God Stuff

In Episode 125, we talk about biblical meditation and how we can use it as a way to reduce our anxieties, to drive the word of God deeply into our psyche and our soul and as a way of finding joy, a way to enter the God-blessed life.Meditation helps us internalize God's Word so the Holy Spirit may lead, instruct, cleanse, and change us from the inside. We may listen to, read, and remember the scriptures to learn them, but we must also study them in our hearts to comprehend how it pertains to our lives.Tune in now, and let’s go bigger, better, and deeper! If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to the God Stuff Podcast, so you're always the first to know when a new episode is released.Episode Timestamps:  Intro – [00:00] What is Meditation? – [03:49]7 Ways to Meditate on God's Word – [10:15]Method #1: Downshift – [11:17]Method #2: Personalize – [14:44]Method #3: Reword – [16:23]Method #4: Enter – [18:14]Method #5: Invoke – [20:15]Method #6: Emphasize – [22:23]Method #7 Recycle – [25:11]7 Ways to Meditate on

Episode 124 is a recording of a sermon I did at Grace Pathway Church where I talk about what kind of person God uses and employs to do great things for Christ and the gospel. This would be sermon number seven in our series in the Book of Acts about Apollos.Not a lot of people may have heard of Apollos but personally, he’s one of my favorite characters in the bible and you’ll learn more about him as we go along the podcast episode. How does God use us in ways that are satisfying to us and really make a difference in the world?Tune in now and let’s go bigger, better, and deeper! If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to the God Stuff Podcast so you're always first to know when a new episode is released.Episode Timestamps: Intro – [00:00]Who is Apollos? – [04:48]God Uses Prepared People – [06:28]Story of Apollos – [11:49]Clue #1: Equipped – [16:16]Clue #2: Knowledgeable – [19:58]Clue #3: Passionate – [32:42]Clue #4: Teachable – [40:35]Two Principles – [42:15]Closing Prayer – [44:46]Outro – [46:15]Biblical

In Episode 123, we talk about the problem of biblical illiteracy. It prohibits us from considering, understanding, and applying what is in the Bible to our lives. Instead, we get entangled in the rabbit holes of this inefficient and poor teaching.What's the point of going to church if we don't help people learn from the Bible who we are and what we're supposed to do? What's the point of being a Christian if we never read the directions to find out what we should be doing? What's the point of being a Christian if we don't have a life that changes because of His Word, His Work, and the Holy Spirit?Tune in now and let’s go bigger, better, and deeper! If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to the God Stuff Podcast so you're always first to know when a new episode is released.Episode Timestamps: Intro – [00:00]Article #1: The Epidemic of Biblical Illiteracy in Our Churches – [02:13]Article #2: The Scandal of Biblical Illiteracy – [06:19]Bill's Opinion – [14:35]Final Thoughts – [19:39]Outro – [22:18]Biblical

In Episode 122, we continue to discuss how to better understand and handle the word of God, especially in the Gospels, particularly in Mark 10. It’s a really interesting chapter from the Bible yet it’s been always misinterpreted.Mark 10 contains a handful of verses, one of which is Jesus's response to a wealthy man's question about what he must do to obtain everlasting life. He tells him, "You will have riches in paradise; then follow me." When riches separate us from others and God, we suffer. But I don’t find it to be true. Let’s find out and go bigger, better, and deeper in God’s word!Episode Timestamps: Intro – [00:00]Section #3: The Antithesis of Grace – [04:44]Section #4: The Origin of Grace – [12:54]Section #5: Giving Everything Up – [18:52]Section #6: The True Cost of Grace – [23:51]Section #7: Humans are Blind to Grace – [30:15]Section #8: The Example of Grace – [34:34]Outro – [44:06]Biblical References:– Mark 10:17-22 – Mark 10:23-27– Mark 10:28-31– Mark 10:32-34– Mark 10:35-45– Mark 10:36Book Refe

In Episode 121, we’re going to talk about a section of scripture and how to interpret it. There is a specific technique or methodology that we must use in order to correctly interpret the Gospels, and this is often overlooked, particularly in a passage like Mark 10. It contains a lot of difficult sayings or what we call “The hard sayings of Christ”. If you read Mark 10, it would seem that it contradicts God’s grace and the Gospel. What I want to show you today is that if you interpret a section of the scripture like Mark 10 correctly, it teaches grace in a powerful way. Let’s find out and go bigger, better, and deeper in God’s word!  Episode Timestamps: Intro – [00:00]Grace is the Hallmark of Biblical Christianity – [02:25]Grace Books in the Bible – [03:38]Index Cards – [06:32]The Eight Sections – [11:25]Section #1: The Prelude to Grace – [12:42]Section #2: The Attitude of Grace – [21:45]Outro – [28:33]  Biblical References: –     Matthew 11:25–     Deuteronomy 24:1–     Genesis 2:24–     Mark 10:13-16  Book

In Episode 120, we’re going to talk about what exactly happens after we die—in a biblical word view, Christian-evangelical Theology. Most of us have wondered what would happen next at some point in our lives. Death is scary and mysterious, and people's perceptions of what occurs and what it signifies differ significantly. Death is merely a curve in the road, not the end of it. Death, for the believer, is the gateway to paradise. It is a gateway into terrible torment for the unbelieving. These statements are accurate, even if we may not wholly comprehend them. Even if we don't believe them, they are true. What occurs after we die is determined by what happens before we die. Let’s find out and go bigger, better, and deeper in God’s word!  Episode Timestamps: Intro – [00:00]What is Physical Death? [02:08]The Two Destinies [04:21]What Happens After a Person Dies on the Path of Unbelief? [05:58]What Happens on the Path of Belief? [11:24]Outro [19:52]  Biblical References:    2 Corinthians 5:8-9 Matthew 7:13-14

In Episode 119, we’re going to answer the five misconceptions and statements that people commonly make about preaching that I want to challenge. You might have heard most of it and I don’t believe it’s true. Confusions occur when it comes to what preaching really includes and how it should be carried out. If you want to know what preaching is really not, you might start by identifying common misconceptions. Preaching may involve several of the characteristics mentioned in today’s episode, but when any of them becomes the strongest factor, you may tell that it has changed course. Let’s find out and go bigger, better, and deeper in God’s word!  Episode Timestamps: Intro – [00:00]Misconception #1: Jesus Used Stories to Make the Truth Simple – [02:12]Misconception #2: People Remember Only a Fraction of what They Hear But Most of What They See or Feel – [05:52]Misconception #3: Teaching and Preaching Must be Accompanied by Action – [08:52]Misconception #4: Spirit-Led Means Structureless – [14:54]Misconception #5:

In Episode 118, we talk about what it means to apply grace in difficult situations when someone does a heinous or unacceptable action and then they plead for grace. Are we supposed to forgive them and what do we need to do in those types of situations? Although God is always eager to forgive us, He asks that we repent and forgive others as prerequisites for forgiveness. In certain cases, repentance and atonement may also be necessary. How could we pray the way Jesus teaches us if we don't want to forgive? How could we ask God to forgive us if we hold grudges or let resentment drag us down? Let’s find out and go bigger, better, and deeper in God’s word!  Episode Timestamps: Intro – [00:00]The Golden Rule – [04:50]What Does Grace Look Like under the Golden Rule? – [07:17]Anger vs Grace – [08:40]Tough Love – [11:37]Final Thoughts – [13:20]Outro – [14:02]  Biblical References: Matthew 7:12Luke 6:31  Book References: Alpha Christians: A Manifesto for Menhttps://www.amazon.com./s?k=9781946654304&i=stripbooks&am

In Episode 117, we go deeper into the topic of Jacob wrestling with God, the story behind it and what it means and why most people give it a different meaning. If you know Jacob's story, you know that his life was full of hardships. God told Jacob that he would be the father of a great nation and a whole group of nations, but Jacob was a very worried man. Jacob's story teaches us that life is never easy. This is true when we battle with God and His will. As Christians, we learn that despite our difficulties and tribulations, God is always with us. In the end, Jacob does what all of us must do. He confronts all the things that are hurting him, including his failures, shortcomings, sins, and more... and faces God. Let’s find out and go bigger, better, and deeper in God’s word!  Episode Timestamps: Intro – [00:00]A Different Take on Jacob Wrestling with God – [02:12]Jacob's Judgment Day – [03:27]Jacob's Approach in Retributive Justice #1: Pray to God – [05:28]Jacob's Approach in Retributive Justice #2: Legalism

In Episode 116, we look at how teachers, preachers, and adults might successfully convey the word of God. These methods will enable them to make a greater effect on people's lives. It will not be simple. But keep in mind that God sends His Holy Spirit to empower us only if we ask for it.Evangelism is sharing the good news with the people. How can someone accept God as their personal Lord and Savior if they didn’t know Him in the first place? That’s why evangelism plays an important role in our lives. Don’t miss this episode. Tune in now and let’s go bigger, better, and deeper!Episode Timestamps: Intro – [00:00] The Three Indispensable Qualities – [03:29]Indispensable Quality #1: Theological System – [04:27]Indispensable Quality #2: Have a View Point on Sanctification – [12:17]Indispensable Quality #3: Evangelistic Spirit – [18:25]Evangelism in Several Categories – [23:15]Three Classifications of Evangelism – [24:15]Outro – [28:59]Biblical References:2 Corinthians 4:7John 17:17Book References:Alpha Christians:

In Episode 115, we talk a little bit about having a greater influence and significant impact on Christ and the gospel. What does being relevant mean, and why is it important? Christ-followers must focus their attention and energy on things of lasting importance, meaning, and value, which is why "relevance" is so important.Being relevant means being ourselves and being able to connect with others and give them hope. Hope entails rebuilding trust. Without it, initiating tasks is difficult. Life needs hope. Hope guides life. It aids goal-setting. Without it, we'll become distracted and lose way of our faith.Tune in now, and let’s go bigger, better, and deeper! If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to the God Stuff Podcast, so you're always the first to know when a new episode is released. Episode Timestamps: Intro [00:00]The Gift of Authenticity [05:21]The Gift of Difference [06:53]All About Martyn Lloyd-Jones [09:24]The Gift of Substance [12:15]There's Beauty in Irrelevance [12:44]Outro [15:24]Biblical Re

In Episode 114, we go deeper into one of scripture's core doctrines, justification. The definition of justified is "declared or considered as righteous." For a Christian, justification is God's act of forgiving the believer’s sins and inferring Christ's righteousness to him.There is only one theological system in which the notion of justification by grace through faith is taught in the Bible. As a result of our trust in Jesus Christ, only by returning to Scripture can we see that justification is based only on faith and not on our deeds.Tune in now and let’s go bigger, better, and deeper!If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to the God Stuff Podcast, so you're always the first to know when a new episode is released. Episode Timestamps:Intro [00:00]Never Put God in our Debt [03:41]William R. Newell's Commentary [04:40]God Justifies the Ungodly [07:19]What is Righteousness? [08:16]How Did God Give You His Righteousness? [10:31]Catholicism [12:42]Council of Trent [15:48]Why is Righteousness Imputed, Not Im

In Episode 113, we talk about assurance which is the flip side of the eternal security coin. Can we be certain that we will go to Heaven? God gives us assurance of salvation when He makes it clear that He has accepted Christ's sacrifice as payment for our sins. The Bible tells us to make sure we know Christ and are right with God, but it also tells us not to feel too safe. It’s important not only to be sure we'll be saved that’s why the Bible gives us faith in the Lord's redemption. God instructs us to be confident, according to a contextual and methodical analysis of the Bible.Tune in now and let’s go bigger, better, and deeper! If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to the God Stuff Podcast so you're always first to know when a new episode is released. Episode Timestamps:Intro [00:00]What is Assurance? [02:57]Catholic Theology [03:32]Calvinism [05:51]St. Agustine and Horatius Bonar's Definition of Salvation [08:32]Do You Believe in Eternal Life? [09:53]Proof of Christian Assurance #1: Word of God [11:1

Episode 112 is a recording of a lecture I delivered to the Central Pacific to 300 district pastors and their respective wives in my denomination, the Christian Missionary Alliance. I was requested to speak on the significance and urgency of evangelism a few weeks ago, on May 5, 2022.You're going to hear me discuss something you may have heard of called "Cities of Refuge", what they were and what they represented, and what they signify for us now. Another purpose that day was to promote evangelism. I hope this is a benefit to you and an inspiration to others.Tune in now and let’s go bigger, better, and deeper! If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to the God Stuff Podcast so you're always first to know when a new episode is released. Episode Timestamps:Intro [00:00]There’s Power in the Gospel [04:52]Principle #1: The Urgency to Share the Gospel [09:07]Principle #2: Save Every Soul Before the Time Runs Out [16:38]Principle #3: Christ Died For Our Sins [22:03]Principle #4: Clear the Way to Refuge in Christ

In Episode 111, we go deeper into God's word, especially a few weird biblical words that most Christians have never heard of and what they imply. Many biblical words and concepts have spiritual meanings. By fitting these parts together, we may begin to understand the full meaning, and the effort engages our thoughts and, ideally, opens us to the Lord's guidance.A book as large as the Bible is certain to include a few weird terms. But it's easy to overlook the weirdness that exists in our own culture outside of the Bible. That, when strange and peculiar Bible terminology is examined, they may not be so strange after all if understood in their appropriate context.Tune in now and let’s go bigger, better, and deeper! If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to the God Stuff Podcast so you're always first to know when a new episode is released. Episode Timestamps:Intro – [00:00]Word #1: Ebenezer – [03:17]Word #2: Ichabod – [04:45]Word #3: Maranatha – [07:28]Word #4: Anathema – [09:04]Word #5: Panoply – [10:12]W

In Episode 110, we discuss the factors that contribute to the growth of the church, the ministry, and other parts of the body of Christ. Churches and ministries aim to expand their reach and expanding their reach results from growth. Growth does not happen by chance; it needs a clear direction, thoughtful consideration, and a well-defined plan. The most successful churches pursue a God-given vision and purpose, specify the steps, and execute a strategic plan to get there.Tune in now and let’s go bigger, better, and deeper! If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to the God Stuff Podcast so you're always first to know when a new episode is released. Episode Timestamps:Intro – [00:00] A Church is A Living Thing – [02:27]God Cares About the Numerical Growth of the Church – [04:28]Where the Growth Comes From – [08:26]What Does Not Cause Church Growth? – [15:16]Three Categories of Good Growth – [16:23]We Can't Make the Church Grow, But We Can Hinder the Growth – [18:43]The Major Hindrance – [19:16]The Five Spa

In Episode 109, we discuss a very interesting topic about the Riches of Divine Grace, which is a follow-up from the previous episode, Union With Christ. We also reference Chapter 6: Riches of Grace in Christ Jesus from Lewis S. Chafer’s book, Salvation.Understanding God's grace allows one to get insight into God's very nature. They perceive in the richness of God's generosity that He provides totally, freely, and abundantly. According to the riches of God's grace, the gracious and good news of the gospel is the free and complete forgiveness for those who are in Christ Jesus.Tune in now and let’s go bigger, better, and deeper! If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to the God Stuff Podcast so you're always first to know when a new episode is released. Episode Timestamps:Intro – [00:00] Who is Lewis Chafer? – [01:57] Discovering The 33 Riches of Divine Grace– [04:53] Remember Your R.I.C.H.es – [08:04] R for Riches– [08:22] I for Identity– [08:45] C for Choose – [09:26] H for Holiness – [10:20] The 33 Riche

In Episode 108, we dive deeper into the topic of union with Christ; what it means, how it was developed in the Bible and how it can apply radical identity changes to the members of your church group. This is theologically, one of the most central and most important of all doctrines, that include three types of union with Christ: Moral, Legal and Mystical.Of all the things you could discuss with your loved ones, church group, pastor, women's or men's ministry, the doctrine of union with Christ and what it means is probably the most powerful and life-changing. And in the next episode, we’re going to follow up on another topic which is the Riches of Divine Grace. Tune in now and let’s go bigger, better, and deeper! If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to the God Stuff Podcast so you're always first to know when a new episode is released. Episode Timestamps: Intro – [00:00] "Who Am I with Christ?" – [03:33] The Three Types of Union with Jesus Christ – [08:03]Legal Union – [08:40]Mystical Union – [12:58] Mo

In Episode 107, we reference Episode 99 where we talked about the ten unusual tips for public speakers. We all like hearing a motivating speech that piques our interest and inspires us to strive for greater heights. Your message and your emotions should be the focus of your attention.Regardless, we have all been unlucky victims of a poorly planned and executed message. This might be a terrifying experience and we don't want our future listeners to suffer needlessly. Take advantage of any chance to tell people about your church, and you'll find yourself growing more at ease and natural over time.Tune in now and let’s go bigger, better, and deeper! If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to the God Stuff Podcast so you're always first to know when a new episode is released. Episode Timestamps:Intro [00:00]Denotation and Connotation [03:22]Deal Sensitive Topics with Compassion and Care [04:18]Never Drop A Heavy Topic Without Preparing Your Audience For It [04:55]Speak in the Second Person, Singular [06:11]Ke

In Episode 106, at its root, youth ministry is a social endeavor. To help children flourish, adults in the church who love them as they are must be present in their lives. When it comes to creating a church that embraces youth as full members, the senior pastor has a critical role to play.Rather than representing the church of the future, today's youth represent the church of the here and now. Senior pastors may lead the way and urge other pastors to incorporate youth as full members of the church. There are occasions when a senior pastor simply says, "Yes, you can."Tune in now and let’s go bigger, better, and deeper! If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to the God Stuff Podcast so you're always first to know when a new episode is released. Episode Timestamps: Intro [00:00]Tip #1: Your Walk is More Important than Your Service [05:13]Tip #2: Your Personal Maturity is More Important than Your Popularity [08:03]Tip #3: Church is More Important than Youth Groups [09:59]Tip #4: Other People's Kids over Ever