The David Spoon Experience

The David Spoon Experience 9-26-23 part 1

A) We are in the heart of parable country. What does that mean? Matthew 13 is loaded with parables, and Jesus brings a few more to the forefront to help us better understand the Kingdom of God. By the way, for those who are trying to make a distinction between the Kingdom of God, the Kingdom of our Lord, and the Kingdom of Heaven, there is none.B) Enter the story of the wheat and the weeds. This parable is easier to grasp than most others, simply because it’s shorter. Further on down the text, Jesus explains this parable as well. The kingdom is likened unto a farmer who plants good seed in a field. Guess who the farmer is? It’s Jesus. Guess who the good seeds are? It’s the people of the kingdom.C) At night, when darkness has its cover, an enemy of the farmer plants weeds amongst all the wheat. Guess who the enemy is? It’s the Devil. Without getting too far into the weeds (get it? That’s a joke), we need to recognize that there is an enemy that plants people close to us to try and wound us and affect our growth. By the way, the weeds are people who belong to Satan. We might not want to hear this, but they have made the commitment not to be touched by God. Those are the people that satan is controlling and influencing. That’s why the gospel talks about finding freedom through Jesus Christ.D) The question in the parable is how does the Farmer want to take care of the weeds and wheat that are together? Does He want to pull out the weeds? In other words, shall there be a rapture of the bad, so to speak? But in truth, the Farmer says “no, you’ll hurt everybody if you do it that way. We’re going to have them both grow together until the harvest.” “Then at harvest time, we will separate the weeds from the wheat and burn them, while placing the wheat safely in a barn.

The David Spoon Experience 9-25-23 part 2

1) Here we are in the heart of Elihu’s message to Job. So far, he’s been imparting wisdom to him. He’s been setting up one theological argument after another to show that Job has fallen off the trusting God wagon. In verse 16, he mentions that God has led Job away from danger, giving him freedom. How many times has the Lord delivered you and me from certain destruction, and we didn’t even realize it because it was based on His grace and mercy that He protected us? Many of you know my story. God saved me from certain death.2) Elihu then brings up a point which is extremely valid for you and me today. He says you’re too obsessed with judgment on the godless. In other words, he’s saying that you’re so focused on the difficulty you’re getting and why the guy next to you isn’t getting it worse because you’re a much better person of faith than he is. The challenge that Elihu brings is why are you focused that way? Don’t worry about injustice. God will handle it for the people who are godless. But stop focusing on those things. Focus on His grace and mercy.3) Here’s a portion that everybody is going to want to cross out of their Bibles, but we can’t do it. We’re told to be on guard, and turn back from evil, because it was God who sent suffering into our lives to prevent us from going down a path of true evil and separation from Him. That doesn’t square with a positive-only gospel, but God doesn’t care.4) After making it clear that nobody can teach God, not now, not ever, Elihu states that God is exalted beyond what we can understand. A fascinating connection to Matthew 5:45 is brought up in Job 36:28. He states that God pours rain out on everyone and that blesses everyone. Just like when Jesus said the Father pours His rain out on the just and the unjust. That is a demonstration of God loving everybody. And then the ultimate statement, of course, was sending Jesus to die for us.

The David Spoon Experience 9-25-23 part 1

A) Paul continues his instructions to Timothy on how to approach ordaining someone for ministry. He advises Timothy not to lay hands on anyone too hastily or share in other people's sins but to keep himself pure. The haste element refers to ordaining someone before they have proven they are prepared for the position.B) Paul pauses in his thoughts and advises Timothy to no longer drink only water, but to use a little wine for his frequent infirmities or stomach aches. Wine was considered medicinal, and Paul was not advising Timothy to drink wine to excess, but rather as a means of relieving stress and for its medicinal properties. An NO, it was not grape juice.C) Paul returns to his original thought and notes that some men's sins are evident before anything goes forward, and those people should not be ordained. Other people's sins may manifest afterward, but ultimately, they will be revealed (just like Everyone’s sins will be revealed) because they cannot be hidden.D) Paul then shifts Timothy's focus to the social elements, specifically the relationship between bondservants and their masters. This relationship is closer to that of employer-employee than it is to the American slavery problem. Paul advises Timothy to ensure that the bond servants' behavior towards their masters is honorable and respectful. If the master is a brother in the Lord, then the bondservant must go the extra mile to be a blessing, an encouragement, and a help to their brother.

The David Spoon Experience 9-22-23 part 2

1) Hold on my good friends…how is it acceptable for us to understand that EVERYTHING is already set for God’s Purpose, without us understanding what is taking place? It’s simpler than we are willing to admit. God knows everything. And in the Garden of Eden, the sinners (Adam and Eve) tried to find equality. Even though they ate for the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, they did not eat from the Tree of Omniscience. So, take heed.2) We all have heard: “Birds of a feather, flock together.” When the Bible teaches us to not associate with others, it doesn’t mean that you can’t say …HI! It means that you can’t plant yourself in their soil.  Let’s try to understand what this means: Connecting with unbelievers is great. Communion is something altogether different.3) Others: Oh no! Does this mean that we should be careful how OUR FREEDOM or “anything else” affects other people, specifically other believers? YES, Yes, yes. But does this mean that we should be careful around others who don’t know us? YES, Yes, and yes. Look, nobody in front of you is condemning you. But that does not mean you can sue your liberty to “stretch” someone else. Don’t dump your okey dokey on someone else. That’s fair enough.4) This is a daily prayer. Every day I ask God for help in this specific arena. That my “THOUGHTS” would be acceptable to HIM. I love the KJV in this text. And I pray for it EVERY day. Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. Look, I know that my desire is to think Godly, but only by His grace can I ever hope to do so. Amen.

The David Spoon Experience 9-22-23 part 1

David interviews Scott Phelps from AM Partnerships. Please check out this awesome ministry at ampartnerships.orgInspiring Hope for Healthy Marriages, Abstinence & Marriage Education Partnership is advancing a movement that inspires hope for healthy future marriages. Scott Phelps began AM Partnership with the goal of reaching every teenager with a positive presentation about the benefits of abstinence as well as instruction on preparing for a healthy marriage.At the end of the day, students everywhere are hoping for a healthy, happy future but are unsure how to act now to reach this goal. Scott Phelps believes every teen in our nation deserves to hear a clearly reasoned, positive presentation on the benefits of abstinence so they can choose for themselves how they want to live. In order to reach every teen, Scott focuses on equipping and empowering adults to present this message to teenagers in their community.

The David Spoon Experience 9-21-23 Part 2

1) Well, it seems extremely bizarre today, because sometimes science has interfered with spiritual warfare, but there was a group of Jewish people who would travel from town to town, casting out evil spirits. It’s not clearly known their level of success. But they thought that using the name of Jesus would be helpful to their cause. This is an example of people who come using the name of the Lord BUT are not in the Lord.2) They ultimately used this formula “I command you by Jesus, whom Paul preached.” They had no authority of their own. They were the seven sons of Sciva. No actual high priest was named Sciva, but he was likely one of the leaders of the 24 high courts. His kids were trading on his name. Sounds familiar. When they came across a man who was actually possessed by an evil spirit. The spirit had an interesting reply “I know Jesus and I know of Paul. But who are you?”3) The seven sons of Sciva got beat up by one individual. 7 on 1. But that shows you how connected spiritual warfare is to the physical realm as well. The story spread like wildfire and the fear of God fell upon the people. And instead of this being a mocking towards the name of Jesus Christ, it became an honor. Why? Because people now knew that only the legitimate Christians can do this type of ministry.4) The end result of trying to misuse the name of Jesus was turned around into a Gospel Revival where people recognized that there is only one true power. And it is through Jesus Christ. People who use the name of Jesus for something other than kingdom glory don’t wield that power. But people that know Jesus do have that authority and power. The message about the Lord spread widely. People came burning all of their magic books and sorcery elements in submission to the Lord God almighty. Never forget God wins.

The David Spoon Experience 9-21-23 Part 1

A) In 2 Corinthians 9:13, the Apostle Paul mentions that this ministry of giving provides proof through the ability to see the giving that is taking place. The proof lies in witnessing the financial sacrifices that brothers and sisters are making on behalf of others. This proof then leads to the glorification of God. While many functions of ministry are within faith and cannot be tangibly touched, this ministry of giving is specific and can be witnessed. B) Their obedience to God’s command connects both the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ and their contributions. The giving is to people who are brothers and sisters in need. Despite many abuses taking place in the ministry world today, it is still clear from scripture that the Gospel and giving are forever connected.C) The Apostle then makes a brilliant observation by saying that because of this ministry, these people are praying for you. They recognize that they cannot repay from a financial aspect, but they can repay from a spiritual aspect. So these people who are receiving these gifts enter into the ministry of praying for those who have helped them in this tough time. And when they pray, they are filled with affection because of the manifestation of grace given through giving.D) Here is an incredible conclusion to chapter 9. Paul says, “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.” What indescribable gift is that? When one part of the body takes care of another part of the body, that part that receives then enters into ministry on behalf of those who give. It’s how the body of Jesus Christ is meant to function - everybody taking care of one another on all different levels and in all different ways. Jesus had this in mind when he said, “Love one another as I have loved you. And you will be witnesses to the world.” Testify.
 

The David Spoon Experience 9-20-23 Part 2

1) On August 20th, Noelle and I heard a wonderful message at Crossroads Church in Rowlett by Jason Collins. He made excellent points about people living to please others and how they might even compromise who they are and what they believe to find approval. He acknowledged that he struggles with this himself, something I appreciate. Any minister who acknowledges this earns my respect, but it must still be dealt with.2) One of the biggest problems is that Christians in today’s society are told to put on their “Jesus face.” This means nothing to anyone in the Kingdom of God because nobody specifies if it’s the face Jesus made when someone was healing someone or the face he made while being crucified. In fact, everyone who tries to change who they are is actually sinning against what God created, especially those in the transgender and woke arena.3) The thing that irritates the Lord more than any other element in religious circles is hypocrisy. The word “hypocrite” comes from the Greek word “hupokrites,” which finds its origin in the concept of an “actor.” Wearing a mask has been a long tradition for drama and theater people before the New Testament was written. But the admonition not to be like an actor when engaging with one another in fellowship is specifically drawn out to the level where, when Ananias and Sapphira did it, God killed them. That’s New Testament, folks.4) Here’s the key: God never makes mistakes when creating someone. He never creates garbage or trash. People who don’t see themselves as God’s creation don’t understand the high value He places on them. It’s amazing how quickly we forget that God loves us and that we are his masterpiece. Even though we make mistakes and don’t do everything perfectly, we understand that we exist in the forgiveness, grace, and mercy that come through the redeeming work of Jesus Christ. So be yourself - it’s a lot easier.

The David Spoon Experience 9-20-23 Part 1

A) As Psalm 40 draws to a close, David makes several powerful statements that can help us in our daily walk. In verse 11, he says that God’s loving kindness and truth continually preserve him. While we may not fully understand this, it is important to recognize that God’s truth preserves us. It sustains and keeps us going, which is why we need to be refreshed every day. And this truth is given to us because of God’s loving-kindness.B) For those who are Bible Geeks, the next verse is particularly noteworthy. David says that his iniquities have overtaken him and are more numerous than the hairs on his head. This reference may be found in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 10, verse 30, where Jesus points out that even the hairs on our head are numbered. This means that not only does God know every detail about us, but He also knows every sin from our past, present, and future, and that we are still working to overcome.C) David also prays a unique prayer regarding those continually attacking him. He asks the Lord to confound them and cause them to function in disharmony. They seek to destroy his life, and he retaliates by asking the Lord to confuse and disorient them. Believe it or not, this is an act of mercy.D) David concludes the psalm by saying that all who seek the Lord should rejoice and be glad in Him. Those who love His salvation should continually say, “The Lord be magnified.” Salvation is a source of joy, but many of us forget this because of everything in life that we have to deal with. However, it always comes back to the same principle: when the disciples cast out evil spirits, Jesus told them not to rejoice about that but rather to rejoice that their names are written in heaven. Salvation is a steadfast joy.

The David Spoon Experience 9-19-23 Part 2

1) Paul continues to emphasize that everything is by the grace of God. He mentions that most of the Gentiles have found God but then quips that actually, they were found by God. The concepts of free will and predestination can be difficult to reconcile. But it doesn’t have to be. From our perspective, it seems like free will, but from God’s perspective, it’s predestination. Paul concludes this portion by asking if we are trying to win favor with God through our actions. He reminds us that we cannot. Not gonna happen.2) Paul then expresses deep concern for his audience. He fears that all his work with them will go to waste. He wants them to live in freedom, as he does - freedom from the law, legalism, and performance orientation. He wants them to live in the grace and mercy that comes from Jesus Christ.3) Paul makes an emotional plea, reminding his audience of when he first came to them. Despite being physically unwell, they saw him as an angel from God and thought of him in spiritual terms, in terms of kingdom ministry. And his physical lacking did not deter them.4) The apostle concludes this thought by reminiscing about the joy they all shared in the early days. In the beginning, it was great. What happened? They tried to take over that which God Himself started, so they lost their joy. He then asks a simple question: “Have I become your enemy because I am telling you the truth?” Before, when Paul told them the truth, they received it and became Christians. Now he challenges them again and wonders if the truth he tells them is making him their enemy. It should not be that way.
 

The David Spoon Experience 9-19-23 Part 1

A) We now examine the full explanations that Jesus gave regarding where the four seeds fell in people’s lives. The first seed that Jesus makes reference to is the seed that fell on the hard path. He clearly states that those people represent the people who hear the good news about the Kingdom of God, but they don’t really understand it. From the other gospels, we understand that they don’t care about understanding it either. And when people have that type of operation in their hearts and minds, the enemy is able just to come and snatch the word away from them.B) Jesus then explains regarding the people who hear the message, but it is on rocky soil. Here’s a definitive problem: they receive it with joy and think it’s great. Then he connects these people to young plants that have no roots no depth. They are surface people who go with the flow on anything that sounds cool. Everything seems fantastic in the beginning, but the moment there’s a problem, out they go. Can’t we all just get along? No, Jesus said.C) The third group is one of the most interesting groups to me. These are the people who have the seed thrown on thorny ground. They accept the message, love it, and believe it. But soon, the message is crowded out by the cares of this life and the lure of money and riches. So, to that effect, there’s no room for the seed to grow, and therefore, no fruit ever comes out of the seeds.D) And, of course, the last group is what all Christians claim to operate in good soil. Good soil means it’s prepped and ready to receive, which would be a good idea when we start reading our Bible. The reception for those seeds is powerful and represents the people whose hearts truly accept God’s message and use it in their lives. It produces fruit, sometimes 30-fold, at other times 60-fold, and yet at other times 100-fold. It might be fascinating to understand this in light of individual experiences with individual seeds: sometimes we get a good amount of it and use it; sometimes we get a great amount of it and use it; and sometimes we just fully get it and fully use it.

The David Spoon Experience 9-18-23 Part 2

1) Job 36 starts off with a bang in verse two. Elihu says, "I am not finished defending God.” Let’s set the record straight for all those people in the media who are not too bright or the other people who get in front of cameras and say, 'I’m not here to speak for God.' It seems like that’s appropriate since those people don’t know who God is and have no relationship with Him. But those of us whom He has called to advance His kingdom are, in truth, supposed to speak for Him to other people. That’s what we’re called to do. 2) As few people will want to hear this, Elihu supports Job's initial contentions that the Lord allows both good and evil. "Should we not accept both from the Lord? God doesn’t make the evil, but He allows it. People don’t like that, but it’s too bad," In verse 9, it states, "He shows people their sin and that they must turn away from their evil. And He does that because He’s merciful. If they listen and obey, then God blesses them. Don’t forget that sticky thing called Repentance."3) Then, an observation comes regarding those who are godless. They are defined as people that are full of resentment. "Yes, they don’t say that out loud initially, but deep in their spirit, deep in their heart, deep in their mind, they are resentful because they know that everything they’re doing has no lasting value and they have no hope to help them extend past bitterness."4) And here we go as Elihu drops another hammer, especially for those who are positive gospel oriented. Verse 15 says that "by means of suffering, God rescues those who suffer, and He allows it to get their attention through adversity." So, before everybody complains about what God is doing, even in allowing suffering and adversity, there is a Divine purpose.  It’s all designed to draw people closer to HIM.