The David Spoon Experience

The David Spoon Experience 8-22-23 Part 1

A) Religious leaders and teachers came to Jesus and wanted proof that He was legitimately from God. They asked Him for a sign because they wanted proof that He was the Messiah. They asked Him for something miraculous. This is substantially different from you and me asking God for a sign trying to find our way and guidance and direction.B) It's unique because Jesus answered that "only an evil generation would seek the sign” to prove he was from God. He doesn't say only an evil person. He is making more reference to the collective society of religious leaders. They were supposed to be looking for a Messiah but really didn't want him to show up and take away their power and prestige.C) Jesus makes it quite clear that there actually will be a sign given. It's the sign of Jonah’s life. There is nobody who thought that was a great sign to show that the Romans were going to fall. Jesus made it clear that Jonah was a real Bible prophet, regardless of what some of these supposed intellectuals think or say. Jesus used Jonah as an example of what will happen to Himself.D) Then He tells them that the judgment that will fall upon them will be severe for their rejection of the Messiah. He states that others would have quickly repented already that they had seen the workings of the teachings of Jesus. But the Pharisees were stubborn in their sin …much like too many Christians are.

The David Spoon Experience 8-21-23 Part 2

1) As we explore the theology in the last chapters of Job, we discover that God does not favor the rich over the poor. The Pharisees' belief that God blessed people based on their wealth was unfounded and not supported by Old Testament scriptures. In reality, God blesses those who are poor by making them rich in faith, which pleases Him.2) It is inescapable that God carefully observes how people live and sees everything they do. This means that there is not a thought, word, or action that anyone on this planet has that God is unaware of. He knows our intentions, sincerity, and hypocrisy. In Revelation, Jesus said seven times: "I know."3) Elihu then challenges everyone's thinking by making it clear that God does not wait for mortals to make decisions. The truth is that God acts without asking for anyone's permission or approval. This is what makes Him God - He is in charge, and even if we don't like it, there's one word that goes along with this: tough.
 

The David Spoon Experience 8-21-23 Part 1

A) In 1 Timothy chapter 5, the Apostle Paul advises Timothy to have relationships with people of all ages. He instructs Timothy to exhort older men as fathers, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with all purity. This teaches us that Christians in relationships with one another should treat each other with the same level of respect as their own families.B) Paul then instructs Timothy and the church on how to handle widows - women whose husbands have died and have no family left to care for them. The church bears responsibility for social support, but the people they support must be genuine in their needs and void of any other support.C) Interestingly, verse four of this chapter mentions that there should be repayment to parents. This is not commonly taught in our current society, but it is practiced in some societies on the planet. The idea is to give respect to elders, especially if they are righteous. We should care for those who are older than us and not dismiss them. This doesn’t mean that older people run the show, but it does mean that we help them.D) Paul then clarifies that anyone who claims to be a widow but lives for pleasure is not actually a widow. When Paul references a person not providing for their own, it does not mean that God hates people who can’t pay all the bills for their family. This refers to caring for widows and one’s own family, not the amount of financial support provided. The idea behind being a person who has denied the faith and is an unbeliever is someone who couldn’t care less about their family - we would call these people selfish.

The David Spoon Experience 8-18-23 Part 2

1)  In first Peter 3:13-15, it says if you suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. Suffering for righteousness' sake is, in this context, doing good for being a Christian. It’s for praying for people, caring about people and loving people. The person who got arrested because they were praying outside of the abortion clinic suffered because of doing good. God loves that because it proves the guy honors Jesus in his heart.2) As we have said before, so we say again, be ready. The Bible teaches us to watch and pray; to watch means to observe, be aware, have our eyes open, and be prepared. We are commanded to be ready to defend (to give an apologetic or a defense) our faith to anyone who asks us the reason for the hope in us. There is one caveat, however.  We have to have hope in order to defend it. People have to be able to see that we hold on to a hope that goes past circumstantial understanding.3) As you know, I’m a student of multiple eschatologies. I am a manifold millennialist. I see the Millennium from the perspective of different points of view. And I rather enjoy it because I seem to get the benefit of all of them. But there is one advantage that pre-millennialism has that outshines the rest. And that is simply this. There is a greater anticipation for the return of Jesus Christ, a greater expectation and a greater sense of urgency. One of the primary benefits of engaging with premillennialism is that there is an urgency to proclaim the return of Jesus Christ. He's coming again and sooner than we think. 4) I’m leaning toward teaching 1st Samuel. Why? Cuz. Jonathan is with his attendant, and they are trying to figure out what to do for their next steps. And Jonathan decides, you know what? Let’s take a chance. The Lord can help us. It doesn’t matter whether there are just a few or many of us; he is right. Stepping out in faith and believing that God can help us is the manner that pleases Him. Let’s live to please him. Amen.

The David Spoon Experience 8-18-23 Part1

A) Hold on to your holy pajamas because Dr. Dave takes A direct approach to the teachings of Hebrews, chapter 13, verse 4. Let's get it straight. God is not a prude. He created intimacy. If a husband and wife are united in what they do in intimacy, there's no problem with it. All you got to do is verify that with First Corinthians, chapter 7 verses 1 through 6.B) It is amazing how many references in scripture refer to money. The Lord knew that the temptation of gold, silver, precious stones, and financial collateral would be great for mankind. He commands us to be free from the love of money. Money itself is not bad, but the love of money can ruin people. If the love of money is the root of all evil, referring to greed and selfishness, then we need to keep free from it.C) On the flip side of that commandment is the one that says to be satisfied with what you have. The Lord appreciates this because it shows that you are not angry with God for not having more. It also keeps our priorities straight by walking before the Lord first instead of lining our bank accounts.D) This wisdom is then followed by the conclusion that the Lord is our helper. We can boldly affirm that the Lord is on our side, and we need not be afraid. What can man do to us? Making a decision not to fear or let fear consume our thoughts, we recognize that whatever man may do to us is limited to our earthly existence of 80, 90, or 100 years. Only with God does eternity come into play.

The David Spoon Experience 8-17-23 Part 2

1) One night, the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision. This could mean it was a dream or simply a vision that occurred at night. The Lord said something we should all be aware of and heed. This message is for Paul and us, as it comes from His awesome words. We should tremble at the word of the Lord when He tells Paul not to be afraid and to speak out, for He is with him.2) This message has a three-pronged approach: don't be afraid, speak out, and remember that the Lord is with you. "Don't be afraid" means just that - fear not. We don't have to be afraid. "Speak out" doesn't mean speaking obnoxiously but being willing to speak. The Lord gives us the reason for this - He is with us, and because of that, we are solid.3) Dave shares the sad news about a radio family member and his family. The show prays for the family. 4) Verse 11 is interesting because God told Paul to speak out and not be silent, as the Lord had many people there. Paul ended up staying there for a year and a half. Sometimes the Lord speaks to us, and we stay where we're supposed to be for 20 years, sometimes ten years, sometimes five, sometimes a year and a half, and sometimes even less. Just because God coordinates something doesn't mean it will last decades or just a day - it's up to the Lord and His plan.

The David Spoon Experience 8-17-23 Part 1

A) Thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus a deep devotion for the church at Corinth. We should recognize that God is the orchestrator and author of so many wonderful things in our lives. No matter how good we are, our goodness comes from Him alone. God Himself inspired Titus' compassionate heart, just as Paul himself has for the church. This exemplifies the fulfillment of the law of Christ. B) This verse emphasizes that sometimes we are moved by something in our hearts, and the Lord shows His approval by not hindering it. Titus came to the Corinthians willingly; it was his own decision, driven by a strong desire, and the Lord blessed it. While it's possible that God instilled this desire in Titus from the beginning, Titus took action, and God endorsed his choice.C) Paul mentions sending a brother who is praised by all the churches without revealing his name. While many have speculated about his identity, God chose not to disclose it in the Scriptures. Instead, we can enjoy the mystery, but we should also recognize that this acknowledgment could be anyone among us. The unnamed person's commendable efforts remind us that God values and honors every individual's service.

The David Spoon Experience 8-16-23 Part 2

1) There is timing to everything in the Kingdom of God. There is timing to our salvation. There is timing to answered prayers. There is timing to wilderness experiences, and there is timing to promised land experiences. There is a time to give and a time to receive. Ecclesiastes states, “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.”2) Within the framework of the biblical themes we engage with, three are listed as the greatest of them. 1 Corinthians 13:13 states, And now these three remain faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love. Love is defined as the most excellent way.3) Before we engage with the understanding of love, let's acknowledge that Satan and the world have hijacked the biblical truth of what love is. It is NOT, Love is love, or Love accepts everything, with no limits. That is a lie. And the person that proclaims this…is a liar. Jesus taught, “As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline (Revelation 3:19).4) Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words.” So to that end, we will examine what the Living Word of God provides us with using the Written Word of God. Have courage little campers. God gives us the strength to do all things through Jesus.

The David Spoon Experience 8-16-23 Part 1

A) David expresses deep anguish over his sins, acknowledging that not every sin affects him the same way, but the ones that weigh heavily on his heart and mind are the ones he confesses before God. These sins hurt him because he knows they are offensive to God.B) He also speaks of those who do evil in return for his good deeds, considering them enemies. These individuals twist the truth and embrace the darkness. The same people put darkness for light, death for life, and a lie for the truth. It's funny how they seem to be all around us.C) In times of struggle with sin and the challenges around him, David calls out to God, yearning for His presence and help. The psalmist's cry for God to draw nearer remains the ultimate solution to every situation.D) The plea for God to hurry in offering salvation conveys an honest human expression, though it may not change the outcome. While it may seem futile, David's example encourages us to express our deepest feelings and desires honestly before God.

The David Spoon Experience 8-15-23 Part 2

1) Here's something we often overlook those who try to make themselves right with God through the law or under a curse. It means that those who attempt to gain favor with God solely through their own actions and works are greatly displeasing the Lord. What truly pleases the Lord is our faith. 2) The technical reason people find themselves under a curse is that even if they fail to observe the smallest details of the law, they will be found guilty. Keeping the law, specifically referring to the law of Moses, cannot make one righteous because it is impossible to fulfill all its requirements completely. Even missing one part, one time, renders a person guilty of breaking the entire law.3) Now, in verse 14, comes the real revelation: through the work of Jesus, both Gentiles and Jews are blessed with the same blessing that Abraham received. This blessing is the promise of the Holy Spirit, and that is why we prioritize understanding and embracing fellowship with the Holy Spirit as an integral part of the Christian walk.

The David Spoon Experience 8-15-23 Part1

A) Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is one passage that scares most people. It takes place when the working power of God is attributed to Satan. You can curse the Son of God and be forgiven, but you cannot curse or speak evil of the Holy Spirit and be forgiven, not in this world or in the world to come. That is why we should be more tender and open to anything the Holy Spirit is doing.B) Jesus winds down this teaching with the classic statement that if a person is planted in good soil, they will produce good fruit. We can determine whether a person is in a good soil by their good works and words. Jesus says a good person produces good words from a good heart.

The David Spoon Experience 8-14-23 Part 2

1) Here's where the Job gets even better: Elihu points out that any person who turns to the Lord and praises he will accept God. God receives such individuals with joy, showing that He is glad when people turn to Him in prayer and seek His face. Furthermore, the Lord promises to restore and place us in right standing. 2) What an admonition for us to pray! At this point, Elihu is telling Job he's rather ignorant when he claims innocence and says that God has taken away his rights, without any sin on his part. However, what people often overlook is that the first time anyone sins is enough for God to discipline us…forever. Claiming innocence and asserting rights in front of God is absurd, as we all fall short.3) Then the younger lad makes a valid point in his argument: God does not sin and cannot do any wrong. It's a way of saying, 'Take that and think about it.' God has never acted unjustly toward anyone, as everything He does is for our best interests, declaring the truth and justice, regardless of people's opinions.