The David Spoon Experience

The David Spoon Experience 10-12-23 part 1

A) Sergio calls in with another great question. Who named Adam?B) The Apostle Paul writes, “You are looking at outward appearances.” One of the most dangerous traps for a Christian is to see things from the outside and not from the inside or to see things from the outside and not from above. When God examines a person, He doesn’t look at them outside. He looks at the entire person, starting from the inside.

The David Spoon Experience 10-11-23 part 2

1) Sometimes, when I teach a message like the one I'm about to share, I notice that it can make some people uncomfortable. It's not because they dislike me, and it's not because I have any ill feelings toward them. Instead, I have a deep passion for discussing the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, whom I perceive as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit - three in one and one in three. It's interesting that when I delve into teaching about the Holy Spirit, some individuals become uneasy, which is quite peculiar because Jesus Himself frequently taught about the Holy Spirit. So, in essence, what they may be expressing is discomfort with the teachings of Jesus.2) "Come on, Dave, isn't that manipulation?" you might ask. Well, yes, in a way, and as a Jewish person, I've learned from some of the best. Let's clarify a few things to set the stage. While Jesus physically resides at the right hand of the Father, He also dwells in your heart through faith. He knocks on the door of your heart, and when you say yes, the Holy Spirit takes up residence within you. It's the Holy Spirit fulfilling the ministry of Jesus Christ here on Earth. In a sense, the Holy Spirit is Jesus on this planet, residing inside you and surrounding you.3) I'd like to begin by giving an unusual nod to Pastor Robert Morris in this introduction. He authored an excellent book titled "The God I Never Knew," which I found to be a fantastic read for understanding our communion and connection with the Holy Spirit. I've had the privilege of interviewing Pastor Morris on this platform, and one critical insight he shared from his book stood out to me. He mentioned a wise pastor who cautioned against those who preach about the Holy Spirit. That pastor, while awesome, was wrong.4) The crux of this particular teaching revolves around comprehending how to walk in the Spirit. When I refer to "the wind," I'm speaking metaphorically about the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. Being led by the Spirit can sometimes be more challenging than we'd prefer because we want to ensure that our responses align with God's will. Thankfully, we have the Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, to guide us. This discernment is key to understanding how to walk step by step with the Spirit.

The David Spoon Experience 10-11-23 part 1

A) As we start out in Psalm 42, we need to be reminded that the book of Psalms, with 150 chapters, is divided into five different books. Psalm 1 through 41 is book one. Psalm 42 through Psalm 72 is book two. Psalm 73 through Psalm 89 is considered to be book three. Psalm 90 through 106 is considered to be book four, and Psalm 107 through 150 is considered to be book five. I took a particular advanced class in Psalms, and there is an argument to be made that each of these five books represents different stages of Israel at different points in their existence. It’s a cool theory, but not one I’m willing to die for. B) However, let’s concentrate on Psalm 42, which many believe was written by the sons of Korah. This song focuses on yearning for God in the midst of distress. So, if you are unfamiliar with this song, start reading it, and then read it again in a different translation. Read 25 different translations. And you’ll begin to pick up on it. Yes, I said that.C) As the deer pants for the water, so my soul pants for you. Think about a thirsty deer drinking from water or a brook. The exciting thing about a deer is that in comparison to many other natural creatures, it’s not a lion or a bear. It’s a beautiful, wonderful, delightful, enjoyable creature that God created, and by the way, no, it’s not a sin to hunt. If you’ve ever seen Bambi meets Godzilla and didn’t laugh, there’s something wrong with you. But the key is the picture: to thirst for God. That’s what true believers do.D) One of the chief complaints in this Psalm is the passionate delight that the author has in God, but that he still has to deal with scoffers and people mocking him. It can get discouraging. But how do we pull out of that spiral? The author remembers going into the House of God with such great joy and delight and praise that it lifts his spirits high. Turn that frown upside down by understanding that when you’re in a lurch, think about the great things of HIS church, where God meets with His people.

The David Spoon Experience 10-10-23 part 2

1) Chapter 5 in Galatians is one of the great verses for everyone who has found deliverance through Jesus Christ, whether from addiction, sin, illness, or anything else. This is a banner passage: "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has set you free." You and I have been set free from our addictions, sin, illness, or anything else. We need to stand firm in our freedom. By the way, that can include people too.2) Then Paul drops the hammer: if you're trying to make yourself right through circumcision, Jesus Christ cannot help you. Why is that? Because you're trying to keep the law. Why is that? Because you're trying to appear justified or right before God. Why is that? Because you haven't accepted the righteousness that comes through the redeeming work of Jesus Christ and are trying to create your own. That is no different than anyone else trying to establish their own righteousness apart from Christ. Except as believers who started off in the right direction, we should know better.3) And here's the significant passage that many people misinterpret: "For if you're trying to make yourself right with God by keeping the law, you've been cut off from Christ; you've fallen away from grace." That doesn't mean that grace is insufficient. What it means is that people have substituted work and human achievement for the righteous achievements of Jesus Christ. Falling away from grace means they started in grace and then fell from there and moved into the law. It's not that there can never be redemption for these people; it means they're heading in the wrong direction from the freedom of Jesus back into religion. The reason we know they can be redeemed is because the letter was written to them in the first place.

The David Spoon Experience 10-10-23 part 1

A) Let's delve back into the realm of parables as Jesus introduces the Parable of the Hidden Treasure. It's enjoyable when parables are concise, as they are easy to grasp and comprehend. Jesus masterfully employs this earthly story to convey a profound heavenly truth. In this parable, a man stumbles upon something concealed in a field. He is willing to sacrifice everything in order to obtain the field and unlock the immense treasure within. So, what does this great treasure symbolize for us? It signifies eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord.B) The subsequent parable revolves around a pearl merchant on a quest for the finest pearl imaginable. This analogy is distinct because it underscores the merchant's discernment—having encountered both good and bad pearls, he seeks the one that outshines all others. Similarly, in the pursuit of eternal life, there are various philosophies, some good and some flawed, but only one is authentic. Jesus Christ embodies that unique pearl, granting immortality to humanity.C) Jesus proceeds to relate the Kingdom of Heaven to a fishing net cast into the water. By way of personal application, just as a net captures a multitude of diverse fish—some good, some not so good—so too, various people come into our lives. Some enrich us, while others may not. In such cases, if God removes ungodly individuals from your life, don't be surprised; it's akin to the fulfillment of the parable of the fishing net.D) Most remarkably, Jesus concludes by simply asking his disciples, "Do you understand?" As we encounter these diverse parables, each of us grasps a fragment of truth that strengthens our connection with Jesus Christ. While interpretations may evolve with age, the essence remains constant. The disciples, honest in their understanding, respond affirmatively, feeling a deep sense of inclusion. Jesus adds that anyone engaged in the Kingdom should draw from their treasury both new and old teachings. What does this mean? It implies that we should preserve the valuable old teachings while remaining receptive to new insights.

The David Spoon Experience 10-9-23 part 2

1) Hold onto your hats, folks, as we delve into Chapter 38 of Job. Despite all that's been said thus far, brace yourselves for the Divine response. As wise as we may think ourselves to be, having God converse with us is genuinely delightful. Yet, the manner in which He is about to address Job is undeniably more awe-inspiring. Keep in mind that God is speaking from an extraordinary vantage point—a whirlwind. 2) The initial question posed to Joe is profoundly humbling. God inquires, "Who is this that questions My wisdom with such ignorant speech?" To simplify, God, speaking from a whirlwind, gazes upon Joe and asks, "Who are you?" This question alone could settle the matter.3) However, it doesn't end there. God proceeds, stating, "I have questions for you now. You've questioned, spoken of, and even insulted Me. It's my turn to respond.” I'm uncertain if any person could endure direct inquiries from God about their life, especially if God meticulously dissects it, sin by sin. Thankfully, God will exhibit great mercy in this exchange.4) In Chapter 38, Verse 4, God presents an unanswerable query: "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the Earth?" The answer is straightforward—nowhere, for Job did not yet exist. Hence, Job speaks of matters beyond his knowledge, much like we often do.5) After a series of questions, God leaves Joe awestruck with an inquiry surpassing human capacity: "Have you ever commanded the morning to appear or caused the dawn to rise?" Essentially, God is asking whether Job has ever spoken to any element of the universe and witnessed it respond to his voice. Has he ever commanded the sun, moon, stars, or Earth to heed his call? If not, perhaps the best course of action is to refrain from speaking.

The David Spoon Experience 10-9-23 part 1

A) Paul gives Timothy a list of things he should run towards, such as pursuing righteousness and godliness. They sound like very religious and hallowed terms, but righteousness is walking in what is appropriate, and godliness is mirroring the life of Jesus Christ. He also tells him to run towards faith, love, patience, and gentleness. The last three speak of a certain attitude or disposition because a man of God has authority in the kingdom of God. That person should be one who is loving on people, gentle on people - no small task there. B) Paul then tells Timothy to fight the good fight. There will be spiritual warfare; there will be people who are used against him in spiritual warfare, and he needs to fight the good fight. Those are not the things to run away from and to lay hold on to eternal life because, without eternal life, this whole thing is pointless. C) Paul urgently calls Timothy to give himself to these things, to make these things a priority in life. These are not afterthoughts; these are pursuits; these are priorities. In lieu of these priorities, make sure you give a good witness to these things to other people, just like Jesus gave a good witness to Pontius Pilate. He wasn't milk toasty when He talked to him, but He wasn't obnoxious either. D) Then Paul closes out this section of thought by simply telling Timothy: hang in there until the Lord returns; keep going until Jesus comes back; don't stop doing this until the trumpet blows; don't give up; don't quit; don't turn away; keep going until the sky changes; the wind comes; it'll be manifested in his own time, not in timetables that we've set up for the Lord to have to comply with.

The David Spoon Experience 10-6-23 part 2

1) A prophecy that was written in the book of Jude is being fulfilled before our very eyes. It states that in the last time, there will be scoffers who simply follow their own passions. It's impossible to look at the communications of the world and not understand that this is taking place. These are divisive people, people who create separations and divisions, and they are identified as people who have no touch from the Holy Spirit. Remember, for the Christian, there is unity in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.2) Here is a devotional by Pastor Ray. Now, for him, things are great. He's hanging out with JC, doing fantastic dances on streets of gold, and probably eating food without calories. But the message Pastor Ray left behind is simply this: There Are Pathways to Healing. Ray offers one specific and helpful avenue to add to our arsenal of prayers for healing.3) Praise reports, back-to-back, prayer, and so much more!

The David Spoon Experience 10-6-23 part 1

A) From James 1:3…“You know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” This is equated to what trials are. In other words, the testing of our faith is the same thing as the trials that we go through. If we could think of our trials as a time of testing, pruning, and refining,  and not a time of judgment, we would do much better throughout the process.B) The testing of our faith develops perseverance. This is one of the key components that Jesus taught us to prevail in. We must never give up, quit, bail, or say, “I can’t do this,” because we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. The testing of our faith gives us the muscles of endurance. Jesus talked about this not only from the point of view of character but also from the point of view of prayer.C) The scripture then tells us to allow perseverance to finish its work so that we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. This is extraordinary because it means that we will persevere by persevering. A more modern way of saying this is that we need to keep on in order to be keeping on. And at some point, we will grow up and produce the most important aspect of our walk.D) So, what is it that these things will produce in us? The trials, the testing of our faith, and the requirement to persevere all produce a position of us not lacking anything. That’s right. When we grow up, we recognize that we have everything and nothing at the same time. We have nothing of ourselves but everything in the Lord. You own everything. But you own nothing.

The David Spoon Experience 10-5-23 part 2

1) Demetrius, a very wealthy businessman in Ephesus, was losing money. Paul and the People of the Way were to blame. What happens when people lose their money and their power because someone is teaching the truth? Those people, whether their life is politics, business, fame, power, notoriety, or anything similar, FREAK OUT. They spend their time trying to make innocent people guilty of criminal offenses. They spend their time falsely accusing others. Truth, for these people, is irrelevant. 2) His big complaint was Paul stating that man-made gods are not gods at all. I’m sorry, but this level of ignorance is nutsy coo-coo. How can something man-made be Divine? These people are making images that they can crush, burn or throw anytime they want. And these images are supposed to be their gods? How can an object that can be tossed in a fire and burned up by a person be the god of that person?3) But Demetrius didn’t get to be wealthy by being a dullard. The truth is that “just like Judas,” he expressed his deep concern for the possible disrespect that was going to come to The Great Artemis. This is exactly like when Judas expressed his concern about an object being sold and the money given to the poor when, in reality, he just wanted more access to more funds. The story is spelled out clearly in the gospel of John, chapter 12:5-6. People cry foul when, in reality, they’re lying about what they can gain from the process. 4) As a mob gathers together, as the crowd gathers together, it’s nothing but confusion, anger, destruction and mayhem, with no actual idea as to why they’re doing what they’re doing. The Apostle Paul wanted to go in and address the commotion, but the faithful believed it was a bad idea and said no. Sometimes, it’s the heart of wisdom to just avoid danger especially when the danger is birthed from nothing normal or real but demonic evil. Knowing when to go into the fire and knowing when not to go into the fire requires discernment and close connection with the Lord and wisdom from God above. Some fights are better left than engaged with. The key is to know which hill to fight for and die on.

The David Spoon Experience 10-5-23 part 1

A) 2nd Corinthians chapter 10, verse five, starts off with this incredible truth about how the people of God should engage in spiritual warfare. It’s not pretty, and it’s not easy, which is why it is called warfare. The text says, “We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” We’re gonna take a few moments to try and break this down, piece by piece.B) We tear down arguments. OK, I’m not trying to be scientific, but where do arguments take place? Somewhere between our mouths, our ears, our minds and our hearts. We have. To tear down the arguments, which is also translated as strongholds. These are fortresses in our minds, where our thinking is and in our hearts, where our feelings are. And they have to be torn down because they are set up specifically against the knowledge of God. C) not to be a rocket scientist once again, but where do we find the knowledge of God? Could it be? I don’t know…maybe …the Bible! God wrote a book that contains the knowledge that He wants us to know and function in. By golly, I think we’ve got it. Or at least, we can get it. But that doesn’t stop the process there. We have to be diligent, vigilant and aware to make every thought obedient to what would be pleasing to Christ. It doesn’t mean every bad thought you’ve had or have is you being sinful and evil. Some of those bad thoughts are planted, placed, and offered as temptations that we must resist. D) How can you tell if we are doing a good job in this? Verse 6 makes that clear. We need to punish every act of disobedience. You’ll know you’re responding the wrong way if your actions correlate to those bad things. By your fruits, you shall know them. And by your fruits, you shall know you.

The David Spoon Experience 10-4-23 part 2

1) I often talk about the reality that we give God our leftovers. It is absolutely a sin. If God gave you and me the leftovers he had, we certainly would not receive Jesus Christ as the greatest gift ever. We are going to explore something absolutely important, and that is understanding the difference between our best for God and what is leftovers that we give to God. We will explore this through Genesis, all the way through to Revelation.2) What is most amazing about this reality is that God has made it absolutely clear that when we do not give him our best, he responds to that. He does not respond by not giving us his best. He gives us a response by saying "You are shortchanging me, and I will show you how." What frustrates many people is that God is an add-in in their relationship of life when God is supposed to be there all in life.3) The biggest challenge that many people who are Christians go through is understanding a simple principle: do we at any point, as we exist in this Christian walk, deny Jesus Christ for the sake of having people respond to us, love us, protect us, cherish us, praise us, and give us glory? The reality is that we cannot afford to make our lives contingent upon how people feel about us, but we can only afford to make our lives existent upon how our lives reflect the honoring and glory of Jesus Christ.