan.  He graduated MIT in engineering and has spent his years after graduation doing missionary work all over the world.  His ultimate dream is to take the gospel to Japan and assist the church there in reaching the lost.  He spent the summer on a short term missionary trip to Tokyo and other cities in Japan reaching out to people.  Find out what he learned and his plans for the future.

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner Join Joel Peed, Joel Nagel, Pam Skinner as we talk about the third day of the Climb Conference in Lansing, Michigan.

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner   Join us as we talk about today's highlights from the Climb Conference 2025 day 2.  Special guest:  Chris Schwartzenberger from Spokane, Washington.

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner  I'm Rob Skinner and this is the Rob Skinner Podcast. Today, I'm talking to Will Thorne.  Will and his wife, Chelsea, lead the Boston Campus Ministry that had over 100 baptisms last year.  Find out what he's doing and how he got here. All this and more on the Rob Skinner Podcast!   Questions 1.     How'd you become a Christian? 2.    How'd you meet Chelsea? 3.    I've heard your Dad's name many times over the years.  What does he do? 4.   Where have you been since you became a Christian? 5.    How did the door open for your to lead the Sydney, Australia church? 6.   What were some of the highs and lows of leading a church like that while relatively young? 7.   Why you leave Australia? 8.   How did you land in Boston? 9.   What's been going on in the campus ministry?  Where was it at when you started and what's it like now? 10.          What's your secret sauce?  Many kingdom kids fade or drift away or simply stagnate.  You chose to really dig in spiritually.  Why? 11.  I heard a rumor that you lost some weight, is that true?  How'd you do it? 12. I heard your son had a recent diagnosis.  Can you talk about it? 13. What are your dreams for the future?  Where do you see yourself in five years? What advice would you give to a person who wants to make his life count?

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner   I'm Rob Skinner and this is the Rob Skinner Podcast.  Sometimes churches get forgotten, neglected or passed over.  Bob Shanks has gone to one of those “forgotten” churches and brought new life to the church he leads in Savannah, Georgia.  Bob was living on his own at fifteen, married at 20 with two kids already.  Christ found him and his wife Tricia, turned their lives around and they have spent the last 30 years transforming churches.  Find out who he is and what he's doing to rekindle faith in this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast!

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner   Octave Lindly is a disciple living in San Diego, California.  In this episode he shares how he became financially independent by the age of 40.  He also shares about his spiritual journey, his marriage and divorce and how a person can become financially free in 10 years.  

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner   Transcript of How to Enjoy Peace of Mind   When Jesus was about to leave this world, he told his disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  (John 14:27) He knew that he was headed for the cross.  He knew his disciples were going to experience trials, tough times and lots of trouble.  His gift to them was peace.  Peace of mind.  I think the idea of peace of mind gets overlooked today.  There is a lot of study on the concept of happiness, and I think these things are related.  Happiness is often connected to what you have, who you're with and where you are going.  Peace is independent of all of those things and is available to every disciple in every circumstance, right now. I want you to think about a time when you were enjoying peace of mind.  When you really felt calm and joyful inside.  What was that like?  Can you share about that experience? Let's take a look at how to enjoy more of the gift Jesus gave us, the gift of peace. 1.    Abstain from Sinful Desires.  Peter shares this in 1 Peter 2:11, “11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.”  There is nothing that will destroy your peace of mind more easily than unrestrained sinful desires.  This is why Jesus counsels in Matthew 5:30 that, “if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off.”  Jesus is not being mean or “old school,” he's being realistic.  If you are compromising or tolerating a certain level of sin in your life, you're going to have difficulty enjoying the peace of mind Jesus promises.  Peter rephrases Jesus' command by telling us to abstain, which means, “to refrain deliberately and often with an effort of self-denial from an action or practice.”  That can mean alcohol, swearing, media consumption, shopping, news binging and other controlling habits. As a disciple of Jesus, this world is not your home.  You need to live with a level of detachment as a foreigner.  When Pam and I lived in Japan, there were many things that went straight over our heads as foreigners and “Gai-Jin.”  The jokes, the culture, the conformity to custom. If you want peace of mind, don't negotiate, don't tolerate, don't rationalize, instead abstain.  As Thomas A'Kempis said in the Imitation of Christ, “true peace of heart is found in resisting passions, not in yielding to them.” 2.   Put your love into action.  1 John 3:16-19.  16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.  19 This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence.” Resisting evil is only one part of the equation to find peace.  John advises us to live and love like Jesus did.  Loving in actions and truth reminds you that you belong to the truth and sets your heart at rest in his presence.  It doesn't earn you a spot in heaven, but it reminds you of your identity as a child of God.  If you want peace of mind, wake up each day with a determination to actively serve someone, help someone, encourage someone, assist someone, help someone move, comfort someone, advise someone, offer someone your time, energy or expertise.  Next time you are prompted by the spirit, act on that nudge.  Love in action and truth.  Enjoy peace of mind and set your heart at rest in his presence. 3.   Remember God is Greater than Your Feelings.  1 John 3:19-20.  This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: 20 If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Our feelings and thoughts are often the worst offenders when it comes to disrupting our peace of mind.  Our self-judgment, self-criticism, wacky thoughts, catastrophic fears, fatalistic ideas, borrowed concepts from the world, childhood thoughts, inherited ideas all contribute to a lack of peace.  As Tom Ferry says, “"Negative self-talk is the equivalent of letting a drunk monkey loose in your kitchen." That's when we need to remind ourselves that God is far greater than our feelings.  Our feelings don't define reality, they are only an impression of reality.  The God who made the world, who chose you before the creation of the world, who personally showed up in the world to rescue you is going to bring to completion what he started when he called you.  He knows all about you and your quirks, faults and failures and he still adores you.  You need to take captive those misguided thoughts and make them obedient to Christ, who is greater than your heart. Take some time each day to sit quietly and focus on the greatness of God, a scripture or a noble thought.  When a weird thought pops up, don't freak out.  Just look at it and ask yourself, is this thought from God?  What's the reality? 4.  Actively pursue peace of mind.  2 Timothy 2:22.  “22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” If you have overlooked, undervalued or ignored the concept of peace of mind, it might be time to reevaluate it.  Jesus considered it a top gift and at the critical event of his life, the cross, he gave the gift of peace to those who followed him.  You might want to find out why Jesus considered it so important.  In fact, I'd do more than think about it, I'd pursue it.  Make it a priority along with righteousness, faith a love.  All the “cool kids” who have pure hearts are doing it.  I like what Naval Ravikant shares in his almanack:  “When I was younger, I really, really valued freedom. Freedom was one of my core values. Ironically, it still is. It's probably one of my top three values, but it's now a different definition of freedom. My old definition was “freedom to.” Freedom to do anything I want. Freedom to do whatever I feel like, whenever I feel like. Now, the freedom I'm looking for is internal freedom. It's “freedom from.” Freedom from reaction. Freedom from feeling angry. Freedom from being sad. Freedom from being forced to do things. I'm looking for “freedom from,” internally and externally, whereas before I was looking for “freedom to.” Naval is not a disciple, but I think there is value here.  Peace of mind is “freedom from.”  You can enjoy peace, joy, and contentment in any stage of life, relationship status, financial circumstance, health status, location or any other environment.  Make a decision that you are going to pursue peace of mind.  Make it a conscious goal to enjoy Jesus' gift to you.

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner     Transcript for How to Become a Loving Person Pam and I just moved to Boston from Tucson, Arizona.  We lived there for 13 years.  We planted the church there and created so many memories.  The last month we were there, we were busy packing up and saying goodbye to people.  It's hard to condense thirteen years into a few goodbyes.  You know what was most important to Pam and me?  Knowing that I loved the people there and that they loved me.  When I heard people share how I had helped them and loved them, that's all that mattered.  There were many things people shared that I had forgotten about.  They were often small things, but they were big to those people.  Coming here I decided to have a simple focus, to love.  That's the goal. What's your goal?  ·       Make friends? ·       Find a romantic relationship ·       Make a difference? It's easy to remain unconnected with people even when you are surrounded by them.  Let's figure out how to grow in love: Let's read 1 Timothy 1:3-6 3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer 4 or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God's work—which is by faith. 5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk.  Paul is advising Timothy how to lead the church in Ephesus.  He tells him to command people to stop wasting time with empty words, false doctrine, gossip and backbiting.  He says the goal of this command is love.  Love provides the environment that advances God's work.  If you've ever been in a dysfunctional family or church, you know how God's work gets sidelined when love takes a backseat to controversy. Love is too general of a goal to approach directly.  It really has to be broken down.  How do you become a more loving person?  How do you experience more love in your heart?  How do you change and grow into a person who is surrounded by loving people? Paul explains that love is like a tree that grows when it's in the soil of a pure heart, good conscience and a sincere faith.  Let's break that down: ·       Love Comes From A Pure Heart Proverbs 4:23-27, Above all else, guard your heart,     for everything you do flows from it. 24 Keep your mouth free of perversity;     keep corrupt talk far from your lips. 25 Let your eyes look straight ahead;     fix your gaze directly before you. 26 Give careful thought to the[c] paths for your feet     and be steadfast in all your ways. 27 Do not turn to the right or the left;     keep your foot from evil. The Bible says guard your heart because everything you do flows from it.  When you allow poison into your heart, it kills the love that wants to grow there. The first way to keep your heart pure is to watch what you say.  Keep your words positive, faithful and upbuilding.  Paul was pointing out the “meaningless talk” and empty words of the Christians.  How are you doing in what you say?  Are you loving people with your words or tearing them down? One decision Pam and I made before we left Tucson was that we were going to encourage every person specifically who came to church. We spent several midweek services praising and thanking every member and person who was attending.  There were people in the audience who we had conflicts with.  There were a few people who we had funny feelings toward and they felt the same toward us.  But we decided to only praise and encourage.  It was amazing.  My feelings for those people changed and when they had a farewell party for us, they were so loving and kind. Take a minute to say something positive about the next person you run into.  Whether you are at work, the gym, in class or at home, deliberately take a second to say something encouraging to the next person you bump into.  It can be as simple as “I like your shirt” or “I'm glad you're here” but make a decision to use your words for good if you want to have a pure heart. The second way to develop a pure heart is to 25 Let your eyes look straight ahead;     fix your gaze directly before you. Be careful what you are looking at.  It's hard to be loving when you have no boundaries for what you allow your eyes to see. ·       Shopping ·       Money ·       Sex The summer after I graduated from high school, I was dating a girl who had won a miss teen America pageant.  Needless to say, she was pretty.  But I got distracted.  Instead of focusing on her, I got focused on buying a 1965 Volkswagen.  I paid $1,100 for it and then the same week I bought it, the engine blew.  I spent that summer working full time to buy and then rebuild it.  I was so obsessed with that car, I would work 24-hour shifts at the fairgrounds picking up trash to earn money.  My eyes were on the car and not my girlfriend.  Guess what happened?  She dumped me for someone who was willing to pay attention to her.  What are you focused on?  Where are you eyes looking?  It's hard to love when your eyes are focused on the wrong thing.   ·       Love Comes From A Good Conscience When you guard your heart and start cultivating a pure heart, it leads to a good conscience.  You start feeling peace of mind.  It's hard to feel loving when you know that what you believe and the way you are living are in conflict.  You feel like a fraud and a faker.  If you'd like to improve your peace of mind, take some time to talk to someone about what's going on in your life.  There are always going to be gaps in our life and doctrine, acknowledging those gaps goes a long way toward creating a good conscience and closing the gap. When's the last time you talked to someone about what is bothering your conscience?  You know what is the hardest call to make?  The call to let someone know that you aren't perfect, that you blew it and that you made a mistake.  I was just reading Seneca this morning and he said, “Why does no one admit his failings?  Because he's still deep in them.  It's the person who's awakened who recounts his dream, and acknowledging one's failings is a sign of health.”  I have a discipling relationship with someone that I talk to regularly.  I hate it when I've got a sin I need to confess and talk about.  Whether it's lust, something stupid I said, whether I was sharp in my tone with Pam or any other thing, I don't want to make that call and talk to the person.  But my conscience bothers me.  I don't have a good conscience.  But what Seneca is saying is encouraging.  The fact that my conscience does bother me shows that I am spiritually alive and sensitive.  I'd be in real trouble if I didn't feel the need to deal with my sin.  Seneca goes on to say, “With afflictions of the spirit, though, the opposite is the case:  the worse a person is, the less he feels it.” ·       Love Comes From A Sincere Faith Paul is pointing out the difference between love and empty talk that masquerades as religion.  God is looking for disciples who show express their faith by practicing love not empty talk.  My life previous to Jesus was empty words.  I wasn't loving and I didn't have a genuine and sincere faith.  My friends would be surprised when I offered to help them or serve. When you focus on planting seeds of purity, good conscience and sincere faith love will follow. Jesus is the ultimate example of this passage.  His heart was pure, his conscience was good and his faith was sincere.  It revealed itself through love and sacrifice: Romans 5:6-8, 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Every week at church we remember the one person who consistently hit the goal of loving.  He showed it by giving his life for those who aren't.  That's why Jesus told us to take time to remember his life and death every week.  It reminds us how much we are loved and inspires us to be more loving.  Look what Seneca, the stoic philosopher wrote: Happy the man who improves other people not merely when he is in their presence but even when he is in their thoughts! And happy, too, is the person who can so revere another as to adjust and shape his own personality in the light of recollections, even, of that other. A person able to revere another thus will soon deserve to be revered himself…Choose someone whose way of life as well as words, and whose very face as mirroring the character that lies behind it, have won your approval. Be always pointing him out to yourself either as your guardian or as your model. There is a need, in my view, for someone as a standard against which our characters can measure themselves. Without a ruler to do it against you won't make the crooked straight. Wouldn't it be awesome to be a consistently loving person?  How amazing it'd be to be known as an extremely loving person.  Let me remind you of some steps to building a loving heart: ·       Watch your words ·       Watch your eyes ·       Be honest with your life ·       Get around people who are going in the right direction ·       Build a sincere faith and learn the truth

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner   There are three things that we can start doing that will take our faith from theory to practice every single day.  All we need to do is: 1.     Encourage right now 2.    Connect right now 3.    Pray right now Find out how in this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast!   How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner   The Power of Right Now Introduction ·      Have you ever listened to someone's story and then said, “I'll pray for you.”  After saying that you quickly forgot about it and never prayed for the person. ·      Have you ever had a person pop up in your head and you thought, I wonder how they are doing?  I bet that person could use a call.  After that thought you quickly moved on and never followed up. ·      Have you ever felt the impulse to reach out and share with someone and then backed off because you were: Ø Too busy Ø Too tired Ø Afraid of their reaction Instead of acting on that impulse, you let the Spirit's prompting pass away. If you can remember at least one time that happened to you, you understand the importance of living out your faith, “Right Now.”  That's why I want to talk to you tonight about the power of “right now.”  There are three things that we can start doing that will take our faith from theory to practice every single day.  All we need to do is: 1.     Encourage right now 2.    Connect right now 3.    Pray right now   1.    Encourage Right Now Paul talks about the power of right now in Ephesians 5:15-20.  “15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Paul tells us to be very careful how we live.  Why, because the days are evil.  That's why we need to realize the power of right now and make the most of every opportunity.  Ø Right now people are struggling with temptation Ø Right now disciples are targeted by Satan Ø Right now friends you know are dealing with health issues Ø Right now Christians are considering leaving God and his church Ø Right now people you thought were solid are feeling shaky How can you help?  §  Encourage people right now §  Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit §  Share scriptures that encourage you §  Praise people §  Thank people §  Lift people up §  Share positively about people who aren't here right now o  I really appreciate Stuart.  His work in Boston has inspired me and is one of the reasons Pam and I wanted to move here.  He is an extremely encouraging person. Often times we know these things and we have positive thoughts about others, but we don't take advantage of the power of now to encourage others.  Let's make the most of this opportunity by turning to the person next to you and encourage them with: §  Positive words §  Gratitude §  A scripture §  Praise   2.   Connect Right Now Let's read Colossians 4:5, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.”  Paul says we need to be wise in how we deal with those aren't following Jesus.  We need to make the most of every opportunity.  God gives us opportunities every day to help those around us.  If we want to see God work in our life, we need to connect every day. On my first Sunday, I was sitting in front of a couple that I could tell were visiting.  I introduced myself and they shared they were here for the first time.  A few minutes later I saw someone else talking to them and being kind to them.  That brother understood the power of right now.  At the end of the service, I looked back and they were gone, but I know that brother had exchanged information with them.  He had made the most of every opportunity.  God gives us opportunities to love and serve those around us every day.  We just need to be aware and ready to make the most of every opportunity. Ø When we are at work Ø When we are in an elevator Ø When we are checking out of the store When I arrived, the first thing I did was ask Stuart for some invitation cards to connect when God gave me an opportunity.  It's been so much fun to connect and see the power of now: Ø My movers Ø Dunkin Donuts Ø Roche Brothers I think one of the easiest ways aside from reaching out at church on Sunday is simply texting your friends and letting them know what you are doing.  It's soft, it's gentle, it's loving and if they're aren't interested they can ignore you.  However, a simple text can change a person's life.  Let's take advantage of the power of now.  Pull out your phone and text a friend or coworker.  Just text them something loving like:  “Just thinking about you.  Hope you are doing well.”  If you want to go an extra step, you can add, “I'd love for you to join me this Sunday at church” 3.   Pray Right Now How else can we make the most of right now?  We can pray for each other in the moment.  I can't tell you how many times I've said “I'll pray for you” and then forgot to do it.  But then I found a way to avoid that.  When someone shares something serious, heavy, or worthy of prayer, I use that as a trigger to pray right then and there.  Prayer makes a difference, but if you never follow through, you missed the power of right now.  Look at how James describes how powerful prayer really is:  “13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. 17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. 19 My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” James writes that if we or someone we know is going through something, anything-our first response should be to pray.  Why?  Prayer is powerful and effective.  Prayer moves God.  God can do anything.  He then launches into a story about Elijah, who he says was a normal person just like us.  His prayers changed weather patterns.  Would you like to save someone from death, bring wanderers back, return people to the truth and cover over a multitude of sins?  It all starts with praying.  Praying right now.  Let's pray right now by asking the person next to us, “What can I pray for you about?”  After listening, hold hands and pray for that person.  After that let the other person ask, “What can I pray for you about.”  After the person shares a need, put your hands on his or her shoulder or hold hands and say a prayer for them.  Pray right now. Conclusion Can you imagine how your life would fill up with joy and power if you started making the most of every opportunity?  What if on a daily basis you began to: 1.     Encourage right now 2.    Connect right now 3.    Pray right now I believe you would begin to draw closer to God and people and you would be begin to see miracles happen.  That's the power of “Right Now.”     Ice Cream Social

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner Join me today as I talk to Gordon Ferguson.  Gordon has served as an Evangelist, Elder, Teacher and Author.  He talks about: His journey to Christ The secret to his happy marriage with his wife, Theresa How he got connected with the discipling movement What went through his mind as he lay close to death from cancer What he'd do differently if he had his life to do over again What he sees as essential for future growth in our family of churches More About Gordon: Education 1961-1965 Northwestern State University BME (Bachelor of Music Education) 1966-1968 Northwestern State University Graduate Studies (Edu. Admin.) 1970-1972 Preston Road School of Preaching Diploma 1974-1979 Harding School of Theology M.A. (New Testament Studies) Professional Ministry Summary  Over 50 years experience as a ministry staff member.  Served on ministry staff in five different states.  Preached and taught in many states of the US and many foreign countries, including most countries in Continental Europe, a number of countries in Asia and Latin America, Ukraine, and Great Britain.  Instructor in the Preston Road School of Preaching − Dallas, Texas.  Director of the New England/Continental Europe School of Ministry  Dean and teacher in the Ukraine Institute of Ministry and in the Asia-Pacific Leadership Academy.  Director of the Pacific School of Ministry in Los Angeles.  Part-time staff as teacher in the Dallas/Fort Worth Church.  Writing: seventeen books, numerous audio and video materials, plus articles and chapters in a number of additional books.  Roles: evangelist, elder and teacher in various locales. Family Wife: Theresa, married 57 years – January 30, 2022 Children: Bryan and Renee (five grandchildren – four grandsons and one granddaughter, ages 16-23) Age: 79 as of October 27, 2021

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner The Best of The Rob Skinner Podcast.  This episode was originally released in August of 2020 as episode 28.   Lynne Greene and her husband, Scott, planted a church in Hong Kong in 1987 that grew to 2,000 disciples in only ten years.  They returned to the US to lead the church in Seattle, Washington.  The Greens then decided to return to the mission field by moving to Berlin, Germany.  That's where she found out Scott had brain cancer.  After beating breast cancer, Lynne lost the love of her life in 2018.  Lynne reflects on what God has done in her life, how she made sense of her enormous loss, and her plans for the future.

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner   While on sabbatical I am releasing some of my most listened to episodes from my podcast.  Mike Fontenot's is one of my most popular interviews.  It was originally released as episode #7.    Please enjoy!   Who is Mike Fontenot? Mike Fontenot became a Christian in 1969.  After graduating from Louisiana State University, he went to Fuller Seminary for his Master's Degree.  He and his wife, Tess, planted a church in Sydney, Australia in the early eighties.  That church has grown to three hundred members and they have planted churches all over Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji.  At an age that many have long retired, Mike is still passionately working to advance the gospel "Down Under."  In this interview, Mike shares about his journey as a Christian, church planter and church multiplier.  He shares how he has kept his spiritual fire burning brightly for over fifty years.  Program Outline   How did you become Christians? Tell me about the growth of the churches in Australia:  How many, how big, rate of growth etc. You just celebrated 50 years in Christ, how have you managed to keep your love growing? You are a couple that is making a difference, what drives you? What was it like raising a family on the mission field? What advice would you give a person, man or woman, who wants to make a difference and live "no regrets" life? What would you tell a younger man or woman who has leadership ambitions? Do you have any regrets, anything you wish you could do over or differently? You returned to Australia at the age most people retire, why? Facing a situation of little or declining growth, what was your plan, how did you execute it? What does "High Faith & High Expectations" mean? If someone is in a situation that has been stagnant or plateaued for a while, what advice would you give them? What is transferable from your situation? Tell me about a time when you came back from a setback or failure. What advice would you give to people who are dealing with failure or discouragement? Who else do you know that is really standing out and growing?  Multiplying disciples, leaders and churches? What advice would you give me to plant ten churches in the next ten years? Tell me about something that keeps your spiritual fire and ambition burning brightly.

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner In this episode, my wife Pam and I talk to Pat Gempel, a pioneer of women's ministry and one of the "30 would-be disciples" who gathered in a living room in Boston and propelled the church to 60% annual growth for 10 straight years.  She shares: How she came to Boston What it was like at the beginning of the Boston Movement How she found her daughter that she had put up for adoption 23 years earlier How she lost her husband, Bob Her view on women's ministry and the current discussion of women's role in the church This episode was originally recorded and released in December of 2021 as Episode 136

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner   Jose Luis Palacios was born in Spain, studied at the University of Idaho and played tennis there.  He graduated and started working in corporate America.  He was posted to Saltillo, Mexico, the "Detroit" of Mexico.  There he met and reached out to his future wife, Rosario Padilla.  He brought her to the nearest church 90 minutes away in Monterrey, Mexico.  He began meeting with his small group on Wednesdays and after a few years helped form a team from Monterrey that supplemented the growing group of disciples in Saltillo.  When he left after ten years, the church was at 30 members.  The church is still there and Jose Luis continues to support his "organic" church planting through his tithing.  Find out how they did it in this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast!

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner I met Natalie Do when she visited our campus devotional in the fall of 1991 at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon.  She was a powerful young woman from Hong Kong and became a Christian in only ten days.  She went on to do missionary work in Japan and then Vietnam.  She returned to the US and she rose up in the banking world to become Vice President of Torrey Pines Bank.  Listen to her story on the Rob Skinner Podcast!

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner Tom Nuelle leads a church in Madison Wisconsin.  When he took over the church in 2016, the church was in disarray and was bleeding members.  After starting over with 60 members, he has since grown the church to nearly 100 and one of the tools he is using is social media.  In the last six months he has baptized 10 people and most of them found the church through the church's social media outreach. Tom was also a cofounder of pure and simple, an organization to help men and women live a pure life in a dark world.  Find out what Tom is doing in this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast!

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner Dima and Marina Dudnik lead a church in Sofia, Bulgaria.  Originally from Ukraine, they trained for ministry under Shawn and Lena Wooten and started leading the church in Sofia in 2020.  Both studied music growing up and Marina gave up her professional career as a violinist to serve Jesus on the mission field.  Listen as they share about their romance that started at the age of 12 and led to marriage at the age of 19.  

ow to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner   Felix and Rita Raju live in Chennai, India.  They have two adult children.  Converted in 1990 into a church of 40 disciples, they grew in faith and passion.  They were married in 1994 and went on the mission team to Kolkata, India.  They spent 9 years in Kolkata doing charity work for HOPE worldwide, building the church and serving in the administration of the church.  They returned to Chennai in 2003 and Felix started working for his cousin's Art Gallery.  They currently lead a group of around forty disciples in the Chennai church.

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner   Joel Peed is a church leader and heads up Eremos Ministry, which helps ministers with spiritual wellness.  He wrote a book on how to make the most of a sabbatical, how to view sabbaticals and how to make them a part of a healthy ministry career.  Listen as I interview him about his book.  

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner   Dennis Keating has terminal cancer.  Yet you would never know it by talking to him.  He is in love with Jesus and has made peace with his future.  His wife Patty stands by his side and shares his deep faith in God.  Listen as they share the secrets to facing and navigating death as a disciple of Christ.

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner You can reach Rob at Rob@robskinner.com Matt Flores, long time disciple and civil engineer is a great friend and great role model of devotion to God, family and the kingdom.  He spent 11 years in Tucson and demonstrated amazing generosity and discipline in his personal and financial life.  I interviewed him in the wake of recent turbulence in the financial markets.  Matt is an advocate of bitcoin as a wise asset during times of inflation and uncertainty.  Find out why in this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast.   Reach Matt Flores at:  matt@tucsonchurchofchrist.org Books recommended by Matt: The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous Thank God for Bitcoin by multiple authors The Gospel According to Bitcoin by Daniel Sherman Others not mentioned on the Podcast, but are great as well The Price of Tomorrow by Jeff Booth Softwar by Jason Lowery

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner   Can an older church resume growing?  Chris Schwartzenberger and the church in Spokane, Washington shows it's possible.  After hovering around 100 disciples for years, the church has gone from 100 to 140 members in the last two years.  Find out what God is doing and what Chris is doing in leading the church to greater things.

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner   In March of 2025, Pam and I spent two weeks with the RevivEE Team in Bulgaria and Greece.  We got to tour many biblical sites in Greece and worked with the team in Sofia, Bulgaria.  We met a young woman by the name of Inna Koieva.  She is a Ukrainian converted in Odessa, Ukraine.  She has spent five years in Central Europe spreading the Gospel along with the ReviveEE team.  Listen as she shares her story.   You can reach Inna at innakoeva@gmail.com

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner Join me as I interview Shawn Wooten, Ed Anton and Mark McCune about the Revive Mission Team's visit to the ancient ruins of Philippi in Greece.  We saw the prison where Paul met the Philippian Jailer.  We also visited the site Paul met and baptized the first convert in the continent of Asia, Lydia.   How to reach Rob:  Rob@RobSkinner.Com

If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner Pam and I joined the Revive EE (Eastern Europe) team for a week long trip to Greece in March of 2025.  Listen and I interview Shawn Wooten, Ed Anton and Derrick Vette about the trip, it's purpose and impact.  

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner   Today, I'm talking to a medical missionary by the name of Dr. Alberto Denis.  Born in Panama to an indigenous family, Alberto moved to Panama City and studied medicine.  A friend helped him become a Christian in his fourth year of med school. After serving his country for two years, he moved back to his indigenous homeland and served the poor by going from island to island healing, helping and delivering babies.  With little knowledge of English, he applied for the ReviveEE program and learned conversational English in three months.  He served in Romania and now lives in Moldova where he is learning Romanian.  He has plans to return to medical school in Madrid, Spain and then lead a life as a medical missionary wherever Jesus calls him.      More About Dr. Alberto Denis: Alberto Denis is part of the Guna Yala indigenous community in Panama and raised in a small town in Panama City. He studied medicine for 7 years, and became a disciple when he was in his 4th year in college. After finishing med school, Alberto worked as a doctor for his people for about 1 year, traveling from different islands to deliver medicine, and sometimes babies. After this work, he decided to be part of RevivEE and become a full time missionary in Eastern Europe. He likes to learn new languages and serve in any possible way. Now He is living in Moldova helping the local church in the campus ministry.    How to Contact Dr. Alberto: allberth05@gmail.com

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner   Today, I'm talking with Mari Sawamura.  Mari was born in 1998 in Japan to Japanese nationals and ministers.  She grew up there until the age of ten and then went to live in China.  She became a Christian, graduated high school and then went to college at Boston University.  She graduated and now works in the Boston Church as the face of that church's social media program.  She is a driver in the church's Instagram outreach program that has over 1.6 million views and is bringing 200 seekers to church every week throughout the Boston metropolitan area.  Listen as I ask her about her journey to the states and her work for God's Kingdom.   You can reach Mari Sawamura at:  msawamura@bostoncoc.org

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner    Doing God's Will   1.        Jesus came to do God's will:  Hebrews 10:5-10   5 Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said:   “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,     but a body you prepared for me; 6 with burnt offerings and sin offerings     you were not pleased. 7 Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—     I have come to do your will, my God.'”   8 First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”—though they were offered in accordance with the law. 9 Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. 10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Jesus changed eternity by his willingness and surrender to God's will.  God's will for him was to suffer and die for each one of us.  Jesus embraced that will, no matter how difficult it was for him and changed our lives.  We are called to imitate him and to seek and pursue God's will for our lives.  That's not easy and yet it's the most exciting thing we can do with our lives.  We know that God wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  If you repented and got baptized, you submitted to God's will for your life.  However, there is so much more to look forward to. 2.       God has a purpose for your life:  Ephesians 2:8-10 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. None of us is saved by our good works.  However, we've been created and called by God to do good works once we've been born again.  God has prepared good works for you to do in advance.  It's already in the mind of God the good you can and will do.  You were called into the kingdom to do God's will and to do some amazing things.  You just have to continue to follow and discover the good works God has planned for you.  God had some surprises for me: Saving people Overseas missionary work Church plantings   3.       Be a person after God's own heart:  Acts 13:22 22 After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.' David and Saul are contrasted in this passage.  Saul was a natural leader.  He was tall, handsome and courageous.  He built and developed the nation of Israel.  However, he got removed from his position.  Why?  God had a will for him, a mission to accomplish and Saul said no.  He didn't actually say no, he just didn't do everything God wanted him to do.  God had called him to destroy the Amalekites.  Saul partially obeyed.  He wasn't willing to do everything God had called him explicitly to do.  David, on the other hand, is commended by God as “a man after my own heart.”  Why?  He was willing to do everything God wanted him to do.  Was he perfect?  No.  However, there was something that was submissive to God's will.  When he sinned in the affair with Bathsheba, he fasted and prayed for 7 days and returned to God in repentance.  I think each one of us wants to be known as a person who is after God's own heart.  You want God to commend you as a man or woman after his own heart.  What does that look like?  How do you define it?  It starts with a willingness to do everything God wants you to do.  It's so tempting to pick and choose and simply do the part of God's will that is appealing to us.  That's where we are often so different than Jesus. 4.      Ask to do God's will and not your own:  Matthew 26:39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Jesus didn't want to go to the cross even though his whole life and ministry were directed toward the cross.  When he got there, he faltered, he shook, he cried, he sweated blood, he was in emotional agony.  He honestly told the father to give him a back door, an exit strategy, but finally he said, not as I will, but as you will.  Jesus is the perfect example of a person who fulfilled God's will and reaped the fruit of perfect obedience.  All nations will say, Jesus is Lord and acknowledge him.  There is power in submitting to God's will. 5.       How do you know when you are doing God's will? God is calling us to do his will.  We have a choice in this life to live small or live big.  Doing God's will is choosing to live big, to live dangerously, to fulfill the intention of God and his creation of us.  When you start doing God's will and asking to fulfill it, you'll experience: Fear Emotional turmoil A desire to find an exit strategy   When you resist doing God's will you will experience: Depression Boredom Lack of meaning Unease Confusion Restlessness Why?  Because God's Spirit is gently calling you to the good works you were created for and you are resisting.  You weren't meant to live small, you were meant to do God's will, even though that is scary. I recently read a book that said each morning we are confronted by two gremlins sitting at the foot of our bed when we wake up.  Those gremlins are fear and lethargy.  We fear taking risks to do God's will and we have to overcome our lethargy that says stay in bed and do God's will tomorrow.  Monday, I woke up and thought I don't want to get up and go to a service activity.  I wrestled back and forth.  That gremlin of lethargy and laziness was saying, “don't do it Rob!”  I finally forced myself out of the house and had a great time serving with other disciples.  The battle is real. How do you fight the gremlins of fear and lethargy?  You need to ask God for faith and love.  Faith overcomes fear and love beats out laziness.  “Whoever loves much does much” Thomas A'kempis said.  6.      Understanding the difference between your career and your calling:  Acts 18:3-4 3 and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. 4 Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. Paul had a career, a way to make money, that was tentmaking.  He relied on it when he couldn't find support from churches.  However his calling or vocation was to spread the gospel.  Here's the definition of vocation:  A vocation (from Latin vocatio 'a call, summons'[1]) is an occupation to which a person is especially drawn or for which they are suited, trained or qualified. Though now often used in non-religious contexts, the meanings of the term originated in Christianity.   You have a job, a way to pay the bills and that is important.  But you also have a vocation, something that God's Spirit is calling you to.  That is God's will for your life.  It may include your current job, but it's a lot more than that.  When Pam and I wanted to plant a church in my hometown, my career changed from full time ministry to Real Estate sales, but my vocation remained the same to preach the gospel and make Jesus known, to build a church of dedicated believers and try to reach my family with the gospel.  What's your calling?  You have to seek it.   Seek God's Will for your life:  Psalm 138:8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;     your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.     Do not forsake the work of your hands.  Psalm 57:2 I cry out to God Most High,     to God who fulfills his purpose for me.   Cry out to God that he gives you the courage and the strength to make the tough choices to do God's will.  To say no to: Distractions Sin Temptations Shadow missions Alternate purposes Greed These lead to a sense that you aren't living up to the high calling that God called you for originally.   Say yes to the challenges and risks associated with doing God's will.  It's scary. Becoming a Christian Going into the ministry Moving to Japan Planting a church bi-vocationally Moving to Tucson Doing missionary work in the future   Let's pray to do God's will.     Reflection Questions:   What do you sense God is calling you to do?  What is God urging you to do? What is keeping you from it? 

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner   Today I'm talking to Mark and Annie McCune.  Mark and Annie have planted churches in Boise, Idaho and Spokane Washington and have led ministries in Colorado, LA, Seattle, Salt Lake City.  They recently retired from secular jobs in education and have gone to Eastern Europe to do missionary work with ReviveEE.  Listen as they share about their career, retirement and work in Eastern Europe.   More about Mark and Annie McCune: Mark and Annie McCune are currently living in Sofia, Bulgaria and participating in RevivEE, a mission effort led by Shawn and Lena Wooten to strengthen and revive churches in Eastern Europe.  They have been married 34 years and have 3 grown children one of whom is married.  They were in the ministry, full and part time, for 25 years and were blessed to have the chance to plant churches in Boise, Idaho and Spokane, Washington as well as serving in the ministry in Salt Lake City, Los Angeles and Seattle. They transitioned into parallel careers and worked as a school counselor (Mark) and elementary school teacher (Annie) for 10 years.  In 2023 they retired and moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, eager to find new ways to serve God.  In August they moved to Eastern Europe to be part of RevivEE 5.0 where they will serve for 10 months.  If you have any questions for them they can be reached via email: markmccune@comcast.net, anniemccune@comcast.net,or iMessage or Telegram: 509-280-6099, 509-368-0655.    You can reach Rob at Rob@RobSkinner.Com

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner   Transcript for "How to make 2025 great"  New Years is a great time to remember time is passing, another year is gone.  We are getting closer to seeing God every year. 11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.  Romans 13:11-14 ·        Paul says our salvation is nearer now ·        We should be “clothing ourselves with Christ.”  Living as Jesus did.  Representing him to our friends and family. ·        We need to use this time to review, repent and resolve to become the people God has called us to be.    1.      Review:  5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?   2 Corinthians 13:5 a.     Examine yourself, test yourself.  This is a great time to do it right now. b.    List out all the good you did this year                                                  i.      What did you do well this year?  What are you proud of? c.     List out all the bad actions                                                  i.      Bad actions                                               ii.      Lack of good actions d.    How'd you do? e.     How do you feel?                                                  i.      You will know the areas you need to focus on. f.       The goal is growth and peace of mind     2.     Repent:  a.     3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.  1 John 2:3-6 b.    Get your eyes on Jesus.  What is Jesus like?  What does he stand for? c.     Who are you?  What's your identity?  What do you stand for? d.    Obedience to Jesus is how we express our love for him.  We are called to live like Jesus.                                                   i.      His purity of thought                                               ii.      His purpose for living                                             iii.      His humility to serve other people daily e.     Repentance is when we get our mind right and stop conforming to this world and our bad habits and instead conform ourselves to our identity as followers of Christ and sons of God. 3.     Resolve a.     Definition:  “decide firmly on a course of action” or “firm determination to do something.” b.    Examples from the Bible                                                  i.      Jehoshaphat:  2 Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom,[a] from the other side of the Dead Sea. It is already in Hazezon Tamar” (that is, En Gedi). 3 Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.  2 Chronicles 20:2-4 1.      He decided firmly to fast and it brought about a miraculous victory.                                               ii.      Daniel:  But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.  Daniel 1:8 1.      He chose to diet and not eat or drink certain foods.                                             iii.      Malachi:  14 “Cursed is the cheat who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but then sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord. For I am a great king,” says the Lord Almighty, “and my name is to be feared among the nations.  “And now, you priests, this warning is for you. 2 If you do not listen, and if you do not resolve to honor my name,” says the Lord Almighty, “I will send a curse on you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already cursed them, because you have not resolved to honor me.  Malachi 1:14, 2:1-2 1.      The sin was giving God second best, leftovers, “tipping, not tithing to God.” c.     If you want to make 2025 great, you have to decide to take action, you have to decide firmly that things will be different this year.  You have to resolve to honor God. d.    What one thing would make the difference in how you feel about your relationship with God? e.     What one thing would make the biggest difference in how you feel about yourself? f.       What one thing would make the biggest difference in saving people and rescuing people? g.     What one thing would make the biggest difference in serving people around you and around the world? Next Steps: ·        Review ·        Repent ·        Resolve:  I resolve to __________________ in 2025.

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner Listen as I talk to Murvi Baba, a 30-year-old disciple living in the Boston Metro Area.  Born in the US and raised in Nigeria and Ghana, he returned to the states to go to college at Tufts University.  After becoming a Christian, he went into the ministry.  He currently works as a songleader, the European Missions Society and for the Boston Church doing Online Outreach.  Listen as he shares about his life and journey.

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner   Valdur Koha moved to the US in the eighties with his wife Irene.  Listen as he shares about how he became a Christian, his success as a business founder during the 90's Dot.Com boom and how he navigated the Dot.Com bust and challenges in the church.  In the early 2000's he reinvented himself as a spiritual teacher and applied his business skills to guiding and directing the Beam Foundation to provide support for mission plantings and leadership development.  

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner If you are struggling or have ever struggled with the temptationy toward pornography, you are definitely not alone. Statistics reveal that 68% of church-going men and over 50% of pastors view porn on a regular basis. Of young Christian adults 18-24 years old, 76% actively search for porn.  In this episode, originally published in 2022 in episode 150, I interview Jeff Hernandez, a disciple I've known for over 30 years.  Of my 300+ episodes, this is one of the most listened to and highlights the challenge of pornography and sexual addiction.  Listen as Jeff shares about his: ·         Descent into sexual addiction ·         Divorce from his wife of 22 years. ·         Remarriage outside of the church ·         Recovery from his sexual addiction ·         Conversion of his second wife ·         Return to the church ·         What he learned along the way ·         How to overcome sexual temptation and addiction.   You can reach Jeff Hernandez at https://www.lovingwingsrecovery.com/ (https://www.missionfrontiers.org/issue/article/15-mind-blowing-statistics-about-pornography-and-the-church)

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner   Today, I'm talking to Glenn Petruzzi.  Glenn is an experienced missionary, minister and church planter.  He led a young church in Tirane, Albania for two years, revitalized the Boston campus ministries in the early 2000's, planted a church in Portland, Maine and is now working in the Boston Church of Christ.  He has a dream to win the world with the Gospel and today he's going to talk about that dream.

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner   Today, I'm talking with Moses Singh, missionary to India, Bangladesh and the USA.  Moses and was converted in New York City and went on mission to India, Pakistan and Bangladesh before returning to the US.  He and his wife have planted two churches in the US while working full time secular jobs.  Listen to Moses story of mission and how he plans to live to 120 by eating right and living right.

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner   Today, I continue my exposition of Matthew in Matthew 16:1-20.  

ow to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner   Dwayne and Tsega Blai had dreams to go into the professional ministry as twenty-somethings.  When that plan got derailed they worked in the secular world for a number of years.  They reentered the ministry well into their thirties and then decided to leave the US and lead a church in Bridgetown, Barbados.  The island has under 300,000 residents and the main city of Bridgetown has a little over 100,000 souls.  The church was stagnant for over ten years and in the past year since they arrived the church has grown by twenty percent.  Find out how these middle-aged missionaries uprooted and took their three kids to a tiny island to reignite a fire for God.

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner    Matthew Series Matthew 15:21-39 Introduction Jesus had just dealt with the topic of what was clean and what was unclean.  Jesus said our heart and the words that come from out heart are what defile us, not what we eat or touch or our external environment.  I hope you've had a good week digging a little deeper, paying attention to your words, the thoughts of your heart.  Jesus goes on from that powerful parable or proverb and in the next two stories illustrates in real time the implications of that teaching.  1.    You Have Great Faith! Matthew 15:21-28 21 Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” 23 Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” 24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” 25 The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. 26 He replied, “It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs.” 27 “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table.” 28 Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment. This story is also recounted in Mark 7:24-30.  Jesus has withdrawn to a Gentile area, not for preaching but to avoid the growing hostility of the Jews and to get ready for the next stage of his ministry.  This puts him in direct contact with Gentiles and these two stories provide a preview and a foreshadowing of Jesus' ultimate plans for the gentiles.  A woman comes to him.  The word used is “Canaanite.”  This is probably an archaic term at this point.  It's meant to point back to the arch-enemies of God's people back in the time of Moses and Joshua.  She comes out to Jesus begging for help.  How does Jesus respond? ·       Ignores her, 23 ·       Rejects her, 24 ·       Insults her, 26 The disciples are really stuck because she keeps on making a ruckus and Jesus apparently won't deal with the issue.  They want Jesus to solve her problem and make her go away, so there's tension building.  Jesus continues to ignore her.  Then he repeats his mission.  His mission is to reach the Jews and fulfill the promises given to them first.  After these first two rejections, Jesus goes into a house and the woman enters and gets down and begs him.  Then Jesus drops a bomb.  He calls her a “dog.”  The word used is diminuative.  But the word was used by Jews to describe Gentiles.  Dogs weren't viewed the same way as today.  He's not saying “puppy.”  He's testing her.  He's using the same language she would hear from Jewish neighbors.  Jesus is not coming across very “Christ-like” in this interaction.  Like the story we read in chapter 8 about the Centurion, there are racial issues coming up right here.  Jews considered the gentiles dirty and unclean.  They were to be avoided.  What we can't see is the tone or body language being used by Jesus.  Our reading is two-dimensional but the situation was three-dimensional.  It seems clear that Jesus was testing this woman to bring out her faith and highlight it.  If we only focus on individual sentences rather than the entire interaction we will get a wrong view of Jesus, his attitudes and purposes.  Three times he tested her and in the end her faith gave her everything she wanted from Jesus.  What can we learn from this woman?  We better learn something, because her behavior caused Jesus to exclaim, “Woman, you have great faith!”  Why? ·       She focused on getting to Jesus ·       She was desperate ·       She was troubled ·       She was persistent ·       She wasn't going to accept “no.” ·       She was able to reason with God o  Like Abraham, she didn't allow difficult situations to box in her thinking.  She reasoned by faith.  Let's take a look at Hebrews 11:19, “19 Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.”  She actually disagreed with Jesus and “won” the argument.  She took his parable and turned it around on him.  She even points to the fact that the Jews' blessings were meant to spill over and be a blessing to all nations. §  Pam, “Ok! Let's talk about it!” ·       She viewed God's seeming rejection as a challenge o  Abraham had that same type of faith and was able to reason by faith and even get stronger in his faith when God called him to sacrifice his son Isaac.  In Romans 4 it says, “20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.”  The very nature of the challenge that God gave him stimulated his faith even more.  When God challenged his faith, it caused him to go deeper, to strengthen his faith.  She didn't quit or get angry, she just dug in and viewed it as an opportunity to have even more faith than before. How do you rate when it comes to faith?  Are you a person that is willing to dig in and wrestle with God?  ·       Health issues, your own or family members ·       Financial challenges ·       Dating, engagement and marriage issues ·       Job related troubles:  Unemployment, underemployment, boss issues, coworker issues ·       Overcoming besetting sins ·       Meeting people and helping them become true disciples ·       Relationship challenges in the fellowship What difficulty are you facing right now?  Really think about that.  Bring it to mind. Are you approaching that problem with the same attitude and approach this woman had? ·       Are you going to Jesus? ·       Are you desperate, troubled and persistent? ·       Are you unwilling to accept “no” for an answer? ·       Are you reasoning by faith? ·       Are you viewing obstacles, challenges, God's apparent silence or even lack of interest as an opportunity to get stronger or have you just given up? I think Dennis Keating is a good example of this kind of faith.  When told he had cancer, he got his affairs in order and prepared for death.  And at the same time, he started praying and asking God for help.  He faced the facts and still had faith.   2.   Jesus Feeds Four Thousand, Matthew 15:29-39 29 Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. 30 Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. 31 The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel. 32 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.” 33 His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?” 34 “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.” 35 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. 36 Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. 37 They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 38 The number of those who ate was four thousand men, besides women and children. 39 After Jesus had sent the crowd away, he got into the boat and went to the vicinity of Magadan. These two stories are connected by “bread.”  Bread tossed to dogs and bread for “gentile dogs.”  Jesus is still in foreign territory.  His compassion for the people is what drives him.  Why is this second feeding mentioned in two gospels?  It's smaller, more food is initially available and less food is leftover.  It seems anticlimactic and unnecessary unless you consider the people receiving the food.  In 15:31 it mentions that Jesus' miracles cause the crowd to praise the God of Israel.  This points to the fact that they were not from Israel.  This feeding is here to highlight Jesus' ultimate aim to pull all races, all nations, all peoples together and take care of them.  This is what connects this entire chapter on what defiles, what is clean and what is unclean.  He lays out the principle, demonstrates it by helping a Canaanite woman and then broadens that blessing to an entire gentile crowd. If you'd like to have compassion on people who aren't like yourself,  look around this holiday season for opportunities to serve people unlike yourself. Next Steps ·       Take your biggest challenge and use it as motivation and tool to approach Jesus with unwavering faith.  Spend five minutes daily this week begging God to act on your request.  ·       Have compassion on the people around you.  

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner In this episode, I'm rereleasing my interview with Brian Craig, who recently passed away from brain cancer.  This interview was originally released as episode 255 in March of 2024 after Brian's diagnosis.  Listen as he shares about his experience living with a terminal illness.  

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner In this episode, I'm rereleasing my interview with Brian Craig, who recently passed away from Brain Cancer.  This interview was originally recorded in July of 2020 and released as episode 25 of the Rob Skinner Podcast.  This interview took place prior to his illness.

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner In this episode, I'm going to give a recap of my recent trip to The Exponential Church Planting Conference held in the San Francisco Bay Area. https://exponential.org/west-2024/  

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner Today, I interview Kolade Paul-Ajuwape, who is a missionary to Eastern Europe and a recent graduate of MIT.  Listen as he shares about his experiences on the mission field and his dream to go to Japan. You can reach Kolade at koladeap@gmail.com  

ow to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner Today, I'm talking to Pablo and Nicole Padilla, who lead the singles in the Los Angeles Singles Ministry, a group of singles in Orange County and serve on the International Singles Service Team.  They directed two conferences, most recently the North American Singles Conference in August of 2024.  They do all this while holding down full time jobs.  Find out how and why they do all this on The Rob Skinner Podcast. You can reach Pablo and Nicole and their platform to help promote bi-vocational leadership at: https://www.instagram.com/stylosleadership/ Pablo's email at:  pjp_007@hotmail.com Nicole's email at:  padilla_nicole@live.com

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner   In this episode, I continue my exposition of the book of Matthew with Jesus' feeding of the five thousand in Matthew 14:13-21. Transcript:   Introduction Pictures from Apple Annies 1.    Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand, Matthew 14:13-21 13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. 15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” 16 Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” 17 “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. 18 “Bring them here to me,” he said. 19 And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. The Prophet Like Moses.  ·       Here is the second “banquet” in this chapter.  This is not as lavish as Herod's but it was much better spiritually.  All four of the gospels record this feeding.  This reveals the importance of the event.  They are in a lonely place or desert on the northeast side of the lake.  There are Old Testament parallels to this event: o  Elisha's feeding 100 men with 30 loaves in 2 Kings 4:42-44 o  Moses feeding the Israelites with the manna in Exodus 16:11, “11 The Lord said to Moses, 12 “I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, ‘At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.'” §  This is Jesus' way of pointing to himself as the New Moses or as the Prophet Moses predicted would come.  In Deuteron0my 18:15 it says, “15 The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him… 17 The Lord said to me: “What they say is good. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I command him. 19 I myself will call to account anyone who does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name. 13  Jesus' Compassion 13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. ·       Jesus withdrew in order to deal with the loss of his relative and also to escape the potential political pressure or persecution coming from Herod Antipas.  Jesus is seeking solitude in his grief.  However, when he sees the crowds waiting for him, Jesus' compassion is triggered and he puts aside any thoughts of “me-time” and instead he heals, helps and feeds the crowd.  Jesus reveals how when tough times hit, we want solitude and we also want people around us to comfort us.  His motives rise to the surface as he reveals compassion to the crowds and heals, teaches and feeds them.  Jesus' ministry was a combination of preaching, healing and teaching.  What can we apply here? o  There is a time for solitude and recovery o  There are times when we are called to serve even in the midst of difficulty, persecution, tiredness and sadness. o  Compassion needs to drive our behavior.  It's easy to get cold and clinical when we see people in need.  We let ourselves off the hook by pointing out people's mistakes and failures that led to their problems.  Jesus could have done that with every one of us.  He still has compassion on each one of us.  Don't get to the point where you are driving away people from you because there is no compassion in your heart.  15-18  “Give and it will be given to you.”  15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”16 Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”17 “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. 18 “Bring them here to me,” he said.  ·       The disciples are tired.  Jesus is tired and grieving.  They want to send the people away.  Jesus says they don't need to.  They don't even have enough food to feed themselves and Jesus asks for that. Jesus follows an Old Testament Pattern when he asks his disciples to give him what they do have.  This follows a pattern seen in 1 Kings 17:10 in a story about Elijah, “10 So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” 11 As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.”12 “As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don't have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.”13 Elijah said to her, “Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. 14 For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.'”15 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. 16 For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah. Keep the bread and skip the miracle o  The lady only has a handful of flour, she's about to die of starvation and the prophet says, I know that, but feed me first.  If you want to see amazing things happen, it starts with giving up everything you currently have.  You have to sacrifice.  You have to take that first step of faith.  You have to let go of what you are counting on, worshipping or putting your trust in.  Jesus said in Matthew 9:29, “According to your faith will it be done.”  You have to make that initial investment of faith, even if it's really small.  Like the woman in the story, who only had a little flour and oil, she sacrificed it and gave it to Elijah.  God saw the faith and multiplied the little she had.  Miracles start with faith.  Jesus will often ask you to “prime the pump” by sacrificing something important to you before he opens up the blessings. §  Financial blessing:  “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse and see if I won't open the floodgates of blessings.”  Malachi §  Spiritual growth:  Let go of the sin in repentance and God will open the door to heaven for you. §  Relational blessings:  Give up the bad relationship and allow God to bring you someone or something better §  Example 19-21  The Original Lord's Supper.  19 And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. ·       The verbs used here, “take, gave thanks, broke, gave” all are replicated at the last supper and when he had a meal with the two disciples on the way to Emmaus in Luke 24:30, “30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.”    Paul repeats this format in 1 Corinthians 11:23-24, “The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”   This is a foreshadowing of the LORD's supper.  Scholars consider this a foretaste of the Messianic Banquet in Matthew 26:29.  The Miracle ·       Simple food.  Have you ever tasted “Ezekiel” bread?  It's pretty plain.  The bread these people were eating was like that, barley bread and plain fish.  That was it.  It wasn't like Herod's delicious dinner.  Jesus offered very plain fare.  Sometimes we don't serve people because we feel like it has to be super fancy.  It has to come straight out of Pinterest or Better Homes and Gardens.  This keeps us from serving people and connecting with people more often.  We are overshooting it.  Next time, just serve your basic food, that's all that's needed. o  Pictures of James' dinner ·       God works through people.  Who gave out the bread?  The disciples.  God works through imperfect people to do miracles.  ·       Mystery Miracle.  How did the miracle happen?  We don't know.  What did it look like?  It must have been amazing, but only God knows. ·       The miraculous power of a full stomach.  All ate and had their fill.  12 baskets get picked up afterward.  This isn't like the communion bread we are “snacking” on Sundays.  Everyone had a full stomach and there is much more food left over than there was when the disciples handed Jesus the little they had.  They were satisfied.  Food brings people together and provides temporary satisfaction and contentment.  That's the power of food, fellowship and Bible teaching, it builds unity, joy and satisfaction.  It's a powerful combination.  It's how you build a church.  You build it on brotherhood, the Bible and breaking bread together.  There were five thousand men plus women and children.  Jesus said, let nothing be wasted.  They picked it up and used it later.   Conclusion: We've seen two banquets, one fancy and one plain.  One brought destruction and one brought life, healing and deeper faith.  ·       Jesus has the power to provide in abundance, to amaze us with his miracles. ·       He works through people to help others ·       His compassion is what drives him and us ·       Push through tiredness and resistance to give ·       Give what you have.  You can keep your bread but you'll skip the miracle ·       Serve people don't send them away ·       Believe Jesus has the capacity to multiply and meet our needs   Next Steps: ·       Grow in compassion.  Learn to serve and give even when you are tired, grieving and running low on resources.  Jesus sets the example. ·       Bring people to Jesus, don't send them away.  In a couple of weeks we are going to have a neighbor day.  This is a small recreation of this meal in the desert.  We bring people to hear Jesus' words and then we feed them.  Let's bring people because we feel compassion for them.  Let's not imitate the disciples who said, “send them away.”  Let's bring people to Jesus and serve them.  Let's have the heart of Jesus in his desire to meet people's spiritual and physical needs.

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner Nick Kaplan, Evan Snow, Jacob Krell and I backpacked Arizona Trail Passage 5 this weekend.  It was a 15 mile hike and we did it over two days and one night.  The Arizona Trail is 800 miles long and extends from the Mexican border north to the Utah border.  Listen as we share our experience walking with Jesus and one another, getting closer to God and one another.   Here is the passage we backpacked:  https://aztrail.org/explore/passages/passage-5-santa-rita-mountains/