True worship is an active, audible, intelligent act. It is reserved for the holiness of our Lord, to an extent we won't fully realize until we are before the throne. Though singing is a central part of worship, the emphasis should always be on the preaching of the word and many churches find themselves getting this backwards to cater to the masses. When musical styles and preferences get involved, it is easy for your worship to become man-centered entertainment. Bro. Jono and Joe discuss how the modern day church has allowed emotion to replace reverence and emphasis on true worship. 

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Worship Around God's Throne Pt. 1&2 - Revelation 4

Too many pastors have had their mental, spiritual, and physical health decline because of their refusal to rest. This can also be damaging to their families, and in the end, cost them everything. The bible places just as much emphasis on taking time off to rest as any other doctrinal staple, and to overlook it is to be disobedient to God's word. This is an easy topic for pastors to underestimate and it can make or break a ministry. Bro. Jono and Joe discuss the importance of taking your off days, vacations, and sabbaticals. 

Sermon reference:

https://smbconline.com/sermons/?category=93

"Thoughts on Vacation and Rest From The Sabbath Year" Exodus 23:10-13

Preached December 6, 2020

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In a very special episode, Brother Jono sits down with his best friend and father, Gerald Sims. This is an unscripted sample of their daily conversations reminiscing on fond memories, sharing wisdom, and expressing their common love for Christ. Be a fly on the wall and enjoy the transparent emotions and musings of these two Godly men.

Bro. Jono and Joe discuss the importance of understanding the application of scripture and communicating that to a congregation. Using the church at Philadelphia as an example we learn two important truths: Christ has commanded us to be over-comers; Through Christ we are able to overcome. In a debauched world, the church must hold fast to the teachings of Christ.

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"Philadelphia - The Faithful Church Pt. 1 & 2; Revelation 3:7-13"

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In Revelation 3, Jesus addresses the church at Sardis referring to them as a "dead church". This is a church that outwardly seems healthy but is not experiencing sanctification. The doctrine of election can often lead believers into the trap of "passive sanctification" and not accepting human responsibility. Bro. Jono and Joe discuss how sanctification is an active, progressive process that requires participation from the believer. 

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"Sardis: The Dead Church Pt. 1 & 2" Revelation 3:1-6

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Bro. Jono continues to tackle the hottest debates in the modern day church. The "cancel culture" and feminist movements in this day and age are blurring the lines of what Christ clearly commands. What the world interprets as misogynistic, the true woman of God will find liberating and encouraging. Bro. Jono takes an unapologetic look on what Jesus has to say about women preaching and teaching in the church, and the dangers of self-proclaimed prophet/prophetesses. 

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"Thyatira: The Woman-Led Church Pt. 1 & 2" Revelation 2:18-29

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Church discipline has become a divisive topic inside of the modern day church, and is often considered an archaic practice. It can be a difficult issue to address and many pastors actively avoid it all together. Jono discusses his past experiences, and the uncompromising example that Jesus lays out in Revelation. If this is your struggle, we hope that you will be encouraged and know that you are not alone. Do not let the fear of man lead to disobedience to Christ! 

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"Pergamos: The Church Refusing to Practice Church Discipline" - Revelation 2:12-17

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Recapping his sermon on the Church at Smyrna, Jono shares his perspective on what persecution in the church looks like in today's climate. He recounts in detail the persecution he has personally experienced and how scripture assures us that these difficult times come and go in seasons. 

"It's our sincere prayer that any brother or sister that's listening to this podcast today, that you have been encouraged by our Lord Jesus Christ to persevere. To not give up. To not give in. In the midst of this trial, suffering and tribulation you're going through, it may be intense, but Christ is going to see you through. Be steadfast, be unmovable, always abounding in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Press on brother and sister." - Bro. Jono  

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"Smyrna: The Persecuted Church" - Revelation 2:8-11

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Revelation resources:

https://smbconline.com/revelation-resources/

Many Christians believe that their love of Jesus is assumed with their salvation. Far too often, however, we lose sight of where our priorities should lie. Bro. Jono recaps his message from his exposition through Revelation and implores Christians, and Churches as a general body, to remember their first love. After delving into the focus of the passage, Jono steps back and addresses other gleanings from the same text. This is a deeper look into how a pastor should approach a text and how much of his personal study should translate to the pulpit.  

Be encouraged, humbled, and challenged to return to your first love and allow that to guide your leadership of the local church.

Sermon Reference:

"Thou Hast Left Thy First Love" - Revelation 2:1-7

"General Lessons from Ephesus" - Revelation 2:1-7

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