Have you ever asked yourself this question, "Why do I go to church?"  Scott and Tina tackle this question with a simple definition of "church".  They explain it as an entity that has DNA.  Every living thing has DNA.  And simple biology teaches that every living thing grows and reproduces.  If this basic fact doesn't happen then the living object dies.  Are you a member of the "living" church.  Listen first and then answer this question.  

Today Scott and I want to encourage you to never stop going!  Let me explain.  In  2020 we were all put in some type of a holding pattern.  We were somewhat isolated from people.  Even the other day,  while standing in line at the grocery store I wondered, “should I talk to that person standing behind me?” We wander up and down the aisles trying to be respectful of each other’s space, trying to “social distance”. We no longer can share a friendly smile with the other shoppers, we just continue on with our minds focused on the items on the shelf. The masks that we wear seem to feel like duct tape across our mouth. Subliminally telling us not to talk, not to be social.

Is all of this social distancing dulling us to the reality that we still live in a world that needs Jesus? We still pass by people every day who are searching for peace. But our masks become the barrier that keeps us from sharing Gods love with them. Our masks are becoming the barrier between hurting and hope. The enemy is smirking at this new twist in life that is silencing Gods people.

At the beginning of 2021 God prompted my heart. He began reminding me again of the hurting people around me. He began setting a fire in my spirit to start seeing people again. He began challenging me to start again sharing the reason for my hope. He challenged me to not hide behind the mask but to start engaging with people. And Scott and I want to challenge you too – don’t let the mask you wear become duct tape! Push beyond and engage with people again.  Today we want to encourage you to never stop “going”.  

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Have you ever taken a class that teaches you how to share the gospel?  What was that class like?  Did you ever use the knowledge you learned through that class to share your hope with someone?  Scott and Tina talk honestly about those classes they took and how they never actually used the instruction from those classes.  Life is too complicated and every persons experience is so unique.  But you don't have to fear, God has given us very simple tools where it is possible for every Christian, no matter how much knowledge they have, to share their hope.  It is a simple as the blind man saying, "All I know is that I was blind and now I see."  

We finally figured it out!  We have been producing content for our podcast for a year now.  However, we finally have some clear direction about where we are going.  We know our content is not for everyone; yet, we'd love for everyone to listen . . . but we are now going to focus all of our content on evangelism.
 
Our purpose is to give Christians the tools they need to share their hope.

What are these tools?

• courage and confidence to share your hope with the people God puts in your path.
• unpacking your box of traditions and seeing how "Church" can happen in a different way
• understanding what organic church looks like
• being an authentic Christian and loving  people whether they will ever love your God
• reaching out to your neighbors
• starting a home church in your neighborhood
• living life in the world but not being of the world

Hey Christian!  What is your reason for not sharing the gospel - the greatest hope ever - with the people around you?  Do you see hurting people around you and then do walk right on by?  Why have you lost your passion for Christ?

Scott and Tina are going to dive into the answers to these questions.  They want to encourage you today to wake up and open your eyes to the hurting people around you.  

The Give 'em Heaven podcast is weekly encouragement and practical steps to give you the tools you need to share the hope of the Christ with the people that cross your path.  It is our desire that you go and "give 'em heaven" daily.   

Happy 2021 from Scott and Tina.  Think about your one thing that could drastically change your life  for the better this year.  What is your "one thing"?  Scott and Tina want to encourage you to start your year focusing on  "one thing".  

If there was a vaccine that would help you live forever would you take it?  Scott, Tina and their daughter Caroline discuss the fear and hopelessness of the COVID pandemic.  They want to encourage you with the true hope that comes wrapped as a gift at Christmas - JESUS. 

Journal article:  The Next Pandemic, Laurie Garrett

YouTube Video:  Hope is Here ,  Building 429

Christmas Jingle:  Holiday Opener , Kevin MacLeod

Romans Chapter 5, NLT: read and answer this basic question:  What does this passage tell you about God?

More about Scott and Tina:  our website

Rain is a major component of the water cycle and is responsible for depositing most of the fresh water on the Earth.  Today it seems like the world is a little muddy - Scott and Tina want to bring some fresh water to your life today using this simple acronym of R.A.I.N.

1 Kings 18-19.  Read the story for yourself. 

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The whole Bible from beginning to end is a part of God's ultimate plan.  All of creation, all of history is a story of redemption - the salvation of sinners.  All of this was done that you may enjoy God alone as the supreme treasure of your life, and so display that all glory belongs ultimately to God alone. 

Isaiah 6:3, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven's Armies.  The whole earth is filled with His glory."

Contact us:  www.exchange-ministries.com

The gospel is not a message of what we must do for God; the gospel is the good news of what God has done for us.  Let that sink in . . . . ponder that idea.  Now join Scott and Tina and their guests (for the second time),  Kellie and Donald, as they discuss this truth.