The David Spoon Experience

The David Spoon Experience 8-4-23 Part 1

A) Hebrews chapter 12. Verse 25b makes it clear that when the people rejected the voice of Moses, they suffered consequences. However, one can only imagine the severity of the consequences if people were to reject the voice of God Himself. To reject the words, the witness, and the willingness to sacrifice of Jesus is to put oneself in grave danger of eternal separation from God.B) Moreover, in verse 27, it is stated that God will not only shake the Earth but also the heavens. This shaking serves a purpose, as anything that is shaken by God does not endure. It will be tossed aside. Only that which is shaken and remains steadfast before Him will endure. If anything in heaven or on Earth fails to please God, it will be shaken loose as we enter eternity. God will not spend eternity with those who are not fully rooted and grounded in Him, in their hearts, minds, spirits, and bodies. Nevertheless, the new order of things, like our glorified bodies, will be even more magnificent.C) In response to this truth, instead of succumbing to fear, we are called to respond with gratitude. This is because we do not desire to spend eternity with anything that is unstable. A helpful way to comprehend this is to recognize that in eternity, things will be stable forever. There will be no more ups and downs like we experience on this planet. We won't have to deal with the same fluctuations. Even the yo-yo industry will be rendered obsolete.D) The author of Hebrews concludes by emphasizing that we can serve God with reverence and awe through this refining process. While the rest of the world may understand that God is a consuming fire, those of us who love Him with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind will discover His presence and fellowship to be a place of rest and peace. We will experience His grace, mercy, and love in abundance.
 

The David Spoon Experience 8-3-23 Part 2

1) In Acts chapter 17, verse 29, Paul states that we should not think of God as an idol designed by craftsmen from silver, gold, or stone. It is important to understand that the image of God is deeply fixed in the way we worship Him. If we think of God as some form of idol, then we are able to attribute to Him anything that we desire. This is the problem with the current culture; they claim to know God, but by their works and words, they deny Him.2) The Apostle Paul then states that God overlooked people's former ignorance about these things, but enough is enough. The reason for this is that Jesus Christ came as a witness from God. While nobody was allowed to make an idol unto God, now that the revelation of Jesus has come, God expects people to be past that level of ignorance.3) I know we don't like to think of things like this, but there is a specific day that God has called out to bring judgment upon the Earth. That judgment will come and be evaluated through the lens of the witness of Jesus Christ. God proved this to be true by raising Jesus from the dead. Once again, the resurrection is the key to our faith.4) As chapter 17 in the book of Acts closes, Paul finishes his speech, and there are three unique responses. Some people laughed, others were interested and wanted more information, and the third group became believers. It shouldn't surprise any of us that there are different reactions to the presentation of the gospel. Some people laugh at you, some find you interesting, and some want to become spiritual relatives by joining the faith in Jesus Christ. We welcome them as family.
 

The David Spoon Experience 8-3-23 Part 1

A) As Christians, we know that there are not many coincidences, if any. This is especially true when we are in direct pursuit of the Lord, and He gives us confirmation and affirmation throughout the process. As you know, I have been studying how to do a better job of asking for financial partnership in this ministry. So, it is not a coincidence that this is the text that has emerged. B) Paul tells Titus to help complete the act of grace that is happening at the church in Corinth. Titus helped get the ball rolling, and Paul asked him to help the church complete it. Sometimes the Lord brings us to a place where we help start something, and other times, He asks us ALSO to stick around and see it through.C) As I am prone to do, I picked up on something in verse 7 that I had not caught before. Paul says that they excel in everything - in faith and love – those are two big ones. And then he says that he needs them to excel in this grace of giving. Rarely do we equate giving with faith and love.D) But as Paul writes this next verse, he wrote it for someone like me. He is not making a demand for people to give, and I don't think I could do that anymore in my existence. I don't demand anything from you as partners in this ministry; I simply ask for your participation. But Paul says he is not making a demand; he is just ensuring that their verbal commitment stacks up with their actions. I didn't say it; God did.
 

The David Spoon Experience 8-2-23 Part 2

1) Well, Gang, it's time to venture into unknown and undiscussed territories. We're going to talk about exorcism the first thing that we're going to do is identify how demons can affect us as Christians. You're going to find out that there is more than one way that they can create problems for us. Keep in mind, it's spiritual warfare, and as the old saying goes, All is fair and love and war. They don't really care what the rules are from our perspective. The only rules they have to obey are God’s rules. With that in mind, let's adventure in.2) There are three key component areas where spiritual warfare comes to play for the Christian. We will discuss these three different categories. BUT, but, but, but… please be aware of two very important principles as we get involved. Number one, there is not a demon hiding behind every single rock. Not every time you have a bad meal or every time somebody drives lousy is that because a demon has influenced them.   Number two is in the exact opposite direction. Assuming that there's no demonic activity is equally as ignorant and unbiblical.3) We're going to do our best to put to bed a few myths regarding demons, both on the positive and negative side of things. We're going to discuss the question of what possession is and what demonization is.4) As you can imagine, many of these applications are going on in the framework of scripture that people try to conclude with their immovable theology. Let's not get caught up in those things, as opposed to getting caught up in the reality that Jesus came to destroy the works of the enemy, as specifically stated in 1 John 3:8, and while we are still here, Jesus commanded us to follow His mission.
 
 

The David Spoon Experience 8-2-23 Part 1

A) From Psalm 37, David emphasizes the importance of waiting on the Lord, following His ways and maintaining high expectations. In verse 34, David highlights these three elements: patiently waiting for God's timing, staying faithful to His commandments while waiting, and nurturing a hopeful anticipation of God's exaltation that leads to inheriting the land. B) Throughout the Psalms, David repeatedly affirms that the wicked will not endure. Although they may appear strong and impressive, their existence is transient and will eventually fade away.C) In verse 39 of Psalm 37, David proclaims that the Lord is our source of strength and help, not only in significant matters but also in the smallest aspects of our lives. God's presence remains accessible in times of trouble, demonstrating His unwavering support.D) David concludes the psalm by reminding us that God is our deliverer, helper, and eternal companion. However, there is a vital condition attached to receiving these benefits—we must place our trust in the Lord alone. Instead of relying on ourselves or idolizing worldly wisdom, we are called to embrace the freedom, peace, and truth found in trusting God's grace.
 

The David Spoon Experience 8-1-23 Part 2

1) By now, if you have listened to this show, you understand that I enjoy comedy quite a bit. Some of the comedians have tried to maintain a very clean line in their communication. At one point, I even worked with the company Clean Comedians and helped them book their different acts for churches. That doesn’t mean everything the comedians say is great. So, to that effect, I’ll say this with no endorsement of any in particular comedian whatsoever, that sometimes we just need to look up to the Lord… “Get ER Done.”2) From fun to folly as we examine Hezekiah, who received a blessing from God. What level of blessing was it? It was a blessing that he could stay alive longer on the earth. But there’s one in particular thing that Hezekiah failed to do. And because he failed to do it, he found his last years spiraling away from the Lord and being disobedient. Will examine that thing that he forgot to do before the Lord.3) Finally, how many of us would enjoy the Lord coming down and giving us a postcard, map, or a specific compass that directly relates to our next steps? Then we could know what path we should take and where we should go. He does that very thing. He helps us determine if we should go left or right. He helps us to decide what direction is the best to walk in. The real question is, are we using his compass?

The David Spoon Experience 8-1-23 Part 1

A) We come to Matthew Chapter 12, Verse 22 and a classic portion about Jesus talking about engagements with the prince of demons. In the initial encounter, a man who is blind and unable to talk was brought to Jesus for healing. Jesus healed him in both areas. And this brought astonishment to the crowd; they asked the question OUT LOWD…Is this Jesus the Messiah?B) As we’ve talked about many times, the people in charge of the religious department, the Jewish leaders, and the Pharisees were not very pleased that people responded so positively to Jesus. So, they responded by saying that the way that Jesus is able to cast out spirits is from Satan’s power himself. This shows that the Pharisees were not unaware of Satan. But they did not care as much about spiritual warfare as they did about losing control. C) Jesus responds by giving the classic truth that Abraham Lincoln borrowed in his speech. And the reality is that it starts this way; first and foremost, any kingdom at war within itself is doomed. Any city that is at war with itself is doomed. Then He said any household that is at war with itself is doomed. There must be a capacity to bring peace, which does help us understand a little better this beatitude, Blessed are the peacemakers.D) Then Jesus gets in a quick jab or two by saying that the people that have followed the Pharisees have been involved in casting out spirits. So, when they say that Jesus is doing it by a foreign power, how are their followers doing it differently? And then this lays down the truth, which sets up one of the biggest reviews in the New Testament. The works that Jesus does is by the power of the Holy Spirit. It proves that the Kingdom of God has arrived.
 

The David Spoon Experience 7-31-23 Part 2

1) Into Job 33, where the time has come for Job and you and me to be challenged by the Lord. To this point, we have taken inventory of a man going through “the mill” and thinking it was all about him. But in truth, it was all about God making declarations. He was a part of it, BUT not the part he thought he was. So, there’s that. I have to be earnest here. I think that most of my trials center around me. BUT scripturally and in the end game, they always seem to be about greater and much more important elements than me.2) Elihu does something that is very honorable. He states clearly that he is going to keep talking. Do you know how you and I say, “Let me just say…” when we already know we are going to say more. Elihu just lays it out. “Job, I’m going to keep talking. I will be sincere…and as respectful as I can. But I’m going to give more than my two cents. I’m going to give you …about three fifty.” 3) The Spirit of God, the breath of the Almighty. One day, we are going to get this. But the key here is in Elihu saying, “Look, dude, I’m just like you. Made from clay and nothing special. I’m not someone great.” In Jeremiah, the warning from the Lord is Should you then seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them. (Jeremiah 45:5). Great things are coming. But not so that WE can be greater, but so that God gets the glory.4) I am innocent. I have not sinned. God is picking a quarrel with me. Three statements in a row, each one is as incorrect as the previous one. I am innocent. NO ONE is innocent except Jesus. I have not sinned. Everyone has sinned except for Jesus. God is…Pipe down, Francis; you and I RARELY know what it is that God is doing. Kapeesh?

The David Spoon Experience 7-31-23 Part 1

A) Nothing is to be refused from the Lord. Every gift bestowed upon mankind is from above and should be received with thanksgiving. When the Lord grants us a gift, and He has blessed us with many, we should respond with gratitude. Through the word of God and prayer, we can discern whether a gift is from God or not, and if it is, it should be appreciated.B) Paul tells Timothy that by instructing people in the ways he has shared; he will become a good minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He will be nourished and strengthened in words of faith and good doctrine. Understanding that good doctrine furthers the Kingdom of God, exalts Jesus Christ, and promotes fellowship with others is important. But not when it creates pride, division and arrogance. C) Paul then addresses the concept of exercising ourselves towards godliness. He mentions that bodily exercise has some benefits but is limited to the temporal realm. On the other hand, exercising godliness holds eternal significance and far greater benefits.

The David Spoon Experience 7-28-23 Part 2

1) Today, we're filled with excitement as we delve into the book of Jeremiah during our DDD sessions. We will explore the challenges the Lord presents us on our spiritual journey. The first challenge revolves around understanding how God blesses people and identifying who receives these blessings. Our focus will be on actively participating in the Kingdom of God to invite His blessings into our lives. We aim to bridge the gap between mere hope and firm belief in the certainty of His provisions. 2) We take a moment to review a devotional from Pastor Ray Bentley This devotional center is around understanding that there's a tension between the promise that God has given us and the fire that we ofttimes must walk through to get there. He connects that to understanding the children of Israel being in the promised land and yet having to fight their way through once they arrived. Pastor Ray then connects that to understanding the tension between God giving us gifts and our calling to fulfill them. We need to take with us, wherever we go, the love of God and the Gospel of peace. 3) Lastly, we will conclude our DDD sessions by examining an intriguing “tells” presented by Jeremiah. This metaphor highlights the actions or behaviors that reflect trust in God. As believers, our lives should exhibit "tells"—observable signs—to both ourselves and others. We will explore the five specific indicators that stem from placing our trust in God. Oh boy!
 

The David Spoon Experience 7-28-23 Part 1

A) The passage in Hebrews talks about God being the Judge. Let's understand why this is exceedingly important. It's not that you and I can never make any form of judgment. That's not accurate or even close to the teachings of Jesus. But we can't make hypocritical judgments. We certainly are not permitted to give a final eternal judgment. The reason is simple: Only God knows all the facts regarding somebody who faces eternity. Only God knows the actual truth as to whether somebody at some point said yes, even without anybody else knowing. That's why the final judgment is left up to God and God alone. B) To the spirits of righteous people made perfect.Catch this; righteous people are righteous, but they are not perfect. Only God is perfect. Even the most righteous person is not perfect. Because from Jesus Christ, perfection is imputed unto us. The truth is that as righteous as somebody is, they will never be perfect. There will always be some form of stain. The difference is that only God can make the stain disappear. Nobody else can. C) To Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant.This is the key to the entire book of Hebrews. Jesus is the mediator of the New Covenant. There is an Old Covenant, and there is a New Covenant. And the NEW is through Jesus Christ, and only through Jesus Christ, and nobody and nowhere else. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, and no man comes to the Father but through me.”D) A classic portion of scripture: to the blood of Jesus, which speaks something better than the blood of Abel. The blood of Jesus speaks forgiveness; the blood of Abel speaks justice. The irony is that we are told in the scriptures that it is the blood of Jesus that speaks something better than the blood of Abel. Forgiveness is better than justice. Tell that to Mr. Sharpton and the other crazy culture kids!

The David Spoon Experience 7-27-23 Part 2

1) In the book of Acts, we reach a significant moment where Paul delivers a pivotal speech about the proclamation of the gospel. He emphasizes that the God they worship is not a deity crafted by human hands nor a product of imagination formed from wood, stone, nature, or any other material. In fact, he passionately defends the notion that God is the giver of life and of breath to all things. 2) This particular juncture calls for a stern correction for those who perceive themselves as entitled. It is crucial to understand that no person on this planet is entitled to anything. The only individual who ever possessed entitlement was Jesus, owing to his sinless nature. Consequently, justice was rightfully due to him. However, beyond this truth, no one can claim entitlement. Every breath, past, present, and future, is a gracious gift from God, not a deserved reciprocation. Individuals who adopt an entitlement mentality or adhere to entitled or woke ideologies are entirely adrift from biblical and godly truth.3) Another astounding truth that Paul highlights is that God is the ultimate satisfier of every genuine need for mankind. These needs do not encompass worldly, fleshly, or satanic desires but rather righteous necessities. God, as the Creator, provides everything essential for His creation. However, if the creation rejects their Creator, they will face the consequences.4) Paul does not stop there; he continues his declaration, ensuring that everyone comprehends that it is God who establishes boundaries. Despite popular belief that these boundaries are determined by humanity, political systems, personal wisdom, and wars, the truth remains that God is the ultimate authority who delineates the positioning of every nation—past, present, and future. He does so with HIS clear purpose in mind.5) The purpose is to draw people towards Him, encouraging them to seek Him and reach out to Him. God extends His hand to all of humanity, and He is not distant from any of us. He bestows His grace so that mankind will pursue a relationship with Him. When individuals reject Him, they ultimately insult their Creator in the gravest manner.