The David Spoon Experience

The David Spoon Experience 7-6-23 Part 1

A) The Apostle Paul makes an interesting confession that requires thoughtful consideration when reading the word of God. He states that if he caused any problems or sorrows, he does not regret it. However, in the very next statement, he acknowledges that he did feel regret. Some may view this as a contradiction, but it is not. Paul is expressing that he needed to send them a letter and that action would inevitably cause sorrow, which was his priority. However, he also feels sorry that he had to be the one to deliver the rebuke. There is nothing bizarre about this; sometimes, the Lord uses us to provide both rebuke and encouragement. B) Paul further clarifies that although they experienced sorrow, it was not meant to be long-lasting but rather a short-term sorrow that led them to repentance. He is sorry that they had to endure sorrow, but he is glad that it resulted in their repentance. Additionally, he emphasizes that the believers felt the sorrow as intended by God.C) It is important to note that experiencing emotions, including sorrow, is not inherently wrong. However, emotions should not dictate the course of our lives. Furthermore, Paul highlights that sometimes-challenging situations originate from God Himself. To some extent, Paul shifts the responsibility of the process into the hands of God by reassuring them that they were not harmed by Him.D) Paul concludes this thought process with a powerful statement, explaining that godly sorrow leads to repentance, which ultimately leads to salvation without regret. This showcases how God utilizes the power of sorrow to guide us to where we need to be, such as salvation, and we never regret the end result. In contrast, Paul highlights the sorrow system of the world, which leads to death, while God's system leads to life.

The David Spoon Experience 7-5-23 Part 2

First, here we are, back in the saddle again, and I hope that this particular teaching will be a blessing for many of you. I'm drawing inspiration from one of the verses we discussed on Sunday, which pertains to maintaining a fighting spirit and waging warfare through the power of truth. I want to emphasize the vital importance of this truth, which is imperative and comes directly from the Lord. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, as we look towards the future, let us remember that it is held by God and is ultimately good.Next, today, we will examine the divine call that Israel received to enter the promised land. It was a significant appointment orchestrated by God, guiding Israel on its journey toward this destination. Similarly, in our own lives, we often encounter divine appointments. These are moments when the Lord coordinates events to bring people, places or things together, even if the purpose may not be immediately apparent. As Christians, we recognize these situations as setups by God, divine appointments designed to fulfill His greater purpose and plan.Finally, however, in this teaching, it's crucial to understand that while divine appointments exist, it doesn't guarantee smooth sailing all the time. Even Jesus, when He was in the boat in the perfect will of God, faced a storm. It's important for us to remember that when things don't go the way we expect, it doesn't mean God is creating disillusionment. On the contrary, God desires to bless His children and guide them toward a greater life in Him. Let's explore this further together.

The David Spoon Experience 7-5-23 Part 1

What a remarkable return to the studio after a few days off! Praise the Lord! We had the privilege of a wonderful brother calling in to share one of the areas he desires to work on, which is overcoming fear. I commend this brother for his honesty and courage in acknowledging his fear, confessing it, and seeking help. It's rare to find individuals who are willing to be so open about their struggles. We all had the opportunity to join him, support him, and pray for the Lord's deliverance from fear. Interestingly, his fear seems to be more focused on the well-being of others and his own performance, which demonstrates his selflessness and remarkable character. 
Following that inspiring moment, Brother Al called in to share a praise report. His presence on the show is truly a blessing to all of us. We want to take a moment to acknowledge that we will continue to pray for Brother Al, bless him, and celebrate the incredible brother in Christ that he is. It's moments like these that remind us of the beautiful connections we have in our faith community.

The David Spoon Experience 6-30-23 Part 2

1) I love the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I love the Word. I love prayer. I love my brothers and sisters. I love grace. I love mercy. I love truth. I love faith. And I love Divine Justice. But the one thing that mankind is terrible at is using their wrath to claim Divine Justice.  They justify their sinful actions and approvals in the Lord’s name. That’s the REAL method of taking the Lord’s name in vain.2) Here is an Old Testament Goody. We look at Zephaniah. Let’s be honest. You’re probably not hearing that many messages from Zephaniah. In fact, most of you might think that’s not even a book in the Bible. Yes, it is. And no, it’s not Zachariah. It’s Zephaniah. We examine an important element that’s commanded in the Old Testament, which translates into the New Testament. It gives us insight on how to draw closer to the Lord. And there’s nothing more important than that.3) God will never give you more than you are able to handle. WRONG. Yes, He will. Simply so that you become more dependent on Him. He won’t give you more than you can endure…WITH HIM. Let’s not play the Christian walk but LIVE the Christian walk. Whenever it goes beyond us (which seems fairly often), this is when God calls us to greater truth, greater faith, and a greater surrender. WE CAN DO IT!

The David Spoon Experience 6-30-23 Part 1

1) Boy, Howdy! Dave delves into the profound message of Hebrews chapter 12, emphasizing that God's discipline stems from perfect motives and perfect purposes. In reality, every instance of divine discipline serves a perfect purpose. There isn't a single time, trial, or moment when God has disciplined His children without a precise and meaningful objective. 2) It surpasses our human understanding, as we often perceive ourselves as having complete comprehension. The truth lies in the fact that God is unconditionally and flawlessly parenting us. He does so with our utmost well-being at heart. He stands apart from earthly fathers or authority figures, whose capacity is limited to doing their best. When God takes on the role of a parent, His actions are purely and impeccably motivated by love for us.

The David Spoon Experience 6-29-23 Part 2

1) The teaching about the conversion of the jailer and his family is truly uplifting. Verse 31, a key passage in Scripture, should be known and highlighted by all of us. We examine the words that the Holy Spirit recorded through Luke and remember their power. 2) The jailer asked what he needed to do to be saved. Bammo. Many people offer complex responses that people come up with. However, the apostle Paul's answer is refreshingly simple. What most people think is that you have to believe, and then you have to repent, be baptized, stand up, confess before others immediately, and so on. That’s NOT what happened to me. And NONE of those is the exclusive scriptural pattern. 3) I feel the need to address teaching that circulated in the church for about 35 or 40 years, suggesting that if you become a Christian, your family is automatically saved because of your salvation. That is a false teaching; it is not true. Your family can be saved if they choose to follow the same path of salvation, but it does not happen automatically or by association with your faith. They may, however, respond differently or have their own journey.4) At this point in the Acts narrative, something remarkable occurs. Through the jailer, Paul is informed that they are free to go. However, Paul exercises a sense of justice, using the civil system to highlight the wrongful treatment they endured due to their spiritual declarations. Nevertheless, Paul did not sue them; he just requested acknowledgment before continuing with his mission for the kingdom of God.
 

The David Spoon experience 6-29-23 Part 1

A) “Our bodies found no rest; we were pressed on every side.” I firmly believe that everyone in the universe can relate to this experience that Paul refers to. He wants his readers to understand that when they finally reach their destination, there is not always an immediate rest or comfort zone to settle into. It takes time to adjust and feel at ease when we arrive at a new place. B) In Paul's case, he emphasizes that they were under pressure from all directions. Have you ever felt like that, as if the universe is attacking you from every angle? It's comforting to know that we're not the only Christians who have experienced this.C) There were conflicts externally and fears internally. This insight helps us grasp that even the great apostle Paul had his moments of vulnerability. Although he may not have expressed them openly, he felt them inwardly and had the courage to write about them.D) But God...This is the ultimate answer for every situation, every scenario, every feeling, every trial, and every moment of every day. "But God" is the resounding response. Paul then proceeds to share how the God of comfort consoled him. He received comfort through the arrival of Titus, demonstrating the power of fellowship and support. Even in uncomfortable situations, God can send someone or deliver a message from someone that makes life better.

The David Spoon Experience 6-28-23 Part 2

1) I am well aware that it is June and not the Christmas season, but that has never stopped me before, and it won't stop me now. I would like to discuss the "before" process. By this, I mean before the holiday festivities and celebrations associated with Christmas, we can gain a deeper understanding of how awesome God is through the introduction of Jesus Christ into our lives and humanity as a whole.2) Let's begin with a seemingly small and insignificant point: when Jesus was born, it was not just the birth of another child. It was also the revelation of God Himself. The revelation and manifestation of Jesus were so powerful that the devil sought to kill Him. The birth of Jesus and His role as the revelation of God meant a significant reduction in the size and influence of the kingdom of darkness.3) Here's an intriguing thought: just as Satan wanted to destroy Jesus during His birth, he currently desires to destroy us throughout our lives. From the moment of our spiritual rebirth, Satan aims to keep us in darkness so that he doesn't have to contend with us.4) However, we must recognize an undeniable truth: Jesus enables us to transition from darkness to light in four specific areas. Each of these four areas holds immense power and serves as a valuable tool for us to utilize, walk in, and ultimately overcome. All these blessings and transformations are made available to us through Jesus.
 
 
 

The David Spoon Experience 6-28-23 Part 1

A) Psalm 37:7 begins by urging us to find rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. This can be quite challenging, especially for those of us who struggle with control. Here's something that many may not want to hear: to rest in the Lord truly is to surrender into His hands. And to wait patiently is to refrain from demanding immediate signs or outcomes between our requests and their fulfillment. B) Following this instruction, the Lord encourages us not to fret over the wicked schemes of others. The passage emphasizes that fretting only brings harm, but whom does it harm? Ultimately, it harms us. Fretting does not impact anyone else's feelings or actions in a positive way but rather adds negativity to the situation.C) Then comes the promise from the Lord: evildoers will be cut off. While it won't be favorable for them, those who wait on the Lord, who patiently rest in Him, will inherit the earth. In simpler terms, those who display patience and humility before the Lord will receive the gifts and graces that come from Him.D) Interestingly, Jesus makes a connection to Psalm 37 in His Sermon on the Mount, stating that the meek shall inherit the earth and find delight in God's abundant peace. Jesus brings this passage to our attention to remind us that being meek does not mean being weak; rather, it produces a lightness of being and an abundance of peace. Jesus advises us to be meek because it signifies that we entrust everything into God's hands.

The David Spoon Experience 6-27-23 Part 2

1) Here in Galatians, Chapter 2, verse 11, we come to a very special part of the scriptures. Specifically, this is where Paul confronts Peter for his hypocrisy. This does not give us the license to rebuke people that we don’t like because we don’t think they’re doing the right thing. Paul was operating in the authority of the Holy Spirit to confront an equal in the realm of ministry. And he specifically told him. It was very wrong. But even when you read what Paul said. Paul’s not being mean about it. He’s just saying what the obvious transgression is.2) To sum up the situation, Peter had no problem hanging out with the Gentiles. In fact, Peter loved the Gentiles. He’s the one that brought the Gospel to the Gentiles. But some of James’s friends came, to town, Peter, all of a sudden, became a Gentile-phoebe. He wouldn’t hang out with the Gentiles, and he wouldn’t engage with the Gentiles.3) Paul’s confrontation, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, is one of logic and practicality. He says to Peter, “You, who are Jewish, are living like a Gentile, BUT you are trying to get the Gentiles to live the way that the Jews do.” That doesn’t wash. Then Paul restates how we are supposed to walk as brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s in the manner that we have been accepted by God through Jesus Christ, through the vehicle of faith, given by grace. Because the law, and our obedience to the law, could never save anyone. It has always been salvation by Grace. Amen!

The David Spoon Experience 6-27-23 Part 1

A) We close out Matthew 11 with the prayer that most people would never think Jesus would pray. He thanks our Heavenly Father for hiding the truth from people that think that they are all that and a bag of chips. These people think they are clever. They think they are wise. And they act like they know what’s going on. But Jesus praises our Heavenly Father, that the truth is not accessible to them. These people think they are self-messiahs. Their only truth is being self-centered. B) Then Jesus makes it clear for those people that claim that they know who God is. No, they don’t. Jesus says that nobody really knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son. And those whom the Son chooses to reveal him to. Just in case you’re wondering, you wouldn’t know God without Jesus.

The David Spoon Experience 6-26-23 Part 2

1) Beloved family, friends, and servants of the Most-High God, we are nearing the end of Job's complaints. Soon, we will delve into the theological challenges presented by the young Elihu and God Himself. However, before we proceed, Job makes an interesting confession. He shares, "I looked for good, but evil came." It's important to note that many Christians share this mindset, expecting evil to accompany God's blessings. This can stem from genuine depression or a distorted perception of God.2) Job seeks to fortify himself by making a covenant with his eyes, vowing not to gaze lustfully at a young woman. Let me clarify that this principle was applicable in the Old Testament and continues to empower us in the New Testament. Furthermore, it is not limited to men looking at women but also applies to women looking at men. Appreciating someone's beauty is not inherently wrong; however, crossing righteous boundaries by indulging in impure thoughts or actions, as suggested by Satan to Jesus, is where the problem lies. Watch the suggestions!3) I feel compelled to clarify that when Job refers to lust as a shameful sin, he is not condemning desire itself. Lust is an excessive desire that leads to thoughts, words, and actions disapproved by God. Before anyone becomes overly puritanical, let us remember that God created the intimate relationship between a man and a woman.