Reaching For Real Life with Sean Azzaro

The gathering was not forsaken! Pastor Sean reflects on the first service in the Real Life Amphitheater (Sunday's at 10am) after 7 weeks of preaching where 2 or more cameras are gathered together. And then Sean invites your Bible Questions at [email protected] where in this program takes on some toughies like "How do I know the will of God vs my will?" and "What happened to those who lived before Jesus was born? Were they forgiven?" Please listen, share, review, and repeat.

Here's the Headline - Texas Governor Abbott says Church is BACK ON! Some rejoice and some say "too soon" - why? Sean Azzaro talks about what it means to River City, and the rules that apply. And to ease back in per the Governor, we must participate. Sean shares his vision for the future and also digs into a little church history...1st century stuff. Hallelujah!

The Reaching For Real Life Podcast hits the road starting and ending in Sean's backyard. We start with the floating release date of The Spirit Filled Life (available now at reachingforreallife.org) and listen for a special contest on how you can win your own copy. Then Sean rides shotgun with Pastor Willy Mayfield who oversees the Real Life Christian Assistance Ministry on their way to the Food Bank. River City Community Church is a major hub for not just giving away food, but hope. Pastor Sean then brings it home with an encouraging word on optimism and backs it up with some scriptures reminding us where our hope comes from.

After a quick update on the new release date of A Pilgrims Guide To The Spirit Filled Life (May 19th), Sean reflects on a historic Easter Sunday - lowest attendance but the highest streaming numbers ever! In fact there's a 170% increase in people clicking on faith/evangelistic content and Sean shares some ideas why. The fear of death is one, and that sting seems to go away when you experience the power of His resurrection. "The stone wasn't moved for Jesus to get out, it was moved for the witnesses to get in."

Pastor Sean (podcasting from the Azzaro home) reminds us that this faith of ours is transcendent, despite any earthly issues (diseases) - it is the "underlying reality of the Universe" - Holy Week is here...the resurrection is the most powerful thing to proclaim. Easter Sunday is coming. Let's do this! Sean also shares what he's learning as more ministry is happening in this season...serving the poor, and making disciples.

Small business owners are facing major disruption because of the national response to COVID-19. It’s putting significant pressure on owners to find new ways of doing business or face major layoffs or even bankruptcy. You'll hear from some business leaders talk about how our faith can inform us during this time.
And there's good news and hope in all this too.
Panel:
Sean Azzaro
Maggie Titterington (President, Chamber of Commerce for Schertz-Cibolo-Selma)
Bill Cox, (Owner of Cox Manufacturing)
Roger Harris, (Owner of Smokey Mo's Franchise)
Mike McGuire (River City Community Church Associate Pastor)
Baron Wiley (Believers Business League)

The world is officially in a pandemic...the fearful headlines change everyday...but one thing does not. Pastor Sean sees this time in our history, in spite of the challenges, an opportunity for the Church to do Church in a new way. There is good news...listen to this podcast and you will hear it. (...wait for it...).

For updates and resources: https://RealLife.org/covid19response/

Former San Antonio District Attorney Nico LaHood joins Sean on the Real Life Conference stage with a no-apologies conversation about sharing the Gospel, defending the faith, and knowing why you believe what you believe. A lesson on being bold...buckle up.

00:00 - Spring Break Edition
04:55 - Nico LaHood's back story
06:40 - Being A Bold Advocate for Christ
11:50 - 10 Years after Starting The Men's Bible Study and The R Rated Podcast
17:00 - Apologetics - Be Prepared / Give an Answer
22:30 - The Church
26:00 - Advice on Leveraging Your Influence For The Kingdom
29:40 - Boldness vs Offensiveness
35:00 - Final Thoughts from Sean

Do you vote...do you not vote? It's Super Tuesday in South Texas so what's a Christian to do? How's a Christian to vote? Pastor Sean starts off the podcast with a recap of Discipleship Real Life Conference (which rocked by the way) before digging deep into the big issues. Keywords: Stewardship, The Law, and Religious Freedom. Sean backs it up as usual with scripture presented here now for your own research and study.

Abortion - Psa 139:13-16 - "I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
Religious Freedom - Prov 14:34 - "Righteousness exalts a nation."
The Law - Romans 13:1 - "Submit to governing authorities."
Stewardship - Gal 2:10 - "Remember the poor."
Environment - Gen 2:15 - "God took man in the Garden to take care of it."

If you feel like you have a book inside you, it can be done! Sean Azzaro tells the story of how he went from being encouraged to write a book, to now encouraging people like you to live the REAL LIFE with his debut book A Pilgrim's Guide To The Spirit Filled Life - Rediscovering The Gift Of The Spirit (Published by Salem Media). You'll hear about the process, the challenges, the changes, and now comes the release! Join the launch team here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2776603042454140/ - Plus Sean shares some wisdom with another practical Leadership Minute: What to do when a leader makes a mistake.