If you’ve been around on this podcast for a while, then you know this is not the first time we’ve addressed some discrepancies between what God intended for His church and how we, as flawed human beings, have erroneously executed on that mission. The beautiful thing is that there is forgiveness and grace where we are willing to admit, we may have gotten it wrong. However, we have to also admit, while forgiveness is available, the effects of false teaching, poor teaching, manipulation, and hypocrisy can lead to long lasting issues, including church trauma, which pushes people away from the Savior they so desperately need—and I would say, deserve. It takes a certain level of courage to confront hypocrisy within the church—especially when its occurring at the hands of someone you love, or who has had a great impact on your spiritual life, or who is popular or charismatic, or powerful within certain circles. But our allegiance and commitment to Christ must supersede any human loyalty or relationship we may experience—and while I don’t claim that confrontation is easy—I will never stop agreeing that it is necessary. So, we would be wise to do what tonight’s title suggests and Look Twice at Two Faced Man. Let’s go.

In an article titled “7 Key Challenges for 21st Century Christianity” the author writes that the 4 key challenge is: Those who intentionally create conflict and discord in the Christian community need to be confronted”. That is exactly what the Apostle Paul does in the first chapter of his letter to the Galatians – Paul writes the early church to warn them against the dangers of false teaching—especially at the hands of those who came intentionally to cause disruption and division.

Todays’ church needs to be just as vigilant.

Eugene Peterson points out, “Our spiritual communities are as susceptible to disease as our physical bodies. But it is easier to detect whatever is wrong in our stomachs and lungs than in our worship and witness. As much as we need physicians for our bodies, we have even greater need for diagnosticians and healers of the spirit.

It is our spiritual responsibility that we filter the information and influence that we receive to make sure it aligns with the truth of God’s Word. False teaching is running rampant, tonight we dig into biblical history to explore the dangers of false teaching and gain wisdom on how to 1) know we belong to God, and 2) better discern what is true and what isn’t.  Join me on tonight’s episode: All in the Family.

In what is thought to be his first letter, Paul writes to the church of Galatia, addressing the issue of false teaching—primarily this argument that you can obtain victory through sole human effort. This is an important lesson for us modern day hustlers—the ones who strive and grind, with the mindset that all we need to do is…well more. Work harder. Faster. And we will get better. The problem is that within this mindset lies a lot of truth. Sowing and reaping. You get out what you put in. Hard work does pay off. The problem is we aren’t just looking for human results. We want supernatural, quantum leaps, into our calling and purpose—we want transformed lives. And that will never be accomplished by being “good” enough. That is God Work. That’s what the Holy Spirit does. And every time we fall into the trap of thinking that we can do it on our own—whatever it is—we set ourselves up to not only spin our wheels in exhaustion, but fall prey to pride—and you know what happens then—a fall. But that doesn’t have to be us. As we start tonight’s study of Galatians, we are going to explore the authenticity of a real relationship with Jesus and the confidence that comes from this closeness, which equips us to reject false teaching and embrace truth! If you’re ready to go to the next level it begins with a sure foundation. So what’s your relationship status? You don’t want to miss this one.

Last week we began our new study into the New Testament. Because the Apostle is a primary contributor to the text, we thought it imperative that we take some time to understand who Paul was, and his conversion from the person we are first introduced to in the book of Acts, to the passionate preacher we come to know as Paul. This is an introduction that really is better served in Scripture. Lets just get into it in tonight’s episode: Paul: Persecutor to Apostle.

As we begin this new year, I feel an overwhelming desire—a nudging, if you will to walk through the New Testament with you. I don’t know where you might find yourself this first week of January 2023—maybe you’re inspired and motivated to accomplish some goals, maybe you’re in an in-between place where you don’t have any specific plans, but you do desire to see some growth, or maybe you’re on the verge of isolation—you feel dull and disengaged and don’t feel any sense of desire to do much but make it through another day. Hey, making it, counts. So, I hope you do. I mean that.

The Holy Spirit is definitely doing something in this season. That sounds so generic and bland and rote. But I’d be lying if I said I completely understood. There has been a clear outpouring of his spirit, I’m seeing so many people desiring to know God, and to have a real relationship with him, to release themselves from religious and spiritual trauma, who are seeking healing and as a result want to love and serve other people. I’m seeing people racing to social media platforms and eager to share their testimonies and transformations. I also feel a heaviness that sometimes feels overwhelming when I hear of the increased suicide rates, divorces, economic downturns, political agendas, racially motivated offenses, kidnappings, trafficking, abuse, ongoing injustice. It can feel like A LOT. In the midst of all of this—the good and the bad—everyday life is still happening, and there is a way you can do it well. So, to start this year off I want to dig into the NT with you. I want to talk about how we can the truth and beauty from the gospel—that Jesus Christ is the son of God, that he died for our sins, that we can received him and the gift of salvation and submit to his authority in our lives—and as a result also apply His wisdom to our lives in realistic, relatable and practical ways that lead to an inwardly and outwardly obvious lifestyle change.

Yes.

It can be done.

Yes.

We are going to do it.

This is just the beginning.

You ready?

Let’s start 2023 off right.

Join on me on tonight’s episode: Purpose & Perspective

In the winter there are certain animals that hibernate. Hibernation is a way that animals deal with the harshness of winter. They find a safe place and they stay there until the dangers of winter pass. Hibernating animals are so still, and disengaged, --they barely breathe, their body temperature drops, and those who happened upon them would think them dead. What those observers don’t know is that the hibernation isn’t just a decision to detach—it’s a survival mechanism. One that was prepped for—the hard work has already been done…this rest…this slowing down season, allows energy to be conserved, and to prevent the animal from feeling the harshness of this bitter season.

Seasons of our lives will vary. Who we are, how we cope, where we find ourselves, and how we got there will also vary. In some season, you will thrive, in some you will survive, and in others you’ll be grateful to exist. There is no shame attached to how you find yourself approaching the end of this year. Because the end of a calendar year does not define where you are in this season. So maybe for you, you don’t feel strong. You don’t want to engage. You don’t have the desire to push. Maybe you’re in a hibernation stage of this season—a place and a time where you buckle down, limit contact with the outside world, find refuge with your Father, reflect, mediate on His promises, and conserve your energy---in doing so you avoid the harshness of a hard season.

I’m with you.

Let’s talk about it tonight on our last episode of 2022: Endgame: Hype in the Hibernation.

In this series we’ve been talking Endgame—the final stage of a game (for us, the final stage of the year). We unearthed five powerful truths that we could glean from the first two episodes, which include:

Here are some truths we’ve taken from our series so far

1. It’s time to come out of hiding—you have no business threshing wheat in a winepress. The world needs you and your gifts.

2. Go in the strength you do have—do what you can with what you have for now. God is sending you.

3. Take on the mind of Christ—start to see yourself the way God sees you; because He is with you, you are exactly who you need to be to do exactly what he’s called you to do.

4. Do it scared. –It’s okay to be scared. Do it anyway.

And last but not least.

5. Let the Lord strip you of anything that you think is propelling you forward, but really is holding you back.

Tonight, we are going to meet Gideon on the pages of Scripture once again, as God teaches him how to weed out and discern the perfect team to accomplish, his calling. Have you ever known what God called you to do, assembled the team you thought you needed to have, only to find out that God could do more with less? No? Oh well you’re in for a treat.

Join me for Culling for the Calling: How to Build Effective Teams

Last week we started talking Endgame—our determination to finish the year strong with a game plan, a final move, a huge push. In doing so we discussed one of the mindsets that can jeopardize our ability to do just that—hiding. Hiding ourselves and hiding our gifts. Imposter syndrome, feeling inadequate or ill equipped is something everyone deals with at some point in time, especially if you’re called to a vision, a mission, a plan, a purpose, a calling that is bigger than you. And if any of those things came from the mouth of God, then yes friend, it’s bigger than you. It’s supposed to be that way. Tonight, we’re going to continue this conversation with God and Gideon—what do we do when we don’t think we have what it takes? What if we don’t feel like the mighty warrior that God says we are? How do we finish strong, when we barely know how to start? Let’s talk about it—Wheat in the Winepress-Stop Hiding Part 2 begins now.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram @Shinia_Lambert

When we refer to 'endgame', we mean the final stage of a game. Now your life is nothing to play with, that's for sure, and I doubt this is your final stage, but we ARE at the END of a year. At the beginning of 2022 we talked about intentionality--understanding that acceleration doesn’t happen by accident (if you haven’ t listened to that episode, I highly recommend you pause and do that now). As we wrap up this year, you’re going to be tempted to ease up. To hold off. To wait and see what happens. Let me tell you.

Nothing.

Nothing happens if you don’t go.

It’s go time baby.

It’s endgame.

So in this series, we’re going to start tackling the ways we may be getting in our own way. Starting with hiding.—Hiding ourselves. And hiding our gift.

Join me tonight on Wheat in the Winepress: Stop Hiding Part One.

Can you believe that we are approaching the last month of 2022? As cliché as it sounds, I can’t help but mention that this year has FLOWN by. This is a great opportunity for us to not only close out the Unconventional Gratitude series, but also to gear ourselves up to finish this year STRONG. Look now is not the time to get complacent. With only a few weeks left in the year, we can be tempted to push our goals off to January 1st. But nothing magical happens on that date. Whatever you could accomplish then, you can accomplish now. Tonight, we are going to talk about why it's important to be grateful for holy confrontations. Want to know why they’re so impactful and have the ability to launch you forward like never before? Great! You're in the right place. Stay tuned for tonight’s episode: Conviction & Clarity.