The Bible Speaks to You: Think, Pray, Love like Jesus

291 – What does it really mean to preach the Gospel to all creation?

How do you feel when you read Jesus’s command to his disciples to preach the gospel to every creature, to all creation, to all mankind?

Does this get you excited to go share your faith with as many people as possible? 

Or does it make you cringe because you don’t feel qualified to preach the gospel to even one or two people, let alone the whole world? And how would you be able to do that anyway? 

Or maybe you just shrug your shoulders because you decide this command of Jesus really only applied to his immediate disciples at the time, or to preachers and evangelists today.

In this episode we’re going to talk about the idea of preaching the gospel to all creation and how that applies to you.

• You have a ministry
• Start where you are
• Watch for opportunities to share your faith
• The best way to preach the Gospel is to live your faith every day 
• And pray for God's guidance on who you can tell about the kingdom of heaven

God has called you to let your light shine, to share your faith and your love for Christ with others. 

Sometimes it’s just by living your faith, sometimes with words, but always it’s with love for God and all God’s children.

Previous episodes mentioned:
Episode 32: The Parable of the Unbaked Cake
Episode 288: Jesus’s Death on the Cross Does not Save You from Your Sins; it’s His Resurrection 

Show notes:
Full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/291

Text me your questions or comments.

Support the show

If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. 

• Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
• Subscribe to the podcast  (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)       
• Make a donation to support the show
• Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
• Contact James here
  
  

Does your church need a mentor to help you find fresh ways to reach out to your community with the healing message of Christ?
For more information: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/speaking-bible-workshops

290 – What do you do when you feel helpless?

Have you ever been so worried about something you couldn’t sleep? 

The problem just loomed too large for you to fix personally. 

And you couldn’t even imagine how anyone individually or collectively could resolve the situation.

Just recently two friends confided in me they couldn’t sleep because of all that’s going on in the world right now.

But there IS a solution.

This week's episode shares powerful Bible examples of situations where people felt helpless, and how God helped them in very unexpected ways. 

• The Children of Israel in front of the Red Sea
• Jehoshaphat being attacked by enemy armies
• Jesus's disciples watching Jesus being taken down from the cross

In all these situations, there was something bigger going on. Even though most people couldn't see it, God was at work.

Whatever situation you're facing today which makes you feel helpless, there is something bigger going on. God is at work in your life and whatever situation you feel helpless in. Even if you don't see it, God is bringing healing.

Show notes:
Full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/290

Text me your questions or comments.

Support the show

If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. 

• Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
• Subscribe to the podcast  (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)       
• Make a donation to support the show
• Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
• Contact James here
  
  

Does your church need a mentor to help you find fresh ways to reach out to your community with the healing message of Christ?
For more information: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/speaking-bible-workshops

•••••••••

289 – What can you learn from women leaders at church?

What is your response to some Christians who insist that women should not be in any leadership roles in church?

This is more prevalent than you may be aware of. And these folks quote a few Bible passages, sometimes way out of context to support their convictions.

But the Bible is full of women who were in leadership roles, both in the Old and New Testaments. 

In this week's episode, we’re going to look specifically at Miriam and explore how she used her God-appointed role to lead and bless others.

• She saw an opportunity to minister to others in a way no one else could
• She didn't ask permission, she acted
• She had to learn not to compare her leadership role with anyone else's
• She learned to focus on her purpose no matter what

Just as Miriam discovered, who you are and what you are capable of are gifts from God. These are your superpowers.  

How will you use them to glorify God and encourage others to do the same?

Previous episodes mentioned:
Episode 88: What it Takes to Be a Prophet
Episode 158: Can We Be Modern Day Prophets?
Episode 159: Following Wise women in the Bible
Episode 228: Women Leaders in the New Testament
Episode 259 Deborah: The Judge and Prophetess 

Show notes:
Full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/289

Text me your questions or comments.

Support the show

If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. 

• Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
• Subscribe to the podcast  (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)       
• Make a donation to support the show
• Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
• Contact James here
  
  

Does your church need a mentor to help you find fresh vision for ways to reach out to your community with the healing message of Christ? For more information: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/speaking-bible-workshops

•••••••••••••••••

288 – Jesus's death on the cross cannot by itself save you from your sins

I know, this is a pretty bold statement. But have you ever noticed how lots of Christians focus on the crucifixion as the basis for their salvation?

But then at Easter, they suddenly start talking about the resurrection, as if they just discovered how important it is.

The whole message of Easter is that Jesus rose from the grave. That should be the focus for the entire year, not just at Easter.

In this episode, I challenge some traditional Christian talking points:

• Without the resurrection your faith is useless 
• Without the resurrection your preaching is worthless
• Without the resurrection you're still in your sins
• The crucifixion, by itself, is not enough to save you
• It's not the literal, physical blood of Jesus that saves you from your sins

Don't get me wrong, the crucifixion of Jesus is incredibly important, because without it, there would be no resurrection. But without the resurrection, Paul says you're still in your sins.

As Christians, we need to shift our gaze from looking just through the lens of the cross to looking through the lens of the resurrection.

Then we'll see Jesus's risen glory everywhere we go and in everything we do.

Previous episode mentioned:
Episode 76: The Atonement of Christ

Show notes:
For a full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/288

Text me your questions or comments.

Support the show

If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. 

• Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
• Subscribe to the podcast  (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)       
• Make a donation to support the show
• Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
• Contact James here
  
  

287 – Have you ever been a stranger in a foreign country?

You didn't speak the language. You couldn’t read any of the signs, you couldn’t understand what people are saying. You don’t understand the customs.  

And you felt lost or confused by what was going on around you.

Or maybe you've been in a strange location and felt out of place.

Then, all of a sudden, someone helps you get where you're going or explains what's going on. A simple act of hospitality makes all the difference.

There’s a great need in today’s world to be hospitable to strangers, on an individual and a collective basis, and not just strangers from foreign countries. 

We need to be aware of the strangers in our midst as well. 

This week's episode shares several examples in the Bible of helping, even loving strangers, that bring healing and comfort and 

• Abraham and Sarah 
• Abigail's generosity compared to her husband's lack of hospitality 
• Elijah and Elijah
• Jesus of course
• Peter and John

One Jewish scholar points out that in the Hebrew Scriptures there is one verse commanding us to love our neighbors but 36 places that command us to love strangers. 

It’s hard to do for a variety of reasons. But it becomes easier when you've been a stranger somewhere, whether in a foreign country, a different city or neighborhood, a church, or a new job.

When you've been an outsider, it often gives you empathy for those who may feel they’re on the outside.

Jesus didn't have a home, but he made people feel at home and helped them realized they part of God's family, never a stranger.

You can do the same. This week treat a stranger with love and see what happens.

Show notes:
Full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/287.

Text me your questions or comments.

Support the show

If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. 

• Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
• Subscribe to the podcast  (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)       
• Make a donation to support the show
• Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
• Contact James here
  
  

Need a church mentor? Contact James 

286 – Do you have a broken relationship in need of healing?

Maybe you’re having trouble with someone at work, either your boss or an employee. Maybe it’s someone at church. Or could it be someone in your family? Or maybe you’re completely estranged from someone.

Whatever the situation is, there’s always a possibility of healing and restoring these broken relationships, even though it may not be easy and require a lot of soul searching.

I’ve been thinking about what the Bible has to say about the healing and restoration of problematic relationships.

This week I talk with Greg Stephens, who has devoted his life to helping people clean up and improve their relationships and at the same time build new bridges to help the relationships go forward.

Greg talks about three broken relationships in the Bible and how they were healed:

• Jacob and Esau
• Joseph and his older ten brothers
• Peter and Jesus

What would you say to Joseph and his brothers to heal their relationship before it got so bad they sold Joseph as a slave? Listen to Greg's answer now.

Show notes:
Full transcript (PDF download) and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/286

Greg Stephens contact info:
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.alignment-resources.com/
Book: Build New Bridges: The Art of Restoring Impossible Relationships*

*Amazon affiliate link

Text me your questions or comments.

Support the show

If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. 

• Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
• Subscribe to the podcast  (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)       
• Make a donation to support the show
• Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
• Contact James here
  
  

285 – What do you do when you need healing and justice?

Is there something in your life, at work, or at church right now that needs healing? 

What about justice? Have you or anyone you know experienced any injustice lately?  

And if you look at what’s going on in the world as a whole, it almost seems everyone is crying out for healing and justice.

What on earth is the remedy to all this? 

Well, the solution is never going to come from some government policy or any human organization. 

The only real and lasting solution comes from standing in God’s presence, what the Bible calls standing before the throne of God.

This week's episode talks about:

• What God's throne represents
• What it means to stand before the throne of God
• What happens when you do
• What it requires of you
• What God says to you when you stand before His throne

You don't have to wait until after you die to stand before the throne of God. God is sitting on His throne–this is a metaphor for God being in complete control– right now. 

Whatever you’re struggling with, on a personal level, or a global level, accept God’s invitation to be in His presence, to stand before His throne. 

SHOW NOTES:
Full transcript of the episode and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/285.

Text me your questions or comments.

Support the show

If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. 

• Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
• Subscribe to the podcast  (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)       
• Make a donation to support the show
• Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
• Contact James here
  
  

284 – Do you ever get judged by your age?

Have you ever felt pigeonholed by someone as to what you're capable of doing based on how  young or old you are?

Have you ever judged your own capabilities based on you age.

The world is always stereotyping what you can and can't do based on how old or young you are.

This week's episode looks at some of the people in the Bible who broke those age stereotypes and how they did it.

• Abraham and Sarah
• Moses
• Caleb
• Samuel
• David
• Elizabeth and Zacharias
• Mary, Jesus's mother
• Jesus

More importantly, we'll look at what you can do in your own life to start overcoming the limitations associated with how old you are.

SHOW NOTES:
Full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/284.

Text me your questions or comments.

Support the show

If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. 

• Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
• Subscribe to the podcast  (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)       
• Make a donation to support the show
• Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
• Contact James here
  
  

283 – How is your church doing these days?

A lot of churches, in many different denominations are struggling. 

Is your church growing? Are you holding steady? Are you barely treading water?

Does your church have a vision for where you're going?

In today’s episode, we’re going to look at some ideas that will hopefully give you a few fresh ways to pray for and be active in your church.

• What to do if your church members are hesitant to share their faith with others
• Why some churches close
• The need to see your church in the bigger picture
• Having a small church can actually be an advantage
• What does loving your community really look like?
• Church growth is not about getting more members

What would happen if your community felt loved by your church the way they would have felt loved by Jesus?

How can your church follow Jesus's example?

Having a vision for your church means you know where you are and where you're going.

When you're clear on your destination, it is much easier to get there. 

Show notes:
For a full transcript of this episode and all Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/283

Text me your questions or comments.

Support the show

If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. 

• Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
• Subscribe to the podcast  (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)       
• Make a donation to support the show
• Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
• Contact James here
  
  

282 – Could you use a blessing from God right now?

Have you ever felt like you needed a little extra blessing from God in your life? 

Maybe things are a bit challenging at the moment or you’ve just come through some rough waters and are on the other side of things, but you need to find some peace of mind?

It’s at times like this that we need to feel God’s presence and the blessings that come with it.

There are lots of ways to ask for and receive God’s blessings, but today we’re going to talk about a unique way to do this that I just discovered in the Bible a couple of days ago.

The Bible verse that sparked this Aha! moment is from Psalms:
      I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. 
     Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.     (Psalm 81:10)

There's more to this verse than just opening your mouth to eat the food God gives you.

What does it mean metaphorically to open your mouth wide and have it filled by God.

That's what this episode is all about.

How wide can you open your mouth? How receptive are you to God's blessings for your life?

Show notes:
For a full transcript and all Bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/282.

Text me your questions or comments.

Support the show

If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. 

• Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
• Subscribe to the podcast  (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)       
• Make a donation to support the show
• Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
• Contact James here