The David Spoon Experience

The David Spoon Experience 8-16-24 part 1

A) Welcome to the third epistle from John, the author of The Gospel of John, The Book of Revelation, as well as John 1 and John 2. This is another letter in the New Testament that is not often taught or discussed, but it contains great treasures and nuggets that are worthwhile for us to pursue. Keep in mind that John is considered the elder of all the apostles, outliving every one of the original twelve. He is the one who wrote the last few letters to the church, this one being before Revelation.B) John opens up this letter by writing to Gaius, who is in charge of the church in this particular area. This letter is filled with affection, as he refers to Gaius as beloved and expresses his love for him. He also makes an important note that his love for Gaius is rooted in truth, signifying that Gaius is a brother in faith. Our brothers and sisters in faith are our spiritual relatives through Jesus Christ. Verse 2 of 3rd John states, “I pray in every way you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.” Some theological circles interpret this as a promise of prosperity for everyone, but that is not what the text implies.C) It is absolutely clear that John is praying for blessings and prosperity in every area of life, specifically signifying good health. However, all these blessings are tied to the prosperity of the soul. In other words, the priority of prosperity is a person’s spiritual well-being. There can be no question about that, and any additional interpretation is absurd. John makes an important note to let Gaius know that he is overjoyed because of Gaius’s devotion to the truth, his commitment to what is right, his commitment to Jesus Christ, and his commitment to the truth.

The David Spoon Experience 8-15-24 part 2

1) Returning to the Book of Acts, chapter 27, verse 23. Paul begins by discussing the vision he saw the night before about the safety of the people on the ship as he prepares to travel to Rome. Keep in mind that God told Paul he'd be testifying at Rome. And Paul was on the ship, traveling towards his destination. It didn't matter what disruptions were occurring. The eventual result is that Paul will get there. The key. This is important to comprehend. No matter where the trip takes us. If God has planned a destination, we shall be there.2) However, Paul shares his passionate views with the people he is speaking with. He explains to them that the God to whom he belongs sent an angel. Yes, it's quite amazing that an angel came and spoke with him. Yes, many of us would like to see it happen. But the most crucial portion of the passage is Paul's identification as someone who belonged to God and served Him. In other words, Paul understood that whatever he did was because he belonged to God. And a good question to ask ourselves is: Do we remember that we belong to God?3) Verse 24 reminds us that the angel told Paul not to be scared. You'll stand trial before Caesar once more, emphasizing that the destination would take place regardless of how many disruptions occurred in the meantime. I find it fascinating that the angel addressed Paul by name, but it is far more essential to hear the message that the angel delivered to Paul. What was that message? The identical message that Jesus delivers to us, and that God would deliver through any angel. And it would always begin the same. Do not be afraid.

The David Spoon Experience 8-15-24 part 1

A) Holy Moly, guacamole! Dave almost forgets an important scriptural reference as he dives into the Book of Revelation and decides he needs to focus on it to help everyone understand the fullness of this communication's majesty. B) Verse 5b-6 states, "To the One loving us and releasing us from our sins through His blood, 6and He has made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the dominion to the ages of the ages. Amen" (Berean Literal Bible). C) The key to understanding this text is the word "agapōnti," which means loving—not loved or loves, but loving—which means it’s past, present, and future all in one process. Jesus loves us perfectly in the past, perfectly in the present, and perfectly in the future. While other viable versions render the word "loved" or "loves," it doesn’t give the fullness of what’s being communicated.D) The rest of the verse mentions that He has made us a kingdom of priests to His God. A kingdom is what Jesus gave us from Matthew chapter 16 when He says, "Upon this rock, I build my church." He also added, "I give you the keys to the kingdom." That’s the Kingdom of God where God is king, and we have the keys to that, which makes us the authority holders of the kingdom on Earth when we work in partnership with God.E) Finally, Jesus says that we are priests, and a priest operates in service and in worship to God. One of the best understandings of this text is that we are a kingdom of priests, which is also referenced in Exodus chapter 19, verse 6. As the people of God, we are a kingdom of priests, and as 1 Peter 2:9 says, a royal priesthood. That’s every one of us. And what that means is that, as the priests of God, we have His ear when we petition.

The David Spoon Experience 8-14-24 part 2

1) It's a wowzer browser Wednesday as The David Spoon Experience opens up with another one of those phenomenal questions by our brother Sergio, asking why God refuses to get rid of us even when we fail Him. David takes a decent amount of time to review not just God's knowledge of all our failings but also His never-ending love as our Heavenly Father. When we fail, He doesn't stop loving us.2) A Wednesday classic is upon us as we explore a common theme among Christians. Since we live by the Word of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit, redeemed by Jesus Christ, and highly favored by our Heavenly Father, we should consider living a little bit like that. We have the mind of Christ, according to 1 Corinthians 2:16, but… do we use it?3) For a bonus, Brother Ace calls in. Praise the Lord!4) It always comes down to understanding who we are now and later. It’s about who we are in Jesus Christ right now, and it’s about who we are in Jesus Christ later. It’s not about self-reliance, brilliant wisdom, or looks. It’s about understanding who our Father is, who our Redeemer is, and who our Guidance Counselor is. Along with this reality is the key to understanding who WE are in our King. And for some of us, it’s about time.
 

The David Spoon Experience 8-14-24 part 1

A) To open up, The David Spoon Experience: Roslyn and Robert call in with a phenomenal testimony.B) We now delve into Psalm 54, a psalm centered on the theme of answered prayers for deliverance from adversaries and opposition. It is written in direct relation to the Ziphites' attempt to reveal David's hiding place to Saul. David penned this psalm in response to their betrayal. C) David begins the psalm by pleading, "Save me, O God, by Your name." The name of God symbolizes His covenant-keeping character. David implores the Lord to heed his prayer and listen to his words. This is a common way of expressing the need for divine attention and assistance.D) The Ziphites were essentially strangers to David. Despite not knowing him personally, they caused problems for David, either to improve their own standing or due to satanic influence. David clarifies that these individuals do not prioritize God in their lives. In essence, when people persecute us because of our faith, it is evident that they are disconnected from God.E) David, aware of the ongoing trial, trusts that God is his helper and that the Lord will sustain his life. It is not David's responsibility to retaliate against those who betrayed him; that is God's role. Meanwhile, David will willingly offer sacrifices to the Lord and praise His name. He confidently declares, "You have delivered me out of all my trouble." He relies on the knowledge of God's past deeds to trust in what God will yet do.
 

The David Spoon Experience 8-13-24 part 2

1) Following up from last week’s teaching, we dive back into Romans, chapter 6, verse 6, to reinforce what has already been stated by the Apostle Paul. He says in verse 6, "Our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives." In other words, we have the power to overcome sin, both small and large. The only question that remains is: Are we using that power to stay away from sin? It’s available to us, but are we using it? Just like miraculous things are available to us through faith, are we exercising our faith?2) The exciting part of understanding the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is grasping the significance of His resurrection. Never forget that the resurrection is the core doctrine of the Christian faith. Without it, we are of all men most miserable. Because Jesus Christ rose from the dead, when we connect with Him by our faith, we connect to the power of His resurrection through the Holy Spirit. The real question is, how can we not?3) Now, for those who might get offended, you’ll have to get over yourselves. In verses 10 and 11, the Lord, through His word, makes it clear. Because Jesus died once to defeat sin and now lives for the glory of the Father, we can consider ourselves dead to sin and living for the glory of the Father. But this is through Jesus Christ, through His redeeming work, and not through baptism itself. The redemption and the new covenant is in the blood, not the water.4) Because of our position, created for us through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, we are told how to respond in verse 12, and it’s simply this: Don’t let sin control the way we live. Don’t give in to its lustful desires. There are two key components in this passage: don’t let and do not give in. Both are decisions we must make every day, and we hold the responsibility for whether we obey or not. Sin doesn’t own us—God does. But we need to live that way to glorify Him.

The David Spoon Experience 8-13-24 part 1

A) We continue from Matthew 18:28, in the middle of the parable of the unforgiving debtor. In our previous discussion, we examined the debtor’s situation. Despite his substantial debt, the king showed him compassion and mercy. In this parable, Peter inquires about the frequency of forgiveness, and Jesus contrasts the Kingdom of Heaven with the Kingdom of Men.B) In the Kingdom of Men, the debts we absolve each other of are insignificant compared to the debts that God has forgiven us. To clarify, we incur a moral debt to God when we sin. Jesus emphasizes the disparity between the debt owed to the king and the debt between servants. It’s akin to comparing millions of dollars to thousands. The difference is stark.C) The irony unfolds when a fellow servant is indebted to the pardoned servant. He pleads for mercy, grace, and compassion. However, the individual who has been shown kindness and freed from debt does not reciprocate. In essence, he has been absolved of a massive debt, yet he fails to forgive. The king showed him leniency, but he denies his fellow servant the same. In fact, the forgiven servant unleashes his wrath on the other servant.D) Upon learning of this conduct, the king revokes his mercy, pity, and grace from the first servant. Moreover, the king labels the servant he had forgiven as wicked. The king’s anger flares up. Jesus cautions that if we withhold forgiveness, our Heavenly Father will discipline us. Genuine forgiveness from the heart is required when forgiving our spiritual siblings. God discerns its authenticity.

The David Spoon Experience 8-12-24 part 2

1) In Genesis Chapter 7, verse 1, the day comes when the Lord instructs Noah to enter the ark. It's crucial to comprehend that God informs individuals when it's time to depart. The Lord is aware of all timings. The parable of the ten virgins is relevant here because five of the virgins were prepared for the return of the bridegroom, while the other five were not. No one wants to be left behind, but it's also important not to rush onto the ship prematurely. Hint. Hint.2) God unequivocally states that a variety of animals must be brought onto the ark. In verse 3, God explicitly declares that there must be one male and one female of each species to ensure their survival. It's baffling how humanity can overlook this basic principle. For a species to survive, it requires both a male and a female, whether human or otherwise. There is no other sustainable way. This is a simple fact.3) Genesis 7:4 introduces the concept of forty days and forty nights of rain to eradicate all living things that God has created. Sometimes, to achieve renewal, a thorough cleansing is necessary. This is true for all of us. At times, we need to be cleansed by the water of the Word and the Power of the Spirit to make a fresh start.4) Verses 45-46 state that Noah obeyed the Lord's commands, a wise course of action for us all. Noah was 600 years old when the floodwaters came, and he entered the ark with his wives, sons, and their wives to escape. It's worth noting that this project likely began when Noah was around 500 years old and was completed when he was 600. This project spanned approximately 100 years. It's notable that during these 100 years, God didn't communicate with Noah constantly. Noah simply went about his kingdom work, setting a great example for us all.

The David Spoon Experience 8-12-24 part 1

A) As we delve into 2 Timothy, Chapter 4:1, we understand that this will be the last chapter that Paul will write on Earth. He begins by telling Timothy, "I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ." The intensity of this communication may not be fully grasped, but Paul is laying this out at Timothy's feet, saying, "This is important, and I'm telling you this before God, the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ. So, pay close attention."B) Paul then refers to the truth that God will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom. It should be clearly noted that when the Lord returns, there will be both the living and the dead. Judgment will come upon all, regardless of their position or stature. The distinction for Christians is that the penalty has already been paid.C) Paul's command is specific: "Preach the word." The enemy, the world, and people's flesh will attempt to belittle the word, trying to render it ineffective, as if it were just a meaningless book written by ignorant people. However, it will be this very book that is used to judge them. Never be ashamed of the word. That's part of our DNA. Interestingly, the next part of our DNA says this: "Be ready in season and out of season." This means to be ready at all times. So, two of the three DNA elements are right here in this one verse.

The David Spoon Experience 8-9-24 part 2

1) Okie dokie, little campers and buckaroos. It’s time for our Friday Devotional Diamonds of the Day with Dr. Dave. We have some real gems today as we explore God’s word together. First up is a DDDDD titled "Enjoying It." Many aspects of Christianity require growth and present challenges in our lives, but often, the joy of the process seems to be missing. So, we will examine the early church’s wisdom on finding favor in life with the Lord.2) Roslyn calls in with a phenomenal testimony from the ministry she received from the praying audience. Last week, she called in after making a decision for her and Robert, but very discouraged. Since that time, the Lord has moved her forward and allowed her to be restored in his joy. She credits and acknowledges her moving forward with the prayers of the people and the gracious answer for our awesome God. Prayer changes people's lives!3) Perhaps the most pointed teaching of the day will come towards the show's end. It’s titled "No Sacrifice Unnoticed." Let’s be honest—many of us have given up things for the Kingdom of God in different ways, shapes, and forms. It’s not the same for everyone because each person is unique. But the level of our sacrifice is important. We can have confidence knowing that no sacrifice goes unnoticed by God, which should comfort us all.

The David Spoon Experience 8-9-24 part 1

A) It's another first on the David Spoon Experience, as David introduces an exciting new segment called "Life Lessons." This segment begins with the endearing sound of "Downer Debbie," played by the talented jamming Jacob, setting the tone for a lesson that is as insightful as it is relatable. In this inaugural segment, David shares a personal experience that unfolded earlier in the day, offering his listeners a valuable teaching moment. B) Proverbs 18:13 states, "It is a fool who answers a matter before he hears it." This profound verse serves as the foundation for the lesson David is about to impart, and it is one that he, unfortunately, learned the hard way. The story begins with David receiving an email that, at first glance, seemed like just another piece of spam. His initial reaction was to dismiss it outright, assuming it was a dubious attempt by Hollywood to spread spiritual deception. Convinced of its lack of authenticity, David didn’t take the time to investigate or properly test the contents of the email. C) In a moment of spontaneity, David decided to respond with a quick and off-the-cuff remark: "Jesus doesn’t like spam, and you should read your Bible." At first blush, this might sound like a bold and righteous response. However, there was just one small problem—David's assumption was completely wrong. The email he had so quickly dismissed was actually from a group of genuine Christians. These were sincere individuals who were seeking prayers for people in the Hollywood and media industries, praying that they might be touched by the Holy Spirit and come to acknowledge Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. D) Realizing his mistake, David was faced with the uncomfortable task of backtracking. He immediately sent a letter of apology, recognizing the error of his ways. This experience led him to reflect on the importance of not jumping to conclusions. In his message to his audience, David emphasized the need for humility when we make mistakes. He taught that when we find ourselves in error, it is crucial to own up to it, confess it, and seek forgiveness from the Lord. Through this process, not only do we learn and grow, but we also align ourselves with the path of righteousness.

The David Spoon Experience 8-8-24 part 2

1) There's a compelling testimony in the scriptures where the storm becomes so severe that they can do nothing but surrender and let it take its course. This mirrors what happened to Noelle and me when we moved to Texas before our radio ministry became a standalone ministry. We were flustered and unable to discern what the Lord wanted. It was only when we relinquished control and surrendered to the Lord that everything changed. Learning to let go is a valuable skill. 2) However, surrendering to the Lord doesn't mean that everything will instantly improve. Sometimes, the storm persists or even intensifies, leading to a sense of dwindling hope. This is when our relationship with God serves as our anchor. "Why are you so downcast, oh my soul? Put your hope in God." This is the response we're called to have. Remember this.