The David Spoon Experience

The David Spoon Experience 5-14-24 part 2

1) Prepare for some mind-blowing insights. We delve back into Romans, Chapter 4, Verse 9, where Apostle Paul poses a question: Is the Lord's blessing only for the Jews, or is it also for the Gentiles? He answers this by referencing Abraham, who was declared righteous by his faith. Abraham was not yet "Jewish" in the traditional sense. It was his faith that justified him, with circumcision to follow.2) Paul further defends his argument by stating that Abraham was declared righteous before he was circumcised. This is crucial to understand. It was his faith that led to his declaration of righteousness. The circumcision was an affirmation of the faith, but the faith was already present, and the righteousness was already declared.3) In Romans Chapter 4, Verse 11, the Apostle states that the circumcision ceremony was a sign that Abraham already had faith, and that God had already accepted him and declared him to be righteous, all before circumcision. Therefore, Abraham is the spiritual father of every person who has faith, whether they are Jewish or Gentile.4) The rest of the verse declares that individuals are made right with God by faith. Abraham is the spiritual father of those who have been circumcised, but also of those who have faith like Abraham did before he was circumcised. However, it cannot be a fake or fleeting faith. It must be a continual faith like Abraham's. It must be the same kind of faith, one that says, "I believe," and then receives the promise 25 years later. Claiming we have faith and expecting God to act within our timeframe is at odds with the true power and effectiveness of faith. If we have faith, we believe all the way around - whenever, wherever, and, however.

The David Spoon Experience 5-14-24 part 1

A) Peter tells them that Jesus does pay the temple tax, which is ironic because there's nowhere else where Jesus has indicated he does. So Peter's forwardness causes him to answer the question, which wouldn't even be accurate. His motive was probably good in the sense that he's defending Jesus, but it was still highly inaccurate. After saying what he said, he figured he better square it away with Jesus, so he talked to him about it.B) Jesus makes it quite clear to Peter that he is indebted to no one regarding the temple or any kind of owed ticket simply because this temple is his house. He is the king. He is its owner, and he doesn't have to pay taxes to himself. But here comes the fish story, one of the greats of all time. "Go to the lake, throw out the line. You’ll find a coin in a fish. Take it and pay the tax for us."C) Three inescapable truths emerge out of this. One is the miraculous provision of financial grace in the situation. Number two, that miracle still required Peter to be involved in doing something. And number three, that fish, who had no idea whatsoever that he would become famous among fishes, becomes the eternal fish in the waters. That's pretty cool.

The David Spoon Experience 5-13-24 part 2

1) The next portion, starting in Genesis chapter 4:8, teaches us a valuable series of lessons, one excellent and the other not so much. Verse eight begins with Cain suggesting to his brother Abel to go out into the field. It seemed innocent enough. "Let's go take a walk and check out the field. Who knows? Maybe we can see something cool," Cain said. But that was not Cain's true intention. What Cain was planning was to kill his brother. It was merely a ruse to lure him into a trap, indicating that people have been attempting to trap others since the very beginning.2) All because of sin, Cain attacks Abel and kills him. This isn't the first-time death has touched the planet. Adam and Eve died spiritually when they sinned. But this is the first time that death has not been attached to a natural lifespan. This should serve as a cautionary tale of how far sin can lead a person.3) The next element is almost chilling. The Lord confronts Cain and asks him, "Where is your brother? Where is Abel?" Of course, the Lord knows where he is, but He is holding Cain accountable. Everyone who sins, from Adam to the last human being, will give an account. But what does Cain do? Essentially the same thing that Adam and Eve did. He evades, he shifts the blame. He doesn't pin it on anyone else, because he can't. But he simply says, "I'm not responsible. I didn't do it. It's not my fault." Denial is not just a river in Egypt.4) Verse 10 in Genesis chapter 4 speaks hope, though many may not realize it. Because of this, the Lord tells Cain, "Your brother's blood cries out to me from the ground." Even though Abel is dead, he's still speaking to God. His blood is calling out to God for something that happened that never should have and was never intended to. And God's response is directly connected to Abel's outcry. This tells us there's life after death, right at the beginning of the Bible. But it also tells us that the blood of one who has been hurt often cries out for vengeance, not for grace and mercy. It's a good thing for us that Jesus's cry was different from that of Abel's.

The David Spoon Experience 5-13-24 part 1

1) As we delve into **2nd Timothy, chapter 3 verse 1**, we comprehend this truth: in the last days, perilous times will come. The term 'perilous' pertains to times of stress. It's fair to say that we are indeed in such times currently, and the stress seems to be escalating with each passing week. However, this should also indicate to us that the end is nearer and our redemption is drawing closer. Instead of fearing what is to come, we stand firm as children of the King of the Universe.
 

The David Spoon Experience 5-10-24 part 2

1) It's Friday, and it's time for Dr. Dave's Devotional Diamonds of the Day. We begin with a classic. Many of us are familiar with the book, "Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten." While it may not be spiritually profound, it is practically wonderful. We're going to explore the origin of this book, which can be traced back to Isaiah, chapter one. It may seem simplistic, but that's exactly what we need.2) The next Devotional Diamond of the Day is quite heavy. In fact, it's too heavy. It's not about the saying, "He ain't heavy. He's my brother." It's about the burdens we carry, often unnecessarily. It's good to share each other's burdens, but I'm referring to the burdens we bear due to our lack of obedience. We'll delve into how to find deliverance from these unnecessary weights on our shoulders.3) My dear friend, Pastor Ray, passed away and joined the Lord over two years ago. I'm not sure if he had rhythm while he was here on Earth, but I suspect he has it now. He's not only dancing, but he's also enjoying wonderful fellowship with all the people he taught about over the years. We often delve into Pastor Ray's devotional book, and here's an entry that meets the standard of excellence. He titled it, "Allow Him to Pick You Up". Unfortunately, many of us won't allow Jesus to do just that.

The David Spoon Experience 5-10-24 part 1

A) James 5:4 describes how people will behave in the last days, hoarding wealth for themselves, not sharing, and denying others their rightful share. This behavior, which is akin to saying, “I have what I need to survive, and everyone else can fend for themselves,” is not in line with the Spirit of God.B) One commandment that frustrates many people more than doing taxes is the command to be patient until the Lord’s coming. Despite it being 2,000 years, the Lord’s coming is inevitable, and we are still commanded to be patient. Much like many elements of our walk, the return of Jesus Christ is coming at a precise time that is ordered by the heavens above. They have a better watch any way,C) We are not only told to be patient but also to strengthen our hearts. Just as a farmer waits for the crop, we need to wait for the return of the Lord. Whether it’s on a corporate or individual level, in His timeframe, it is near. In the meantime, we need to strengthen our hearts to avoid giving up or fainting. The Lord could return tomorrow. Are we ready?

The David Spoon Experience 5-9-24 part 2

1) In Acts 25, we resume at verse 13, using larger sections of text to progress through the narrative more swiftly. After Paul appeals to Caesar, Festus prepares to communicate the situation to Rome and Caesar. Concurrently, he receives visitors, King Agrippa and his sister Bernice, who are there to pay their respects to Festus.2) Festus informs the king and his sister that Felix, his predecessor, left Paul in chains for his case to be decided, at which point Paul made his appeal to Caesar. It's noteworthy how closely American law aligns with Roman law, which does not permit convictions without a trial. However, it's also important to acknowledge that Roman law can be perverted. And American law is following close behind. We are losing the “innocent” until proven guilty process.3) In every true judicial sense, and even before the Lord, individuals are given the opportunity to defend themselves and confront their accusers. This doesn't mean that railroading doesn't occur, as it's not difficult to see where this takes place, even in a country as great as America. However, self-defense is a fundamental right in all governing judicial systems tied to any form of democracy.4) Interestingly, Festus tells Agrippa that the accusations against Paul were not what he expected, but were all centered around a man named Jesus, who had died but whom Paul insisted was alive. Regardless of theological brilliance, Christianity is fundamentally about the resurrection of Jesus. Overlooking this simplicity turns faith into a religion.

The David Spoon Experience 5-9-24 part 1

A) Jude verse 10 discusses individuals who defile what they do not comprehend, behaving like irrational animals. It’s remarkable that humans, created in the image and likeness of God, can exhibit such behavior. We’re not referring to pets or other appealing creatures, but to irrational animals that behave erratically. The scripture in Jude is unequivocal: woe unto them.B) Their judgment will be specific to their actions. They will be destroyed by the very things they do. They have followed the path of Cain, a murderer. They have recklessly embraced the error of Balaam, attempting to curse what God intends to bless. They have perished in Korah’s rebellion, which involved opposing God’s chosen people and attempting to lead followers astray.

The David Spoon Experience 5-8-24 part 2

60 minutes:1) I enjoy Wednesdays because it gives me the opportunity to teach the classics. As I've often mentioned, teaching classics sometimes involves delving into less pleasant areas of life. We must be individuals who seek truth rather than simply hearing what pleases us. Today's discussion will focus on a very real adversary who harbors a deep hatred for us.2) While exploring various interpretations of the Book of Revelation, it's impossible to ignore that Chapter 12 clearly outlines the origins of warfare. We have multiple testimonies throughout the scriptures - the Gospels, the Book of Acts, the Pauline Epistles, and the General Epistles - that confirm our battle with Satan, the powers of darkness, his demons, and all who align with them. The choice is simple: light or darkness.3) It's important to understand that one of the enemy's tactics is to distract us from our simple devotion to Christ. Much of the warfare we experience with Satan takes place in our minds, not in physical battles. It's crucial to apply the truth in our minds and hearts. As we know, the truth will set us free, and fortunately for us, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.4) We'll spend some extra time examining Jesus's experiences and confrontations with Satan. By understanding the enemy's tactics and our Lord's strategy, we can find ample strength to stand firm in our faith. Let's praise God for His protection.
 

The David Spoon Experience 5-8-24 part 1

A) In David's plea, he asks to be thoroughly cleansed from all his iniquity, not just a portion of it. He requests a complete cleansing, from top to bottom. He asks God to examine him and cleanse him of any iniquity found within him. However, everything hinges on verses 3-4, when David acknowledges his transgression. This acknowledgement is key to repentance. Repentance isn't always about how we feel, but it is always about being honest about our actions. Salvation isn't based on feelings. If that's the case, then repentance isn't based on feelings either. It's a change of mind to agree with God.B) As we delve deeper into Psalm 51:5, it’s challenging to gloss over the verses. This is a fervent song pleading for forgiveness and restoration, something we all need. David proclaims, “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity.” Some interpret this as David’s birth being illegitimate, but a holistic understanding of the Psalm suggests he’s referring to the inherent sinfulness of all humanity, tracing back to Adam and Eve.

The David Spoon Experience 5-7-24 part 2

1) David describes a person declared righteous as someone who has been forgiven for their disobedience, and whose sins have been removed from sight. In other words, it's not just the righteousness of Jesus that reconciles us with God. It's also the fact that our sins were crucified at the cross, leaving us sinless and forgiven. 2) He elaborates on this by stating that there is immense joy for those whose sins are no longer counted against them. While God, from a practical sanctification standpoint, will shape, discipline, and correct you and I to reflect Jesus more and more, the penalties of your sin, from an eternal perspective, have been vanquished through the victory of Jesus Christ. 3) What's remarkable about this passage from Romans is that it helps us understand that when Jesus died on the cross, was buried, and rose again, three significant events occurred. Our sins were dealt with on the cross. In the burial, Jesus died for us, laying destroying the power of the old earthly self. In the resurrection, there was a restoration of what was lost in the Garden of Eden - a renewed relationship with God. That's why it's crucial to understand the Gospel as the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which we receive by faith, given to us by God’s grace, mercy, and love. 

The David Spoon Experience 5-7-24 part 1

A) In Matthew Chapter 17, Verse 22, Jesus predicts his death once again to prepare the disciples for what is going to be a profoundly difficult time. In telling them about his death, he also informs them that he will be raised from the dead. However, the disciples' focus at this point is on the fact that Jesus is going to die, and they were filled with grief. It's okay to grieve if you're a Christian, even though redemption is coming.B) We now enter into one of the best stories that come from engaging with Jesus. As they're entering the temple, the tax collectors for the temple ask Peter, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?" For those that do not know, attending the Passover or the Rosh Hashanah service always required a member of the temple to buy a ticket. That's why it's not a tax, even though it sounds like a tax, kind of like politicians.