Podcasts about using paul

Using Paul's letter to Philemon, we explore what it means to be made in the image of God...even when we forget it.Using the story of Onesimus, a runaway slave transformed by the gospel, we see how God never gives up on us, no matter where we've been or what we've done. This is grace. This is the gospel. You are not forgotten. You are not lost. You are loved.Come home.

n this solo episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse Schwamb dives into a theological exploration of work as an extension of Christian calling that extends far beyond paid employment. Building upon their previous discussion about vocational choices for Christians, Jesse addresses the question: "Does a Christian's work ever cease?" Through careful examination of Ephesians 2:8-10 and other passages, he argues that while the nature of our work may change through different seasons of life—including retirement, caregiving, or illness—God has prepared good works for believers to walk in throughout their entire earthly journey. The episode offers both theological foundations and practical guidance on how Christians can approach all forms of labor as worship, finding purpose and meaning in every season of life. Key Takeaways Good works are not the basis of salvation but its goal—Christians are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), not by works, yet they are saved for good works that God has prepared in advance (Ephesians 2:10). The Christian's work never ceases but changes form—Whether in paid employment, retirement, caregiving, or even during illness, God has prepared meaningful work for believers in every season of life. All work has spiritual value when done unto the Lord—The Reformed tradition elevates all forms of work, not just paid employment, as having potential to glorify God. Prayer is a significant and valuable form of work—Even those who cannot engage in physical labor can participate in the vital spiritual work of intercessory prayer. Good works offer multiple benefits to believers—According to the Westminster Confession, good works manifest gratitude to God, bolster assurance of faith, encourage other Christians, adorn Christian doctrine, silence critics, and glorify God. Christian workers should be distinctively different—Believers can stand out in the workplace by being fair and committed, genuinely caring for others, demonstrating generosity, remaining calm under pressure, and being authentic about their faith. Finding our identity in Christ transforms our approach to work—When we place our ultimate treasure in heaven rather than earthly gain, we can approach our labors with greater peace, purpose, and freedom from anxiety. Elaboration on Key Points The Christian's Work Never Ceases but Changes Form Jesse challenges the modern Western notion that work is merely a season of life that eventually ends with retirement. Instead, he presents a more ancient and biblical perspective: that work never ceases but merely takes different forms throughout our lives. Using Paul's metaphor of "walking" in the good works God has prepared (Ephesians 2:10), Jesse explains that our journey continues throughout life, with the landscape changing as we move through different seasons. Whether we're in paid employment, caring for loved ones, serving in retirement, or confined to a bed during illness, God has prepared meaningful work for us to do. Even those who are physically limited can engage in the vital work of intercessory prayer, which Jesse describes as "the kind of work that is so glorious... that while it exhausts us, it exhausts us in a way that brings us the greatest kind of sleep or refreshment." This perspective eliminates the anxiety many Christians feel about the purpose of their later years and affirms the ongoing value of their contributions to God's kingdom regardless of their physical capacity or economic productivity. Good Works Offer Multiple Benefits to Believers Drawing from the Westminster Confession of Faith, Jesse outlines six significant benefits of good works in the Christian life. First, good works manifest our gratitude to God for the gift of His Son—they become tangible expressions of thankfulness for salvation. Second, they bolster assurance of faith by providing evidence of God's work in our lives. Third, good works encourage other Christians toward greater acts of Christ-centered love, as we witness the transforming power of the gospel in one another. Fourth, they adorn the doctrine of God our Savior, making abstract theological truths visible and attractive to others. Fifth, good works silence critics who devalue biblical Christianity by demonstrating its positive impact. Finally, they glorify God by displaying His transformative work of love in our lives. These benefits apply to all forms of work—paid or unpaid—and give eternal significance to even the most mundane tasks when done unto the Lord. As Jesse emphasizes, "There are no mundane things. There are no small works... There are just these small things that come alongside with the great work that God has done already in our lives." Memorable Quotes "Good works aren't bad when they're seen as the goal of salvation, not its ground. The goal, because it's worthwhile to want to worship God and to obey him by doing good works." "Keep walking on that journey knowing that God all along the way has already prepared good works for you to do because he loves you and because this is our opportunity to worship him together in everything that we do." "When we are performing this work for God, he assures our faith. He refreshes us in it. He exhausts us in the best possible way so that we might love him more, cherish him more, encourage one another more, and really come to understand his character more forthrightly."   Full Transcript [00:00:08] Jesse Schwamb: Keep walking on that journey knowing that God all along the way has already prepared good works for you to do because he loves you and because this is our opportunity to worship him together and everything that we do. [00:00:32] Jesse Schwamb: Welcome to episode 459 of The Reformed Brotherhood. I'm Jesse, and this is the podcast where the tulip never wilts. Hey, brothers and sisters. [00:00:48] Recap of Previous Episode [00:00:48] Jesse Schwamb: So in this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, this solo episode, I'm gonna wrap up a conversation that Tony and I just had in the last episode and set us up, wet Your Appetite for a whole brand new series. [00:01:03] Jesse Schwamb: That's gonna be starting in the next episode. So you find yourself bookended by two really great things. One, a great conversation we just had about the Christian and work. Are there jobs that really Christians shouldn't have? Because it takes us away from what it means to serve the Lord vocationally, as strange as that sounds. [00:01:22] Jesse Schwamb: So if you didn't hear that, you're gonna wanna go check that out before you listen to me, wrap all of us up right now. In fact, here's what you should do. Stop everything you're doing, unless it's operating a vehicle or a backhoe. Power those things down. Get off the side of the road, then go to reformed brotherhood.com and you can find all of the episodes living out there that we've ever recorded, including the one from last week, and I believe will be greatly blessed by hanging out with some of those conversations. [00:01:49] Jesse Schwamb: So go and do that first. [00:01:51] The Christian's Work and Retirement [00:01:51] Jesse Schwamb: On this episode, I'm gonna talk a little bit as a follow up about. Does the Christian's work ever cease? Is there a time, because we just spoke about vocational work and work for which we're remunerated, where once that goes away, what happens next? Is it a different kind of work? [00:02:07] Jesse Schwamb: Is it no work? Should we be the kind of people that are trying to pursue an end to that remunerated work as quick as possible? Is that okay? What happens if we can't be compensated for our work anymore? What happens? We're gonna reason from the scriptures a little bit more about work, our calling and all of that by way of vocation. [00:02:26] Jesse Schwamb: And part of this conversation has actually come from a larger conversation. So one of the greatest and best things about this podcast, something I wanna boast in right now, because it has nothing to do with Tony or me, and that is. There are lots of people listening, brothers and sisters from all over the world who gathered together and debrief. [00:02:47] Jesse Schwamb: Talk about the episodes, hang out and talk about life, share funny stories, share prayer requests, support one another. And you can do that by joining our little group on a messaging app called Telegram. So in fact, here's the second thing you should do. If you go to T Me Reform Brotherhood one more time, T Me Back slash Reform Brotherhood, slap that bad boy in your favorite browser, and that'll give you a link to our little corner of this messaging app. [00:03:13] Jesse Schwamb: And there's a channel within that app just to talk about. The various episodes as a way of interacting with all of us, and as a result of the episode that we recorded last about this idea of vocational work and calling, how does that all come together? Brother Joshua posed an excellent question, which is in part the reason for the conversation I'm about to have with you all, and that is what happens. [00:03:33] Jesse Schwamb: When we retire, or what happens when we desire to set aside sufficient resources if we can, so that we can get to that place as soon as possible. What then what about work or what if we have to care for a sick, sick, loved one? Or what if we have to come and take responsibility for our family in a different or unique way that takes us away from work where we're not being paid for things in the same way anymore? [00:03:52] Jesse Schwamb: What happens then? So we are going to get to all of that on this little brief little episode that's gonna sit in between the end of our conversation on work and the beginning of our brand new series, which, you know, you want me to tell you what it is, but I'm not gonna do it. It's just not gonna happen on this episode. [00:04:09] Jesse Schwamb: So you're just gonna have to sit in that anticipation waiting. Waiting for it to come next week, but for now, let's talk a little bit more about work. [00:04:17] Good Works and Salvation [00:04:17] Jesse Schwamb: And let me start with a, a phrase that's like so obvious, but you can say it with me if you want, because we have to agree on this. At least that good works aren't bad. [00:04:27] Jesse Schwamb: I mean, good works aren't bad. They're good. By definition it seems like self-reinforcing. And as Christians, we should want to do those good works. Now, I haven't said what the good works are, haven't even explained really. Although we, Tony and I talked about this before, how they really fit into that pattern and that normative behavior of the Christian life. [00:04:44] Jesse Schwamb: But can we just agree that if the Bible is saying there are good works for us to do, then they must be good. And they must be there for a purpose. They must be there for a reason and we can't debate that. Just because we're not saved according to our works doesn't mean that we shouldn't be concerned about pursuing a life of joyful obedience to God's word. [00:05:01] Jesse Schwamb: I mean, this is why Jesus like emphatically states in the gospel. If you love me, you'll keep my commandments in obedience. However frail it is. However much we stumble, however feeble we are in actually executing it is our evidence. Our love for God and for his son Jesus Christ. So far from undermining the gospel of grace, good works are the perfect compliment to the gospel, and this is why good works are good. [00:05:29] Jesse Schwamb: So to be clear, good works are bad when they're seen as the basis of salvation. And I think if you've been with us for any length of time or you're familiar with the reform. Theological movement. If you've been steeped in the scriptures, you're gonna find that kind of compulsion, that pull that says like, well, I understand that when I use my good works as a means of somehow Meritoriously earning my salvation, they cease to be good. [00:05:54] Jesse Schwamb: This is why, of course, Jonathan Edwards called Good works of this nature, only glittering sin because they're, they have no power to redeem. They have no power to save. They have no power to. Transition yourself into some kind of a righteous sense or rubric. It's impossible. They will not do that. They do not serve that purpose. [00:06:12] Jesse Schwamb: A person is not saved by works, but by God's grace through faith in Christ. [00:06:17] The Role of Good Works in Christian Life [00:06:17] Jesse Schwamb: So this is the time where we have to love ones. Go to Ephesians chapter two. It's impossible for me to continue without at least sharing this good news. If you need to hear this again, and this may be a well rehearsed verse or a well rehearsed writing from the Apostle Paul to you, but I ask that you hear it again. [00:06:32] Jesse Schwamb: If you can with these ears that are unstopped, that are almost fresh with excitement for this really good news, this is what Paul writes to the church and Ephesus for. By grace, you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not as a result of works so that no one may boast. [00:06:51] Jesse Schwamb: For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. I mean, there's so much there that is. Lovely and refreshing. And freeing. It's not works righteousness, it's not meritorious. Salvation is clearly not of our own doing. It's not the result of these works, even the faith through which we receive salvation is a gracious, gracious gift from God. [00:07:21] Jesse Schwamb: So what a just burden taken off of our shoulders. The mantle has been removed from us. To somehow even equate or think that, well, if I have a good day and I've done a lot for God, he must love me more. I must be more ingratiated towards him, even if I have the sense that. I feel closer to him. Hopefully that closeness is the sense of joy and obedience. [00:07:40] Jesse Schwamb: And now where we get the sense that, well, because I've done something for God, he ought to do something for me or me more favorably disposed towards me. All of that is nonsense and that way just. Total foolishness and madness lies. Instead, when we turn that into our rejoicing first for the faith itself by which we receive from God, that grants us access to this great salvation. [00:08:02] Jesse Schwamb: When we see that as a gift first, then all of this other mongering for responsibility and trying to placate through the things that we can do and having this sense of guilt in our minds about what we should have done or what we did not accomplish, or even if in our own obedience toward Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, we've fallen short. [00:08:20] Jesse Schwamb: We can still find there is this gift for us and the gift of salvation is ours in Christ through faith, not by works. It's very, very clear in what Paul writes to the church here as fallen creatures, even our best efforts are completely laced with sin. This also is, by the way, a really great kindness of God that we can never really be contrite enough in our coming before him and, and even in our humility, we probably can never be humble enough. [00:08:47] Jesse Schwamb: So the fact that God accepts because of Christ us into the family of God without having to put upon us this burden that you must be sorry enough for your sin, or you're not repentant enough, you haven't expressed the severe and necessary amount of contrition to really placate and understand that you have cosmically committed treason against the all powerful God of the universe. [00:09:13] Jesse Schwamb: Who could stand underneath that kind of weight. And the answer is no one, but by the grace of God through Jesus. So it's amazing. That when we start to think about work, what we find is that God is first doing all of the work in us, and we see that the first work is not our work, but his work, the secondary work, this means of obedience, of showing, our gratitude of expressing praise and worship. [00:09:37] Jesse Schwamb: Must, I think, necessarily be manifest in work that is labor of some kind, because God has first expressed himself in that kind of labor. And second, he's given it to us to do as an experience into his very being and his character, but also in service to him and to those who are around us. I promise I'm getting to all of this good stuff about what does this practically mean, but all this I think is so necessary for us. [00:10:02] Jesse Schwamb: To really set the proper understanding for what it means to have good work to do and to do this work. So these good works provide no basis for boasting because they're utterly worthless to save. They have worth in other ways, but it just turns out they're worthless In this way. It's a bit like if you take your, take your, whatever your domestic currency is, whatever the currency you, you transact in, I live and hang out in the United States, so my currency is the US dollar. [00:10:24] Jesse Schwamb: If I take a bunch of dollars with me and I go travel almost anywhere else in the world. There's a small chance they'll be accepted. And I realize I've picked the wrong currency for this metaphor at this point, but if I let, let's say, let's just pick a different one. Let's say that you live in Zimbabwe or you just happen to have a bunch of Zimbabwean dollars hanging out in your pocket. [00:10:42] Jesse Schwamb: I'm sure some of you do, and you take that currency and you come to the United States and you wanna go buy something, those dollars will not work. They just won't work. Nobody will accept them. They're worthless. They're without value. Now, do they have value? In a certain sense, of course they do. In that domestic currency, in that homeland they do. [00:10:59] Jesse Schwamb: And in the same way, though, of course, slightly different here, our works are these expression of. Obedience of love for God. But the minute we try to exchange them for salvation, what we're gonna find is God says that's worthless here. And it again, is a fool's errand to build your entire life on some kinda system or belief that says, what I'm doing is earning these dollars, making these good works, performing these things. [00:11:22] Jesse Schwamb: So I'll have gathered to myself all of this currency, which I'm then going to use to buy my salvation now, I think even in my own ears, that sounds ridiculous to say, and yet so many of us. Get caught up in that. And if we don't get caught up in whole, we sometimes get caught up in it peace wise, because again, we have a sense that, well, if I've been a particularly good Christian today, doesn't that mean that God is more happy with me? [00:11:45] Jesse Schwamb: And Paul says, no, you have been saved as a gift of God. It is his gracious act that through faith you have been given salvation, and that faith was not of your own. That itself as well was a gift. It's gift upon gift upon gift. And so even the work itself is shaped. By the sense that all that God gives us and him doing all the verbs is his gifting. [00:12:09] Jesse Schwamb: So good works are gonna provide no basis for boasting because they are worthless to save. And the only foundation for salvation is Christ, we're saved by his works, not ours. If you're looking for that good, that first, that perfect work, the thing that you could latch onto, the thing that you would say this, I'm gonna hang my hat. [00:12:27] Jesse Schwamb: And all of my life on the work that you're looking for is not the one that you can accomplish. It is the one that Jesus has already done on your behalf. So that's why I always think when I see those W wait, they're not as prevalent anymore I suppose. But do you remember a time loved ones when like the ubiquity of the WAJD bracelet and I always thought about the question, what would Jesus do? [00:12:49] Jesse Schwamb: And to me, the answer I give now somewhat tongue in cheek is everything and it's already been done. And so that is really the promise. The great blessing of the gospel that now we are saved for works and boy does that preposition make a difference. Like we should be underlining that, like putting that gilded gold in our Bibles like we are saved now for God works good, works are not bad then when they're seen as the goal of salvation, not its ground. [00:13:14] Jesse Schwamb: I wanna say that again because I think that might sound a little bit funny to some, but I've long really come to cherish this idea that it is the goal but not the ground. The goal, because it's worthwhile to want to worship God. And to obey him by doing good works. And Paul gives us an avenue in which to travel and to understand this and to reason it from the scripture so that we can be confident that that's exactly what God intends for us. [00:13:37] Jesse Schwamb: And so again, while these good works aren't meritorious salvation, they are a necessary component of Christian faith. And the first important thing that we ought to mention here. Is that when we think about work, it's not that like the reform tradition, that that theological perspective has somehow elevated work for remuneration. [00:13:55] Jesse Schwamb: I, I don't think that entirely was the whole emphasis of talking about vocation in that kind of theological sphere. That is, we have a bunch of Christians and they have to do work to survive, and some of them are cobblers and of them are cooks and some of them are cleaners. And so what we really need to do here is make sure that people understand that whatever you're getting paid for God has made you to do. [00:14:15] Jesse Schwamb: And that is not a great thing. That's all true, but the goal wasn't just to elevate that style or type of work that is the work for which you get compensated. It was to elevate all work, all work of every kind, all labor of every kind, because God is big enough that every bit of labor paid or unpaid in direct service for somebody. [00:14:34] Jesse Schwamb: Fortunately, there is no compensation or in service to someone for which there is that all of that work. It does give God glory if we mean it to. And so this is why they do all things. Whatever you do, whether you eat or whether you drink, all of even these tiny things roll up into this argument from the lesser to the greater all of work is for God's glory. [00:14:53] Jesse Schwamb: And so to tip my hat a little bit here, then I think an answer to, to Brother Joshua's question, and in a nice compliment to what Tony and I were talking about last week, there is no end to the Christian's work. There's just different types of work. Oh, we'll get to that. I'm a little bit ahead of myself here. [00:15:08] Jesse Schwamb: But of course we find in Ephesians two, it's important to understand this because there's so much of the dynamic of good works in the Christian life that are being explained there. And of course we learn that good works are the result and not the cause of being new creations, and they're testifying to the fact that we have been redeemed. [00:15:24] Jesse Schwamb: So our lives might reflect craftsmanship and character of God. So amazing, isn't it? That God has given work, that work is not a four letter word, that labor is good labor of all kinds. Is good because it's reflecting the craftsmanship in character of God in unique ways. That is like apart from doing work from this work which God has called us to, from traveling in it through our lives and participating in all kinds of different work, that there's something that would be missing in our exemplifying, the craftsmanship in character of God. [00:15:56] Jesse Schwamb: And so we see that apart from Christ. We can do nothing that pleases God, but in Christ. And here's a great promise. We are created to perform God honoring acts of obedience in Christ. We can be confident that God accepts our weak and wobbly efforts. You know, Paul further goes on to talk about good works, a result of God's pattern for the Christian life. [00:16:15] Jesse Schwamb: We don't need to wonder what God requires from us. He's told us in his word, good works are deeds done in conformity to God's word. Now the beauty of that is. That we have this pattern for the Christian life in which Paul is saying, and I think this is really helpful for our conversation, that all of the things that God has given us to do, he's already prepared. [00:16:39] Jesse Schwamb: He's already me and plus it. He's already set the table for us. He's already put all the things in place. He's already organized all the details. And he says that because he's done that we are now free to walk in them. And I interpret that walk as this idea, which I think is very particular to the way that Paul is writing here. [00:16:57] Jesse Schwamb: It's a word of encouragement that is speaking of more of a marathon and rather a sprint. So of course, like a lot of times in the West, we think of our work as a season of life in which we're doing something in service for a company and for others, creating value, which is good. All of these things can be in service to God, of course, especially when they're in honoring. [00:17:15] Jesse Schwamb: With a full counsel of the scriptures and that when we do those things, that time will end and then we start to think about what work do have left. Whereas really, of course, a more ancient way of thinking about work was that it never ceased. It was of different kinds, and we know it was of different kinds because of this idea of walking that is like you never says stop the walk. [00:17:32] Jesse Schwamb: It never says take a break. It says you're gonna continue throughout your life in this metaphor of. Your journey of life being a walk, and as that walk changes, as the landscape undulates, as you move and transverse over different geographies on this walk in this metaphor, there's no doubt that the work will be different. [00:17:50] Jesse Schwamb: And there may be a season when you no longer have to work and be compensated, but it doesn't mean, of course, that the work ends. In fact, the work is still there. It's a different kind. And we don't want it to go away, in fact, and we don't want it to feel, uh, like it should be a, a lesser thing because it's not because we've been given in this verse the sense that this is the pattern that's been given to us. [00:18:12] Jesse Schwamb: It's the value of walking the pathway of obedience. And Paul makes it manifold. In fact, the Westminster Confession of Faith, which I'm 17 minutes in and you can mark your clock. That's the first time I mentioned it. I've gotten there already. Loved ones. Don't worry, we're always gonna bring in a confession. [00:18:27] Encouragement and Assurance Through Good Works [00:18:27] Jesse Schwamb: And on this week, it's the confession of faith from the Westminster states that there are at least six benefits of good work. So here these out, this is just my quick rundown of what the Westminster puts forward thinking about these good works and when you hear these benefits. Think about them in the broadest way. [00:18:41] Jesse Schwamb: That is like, think about how these benefits apply to all kinds of work, not just like your nine to five, but like of course your family society and the church and your work there is needed both because it is an exemplification of obedience to Christ, but also because it is accomplishing good and creating value. [00:18:58] Jesse Schwamb: So the first is that good works manifest our gratitude to God for the gift of his son. Now think about this. If that's true, that this in a concrete way. No matter what, we're able to do that we, if we're doing these good works, we're showing gratitude to God. Why would we ever want those good works to go away? [00:19:14] Jesse Schwamb: Why do we wanna break that pattern? We don't want to. And again, this gives a, a high level, a high calling to all the things that we can do, both like again, in our paid work and then thereafter. Or even if we, we never have paid work that all of these things, there's something for us to do here and it manifests our gratitude to God and the gift of his son. [00:19:32] Jesse Schwamb: The second thing is good work's, bolster assurances of faith. So it is the Christian who in obedience to Christ has a compulsion is as Paul would say elsewhere, hemmed in by the love of God to work towards a specific end in love and service toward others. That is a good work. And when we're doing that good work, there's a mutual kind of reinforcement that occurs that as we humble ourselves before God and that we work to. [00:19:57] Jesse Schwamb: Or to obey him and that we walk in the good works that he has prepared for us, that we find that we are sure that God is who he is, that his character and craftsmanship is, is in fact manifest in us and demonstrated by us. And in this way as we worship him, we find that our faith grows. Especially perhaps when we're called to do things that are difficult or we're called to participate in work, especially in the church, that requires some kind of leap of faith and we're in so doing where we must trust God forthrightly. [00:20:27] Jesse Schwamb: We find that doing those good works bolster our assurance of faith. Number three. Good works are a means of encouraging other Christians toward greater acts of Christ-centered love. There's so much in Hebrews chapter 10 that we could talk about there. This is an incredible idea that when we work towards obeying God laboring on his behalf in all of the spheres of life, to which he has given us to participate in that Christians receive this as a. [00:20:55] Jesse Schwamb: Form of encouragement. You know, think about how you've seen the testifying work of somebody else in your church, in their patience, in their kind behavior. You know, we often speak about a person who is graceful, and by that of course, we mean there's a beauty to their outer movement, as it were. That's maybe they're a graceful dancer. [00:21:11] Jesse Schwamb: Maybe they're a grace or a baseball player, but you'll find that you can apply this word in so many ways whenever you are trying to really show that somebody in their outward movements does things particularly well, or just with ease or in a way that conveys a certain kind of beauty. When we say that somebody is gracious, what we essentially mean is that there's a beauty to their inner movement that is, that the exemplification of who they are in Christ is so firmly rooted in solid, that the way they behave in situations and circumstances clearly shows. [00:21:43] Jesse Schwamb: That there's something different about the way that they process the world and in the way that they work. And when we see that we are prone to be encouraged to see that God is real, that he does intervene and interact in situations that he does, in fact still do the most miraculous thing ever, which is take the sinner, take the gospel abuser, take the unregenerate, and perform that surgical movement. [00:22:05] Jesse Schwamb: Where that heart of stone is replaced with one of flesh, it's the greatest miracle in the entire universe. And so when we're seeing that work exemplified, we're allowing ourselves to participate in encouraging our brothers and sisters. Fourth good works are concrete avenues for adorning the doctrine of God, our savior in life, in ministry. [00:22:25] Jesse Schwamb: So again, it's uniting this idea of who we are, that we say we are, who we are in our transformation regeneration, marrying that up with work. And this is, again, why a. All of this reform of theology elevates work to this place of saying, whatever you do, you can do it to the glory of God and you ought to, you ought to be thinking that way because this is the way God intended all the things that we do to be done. [00:22:47] Jesse Schwamb: So idea of like when Paul says, like, pray without ceasing, be constantly in the Lord. I think in some ways what he's saying is. When you shift your mindset to recognize that there are no mundane things to do because God has prepared all those things ahead of time, they're, they're mundane, maybe in their smallness, in our own like really myopic kind of human natural man perspective. [00:23:06] Jesse Schwamb: They are certainly not mundane with respect to the power of love that may be communicated in them with the encouragement that flows out of them, and with the expression of gratitude for God, our savior and his son. All of those things are high and lifted up worthy of exaltation and call worthy of all of our efforts. [00:23:23] Jesse Schwamb: And so there we find that there are really no mundane things. There are no small works as it were. There are just these small things that come alongside with the great work that God has done already in our lives and our expression of that first work that he has done. So Fifth Good Works, silence critics who devalue the goodness of biblical Christianity. [00:23:43] Jesse Schwamb: You know, there's a lot here that we could talk about. Jesus was so outspoken about what it meant for his followers to adorn themselves to be in Christ, and in so doing, they were gonna be these lights set on a, like a city on a hill for all to see. And sometimes as Christians, we get a little, eh, strange about this kind of thing, don't we? [00:24:01] Jesse Schwamb: Because we, we wanna be careful that we need to be humble. You know, we, we want to make sure that as we're serving God, that we are not boasting in that in any kind of way, and yet there is something here where we ought to be giving and testifying to why we do certain things. I've been thinking about this a lot because I think it's one thing for us to say, well, we wanna live in such a manner. [00:24:21] Jesse Schwamb: We wanna do our work in such a manner, whatever that is, so others know there's something different and, and this is noble and honorable. I think what's even better is to let them know why it's different. Sometimes you shouldn't wait for somebody to ask. You know, if it's clear that you're doing something and you wanna express why we're doing it, say, I'm, I'm doing this 'cause Jesus loves me, he's changed me, and Jesus loves you. [00:24:39] Jesse Schwamb: I mean, this is okay to say loved ones. And I think in doing that, making that connection clear, what it's gonna do is it's going to make sure that those who would say like the, the Bible is antiquated out wounded document. It's a document that's filled with strife. It's a document that pits won't people against one another. [00:24:54] Jesse Schwamb: It's a document that is not progressive enough. What they'll find instead is. When our good works, our truly good works are accompanied by a verbal testimony of why we do these works in obedience to God for, because of his great love for us. It will discredit those who would say all of those things. It turns away a. [00:25:14] Jesse Schwamb: All of the critics would say that the Bible is, is not relevant, that Christians are too, uh, bigoted, that we are the kind of people that are too hypocritical. Instead, when we acknowledge that we are far from perfect, but that we have a perfect savior when we talk about our weak faith, but that our, the faith that we have is not in its size, but in the size of the savior. [00:25:34] Jesse Schwamb: When we can say all these things alongside of our efforts to be obedient. Being humble, asking for forgiveness, seeking repentance from those whom we hurt, that in this way, we are again doing all of the things that are the theology of the cross, that even in our small weaknesses, even in our great failures, what we find is God does more than just to fill in the gaps He overflows with through the power of His Holy Spirit into a powerful testimony into the lives of others with whom we interact, and especially in the things that we do. [00:26:05] Jesse Schwamb: So six. And lastly, this is from the Westminster. These benefits of good works. Last Good works glorify God by displaying his work of love in our lives. I think we often forget about this. That God has given us work because he loves us. Of course, God is always working. There's something beautiful about the fact that God is ever present in our lives working in our hearts. [00:26:29] Jesse Schwamb: And sometimes of course, as the, the older reformers have said, he lays us over the Anil, as it were, and he hammers on us, and those are painful times. And other times he's really polishing up our sharp edges or sanding off those places where we need a little bit of attention. But everywhere he's working in us and what a blessing that he never stops, isn't it that he comes to us constantly because he loves us. [00:26:51] Jesse Schwamb: He refuses to leave us in a state that is less than the abundant life. Now we know that we will never accomplish that, this side of glory. But what a benefit that God never gives up on us. That he continues to show his great love for us in how he attentively comes into our lives to hone us in this progressive sanctification, whereby his work doesn't stop. [00:27:13] The Unending Nature of Work [00:27:13] Jesse Schwamb: And so because his work doesn't stop. Neither does ours. So the beauty of this is for anybody else, for us, for brother Joshua, for those who are thinking about, you know, what if I, I want to maybe try to set aside more resources now so I can stop my work of re of compensation to do other things, I would say. [00:27:31] Jesse Schwamb: Well, Godspeed by, by the power of God, I, I hope that happens for you. And what about those who would say, well, my work is gonna have to be caring for a loved one who's ill? I would say that is great and good work. What about those for who are retiring now or thinking about retirement? What's left? Tons. Of good work. [00:27:48] Jesse Schwamb: I think we know this. Now, what about for those who are in the final stages of their life, those who are not ambulatory, maybe those who are weak, maybe those who are ill themselves. There is still good work because the work that God gives us is not the heavy kind that causes our bodies or our minds to be crushed in despair, to have to till the ground as it were in such a way that it leaves us lacking replenishment instead, even for those. [00:28:16] Jesse Schwamb: Who are saying, what is my place when my body is wasting away? [00:28:21] The Value of Prayer in Our Work [00:28:21] Jesse Schwamb: When I'm having a, a season of sickness and I feel like there's nothing I can do, there is so much that the church needs from you in particular, especially your work in prayer. And again, I think we've been outspoken. Prayer is absolutely a work. [00:28:34] Jesse Schwamb: If you don't believe me, just. Try to pray. So just being able to participate in something like that, which is in many ways maybe the greatest calling. I, I always think about this phrase, when we work, we work, when we pray, God works. And so just the act of saying I'm gonna devote myself in prayer, in intercessory prayer for my church, for my community, for my family, is a kind of work that is unparalleled. [00:28:58] Jesse Schwamb: And so if that's the work that God has given you to walk in right now. Then would you please do it? Because it is the season to which he's called you because he's with you on that journey. And Paul says, wherever you go, wherever you are walking, God has already prepared before you get to the next stop sign, before you get to the next wave point, before you get to the next pin drop. [00:29:17] Jesse Schwamb: God has already prepared for you good works, and you're mealing to walk in them. [00:29:22] Finding Joy and Refreshment in Labor [00:29:22] Jesse Schwamb: And so the work of prayer by itself is the kind of work that is so glorious, like all the work of Christ that we find refreshment and it changes. There's a theme here, like all of our work changes because when we are doing it onto the Lord, we're doing it with him in mind when we're understanding that this is our obligation, but also our greatest privilege, that while it exhausts us. [00:29:41] Jesse Schwamb: It exhausts us in a way that brings us the greatest kind of sleep or refreshment. Does that make sense? We ever had like a really great day at work where, you know, I, I worked hard and I did work worth doing, and in that I felt that there was a sweetness. In fact, Ecclesiastes five 12 says, sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich man will not let him sleep. [00:30:05] Jesse Schwamb: This idea that. Why as we work, as we labor for God, that he does restore us, he gives us joy and satisfaction in that work. And again, there's this, all this mutual reinforcement, this kind of self-fulfilling and reinforcing idea that. When we are performing this work for God, he assures our faith. He refreshes us in it. [00:30:24] Jesse Schwamb: He exhausts us in the best possible way so that we might love him more, cherish him more, encourage one another more, and to really come and understand his character more forthrightly. [00:30:34] Living Quietly and Minding Your Affairs [00:30:34] Jesse Schwamb: I like what Paul says in one Thessalonians chapter four, aspire to live quietly and to mind your own affairs. I mean, that's. [00:30:42] Jesse Schwamb: Good advice for all of us, mind your own affairs and to work with your hands as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one. So we talked before about what it means, that really in our work, we ought to care for those who we love. We ought to make sure that we can provide for them, but there will also be seasons. [00:30:59] Jesse Schwamb: One, there will be others who need to provide for us. And so in so doing, again, we're honoring God by walking in this path that he has given us, uh, to do. I like this. There's a couple of other great verses I think that are helpful for us to really think about what it means to have good work to do and to understand that good work. [00:31:17] The Blessing of Giving [00:31:17] Jesse Schwamb: Here's from Acts chapter 20. Paul says, in all things I've shown you that by working hard in this way, we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus. How He himself said, it is more blessed to give than to receive. So think about that there. There is an expression right there about work and what is this working hard. [00:31:35] Jesse Schwamb: It's to help the weak and to remember the words of Lord Jesus Christ. It is more blessed to give, to receive than to receive. Love always leads to giving for God. So love the world that he. Gave, and I think part of this good work that God calls us to is just giving. And so like right now, you may be in a season where you are giving of your labor in return for compensation, for that labor, but presumably there will, and there should come a time when you'll be giving it and you'll not be receiving that. [00:32:00] Jesse Schwamb: But it doesn't lessen the work. It doesn't take it away. It doesn't mean that it's not necessary anymore. We ought to continue to pursue that because love always leads to giving. Now I want to just finish our short little time together today as we've reasoned, hopefully. [00:32:15] Practical Ways to Exemplify Christian Values at Work [00:32:15] Jesse Schwamb: In a profound way from the scriptures helping us to be encouraged in this work by just a couple of things that if you are thinking in the sense of what can I do right now in my work of all kinds to exemplify and to be driven by unique view of humanity and a love rooted in the wisdom of the cross to stand out, what, what can we do as Christians, practically speaking. [00:32:37] Jesse Schwamb: To take everything that Paul has just given us here, appreciating this beautiful pattern that work is just gonna be part of our lives forever. And by the way, loved ones I, I have a strong conviction that in the new heavens and new Earth, that work will still be present there in a fully orbed and fully expressed, fully realized way that it's not capable today because of everything being mined by sin. [00:32:59] Jesse Schwamb: But then we're gonna find that this is just like an amm bush. It's the taste that. The thing that's coming for us, the appetizer of how work is gonna be fully satisfying, fully encouraging, fully joyful, and a full expression of how God has made us to do things. One of those things again are laboring in prayer, laboring on the construction site, laboring on a desk, laboring in the education and the teaching and ammunition of children. [00:33:24] Jesse Schwamb: All of these things are just really, really good. So what are a couple of things that we can do? Well, here's some things that that come to my mind. The first is that I think Christians can be known as the most care fairing and committed kind of people. So. Think about it this way, driven by the father's love and his acceptance of us through Jesus, we can be the kind of people that are known as fair, caring, and committed to others. [00:33:52] Jesse Schwamb: Since we know the depths of our own sin and the magnitude of God's grace to us, we can be ready to forgive and reconcile with others, and we should be quick to do so if we're doing that in their work environments. Whatever that environment is, there's no doubt this is gonna draw some fair amount of attention. [00:34:07] Jesse Schwamb: We may actually, and this is gonna sound a little bit wild. We may even have opportunities to take risks for the benefit of others. Now imagine it this way. Let's say that everybody has somebody to whom they're responsible and almost everybody else has somebody who's responsible to them. So think of it this way, if you are leading any kind of group of people, formerly or informally, you may have a unique opportunity to take risks on the behalf of those people. [00:34:30] Jesse Schwamb: Now, that may be may mean advocating for them. It could mean yielding to them, even if you have a hierarchical position that's above them. But more than anything, it could mean that you actually take a risk to take responsibility at times. So it's possible that let's say you're a leading a team and you're a place of work, and one of the people who is responsible to you, that is one of the people who reports to you, makes a mistake. [00:34:52] Jesse Schwamb: Let's say that the person that you are responsible to, your boss finds out about this. There's lots of ways you could go about this. Now, you may feel that you want to be easy just to say, well, this wasn't me. It was their fault. But consider how a Christian might approach this in love. It's possible that it may be entirely appropriate for that leader to take responsibility for the mistake, not taking blame for it, but taking responsibility for it as an act and expression of what it means to be fair, caring, and committed to others. [00:35:20] Jesse Schwamb: And now this may mean that if you were that person, you might lose a little bit of cloud to the organization. You might use a little bit of reputation or ability to maneuver within the organization, but there could be a very powerful, could be testimony in your ability to risk yourself for others in a way that I believe, again, is walking in this path of good works and that you are reasonable people. [00:35:41] Jesse Schwamb: You can sort out, I think in a situation like that. What kind of responsibility you might have, but I think it's important for us to consider that we may have that kind of responsibility and that to be known as fair, caring and committed to others. To advocate for them to again, forgive and to reconcile, and then sometimes to take risks of opportunity for the benefit of others is something that is unique to the Christian. [00:36:00] Jesse Schwamb: I think we at least agree on that, that kind of response to a s. We'll be wholeheartedly unique. [00:36:06] Generosity and Kingdom Living [00:36:06] Jesse Schwamb: I think we also need to be known as generous and depending on the context and opportunity, generosity at work can be expressed in so many different ways. Managers can be generous with their advice, their access, their investment in people. [00:36:17] Jesse Schwamb: All of us can be generous with our time, our money sharing our resources. Sacrificially. If you're a small business owner, and this is gonna sound wild, but let's, let's talk about kingdom living for a second. Loved ones like I presumably you're listening to this because we're not just satisfied with the small things. [00:36:31] Jesse Schwamb: We wanna think big in what it means. For the gospel to go out, for Jesus to be known. And so in this context of being generous, maybe it means if you're a small business owner, that you're willing to take less personal profit to benefit your neighbors or your customers or your employees. You know, I think of this company called a Go. [00:36:47] Jesse Schwamb: Which is a wooden toy company and it's, it was founded by a couple of Christians and driven by their Christian faith. They intentionally take smaller profit margins to benefit the people of Honduras where the wood is sourced and to create an employee savings program for them. I mean, that what a remarkable thing what, what a counter-cultural expression of what it means to be doing good. [00:37:08] Jesse Schwamb: Work. And so we can also grow and show our generosity to our colleagues by loving them outside work. You know, cooking a meal, preparing a meal for them when they have a child or attending a funeral if they lose a loved one, grabbing dinner with them if they're struggling, joining their club sports team, attending their wedding. [00:37:23] Jesse Schwamb: You know, generosity during, after work hours is a testimony of love. It shows that you see them as a whole person, not merely as like a productive asset or just a colleague. So I think we should push back a little bit on being generous and maybe sometimes I, I wanna say this. Gently because we are a benefit ourselves in this podcast of this, but not just with your money, especially with your time and maybe with like your attentional focus, maybe with your prayer time. [00:37:47] Jesse Schwamb: Maybe with your labor, in your prayer closet, that of all the things you could focus on, how often are we praying for our colleagues, like really praying that they would come to see the gospel in us, that we would be courageous in expressing that gospel and that God would arrest their hearts, which snatch them up and bring them into his kingdom so that all of our workplaces would be filled, uh, with Christians, that they would be everywhere. [00:38:08] Jesse Schwamb: Doing all kinds of things in som, much as God calls us to those things in submission to him, an expression of who he is and in obedience to what he's done for us. Here's another thing. I think this is a big one. It's one that I struggle with in my own life. [00:38:23] The Importance of Calmness and Authenticity [00:38:23] Jesse Schwamb: So I think another place, another way in which we can really stand out as Christians in our good work is to be known as calm. [00:38:30] Jesse Schwamb: Poised in the face of difficulty, failure or struggle. This might be the most telling way to judge if a person is drawing on the resources of the gospel and the development of their character. And this goes back to this idea of like, what does the a voracious person mean? It's, it's somebody who has like that inner. [00:38:47] Jesse Schwamb: Beauty expression of inner inner beauty. You know, how do we act when our boss passes over us for a promotion? How do we act if we fail to get that bonus we expected or, or if like a colleague is placed on a team we want to be on, how do we respond to those things really reveals where we placed our hope and identity. [00:39:03] Jesse Schwamb: And that can be a whole nother. Podcast. But if it's true that we have rooted ourselves, grounded ourselves, securely in Christ, then that is the supreme treasure that we have, and then everything else should be like, oh, that's no big deal. It's not to say that we're not gonna have big emotions, but even as we experience those big emotions, part of what it means to be humble is to come before God and say, God, I'm feeling this way. [00:39:26] Jesse Schwamb: And I'm a contingent being and I'm upset about this. Would you help me to reveal your gospel in this situation? And what a blessing in our progressive sanctification where God moves us into that space so that what becomes normative is when everybody else is losing their minds, when everybody else is gossiping, when everybody else is complaining. [00:39:46] Jesse Schwamb: What everybody else is pushing back here is the Christian who is resolute in firm and is speaking words of life. Encouragement into their workplace or those whom they're doing their work, who is speaking the gospel to them, who is calm and is poised and is ready to lead in such a way that brings value to everybody, helps 'em to find the true security in the situation and is not willing to compromise by participating in a meaningless backtalk. [00:40:12] Jesse Schwamb: That is an incredible testimony, and there's no doubt it's gonna cause us to stand out. There is something about this placing value that I think is important to mention. And I think I mentioned this before, but Tony's not here and I'm just talking. And so my experience, my professional career is all in the realm of finance. [00:40:30] Jesse Schwamb: So I've gotta use this because I think about this a lot and it's certainly relevant to us thinking about where is our value. [00:40:38] The Concept of True Treasure [00:40:38] Jesse Schwamb: I find it so interesting. That in the sermon on the mound. And when Jesus is speaking about treasures, he doesn't completely say that we should forsake treasures. Have you ever thought about that? [00:40:50] Jesse Schwamb: So instead of saying, you know, listen, don't worry about the treasure, just focus on me. Don't try to go after things. Just focus on me. And somebody says, listen. Listen, listen. You're going after the wrong treasure. So don't go after treasure where you know a moth or Russ is gonna destroy it or where like you're gonna be worried. [00:41:09] Jesse Schwamb: A thief is gonna break in and steal it. All those things are not just temporal, they can be taken from you. In fact, they, they will be taken from you. This is the wild part to me. He says instead, rather than do that, here's what you should do. Seek after the treasure that's in heaven. In other words, the proclivity to want to grab hold of valuable things and to keep them close to you, that is not bad in and of itself. [00:41:32] Jesse Schwamb: It's that you are focusing on the wrong thing that you want to grab and hold close. Seek after those treasures in heaven. And I can tell you why. This just shows the brilliancy with which Jesus knows us because he has created us loved ones, and in our fallen state, he's so kind to condescend to be like us, yet of course, without sin. [00:41:50] Jesse Schwamb: And in that he expresses a great knowledge of who we are and how we are. So. There's a very famous study done, actually very many versions of this study done, and what they'll do, and you can play along, I know I've done this before, but as you're sitting there listening to my voice play along with the scenario that I'm about to give you, and you can answer for yourself what you would do in this situation. [00:42:11] Jesse Schwamb: There's no right or wrong answer. So here's the situation. Researchers gave per people two options. They said, you, I can either give you a thousand dollars for sure, or. Or we can play a game. We'll flip a coin. If the coin is heads, you get $2,000, but if the coin comes up, tails, you get nothing. So the choices were you could have a sure thousand dollars or you could risk it. [00:42:39] Jesse Schwamb: And with a coin flip, a fair coin flip, you could get either $2,000 or zero. Now I'll pause. What would you prefer if you're like most people? You would take the sure $1,000 because you'd rather have for sure a thousand dollars in your pocket than giving up the gamble. Even though you could get twice as much the gamble of $2,000 or zero, who wants to walk away with zero when somebody's like, I'll give you a thousand dollars for certain. [00:43:06] Jesse Schwamb: Most people would prefer the certainty. Now those who are like keen have a turn of mind for mathematics are gonna realize that on average, those two options are exactly the same. So whether you get a thousand dollars. For certain, you got the a thousand dollars on the other option, half the time you'll get zero. [00:43:23] Jesse Schwamb: Half the time you'll get a $2,000. If you average those out, that's sequel to a thousand dollars over the long term. So there's something interesting there too, isn't it? See how our minds are working that we prefer, we are loss averse. In other words, we do not like loss. In fact, there's a very famous. [00:43:39] Jesse Schwamb: Theorem about this that says the pain of losing a dollar is twice as great as the pain of gaining one. And this is why it's so hard. If you have a retirement account, you have investments somewhere. When you look at your accounts and the numbers are down, you feel particularly awful. And when they're up, you feel good, but not that great. [00:43:54] Jesse Schwamb: Uh, this is the idea of. Being a loss averse. Now, here's the other thing that these researchers did. They flipped the whole scenario, and I'm gonna give you one more thing to think about. So rather than talking about gains, they said these people, okay, here's your choice, and you have to choose one of these. [00:44:09] Jesse Schwamb: Either you can take a sure loss of a thousand dollars, or you can take a gamble. And you can take a, we'll flip a coin and if it comes up heads, you'll lose $2,000. But if it comes up tails, you will lose zero. So again, here are the two options, but now we're talking about losses. You either have to take a loss of a thousand dollars for certain, or you could take the gamble, flip a fail fair coin, and you could lose $2,000 or you might lose nothing if it comes up tails. [00:44:42] Jesse Schwamb: Now what would you do? Now if you're like most people, what these researchers found is people gravitated toward taking the risk. That is, they chose the option when they said, let me flip the coin, because at least if I flip the coin, there's a chance I might not lose anything. I know I might lose $2,000, but I would rather take the risk of losing 2000, but have the opportunity to lose nothing than take the sure loss of a thousand dollars. [00:45:05] Jesse Schwamb: So here's what's crazy about all this. Here's what it teaches us, is we make the wrong choices all the time. You know, technically speaking, when it comes to gains, we should prefer the risk, the risk of zero, because you started out with zero, so you're not better. You're not worse off by having zero, and if you win, you get $2,000. [00:45:22] Jesse Schwamb: But when it comes to the loss, we should take the sure loss of a thousand dollars because we might end up having a loss of $2,000. We tend to behave poorly given the situations. This is an example of loss aversion and risk aversion, and Jesus knows this. That's the brilliance of it, of course, because he says, I know that your hearts will be troubled by losing your treasure. [00:45:45] Jesse Schwamb: So here's the thing. It's not the treasure that's bad, it's that you're putting your faith, you're going after the wrong thing. So loved ones. When we find ourselves rooted in Christ, when we find our identity right there in him, when we are sure that all that we have is in the heavenly realms and therefore everything else can float and fl away, then we find ourselves able to be the kind of people in our workplaces where we're calm, poised in the face of difficulty failure, or all kinds of challenges. [00:46:14] Jesse Schwamb: One more thing I would encourage you with, and that is just be known as authentic and integrated. This goes back to something Tony and I have really challenged ourselves with so much, and that is some Christians aren't very open about their faith at work and others talk about it all the time, but act and speak in ways that marginalize nonbelievers. [00:46:30] Jesse Schwamb: We should, of course, be really wise about how we share the reason for the hope that we're, we have when we're at work. But staying silent isn't an option. If we wanna be authentic people, we have to bring our whole selves to work. I think this is where we all, at times could use a little work. I, I've barely been encouraged by brothers and sisters who are far better at this than I, where. [00:46:50] Jesse Schwamb: They're really good at explaining why they do something, and perhaps they've been building a relationship with non-believers, serving them, working with them. And, but when the right opportunity approaches when the moment arrives, they're right there with their explanation. They're quick to say, it's because Jesus loves me. [00:47:06] Jesse Schwamb: They're quick to talk about the transforming power of the gospel. And it's not in a way that's overbearing. It's not in a way that seems disingenuous or somehow like they're, they're shoehorning in some kind of, you know, bully pulpit testimony. Instead, it's a natural expression. Because they were ready and willing and brave. [00:47:22] Jesse Schwamb: To do that. So we've got to be known as authentic and integrated, and that integration is just as important as the authenticity. What, what is the good, what is the point of doing many of these good works if there is not a commensurate explanation or expression of why we are doing them, because. Plenty of people who are non-believers also do good work. [00:47:42] Jesse Schwamb: This is part of the common grace that God has given to all of our world and to the entire universe writ large. So in that being said, sometimes we just need to say, this is why I'm doing it. And it's possible that probably people are sometimes thinking, I have no idea why this person is doing this, but I'm not gonna ask them. [00:47:57] Jesse Schwamb: 'cause that's super weird. So by us stepping forward and saying, listen, I love you, God is good to me, uh, there there's a God over the universe who saved me. I was in this pit of despair and he's taken me out of that pit. My work, the things I do, I do now for him. I do it not just because I wanna provide for my family, but because I love God. [00:48:16] Jesse Schwamb: I want to be obedient in worshiping him, and part of how I worship him is doing my work this particular way. That's why you see me. Work like this. What a beautiful thing. Loved ones. [00:48:25] Final Thoughts and Encouragement [00:48:25] Jesse Schwamb: So there's so much I think for us to think about here. I could go on and on, and at this point, this is no longer a short episode. [00:48:32] Jesse Schwamb: You've gotten almost 50 minutes of me just talking. So I want to thank some people for good works right now. And that is. For those of you who have joined in the Telegram chat and are hanging out. Thank you. I really appreciate that. And there's so much good conversation going on there. Again, I gotta plug it. [00:48:48] Jesse Schwamb: If you haven't, if you're not in there, you're really missing out on this experience. It's not just hearing Tony and I talk. It's coming alongside and being integrated with all kinds of other brothers and sisters. So do yourself and us a favor and go to T Me Rhyme, see t me slash reform brotherhood and come hang out with us in addition. [00:49:10] Jesse Schwamb: I'm so grateful for all those who contribute to the podcast financially to make sure that just keeps going. If you've ever wondered like, how is this all free, and there's a website where I can go surf the back catalog@reformbrotherhood.com and it just shows up in my podcast feed, and it doesn't sound like they're in a tin can somewhere or in a hurricane recording this. [00:49:28] Jesse Schwamb: How does all of that happened? It happens because there's so many lovely brothers and sisters who's come alongside and said. Yeah, you know what? After all my responsibilities, I have a little bit left over and I wanna make sure that this thing just continues to keep going. And so I say to you, thank you so much. [00:49:43] Jesse Schwamb: If you would like to be a part of that and I challenge you, come join us in giving toward the podcast, Tony and I do. And there's somebody I love, our brothers and sisters who do as well. That's what makes this happen. You can go to patreon.com, reformed brotherhood, so we've got all kinds of good stuff coming up. [00:49:59] Jesse Schwamb: I love the fall season, autumn in the Western hemisphere here, because it feels like a reset in many ways. Like the kids go back to school, the weather changes depending on where you are, the

The message emphasizes the importance of finding one's identity in Christ rather than in work, achievements, relationships, or societal expectations. ​ Using Paul's letter to the Corinthians as a foundation, it highlights how the church at Corinth lost its way by defining themselves through divisions, quarrels, and worldly measures. ​ Will Dyer reflects on the human tendency to root identity in transient things like careers, appearances, or roles, which can lead to instability and dissatisfaction. ​ Instead, the message calls for embracing the unshakable identity found in being a child of God, redeemed through Christ. ​ Through this lens, believers are reminded that "all things are yours because you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God," encouraging them to live with confidence, purpose, and a deeper connection to God's grace. ​

Send us a textEver wondered why God reveals His attributes to us? Dive into this profound spiritual conversation where we unpack the significance of God's character traits and how they transform our relationship with Him.God's attributes aren't abstract theological concepts—they're His divine resume, demonstrating His trustworthiness and power in our lives. When He reveals His righteousness, love, omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence, He's essentially saying, "You can count on me. My promises are guaranteed." This revelation provides the foundation for our unwavering trust in Him, even during life's most challenging seasons.The discussion takes a fascinating turn as we explore how understanding God's attributes properly positions us in spiritual warfare. One participant shares, "I don't have much regard for the evil one because the attributes of God tell me I'm with the most powerful being in the entire universe." This knowledge gives believers extraordinary confidence—not in themselves, but in their Creator who holds all power.We also examine how God's attributes are meant to be reflected in us as His children. As we grow in our understanding of His holiness, justice, mercy, and love, we're transformed to display these qualities in our own lives. The natural response to truly seeing God in His fullness is worship and surrender.The conversation concludes with powerful warnings against those who would corrupt the simple gospel message by adding requirements beyond faith in Christ. Using Paul's letter to the Galatians as a foundation, we discuss the importance of maintaining the purity of biblical truth without addition or subtraction.Ready to deepen your understanding of God's character? Listen now and discover how His attributes can anchor your faith during life's storms and transform your daily walk with Him.Support the show

Pastor Matt continues "The Financial Squeeze" series by exploring the countercultural concept of contentment, which he defines as accepting your current condition in life. Using Paul's testimony in Philippians 4:11-13, Pastor Matt explains that contentment is "a secret we all must learn" through experience—not something that comes naturally. This secret is God's power at work in the life of Christ followers, enabling them to handle any circumstance life presents. The sermon distinguishes between two types of contentment experiences: planned contentment (budgeting for godliness and finances) and unplanned contentment (dealing with unexpected losses). Drawing from 1 Timothy 6, Pastor Matt emphasizes that "godliness with contentment is great gain," contrasting this with our consumer-driven culture that constantly creates discontentment. He concludes that contentment requires daily choice and refocusing on God rather than comparing ourselves to others, which he calls "the great destroyer of contentment."

Do you want to hear God's voice more clearly?Collin Hoke shares how walking in step with the Holy Spirit brings clarity, focus, and transformation. Using Paul's words in Galatians 5, we'll discover that hearing God isn't just about spiritual techniques—it's about aligning our daily rhythm to His beat. When we sync our lives with the Spirit's tempo, God's voice becomes clearer and His fruit flows naturally. But competing “off-beat” rhythms—like selfishness, division, envy, and idolatry—can muddy that clarity.In this sermon, you'll learn:- Why hearing God starts with loving God and others- How to recognize when you're “off-beat” spiritually- The slow drift that pulls you away from God's rhythm- Simple daily practices to keep in step with the Spirit- Why repentance is the “first beat” to hearing God clearlyKey Scriptures:- Galatians 5:13-25 — Walk in step with the Spirit- Ephesians 1:13 — Sealed with the Holy Spirit- Matthew 22:37–39 — Love God, love othersSearch Keywords:walking in the Spirit, Galatians 5 sermon, hearing God's voice, fruit of the Spirit, keeping in step with the Spirit, Christian spiritual growth, how to hear God clearly, obeying God, daily spiritual habits, love God love othersDon't just try to “hear” God—start walking in His rhythm, and you'll begin to recognize His voice every day.Like, Subscribe, and share this message with someone who wants to grow in step with the Spirit.

Do you want to hear God's voice more clearly?Collin Hoke shares how walking in step with the Holy Spirit brings clarity, focus, and transformation. Using Paul's words in Galatians 5, we'll discover that hearing God isn't just about spiritual techniques—it's about aligning our daily rhythm to His beat. When we sync our lives with the Spirit's tempo, God's voice becomes clearer and His fruit flows naturally. But competing “off-beat” rhythms—like selfishness, division, envy, and idolatry—can muddy that clarity.In this sermon, you'll learn:- Why hearing God starts with loving God and others- How to recognize when you're “off-beat” spiritually- The slow drift that pulls you away from God's rhythm- Simple daily practices to keep in step with the Spirit- Why repentance is the “first beat” to hearing God clearlyKey Scriptures:- Galatians 5:13-25 — Walk in step with the Spirit- Ephesians 1:13 — Sealed with the Holy Spirit- Matthew 22:37–39 — Love God, love othersSearch Keywords:walking in the Spirit, Galatians 5 sermon, hearing God's voice, fruit of the Spirit, keeping in step with the Spirit, Christian spiritual growth, how to hear God clearly, obeying God, daily spiritual habits, love God love othersDon't just try to “hear” God—start walking in His rhythm, and you'll begin to recognize His voice every day.Like, Subscribe, and share this message with someone who wants to grow in step with the Spirit.

In this final message of the summer series “The Next Right Thing,” Pastor Dave Bondeson walks us through Acts 16–20 and highlights five key stages of faith: rejection, receptivity, relishing, running, and re-evaluating. Using Paul's missionary journeys and various characters he encounters, the sermon draws parallels between the early church and our modern faith journeys. Anchored in Acts 1:8 and Philippians 1:6, this message reminds us that while God's work in us may be unexpected, His faithfulness is unwavering. No matter your stage, God is at work in your story.

Should Christians engage with secular culture, or simply avoid it? Pastor Mike Fabarez tackles this crucial question head-on. Using Paul's concern for unbelieving shipmates during the storm, he reveals why your influence in society matters more than you think. This challenging message examines our responsibility to speak biblical truth into cultural chaos while maintaining both courage and grace.

In this powerful message, we're challenged to reframe our understanding of success in God's kingdom. Using Paul's encounter in Athens (Acts 17) as a backdrop, we're reminded that true success isn't measured by numbers or visible results, but by our faithfulness to Christ and the Holy Spirit's leading. Just as Paul faced mockery, curiosity, and belief when sharing the Gospel, we too may encounter various responses. However, our call is simply to be obedient and share God's love, leaving the outcomes to Him. This perspective shift can free us from discouragement and empower us to boldly proclaim Christ, even when immediate results aren't apparent. As we reflect on this, let's ask ourselves: Are we allowing God's Spirit to provoke us into action? Are we seeing others through His eyes? Our faithfulness in these small moments could be the catalyst for someone's life-changing encounter with Jesus.

In this powerful message, we're challenged to reframe our understanding of success in God's kingdom. Using Paul's encounter in Athens (Acts 17) as a backdrop, we're reminded that true success isn't measured by numbers or visible results, but by our faithfulness to Christ and the Holy Spirit's leading. Just as Paul faced mockery, curiosity, and belief when sharing the Gospel, we too may encounter various responses. However, our call is simply to be obedient and share God's love, leaving the outcomes to Him. This perspective shift can free us from discouragement and empower us to boldly proclaim Christ, even when immediate results aren't apparent. As we reflect on this, let's ask ourselves: Are we allowing God's Spirit to provoke us into action? Are we seeing others through His eyes? Our faithfulness in these small moments could be the catalyst for someone's life-changing encounter with Jesus.

What makes a great church? Dr. Neufeld examines the Corinthian church to discover that effective churches aren't built on impressive credentials or programs. Instead, God chooses the "foolish," weak, and lowly to showcase His power. Using Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians, he shows that great churches are made of people who boast only in the Lord, carrying the message of the cross that provides wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.The Power of Christ in a Pagan World: Join Dr. John Neufeld for this 20-message series as he focuses on the book of 1 Corinthians. Covering chapters 1-4, The Power of Christ in a Pagan World looks at the many issues that confronted the church in Corinth; Problems that seemed to find their place within the church at every turn! This series helps us unpack the different conflicts and struggles of this early church in a relevant and practical way. Even though the church in Corinth existed a long time ago, they went through trials that might sound familiar to us in the 21st Century!

Why would early Christians choose the cross as their symbol when it represented death, shame, and defeat? Dr. Neufeld explores how the cross was considered foolish and offensive in the ancient world - yet became the central message of Christianity. Using Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians, he examines why the gospel message remains scandalous today: it strips away human pride, declaring that we contribute nothing to our salvation.The Power of Christ in a Pagan World: Join Dr. John Neufeld for this 20-message series as he focuses on the book of 1 Corinthians. Covering chapters 1-4, The Power of Christ in a Pagan World looks at the many issues that confronted the church in Corinth; Problems that seemed to find their place within the church at every turn! This series helps us unpack the different conflicts and struggles of this early church in a relevant and practical way. Even though the church in Corinth existed a long time ago, they went through trials that might sound familiar to us in the 21st Century!

In this powerful sermon, Pastor Karl draws a vivid parallel between the Revolutionary War's militiamen and minutemen and the life of a Christ follower, urging us to live as dedicated “minutemen” of faith. Reflecting on his recent trip to Boston, Karl connects the historic battles of Lexington and Concord to the call in 2 Timothy 2 to be strong in God's grace, not our own strength. He challenges us to flee from what dishonors God and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with unwavering commitment. Using Paul's metaphors of a soldier, athlete, and farmer, Karl emphasizes enduring suffering, staying focused on God's mission, and avoiding distractions that entangle us. This message inspires us to embody authentic faith, rely on God's unmerited favor, and live purposefully for Christ's kingdom, ensuring our lives align with His calling.Watch all our sermons on our YouTube channel "Flipside Christian Church"Join us in person 9:00am & 10:30am every Sunday morning.37193 Ave 12 #3h, Madera, CA 93636For more visit us at flipside.churchFor more podcasts visit flipsidepodcasts.transistor.fm

What would it mean to live with a clear conscience in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty? Pastor Brandon Bachtel draws us into the dramatic story of the Apostle Paul as he stands trial before Governor Felix, sharing how the quest for a clear conscience becomes his ultimate stand against slander and injustice. Using Paul's life as a lens, Brandon highlights the significance of being right with God and with others, emphasizing that a clean conscience is our best defense amidst life's trials. Brandon Bachtel | Acts of the Church www.stonepointchurch.com

What do a jaded weatherman and a bloodthirsty Pharisee have in common? In this episode, Jack explores the radically different—but equally transforming—power of grace in the lives of Phil Connors (Groundhog Day) and the apostle Paul. Using Paul's conversion in Acts 9 as a springboard, this solo episode highlights the stunning reality of salvation by sovereign grace. Jack walks through the biblical text, reflects on Paul's post-conversion transformation, shares the gripping story of a Japanese death row inmate turned Christian, and reminds listeners: no one is too far gone. If you've ever doubted the power of the gospel to change a life—this episode is for you.   For a limited time, The Chorus in the Chaos listeners get 10% off their first purchase at Reformation Heritage Books! Use the coupon code "CHORUS". While there, don't forget to check out Joel Beeke's new book 'How To Lead Your Family'   The Chorus in the Chaos Info: Website & Blog: www.chorusinthechaos.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chorusinthec... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chorus_in_the_chaos/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Chorusnthechaos Intro/Outro Music (by our good friend Nick Illes): https://open.spotify.com/artist/7tnsQ... Email: chorusinthechaos@email.com      

On this Memorial Day weekend, we reflected on the idea of a “wake-up call”—those moments in life when God, out of love, confronts us with truth that is hard to hear but necessary for our growth. Using Paul's relationship with the church in Corinth as our guide, we saw how even the most faithful can face seasons of pain, misunderstanding, and the need for hard conversations. Paul, after pouring his life into the Corinthians, learned that his integrity was being attacked by outsiders, and the church he loved did nothing to stop it. Instead of ignoring the issue, Paul wrote a severe, heartfelt letter—one that was painful to write and painful to receive, but absolutely necessary for the health of the community and for their spiritual growth.We explored how God often uses these moments of confrontation—whether through others or through circumstances—to forge us, much like metal is shaped in fire. Sometimes, the pain we experience is not the result of random suffering, but of God's purposeful, redemptive work in our lives. The question is not whether we will face these wake-up calls, but how we will respond: will we receive them and grow, or will we resist and remain unchanged?Through stories of real people—one battling addiction, another struggling with character issues, and even my own experience as a teenager—we saw that the wake-up call is not the end, but the beginning of transformation. Godly sorrow, the kind that leads to repentance and change, is different from worldly sorrow, which only brings regret and death. God's desire is not to punish, but to rescue, to bring us back from destructive paths and into abundant life.We ended with the story of the prodigal son, a reminder that when we finally respond to God's call and turn back to Him, He runs to meet us with open arms. No matter how far we've wandered or how deep the mess, our Father celebrates the return of rebels. The invitation is simple but profound: don't ignore the wake-up call. Lean into the forging, trust God's love, and take a step toward Him today.[00:00] - Welcome[02:55] - Paul's Transformation and Mission[06:57] - The Strategic Importance of Corinth[09:07] - Attacks on Paul's Integrity[10:43] - The “Severe Letter” and Hard Conversations[13:08] - The Pain and Necessity of Confrontation[15:28] - The Forging Process: God's Purpose in Pain[17:35] - When Suffering Is Self-Inflicted[19:06] - Responding to God's Wake-Up Call[20:11] - Paul's Agony and Waiting for Titus[22:04] - The Weight of Reputation and Fear[23:28] - Real-Life Wake-Up Calls: Stories of Addiction and Growth[33:25] - The Joy of Repentance and Change[34:04] - Redemptive Pain vs. Worldly Sorrow[39:20] - Parenting, Discipline, and Redemptive Pain[47:12] - Godly Sorrow and True Repentance[52:01] - The Prodigal Son: God's Heart for Return[53:08] - Invitation to Respond and Prayer[57:03] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

This sermon explores Lord's Day 23 of the Heidelberg Catechism, focusing on the practical benefits of Christian faith. The pastor begins by addressing a common misconception that doctrine lacks practicality, arguing instead that understanding Christian teaching has immense practical value. Using Paul's testimony before King Agrippa in Acts 26 as illustration, the sermon emphasizes three key aspects of faith:The practicality of Christian faith - It transforms believers from darkness to light, making them righteous before God and heirs to eternal life.The uniqueness of Christian faith - Unlike other beliefs, it relies solely on Christ's righteousness rather than being supplemented by human works.Faith as an instrument of blessing - Faith itself is not the ground of justification but rather the God-given means by which believers receive Christ's righteousness.The sermon concludes that Christian faith brings "all the good there is to receive from the hand of God," emphasizing that even faith itself is a gift of grace that leaves no room for boasting.

In this second sermon on beholding Christ's beauty, we will contemplate how that beauty leads to a changed life. Using Paul's statement in 3:18, we will look at Revelation 1-3 through that lens. Listen and hear how Christ's beauty transofrmed churches in the first century and continues to do so today. 

In this episode, Brody encourages listeners to stay focused, positive, and walk in the light, drawing inspiration from the life of the Apostle Paul. He reminds us that it's God's power that saves, and we can trust Him to lead others to repentance.Brody talks about staying faithful to God's call, following Scripture, and not giving up, no matter the challenges. Using Paul as an example, he shows how we can live with purpose and run your race well. Whether you're a pastor, teacher, or doing something else, you can be faithful to Jesus in everything you do.This episode is a reminder to keep pressing forward, trust God's plan, and finish strong in the race of life.2 Timothy 4:6-81 Corinthians 15:58  Luke 9:62Facing Difficult Trials | Looking at Paul's ExampleSend us a textPlease leave a review on Apple or Spotify to help improve No Sanity Required and help others grow in their faith. Click here to get our Colossians Bible study.

|| ABOUT THIS MESSAGE || As Pastor Jerry led us through Acts 20:32-38, he focused on the importance of living with open hands and generous hearts. God's grace is the foundation for a life of humility, gratitude, and selflessness towards others. Using Paul as an example, Pastor Jerry highlighted the value of working hard while also caring for the weak and vulnerable. He reminded us that generosity is a natural response to God's generosity toward us, and that living with open hands, in all aspects of life — work, time, talents, and finances — helps advance the hope and love of Jesus. || ABOUT BEACH CHURCH || We exist to reach, raise up, and release followers of Jesus who change the world. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone is welcome to learn about a relationship with God, whether you're curious or confident in your faith.|| GET CONNECTED || Here at Beach, we are most passionate about seeing people come into a relationship with Jesus! Head over to our website to get connected https://www.beachchurchjax.com/im-new|| FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA ||@beachchurchjax|| SCRIPTURE REFERENCES ||Acts 20:32-38

Follow my new podcast here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | All platforms  This month, come join me each morning in a daily morning prayer & activation, designed to align your soul, mind, and body with the Infinite Spirit.

Comfort & Affliction, Week 2 of 3 from February 23rd, 2025 "Walking in the presence of Jesus means giving and receiving correction." 2 Corinthians 2:12-2:11 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)SUMMARYThis sermon explores the challenges of communication, conflict, and correction within the Christian community. Using Paul's relationship with the Corinthian church as a backdrop, Pastor Michael emphasizes the importance of trust, grace, and forgiveness in resolving misunderstandings. He highlights that walking in the presence of Jesus involves both giving and receiving correction, and that individual sin affects the entire community. Ultimately, the goal of correction and conflict resolution is restoration, reflecting God's love and the redemptive work of Christ.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Do you struggle to lead the people around you? God calls all men to be leaders. In this equipping episode, Jim Ramos teaches you about becoming the leader Jesus has called you to be and what the Bible says about Godly leadership. The Dialed In man of God is a Leader. Using Paul's teaching, Jim explains how, as a leader, we are called to build "walls" around our loved ones to protect them. No matter what personality type, leadership style, or temperament, God has called all men to lead. It's time to do something. Anything. Just lead. In this series, recorded in South Africa on a safari, Jim Ramos introduces you to the 20 qualities of a man of God pulled from Titus and 1 Timothy, as laid out in his new book, ‘Dialed In: Reaching Your Full Capacity as a Man of God' releasing September 3, 2024 with David C Cook publishing. Each episode will walk you through one quality. You can order your copy of the book on Amazon at  or learn more at . 

Pastor Chris Durso may not live in Columbia, but he's not a guest either! Using Paul's last letter to Timothy, Pastor Chris reminded us to heal, forgive, and decide with urgency! Not in a rush, just urgent. If we aren't careful, we'll forget that tomorrow is God's option and not to be assumed.We all have a God-given purpose assigned to us before we had a name, according to Jeremiah. Which means, every day that we delay our own healing from trauma, addiction, and heartache, we're delaying the freedom of someone we're called to. To heal, we have to identify the wound..To identify the wound, we have to discuss it.. In order to discuss our trauma, we need good company.. To find good company, we need discernment. Dive in and take good notes!

Pastor Phil discusses the importance of community and support through the lens of Paul's letter to Timothy, highlighting how even well-known figures like Paul faced loneliness and challenges in their ministry. He emphasizes that we are not designed to navigate life alone and encourages recognizing our need for friendship, asking for help, and practicing forgiveness. Using Paul's experiences, Pastor Phil illustrates that true strength comes from God, who never leaves us, even in hardship. The sermon concludes with a call to embrace community and faith, reminding us that God's empowerment is meant for His glory and the spread of the gospel. 

Romans 13:11-14 // Jonathan NeefThis video explores the urgent need for Christians to live a godly life in light of Christ's imminent return. Using Paul's teachings in Romans, it emphasizes the importance of watchfulness, preparedness, and obedience as key elements of a Christian's walk.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49332902PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2542/responses/newWATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/live/rjn-RCGiq_k24.10.20

Romans 13:11-14 // Tom NelsonThis video explores the urgent need for Christians to live a godly life in light of Christ's imminent return. Using Paul's teachings in Romans, it emphasizes the importance of watchfulness, preparedness, and obedience as key elements of a Christian's walk.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49332903PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2509/responses/newWATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/live/KnFKCGyQnR424.10.20

Romans 13:11-14 // Gabe CoyleThis video explores the urgent need for Christians to live a godly life in light of Christ's imminent return. Using Paul's teachings in Romans, it emphasizes the importance of watchfulness, preparedness, and obedience as key elements of a Christian's walk.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49332904PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2553/responses/newWATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/live/9BsfYBUYI2824.10.20

Romans 13:11-14 // Taylor FairThis video explores the urgent need for Christians to live a godly life in light of Christ's imminent return. Using Paul's teachings in Romans, it emphasizes the importance of watchfulness, preparedness, and obedience as key elements of a Christian's walk.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49332905PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2546/responses/newWATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/live/Yq13_9BxVtk24.10.20

What does true unity within a church community look like? We explore this profound question by recounting our recent night dedicated to prayer and fasting. Drawing inspiration from the story of David and Goliath, we discuss the importance of trusting God's plan and expecting His presence. Much like a football team where every member plays a critical role, we emphasize that Jesus is the core of our community, calling us to work together in harmony.Reflecting on the early church, we dive into how its members supported each other for growth and strength. Using Paul's teachings from 1 Corinthians 12, we explore the vital role each person plays in the body of Christ and the consequences of disengagement and division. Through personal stories and scriptural insights, we stress the importance of unity and mutual support, confronting the challenges that modern churches face with disengagement and division.We also discuss the joy and trials of being part of a faith community, emphasizing the need for diversity and active participation. From witnessing spiritual breakthroughs to supporting loved ones in their struggles, we highlight the crucial role of spiritual and physical support within the community. By engaging in ministries like the brown bag diner, we not only meet practical needs but also share Jesus' message. The challenge is clear: will you actively contribute to the mission of the church, or remain on the sidelines? Join us for a powerful call to unity and collective effort for the greater good.

In this final sermon of the “Rediscover the Gospel” series, Justin explores Galatians 6 and tackles the challenge of weariness in the Christian life. Using Paul's encouragement to not grow weary in doing good, Justin offers practical insights on how believers can continue to sow in the Spirit and reap a harvest in God's perfect timing. He challenges listeners to restore others, carry one another's burdens, contribute to spiritual growth, and persevere without giving up. Ultimately, Justin reminds us that just as Jesus didn't give up on the cross, we are called to persist in faith and good works, trusting that God's grace will sustain us.

In Pastor Terry's sermon, he teaches us to maintain joy by pursuing purpose, adopting Christ's mindset, and standing strong in faith. Using Paul's life as an example, Pastor Terry urges us to view our hardships as opportunities for God to bless others through us, trusting in His promises despite our circumstances.

This week, Sandy delves into the often misunderstood realm of spiritual experiences. Using Paul's encounter with a viper on Malta as a starting point, he explores how Christians can approach supernatural events with wisdom, balancing scriptural truth and personal experience. This message challenges Christians to grow in their understanding of spiritual realities while remaining grounded in God's Word. | Scripture | 2 Timothy 3:16 Hebrews 11:3 Colossians 1:17 Mark 16:17-18 1 Corinthians 14:25

We will all be obedient to something - the question is what or who? In this sermon, Liam explores the often-misunderstood concept of Christian obedience. Using Paul's trial before King Agrippa as a backdrop, he challenges believers to consider what true freedom in Christ looks like. Discover how obedience to God's calling can lead to a life of purpose and liberation - the freest place you can be is in the middle of God's will for your life. | Scripture | Acts 26 John 14:15 Luke 6:46 Matthew 28:19-20 Isaiah 53 Isaiah 49:6 Luke 3:8 James 2:17 2 Peter 1:5 Ephesians 2:8-9 Galatians 5:1

Title: A Sower Went Out To Sow Date: 7/21/24, 10am, Sunday Sermon Speaker: Pastor Derrel Strickland This week's message from Pastor Strickland focused on the Parable of the Sower and the significance of sowing seeds of faith and truth. Drawing from Luke 8, he emphasized that as Christians, we have ready access to seeds to sow. Using Paul's experience in Acts 16, Pastor Strickland highlighted the importance of planting seeds even in challenging circumstances, reminding us that God supplies the seeds and blesses our efforts. The core message is clear: we need to sow good seeds—seeds of Jesus and His love—into the world faithfully. As we do, God will ensure that we reap a harvest of righteousness. Photo by Corina Rainer on Unsplash Outline: 00:00 - Introduction and Greeting 00:22 - Understanding Parables 00:44 - The Parable of the Sower 03:13 - Paul as a Sower 04:04 - Different Types of Seeds 09:34 - Sowing in Difficult Situations 22:58 - God Prepares the Ground 34:47 - The Importance of Perseverance 35:17 - Paul's Vision Explained 41:03 - Conclusion and Encouragement

Join Pastor Mark Medley as he explores the practical implications of the gospel on love and relationships in his sermon "Faith Working Through Love." This sermon delves into how our understanding of faith influences our ability to love in a world where genuine affection often struggles to surface amid widespread division.Pastor Mark begins by highlighting the disconnect between the idealized portrayal of love in culture and the reality of practicing it daily. Using Paul's teachings from Ephesians 1 through 2:9, he emphasizes the spiritual blessings and grace that are foundational to Christian life. This part of the sermon helps listeners understand that resting in what Christ has accomplished is essential for developing a sincere and wise approach to relationships.Throughout the sermon, metaphors of marriage and adoption illustrate how our identities transform through faith. These analogies bring to life the concept that our new identity in Christ affects not just our legal standing before God but also our everyday actions and decisions. Pastor Mark outlines a Christian life of resting in faith, walking in obedience, and wrestling against spiritual challenges.A significant focus is given to the 'one another' scriptures, which direct us to support, value, and love each other. These scriptures are practical tools for building healthy relationships within the church and beyond, reflecting the communal nature of God Himself.Practical aspects of gospel-centered love are also discussed, particularly how we handle common issues like gossip and conflicts within marriage. Pastor Mark provides straightforward advice on applying grace and forgiveness in these situations, emphasizing that such challenges are opportunities for growth and deeper understanding.The sermon also revisits the unity that Jesus established in the early church, breaking down barriers between different groups and creating a single community under God. This historical example encourages modern believers to overcome prejudices and extend love across cultural and racial lines.Ending with a reflection on Ephesians 3:17-19, Pastor Mark shares Paul's prayer that we may grasp the vast dimensions of Christ's love. This deeper understanding enables us to love more effectively, promoting unity and peace in our own circles."Faith Working Through Love" encourages us to take active steps in resting in Jesus' work, walking in line with God's commands, and tackling life's challenges with spiritual vigor. Tune in for insights on living out your faith through everyday acts of love.We are Trinity Community Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.Subscribe to our Podcast & YouTube channel to find past sermons, classes, interviews, and more!Find us on Facebook & Instagram

Are you tired of feeling captive to religious rituals without experiencing true spiritual freedom? Join us as we uncover the heart of authentic spiritual leadership through the compassionate and nurturing side of the Apostle Paul in Galatians, chapter 4. In this episode, we explore how Paul urges the Galatians to break free from their past enslavement to religious systems, emphasizing the sufficiency of Christ over legalistic observance of special days and rituals. We tackle the nuanced difference between holding a position of spiritual leadership and embodying the true essence of it.What drives someone to pursue spiritual leadership? Perhaps insecurity, a sense of obligation, or even a desire for control. Using Paul's metaphor of labor pains, we delve into the qualities of genuine spiritual leadership, showcasing his deep, sacrificial love and dedication to the Galatians' spiritual growth. By reflecting on the potential pitfalls and misguided motivations of some spiritual leaders, we highlight the importance of a leader's genuine care and service. Gratitude and affirmation for our ministry leaders who embody these virtues are paramount, creating a culture of encouragement and sincere commitment.Embrace the power of trials and hardships as pathways to spiritual growth. Drawing lessons from 2 Corinthians 12, we discuss how Paul's own limitations became moments of divine revelation, illustrating that God's grace is sufficient, especially in weakness. Through personal anecdotes, including the wisdom shared between a young preacher and an older pastor, we emphasize the transformative potential of embracing setbacks. Whether you're grappling with personal or spiritual challenges, this episode inspires you to confront your limitations and trust in God's plan, leading you towards greater faith and purpose.

Using Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus, Matthew Balentine contrasts the before-and-after life of a Christian.   *****   Please join us in person at the Ninth Avenue Church of Christ, located in Haleyville, Alabama. You are also invited to join us through social media: Like us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ninthavenuechurch) Follow us on X (https://twitter.com/ninthavechurch) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ninthavenuechurch) The song "The Ode to Joy" is used pursuant to a license issued by Envato Elements.

Wayne Stiles teaches from Acts 18 and selected epistles how memory triggers can bring the Bible into our lives. Using Paul's example in Philippi, Corinth, and Ephesus, we can use the world around us to remind us of truths that renew our minds.

In this stirring (and humorous) message, Ian Thomas talks about the life of Paul and how he was "sent, went, and put" by the Lord Jesus Christ. Using Paul as the example, Major Ian Thomas shows the parallel for our lives and how we too are called by God to be sent, went, and put wherever He so chooses for His glory, honor, and praise.Learn more about the Bravehearted Voices Podcast and how you can be discipled and grow spiritually by visiting braveheartedvoices.com

Using Paul's letter to Titus as a template, our brother Justin Luttrull guides is through reflection on who we were and who we are becoming through the lens of God's kindness and love.

In this episode, Aaron is joined by guest Nate Holdridge to discuss the anonymity of pastoral work. While pastoral work may seem like a public job in this age of celebrity pastors, Nate argues that embracing the anonymous aspects of this work is a better path, and essential for the pastor's soul. Using Paul's image of the farmer and the field, Nate highlights that the pastor, like a farmer, is a mere worker employed by God. The only one in the equation that matters is God, who gives the growth. This means that good pastoral work has a tinge of anonymity, where pastors do work that is often unseen and are there for the service of the field. They cannot produce fruit on their own. Throughout the episode, Aaron and Nate discuss various topics, including the comparison game that can steal a pastor's joy, and the importance of faithfulness. They also delve into the idea that growth of depth is more valuable than numerical growth, and that workaholism can be harmful to the pastor's soul. The pressure that millennial pastors feel to live up to the older generations, and the pitfalls of pastors building a social media platform for themselves, are also explored. Nate shares his views on why pastors should consider the anonymous aspects of their work as a healthy antidote to the temptations and pressures that come with the public nature of pastoral work. We believe this episode will encourage pastors who are working hard but feeling unseen. No matter the size of your church or the length of your time in ministry, pastoral work is often challenging and can feel lonely. It is easy to get caught up in the comparison game, social media pressure, and the drive for numerical growth. However, we hope that this episode speaks to your heart and reminds you that it is the Lord who brings the harvest. May you be reminded that no matter how unseen your work may feel, it is essential and valued in the eyes of God. -- Nate Holdridge has served as senior pastor of Calvary Monterey on California's central coast since 2008. Calvary's vision is to see Jesus Famous. Nate teaches and writes with that aim at nateholdridge.com. Nate also leads the Jesus Famous Podcast, conducting interviews and discussions that help keep Jesus first. He has also written The No-Nonsense Biblical Man, Dear New Dad, Whole-Hearted Work, (un)Reasonable Faith, and more. Nate also serves as a member of the Executive Team of Calvary Global Network.

Using Paul's life as an example, Warren Wiersbe talks about decision-making. Paul's choice to go to Rome was potentially marked by a detour and Wiersbe reminds us that we need to beware of detours and trust God's direction and will in our lives.Learn more about the Bravehearted Voices Podcast and how you can be discipled and grow spiritually by visiting braveheartedvoices.com

Using Paul's letter to the Ephesians, Dr. Keck will talk about how essential social skills are to the functioning of our society. And yet, there seems to be a widespread erosion of basic interpersonal skills and sensitivities. Paul urged us to be “eager to build up mutual affection” and yet we seem to be satisfied with half-hearted nods while not even looking up from our cellphone.

Using Paul's letter to the Ephesians, Dr. Keck will talk about how essential social skills are to the functioning of our society. And yet, there seems to be a widespread erosion of basic interpersonal skills and sensitivities. Paul urged us to be “eager to build up mutual affection” and yet we seem to be satisfied with half-hearted nods while not even looking up from our cellphone.

Welcome to The Nonlinear Library, where we use Text-to-Speech software to convert the best writing from the Rationalist and EA communities into audio. This is: Air Conditioner Test Results & Discussion, published by johnswentworth on June 22, 2022 on LessWrong. Background is in the preregistration post. This post will assume you've read that one. First, the headline result: my main prediction was wrong. Paul's predictions were also wrong. By the preregistered metric, the second hose improves performance by much less than either of us expected. That said, it looks like the experiment's main metric mostly did not measure the thing it was intended to measure, which is why we were both so far off. I did collect a bunch of data, which allows us to estimate the air conditioner's performance in other ways. That analysis was not pre-registered and you should therefore be suspicious of it, but I nonetheless believe that it gives a more accurate view of the air conditioner's performance. Main takeaway of that analysis is that the air conditioner performs about twice as well with two hoses as with one. Going by that analysis, both Paul's formula and my prediction were correct. Experiment Setup Here's the air conditioner with the cardboard “second hose” attached: I hung thermometers at each corner of the room, in the middle of each wall, and on the ceiling in the center of the room. I also placed one thermometer in the inlet (i.e. the hole in the window covering through which the cardboard hose draws air), the outlet (i.e. the hole in the window covering through which the other hose blows air), and outside on the balcony. I ran a few different tests: Air conditioner with and without the cardboard intake hose, on low fan Air conditioner with and without the cardboard intake hose, on high fan Air conditioner off (control) For both the 1-hose and control tests, I left the inlet hole in the window covering open. (This was mainly to reduce infiltration from places other than outside.) Assorted Notes: I did try the experiment previously (about a month ago), and ran into issues which resulted in some minor changes to the experiment setup; info about that is here. None of the experiment setup, thermometers, or the room were in direct sun. The time for each test was mostly determined by when I had meetings scheduled, and when the temperatures seemed to stop changing. Results Data is here. Some numbers: Outdoor temperature was 85-88°F (29.4 - 31.1°C) for most of the testing, though it dropped to 82°F (27.8°C) in the evening during the control test Temperature difference between outdoor and indoor (higher is better), in each test: Low fan: 20.6°F (11.4°C) with one hose, 22.7°F (12.6°C) with two hoses High fan: 18.7°F (10.4°C) with one hose, 22.2°F (12.3°C) with two hoses Control: 13.1°F (7.3°C) Temperature variance across the room was fairly high (~2.5 - 3.0°F, or ~1.4 - 1.7°C), and consistent (i.e. measurements 30 minutes apart had similar relative temperature patterns) Exhaust temperature was 98 - 100°F (36.7 - 37.8°C) with one hose, 112 - 119°F (44.4 - 48.3°C) with two Analysis My main prediction was that the outdoor-indoor temperature difference would be at least 50% greater with two hoses than with one hose, with my median estimate around 100% (i.e. a factor-of-two difference). That was definitely wrong: the actual number was 10% with fan on low, 19% with fan on high. Paul's prediction for the same number was 33-43%, though that was based on some very rough guesses about indoor, outdoor and exhaust temperatures. Using Paul's formula with the actual indoor, outdoor and exhaust temperatures from the tests gives predictions anywhere from 75% to 180%, consistent with my own factor-of-two median guess. (The difference is mainly because the exhaust temperature was considerably lower than Paul had speculated. It really is a very shitty air conditioner.) So experimentally, the difference came out way lower than anybody guessed. Why? The result from ...

Episode 89: The Mystery of Ishmael Show Notes: Hagar: Heb. hāḡār- Flight Ishmael: Heb. yišmāʿē'l - God will hear Sarai: Heb. śāray- Princess Sarah: Heb. śārâ - Noblewoman Isaac: Heb. yiṣḥāq - He laughs Abraham: Heb. ‘aḇrāhām - Father of a multitude New Subsplash Giving Donation link: https://secure.subsplash.com/ui/access/BDJH89 Scripture References: All Scripture references cited from the King James Version Bible.  Genesis 16:1-12, Genesis 21:12-20, Genesis 17:20-21, Romans 15:4, 1 Corinthians 10:1-11, Ecclesiastes 1:9-11, 2 Timothy 2:7, Galatians 4:21-31, Isaiah 1:15-21, Hosea 5:15, Hebrews 11:8-10, Galatians 3:26-29  Takeaway: As with so many things in the Bible, Ishmael is a type of something else… and the type may surprise you! Using Paul's admonition to consider what he says, we get the spiritual application of who Ishmael and Isaac actually represent. Links: Website: utbnow.com Podcast: https://bible-mysteries.captivate.fm FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/utbnow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BibleMysteries Donate: https://secure.subsplash.com/ui/access/BDJH89 Email: unlockthebiblenow@gmail.com nY7kd9xqy2uC907QUuGr

As we near Holy Week and Easter, this sermon from John Wesley gives us a solid foundation not only for understanding the resurrection of Jesus but also for leaning into the promise of our own resurrection. Using Paul's treatise on the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15 and borrowing from an earlier work by Benjamin Calamy, Wesley addresses the question that Paul raises: "How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?" (1 Corinthians 15:35 NRSV). Understanding the resurrection from a biblical perspective challenges the Platonist and disembodied ways in which many Christians have perceived it and invites us to live out the implications of a new embodied life in the present as well as the future. Read Sermon 137: On the Resurrection of the DeadGet a copy of N.T. Wright's book Surprised by HopeSend your questions and comments to Bob Kaylor at pastorbk@tlumc.org and follow him on Twitter @revbkaylor This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bobkaylor.substack.com

This week, Pastor Jermaine continued on with our series “how to follow Jesus into today's world” with the topic of “the cost of Racial Justice”. Using Paul and 1 Corinthians 9: 19-23 as a platform he broke his message down into three parts: The cost The example The moral Jesus speaks about counting the cost of following Him, and Paul labels that cost as: “I have become.” This Greek word for become is ginomai – which means to come into being. We need to become something totally different, a new creation in Jesus. When it comes to racial reconciliation, this means we need to become before we do anything, as doing flows from being and not the other way around. Becoming is more difficult than doing, because doing costs you something but becoming costs you someone. It costs you, you. It costs us our lives. Saying yes is much harder then living yes when it comes to racial reconciliation. We can not become what we want to be, by remaining who we are. A lot of people want change without changing. The world wants butterfly results with caterpillar comfort. We need to ask and answer the question: what does God need to do in us, so that we can be more like Christ in our generation? Becoming is a journey and not a destination. God needs to change us, to make us more like Christ. Seven keys to becoming: Befriend someone of another ethnicity. Intentionally pursue to listen, learn and love them. Spend time with them. Not to change them, but to listen to understand. Find someone of another ethnicity to mentor you or hold you accountable in a certain area, and truly submit them. Most relationships had by a majority culture to minorities are help-based relationships. Read books from authors you wouldn't normally, or those you don't agree with. Introduce your children/family to novels, movies, histories, and heroes of other ethnicities and learn about them together. Learn about Black History. Those who don't know their history, repeat it. Humbly, lovingly and courageously (as the Spirit leads) confront racial prejudice and stereotypes. Believe that as you're being intentional, that it will matter and make a difference. Prayer and fasting. The work of becoming is a spiritual work. We need to fight for commonality even when it goes against our preferences. When we do this, we are signing up to take shots, to be misunderstood, and to be confronted with things you didn't know existed. If we commit to become, we will eventually overcome. The world can not unconditionally love itself, or solve its own problems. The call to come and follow Jesus was a call to become someone. We are the answer, we need one another and we serve the only one who can make us new. We need to not simply complain about what's wrong, but ask God to do a work within us so that we embody what is right.