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Episode 10 opens in the long-running genre they've accidentally perfected — two grown men versus consumer electronics — as Michael explains how he revived his ageing Samsung “smart TV” (now “a bit of a nuff-nuff”) with a cheap HDMI streaming box bought from an Australian online retailer that “rhymes with Hogan”. The thrill here isn't just 4K; it's the moral victory of upgrading the brain while keeping the body. The upgraded TV then becomes a portal to two YouTube documentaries that send the pair (and us) into a warmly nostalgic British lane. One is an ARTE doc on Madness — “Princes of Ska” — which prompts Michael to re-fall in love with a band he rates as not just a ska novelty act, but an elite singles machine whose later pop craftsmanship deserves more credit than the pigeonhole allows. The other find is the real rabbit hole: John Peel's Record Box — an hour built around the late BBC DJ's stash of 142 singles kept separate from his famously vast collection (more than 100,000 records). The documentary hauls the box around to fellow travellers and famous fans — Jack White, Elton John, others — letting them rummage, remember and speculate on why those particular records were kept close. Peel, it turns out, could contain multitudes: Sheena Easton's “9 to 5”, some Status Quo, a heavy White Stripes presence… and a special extra shrine for The Fall, who were apparently too important even for the box. Then Brian takes the wheel for the episode's marquee music moment: Bob Dylan's Blonde on Blonde turns 60, marked with a concert at Tulsa's legendary Cain's Ballroom, presented by the Bob Dylan Center (sitting right next to the Woody Guthrie Center, because Tulsa is quietly running a curriculum). Brian's spoken with the Center's director, Steve Jenkins, who teases an event titled Sooner or Later with a lineup that reads like an alternate-universe festival poster: Naturally, they can't leave the album itself alone. They circle around what makes Blonde on Blonde such a gravitational object: the New York-to-Nashville recording shift, Al Kooper and Robbie Robertson in tow, and the snap-in brilliance of Nashville players like Charlie McCoy and Joe South. Michael calls it the culmination of Dylan's ridiculous 18-month streak from Bringing It All Back Home through Highway 61 Revisited to Blonde on Blonde — productivity that makes modern “content schedules” look like a wellness day. Song picks follow: Michael is unwavering on “Visions of Johanna”; Brian leans toward “Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I'll Go Mine)”, while also marvelling that Dylan had “Positively 4th Street” sitting on the bench, unused, like a spare masterpiece. There are lighter detours too: a surprisingly vivid discussion of a film built around stand-up comedy as therapy (Will Arnett, Laura Dern, John Bishop's life story, Bradley Cooper popping up in a minor role because he can), and then Brian's recommendation of Mackenzie Crook's Small Prophets — a title that briefly defeats Michael because he searches the wrong spelling and finds financial advice instead. Once located, it lands hard: whimsy, sadness, small acts, and a specific episode-four moment that gets Brian teary without him wanting to spoil why. Michael flags the return of Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, apparently digging deep into the back catalogue (with a Guardian five-star review from Toowoomba), plus the pair's Grateful Dead-adjacent moves and upcoming US tribute tour. They also talk up Robert Finley, the 71-year-old, legally blind Louisiana singer with the late-blooming career arc (carpenter most of his life, first records in his 60s, produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys), heading to Australia in May for intimate shows. Finley's story lands like a parable for anyone who's ever thought they missed their chance. (Michael, who's finishing his own record — under the gloriously self-aware pseudonym Imposter Syndrome, album titled Oversharing with Strangers — certainly hears it that way.) Episode 10, then, is classic On The Record: a podcast held together by cable management, cultural memory, and the belief that the best stories are found when you stop pretending you have a plan. Important Links: Madness - Princes Of Ska (2025 Documentary) John Peels Record Box {Full show} The Fall Bremen Nacht (Vinyl Version) BOB DYLAN CENTER PRESENTS “SOONER OR LATER,” ALL-STAR CONCERT CELEBRATING SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF DYLAN'S CLASSIC ALBUM “BLONDE ON BLONDE” Emma Swift - "Visions of Johanna" (Live at Layman Drug Company) Bob Dylan - Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I'll Go Mine) (Official Audio) IS THIS THING ON? | Teaser Trailer | Searchlight Pictures Small Prophets | Official Trailer - BBC Gillian Welch & David Rawlings - Brokedown Palace (Grateful Dead) Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY Robert Finley - Helping Hand (Later... with Jools Holland) Robert Finley First Australian Tour Details and Tix
Title: Excel in Love Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 FCF: We often struggle loving other believers by putting them above our own desires. Prop: Because God desires us to be holy in our love for other believers, we must excel in love by putting the mission of the church before ourselves. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to 1 Thessalonians chapter 4. In a moment we'll read from the Legacy Standard Bible. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Last week we finished up Paul's first set of instructions for the church of Thessalonica. The last two chapters revolve around the will of God for His church which is for them to be holy…different… pure. The first way Paul teaches them to be holy is in their sexual ethic. Today, Paul will move on to another way that the church can be holy. Although the topic of mutual Christian love is not a new topic, some of the particular applications Paul has in mind for showing love to the church may be surprising. Please stand with me to give honor to and focus on the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: Lord of heaven, You are loving and merciful. You have carved out of the death of sin a people for Your own. You have turned wretches into royalty. And You have taught us to love one another. I pray that You would be among us today and teach us anew what it means to love one another. That we would be unlike any other group or organization on earth in that we truly love one another. Teach us these things from Your word we pray this in Jesus' name… Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] “Love is not only full of benevolence but beneficence. Love which enlarges the heart never straitens the hand.” Thomas Watson “Love not merely does seek that which does not belong to it; it is prepared to give up for the sake of others even what it is entitled to.” C.K. Barrett “Love for the brethren is far more than an agreeable society whose views are the same.” A.W. Pink “Christian love is not the victim of our emotions but the servant of our will.” John R. W. Stott Keep these ideas in your mind as we look to the text this morning. I.) God desires His children to be holy in our love for one another, so we must excel in love for other believers. a. [Slide 3] 9 - Now concerning love of the brothers, i. Paul makes a clear subject break here. ii. In chapter 3 Paul's benediction hoped for them to abound in love toward one another and for all people. iii. As we said before, the benediction was really a foreshadowing of Paul's teaching he would express in the next two chapters. iv. We also know that this must be somehow related to being holy or set apart or different. v. So, it is good for us to conclude that all of this is interconnected. b. [Slide 4] you have no need for anyone to write to you, i. In a somewhat unexpected turn, Paul introduces the subject matter and then immediately commends them. ii. This shouldn't be too much of a shock though. Paul has already commended them for their love for one another in chapter 1 and it was part of Timothy's report about them in chapter 3. iii. But once again, Paul refuses to praise them directly for their good works. iv. According to Paul, what is the reason that they do not have to be written to concerning love for other believers? c. [Slide 5] for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another, i. Paul no doubt makes reference to Old Testament prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, who prophesied about a day when the Spirit of God would write the law of God on the hearts of His people. ii. In that day, the prophets said, a person would not have to be taught the Lord's law by anyone because God would put in on their hearts. iii. Paul firmly believes that this has already been fulfilled in the coming of Christ and the granting of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. iv. In a sense then, the kingdom of God has come. It isn't here fully and completely – but many end-times-predictions from the Old Testament have come true since Christ's birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension. v. Part of that is this spiritual teaching of God's law for those who have received the Holy Spirit. vi. Now Paul says that he doesn't need to write to them, in the sense that he doesn't need to inform them of what they should do, because God has already impressed this upon them at their conversion. vii. John the apostle essentially says this, but in another way – he says, “If a man says he loves God but hates his brother he is a liar.” viii. Being a believer assumes the reality of a genuine love for other believers. ix. But how does Paul know that they have been taught these things by God? d. [Slide 6] 10 - for indeed you do practice it toward all the brothers who are in all Macedonia. i. And here is the perfect balance between faith and works. ii. God's gift of Faith unites us to Christ and all the covenant benefits of His atonement. iii. We do not need to work to earn these covenantal promises because it was a covenant made between God the Father and His Son. iv. However, one thing we know must be true… is that works must follow genuine faith. v. This is what justifies us before men and before one another. vi. In this way, Paul knows that God has gifted these Thessalonians the knowledge of His love and he knows that they are genuine believers because he sees them practice this love toward all the believers… even those who are not from their city. vii. So, since the Thessalonians don't need to be taught anything… Since God taught them to love one another already… Since they are doing it… viii. Paul is done… Right? e. [Slide 7] But we urge you, brothers, to excel still more, i. There is a brand of Christianity that teaches that we are able to live sinlessly and perfectly in this life if we achieve a certain spiritual maturity. ii. Paul's words here seem to indicate that the life of a believer never stops maturing. iii. If they are doing well. If they are an example for everyone to follow. If Paul commends them and doesn't need to teach them about loving each other… iv. But still wants them to do better. To excel. To abound at loving others… v. We can reasonably conclude that we will always be striving to live more and more like Christ. vi. From there it isn't too far of a leap for us to conclude that we will not reach perfection in this life. vii. But we do look forward to the day when Christ will present us faultless before the throne of God. f. [Slide 8] Summary of the Point: Paul begins this next section teaching on other relationships besides those of an intimate nature. Specifically, those relationships inside the church. God's desire is for us to be holy, different, pure, and set apart in how we treat others who claim the name of Christ. Paul's application is somewhat stunted by the fact that he doesn't actually need to teach them to do this. First, because they have been taught this by God Himself, and second because they are currently practicing loving one another. Of course, Paul, having a pastor's heart, always sees room for growth in himself and in the hearts of those in his charge. And so, he commands them to excel all the more in love. To abound in love toward believers. A command we should heed too. Transition: [Slide 9 (blank)] But how exactly does Paul expect them to excel in loving other believers. Well, Paul has a few commands he will give to ensure that this will happen. II.) God desires His children to be holy in our love for one another, so we must have a good reputation with outsiders and provide for our own needs. a. [Slide 10] 11 - and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life i. Paul's benediction at the end of chapter 3 helps us to determine what he intends with this next point. ii. In the benediction he asked that the Lord would cause their love for one another and for all men to abound all the more. iii. And, of course, he has already opened the topic of love for their fellow Christian brothers and sisters, and has commended them and commanded them to excel in this area. iv. So, we can make a reasonable guess that this has to do with the cardinal Christian virtue of love. v. However, until verse 12, we don't get a lot of clarity on how exactly these three commands are about love or to whom the love is directed. vi. So, although it is a bit unconventional, let me unpack verse 12 first, before we get to verse 11. b. [Slide 11] 12 - so that you will walk properly toward outsiders and not be in any need. i. Paul presents two results or purposes for the commands he issues in verse 11. ii. The first purpose is that they would walk properly toward outsiders. 1. What exactly is an outsider? 2. Paul is talking about those outside the church. Those Thessalonians who are not believers, perhaps even those Thessalonians who are afflicting them. 3. But in spite of this affliction and opposition from outsiders, Paul sets his aim on the church walking or living properly toward them. Paul desires that they have a good reputation among unbelievers in the city of Thessalonica. 4. Although Paul's topic is certainly focusing on loving other believers, having a good reputation with unbelievers would be one way to excel in their love for all men. In that the church is not a nuisance but contributes to society in a profitable way. 5. Of course, having a good reputation with outsiders is also an act of love toward other believers. 6. Even if only a few of them are found to have difficult or volatile relationships with unbelievers in Thessalonica, this will reflect poorly on all who wear Christ's name and may incur repercussions on the entire church. 7. It will also have a negative impact on the church's gospel witness. 8. So, one result of the three commands Paul will give will be to keep a good reputation of the church to unbelievers, as a way of love for Christians and non-Christians alike. iii. The second purpose that they obey the commands from verse 11 is that they not be in any need. 1. The word need refers to anything that is necessary to live that is lacking. 2. This basically would be Paul hoping that if they obey the commands from verse 11, they would not experience any poverty or be destitute. 3. This would certainly show love toward their fellow believers in that they are not a financial burden to them. 4. The early church is frequently seen giving sacrificially and cheerfully to alleviate poverty among their own members. By providing for yourself, if you are able, you lessen the financial burden on the whole body. This is brotherly love. iv. So now that we know what the results of following these commands would be and how that would contribute to their love excelling primarily toward other believers and even some to outsiders… v. All that remains is to connect the commands to the expected results. vi. So, what is Paul's first command or exhortation to the Thessalonian church that will lead to a good reputation with outsiders and not being in any need? c. [Slide 12] 11 - and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life i. This is somewhat of a paradoxical expression on Paul's part. ii. To have ambition to be quiet seems counter to each other. Like whisper screaming or hard water. These are expressions that make sense, but on the surface seem contrary to each other. iii. So, Paul commands them to have as their cherished goal, their prize, their ambition… to lead a quiet life. iv. What could Paul mean by a quiet life? 1. Well certainly he doesn't mean that they should blend in and pretend to be like everyone else. That is the opposite of being holy. And he has already said that God's plan is for them to be holy. To be different. To be set apart. 2. He can't mean that they should stay silent in that they do not talk about Jesus or share the gospel with their friends and neighbors. Paul doesn't have the authority to usurp Christ's command to make disciples. In fact, Paul already commended them in chapter 1 for the report that the Word of the Lord was going forth from them to all of Macedonia and Achaia. 3. Paul must mean for the Thessalonians to live a life free from commotion, conflict, or disruption. In Romans Paul says, “insofar as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” They must live a life of peace and order. 4. But what is prompting this command? 5. In the second letter to the Thessalonians Paul will bring up a certain group of church members who were going about causing public commotions, stirring up conflicts, and generally disrupting the peace. 6. They were also meddling in other believer's affairs and gossiping, and of course they had time to do all this because they had stopped working and were mooching off the church for their needs. 7. He calls them idle busybodies. 8. Here, we have the precursor to those stronger words in 2 Thessalonians. 9. Paul is commanding the church to be a peaceful, quiet, and orderly people. v. So how would fulfilling this command accomplish the goals of having a good reputation with outsiders and make sure they are not in need? 1. It is almost impossible to have a good reputation with outsiders when you are constantly causing public commotions, disruptions, or conflicts. a. This command would even forbid them from retaliating or fighting back against those outsiders who seek to afflict them. b. Positively it also means for them to strive for peace with outsiders… even if they do not become believers. c. And even within the church - fighting, squabbling, or being contentious toward other believers, would inevitably cause the reputation of the church to be tarnished with outsiders. d. Paul's exhortation is for them to deny themselves retribution or revolution, both in the city of Thessalonica and within the Thessalonian church. e. That they instead lead a peaceful and orderly life. 2. And leading a quiet life inevitably leads to a stable way of providing for yourself. a. Going around causing public commotions, disruptions, or conflicts takes time and energy. b. And if you have a job that you work at to provide for yourself, the time and energy necessary for these ornery tasks – is simply not available. c. Being ambitious for a quiet life leads to simple things like earning a paycheck and taking care of your own needs. d. [Slide 13] and attend to your own business i. What does this expression mean? 1. Ironically this Greek idiom is very similar to our idiom of similar wording. 2. Mind your own business. 3. Although in English it does inherit a sharper meaning than Paul probably intends. 4. Again, reflecting on the small group of idle busybodies within the church, Paul calls on all of them to keep themselves from gossip, nosiness, dissension, stirring up strife, and generally causing problems. 5. Instead, they are to mind their own business. Stay in their lane. And be busy with things that actually concern them. ii. So how does this command produce the results of a good reputation before outsiders and that they are not in need? 1. In one sense, this seems more obviously connected to the first result. Having a good reputation with outsiders is not being a busy body and putting your nose and your opinions in matters that aren't really of your concern. a. This could include both matters in the church and outside the church. b. Outsiders would look on a busy body within the church as well as a busy body in the city, with the same level of contempt. 2. They would not only think negatively about that person not minding their own business, but also it would reflect poorly on the whole church and the gospel of Christ. iii. However, this command is easily related to making sure their needs are met as well. 1. What does someone need if they are going to be a busy body? 2. They need time. a. Time to poke into things they don't belong in. b. Time to spread rumors. c. Time to gossip. d. Time to stir up strife. e. Time to cause dissension. 3. If someone doesn't have time to do these things because they are too busy focusing on the things they have to do, then they won't have to worry about being involved in things that do not concern them. 4. What is one way to make sure that you don't have time for being a busy body? 5. If you worked to provide for yourself. iv. This is certainly where Paul goes with the next command and we should note that idleness and being a busy body go hand in hand. 1. In I Timothy 5 Paul makes this casual connection between idleness and being a busy body. And some proverbs come close to saying this too by informing a person who pursues empty things that they must be satisfied with poverty. 2. One sure fire way to be in need, is to be busy about other people's business. e. [Slide 14] and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, i. As we've already discussed, in 2 Thessalonians Paul will deal with certain individuals in the church who were not only busybodies, causing problems and sticking their nose where it didn't belong, but they were also willingly unemployed even though they were able to work. ii. We'll address the reasons for why they were doing that when we get to 2 Thessalonians. iii. But one point we do need to mention from 2 Thessalonians, is that not only were these idle busybodies not working – they were being supported by the church. iv. Paul's command here is that everyone in the church, who is able, work with their hands. v. The results of this are twofold. vi. First, if they work with their hands they will have a good reputation with outsiders. 1. Most likely, the vast majority of the Thessalonian church were artisan workers. 2. And although having one of these jobs and working with your hands would not garner much respect from outsiders, certainly being a laze-a-bout and a mooch would be viewed poorly by outsiders. 3. This could potentially damage not only the church's reputation but even the gospel. 4. If I were a wealthy outsider, why would I want to be part of a community where my money was going to support people, who although they could work, chose not to? vii. Second, if they work with their hands, they will not be in need. 1. There is a great impact on the church when some or many of its members cannot, or will not, earn a living for themselves. 2. The Roman empire had no welfare system in place for those out of work or unable to earn a living. 3. It was generally viewed as the family's responsibility to care for those who could not care for themselves. 4. And if your family was unable, there were few if any other options besides relying on the charity of others. 5. The church, however, did have a system in place to care for its own in poverty or suffering trial. 6. Through the sacrificial and benevolent giving of the church, the poor among them would not be left destitute. 7. We see this not only in local assemblies but even churches hundreds of miles away, sending relief to churches experiencing financial hardship. 8. Paul's command then, is to lessen the burden on the church so they can care for the truly destitute because those who can work, do, and provide for their own needs. viii. And, of course, Paul reveals once again that these commands are not new. They have commanded these things or things like these commands before when they were with them. ix. Following these three commands is the path to having a good reputation with outsiders and not having needs among the congregation. This will be one way that they can excel in love toward other believers and it is also a way they could show love to outsiders too. f. [Slide 15] Summary of the Point: Paul's point endures from the early verses of chapter 4. God's desire is that His people be different. That they be pure. That they be holy. One way they can be holy is by having a good reputation with unbelievers and having as few members in need as possible. These effects will cause their love for one another to excel and even love toward unbelievers to be fostered. But the path to these effects is through the commands to live a peaceful and quiet life, attending to your own business and caring for your own needs. So, we too must seek to have a good reputation with outsiders and not be in need. Conclusion: So CBC, what have we learned today that informs and corrects our beliefs and shapes and guides our lifestyles? Broad Concepts of Faith and Practice: [Slide 16] God is not merely concerned that His people be different in their sexual ethic. He is concerned that they be different in all their relationships. And specifically, in their relationship with one another. The Second Person of the Godhead said that the world will know that we are His disciples by our love for other believers. This command is connected to our role of being salt and light in the world. Paul then gives two results that will facilitate more love for believers and help to accomplish the mission of the church. First, that we have a good reputation with outsiders and second that we provide for our own needs. We can accomplish all this through leading a peaceful and orderly life, minding our own business, and working to provide for our own needs. Of course, this leads us to much more specific applications for our daily 21st century lives. 1.) [Slide 17] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that God's will is for us to be holy in our love toward other believers. a. The church is not a social club. It is not a homeschool group. It is not a hang out. b. The church is a supernaturally created and sustained body of believers who have undergone the miracle of salvation and are continuing to undergo the miracle of progressive conformity to Jesus Christ the Second person of the Godhead. c. This conformity is propelled by the third person of the Godhead, The Holy Spirit. And is superintended by the first person of the Godhead, God The Father. d. Because the church is completely different from every other human organization, group, society, or culture – we should expect the way the church loves each other would also be… different. e. What we see in this passage in particular is a commitment to love the church body enough to deny selfish and fleshly impulses which might negatively impact the mission of the church. f. If the church as a whole is financially desperate, it inhibits the church's ability to execute its mission. g. If the church as a whole is disrespected and despised by outsiders due to non-gospel related practices, the church's ability to execute its mission is… inhibited. h. Any other group in the world, we might easily part ways over preferences or passions. But the body of Christ must be put ahead of both. To love other believers is to be willing to forgo preferences and passions in order to remain united and focused on the mission. i. This is what it means to be holy in our love toward the church. j. But this passage is quite heavy on things we are commanded to do. The first of these is… 2.) [Slide 18] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must excel in love for one another by living a peaceful and orderly life. a. In our culture, in a nation born from revolution, we have a common and mostly harmless affinity toward fighting for change. b. We don't like being told what to do. We don't like being pushed around. And we certainly know that we can always revolt or retreat if things don't go the way we think it should. c. I don't think this passage is telling us that we must disengage from politics. I don't think this passage is telling us that we cannot be involved in the government of our nation. I don't think this passage is telling us to never disagree with government or even church leadership. d. But I do think Paul is insisting that Christians think long and hard about what impact their actions may have on the mission of the church. e. How could we show greater love to the church? f. Is picking a fight over every social issue really helping the church stay on mission? g. Is causing commotion, stirring up fights, or disrupting the peace really contributing to the gospel going out? h. Is constantly raising armies against leadership for their decisions really promoting a gospel of God's love and peace? i. Obviously, there are times to draw the line. The apostles knew this. That is why when the chief priests told them to stop preaching in the name of Jesus, they REPECTFULLY declined. j. But did you notice what they submitted to while declining to follow the command? They submitted to being punished for it. k. This is the way we live a peaceful and quiet life. l. We don't seek out commotion, disruption, or stirring up trouble. In fact, we make it our ambition… to be peaceful and orderly. We are only roused from this by egregious decisions that go against the clear commands of God. m. This is true in the civil sphere and it is true in the church too. n. But some Christians are always ready to fight. Some Christians are always ready to go to war and die on hills that are 1 foot high. o. This is detrimental to the mission of the church. And ultimately, it is unloving to the body of Christ. We have made it more difficult for our brothers and sisters because of our willingness to always go to war. 3.) [Slide 19] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must excel in love for one another by minding our own business. a. My oh my this is a big one. b. Curiosity is a powerful thing, isn't it? c. We desire to be in the know. And not because we can do anything to help. Just because we want to know the juicy details. d. Knowledge is like a badge of honor. We wear it with pride. e. “Oh you haven't heard about that? I've known for months.” f. Busybodies. Quiet whispers in the corner passing information one revelation at a time. g. Nosiness asking questions about things that they can't do anything to help. h. My friends, in the church and in the civil square – do yourself and the church a favor – and mind your own business. i. Before you ask for details, or give details away, do some asking of yourself. j. “Do I really need to know this?” k. “If I discover what is going on, am I the right person to help?” l. “Does this actually concern me?” m. “Does this benefit the mission of the church if I know about this?” n. “Does this information need to be shared to other people?” o. “Is this person I'm about to share this information with in a position to do something about it?” p. “Am I sharing this information to be a help or just to pass it along?” q. “In sharing this information, am I violating the will of God for my life to be holy?” r. “Would it really be the end of the world if I remained ignorant on this issue?” s. “How does my knowing this or telling this show love to the body of Christ as a whole?” t. These are just a few examples of things you can ask yourself before you get involved in something that isn't your business. 4.) [Slide 20] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must excel in love for one another by working. a. Man was made to work. b. God put Adam in the garden and tasked him with cultivating and keeping it. c. In the New Kingdom we will reign with Christ, exercising dominion over the New earth. d. Paul famously says in 2 Thessalonians that if you do not work, then you do not eat. e. This is the standard God has set for His people. We should not be mooches. We should not be living off of what others provide when we could provide for ourselves. f. In our society the government does have social programs to help those who are destitute. g. But there are actually three layers of government that God has created to help keep sin in check and promote the kingdom work. h. The family, the church, and civil government. i. We are told in the scriptures that if a man doesn't provide for his family, he is worse than an unbeliever – because even wicked fathers know how to give good gifts to their children. j. The church both by example and command are to care for one another in our needs. k. I say this to encourage us to understand that just because the government has programs to help with financially destitute people – we ought to see that as a pretty bad thing. l. What it means is that families have failed to care for their own. It also means that churches have either failed to care for their own members or that many who are destitute are not believers. m. You should work to earn a living to care for your needs and the needs of your family. n. You should work to earn a living to care for your needs and the needs of other believers who are suffering hardship. o. You should work to earn a living to care for you own needs and to generously and selflessly give to the mission of the church. p. Our church has a benevolent fund that we use to help those in need. We have two homes we use to help those who are in need of shelter – which frequently require maintenance and upkeep. q. And all of these things are sustained by sacrificial and selfless giving of time, money, and energy by… well… you. r. In fact, everything we do here is sustained and supported by your sacrificial and selfless giving. s. We have 31 families in our church that are members. Our budget for 2026, not including our mission fund or our benevolent fund, is set to $151,032. A budget that is not extravagant by any means. We aren't supporting large programs and doing big mailers or anything like that. t. That means that each family would need to give $4,872 this year for us to make budget. That is around $400 a month or about $94 a week. u. Of course, some would be able to give more than this and others less. v. But… when you drop $10 in the plate every couple weeks, when you could financially afford more… that is going to put undue pressure on other members here to make up for it. And it isn't being overly loving to your brothers and sisters to do that. w. For those who are members here- you know me. You know that I never talk about money. somewhat of a conflict of interest to do so – since it is by your selfless and sacrificial giving… that I am paid. x. But occasionally we get to things like this in the scripture, and in those times, I must make the appeal for you to consider your love for other believers. y. Our church, our missionaries, our benevolence cannot continue without your sacrificial giving. Giving borne from working with your hands to make sure you are not in need, your family is not in need, and that you can generously give to the work of the church. z. So, work hard, earn a living, so that you can show love to your brothers and sisters and further the mission of the church with your sacrificial gifts. 5.) [Slide 21] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must excel in love for one another by having a good reputation with unbelievers. a. The necessary caveat here is of course that unbelievers will generally hate us because we follow Christ and call the lifestyles they cherish… sin. b. They will despise us because we consider it loving to call them to repentance and to trust Christ and follow Him to the forsaking of all other gods. c. That being said – it is not loving to the church nor is it helpful to its mission when we tarnish the reputation of the church for non-gospel or mission related reasons. d. If they are already going to despise us for our gospel mission, the worst thing we could do is give them more to despise us for because we are infighting, stirring up trouble, fleecing each other, being lazy, or otherwise not contributing positively to society. e. Instead, we should be hard workers, living quiet lives, and seeing to our own affairs and not meddling. f. We are not of the world, but are certainly still in it. Therefore, we must love the church, its mission, and its impact on the world by having a good reputation with the unbelieving world. g. Let us only be despised because of the gospel we preach. h. Which leads to the comfort of this passage… 6.) [Slide 22] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” We are a light and testimony to the world when we love one another. a. Paul's vision is clear. b. The church should be a bastion of love, mercy, kindness, selflessness, care, protection, honor, and grace. c. Yet so often… churches fail this in every point. d. Churches are run like businesses. They are managed like social clubs. They are governed like democracies. e. If they are salt and light – they have lost their savor and hid their light under a bushel. f. Jesus threatens in Revelation to take the lampstands away from churches which fail to keep the mission of the church intact. g. And that threat is true for all local assemblies today too. h. Churches close up every year. In one respect we can mourn this. But studies have been done and books have been written to give insight to the common reasons that churches die. i. And you know what it boils down to? j. Sin. A lack of holiness. That local assembly has lost the mission. k. Paul's words of warning here are to help the Thessalonians love each other and be the church that God desires. l. CBC, we must be this kind of church too. We must be a testimony and light to the world. And one of the primary ways we do that is when we excel in our love for one another. m. To love one another then – we cannot be selfishly motivated or give in to whatever we feel like doing. We must put the mission and reputation of the church – even ahead of our own desires. 7.) [Slide 23] Evangelism: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored?” The church is made of people who are different. We were made this way. Remade… this way. a. The church is a group of people who were dead in their sins. We were slaves to our lusts. We were children of our father the devil. We belonged to the line of the serpent. We were born as inheritors of the sin of Adam. b. We didn't know God. We didn't want God. We didn't need God. c. We did not become sinners because we sinned… but began sinning because we were already sinners. d. Then God washed us with the water of regeneration. He opened our eyes and gave us new hearts. At that moment we saw, for the first time, what we had never sought. The truth of His holiness, our wretchedness, and the sacrificial substitution of Christ to die for our sin and remake us into something holy… something that progressively looks more and more like Him. e. And the love with which He loved us… has now been taught to us so we can love each other in the same sacrificial and selfless way. f. When the church… is the church… even unbelievers have to recognize that something is different about us. g. If you sense the call of God on your heart now… to join this thing called the church. To be His child. To forsake your sin and follow Him… Then I'd recommend you stop an Elder before you leave and tell them. We'd be happy to show you how to follow Jesus. [Slide 24 (end)] Let me close with a prayer by the reformer John Bradford. Holy, righteous, and wise one. Mighty, terrible, and fearful Lord God. Judge of all and governor of all the world. Patient and gracious Father, whose eyes are upon our ways... Wash us from our wickedness and pour out your Holy Spirit upon us. Take from us our hard hearts, our stony hearts, our unrepentant hearts, our distrusting and doubtful hearts. Take our carnal, our secure, our idle and foolish hearts. Take away our impure, arrogant, envious, impatient, covetous hearts. Give us new hearts instead: soft hearts, faithful hearts, merciful hearts. Obedient, pure, holy hearts. True, simple, lowly, and penitent hearts. Give us hearts to fear and trust you forever. Write your law in our hearts, graft it in our minds. Grant us a spirit of prayer and make us diligent and happy in what you give us to do. Take our souls and bodies into custody forever. Take our lives and all that we have, and give us whatever you know we need. Guide us always as your children, so our lives and our deaths will praise you through Jesus Christ. We pray for ourselves, but also for others-those in exile or in prison, in misery or heaviness, in poverty or sickness. If it is your will, send your holy word and faith among us in this place and this country once again. Turn the hearts of those who speak against us. Have mercy on our families and fellow believers, our neighbors and those whose lives you have linked to ours. And for those here gathered in your holy name, grant your blessing and Holy Spirit to dwell in us and set us apart. Keep us as your children, today and forever. Keep us from all evil for your glory, our good, and for the good of the church. Strengthen those who stand, so they do not fall. Lift up those who have fallen, and keep us from falling, through Jesus Christ, our Lord and only Savior, who lives and reigns with you in the Holy Spirit, and to whom be all praise and honor, now and forever, Amen. Benediction: To you who are debtors to mercy alone And free from the terrors of the law. Walk in the light, as he is in the light, so that the blood of Jesus, God's Son, purifies you from all sin. Until we meet again, go in peace.
Dr. José Areta and colleagues recently carried out a human intervention study examining how a pronounced, short-term energy deficit interacts with an aerobic training stimulus to shape endocrine, metabolic, and skeletal muscle proteomic adaptations. The core premise is that "low energy availability" is often discussed in a largely unidirectional risk framework, yet human physiology evolved under intermittent energy scarcity, and therefore adaptive responses may be more nuanced than "energy deficit equals impaired adaptation." The study used tightly controlled diet and exercise, repeated muscle biopsies, and dynamic proteomic profiling to quantify both abundance and synthesis rates of hundreds of individual muscle proteins. This enables a more granular view of "muscle quality" and phenotype than traditional bulk muscle protein synthesis measures. The findings were incredibly interesting and could have implications for how we view the impact of energy deficits and exercise response. We discuss the implications for athletes who routinely encounter transient within-day or multi-day energy deficits, for weight loss contexts, and for broader questions around healthspan and ageing biology. Timestamps [02:27] Guest introduction [03:28] Research background and study design [12:18] Study findings: weight loss and endocrine responses [15:47] Muscle adaptations and proteomic analysis [21:47] Interpreting the results: evolutionary and practical implications [26:57] Mitochondrial proteins and muscle adaptation [28:44] Energy deficit as a stressor [34:26] Case study: female tour de france athlete [40:20] Implications for clinical populations [41:44] Future research directions [46:48] Key ideas segment (Premium subcribers only) Related Resources Go to episode page (with links to studies) Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course X: @jlareta
Text your thoughts and questions!Productivity is best when it's shame-free and done in a way that honors your life. That is the message I started this podcast with, and it remains true 300 episodes later. Yes, you read that right. Today we're celebrating 300 episodes of the Positively LivingⓇ Podcast. And joining me to commemorate this landmark episode is my friend and podcast producer, Alesia Galati, as we flip the script and she interviews me. In our conversation, we reflect on my journey of podcasting and how listeners can make the Positively LivingⓇ Podcast work for their lives. Alesia and I cover the following topics:Expressing gratitude for the achievements this podcast has hit. Reflecting on the impact of this podcast through listener reviews. Taking a look at how this podcast has evolved and where it's headed in the future. How to use this podcast as a tool for productivity (without the overwhelm).Five things you may not know about me. As we celebrate 300 episodes–and 10 years of Positively Productive Systems, the business behind the podcast–I want to thank you, because you are what makes this possible. Whether you've been here from the start or just started listening, your support means the world to me. Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about Positively LivingⓇ and Lisa at https://positivelyproductive.com/podcast/Stop trying to fit into someone else's productivity rules! Grab my free Productivity Toolkit, a collection of workbooks designed to help you explore how you work, uncover what truly matters to you, and create your very own energy-friendly systems. Get it here: www.positivelyproductive.com/plpkitCONNECT WITH LISA ZAWROTNY:FacebookInstagramResourcesWork with Lisa! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:(Find links to books/gear on the Positively Productive Resources Page.)For more episodes and playlists, visit the podcast page of my website!Ep 299: 10 Lessons to Celebrate 10 Years of Positive ProductivityDance Song Playlist V1, V2, V3Music by Ian and Jeff ZawrotnyStart your own podcast with Buzzsprout!Request this Toolkit and other free resources at the Resources Page.
Send us a textNew year, new us! JK. We discuss our offseason, new sponsorships, first half of the season schedule & new rules of engagement. How do we think the 20m draft will impact us? Positively!Support the show
NOWADAYS, WITH the advent of technology one should be able to know the layout of the land, and the location of property lines in a few clicks. With ON X...the art of staying found is in everyone's hands...but also, learn to use a map and compass...as there will be a time that you will need to cover ground in a straight line method that is foolproof...and relies on what you have on hand! STAYING FOUND...is but one aspect the serious hunter needs to address!100% Absolutely...Positively...Wild N True'...POWERFUL OUTDOOR ACTION
Smart Social Podcast: Learn how to shine online with Josh Ochs
Protect your family with our 1-minute free parent quiz https://www.smartsocial.com/newsletterJoin our next weekly live parent events: https://smartsocial.com/eventsEpisode Summary:In this episode of the Smart Social.com Podcast, host Josh Ochs talks with Harry Sherman, Community Superintendent of School District 9 in the South Bronx, about the challenges and strategies related to keeping students safe and responsible online. They discuss issues like screen addiction, inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and the role of AI in education. The conversation highlights the importance of building trust, transparency, and positive online behaviors in students. They also cover how schools, parents, and communities can work together to reinforce digital safety and healthy social media habits.Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member: https://SmartSocial.com/vipDistrict Leaders: Schedule a free phone consultation to get ideas on how to protect your students in your community https://smartsocial.com/partnerDownload the free Smart Social app: https://www.smartsocial.com/appdownloadLearn about the top 190+ popular teen apps: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/View the top parental control software: https://smartsocial.com/parental-control-software/The SmartSocial.com Podcast helps parents and educators to keep their kids safe on social media, so they can Shine Online™
Recently we had the Africa Cup of Nations with that absurd ending rescued by the grown up behaviour of Sadio Mane. During the course of the competition we were constantly reminded of how much Mo Salah means to the people of Egypt. However, Omid Djalili, Colin Shindler and Jon Holmes also look at the downside. When Luis Suarez was sent off for biting for the third time in the 2014 World Cup after taking a mouthful from the shoulder of the Italy defender Georgio Chiellini – they wonder whether the people of Uruguay were sympathetic to the way Suarez' assuaged his hunger pains or whether they were properly embarrassed. Football throws up heroes and villains on a regular basis. How much impact do their actions have on the perception of their country? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wake Me Up - Guided morning mindfulness, meditation, and motivation
A 10 minute guided morning meditation to start each day with positive energy, gratitude, and calm. This meditation is designed for daily use. 10 minutes of mindfulness and meditation every morning will change your life in amazing ways you can't even imagine! #meditation #guidedmeditation #morningmeditation #positivity Check out the Wake Me Up Positivity Coach app: http://studio.com/wakemeup. You get: Full Access to the WMU catalog; a personal growth plan based on my guidance and coaching; simple, daily tasks (5-10 minutes a day) to guide you through your own personal transformation; your plan evolves with you as you and your life change. It's the most effective way to digest the content in Wake Me Up for creating personal change! Get ad-free access to the entire WMU catalog + bonus content by joining the WMU Premium Feed. Grab a 7-day free trial of Wake Me Up premium: https://goodpeoplestuff.supercast.com/ About Wake Me Up Wake Me Up is the # 1 guided morning routine podcast. Our guided morning wake ups offer affirmations, mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and motivation specifically designed to help you get out of bed and start your day with a positive mindset. Stop pressing the snooze button all morning long, and turn on an episode of Wake Me Up instead. You will be happier and more successful at everything in life because of it! Try out our different kinds of episodes to see what you like. And add it into your morning routine every day. Each day, you will be happier than the day before :) Check out my sleep meditation podcast, Sleep Escape on Apple Podcasts - Amazon Music - Spotify - Youtube I make this channel to serve you. Part of that is creating tools like journals and courses to dive deeper into certain topics, all of which you can find here: https://stan.store/goodpplstuff Follow Wake Me Up on Youtube - Spotify - Apple Podcasts - Amazon - Podchaser Say hi or request an episode at www.wakemeuppodcast.com/contact. See visual guides for the yoga and stretches in WMU episodes at www.wakemeuppodcast.com/stretches. **Only partake in the physical movements suggested in Wake Me Up episodes if you are physically able and in safe surroundings. All movements are done at the individual's own risk. Be safe, and always consult a doctor if you have any questions or concerns.** Have a wonderful day
Award-winning teacher John Martinez joins John Crossman to discuss the challenges facing the public school system and how individuals and companies can make meaningful, positive change. Practical insights for creating a better future in education.
Our Guest Is Eco-Chef Tom Hunt.He Joins Us From London…Where He's Currently A Recipe Developer, Guardian Columnist, Author And Global Food Sustainability Consultant…We Talk About:✅ The Importance Of Supporting Bio Diversity And All Life On Earth✅ Plus Navigating The Ebbs And Flows Of Life✅ And How His Root To Fruit Eating Philosophy Can Positively Impact The Food Systemhttps://www.instagram.com/haveyoueatenyetpodcast/?hl=enhttps://www.tiktok.com/@haveyoueatenyetpodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsxzx6an6DeVHLcIfN05MUg
Atlanta Falcons President of Football Matt Ryan speaks about having a new role with the Falcons and the adjustments he'll need to be making, how busy he's been with his new responsibilities, why they settled on Kevin Stefanski during the head coach interview process, how they were able to convince Kevin Stefanski this was the right job for him, the fans needing everyone involved to earn their trust and respect as winners, why he doesn't view this task as chasing a Super Bowl they way he did as a player, where they are in the GM interview process, letting multiple staff members share thoughts to really get a full grasp of opinions, and what he views as his responsibilities after the HC and GM hires.
Thanks for listening to our weekly message. We're a church committed to helping people find and follow God. We gather each Sunday at the Capitol Theatre in downtown Wheeling, West Virginia.Learn more or plan a visit: newbridgechurch.usFollow us online:facebook.com/newbridgechurch.usinstagram.com/newbridgechurch.us
Positively passionate about creativity, growth and persuasion, Michelle Walters shifted from a corporate career in digital marketing to working as a Clinical Hypnotherapist at the end of the pandemic, after experiencing a massive wave of heartbreak when her dream life partner passed away. Since then, she has been working with individuals to let go of outdated, unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns in favor of growth and change. In 2025, Michelle developed her first app, MakeMyHypno, which makes personalized hypnosis recordings on demand, leveraging AI and Michelle's metaphorical scripts and soothing voice. Delivered in minutes and specific to the individual, recordings from MakeMyHypno have the edge on prerecorded made-for-everyone audio recordings.https://michellewalters.net/
As the week progresses, the crossword constructors get more opportunities to add spice to the mix, and Joseph Gangi, author of today's fine puzzle (edited, as always, by the legendary Will Shortz), has been spending overtime in the kitchen, the result of which is the effervescent grid you see before you (or will see if you visit our favorite site, xwordinfo.com).Besides our cutting-edge analysis, we also have (speaking of cutting) some listener mail regarding CUTCO. So for all of that, you are cordially invited to download, listen up, and enjoy today's episode.Show note imagery: Georges Seurat, a man well suited to crossing those t's and (especially) dotting those i's
Hindi - How to look at our pasts darkness positively Bhagavatam 1102 by Exploring mindfulness, yoga and spirituality
Check out BeerBiceps SkillHouse's YouTube 1O1 Course - https://youtube.beerbicepsskillhouse.in/youtube-101Share your guest suggestions hereMail - connect@beerbiceps.comLink - https://forms.gle/aoMHY9EE3Cg3Tqdx9BeerBiceps SkillHouse को Social Media पर Follow करे :-YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2-Y36TqZ5MH6N1cWpmsBRQ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/beerbiceps_skillhouseWebsite : https://beerbicepsskillhouse.inFor any other queries EMAIL: support@beerbicepsskillhouse.comIn case of any payment-related issues, kindly write to support@tagmango.comLevel Supermind - Mind Performance App को Download करिए यहाँ से
The end of the year is a perfect time to pause, reflect, and celebrate the happy moments you created this past year. In this episode, I share with you a few simple ways to notice and honor the positive moments of your year — big or small — and step into the new year with gratitude, awareness, and happy energy. Whether you want to take a quiet moment for yourself or dig deeper with journaling prompts, these practices will help you close the year with intention and joy. What You'll Learn in This Episode: • How to reflect on the moments where you chose happy this past year • Why celebrating both small wins and big adventures matters • How to step into the new year with positive energy and gratitude Wishing you a happy and light-filled New Year! Cheers, Marie RESOURCES & LINKS:
The Invisible Wounds Project is all about connecting people to what they need to positively impact their life full 751 Tue, 30 Dec 2025 21:45:48 +0000 E0boMReTTj1gVXkEhBEP10vxkQpCDAfm news Drivetime with DeRusha news The Invisible Wounds Project is all about connecting people to what they need to positively impact their life Jason DeRusha "DriveTime with DeRusha": On your drive home, get caught up on the day's headlines thru Jason's unique lens. Newsmaking guests on the biggest stories, engaging topics for fans to call in & participate with, and Jason's commentary, humor and perspective on life, family, and especially the food scene in the Twin Cities. Weekday afternoons 3-6pm on NewsTalk 830 WCCO. 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc News False
261. After five years of weekly episodes, this week I'm sharing an honest update about the evolution of Positively Anti-Inflammatory. Tune in as I talk about choosing flow over force, honoring how much I've changed since launching the podcast in January 2021, and making the loving decision to move the podcast to a monthly rhythm in 2026. This episode is a thank you, a letting go, and an invitation to reflect on growth, trust, and what it might look like to choose what's truly anti-inflammatory in your own life by flowing, not forcing.AND..... If this podcast has inspired you, informed you, or spoken to you in any way, I welcome your support. "Buy me a coffee" and make a contribution here. As little as $5 helps nourish the podcast of bringing positively anti-inflammatory to life which is here to help support you on your journey. Thank you!
She's Just Getting Started - Building a business you truly love!
Entrepreneurship absolutely changes you for the better. Today I'm sharing 3 reasons why - and they are going to inspire and motivate you as you build your business dream! READ MORE HEREGET YOUR: -FREE IKIGAI GUIDE (to discover your business purpose) -16-Step BUSINESS STARTER'S CHECKLIST -FREE VIDEO MASTERCLASS: Stop Flailing & Start Growing!
In this episode I answer 3 of your voicemail questions! If you would like to send in a question email please email: info@dyfmpod.com or if you would like to send in a Voice Message go to dyfmpod.com Join the DYFM Facebook Group Follow @doyoufkingmind on IG Follow @dyfmpodcast on TT Follow @alexisfernandezpreiksa on IG Follow @alexispredez on TT Follow @mindsetrecreationclub on IG Follow @mindsetrecreationclub on TT Order your Brain Journal here: www.mindsetrecreationclub.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices