Shows
FellowshipmtzPsalm 12: A Community LamentFellowship Church is currently spending two weeks in the psalms of lament. God created lament as a means of expressing and processing our sorrows in his presence. Thus, to lament is Christian. On August 31, we considered the community lament of Psalm 12 which celebrates the enduring word of God in a fallen world characterized by deceit.
2025-09-0139 minFellowshipmtzGenesis 3:20-24 - God's Grace, Adam's Faith, Sin's ConsequencesGenesis 3:20-24
Given that the man (particularly) is guilty of treason against the LORD Most High (to whom he owes his entire life & being), how is it that the full weight of God's wrath & justice does not immediately fall upon Adam? Today's message explores the doctrines of "original sin" and "Christ's propitiatory life & death".
2025-08-1736 minFellowshipmtzGenesis 3:16-19 / Judgment Upon the Woman and the ManGenesis 3:16-19
After cursing the serpent and promising Satan's ultimate demise, the LORD God pronounces consequences upon the woman, and then upon the man, for their sin — but note, the "image of God" is not cursed. They will still have the capacity to reflect God's image, though imperfectly -- something like a broken mirror.
2025-08-1044 minFellowshipmtzMark 4:21-34 / Three Kingdom Parables!Mark 4:21-34
Pastor Will concludes his three part series on Jesus's parables found in Mark chapter 4. (Note the second message was not successfully recorded.) In today's parables Jesus teaches the listener's responsibility to "pay attention" to the parables, the supernatural growth of the kingdom, and the eventual success of the kingdom.
2025-08-0349 minFellowshipmtzMark 4:1-12: Parable of the Sower Part IMark 4:1-12: This is Pastor Will. I am the new associate pastor at Fellowship Church. I hope you enjoy my first sermon in this role. It is the first of three sermons on the kingdom parables.
2025-07-2048 minFellowshipmtzGenesis 3:14-15 - The Serpent's CurseGenesis 3:14-15
The message this Sunday had two distinct "parts" with several appropriate songs in between. Verse 14 focused on the physical serpent's curse, and verse 15 focused on Satan's curse. Unfortunately, the message on verse 14 was not recorded successfully, so it's missing from this audio file.
2025-07-1429 minFellowshipmtzGenesis 3:8-13 - Hiding in Shame Because of SinGenesis 3:8-13
Having disobeyed the LORD God, the man and the woman must inevitably face their Creator. What then?
2025-07-0736 minFellowshipmtzGenesis 3:1-7 - A Closer Look at The Woman's & Man's Temptation & SinGenesis 3:1-7
For the most part everyone *knows* the story of temptation & sin in Genesis chapter three. But in many cases, I think there has been quite a lot of unwarranted speculation as to what was happening. For better or worse, this is my take on the details...
2025-06-3037 minFellowshipmtzGenesis 2:24-25 - Biblical MarriageGenesis 2:24-25
Having created the man, and then the woman, the LORD God uses that very first relationship as His design & pattern (model) for for marriage -- i.e., "Therefore..."
2025-06-2249 minFellowshipmtzGenesis 2:18-15 - God's Divine Intention: The Man, The WomanGenesis 2:18-25
God's designed intention was to create the man, followed by the woman as the man's complimentary partner & helper. These verses which are so often divisive are meant to a beautiful celebration of marriage before sin.
2025-06-1643 minFellowshipmtzGenesis 2:17-18 - Man's Conscience (?) and Man's ComplimentThe first few minutes were not recorded, but it was basically review and setting the context for today's teaching. We took a closer look at God's prohibition concerning "the tree of the knowledge of good and evil" and the declared consequence, "death". After that we surveyed the next section, verses 18-25 -- noting that verse 18 drives the unfolding narrative.
2025-06-0937 minFellowshipmtzGenesis 2:7-17, Adam's creation: Dust + Image. His Vocation, Liberty, & Prohibition.Genesis 2:7-17
Adam is formed from dirt; at the same time, the LORD God uniquely makes him in His own image, breathing into his nostrils the "breath of life!"
2025-06-0239 minFellowshipmtzJoel 1-2, "The Day of the LORD" / Dylan AckleyMinor Prophet: Joel 1-2
Our own Dylan Ackley preaches on important themes from Joel chapters 1-2 -- focusing especially on the significance and importance of "the day of the LORD."
2025-05-2637 minFellowshipmtzGUEST: Curt Fleck - "Jesus's Crucifixion & Resurrection Demands a Response"Matthew 27:45 - 28:9
Curt Fleck, the Executive Director of Civil Servant Ministry, preaches a "condensed" message from the regular Bible study series (Matthew's gospel) he hosts with various State governmental officials in Springfield.
2025-05-1945 minFellowshipmtzGenesis 2:5-17 - Plants of the Field, Garden in Eden, the LORD God's CharacterGenesis 2:5-17
In today's message we consider difference between vegetation created by God on Day 3 and the description in 2:5, "When no bush of the field was yet in the land and no small plant of the field had yet sprung up—for the LORD God had not caused it to rain on the land, and there was no man to work the ground".
We also survey the larger context of verses 5-17 to glean what we can know about the LORD God.
2025-05-1241 minFellowshipmtzGenesis 2:4 - A Second Creation account !?Genesis 2:4 - Genesis 1:1-2:3 narrates seven chronological days of creation (6 days of activity followed by an explicit day of cessation). Then (apparently without adequate explanation) chapter 2:4ff recounts what appears to be creation with significantly different details. Are the two "versions" of creation irreconcilable, or are they complimentary?
2025-05-0430 minFellowshipmtzTrampling Over Death by Death - Hebrews 2:14-15Resurrection Sunday!
On this year's resurrection Sunday we take a closer look at Death, because it's only as we face the reality of death that we can (by the grace of God) celebrate Jesus's resurrection!
2025-04-2140 minFellowshipmtzGenesis 1:26-31 - The Image of GodGenesis 1:26-31
NOTE: The First five minutes (or so) are missing from the recording. What was emphasized at the beginning is that the word translated in verses 26-27, "man" is the Hebrew word transliterated, "Adam," and that word is used in these verses as a collective noun for BOTH the first man and the first woman. Both male & female are created in God's image & likeness, emphasizing a perfect unity and harmony. I prefer the New English Translating the word as "humankind." Later in the Bible, "Adam" is used as the personal name for the first man. Otherwise, the mes...
2025-04-0750 minFellowshipmtzGUEST: Robert Chapman - Esther 4Guest speaker Robert Chapman preaches a message from Esther chapter four. The highlight of the dramatic narrative comes in verse 14 when Mordecai tells Esther, "For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
2025-03-3037 minFellowshipmtzGenesis 1:20-27 / "Living Creatures"!Genesis 1:20-27 / Days 5 & 6
Note: The first 7 minutes the microphone was cutting out a bit. After that, I used a handheld with better results.
The biggest part of the teaching (and discussion afterward) was on the significance of the designation "living creatures". According to the narrative, fish, birds, animals, and man are ALL created "living creatures." That designation is something that man has in common with other forms of life; it is not what separates him as unique.
2025-03-2433 minFellowshipmtzGuest Speaker: William CooperGuest: Will Cooper
Text: Mark 7:24-30 - The Great Banquet & a Persistent Faith
2025-03-1627 minFellowshipmtzGenesis 1 - Days 2 and 3Genesis 1:6-13
On an earth "without form" (verse 2) finishes creating His intended "forms" or "structures"; after which, He begins to "fill" the empty forms. Day three concludes (culminates!) with God calling forth vegetation on the earth. Today's message pays particular attention on the meaning of God's created "expanse, firmament" and the significance of created vegetation "bearing fruit" or "yielding seed according to it's kind".
2025-03-0947 minFellowshipmtzGuest Speaker: Brad CorfmanGalatians 3:7-14
Our guest, Brad Corfman preaches today's message. Unfortunately, for unknown reasons, the recording did not turn out well. Besides being recorded at a level lower than normal, there are a couple of minutes when the recorder lost its signal. At about the 12 minutes mark I cut (removed) the two minutes; that explains a rather abrupt progression after several seconds of silence.
2025-03-0237 minFellowshipmtzGenesis 1 - Let there be Light! (Days 1 and 4)Genesis 1 - Days 1 & 4
God created "light" on Day 1; and then on Day 4 "made the two great lights" [the sun & the moon]. How to understand and/or harmonize these two activities has been fodder for a lot of (unnecessary, in my opinion) discussion. The simplest explanation seems best.
2025-02-2325 minFellowshipmtzGenesis 1 - Six Days of Creation OverviewGenesis 1:1-31
We begin by defining three key words in verse 1: "God," "created," and "heavens."
Then, we consider the "big picture" of the six days of creation, and does "day" ever mean something other than a twenty-four day?
2025-02-1644 minFellowshipmtzGenesis 1:1-3 - "Gap Theory" Speculation ExplainedGenesis 1:1-3
Today's message explains the best reasons why some might advocate for what is commonly known as the "Gap Theory" -- a gap of unspecified duration between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2. To be clear, I am NOT recommending the Gap Theory, but I do want to evaluate it fairly. I personally am unconvinced by the popular arguments that dismiss it. It seems to me a speculative possibility.
2025-02-0949 minFellowshipmtzGenesis 1:1-3 - Three Approaches to CreationGenesis 1:1-3
For our purposes, within Biblical Christianity, there are three general approaches to understanding the first three verses of Genesis. (I am NOT including less Biblical approaches that discount or disregard what the text says.) The point here is to fairly recognize how otherwise good Christians may approach the text different from one's own tradition or persuasion.
2025-02-0237 minFellowshipmtzIntroduction to Genesis!Genesis! (Laying the foundation for how the book -- especially the Creation account -- will be approached)
2025-01-2650 minFellowshipmtzGUEST: Jim Johnson - Faith in AfflictionGuest speaker, Jim Johnson, considers select Bible passages on the (inevitable) prospect of believers enduring hardship or affliction -- and how Scripture offers encouragement and guidance during those times.
2025-01-1942 minFellowshipmtzPsalm 33 - LORD of Creation, History, Humanity, & Salvation!Psalm 33!
A terrific psalm for the first Sunday of a new year (a week late since the actual first Sunday was cancelled due to inclement weather). Side note: The recording begins with applause, but that's not for me (the pastor) -- rather, it's from a congregational stereo song that just ended that ends with applause. :-)
2025-01-1237 minFellowshipmtzPsalm 148 - Two Choirs of Praise!Psalm 148
A praise psalm if there ever was one! "Praise" occurs 13x in the English Standard Version Bible; "all" occurs 9x. What are you waiting for?
2024-12-3040 minFellowshipmtzPsalm 112:6-10 - Not Afraid (of Bad News)Psalm 112:6-10
Arthur E. Cundall, Daily Devotional Bible Commentary, Psalms–Malachi, vol. 2, (1974), 98
In Psalm 112 the sentiments are, as might be expected, in the tradition of Proverbs, no mention being made of exceptions. Note the link made by v. 3b between the two psalms; since man's righteousness is derived from God, the same affirmation can be made of man's and God's. We should translate v. 4, 'To those who fear God he is like a light that shines in darkness; he is merciful, gracious and righteous' (Weiser); he shows the same type of attributes as does God. The RS...
2024-12-2329 minFellowshipmtzPsalm 112 - Blessings & Obligations of the One Who Fears the LORDPsalm 112 (part 1)
The last verse of Psalm 111 reads, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!" The first verse of Psalm 112 picks up where the last psalm left off: "Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments!"
2024-12-1538 minFellowshipmtzPsalm 111 - Celebration of GOD's Doings!Psalm 111
This alphabetic acrostic psalm celebrates the LORD's works and His precepts (what we might recognize as His Word). The psalm ends with the important precept: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever."
2024-12-0840 minFellowshipmtzPsalm 92:6-15 - Human FlourishingPsalm 92:6-15
In part 1 (the week before) we considered the first strophe (movement, stanza). In this message we cover the remainder of the psalm, especially contrasting two kinds of "flourishing" -- one that ends in death and disappointment and one that bears eternal rewards.
2024-12-0226 minFellowshipmtzPsalm 92 - It Is Good to Give Thanks!Psalm 92 ( part 1 )
After some general observations we considered the psalm's first strophe (movement), verses 1-5. The LORD's thoughts (and works) are a beautiful tapestry of His steadfast love and faithfulness.
2024-11-2547 minFellowshipmtzThe Inadequacies (or Failure) of Every Reformation - Nehemiah 13Nehemiah 12:43 > The High Point of Reformation!
Nehemiah 12:44-47 & 13:1-3 > Two Appendices
Nehemiah 13:4-31 > Coda (Failure)
Including two audio excerpts featuring Don Carson: "We earnestly seek reformation, but help us never to be so foolish as to imagine that by our reforms, by our organization, by our gifts, somehow we will bring in utopia. For this, merciful God, we await in eager anticipation the return of your dear Son, and we cry, 'Have mercy upon us. Come, Lord Jesus, come.' Amen."
* D. A. Carson, “Nehemiah: The Triumph and Failure of Reformation — Part 5,” in D. A. Ca...
2024-11-1857 minFellowshipmtzNehemiah 12 - Faith's Celebration! (Dedicating the Wall!)Nehemiah 12:1-43
Gregory Goswell (Academic Dean at Christ College in New Zealand) writes in A Study Commentary on Ezra-Nehemiah, (EP, 2013), 380. "There is little prospect of Nehemiah 11 becoming one of the Old Testament's most famous or best loved chapters. The modern reader does not find long lists of difficult Hebrew names very interesting. The chapter is not, however, without its value or purpose.. Coming as it does after chapters 8-10 that have described the reformation of the people and the revival of spiritual life among them, it makes the point that only now are the people in a fit s...
2024-11-1126 minFellowshipmtzNehemiah 11 - Willing Service for a Cause Bigger Than OneselfNehemiah 11
So many genealogies! So many names! Why does it matter to God?|
In Nehemiah, it is evident the people understand and support the larger mission to reestablish Jerusalem. Similarly, the Church is tasked with a mission bigger than any of our own individual aspirations. What is the mission?
2024-11-0451 minFellowshipmtzNehemiah 10:30-39 - Intermarriage, Sabbaths, Temple WorshipNehemiah 10:30-39
We draw our attention to understanding the significance of the three specific categories to which the Israelites pledge their obedience (and how those categories apply to the Christian Church).
2024-10-2737 minFellowshipmtzBaptisms - "For the Sake of..."Special message on the meaning and significance of Christian baptism.
2024-10-2128 minFellowshipmtzNehemiah 10:30-39 - The Specific Oaths of the Larger AgreementNehemiah 10:30-39
It is relatively *easy* to talk in general terms about making necessary changes, but now Israel gets down to some very specific, identifiable, measurable steps:
Intermarriages (family)
Sabbaths
Supporting Temple ministry
2024-10-1340 minFellowshipmtzNehemiah 10:1-29 - Israel's Firm Agreement to Observe ALL of God's Law! (?)Nehemiah 9:38-10:29
Most Christian's view of Mosaic Law is entirely shaded by what the Apostle Paul teaches about the failure of the Law to justify the sinner. No matter how hard s/he tries, it isn't good enough to gain entrance into the kingdom of heaven. So how are we to understand Israel's pledge in Nehemiah 9:38 and 10:29: "Because of all this we are making a binding agreement in writing on a sealed document … and we enter into a curse and an oath to walk in God’s Law that was given by Moses the servant of God, and to o...
2024-10-0748 minFellowshipmtzNehemiah 9:26-37 - His Mercy Is More (part 2)Nehemiah 9:26-37
Peter Adam writes in Reading the Bible Today Series (2014):
"The big structure is that God had blessed [Israel] (vv 6-15), God had blessed them despite their rebellion (vv 16-25), and that they had rebelled despite God's blessing (vv 26-31)."
2024-09-2935 minFellowshipmtzNehemiah 9:1-25 - Our Sins They Are Many, His Mercy Is MoreNehemiah 9:1-25
As the Israelites rehearse their history and understanding of what GOD has revealed, two truths stand out: 1) their pattern of sin is undeniable, persistent, and great, and, 2) GOD's past faithfulness and His promises are the basis of their hope in the moment.
2024-09-2345 min2024-09-1630 minFellowshipmtzNehemiah 8:13-18 - Hearing from GOD (in His Word!)Nehemiah 8:13-18
From the Pulpit Commentary (1909):
"The careful student of God's word is rewarded by important discoveries. He will find truths, precepts, and promises which are new to him, or come with all the freshness and force of a new revelation, to correct his beliefs or his conduct, or to give him new comfort and joy. The Bible is an inexhaustible mine of eternal treasures. It will repay the constant study of a life."
2024-09-0831 minFellowshipmtzNehemiah 8 ~ The Joy of the LORD is Your Stronghold!Nehemiah 8
When the people hear the "Book of the Law of God" read and explained to them, they weep and mourn. But Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites tell them not to grieve "for the joy of the LORD is your strength". This is such a powerful truth!
2024-09-0152 minFellowshipmtzNehemiah 7 - 8 - New beginnings & Ancient PathsNehemiah 7-8 (part 1)
Soon after after the walls are finished "all the people" Gather together and ask Ezra to read "the Book of the Law of Moses" to them. They don't want Ezra to wax eloquent with his own musings on life and faith and they aren't gathered to swap their own ideas about God, they want to know how GOD has revealed Himself!
2024-08-2540 minFellowshipmtzNehemiah 6 - Tempted to Compromise, by Rumors, and False Prophets(Back from our East coast vacation to visit family)
Nehemiah 6
Nehemiah faces a persistent battery of temptations to stop him from his God-given effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
2024-08-1838 minFellowshipmtzNehemiah 5 - How to Face OppositionNehemiah 5 is a terrific example how Christians (individually) and the church (collectively) should respond to opposition and hardship. Mistreatment & opposition from outsiders is to be expected (to some degree); but sometimes, the opposition originates from those expected to be allies! What then?
2024-07-2841 minFellowshipmtzNehemiah's Opposition Increases!Nehemiah 4
We begin by spending some time confirming the late juncture in which Nehemiah arrives -- by all accounts, in very close connection with Malachi. Otherwise, in chapter 4, we see that as Nehemiah makes progress on the rebuilding effort, his opponents intensify their efforts to stop him!
2024-07-2143 minFellowshipmtzNehemiah's Commission, Arrival, and the OppositionNehemiah 2-4
Nehemiah has only known life outside of Israel. He is living a very comfortable, secure life serving the King of the Persian empire -- so WHY does he even care about what's happening in Jerusalem nearly 1000 miles away?
2024-07-1445 minFellowshipmtzNehemiah Introduction & Chapter 1Introduction to Nehemiah and chapter one
Before starting a lengthier series from Genesis 1-11 (starting in September?), we are going to do a shortened study of Nehemiah. We recently finished Ephesians by spending four weeks on the subject of prayer. As it turns out, Nehemiah is a wonderful example of godly prayer, so why not now?
2024-07-0744 minFellowshipmtzPsalm 123 - Waiting for God's MercyPsalm 123 - Guest speaker, John Davis (Pastor Cliff's son) comes to us from Louisville, Kentucky to open God's Word from one of the psalms of ascent!
2024-07-0134 minFellowshipmtzEphesians 6:19-14 - Boldness & BenedictionEphesians 6:19-24 - Finding himself "an ambassador in chains" Paul adds a personal prayer request before writing his final benediction. A terrific quote from Alexander Maclaren (1826-1910) concludes our study of the letter first delivered to the Ephesians.
2024-06-2334 minFellowshipmtzEphesians 6:18 - ALL prayer, ALL perseverance, ALL the saintsEphesians 6:18 --
A wide variety of persons are called upon to provide an understanding of what the Bible means when it calls upon Christians (the church!) to pray, "at ALL times with ALL prayer and petition in the Spirit, and to this end, being on the alert with ALL perseverance and petition for ALL the saints," (Legacy Standard Bible)
2024-06-1647 minFellowshipmtzEphesians 6:18 - PRAYING "at all times"Ephesians 6:18, "praying at all times in the Spirit"
What does "at all times" look like ?
What does "in the Spirit" mean?
2024-06-0925 minFellowshipmtzAdvancing Peace in the Political Arena! (Guest: Curt Fleck)Curt Fleck is the Executive Director of CIVIL SERVANT MINISTRY -- a ministry devoted to sharing the God's Word and the Gospel with those involved in politics in Springfield and Illinois.
2024-06-0245 min2024-05-2636 minFellowshipmtzEphesians 6:18 / Praying! (in the Spirit) - part 1John Burton (1803-1877) English children's hymnwriter, I OFTEN SAY MY PRAYERS
1 I often say my prayers; But do I ever pray?
And do the wishes of my heart Go with the words I say?
2 I may as well kneel down, And worship gods of stone,
As offer to the living God, A prayer of words alone.
3 For words without the heart, The Lord will never hear;
Nor will He to those lips attend, Whose prayers are not sincere.
4 Lord, show me what I need, And teach me how...
2024-05-1930 minFellowshipmtzEphesians 6:17b - The Sword of the Spirit!Ephesians 6:17b,
Besides discovering how well the LEGACY STANDARD BIBLE translated the entire passage on the Church's armor, probably the most interesting discovery was the realization the Church/Christians are told to "receive," rather than "pick up" the "sword of the Spirit" !
2024-05-1341 minFellowshipmtzEphesians 6:17 - Helmet of Salvation!Ephesians 6:16-17
We initially take care of a few unfinished details concerning the "shield of faith" -- Did Jesus have faith? Next we spend a good amount of time considering what it means to "receive" the "helmet (or hope) of salvation".
2024-05-0544 minFellowshipmtzEphesians 6:16 - Shield of Faith!Ephesians 6:16 - The Interpreter's Bible Exposition Commentary (1953) aptly recognizes: "Orthodox Christianity is right in its bold assertion that the root of sin is not weakness but unbelief. Faith is the only real cure. The Reformers were right also in confronting all works-religion with a return to the good news of "justification by faith." Rehearsal of the great Reformation argument cannot be attempted here. The relevance of the concept, even in its most general form, to the problem of Christian ethics cries out for rediscovery. The deeper problem raised by human sinfulness is not the what, but the why."
2024-04-2840 minFellowshipmtzEphesians 6:15 - Readiness to stand!Ephesians 6:15 - The popular opinion is that Paul is calling for the Church/Christians to be ready to share with others the Gospel. But I think the context favors the understanding Paul is reminding the Church/Christians of its own need of readiness to stand firmly in "the gospel of peace" ?
2024-04-2241 minFellowshipmtzEphesians 6:13-14 - Belt of truth, Breastplate of righteousnessEphesians 6:13-14
We finally begin to consider the armor that Paul tells the church to "put on". We begin with some general (but important) observations regarding the armor. We end with "the belt of truth" and the "breastplate of righteousness".
2024-04-1441 minFellowshipmtzGuest Speaker: Jordan McFarlandTitus 2:1-10 - Jordan returns to Fellowship and continues his (sporadic) series from Paul's letter to Titus. Today's message carefully examines the various roles and responsibilities within the church and home.
2024-04-0835 minFellowshipmtzPromise Fulfilled! (A Gospel Metanarrative)Resurrection Sunday 2024
The overwhelming majority of people profess belief in "God" (aka Genesis 1-2) and an "afterlife" of eternal peace and rest (aka Revelation 21-22) -- but what about the 1185 chapters that come between?
2024-03-3138 minFellowshipmtzEphesians 6 - via John Owen (English Puritan)Temptation & Sin / borrowing heavily from John Owen (1616-1683)
Owen wrote on THE ENTICEMENT OF INDWELLING SIN, and before we move forward into the actual "armor of God" I wanted to share some of his key (very convicting) insights. Lord-willing, Ephesians 6 will resume on Sunday, April 14.
2024-03-2429 minFellowshipmtzEphesians 6:10-13,16 - The Devil's Schemes & Flaming Arrows!Ephesians 6:10-13, 16
Today's message focuses on the reason WHY God's armor is so important, so necessary -- i.e. the Devil's schemes and the Devil's flaming darts!
2024-03-1747 minFellowshipmtzEphesians 6:10 - Be Strong in the LordEphesians 6:10
Stuart Olyott is a semi-retired British pastor now in his early 80's. In 1994 he wrote a commentary on Ephesians that excellently frames this section in relation to the whole:
"The letter's first three chapters have told us of the marvelous blessings we have in Christ. We are no longer what we used to be. We are radically different. And we are infinitely rich. The next three chapters have made one overall point: being different, we should live differently. We have been taught how to do this in the church, in the world and at home. But suc...
2024-03-0443 minFellowshipmtzEphesians 6:5-9 - Slaves & MastersEphesians 6:5-9
Paul's last pair of "Household Codes" (Martin Luther) is addressed to slaves and masters. Inarguably, these instructions are the most controversial and offensive to moderns. Is this proof the Bible is oppressive? or is there more than meets the eye?
2024-02-2644 minFellowshipmtzEphesians 6:2-4 - Biblical Parenting: A Fathers Role & a Commandment's PromiseEphesians 6:1-4
Today we finish the text in Ephesians addressing children, parents, and fathers. Special attention is given to a father's responsibility & role in parenting, and the Fifth Commandment's promise to obedient children, "that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land."
2024-02-1955 minFellowshipmtzEphesians 6:1-3 - Biblical Parenting (Part 2)Ephesians 6:1-3
Though there is no parenting strategy that can guarantee a certain desired outcome, it is also true that not every parenting philosophy has equal value. Four pertinent questions help to rightly evaluate a parenting philosophy:
Does this strategy accurately represent the Bible's TEACHING on the subject ?
Does this strategy proceed from an accurate view of human nature ?
Is this strategy derived from time-tested wisdom or is it derived from the latest trends and theories?
Is this strategy developing more consistent obedience in my child ?
2024-02-1139 minFellowshipmtzEphesians 6:1 - Biblical Parenting (Part 1)Ephesians 6:1-4
We resumed our "normal" teaching through Ephesians after a fairly long absence. Chapter six begins with a continuation of what Martin Luther termed "Household Codes." Having previously addressed the roles and responsibility of wives and husbands, Paul now addresses children and parents (with a particular emphasis on fathers).
2024-02-0548 minFellowshipmtzPsalm 85 (part 2) - Heaven on EarthPsalm 85:8-13 (part 2 of 2)
Particularly throughout the First (Old) Testament there is an unresolved tension between how much GOD promises and how those promises can ever become a reality in light of Israel's propensity for sin (enslavement). Certainly, the prophet Isaiah didn't shy away from this tension! In fact, quite the opposite -- Isaiah engaged the tension as a springboard for the magnificence of the gospel! (God's sovereign grace to accomplish His redemptive purposes)!
2024-01-2942 minFellowshipmtzPsalm 85 (part 1): Restoration . . . Distress . . . RestorationPsalm 85:1-9
The pattern in this psalm typifies Israel's experience, the believer's experience:
1) Initially, there is a profound experience (and celebration) of God's favor, deliverance
2) At some point afterward, "life happens" and distress sets in. The believers calls out for revival, restoration.
3) Finally, the believer anticipates full and final favor, deliverance.
But how? The answer comes in part 2 next Sunday.
2024-01-2130 minFellowshipmtz2 Samuel 18:19-33 - The Struggle of Mercy & Justice2 Samuel 18:19-33 -- David's son, Absalom, is dead. Joab knows he must send a runner to report the news from the battlefield to where David waits. The narrator very s l o w l y draws out how that actually takes place. When David finally learns the truth, he is devastated and overcome with sorrow like he has never before experienced.
2024-01-1552 minFellowshipmtz2 Samuel 18:1-182 Samuel 17:24 - 18:1
The drama (and conspiracy) that has been building for quite some time finally comes to a head. Absalom's larger army of civilians gathered from all over Israel meets David's army of mercenaries on the battlefield. David's army wins a decisive victory, but it is the demise of Absalom that the author details.
2024-01-0845 minFellowshipmtzPsalm 1 ~ New Year’s Blessing!Psalm 1 --
Were you aware the book of Psalms contains quite a handful of "beatitudes" (pronounced blessings)? Psalm 1 (along with its companion psalm 2) fittingly introduces the reader to the book of Psalms (prayers & songs).
2023-12-3144 minFellowshipmtzWhen GOD Visits! (Psalm 8, especially)A short two week series based upon Zechariah's prophecy in Luke chapter one:
"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people"
What happens when GOD visits? Why does GOD visit? Is it possible for Him to visit and miss its significance?
2023-12-2435 minFellowshipmtzLuke 1:67-80 / Zechariah’s Prophetic ”Song”!WE ARE BACK "HOME" IN OUR OWN BUILDING!! (We have used rented space since mid-August while our own building was under some construction & renovation.) At any rate, today's message considers the significance of Zechariah's prophecy after the miraculous birth of their one and only son, John (who became known as, John the Baptist).
2023-12-1841 minFellowshipmtz2 Samuel 16:5-14 - Shimei Curses DavidThe (somewhat veiled) gospel in the First Testament. David's faith in God's power to restore and save shines plainly!
(The audio has a few hiccups, but is mostly good.)
2023-12-0354 minFellowshipmtz2 Samuel 15:30 -- 16:4 ; David’s Encounters As He Flees Jerusalem (Part 4)NOTE: Because of construction on our own church's building, we are currently gathering on Sunday evenings at Faith Baptist Church of South Shores (Decatur, IL). For whatever reason, the audio board there generally does not produce a good recording -- but most recently, on November 26, it did!
2023-11-2648 minFellowshipmtz2 Samuel 11-13 - Sin’s ConsequencesWe are taking a brief break from "Ephesians" to consider some lesser understood incidents from King David's life, After David's sin with Bathsheba and subsequent killing of her husband, Uriah (2 Samuel 11), the next five chapters demonstrate the fulfillment of Nathan's prophetic words of consequence.
2023-10-1552 minFellowshipmtzEphesians 5:22-33 - Christ & the Church!Ephesians 5:22-33
As important as it is, the marriage relationship between husband & wife points to something MUCH BIGGER and MORE IMPORTANT: namely, the relationship between Christ and HIs Church. Paul calls the disclosure of this truth a "profound mystery" (verse 32) and for very good reasons!
2023-10-0944 minFellowshipmtzWives ~ Husbands ; Submission ~ Love // It’s Bigger Than That!Ephesians 5:21-33
Today's message dives in to some of the nitty gritty of mutual submission (v 21), a wife's submission (v 22), and a husband's love (v 25). The most fascinating and important discovery comes when you realize the passage isn't really just about the relationship between wives & husbands.
2023-10-0238 minFellowshipmtzWives & Husbands ~ Complementarianism & Egalitarianism: Ephesians 5:17-6:9Ephesians 5:17-6:9 / Household Codes
This Sunday's message puts the specific instructions to wives & husbands, children & fathers, servants & masters in context to Paul's larger teaching on "understanding what the will of the Lord is" (5:17). The message briefly defines complementarianism and egalitarianism and explains how each approaches a passage such as this. Ultimately, today's message provides the groundwork for next Sunday's more specific teaching of the text.
2023-09-241h 04
Passion For PerformanceChasing Kona ... with Jeff Davis - The Intro ...Welcome to Chasing Kona ! This will be a series hosted by HPT athlete and previous podcast guest, Jeff Davis. Follow along as Jeff explores what it takes to Chase Kona. In this intro we will have a quick look into how the concpet came about and what you can expect in upcoming episodes.
2023-08-0718 min
Full Proof Theology87 - Clifford Humphrey on Counterfeit Leadership and Compelling ExcellenceIn this conversation with Clifford Humphrey, we discuss leadership. Clifford proposes that much of what passes for leadership today is better considered management. Everything from generalship, wealth management, to rhetoric, is considered leadership today. What might it look like to have a deeper understanding of leadership? How can we develop leaders with moral vision rather than just managers and rhetoricians?Support the show!! - https://www.patreon.com/chasedavishttps://twitter.com/cphumphreyFrom Temperance to Character - https://amzn.to/3ogEHz2...
2023-04-1759 minFull Proof Theology56 - Clifford Humphrey on Misreading Mere Christianity, Anthropology, and Habit FormationIn this episode, I talk with Dr. Clifford Humphrey on how Christians have misunderstood Mere Christianity. We discuss how most people misread and have misapplied C.S. Lewis’s aim in his book Mere Christianity. We dive into theological anthropology and implications for Christian formation and spirituality. We close discussing baptist political theology. Bio from Troy University - “Dr. Humphrey, originally from Warm Springs, Georgia, earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University. Following graduation, he spent a few years learning the trade of woodworking in New York City and did a bit of worl...
2022-08-0850 min
Without Limits Runners PodcastContinued Discussion on Running, Weight Loss, Eating Issues with Diana DavisWe follow up with registered Dietitian Diana Davis on eating issues. One of our previous podcasts with Terra Jackson discussed her eating disorder and how she overcame that. Now we get into some more healthy conversation on how to deal with it from a dietetics standpoint. Listen to Tom and Diana on this topic that many athletes struggle with.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wol-runners-podcast/support
2022-07-2136 min
The Patriots PodcastStephen Davis Ultra Maga Hulk & 2024 Presidential nominees, LGBTQIA’s & MoreToday’s episode we have Steven Davis from Instagram also known as Magahulk a.k.a. ultra Magahulk a.k.a. the Maga Hulk or as I like to refer to him Ultraaaaa Magaaaaa Huuuulk Discussing things like 2020 for potential nominees, Kamala Harris laugh, Disney, Florida’s Ron DeSantis , LGTBQIA #SimperSignHilda & much more
2022-05-2336 min
The Backdrop - A UC Davis Podcast Exploring the World of Ideas13 - Clifford Saron on the Scientific Study of MeditationClifford Saron, a neuroscientist at the UC Davis Center for Mind and Brain and the MIND Institute, leads the Shamatha Project, one of the most ambitious and comprehensive longitudinal studies of meditation ever conducted.
In this episode, Saron discusses the findings so far of the Shamatha Project; what science can tell us about the tangible effects of meditation; and how mindfulness affects our physical, mental and emotional health.
2022-04-2944 minThe Patriots PodcastStephen Magahulk Davis! 2024 election bets, Matt Walsh, Ben Shapiro, Donald Trump, What is a womanIn todays episode we have Stephen Davis aka magahulk from instagram, no wait it’s the magaaaahuuuulk on discussing topics such bad 2024 election potentials, Ron Desantis, Donald Trump, Matt Walsh, Ben Shapiro, what is a woman, and so much more! So come on in take a deep breath and become one with the sponge in todays episode!--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
2022-04-1637 min
Passion For Performance19: Jeff Davis Is "Doing The Work"Jeff Davis brings a wealth of experience in high performance environments to the table. As an experienced endurance athlete and high level business person he knows what it means to "do the work" required so that when the times get tough he is ready with the necessary tools to get through it. Jeff's framework for success is about knowing who you are, knowing what you want ,and having a team around you to help you get there.
2022-03-051h 26
Reel MoviesEpisode 30: Jay Kramer, Clifford "El Fuego" MarionetaOn the fifth episode of Reel movies season 2, host Josh Davis II talks with celebrity journalist Jay Kramer (Hayden Hovsepian) and cinematic instigator Clifford Marioneta, AKA 'El Fuego' Marioneta (Jordan Pilkenton) about some very real movies based on some very real stories
2022-03-0446 min
Alumni Trending PodcastAT37. Launching Your Campaign During a Pandemic with Shaun Keister (UC-Davis)This episode's trend lines include:the impact of developing your team;launching a campaign during a pandemic; andand service to CASE.BioShaun Keister became UC Davis’ first vice chancellor for development and alumni relations in 2011 and functions as the campus’s chief development officer, leading a team of over 300, and president of the UC Davis Foundation. In his role as vice chancellor, Keister also serves on the Chancellor’s Leadership Council. He led UC Davis in completing its first comprehensive campaign raising more than $1.13 billion from 110,000 donors. He led the planning and recent execution of the un...
2021-03-0130 min
The Clifford Chance Careers PodcastCelebrating Culture Episode 5: the Jewish High Holidays (with Adrian Cohen, Sam Clinton-Davis and Georgia Symons)The Celebrating Culture series, led by REACH our race affinity network, recognises the cultures that make us who we are and that shape the diversity of voices at Clifford Chance. In this episode, Nicholas Chong, Trainee Solicitor in the Structured Debt and Real Estate Finance practice, speaks with Adrian Cohen, a Partner from our London Finance practice, Sam Clinton-Davis, an Associate from our London Capital Markets practice and Georgia Symons, our Community and Outreach Coordinator from our London Office. They discuss the Jewish High Holiday period and the different associated celebrations. They also give an insight into how our Jewish...
2020-11-1022 min
THE FEATURED WITH CJ3Featured Fridays Guest: ABNER DAVISSpoke with Regional Vice President of Primerica Financial Company Abner Davis
2020-06-272h 07