Podcasts about once paul

The apostle Paul had experienced a radical spiritual transformation in his life. It didn't come from the abundance of good works or his own strength, because he realized he had been spiritually dead because of his own sin. But God didn't want him--or us--to stay that way. Once Paul met and trusted Jesus Christ, he looked at his former life and knew his life was far different. He was now alive in Christ. When we are living in Him, there is no longer the clear evidence of that old, dead past, and it causes you to move forward, and serve the Lord, and talk about this amazing change all the time. Video of this service is available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMQoxZ28kv8

Great Mother Kubebe! That's a big worm! Once Paul mounted the great worm we climbed up with the rest of the fremen. Tensions rose as Stilgar made his way up through the ranks. He took Paul down a notch with everyone listening in. Shucks we all make mistakes, Paul. We offer some driving school anecdotes of our own to cheer up our favorite mahdi. Fortunately some smugglers show up to give us all a common enemy again. We help sprinkle some spice on the sands for the trap. While Farok sweeps it perfectly even, we go over the plan… Wasted Worm Chakobsa was an ancient language right? Pardot bends it; Paul breaks it Then we take a trip to the old Imperial stomping grounds Episode Guide 02:50 Chapter Summary Begins 01:24:45 Fremen Education 01:45:48 Daniels Dune Gazetteer: Corrin 02:10:45 Distrans Wine https://www.lacrema.com/ (La Crema) Pinot Noir Rose 2019 "This is an evening wine..." Need More To Read? “The Quiet American” by Graham Greene Support this podcast

As a son in a military family, Paul struggled with perfectionism, even in his faith. When his dad forbade him to go into the military after high school, his only other thought was ministry. For the next 30 years, God would provide for Paul opportunities for work as a Pastor, but only by revealing one next step that needed to be taken each time. Through this process of faith, God was also providing opportunities for Paul to learn of His grace & faithfulness and let go of the perfectionism. Once Paul embraced the message that God will fulfill His purposes through him in His divine timing, Paul and his family found themselves in Europe, serving in a German town with a U.S. military base and 70,0000 Americans living there. As a full-time missionary family, Paul and his family are learning new things about God’s love for us every day. This story encourages all of us to approach every encounter with God with child-like wonder, even after a lifetime of being in service to Him. For more information about True Life KMC go to: True Life KMC or find them on Instagram and Facebook To support Paul's ministry go to: www.giving.ag.org and type in TRAVER in the Search. Did you know that the Oh My God Pod is non-revenue generating? That means we make no money from the podcast. BUT, it does cost money to produce the show because we've invested in tools & technology and have monthly subscriptions we maintain so we can continue to deliver these awesome God stories to you. If you feel led to help support the podcast you can donate via Venmo at @ohmygodpod Subscribe to our email list here: OMGP Email List Connect with us at: www.ohmygodpod.com or https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohmygodpod/

As a son in a military family, Paul struggled with perfectionism, even in his faith. When his dad forbade him to go into the military after high school, his only other thought was ministry. For the next 30 years, God would provide for Paul opportunities for work as a Pastor, but only by revealing one next step that needed to be taken each time. Through this process of faith, God was also providing opportunities for Paul to learn of His grace & faithfulness and let go of the perfectionism. Once Paul embraced the message that God will fulfill His purposes through him in His divine timing, Paul and his family found themselves in Europe, serving in a German town with a U.S. military base and 70,0000 Americans living there. As a full-time missionary family, Paul and his family are learning new things about God’s love for us every day. This story encourages all of us to approach every encounter with God with child-like wonder, even after a lifetime of being in service to Him. For more information about True Life KMC go to: True Life KMC or find them on Instagram and Facebook To support Paul's ministry go to: www.giving.ag.org and type in TRAVER in the Search. Subscribe to our email list here: OMGP Email List Connect with us at: www.ohmygodpod.com or https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohmygodpod/

In Ephesians 3 Paul explains his calling to make plain the mystery that the gentiles are included and how the church is a demonstration of Gods manifold wisdom. Once Paul has described this grand vision he prays that Christians will be empowered to know Gods love – we can’t achieve this in our own strength we can’t share love we haven’t first received.

Paul switches gears in Romans 2. In chapter 1 he had addressed the Gentiles and their idolatry. In chapter 2 he addresses Jews that used hypocritical judgment against the Gentiles. Once Paul is done with his overview of the human condition we realize that without Christ we are hopeless.

Where Sellers Get Stuck   Sometimes sellers get stuck but where exactly do they get stuck?   Umar Hameed was previously working in Silicon Valley where he worked for high-tech launching companies from Asia, Europe, and the Valley into the U.S. market. He noticed that there were employees in the company who were rockstars in the sales department. Others, however, would invest in training, motivation, coaching, and incentives where they'd only improve a little bit. Still others would improve a lot but for only a short amount of time. Umar saw how the problem wasn't in the sales training, process, or strategy. The problem was with the people and their mindset.   Umar's work entails looking for ways to give salespeople an owner's manual for their mindset in order to change their world.   Getting the team together  This can be applied to the sales team and the whole organization. It's imperative to change the mindset of individuals because that's how you shift the entire company and improve its trajectory. Consider: How you can win How you can beat the competition How you can support each other   Changing the mindset of the organization can produce a work environment where everyone is enthusiastic and passionate. This, in turn, will boost the morale of your sales team and increase their speed.    The author of the comic strip called Pogo wrote this quote: We have met the enemy and the enemy is us. Oftentimes you may think that the enemy is the economy or the competition. The truth is, how you feel about yourself at a subconscious level determines how well you do. The only way to truly improve is to change the mindset. Umar's job is to give people the tools to do just that.    Getting unstuck  Umar had a client, Paul, when he first started his career in the mindset space. Paul was a sales rep from the east coast who had been hitting way above the quota but he still approached Umar for coaching an area he was lacking confidence:  asking for referrals. The sales rep was an excellent closer but always hit a block when it came to asking his client for the referral. Umar asked Paul to tell him about a time when he asked for a referral badly. Umar says when a client goes back to these memories, the body will offer clues to what happened. As Paul went back to that moment, Umar asked him what he felt at that moment.  Paul answered that he felt weird. It was an uncomfortable feeling. Paul then remembered a time when he was a child his father had a friend over. Paul overheard his father tell this friend that real men don't ask for help. Paul's hero was his father so little Paul took that statement to heart. As a sales rep, Paul was subconsciously remembering that statement when he thought of asking for a referral.  His mindset considered it asking for help and Paul's subconscious was reminding him of his father's words. Once Paul realized that, he was able to change his mindset and has been able to ask for referrals comfortably.    Changing your core belief  You have to let go of the core beliefs instilled in your brain that keep you from becoming more successful.    After training, you may change for a week but you'll revert to old habits if you don't address the underlying belief that's keeping you from changing your mindset. You want to be able to show up to your meetings with the consistent confidence that comes from permanent and sustainable change.     Many people have a variety of skill sets but there tends to be a tendency to focus on their weaker areas. It keeps them from realizing their strengths and stepping out as their best selves. When you can get to the core reasons why these weaknesses turn up, they can be addressed and conquered.    If you don't address the underlying negative belief systems, you'll revert back to those old behaviors and still be stuck. #SalesGoals   Launching the NeuroBoosterz App Umar has been helping people find their true potential by providing them with the necessary tools in his app, NeuroBoosterz. He has created audio tracks that use applied neuroscience to take his clients through a thought process that improves their subconscious outlook. It helps people change their mindset exactly when they need it to help them show up as stronger and more powerful individuals in whatever situation needs a boost of confidence.   The app comes in several categories including:  Sales Mindset Confidence and Motivation Life's Ups and Downs Health and Wellness Transformation Sleep and Relaxation   A free sample on his app is called Mind Movie. When a person goes to a sales meeting, Umar asks them how confident they are that they're going to do great in their appointment. The Mind Movie will get you to really think about what you want to accomplish in your next meeting. It will get you to think at a much higher level and see how you can improve what you're about to do.    NeuroBoosterz is grounded in a science that helps you learn a technique to take charge of your mind.    Sales Success Story with NeuroBoosterz Doug Miller was a successful salesman when he found Umar.. He had a problem waking up consistently for his morning run.  It was a problem because Doug realized his sales day were better on the days he ran. They got together for a 15-minute phone consultation to make a personalized neuro boost. For Doug, Umar framed it around a moral imperative. Umar used a mental pattern and created a six and a half minute track that Doug could listen to. Now Doug wakes up at 4:45 and runs by 5 AM. As a result, Doug's sales days are better and his stats have improved dramatically.    Another benefit of the NeuroBoosterz app is it can help families connect better at home. There's a tendency for parents to be so stressed and overwhelmed with their work that even when they're home, they're not mentally checked in with the kids. Under the category, Life's Ups and Downs, Umar has a track that parents can listen to in the driveway to alleviate the stress they've brought home from work. Once they've decompressed, they're able to  go join their families with a better attitude and be more available.    Change for the better  We all have the ability to change our mindset. Tools like NeuroBoosterz can empower you to do that.    “Where Sellers Get Stuck” episode resources Visit the site of NeuroBoosterz and sign up. The app is only for $12.99/month and $99.99/year. They also create personalized new boosters for you.    Do you have more interesting sales stories? Let Donald know! Reach him via these channels: LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook about any sales concerns.  This episode is brought to you in part by TSE Certified Sales Training Program. It's a course designed to help new and struggling sellers to master the fundamentals of sales and close more deals. Sign up now and get the first two modules for free! You can also call us at (561) 570-5077.  We have a new semester beginning this March and we would love to have you and your team join us. Follow this link to apply to the program.  We'd love for you to join us for our next episodes so tune in on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can also leave comments, suggestions, and ratings to every episode you listen to.  You can also read more about sales or listen to audiobooks on Audible and explore this huge online library. Register now to get a free book and a 30-day free trial.  Audio provided by Free SFX and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.

Many Jews thought their place in heaven was reserved because they were Jewish, and because they had been circumcised. Once Paul explains that neither will save them, they are left wondering, "What is the benefit of being Jewish?" In the same way, you don't get to heaven by being Catholic or Protestant or by being baptized. So what's the benefit? In this message, Pastor Dave explains the great benefit of having the words of God.

This message is the second of a series on -respect for authority-, revealing how God requires all men to respect for their leaders. SUPPORT for a ruler of your people is expected by God. In Acts 23, Paul asserted that he was pleasing to God, but that the Jews were not. Immediately, the high priest Ananias commanded Paul's guards to assault him in the mouth, causing Paul to point out how Ananias deserved judgment for hypocrisy and violating the Law. Once Paul recognized that he had verbally abused God's high priest, he admitted his ignorance and pointed out the Biblical requirement to speak well of a ruler. I Peter 2 commands believers to SUBMIT themselves to human authorities. They were to obediently follow the rules and their rulers, so that they might silence the ignorance of foolish men. And they were obligated to use their liberation in Christ to serve God. Their Christlike lifestyle required four actions- -1- honor all men- -2- love the brotherhood- -3- fear God- -4- honor the king

Aaron Eime picks up in Acts 22, where Paul’s Roman citizenship begins to have an effect on his future. Claudius Lysias does not understand the charges against Paul and so convenes the Sanhedrin to gather information. Once Paul knows he will not receive a fair hearing, he changes tactics for confusion and exploitation. Following the uproar in the Sanhedrin, Paul is confined to quarters and is visited by the Lord Himself in the night. Notes for this study can me found at Notes for this study can be found at http://www.christchurchjerusalem.org/sermons/study-acts-of-the-holy-spirit/ Blessed by our teachings? Consider saying thank you with a small (or large) donation. www.christchurchjerusalem.org/donate/

In ignorance the locals react wrongly to the miracle and oratory skill of Paul. They assume that Paul and Barnabas are gods. Once Paul and Barnabas realize they are about to perform sacrifices for them, they rush into the crowd of people and rent their garments. Paul is stoned and left for dead, then rises up and moves onto the next city. At the end of this episode Paul's missionary polices are reviewed. 

On this week’s episode of the Atlanta Small Business Profile, host and small business expert Ted Jenkin, speaks to Greg Johnson, CEO of Pulse Centers. Pulse Centers is an Atlanta-based, health and wellness company that specializes in pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, or PEMF. Through a series of accidents, Pulse Centers founder Paul Webb was afflicted with severe, chronic pain and limited mobility due to scar tissue build-up. It was this pain that drew him to explore this wellness technology of PEMF. Once Paul experienced incredible results from the technology, he knew he had to create a company that made this therapy more readily available to other people. PEMF is a naturally occurring phenomenon where the Earth itself gives off pulsed electromagnetic fields. These fields have been studied by scientists for hundreds of years and Pulse Centers has perfected the technology which allows patients to receive this energy, at the molecular level, in the most efficient way. Clients at Pulse, use PEMF for various different ailments including pain, immune support, general wellness, and more. Watch the video interview here: https://www.myasbn.com/small-business-shows/atlanta-business-profile/atlanta-small-business-profile-greg-johnson-pulse-centers/

In the aftermath of the Jerusalem Council, the mission of the church moved forward under the apostle Paul's leadership. Once Paul perceived that wounds had been healed in the church of Antioch, he turned his focus outward toward shepherding and mission. As he launched his second missionary journey, he took along two men as co-workers, Silas and Timothy, and headed out to minister through strengthening saints in faith and building the kingdom of God.

Find show notes for this episode at https://transformingmission.org/067 In Galatians 4 we discover Paul’s understanding that we become children of God by God’s grace and not by our heritage or birth.  As we are shaped and formed by God’s grace, we begin to see every person as God created them to be. We look beyond the Law to grace. Once Paul sees grace as a relationship with God, this relationship formed and informed his ministry.  It is a matter of becoming who God created him to be. Here are five questions we use to help you become the kind of leader others want to follow as we look at Galatians 4. What are the circumstances surrounding the situation? These are the facts. Do not include opinions here. Only include the things that are objectively true and can be affirmed by anyone. What are my thoughts about this situation? Often these are opinions and stories you're telling yourself. What are you feeling? Name your feelings in one word. What actions are you taking? Explore your inaction as well. What results do you want? Name the desired outcome, purpose and/or mission you're trying to achieve. Keep Growing! After listening to the podcast, consider the following: How do we help people understand, claim, and live who God created them to be as opposed to who we want them to be? How do we help people grow in grace? Next Steps Become a LeaderCast Insider - be the first to know every week when a new episode of LeaderCast goes live. You'll also get links to the resources for each episode! Sign-up for Following Jesus Every Day: Galatians, Gospel of Grace, a daily Bible Study that invites you to read, reflect, and respond to Scripture every day. We'll deliver an email to your inbox each morning to help you journey through the book of Galatians. Sign up today!

"...the world has yet to see what God will do with a man fully consecrated to him"Henry Varley(Image in the Public Domain) Sacrifice The Bible spends a great deal of time talking about something we now refer to as the Tabernacle in the Wilderness. It is really one of the most fascinating topics in Scripture. Some of you know that it was designed by God and built by Moses and the Israelites to be a place where God could dwell among His people (Exodus 25:8). Now, this episode does not feature a discussion on the Tabernacle; for that you can check here and here. However, I want to point out, briefly, that according to God's instructions, just past the entrance to the outer court of the Tabernacle complex, was placed the Brazen Altar. It was at this altar that the various sacrifices of the people were brought. This was where the payment for sin was offered. Now, I bring that up to say that in God's Plan, forgiveness of sin is only the beginning. ALL of the rest of the Tabernacle, a type and shadow of, among other things, the life of the Christian, lies ahead. When you accept Christ into your life as your sin bearer, as your sin offering, you've only really only just started your journey. Jesus characterized it as being "born again". That's something you hear a lot in evangelical churches; don't you? They talk a lot about the "born again experience". The church world is geared toward bringing the sinner to the altar but fails to take them past it. The saved are left in spiritual infancy...standing around the altar, never venturing out too far. We actively teach and emphasize and focus on, for example, the first 11 chapters of Romans but for some reason we don't, then, move on to chapter 12. Yes, the glory of Christ's work on our behalf is in full view for three-quarters of Paul's Christian manifesto and it's magnificent, glorious, wonderful...but Paul never intended us to stop there. Through those opening chapters he highlights marvelous things like receiving righteousness of God by Faith (Romans 3:22) and how Christ died for the ungodly (Romans 5:6) and how we now have life in Christ and that we are free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2). On and on it goes regarding our Salvation. Many of you are quite familiar with most of that. Those verses are heard regularly on Sundays and we praise God for them...but there is actually more. Once Paul has those things out of the way...once he feels we get it, he says: (Romans 12:1)  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. In this lesson we talk about what comes next. We lay out the "why" of Salvation. You've heard plenty about the "how" and "who" but not so much about the "why". There is more to our lives than waiting around for the Rapture. You were born for a reason and it's not limited to the pursuit of a ticket to heaven. God wants us to offer ourselves for His purposes and for His pleasure and He makes that clear throughout His Word. So, take a moment to pray for the assistance of God's Spirit of Truth. Ask God to open up eternal things. Pray that He will guide you to a better understanding of your place in His Kingdom. Once you've done so, press the "Play Button" and listen in as we teach on this most important topic out of God's Word.

Paul Thomson joins me in the Locker Room to talk about how he changed the course of his life through making the right choices and having the right mindset. Paul shares the reasons why he left corporate America, the people who inspired him to become a real estate investor, and how he overcame the fear of trepidation of becoming an entrepreneur. He discusses the important lessons he learned in his journey towards success and how he applied them. Paul also explains how anyone can create a new money mindset and how you can identify your keystone habit.   Paul Thompson is a real estate investor, money expert, and wealth coach. Before becoming a full-time investor, Paul was just like the average corporate 9-5 worker. As the years passed by, what started as routine and ordinary became suffocating. By 2015 Paul wanted out and decided he'd had enough of working to make someone else rich.   After stepping away form his corporate gig, Paul connected with people who served as the inspiration for entering the business of buying and selling properties. Paul had doubts at first due to lack of capital, but quickly learned that the only capital you need is your brain. Once Paul fixed his mindset, everything just fell into place. Paul's new mindset lead him to close 20 deals during his first 18 months in the real estate game.   Five Ways To Create A New Money Mindset: Separate time from money Switch from looking for piles of money to streams of money. Value is subjective. You don't want more money, but you want what money can do for you. You have plenty of money for all the things you truly want.   Pro tip: Identify your keystone habit. It's the habit that gets you going for the whole day. Thank you Paul for taking the time to share your thoughts how to create a new money mindset.   Listen to all the episodes of The Real Estate Locker Room Show and sign up for my FREE monthly newsletter at www.johncarneyonline.com Connect with John Carney Facebook: @JohnCarneyOnline Twitter: @John_M_Carney Instagram: @johnm_carney © John Carney 2018

Colossians 4:7-18 Watch Video Download Handout Download Manuscript Listen to MP3 → Click to view the Sermon Outline 10 people that God used to accomplish his purposes I. Paul: The one with a shameful past and challenging present (4:18) Colossians 4:18 - I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you. Philippians 3:4-7 - …although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 - Are they servants of Christ?—I speak as if insane—I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death.    Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches. II. Tychicus: The one with a servant’s heart (4:7-8) Colossians 4:7-8 - As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information. For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts… A. Beloved brother 2 Timothy 4:12 - But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus B. Faithful servant C. Fellow bond-servant in the Lord III. Onesimus: The one willing to do what is right (4:9) Colossians 4:9 - …and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your number. They will inform you about the whole situation here. Philemon 11-13 - …who formerly was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me. I have sent him back to you in person, that is, sending my very heart, whom I wished to keep with me, so that on your behalf he might minister to me in my imprisonment for the gospel… IV. Aristarchus: The one with a sympathetic heart (4:10a) Colossians 4:10a - Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings… V. Mark: The one who made a big mistake (4:10b) Colossians 4:10b - …and also Barnabas’s cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him)… Acts 15:37-39 - Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also. But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work and there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. VI. Justus: The one who is committed when few others are (4:11) Colossians 4:11 - …and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me. VII. Epaphras: The one who was the focused shepherd (4:12-13) Colossians 4:12-13 - Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis. VIII. Luke: The one with a special skill (4:14a) Colossians 4:14 - Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings… IX. Demas: The one who would quit (4:14b) Colossians 4:14b - …and also Demas. X. Archippus: The one who needed encouragement (4:17) Colossians 4:17 - Say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” Outlined Manuscript Jesus Uses Different People for His Purposes Colossians 4:7-18  Aaron Birk 4-4-2017 All of us love to receive personal handwritten letters from people we love. When your child at school writes you…when your close friend on the other side of the world sends their greetings…When I receive beautiful notes from my wife.....hand-written notes I give attention to all the details. You think about every word, every emoji, every punctuation. And how much more if it was from a loved one who you have not heard from in a while and you knew they were in a situation of suffering. The letter of Colossians is written by Paul to his Christian family…the church in Colossae. The passage today is Paul’s final remarks and personal greetings…his encouragement to the church…and to let his family (Christians throughout Asia) know how he is doing. He signs his personal greetings by his own hand…as he suffers for Christ in a Roman prison. As we read this today…consider the suffering and encouragement in such circumstances. God wants us to be encouraged. God wants us to know that Jesus is supreme. And from the passage to see how  Jesus uses different people for his purposes. Read Colossians 4:7-18 1. Jesus uses people with shameful pasts. Jesus changes Paul from a persecutor of Christ to a preacher of Christ. “You have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. . . . [But now those who once feared me are saying,] “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God because of me.” Galatians 1:13, 23–24 ESV "But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” 1 Tim. 1:16 NIV   Jesus changes people for God’s amazing plans and not for Paul’s plans. Jesus changes Paul from a hater of Jesus to a lover of Jesus. Paul tries to stop the spread of the good news about Jesus to the world… BUT Jesus uses Paul to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to the world.   “The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it.” Colossians 1:23 NLT   No one can stop Jesus doing what he wants. His life changing work throughout the world can’t be stopped.   You and I have ugly pasts as well. The way we have treated others and God we often can’t forget. But Christ changed Paul’s life to put the past sins behind him and to seek Jesus and to know Jesus, even if it means sharing in the sufferings of Jesus.   [Personal Example] Jesus uses even people with shameful pasts like Paul who persecuted Jesus, and makes them preachers of Jesus’s love.   2. Jesus uses people with a servant heart. Jesus changes Tychicus from an unfortunate Gentile to a fortunate servant. You may have never heard of Tychicus, he is not talked about much probably in your bible study, or over coffee, or his life described as the super-Christian. But Jesus looks at the heart, and uses this non-Jewish man in significant ways because is a faithful servant and has a servant’s heart.    Paul sends Tychichus to encourage the church and tell them all the details about being in prison in Rome. Paul says…   “As to all my affairs, Tychicus … will bring you information” (v.7) “For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts” (v.8) “They will inform you about the whole situation here.” (v.9) Paul never went to the Colossian Church, and Tychicus must travel from Rome to the Colossians to deliver letters. One letter is the letter to the Colossians which we are studying together, the other is the letter Ephesians to the Ephesian church.   “To bring you up to date, Tychicus will give you a full report about what I am doing and how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper in the Lord’s work. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you.” Ephesians 6:21-22   Lastly, is the letter of Philemon which is about Onesimus who is going with Tychichus.    Now Tychichus names means fortunate (lucky) …Tychicus was from Asia Minor, the location of the Colossian and Ephesian churches (the west coast of Turkey)   [Show Map of Churches]   Jesus desires to change the lives of non-Jewish people. Tychicus is not Jewish. So Tychicus did not grow up hearing the promises of God in the Old Testament. He did not regularly go to temple to hear about God. He was not Jewish. But Jesus changes the life of Tychicus, and uses Christians to bring the good news about Jesus Christ to him and Tychichus trusts in Jesus.    We know then that Tychicus becomes a traveling friend of Paul on his journeys to share Jesus Christ throughout the world.   It might look like Tychicus’s background is unfortunate being born in a non-Jewish home, but Jesus changes his life and he becomes a changed man…   Paul describes Tychichus as…   “Beloved Brother…Faithful Servant…Fellow Bond-Servant.”    Tychicus is changed by Christ to be a man fortunate to carry news to the churches of Asia, Tychichus is fortunate to carry important news of Paul’s situation…And fortunate to tell Christians throughout the world how Jesus Christ is changing lives even in Rome. Tychicus is a faithful servant and messenger…he has a servant’s heart, Jesus uses him for the advance of the gospel.   Jesus changes people from unfortunate circumstances to be servants of the greatest fortune in all the world…Jesus Christ.    3. Jesus uses the rebel. Jesus changes Onesimus from a useless rebel to a useful brother.  - Onesimus is a runaway slave. One of the letters that Paul writes during  his time in Prison in Rome is the letter Philemon.   “It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever. He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.” Philemon 15-16 NLT    - Paul encourages us Jesus’s plans were to allow Onesimus to be lost and a runaway slave for a short time so that he could be found by Jesus and returned forever as a brother in Christ. The name Onesimus means useful. And Paul shares in his letter to Philemon how Christ changes Onesimus from a useless rebellious slave to a useful brother. Runaway slaves were killed. But Paul says something different…   “I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison. Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us. I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart.” Philemon 10-11 NLT   Jesus changes Onesimus’s life when he flees to Rome. So he’s a runaway slave in the giant city of Roma and of all people…he meets Paul in prison who tells Onesimus about Jesus Christ. Onesimus trusts in Jesus and is a changed man. Onesimus is now returning to his former master, no longer a rebellious slave, but a changed man.   Earlier in Colossians 3 God instructs slaves and masters… “Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely b ecause of your reverent fear of the Lord.” Colossians 3:22 NLT   Jesus changes Onesimus…Onesimus now fears God desires to obey God and reconcile the relationship with his Master, Philemon. Jesus shows mercy and love to useless rebels like you and I and changes us to useful brothers and sisters in Christ.   4. Jesus uses people with sympathetic hearts. Jesus uses Aristarchus to be a sympathetic companion. Aristarchus was a Jew who was from the city of Thessalonica which is in Macedonia. When Paul first goes to the city, the Jews are so opposed to the gospel…they are violent. But a few Jews believe from this city and accompany Paul in Acts 17. Most the Jews of Thessalonica are pretty against the spread of the gospel. By Acts 19-20 – Aristarchus travels with Paul to and from Macedonia But Aristarchus is loyal servant of Christ and in Acts 27 – Aristarchus is with Paul when Paul goes to Rome to be tried as a prisoner.  Once Paul writes from prison in Rome (Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians, and Philippians) and Aristarchus is with him. And now Paul mentions how this Jewish man, from a city that was very hostile to the gospel, is a fellow co-worker… one of the three Jewish men working with him in Rome. Aristarchus has such a sympathetic heart to the sufferings of others that he voluntarily cares for Paul while in prison. You may not be a preacher or teacher like Paul, but I know many in our family that have sympathetic hearts, that Jesus uses for caring for those suffering …you have opportunities with Griefshare…cancer ministry…for the children at Hartford Hub, foster care…adoption, Jobs for Life etc. Jesus uses people with sympathetic hearts for marvelous purposes that impacts the lives of many. 5. Jesus uses people who make a big mistake. Jesus uses Mark’s mistake to make him a courageous comforter. - John Mark who is called Mark in the Bible, was a Jewish Christian. Mark’s mother, had a house in the city of Jerusalem where the early church met (cf. Acts 12:12)   - Mark is the writer of the book of Mark, which is one of the 4 gospel books in the Bible about the life of Jesus.  - Mark is the cousin of Barnabas (Col. 4:10). - The fact the Paul mentions Mark in this letter is proof of how Jesus changing Mark’s life. - Paul and Mark have some past friendship issues (…they have a history). In Acts 13: 5, 13 – Mark is with Paul and his Barnabas and they are on their way to present day Turkey to tell people about the good news about Jesus Christ. The journey we know is tough…and Mark leaves Paul and Barnabas… Can you imagine…when you need faithful friends the most…they leave you. So later, Paul is in Jerusalem (Mark’s hometown) with his traveling companion Barnabas. Remember Mark is Barnabas’s cousin and guess who’s there. It’s Paul’s good friend Mark…awkward family reunion…Paul and Barnabas back from their missionary journey suffering for Christ to share Jesus with those who have never heard about Jesus…and there’s John Mark…the one who left them. Paul and Barnabas are about to travel again on another journey…and we get to hear more about their relationship problems in Acts 15 “Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus.” Acts 15:37-39 NLT   Paul refused to allow Mark to go with him as a companion on his travels, so Barnabas, Paul’s companion actually chooses to take Mark and sail for Cyprus.    Jesus changes the life of Mark dramatically…and Barnabas and Peter were both important people that Jesus used to encourage Mark to become faithful even through suffering. Jesus mark mistake and Barnabas’s encouragement to be a courageous comforter for Paul.. - Mark encourages and supports Paul. Mark is with Paul in Rome during his first imprisonment…and represents Paul to churches throughout the area of present day Turkey (Philemon 24; Col. 4:10).  - Jesus changes Mark so much that Paul asks for Mark to come to Rome to be with him during his final imprisonment before Paul dies, because Mark is so useful. Pauls says, “…Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:11 NLT How amazing that Jesus changes the unfaithful coward Mark so much Paul says this about Mark in verse 11: “…these (even including Mark!) are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me.” Colossians 1:11 Jesus changes unfaithful cowards into courageous comforters. Praise God!  There are some here who recently made a giant foolish mistake that you regret…or know a loved one who has…When I have made foolish mistakes it is easy to think I can never be useful again…but Jesus wants us to learn to grow and mature from our mistakes, not to be fearful of messing up and failing.  6. Jesus uses committed people. Jesus uses Justus who is committed to Jesus, despite the numbers. Colossians 4:11 and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me. The number of faithful Jews seems so small, but Jesus uses the commitment of a few for great things. Justus is one of the few committed Jews.  It’s easy to give up. You might be tempted to stop leading a Bible Study, to stop inviting co-workers, or feel like you are the only one sharing Jesus in your family…We have hope knowing that Jesus uses faithful committed followers for purposes that are greater than what we usually see.   7. Jesus uses people who labor in prayer Jesus uses Epaphras’s labor in prayer for building up others, even when Epaphras cannot help physically. Paul encourages the church, that one of their own leaders, Epaphras greets them. Epaphras is the man who told Paul about the Colossian church because he brought the good news about Jesus Christ to the Colossians. Paul says, “You learned about the Good News from Epaphras, our beloved co-worker. He is Christ’s faithful servant, and he is helping us on your behalf.” Col. 1:7 Paul gives thanks for people like Ephaphras…servants of Christ…brothers and sisters who pray with intense passion for you…Epaphras encourages Paul. Paul tells how much Epaphras cares for the Colossians. He continually prays they mature as Christians in their faith…he wants the Colossians to be confident in God’s will. Look at verse 12: “Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.” (v.12) As Christians at times we can be immature and doubt God’s will. Just like us, the Colossians should not doubt God’s word is true. Jesus Christ is the Creator and Ruler of the universe and they should be confident of God’s will being accomplished in Jesus Christ. God’s will is accomplished in and through prayers of his people. [Example of Kevitt in Prayer] Epaphras prays for the Colossians just as our pastors pray for you. Jesus uses people who labor in prayer. 8. Jesus uses those with education and special skills. Jesus changes Dr. Luke from an educated skeptic to a faithful believer.  - Luke is the author of the gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. - Luke accompanies Paul throughout many of his travels…And serves as Paul’s personal physician, since he was a doctor. But Luke was not Jewish. Luke was a Gentile born in Syria. And in the gospel of Luke, which Luke wrote…Luke mentions his careful study and investigation into the truth about Jesus Christ. As Luke meets eyewitnesses, studies the information about Jesus from others, Jesus changes Luke’s heart from a skeptic of Jesus to a believer in Jesus. “…it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.” Luke 1:3-4 - Luke, the loved physician of Paul, travels throughout the world spreading the good news about Jesus Christ and helping in whatever way he can, especially as Paul’s personal physician. - Luke is with Paul in Rome during his imprisonments as a faithful supporter and encourager. - Before Paul’s death in Rome when Paul is imprisoned for the second time….Luke is with Paul. “Only Luke is with me.” 2 Timothy 4:11a NLT [Examples of individuals with special skills at Faith West] Jesus changes people like Luke…educated skeptics with special skills…to faithful believers. 9. Jesus uses people who turn away from God.  Jesus uses Demas for his purposes even though he quits following Jesus. Colossians 4:14b  Later on Demas will leave the ministry in order to pursue the pleasures of the world. Consider…Jesus was using a man who would later stop serving. God knew that and Jesus uses him anyway to spread the love of Christ. “Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica” 2 Timothy 4:10 is that God was using a man who would later stop serving. God knew that.  We pray that this would not happen to any of us. By God’s grace we will live for Christ all the days of our lives.  -But remember this … Jesus uses those who turn from God.  10. Jesus uses people who need encouragement. Jesus uses Archippus who needs encouragement.  It is possible that Archippus was taking care of the Colossian church while Epaphras was away, but we are not sure. He clearly had some ministry responsibility he needed encouragement to faithful complete. Say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” Colossians 4:17 There are individuals in your life that Jesus wants to use you to comfort and encourage to continue to live faithfully for Christ.  What a comfort to know when we feel overwhelmed and in need of help and encouragement, Jesus still uses us. Brothers and Sisters…the book of Colossians is all about Jesus being first. Colossians shows Jesus is like no other in power and wisdom.  From the closing remarks be encouraged that Jesus is Lord, he uses everyone, all people for his marvelous purposes.  We must trust in Jesus and seek to do his will. May Jesus’s will be done in our lives as we seek to serve him and may the good news of Jesus Christ continue to spread as we are faithful servants to complete the good works Jesus has for us.

Many people share the same dream - the yearning to sell everything you own, buy an RV, and just drive. Just live, just be, and enjoy the freedom that comes with that nomadic lifestyle. Hayden lived that way as a child, and Paul Kortman lives that way now. He and his family of six live in an RV, traveling around America and Mexico, making Paul a veritable fountain of knowledge and wisdom when it comes to RV-ing. Paul visits Hayden to discuss his digital nomad lifestyle, how he decided not to settle and why he thinks nobody else should have to, and what the benefits of his nomadic lifestyle are. Paul also talks about how important it is to find a balance with those you travel with, and answers a few crucial questions one might have if they were thinking about becoming location independent. Paul also shares his story, titled “Why You Should Never Trust Google Maps,” which takes place in Mexico in his RV and features a 57-foot-long rig, a steep slope that might be a bit more than Paul and his RV can chew, and a Google Map that has no concept of just how impossible it will be for this rig to follow its directions. Becoming location independent is not an easy task, but Paul offers some helpful advice and ways of tackling the difficulties of his life. Though it was a long road to get to where he is now, Paul knows that making the decision not to settle was the best decision he and his family ever could have made. 0:43 - Hayden discusses the motor home he and his family traveled in when he was young, and how that led to a dream many people have had - where you can sell everything you own, buy an RV, and just driving, living, being, and the freedom that comes with it. 2:46 - Hayden introduces Paul Kortman, an avid RV-er who travels around America and Mexico with his family of six in an RV. Paul discusses maintaining positivity in your travels. 6:02 - Paul and Hayden talk about Paul’s digital nomad lifestyle and how he manages this with his family of six. Paul discusses how he makes hard decisions in this life and how he gets the word out that nobody has to compromise or settle in their lives. He decided not to settle, and it was the best decision he and his wife ever made. 16:02 - Paul mentions the benefits of his nomadic lifestyle, and how the travel bug is in his family’s blood. He also talks about starting a home base in the next couple of years, that he would then travel from, combining the best of both worlds and doing what they most want to do. 20:32 - Paul starts telling his Mexican RV story, titled “Why You Should Never Trust Google Maps.” Once Paul and his family got their RV, they decided to travel for their first camping trip. They spent six months driving their RV, which was so large that they could barely fit in highway lanes, with their minivan and trailer pulling behind them. They traveled for six months this way, eventually ending up in Mexico, through the use of Google Maps. Paul and his family encountered a steep slope that he attempted to drive up, but failed; he listened to the instructions of Google... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/backpackdigital/message

Pete hijacks the intro with a rendition of “Get Ready to Rumble,” whereupon the guys learn that silver fox Michael Buffer has made $400 million from his signature catchphrase and the $5,000,000 announcing fee he commands for each prize fight. Once Paul wrangles back some semblance of structure to the episode, the men tackle an article entitled Left on the Shelf – a cautionary tale about mid-20’s women in London who can’t find boyfriends. A large part of of the challenge for these young female professionals is choosing a mate from a smaller pool of college-educated men, and that pool looks set to dwindle. Worsening their predicament is the fact that for much of their twenties these women – by their own admission – didn’t prioritize men. Instead, they focused on career and female friends. Paul wonders if the busy-ness of young, urban professionals makes relationships passé, as calendars quickly fill up with dinners out, weekends away and drinks with friends. Living in the midst of such a stimulating environment, who has time or interest in sacrificing for a relationship? The article quotes psychologist Dr. Juliette Puig who says, “Perfectionists and high-achievers can find it particularly hard to find a partner…” The standards such people apply to jobs or personal endeavors fail when applied to relationships, since no one is “perfect.” One woman asserts that, “if I mention a kooky art show I’ve been to and he doesn’t even try to get his head around it, that’s a real turn-off.” Paul sees a problem in this type of demand. Whereas a rigid guy can date a compliant and submissive woman for some time, perhaps tiring of her in the long-run, women face a conflict if they try to emulate this male behavior: compliant men don’t sexually arouse them. Men and women may be equal, but they certainly aren’t the same when it comes to sexual attraction.