The David Spoon Experience

The David Spoon Experience 9-5-24 part 1

What a show! Noelle joins David in the studio...but just to say "Hi."A) In Revelation chapter one, verse 9, John identifies himself as the author of the Book of Revelation. It is almost beyond belief that John, at the beginning of this letter, identifies himself as a brother and a companion, not as a superior Christian apostle. In doing so, he makes one of the most unique connections that gets lost on those who are looking just to escape.B) John makes it clear that he is a brother and a companion in the tribulation, kingdom, and patience of Jesus Christ. Three things are mentioned here: tribulation, which the Book of Acts clearly states that through many tribulations one must enter the Kingdom of God; kingdom, which has everything to do with God’s work, being engaged in God’s work, and doing things to glorify God; and patience, which is what most Christians lack, understanding that everything operates according to God’s timing.C) He tells us he is on the island of Patmos. The island of Patmos was about 10 miles long and 6 miles wide, roughly 60 miles south of Ephesus. Prisoners were forced to work in granite quarries as part of their punishment on this island. We’re not sure to what extent John was involved in this physical punishment, but we are acutely aware that this island was used to isolate people who society no longer wanted to hear.

The David Spoon Experience 9-4-24 part 2

1) As many of you know, on Wednesdays, I like to pull up and teach classic messages that I've taught before and have thoroughly tested and implemented. However, today is going to be something that we haven't done before. Today, I'm going to share with you a new message that the Lord has given me. It is not a sermon, but it is a word, and it is a word for today. 2) One of the things that is important for people to understand is that a person is made up of many influences. We have sayings that we all stand by, and some are more powerful than others. For example, we are what we worship, we are what we think, we are what we eat, and we are like those we hang around. 3) In a certain sense, none of those are incorrect. So today, I want to focus on the people that we hang around. I don't want to do this from a legalistic point of view; I want us to understand something and make it as practical as possible. If we hang around with foolish people, we tend to become foolish, but the opposite is also true. 4) Because we are Christians, we have a strong desire to hang around with other Christians, but most specifically, to hang around with the Lord and be in fellowship with Him. What's very important about that is that we understand that Jesus holds all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Therefore, if we hang around with Jesus, we're going to have the ability to know more than we know through education and experience. Wow, is that a challenging thought. Little campers, do your best to try and follow. Here we go... 

The David Spoon Experience 9-4-24 part 1

A) Psalm 55, verses 9 through 14, is where the David Spoon experience picks up, discussing how King David was wounded by people who were close to him spiritually. We need to understand that betrayal by man is often inevitable. In other words, Jesus would not commit himself to mankind because he knew what was in mankind.B) Far beyond the foolish idea that man is basically good is the understanding that each person has a sinful nature. This is where betrayal comes from. And even if it comes from parents, siblings, or children, it can be exceedingly painful. But in this Psalm, David takes another step by talking about being wounded by someone he's spiritually connected to, someone in whom he had confidence in the Lord.C) David goes on to share his own personal experience of how deeply wounded he was by someone in the ministry, from a pastoral position. Sharing his own experiences, he talked about how he was hurt, wounded, and angry at God until, when he broke away from that fellowship, he found the saving grace that brought him to the Gospel in the first place—the very breath and love of God.

The David Spoon Experience 9-3-24 part 2

1) We kick it back in Romans chapter 6, verse 19, where the apostle Paul makes it clear what the differences are between being subject to sin and being subject to the Lord. He uses the illustration of slaves and masters, and whether our culture likes it or not, the biggest amount of slavery that's ever-taken place is the slavery to sin, for which Jesus Christ is the only true answer.2) For a Christian, the latter part of verse 19 is a pivotal point. Paul unequivocally states that we must choose to be servants of righteousness. In the words of Bob Dylan, 'it might be the devil, or it might be the Lord, but you gotta serve somebody.' This choice is not optional; it's a fundamental aspect of our faith. If we don't make this choice now, we are bound to serve for eternity in one place or another. The scripture teaches us that we have the power to choose, to make a decision, to take a stand. That's the essence of our faith.3) The Apostle Pual uses logic and common sense as he brings up in verse 20 that when we were slaves to sin, we really didn't care what we did. We didn't care if it was right or if it was wrong. And now that we're Christians, we recognize those things that we did, we are ashamed of them, and we recognize those things also were leading us to eternal doom and destruction. By the way, doom and destruction are not a one-time thing; they are eternal punishments, not one-and-done.

The David Spoon Experience 9-3-24 part 1

A) Last week, I gave the radio audience a clear warning about the upcoming teaching. Some of it may rub people the wrong way, but that’s not the goal. The goal is to look at the scriptures and apply them to our lives—not to follow church doctrine but biblical doctrine. Doctrine isn’t bad; it’s simply teaching, but it must be biblical, not denominational. How we grew up is important, but it doesn’t determine what the Bible says.B) We discussed divorce from one of the most difficult perspectives, focusing on Jesus' teachings. Jesus makes it clear that the idea of marriage as a church institution is incorrect. It was established in the Garden, and Jesus confirms this.C) Jesus also emphasizes that marriage is for the husband and wife to become one unit and establish their family line. A marriage is out of order when children take priority over the couple. The husband and wife should be the top priority, working together as a team to establish the family’s essence. Anything else is unbiblical.D) Another important point is understanding Jesus' words in verses 6 through 9, where He says that what God has joined together, man should not separate. This doesn’t exclude God from separating people; it excludes man. There’s a significant difference between these two ideas. Verse 9 also states that except for sexual immorality, if anyone remarries, they commit adultery.E) This is sensitive material, but people often overlook the process of forgiveness or the passage of time. It doesn’t mean that if a couple divorces and 30 years later they each remarry after seeking forgiveness and following God’s plans, they are committing adultery. That’s an absurdity that ignores forgiveness. The sin occurs when someone divorces specifically to marry someone else.

The David Spoon Experience 8-29-24 part 2

1) Here we are, back in Acts chapter 27, picking it up at verse 27. It's midnight on the 14th night of the storm, and Paul, his companions, the soldiers, and the sailors have been under constant strain. The relentless pressure of the storm, combined with the physical and emotional exhaustion, has taken a toll on everyone aboard the ship. Despite this, we are about to witness the power of God bring hope and deliverance in the midst of their dire circumstances.2) As the situation appears increasingly desperate, the crew senses through sounding—a primitive but effective form of sonar—that they are getting closer to land. Realizing that they are nearing land, they decide to throw out the anchors to try and secure their position and prevent the ship from crashing onto the rocks. It’s not abnormal for people to do whatever it takes to stay afloat in such perilous conditions, but often there is a better answer than relying solely on human wisdom and efforts.

The David Spoon Experience 8-29-24 part 1

A) Here we go, buckaroos, back into the Book of Revelation, picking it up at verse 7. The material we're about to review will bless you simply because we are reading it together. Verse 7 states: "Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen."B) Let's get it straight: Jesus is coming back. When He comes back, He's coming with the clouds. Some people argue this is the rapture, the second coming, the third coming, or the fourth coming. Please stop ruining the scriptures this way. Jesus is coming with the clouds, and everyone will see Him—good, bad, and indifferent. Even though people will see Him and be distressed because He's real, John says, "Even so, let it be. Even so, Amen."C) Verse 8 takes us on another journey. Jesus says, "I am the Alpha and the Omega." To understand this better, we can say Jesus is the A to the Z for our American minds because that is the beginning and the end of our alphabet. Jesus is the beginning and the end of every word spoken that is true and real. Then Jesus intensifies His message by saying, "I am the Beginning and the End." The universe started through Jesus and will end through Jesus. The Earth started with Jesus and will end, as it is now, through Jesus.D) He continues, "Who is, who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." There are two significant declarations in this text. First, Jesus transcends all time; He always was, always is, and always will be. Second, He is the Almighty. In Greek, Jesus declares Himself as God. There's no question, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Jesus, in this declaration, says, "I am God." Either say "Amen" or "Oh me," because Jesus is the truth.

The David Spoon Experience 8-28-24 part 2

1) We reexamine one of the most powerful stories in the Gospels, and we will be looking at this through the lens of Mark. We encounter two people who are in desperate need of healing, either for themselves or for their family. It is imperative, crucial, critical, and absolutely necessary for each and every one of us to understand that when we go through a situation, when we go through some form of encounter, the Lord is not only aware but involved. He has never abandoned you, and He is with you, even if we do not see the actions that we require Him to provide.2) The first person that we examine is a woman who has an issue of blood. In this particular case, the woman sought a great deal of external help to get better, but it did not bring relief to her situation. This by no means negates the benefit of medicine or of professionals who help us, for medicine and people with wisdom to help right our ship and get it in the smooth sailing direction are gifts from God. But at best, everybody on Earth practices medicine. God is the perfector.3) What we see is an extremely compassionate Jesus who knows how many different parts of our existence need healing. You might feel like you need a physical healing, and you would be correct, but along with that physical healing, there is often damage done to the psyche. So the mind also needs to be touched. In addition to that, there might be problems with other people that you’ve encountered in relationships that need to be touched.4) When the story shifts back to the synagogue ruler, we find an amazing attitude that emerges from Jesus. He knows that people don’t always believe, that people won’t always stand fast. But in the real time of definitive crisis, the faith in the room needs to be strong. So Jesus makes sure that the atmosphere is conducive. This is a brilliant lesson for each and every one of us when the struggles are deep, not to allow people in the atmosphere we’re breathing to speak doubt. Our miracle-working God only needs a moment to change our universe.But by the grace of God, Jesus touches all parts of our lives.

The David Spoon Experience 8-28-24 part 1

A) Unfortunately, those who were once close friends have now turned into bitter enemies because of their treachery. David, who once shared a bond of trust and companionship with these people, now finds himself in a position where he must refer to them as the wicked, as his enemies. The transformation from friends to foes is heartbreaking, a reminder of how fragile and delicate relationships can be when trust is broken. They were friends, bonded by shared experiences and mutual respect, but that bond has been shattered, leaving nothing but animosity in its place. The most excruciating part of this shift is captured in David's words that follow, where he says in verse 4, "My heart is severely pained." This is not just a superficial wound but a deep, emotional pain that strikes at the core of his being. David feels the weight of this betrayal deeply, and we can empathize with him because we too have felt the sting of betrayal in our own lives. When trust is broken by those we hold dear, the pain is profound, and it is not something to be dismissed lightly. B) In verse 6, David expresses a desire that is all too familiar to anyone who has faced such betrayal. He says, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove; I would fly away and be at rest." This longing to escape, to flee from the pain and turmoil, is something that resonates deeply with us. We often fantasize about leaving everything behind, retreating to a place of peace and solitude, where we can heal our wounds and gather our strength once more. We imagine taking refuge in a far-off place, away from the noise and chaos, where we can be alone with our thoughts and recover from the emotional scars. It’s a natural human response to want to withdraw when we are hurting, to seek out a sanctuary where we can find rest and relief. However, as much as we may desire to escape, we know that true peace and healing are not found in running away from our problems. Instead, our refuge must be in the Lord, in His loving and comforting presence. It is in His arms that we find true solace, where our hearts can be mended, and our spirits can be renewed. When the world feels unbearable, and the pain seems too much to bear, it is in turning to Him that we find the strength and comfort we need to carry on.

The David Spoon Experience 8-27-24 part 2

1) We’re in Romans chapter 6, verses 15, 16, 17, and 18, and we’re going to break this down verse by verse to examine the main point of each verse. Normally, we would go word by word, but I’ve decided we need to speed up our process a bit in order to cover as much as possible before Jesus returns, which at this point could be by the end of this show.2) Paul asks a very serious question in verse 15, and it’s simple and straightforward: Because we are forgiven, does that give us permission to continue sinning? Does that mean we can keep sinning without worrying about consequences? The answer is an emphatic no. There is no question about it. We are not permitted to practice sin just because we are forgiven. That doesn’t mean we have a license to do whatever we want. It doesn’t work that way.3) But here lies the key to the entire text. Verse 16 makes it clear that we are whatever and whoever we obey. In other words, whoever or whatever we obey is what or who owns us. What people are missing is that this has often been the case, and it’s not really different, except under the Christian banner. We are now allowed to choose who we obey. And so now the responsibility also rests in our hands. God has given us the opportunity to be free. The question is, are we using it?4) Paul then concludes this portion by ensuring everyone understands that everybody is a slave. Whether you like it or not, whether the world likes it or not, whether the world is afraid of the word "slave" and "slavery"—that’s not the point. It’s a discussion nobody really cares to get into because it’s just a stupid discussion. Slavery exists for everybody. The only question is, are you a willing slave for God, a joyful slave to the truth and righteousness, or are you a slave to sin? It’s one of the two and nothing else. Human slavery is nothing compared to sinful slavery. It never has been, and it never will be. Sinful slavery will send you to hell.

The David Spoon Experience 8-27-24 part 1

A) What Jesus does next is truly remarkable. He clarifies the true origin of marriage, dispelling any misconceptions. Some may believe that the church was responsible for establishing marriage between a man and a woman, but this is not the case. The institution of marriage between a man and a woman was ordained by God long before sin ever entered the world. This is a fundamental truth that dates back to the very beginning of time, highlighting the divine intention for marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
B) The concept of marriage is grounded in the idea that a man and a woman are meant to come together as one. When a man finds his wife, he is called to leave his parents and prioritize his marriage above all else. While honoring one's mother and father is undoubtedly important, the formation of a new family unit takes precedence. This principle is so foundational that it predates even the Ten Commandments, underscoring the significance of marriage in God's design for human relationships.C) The priority of the relationship between husband and wife surpasses that of the relationship with their children. The husband and wife are united as one, forming a singular, inseparable unit. Therefore, the children do not have a rightful position to disrupt or divide this union. When either the mother or the father places the needs or desires of the children above their spouse, they are violating the covenant that God established before sin entered the world. This covenant is foundational, and the marriage bond is meant to be unbreakable.D) For a family to function properly, it is essential that the husband and wife maintain their unity. They are intended to operate as a team, with their relationship at the core of the family structure. When a parent sides with a child against their spouse, it not only endangers the harmony of the family but also goes against the teachings of Scripture. The strength of the family lies in the husband and wife standing together, supporting each other, and upholding the covenant that God intended for marriage.

The David Spoon Experience 8-26-24 part 2

1) The Yiddish proverb states that man plans, but God laughs. How true that is for yet another episode of The David Spoon Experience. The show opens with some general encouragement, and then Debra calls in, giving a great answer to the trivia question and asking for prayer for herself and for Suzi.2) David takes a little extra time talking about our DNA, explaining that D means drawing closer to the Lord daily, N means never being ashamed of Jesus or His words, and A means always being ready to serve, whether that means sharing politely or standing up for the truth.3) Mark calls in with the next answer for trivia and also asks for prayer for his family in general, which is something each of us needs to do on a regular basis: praying for the family to connect and stay connected, especially in the spiritual realms.4) Following that moment is Joy, who calls in to share a phenomenal testimony that blesses everyone who knows her story. She needed provision, prayed about it last night, and the Lord provided for her the very next morning. That is something to rejoice in together.5) Finally, our brother Sampson calls in asking for prayer because he's not feeling well, but also answers the trivia question because he is filled with Bible knowledge. David closes the show by making an earnest plea to the audience to make sure to stay connected to God, no matter what happens. If you're looking for a better life, the answer is more of God.