The David Spoon Experience

The David Spoon Experience 6-28-24 part 2

1) Christians shouldn't be overly quiet, sitting in a corner, saying nothing, and just accepting things. We can review the scripture and discover that the righteous are as bold as a lion, and we are ambassadors for Christ, meant to declare the truth boldly. We can also understand that the disciples, after being attacked, prayed for more boldness to continue speaking about God’s partnership. Perhaps that's the approach we need to take instead of running away and hiding.2) Most of you know that I am a strong believer in the unity of the brethren, the unity of faith, the unity of God's family, and the unity of brothers and sisters. It's crucial for us to understand that when Scripture commands us to maintain unity, it conveys that unity has already been established for us. I want to take the time to honor the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit properly and to also examine how this unity is eternal.3) Up next is a reality check for humanity. It's time to sit down and be quiet. Every government, leader, politician, and wealthy individual believes they can direct the earth as they please. When you see this manifesting, you should immediately recognize that as powerful as these people are, they are equally misguided. They don't own the earth; they never will, and if they're not careful, they'll be expelled from it.

The David Spoon Experience 6-28-24 part 1

A) Verse 15 clearly illustrates that prayer for the sick is relevant today. Does every person ALWAYS get healed? No. And only the most immature try to blame someone in this process. Paul left Trophimus in Miletus sick (2 Tim. 4:20). It happens. But we keep on praying. B) This does Not convey that there is forgiveness…just cuz. But it does communicate that Christians DO struggle. And even though that is trough, there is abundant grace available. Where sin does abound, grace much more abounds.

The David Spoon Experience 6-27-24 part 2

1) As we resume Acts 26:18, we recognize that those who turn towards the Lord receive forgiveness, are given a place among God's people, and are set apart. These are three phenomenal benefits of becoming a Christian. The act of turning towards the Lord signifies a transformative shift in a person's life, leading to spiritual renewal and a profound sense of belonging within the Christian community.2) In verse 19, Paul continues his discussion with Agrippa, stating there was no way he would be disobedient to the vision of heaven. Paul ensures Agrippa understands that, regardless of circumstances, he would always obey God over any other authority. This unwavering commitment to divine instruction highlights Paul's dedication and the seriousness with which he approaches his mission. He wants Agrippa to grasp the depth of his conviction and the divine mandate driving his actions.3) Paul then emphasizes that genuine repentance leads to a real change in a person's life. He asserts that if someone claims to be a Christian but shows no change, it is highly suspect. Paul likely defines this transformation by the actions they take in service to the Lord. True conversion is marked by a visible shift in behavior, priorities, and values. This transformation is not just a superficial change but a profound reorientation of one's entire life towards God's will.4) Then, Paul delivers a powerful statement that resonates across the room. He declares, "I'm alive today to tell these facts to everyone, whether they are small or great. What I'm teaching is nothing different from what was taught by Moses and the prophets." By aligning his teachings with those of Moses and the prophets, Paul underscores the continuity and fulfillment of the Jewish faith through Jesus Christ. He stresses that his message is not a departure from tradition but a realization of ancient prophecies.

The David Spoon Experience 6-27-24 part 1

A) Here we are in Jude Verse 20. After all of that encouragement, Jude says, "But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith." One of the great takeaways is how much compassion and love Jude had for the people of God. He tells them to build themselves up in their most holy faith. By that, he means to strengthen themselves, similar to what happened to David in 1 Samuel, Chapter 30, where everything seemed lost, and the Bible says that David strengthened himself in the Lord. That’s what he’s talking about. We do that by spending time with the Lord.B) Jude also tells us to pray in the Holy Spirit. What does that mean? Could it mean praying in tongues? Sure. Does it have to be tongues? No. We already know that John the Apostle, when he wrote the Book of Revelation, was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day. Being in the Spirit means not being in the flesh. It means not being centered and connected with our own desires, needs, or things that encourage the old man to stick around. It means being involved in the spiritual things that God has established by the power of His Spirit.C) Verse 21 tells us to keep ourselves in the love of God. What’s amazing is that people don’t realize how easy it is to not keep yourself in the love of God. In fact, we’re encouraged to stay in that love, which is difficult because so many people and things come towards us that make us want to throw mud. The fact of the matter is that God was compassionate to us when we were jerks, and we need to be compassionate to other people too.D) Jude gives a reason for us to stay in the love of God: we are awaiting the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring us eternal life. In a sense, we have eternal life now, but as you know, we have not yet fully realized that eternal life. We need to put on an immortal body to get there. As we wait for the mercy of Jesus to bring us eternal life, we need to stay in the love God has established.
 

The David Spoon Experience 6-26-24 part 2

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The David Spoon Experience 6-26-24 part 1

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The David Spoon Experience 6-25-24 part 2

1) Today's episode of the David Spoon Experience goes completely off the rails, as usual. Our brother Samson calls in and asks how we should deal with leaders who have fallen into disgrace. He expresses his frustration, understanding that it not only puts a blemish on the church but also discourages the Christians involved with that ministry. 2)
 2) David takes the time to share with Samson the importance of understanding that what God has done in the past is not invalidated by a person's failures. He cites Peter, who was a close disciple of Jesus Christ but denied Him when it counted. This did not invalidate his ministry. Similarly, Paul, when he came out of ministry, did not have his future contributions invalidated by his past. John Mark, who completely gave up on ministry, later underwent discipleship from Peter and specifically wrote the Gospel of Mark, which inspired millions of people to follow Jesus.
3) David explains that the biggest problem is the church's inability to show mercy when it is needed. It should be understood that just because God has used a person in the past does not exonerate them from requiring restoration in the present if they sin. When a person fails, their ministry stops, and they must come to redemption through Jesus Christ in their pursuit of wholeness. However, this does not invalidate the person's past, nor guarantee their future.
4) Then, Roslyn calls in with a challenging question about why Jesus could not perform many mighty works in his hometown. David explains that, even in the Greek, it's not that Jesus couldn't, but that He didn't, because the vehicle of faith is the key that God requires us to operate from. If we don't operate from the principle of faith, we don't see the blessings the Lord has intended because that's the vehicle He has chosen. Without faith, it is impossible to please God.

The David Spoon Experience 6-25-24 part 1

1) The challenge extends beyond the disciples to each one of us. If we can humble ourselves like a trusting, dependent child, we meet the criteria. However, Jesus then shifts His teaching to issue a warning against those who harm little children.2) Quoting Isaiah chapter 3 verse 12, Dave goes on a mini rant about how people have lost the capacity to understand that children should be disciplined in a healthy manner, as biblically prescribed. When that doesn't happen, children become the oppressors, and women rule over society, which God says is His judgment. C) Regardless of societal norms, Jesus is clear. If anyone causes a little child to stumble or lose their faith, it would be better for that person to be cast into the sea with a large stone tied around their neck. There are severe consequences when a child is mistreated by an adult. This teaching has both spiritual and natural implications, reminding us that children are a heritage from the Lord.

The David Spoon Experience 6-24-24 part 2

1) In Genesis Chapter 5, verse 18, we learn that Jared was 162 years old when he fathered Enoch. Enoch's introduction to the Bible significantly alters many people's thought processes. It is here that we discover that pursuing God creates an immeasurable eternal value.2) It's likely not a coincidence that Enoch, who was translated, raptured, or metaphorically 'beamed aboard the Starship Heaven', fathered a son who lived longer than anyone else on Earth. Enoch fathered Methuselah, who lived for 969 years.3) Verse 22 of Genesis Chapter 5 marks a pivotal moment. At the age of 365 years, Enoch, known for his close fellowship with God, experienced a transformative moment. His close relationship with God is mentioned twice in three verses, and it's specified that he maintained this relationship throughout his life. Then, suddenly, God took him. Enoch disappeared. There's no need to add theology to it. God simply said, "That's enough. Come up here." If anything, it provides a glimpse into what a rapture might be like.4) After Enoch's departure from the planet, Methuselah fathered Lamech, and Lamech fathered Noah. It's somewhat ironic that Lamech named his son Noah, which means rest, relief, or comfort. Up to this point, farming had been very difficult and painful due to the Lord's curse on the Earth. However, another monumental shift was on the horizon. When Noah was 500 years old, he fathered three sons. These four men, along with their wives, would spearhead a new planet and a new covenant, succeeding the Adamic Covenant. Isn't that fascinating?
 

The David Spoon Experience 6-24-24 part 1

A) In 2 Timothy Chapter 3, Verse 10, Paul urges his protégé, Timothy, to remember that he has carefully followed Paul’s example in many aspects of life. These include his doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, long-suffering, persecutions, and afflictions. In fact, Paul enumerates nine distinct areas in which Timothy has emulated him.B) Paul’s experiences, which occurred in various places such as Antioch and Iconium, serve as important lessons for us. They teach us that when times get tough, there aren’t many places to run, hide, or escape. We need to stand firm in our faith, adhere to the faithful doctrine handed down to the church, and be prepared for potential persecution wherever we go.

The David Spoon Experience 6-21-24 part 2

1) Yay, it’s Friday! Welcome to Dr. Dave’s Devotional Diamonds of the Day, also known as DDDD’s. Let’s dive into a couple of classics. This one’s called “Check It Out”. One of the challenges within the church is the urgency to declare the gospel, with the implication that if you don’t accept it, you’re doomed. This approach can be off-putting and doesn’t leave room for individuals to explore and connect with the faith at their own pace. This isn’t representative of how all Christians approach evangelism. There’s nothing wrong with investigating and checking out the faith to see whether it resonates with you or not. If you think I’m wrong, consider Josh McDowell, who approached Christianity to disprove it and ended up concluding that it was true.2) The next DDDD is quite remarkable. When Simon meets Jesus the Messiah, the first thing that happens is a transformation. You might be wondering, “How did he change him?” The answer is simple: Jesus immediately gave him a new name, and with that new name came a new life, a new character, and a new being. Jesus, in fact, is the one who gives us our true identity.3) Here comes one of my favorite DDDDs ever. It’s called “Lessons from the Wine”. There are three extraordinary elements in the teaching when Jesus turns the water into wine. These three elements or principles are useful together or individually. But here’s the key: from finances to family, from simple to sophisticated, Jesus is involved in every element of our lives. Thank you, Jesus.
 

The David Spoon Experience 6-21-24 part 1

A) James 5:12 states; Never take an oath: an oath is defined as to agree to a pledge of truthfulness or faithful performance. It has become a normal part of speech these days when people say, “I swear.” The truth is that I grew up with this. But in this context, it has to do with going to the extreme, because the person is swearing by Heaven of by earth. If your word is good, your word is good. If it’s sketchy, there’s abundant need to back up your word. Forget it. Just let your yes mean yes.B) What should we do when things are hard? We should pray. I’m not going to explain what hardships are. You know what they are. Even if you are 2 years old, you know what hardship is. When you were born, somebody smacked you to clear your lungs and that’s just the start.C) On the flipside of this, is the process of dealing with things are great. We often talk about how to handle adversity. But we also need to operate in the success realm. We can’t be “afraid” of success. We need to embrace it by…SINGING PRAISES TO GOD!