The David Spoon Experience

The David Spoon Experience 7-27-23 Part 1

A) Here we are at 2 Corinthians 8, and it's truly remarkable. Paul begins by discussing the concept of giving, and while it may not always be a popular topic, it is one that cannot be overlooked when it is addressed in the Bible. The initial focus is on the Grace God has bestowed upon the churches in Macedonia, specifically concerning their generous contributions. In this context, giving is referred to as both a grace and a gift, emphasizing its significance and the blessings it brings. B) It is important to acknowledge that the church in Corinth was not financially impoverished, so it is crucial, to be honest about their situation. However, the churches in Macedonia and the surrounding areas were experiencing considerable hardships, including financial struggles. Despite their own difficulties, they managed to find immense joy in the Lord by sacrificially giving to the Jerusalem believers.C) Here's the remarkable aspect of it all. The Macedonian people, who were not affluent themselves and belonged to a Gentile church, chose to give to the Church of Jerusalem, filled with Jewish believers, out of deep compassion for their suffering brothers and sisters. What's more, they didn't just give within their means; they went above and beyond. They gave what they could, and then they gave even more. This act of selflessness and generosity was recognized by God in the scriptures, demonstrating His love for such deeds.D) Paul highlights the fact that the Macedonians acted of their own volition. They eagerly embraced the opportunity to participate in the act of giving. While Paul had anticipated some level of giving from them, they exceeded his expectations. By prioritizing their service to God and fulfilling His will, they demonstrated an exceptional commitment to giving. And proof of grace.
 

The David Spoon Experience 7-26-23 Part 2

1) Today, we deep dive into a profound teaching about the faithfulness of God. While most of us acknowledge His faithfulness and have personally experienced it, we will focus on His profound connections with us. These connections reveal His unwavering commitment to us. It is through His connection to us that we become connected to Him, allowing us to rely on Him reliably.2) Let us explore three distinct realms of our connection to the Lord, each of equal importance, akin to a divine Trinity. If we grasp these truths and apply them to our daily lives, our path becomes considerably clearer. We unlock our potential to partner with God in conquering every obstacle. 3) Let’s start with; there is nothing more important than to understand what God has to say about our connection with Him. What He has to say is established in His word. It’s how He makes His declarations for where we are in His eyes. That, of course, is substantially different than where we think we are in our contaminate minds. What God has to say stands forever. The way that we interpret “stuff” shifts with the waves and the winds.4) As we conclude this encouragement, let’s understand the motivation behind the Lord's desire to be connected with us. His connection is not coerced or influenced by external factors. He is self-sufficient and independent. He chooses to stand with us, to connect with us, and to journey alongside us faithfully. The everlasting connection He has established with us is a result of His boundless love residing in His heart—a connection that we will cherish and enjoy for all eternity.

The David Spoon Experience 7-26-23 Part 1

A) The steps of a good man: This is, of course, applicable to all God’s kids. But let’s be honest for a moment. The simplicity is that everyone in the world thinks they are good, with a little bit of evil. The Lord makes it clear that people are evil, with a little bit of good, because they are made in God’s image. But as authentic believers, we CAN BE good more often. And we know, even in sincere humility, whether we are “good” before the Lord (not the world) or not. In Jesus, it’s good. B) The promise is that our steps are “ordered” by the Lord. How great to know that we are not just walking blindly. We are actually on a path, even if we can’t see the steps ahead. The Lord can see the steps ahead for us. Another word for ordered is established. Our steps are established by God.C) AND, even though we may fall, stumble, or veer off the path laid out for us because the Lord God Almighty is in charge of the journey, He will not abandon or forget us. The reason why we won’t forever fall is as solid as it gets. The Lord has us in the palm of His hand. With His hand, he catches us when we fall. With His hands, there is safety. In His hands, there is security and safety.|D) Then David does “the review.” In examining his life from young to old, he declares that He has NEVER seen the righteous forsaken. He has never seen His seed begging for bread. He has never seen the offspring of God abandon. The power is in the realization that God has never, nor will ever, fail us.

The David Spoon Experience 7-25-23 Part 2

1) As we delve into Galatians Chapter 3, Verse 1, we witness Paul's unreserved frustration with their mindset. He addresses them as "foolish Galatians," which differs significantly from Jesus' warning against calling someone a fool. Different Greek word than "raca" which is the word Jesus used. In this case, Paul is just calling them stupid (ignorant, unintelligent). Dave explains it. 2) Paul then poses an intriguing question: "Who has bewitched you?" This statement carries profound weight, as many Christians can be influenced by individuals who use false teachings and lies to mislead them onto the wrong path.3) Theology comes into play as Paul highlights how the Galatian church, who initially grasped the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, has now allowed themselves to substitute Jesus and rely on their own efforts for salvation. This is a serious matter, as it will ultimately lead to tragedy. Salvation begins in Jesus, remains in Jesus, and is completed in Jesus.4) We cannot initiate by the Spirit, believe in Jesus, or offer a prayer of submission to the Lord to then only turn around and seize control ourselves, regardless of our personality type. Paul straightforwardly asks, "Have you lost your minds?" It is a fair question to raise. They started with Jesus but now are concluding with their own abilities. That kind of approach is misguided. Furthermore, he asks, "Are you just going to throw it all away?" Why would they throw out everything they have worked towards? After all the transformation they have undergone, it is utterly ridiculous to think and believe this way.

The David Spoon Experience 7-25-23 Part 1

A) As we delve into Matthew, Chapter 12, verse 15, we witness Jesus' awareness of the plot to kill Him and remove Him from the picture. However, He didn't remain in that situation. One might wonder why He chose to leave instead. The answer is simple: Jesus knew it was the Father's will for Him to die elsewhere, not there. His departure was an act of obedience to the Father's divine plan. B) In verse 16, Jesus communicates something remarkable. He instructs those around Him not to disclose His true identity. This might seem contradictory to what the church generally encourages its followers to do. However, understanding this requires acknowledging that there is a proper time and place for sharing such information. It necessitates walking in communion with the Father, guided by the redemption of the Son and the power of the Holy Spirit. Despite performing healing miracles among the people, Jesus cautioned against revealing His identity. God attaches significance to the timing.C) Matthew, the author, references a quote from Isaiah 42 pertaining to this very event. It serves as a fulfillment of prophecy, declaring that God has bestowed the Holy Spirit upon Jesus for the purpose of ministry. Within this prophecy, we encounter three extraordinary blessings.D) The first blessing reveals that the Beloved, who fulfills this prophecy, will not crush the weak. The second blessing signifies that He will not extinguish the faintest glimmer of hope held by individuals. And the third blessing assures us that there is genuine hope found in His name. Whenever we utter the word "Jesus," we should recognize the hope it carries.

The David Spoon Experience Part 2

Roslyn calls in with two phenomenal theological questions from her hubby, Robert. (: 1) Okie doke… this portion in Job is lights out killer. We're picking it up with Elihu Job 32:8 is a theological Wunderbar moment. God's Spirit is connected to God's breath in this passage. We're not going to go down the entire rabbit hole but be aware that the breath of God and the Spirit of God can, in certain texts, be interchangeable.2) I should pass up on this next section, but I can't. It says in verse 9 that sometimes the elders are not wise. Sometimes, the people who are older are not the smartest people in the room. Sometimes, the younger people have a better grasp of what's going on. This isn't all the time, but when it comes to Biblical truth and godly wisdom, it's the Holy Spirit that activates, not age.

The David Spoon Experience 7-24-23 Part 1

A) 1 Timothy 3:9 states that the mystery of Godliness is great and unquestionable. Let's acknowledge that the process of the gospel goes beyond mere reason and logic. It encompasses astonishing aspects that even amaze the Angels, who try to fathom the mystery of our salvation. The answer to all our mysteries, of course, lies in Jesus Christ.B) Isn't it incredible? Jesus, who is God, manifested Himself in the flesh. He was vindicated by the Spirit due to His righteous life. Angels witnessed Him and He was proclaimed among the Gentiles. He was believed in by the world and received glory, referring to His ascension. Currently, He sits at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us until His return.C) Now, let's shift our focus briefly from the minor doxology to the Holy Spirit, who reveals that in the latter times, some people will deviate from the faith. Theologians will debate for years and centuries whether they were genuinely saved or not. Regardless, the truth remains that people will abandon their faith by succumbing to deceptive spirits and doctrines of demons. These teachings must come from somewhere.D) This warning is directed at those who have entered the faith but have been deceived by false teachings disguised with Christian terminology. Their consciences have been calloused, rendering them unresponsive to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Instead, they substitute their conscience with commandments rooted in human wisdom, such as forbidding the enjoyment of certain foods or discouraging Godly marriages. Both of which we should be grateful for rather than hindered by.

The David Spoon Experience 7-21-23 Part 2

1)We begin this show with an incredible teaching about God's role as the master of the universe. While some may believe that God created the universe and then journeyed to the planet Pluto, this is incorrect. In reality, God is in charge of everything that happens in the universe and in control of its time and timing. We must grasp that God is not just the master of the universe but also the master of time, which includes our time as His children.2) It's important to acknowledge that some of us mistakenly believe that God's middle name is "molasses," implying that He moves slowly. However, we fail to understand that the concept of time that God operates on is the one He invented and created. When it comes to His promises, God is never slow; He is prompt and faithful. While He may seem slow in executing judgment, He has never been late in fulfilling any proclamation or promise He has made.3) We travel to the Book of Joel. Scriptures are what God wants you and me to hear, read, seize, use, embrace, and learn from it. So, in the book of Joel, we found that we find something fascinating. Your mouth counts a lot more than you think. With it, we confess to salvation. And more.4) We closed the show, heading into the weekend with an absolutely stellar thought that comes from 2nd Samuel. You’ll often hear me preach, teach and reach regarding pathways to the Lord. The Biblical truth is also that it’s the Lord who creates pathways. His grace pathways are better than our effort-filled pathways. But that’s not the focus of this DDD. What we are going to discuss is why God creates pathways for us to reach Him. There is a reason. There is a purpose, and we examine it.

The David Spoon Experience 7-21-23 Part 1

A) For you have NOT come to what “could be” touched. 1: You have not come to a physical mountain. 2: For you have not come [as did the Israelites in the wilderness] to a mountain that can be touched. Now is the opposite of then.B) Did anyone out there in Radioland see the movie “Spaceballs”? It’s a classic Jewish movie spoof on Star Wars. In the movie, this dialogue comes up: But relax, it’s just for illustration purposes.Sandurz: Now. You’re looking at now, sir. Everything that happens now is happening now.Lord Dark Helmet: What happened to then?Col. Sandurz: We passed it.Lord Dark Helmet: When?Col. Sandurz: Just now. We’re in now, now.C) Even if an animal touches it, it must be stoned. So terrifying was the old Divine engagement that if a stray bunny touched the mountain, it was taken out. If you think that is harsh, I encourage you to understand that they were executed if the people went too far toward the hill. If you don’t like it, then call God out. Just let me get some distance first.D) INSTEAD: We come to Mount Zion (The real Jerusalem), A Festival gathering (Happy times), The assembly of the First Born (Jesus), Whose names have been written IN HEAVEN. Could there be a cooler description for us to rejoice in? We assemble in Mount Zion, the Heavenly one because our names have been written IN And it’s a party that lasts forever.
 

The David Spoon Experience 7-20-23 Part 2

60 minutes:1) In Acts chapter 17, we find Paul engaging in debates with Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. It is important to note that debates themselves are not wrong as long as they are not driven by a spirit of superiority or argumentativeness. Christians should rely on the power of God's truth, which in itself provides all the assurance and encouragement needed.2) When presenting the Gospel to those who have never heard it or have limited exposure to Christianity, it might sound strange or foreign to them. However, when people's hearts are open, they often show curiosity and ask for more. This is the opportune moment to continue sharing and providing further insights. As ambassadors of the kingdom, our aim is to share the beauty of our faith when people express interest and to be ready to share, in season and out of season.3) Paul's approach at Mars Hill demonstrates a classic method of using his audience's own knowledge to lead them to the presentation of the Gospel. Similarly, guided by the Holy Spirit, my brother Billy used something I was fond of (comic books) to illustrate the difference between good and evil, connecting it to God and Satan.4) Part of Paul's defense (Apologia is the Greek word for speaking in defense, which is where we get the word “apologetics”) includes the observation that God does not dwell in man-made temples and that human efforts cannot fulfill His needs, as He lacks nothing. He enables us to fellowship with Him, but His existence is independent of us. This simple truth should humble those who seek to understand God's ways.

The David Spoon Experience 7-20-23 Part 1

A) In 2nd Corinthians chapter 7, verse 13, Paul expresses how he was greatly encouraged by the arrival of Titus, in addition to the regular encouragement from the Lord and His grace in their situations. This teaches us that fellowship has a unique ability to refresh each one of us. B) Paul further emphasizes his admiration for Titus and his willingness to boast about him without any embarrassment. Titus proved to be as great as Paul had claimed, and this encouraged Paul even more. It demonstrates the power of genuine praise and its impact on others.C) There is an interesting aspect that the Holy Spirit is included in the Holy Writ. He highlights how Titus's affection for the people at Corinth grows whenever he remembers their diligence in supporting and strengthening him. Remembering such acts of kindness strengthens our own affection and feelings towards others, which is a normal and positive response.D) Paul concludes this chapter by expressing his joy and complete confidence in the Church of Corinth, just as he had confidence in boasting about Titus. The thought of their faith and dedication brings encouragement, blessings, and joy to Paul. Imagine if we could have the same confidence and encouragement in one another.
 

The David Spoon Experience 7-19-23 Part 2

BEST OF SHOW:1) Today, we review one of Jesus’s greatest stories. It has held our hearts tight and brought grace, mercy, and the most unique times. It reminds us that the Lord loves us and continually looks for us to come to Him. In the story, there are many details. And in the church, there are many interpretations. That’s no problem. In truth, that’s part of the fun. Not defending your own insights but being open to hearing the same story impacts other brothers and sisters in a different way. That’s something g we should rejoice in, not fight over.2) The Prodigal Son. The word “prodigal” means spending money or resources freely and recklessly, wastefully extravagant. The story, known as a parable (a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson), is taught by Jesus for the purpose of communicating essential kingdom truths. What’s most amazing is which characters people tend to focus on.3) The players in our drama are The Father, the older son, the younger son, the Father’s servants, and the hiring citizen. There is also the identification of the world or “the party people.” The focus is definitely on the younger son and the father. But the other characters make the truth more applicable for our own applications.4) This parable has a beginning, a middle, and an end. While it’s easy to get caught up in the details, the central teaching from Jesus is about the conclusion. How apropos that for our own application, we should be laser-focused on the conclusion, just like the scriptures teach us on a day-by-day basis.  How this whole thing ends is what God wants us to see. That is His desire …that we see with “the end” in mind. Always!