Zeal Stoker

WHO RIGHTLY OWNS THE LAND KNOWN AS “ISRAEL”? Yahweh, the Most High God, said to Israel, “The land shall not be sold permanently, for the land is Mine; for you are strangers and sojourners with Me.” (Lev 25:23). This episode discusses the land and the people known as Israel, and the complicated relationship between Muslims and those so-called “Palestinians.”

Real love & leadership has no strings attached (is not this-for-that). Loving and leading this way (God's way…) means wanting more FOR those we lead, and expecting less FROM them. That said, a healthy & balanced relationship requires love going both ways. (Jesus loved us; He said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments”) Also, real love brings accountability— “don't expect what you don't inspect.” I offer this as one guilty many years of “loving” only to be loved back (…my needy, love-me-back kind of love resulted in the opposite of what I wanted).

God has a plan and purpose for our suffering and weakness. He calls us to partner with Him by faith. This episode discusses Paul's “thorn in the flesh”, Satan's role in human suffering, and the challenges of finding our strength and identity in Christ vs. our own.

False apostles snuck into the church—in their “stolen valor”, left un-checked by those who should have known better, they selfishly took advantage of believers in Corinth. However, one's capacity for suffering is a great character-reveal. Paul's resume' (his afflictions, one trial after another for the gospel of Christ) validated his apostolic authority. While he'd rather lead with love and trust vs. referring his God-given position, it was time to talk some sense into this church duped by the lies of imposters bent on devouring the church.

Sharing to challenge Christ-followers to broaden their aperture when it comes to investigating the topic of extraterrestrials and the supernatural in general. The fact is the church has not always done a good job discussing issues like extraterrestrials, UFOs, and the paranormal (aliens, ghosts, big-foot, moth-man, etc.). Yes, we do well to filter what we see and hear by the Scriptures and Holy Spirit discernment, but many of us have presuppositions & paradigms that are not Biblically accurate, nor Spirit led. The inclination is to write these kinds of things off as “demons” when we really have little knowledge of what or who demons are. And we tend to limit our knowledge of rebellion to Adam, Eve, and Satan in the garden, when we are given clues in the Scriptures and elsewhere of several rebellions on behalf of both humans and heavenly entities.

Beware of wolves in sheep's clothing! Some will come into our lives & churches, eloquent in speech, credentialed, good looking; claiming to be someone/something they aren't. Their intent is to get, take, and mislead us. These are (like Satan) leeches…deceitful, spiritual vampires, sucking the life and resources out of us. We need God's Word and Holy Spirit discernment to know the difference between those who look good and those who are good.

Is your Jesus the Biblical Jesus, or the “Jesus” you want Him to be? Have you received a different spirit other than (or in addition to) the Holy Spirit who propagates the false “Jesus” you worship? Have you received a different “gospel”, which is really not good news but damning? We ought not walk in doubt, but it's good to take inventory… Judas believed in a different “Jesus” from the One right in front of Him.

Are you “10 feet tall and bulletproof” on social media, or simply pretending to be someone else in order to be taken seriously? The apostle Paul is a great example for us—be in person whom we claim/purport ourselves to be in writing. If you haven't heard it before, you need to hear it now, “Be yourself!” That is, be whom God has called you to be while operating in the gifts, calling, mannerisms, talents and abilities/disabilities consistent with who you are as a person, and most especially in Christ Jesus.

We are in a spiritual war; the battles of which are won only if/when we use the spiritual weapons given us! Spiritual = that which exists in both, the seen and unseen realm. This episode discusses what and with whom we wrestle; the armor God has given us, as well as the “five fingers” we need to effectively handle the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God).

Discipline trumps laziness, feelings, and/or motivation (or lack thereof). Doing the right thing is still the “right thing” whether we feel like doing it or not. If, and when we have committed ourselves to doing something (especially when God has called us to it), discipline will get us across the finish line.

The Christian knows what it means to commit to something (to Someone) greater than one's self. We ought to be a people known for keeping our commitments—letting our “yes” be yes, and our “no”, no. Whether we like it or not, we make and leave an impression on others. If we say we are going to do something, we need to follow through.

Are you teachable? Correctable? Whether caught in, confronted with, captured by, or convicted of sin, our response is crucial! Are we sorry…like truly sorry enough to do something positive about it (repent, turn to God, choose life) after we've failed? Or are we sorry only to the point of hopelessness—circling the mental/emotional drain, buying the lie that we've gone too far this time? There are two sorrows—godly sorrow and worldly sorrow. The former will save your life; the latter may kill you. How we respond is crucial and largely dependent on our relationship to God in Christ (or lack thereof).

That moment you realize God's talking to YOU! It's natural for us to shift the blame for our sinfulness to others. The apostle Paul, however, wasn't having it! He addressed the church's worldliness head-on—no pulling punches. No sugar-coating. They were worldly! Being a new creation in Christ (2 Cor 5:17) means living like it! “Come out from among them and be separate”, he said. This call to repentance and realigning/prioritizing our affections is applicable to the 21st century church as well.

To be reconciled to God in Christ is to have participated in an exchange—“Christ who knew no sin became sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.“ Not because of anything we have done, but based entirely upon the merits of Christ, His death in our stead allows the Father to see us in good favor. We now have a place at the table in God‘s Divine Council; as ambassadors for Christ we are called to make known to all the peace of God made possible by this great exchange!

Like a parent who instinctively knows their child's cry (i.e., just “what kind” of cry it is), even so, some things are mysteriously yet clearly communicated in a series of hearty exhales—Sometimes a sigh says it all! Christian, the Father knows you're exhausted. He hears you…He understands… He's prepared you for this and more, for which reason you long to be present with Him. Don't rush His extract-plan (immortality is coming!). In the meantime, whether in heaven or on earth, aim to be well pleasing to Him.

We have the treasure of God's power and presence inside of us—jars of clay. While the world around us, and perhaps our own bodies might be falling apart, within the believer lies the incredible resurrection power of Jesus Christ. This episode dispels the myths of “the strong Christian” & “the perfect Christian”, while encouraging a relentless pursuit of the well-read & faithful Christian.

How has God's mercy changed your life? What is it like to be free, and have you told somebody about it? What kinds of “veils“ have you noticed (i.e., things that might keep people from seeing Jesus) in the church or amongst some believers? When considering how God has shone in our hearts to give light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, what are we are often afraid of by letting the Light out?

While Moses' face was a little less shiny as time went on, the fact remains it once shined gloriously. Even so, “if the ministry of death” (the law of Moses) was accompanied by a fading glory, how much more glorious is the never-fading “ministry of the Spirit”? The old covenant (God's word in stone) is trumped by the new covenant (the Word of God, made flesh, who tasted death for all, and was made alive in the Spirit)! Curiously, believers in Jesus are being transformed from one fading glory to another GLORY (brilliantly bright and lasting in Christ).

Where does your confidence come from? In whom, from what or where do you draw your strength? Is there room for self-confidence in the life of a Christian? How do we balance confidence and humility? What is keeping you from carrying out the Great Commission? In this episode the apostle Paul emphasizes his sufficiency as a minister of the new covenant comes not from man, but God. As far as he was concerned, his sufficiency (and ours) is from God in Christ.

Those close enough to Jesus in the garden, before the Sanhedrin, Pilate, Herod, on the way to Calvary, and when laying His body to rest, would very well have smelled the fragrant aroma of the oil poured upon His head by that thoughtful woman at Bethany. For some that aroma would provide a lasting memory of His loving sacrifice; for others it would trigger hatred or remorse. This same Jesus (our victorious General) leads us in triumph, and through us makes known what His “smell” was/is all about.

When we love—especially with godly (no-strings-attached kind of) love—we run the risk of not being loved back; of being misunderstood. The apostle Paul loved the church at Corinth enough to tell them the truth—to confront them on an issue he could not ignore. He ran the risk of disturbing the peace, hurting their feelings by pointing it out and calling them to address it. He leaned forward in love, which meant being truthful. Some today equate “tolerance” with the love & grace of God, but are sadly mistaken. This episode (2 Cor 2-1-11) examines how to deal with overt, unrepentant sin in the church; with forgiveness and restoration in mind, NOT shooting our wounded or writing them off.

What happens when we've promised to do something, but, for good reason, we've changed our minds or altered our plans? It may appear to some we are fickle, and without explanation it might as well be true. However Paul (2 Cor. 1:12-2:2) shares why he changed his plans to visit (or rather, not to visit) the Corinthians at the time he promised, yet managed to have a good conscience. This episode discusses the importance of having a good testimony, a clean conscience, and good timing when it comes to reconnecting with those we might have been at odds with.

(2 Cor 1:1-11) The first in a series of sermons through the apostle Paul's second letter to the church at Corinth. In this episode, Paul wants his audience to know that God in Christ has (and is) what we need in our suffering; that God does indeed give us more than we can handle, but also provides the strength and comfort we need to both, triumph in our own trials and comfort others in theirs.

How is it that, “God works all things together for good”? And what did the apostle Paul mean by “good”? As always, context is king! Feelings come and go; God's promises remain true yesterday, today, and forever.

Sometimes we are called (or ordered) to get up and go! This might provoke us to ask ourselves “Did I accomplish everything God called me to do?” It's easy to just plug along and forget we are on a mission. We may forget our God and Savior Jesus Christ has saved us for a purpose…right now, wherever we may find ourselves, and wherever He may send us. Are you going places?

We are all motivated or compelled by something. Every person has an agenda. That said, what is God's motivation? His agenda? Those who know Him, know He's interested…invested in reconciling sinful mankind to Himself through Jesus Christ. But why? To put it simply—He is good! Through and through, He is good. His motive, inclination, mercies and grace are rooted in His goodness. I hope you will be inspired to remember how good He has been to you and yours.

When it comes to God in Christ, the cross and resurrection, if you know, you know! If you know Jesus, and he knows you, you want to live for him out of gratitude for what he's done on the cross. If you don't know Jesus, it's all going to seem weird and maybe even foolish or stupid to you. This podcast addresses the fact that salvation has appeared to all mankind, but not all are saved.

Our world (and the church for that matter) is full of characters—interesting people of all kinds! Establishing the local church in 1st century world, and specially on the little island of Crete, came with many challenges. And while many of the Cretans (especially the religious types) were described by Paul as “liars, evil beasts, and lazy gluttons”, the apostle Paul had better things in mind for Titus and the church there, saying, “But as for you…” (Titus 2:1-10)

For many of us, “independence” simply carries the idea of “being on our own.” For the founding fathers of the United States and the people of the first 13 Colonies, true independence would not come without deliverance from Britain's king and government—this meant war. They began fighting for their freedom in April 1775 and would do so until September 3, 1783. Even so, while human rights come from one Creator God, true freedom and independence cannot be experienced apart from deliverance from sin and death offered in Christ Jesus. Independence Day (celebrated by Americans on July 4th) is the result of deliverance—this came at a cost, which we ought never to forget.

Speaking truth may be misunderstood as “name-calling.” Some profess to know God, but their actions, words, beliefs & values say otherwise. When it comes to preserving the truth, and specifically addressing those propagating lies, it will take courage. In this episode Paul instructs Titus in appointing those qualified to preach truth and confront lies infiltrating the church at Crete.

Do you see time as a blessing or a curse? We hate waiting, but we only know what it feels like to wait because we have time to measure the experience. That said, time is meant to be a gift given us to measure healing and growth, to gain evidences to trust again, to celebrate relationships, anniversaries, to mark significant milestones in our lives. In Titus (1:1-4), Paul writes “in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began…”

What good thing can you do to make your witness more effective? Is there someone you should let go? Is there someone you should receive? Is there someone you should forgive? Is there someone to whom you should prove yourself trustworthy? Paul's letter to his friend Philemon helps us address these questions, because those forgiven forgive.

“Contend earnestly for the faith” Jude said, “which was once for all delivered to the saints.“ The saints— not a title granted by some church council, but the very status and position of every true and spirit filled believer in Jesus Christ. In his closing remarks (Jude1:20-25), Jude provides practical instructions for living in holiness.

The reality is, when fighting for the truth, sometimes the combat zone is not “out there”; it's in the church. Our opponents are those who may claim to be Christian when they are actually apostates (those who've renounced fundamental gospel truths)! Jude (1:16-19) calls believers to remember Jesus' teachings delivered to them by the apostles. In this octagon (if you will) it's the word of the apostles versus the apostates.

Jude warns of those who do not know or love the Lord Jesus; who want to consume you and I and our resources; they want the benefits of what we share (fellowship, closeness, peace with God, biblical knowledge), but only in the sense of being members of a religious community club. And then there are those who do you believe in and love Jesus, but treat the church in the same way (religious community club). This episode (Jude 1:12-15) discusses the believer's response to consumer “Christianity”.

Jude notes those who've crept into the church unnoticed. Selfish ambition, sexual immorality and rejection of authority are hallmark traits of those not holding fast the faith of Christ. This podcast addresses just how we are to address the infiltration of those in our midst who have no intention of loving or obeying God in Christ.

Weird = “involving or suggesting the supernatural; unearthly or uncanny” (Dictionary.com). Many in the church have been so super naturally neutered that when asked about the parting of the Red Sea, bread falling from heaven, water coming from a rock, the ground opening up to swallow thousands of rebellious unbelievers, or the resurrection of Jesus Christ, they are tempted to either scientifically explain it away, or pass it off as an allegory or figure of speech. Jude calls his audience to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints; this faith, founded on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, means supernatural beliefs with supernatural living. This might seem weird to some, but it is reality for those who are set free by the gospel!

While our fight is spiritual—largely against rogue angels and demons—we cannot ignore the fact Satan enlists human beings to do much of his dirty work. This may take the form of initially unsuspecting persons (unbelievers) in the church who aim to pervert gospel-truths and promote sinful living. Jude's letter calls believers to fight for the truth. This episode (Jude 1:1-4) discusses how we may do that, starting by keeping our head on a swivel.

What is our response to someone who wanders from the truth? The apostle James says (5:19-20) our intervention may very well save someone's soul from death and “cover a multitude of sins.” There is, however, no cookie-cutter intervention, and we've got to check our own hearts before we address others' sins. The truth of the matter is, we've got to be prayed up, walking in the Spirit, to know whether they need a hug or a holy hand grenade! This podcast discusses how we might go about knowing the difference.

How does Jesus' sacrifice 2,000+ years ago affect you and me today? This episode discusses the relevance of Jesus death and the significance of His resurrection. Because He lives, we can face tomorrow!

A Good Friday message! Sharing ancient passages (Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53), reflecting on Jesus' passion—bogus trials, betrayal, false accusations against Him; physical assault and ultimately the murder of the only real good person who ever lived. Jesus died the death penalty you and I should have died. This is why it is called “Good Friday”!

Looking at one of the most powerful, prophetic, and emotionally charged days in human history. Palm Sunday or Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem was foretold by the prophets of YHWH more than 500 years prior. This segment discusses Jesus courage as well as the prophetic nature of our Scriptures. Hosanna!!!

Why don't we pray as we ought to? Prayer can seem boring. We think our problems are too small to “bother God.” We don't have time. We're afraid of sounding stupid compared to others. Maybe we're so convinced of God's sovereignty we don't pray because we know He's got this! Regardless our feelings, James (5:13-18) tells us to pray until something happens (PUSH).

Amidst our plans and ambitions we should seek God's will. Sounds simple, but how are we to respond to suffering and loss, like when people hurt us or those we love? Sometimes God calls us to wait, and wait quietly. The problem is we feel waiting is passive and our silence to be weak. James says otherwise (James 5:1-12)

We have a tendency to measure success by setting and achieving goals. But God measures success different than we do. Where you and I may think we have arrived by getting to a certain place or position, or receiving some token of success, God measures success in increments of faithfulness. This podcast discusses our plans and discerning God's will (James 4:13-18)

This podcast (James 4:11-12) discusses the impact of slander & backbiting in the church, and how to prevent it. When we judge others from a place of anger, hurt, and envy, we neglect godly judgment, bringing God's judgment on ourselves.

“Where do wars and fights come from among you?” This segment (James 4:1-10) discusses the impact of selfishness and poor communication upon our relationships with God and those made in His image. Our sinfulness aligns us with Satan, but James calls us to humble ourselves—submit to God and resist the Devil. Herein the listener will find practical tools to do just that.

Got wisdom? James says, “Show it!”This episode (James 3:13-18) discusses godly wisdom vs. demonic. Proof is in the fruit. This isn't to say evil spirits in dwell or possess believers when we operate in worldly, demonic “wisdom”, but when bitter, envious, and self-seeking, we are behaving like the enemy.

The bit, rudder, tongue & fire…small things capable of steering, influencing and consuming on a large scale. This segment (James 3:1-12) discusses the power of words, and the connection between the tongue and the heart.

Like a body without breath is lifeless, faith without action is dead. This episode discusses the tension between faith and works (James 2:14-26), where justification is not necessarily about “going to heaven”, but being “a friend of God”.

Some consider themselves good persons because they haven't murdered anyone or cheated on their spouse. Yet the Bible teaches us that showing partiality and discrimination amongst believers is to be guilty of all of God's laws (equal to murder & adultery—deserving of judgment and death penalty). This segment (James 2:1-13) provides a warning against partiality, and the solution to prevent it.