The TakeAway

Send us Fan Mail

Ever wondered what gifts Jesus bestowed upon the church and their significance for believers today? Join us as we journey through Ephesians 4:8-16, uncovering how the apostles and other spiritual leaders play a pivotal role in our faith journey. With a vivid analogy of a moving boat, we highlight why active participation and openness to God's guidance are essential for spiritual growth. We'll reflect on Jesus's humility in descending to Earth and his ultimate victory over death, illustrating how his ascension led to the distribution of gifts to nurture the church.

We also tackle the relevance of titles like apostle or prophet in contemporary Christianity, suggesting that pride and control often drive these designations. Instead, pastors and evangelists are now seen as key figures in equipping believers for ministry. Emphasizing the need for spiritual maturity, we urge listeners to be proactive in their faith, moving beyond merely listening to embodying Christ’s teachings. Drawing insights from Ephesians 4, Matthew 6, and Romans 8, we underscore the importance of unity, service, and unwavering trust in God amidst uncertainties. Tune in to explore how we can live out our faith with truth and love.

Support the show

Please visit www.thetakeaway.faith for more resources, books or to send us a message

Send us Fan Mail

Why should we spread the gospel if God has already decided who will be saved? We're tackling this profound question with Pastor Donnie Garrison, revealing insights that will not only deepen your understanding but also inspire you to embrace evangelism as a joyful necessity. In our discussion, we redefine evangelism beyond mere obligation, highlighting its role as a vessel for God's glory. We also introduce "Chosen by Design,” Pastor Harry’s new book, a commentary on Ephesians that provides believers with direction and confidence in their faith journey.

Join us as we unpack the majestic concepts of God's glory and holiness, illustrating how His perfection can shine even through our imperfections. We liken evangelism to the compelling cry of a newborn—an uncontainable joy that reflects God's greatness. Sharing personal stories and biblical truths, we underscore that our mission is to joyfully present the gospel, trusting God with the outcomes. The shared joy in Christ enhances our personal joy and connects us on a profound level with others who have experienced His goodness.

Discover the transformative power of simple acts of kindness in evangelism through real-life examples and the inspiring story of George Mueller. We'll share practical advice on how everyday gestures can lead to significant spiritual connections. Moreover, we delve into the critical role of prayer in evangelism, discussing how persistent and heartfelt prayer can open doors to meaningful conversations about Jesus. Through our personal experiences, we illustrate the impact of praying for individuals and seeking divine guidance to share faith effectively. Join us for a heartfelt exploration of how faith, love, and prayer can pave the way for impactful evangelism.

Support the show

Please visit www.thetakeaway.faith for more resources, books or to send us a message

Send us Fan Mail

What if the church wasn't just an option, but a divine gift with a profound purpose? Tune in as we unravel Ephesians 4:4-7, highlighting the church's essential role in God's plan and its mission to glorify Jesus through unity. Discover how the concepts of one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, and one baptism are foundational to fostering unity among believers. We'll also debunk common misconceptions about baptism, explaining its true role in assuring our faith and its deeper spiritual significance.

In the second segment, we shift our focus to the extraordinary gifts bestowed upon each believer. Drawing from Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12, we emphasize the importance of recognizing and utilizing spiritual gifts within the Christian community. Listen as we share practical examples and scriptural references that illustrate how to serve according to your God-given talents, without waiting for formal acknowledgment. We close with a powerful prayer for boldness and empowerment, encouraging every listener to step out in faith and live out their divine calling, experiencing the joy that comes from serving others. This episode is a heartfelt invitation to align your actions with God's will and witness the transformation in your life and community.

Support the show

Please visit www.thetakeaway.faith for more resources, books or to send us a message

Send us Fan Mail

Signup for Weekly Newsletter:
What does it mean to truly live a life worthy of your calling? Join Pastor Harry Behrens as he unpacks Ephesians 4:1-3, revealing the profound connection between Paul's imprisonment and his impassioned plea for Christians to live spirit-filled lives. Discover the divine power and promises that empower us to share the gospel with joy and enthusiasm, just as we naturally share our most joyous moments with loved ones. Reflect on how our daily walk can mirror God's call, embracing the practicalities of Christian living with authenticity and dynamism.

In this episode, we also tackle the deep yearning for joy and fulfillment that so many people face, juxtaposed with the unending joy that Christ offers. Pastor Behrens uses Paul's letters and powerful scriptural references to highlight the transformative journey of experiencing and sharing this divine joy. We emphasize the willingness to sacrifice for Christ and the unparalleled joy that follows. Finally, we equip you for ministry by encouraging you to utilize your God-given gifts and provide resources to support your faith journey. Tune in to be inspired, challenged, and supported as you walk this path of practical Christian living.

Support the show

Please visit www.thetakeaway.faith for more resources, books or to send us a message

Send us Fan Mail

Signup for Weekly Newsletter:
How can understanding Paul's prayer for the Ephesians transform your spiritual journey? In this enlightening episode of the Takeaway, Pastor Harry Behrens unpacks Ephesians 3:14-21, revealing the profound importance of receiving God's promises and being fully equipped for our spiritual path. We explore how Paul's prayer for spiritual strength, Christ dwelling in our hearts, and comprehending the vast dimensions of Christ's love can serve as a cornerstone in your faith journey. By drawing parallels with Jesus' teachings in John 15:7-8, we emphasize the necessity of recognizing God's will and how pastors can prayerfully support their congregations in this endeavor.

We also dive into the interconnectedness of abiding in Christ and bearing spiritual fruit, highlighted in passages from John 15 and Ephesians 3. Through Pastor Harry's insights, you'll learn how faith and abiding in God's word are essential to experiencing the fullness of God's love. We address common barriers to engaging with the Bible and underscore the Holy Spirit's role in aiding our understanding. As we reflect on Paul's prayer for believers to be filled with the fullness of God, we encourage you to support and pray for your pastors, who face ongoing spiritual battles. Join us for an inspiring conversation designed to deepen your faith and spiritual walk.

Support the show

Please visit www.thetakeaway.faith for more resources, books or to send us a message

Send us Fan Mail

Signup for Weekly Newsletter
Discover the profound mystery of the gospel as revealed in Ephesians 3:1-13 on today's episode of the Takeaway. What if God's plan for salvation through Jesus extends beyond individual redemption to the formation of a unified church that reflects His glory to the world? We'll explore this transformative idea and learn how God's presence within us calls for a higher standard of conduct and liberation from sin. Join us as we delve into Paul's unique perspective on his imprisonment, viewing it as a divinely appointed opportunity to advance the gospel, and discuss how we can adopt this mindset in our own lives. The unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ reveals the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, and we all share the responsibility to guide others toward this truth.

In the next segment, we tackle the qualifications and roles of church leaders—pastors, evangelists, elders, deacons, and missionaries. Their calling, manifested through the gifting of the Holy Spirit, requires humility, submission to God's will, and the bearing of spiritual fruits as evidence of one's divine mission. We'll highlight the ultimate purpose of glorifying God and making His wisdom known, supported by biblical references and the necessity of living in the freedom offered by Christ. Finally, we'll share Paul's example of experiencing joy through faith and extend this invitation to all believers to partake in the fullness of the Lord's joy. 

Support the show

Please visit www.thetakeaway.faith for more resources, books or to send us a message

Send us Fan Mail

Signup for Weekly Newsletter
Are your choices truly your own, or are they divinely orchestrated? Join Pastors Harry Behrens and Donnie Garrison in this compelling episode of The Takeaway as we explore the profound question: "Are my Choices an Illusion?" By examining powerful scriptural passages like Ephesians chapters 1 and 2, Joshua 24:15, and Romans 10:9-10, we confront the apparent paradox between divine election and our ability to choose. We dig deep into the Apostle Paul's teachings on being chosen by God and our inherent inability to save ourselves due to our sinful nature. This conversation aims to provide clarity and strengthen your faith, emphasizing the coherence and comprehensibility of God's Word.

As we continue our theological journey, we delve into the doctrine of predestination and its relationship with human choice. Through key passages like Romans 8:22-25 and Ephesians 2, we discuss how God's mercy and grace are pivotal in salvation, despite our natural inclination to fulfill the passions of our flesh. Reflecting on the transformative power of the cross in 1 Corinthians 1:18 and the humility of Jesus in John 13:3-8, we underscore the necessity of divine intervention for spiritual growth. 

Support the show

Please visit www.thetakeaway.faith for more resources, books or to send us a message

Send us Fan Mail

Signup for Weekly Newsletter
Is God's plan for His church truly unfolding in our time? Join us as we explore this divine construction and the pivotal roles of church leaders, drawing from the instructions of Jesus to Peter and the wisdom Paul shared with the Corinthians. We'll discuss how church leaders are not just shepherds but empower and uplift their congregations. Through the lineage of Israel and the arrival of Jesus as a beacon to the Gentiles, we'll demonstrate that God's promises are steadfast and unyielding, even against the odds. By examining stories like those of Abraham and Sarah, we see that what seems impossible to man is always possible with God.

But what does it mean to be God's temple? In this episode, we dive deep into biblical prophecies from Daniel and Revelation, highlighting the enduring significance of Israel in God’s ultimate plan. We'll discuss the unity of believers, stressing that both Jews and Gentiles form God's holy temple, built on the foundation of Christ. Reflecting on Ephesians 1:7-10, we explore the boundless redemption and forgiveness offered through Christ's sacrifice, revealing the grand mystery of God's will to unite all things under Him. Tune in, be inspired, and strengthen your faith journey with us today.

Support the show

Please visit www.thetakeaway.faith for more resources, books or to send us a message

Send us Fan Mail

Signup for Weekly Newsletter
What if your entire understanding of salvation could be transformed by grasping the true power of God's grace? Join us in our latest episode, “Dead in sin," where we promise to take you on a journey from spiritual death to life in Christ. We'll explore Ephesians 2:1-10, breaking down the monumental shift that occurs when we are made alive through God's sovereign choice, and how living as the temple of God, as taught by Paul in 1 Corinthians 6:12-19, calls us to resist worldly influences. Expect to leave with a renewed perspective on how it's not our own efforts, but God's intervention and the work of the Holy Spirit, that empower us to overcome sin.

Ever wondered why God chooses to save humanity? In the chapter "God's Purpose for Saving Us," we tackle this profound question by delving into passages from Ephesians, 2 Timothy, and more. Discover the depth of God's grace and love, which is freely given through faith and not earned by works. We'll discuss the incredible significance of being seated with Christ in heavenly places, signifying our authority and power in Him. As we unravel our divine purpose to glorify God and partake in His nature, you'll understand how trials and tribulations are designed to mold us into His likeness, shifting our focus from fleeting worldly pleasures to eternal joy in Christ. Tune in for a transformative discussion that will deepen your understanding of God's magnificent plan for your life.

Support the show

Please visit www.thetakeaway.faith for more resources, books or to send us a message

Send us Fan Mail

Signup for Weekly Newsletter
Are we truly living out our faith, or are we just accumulating knowledge without genuine action? Join us on "The Takeaway" as Pastor Harry Behrens delves into the profound significance of praying for God to equip the church for ministry, drawing from Ephesians 1:15-23. We discuss Paul's gratitude for the faith of the Ephesians and reflect on the necessity of embodying our beliefs through authentic actions. With a thought-provoking examination of modern churches, Pastor Behrens challenges us to evaluate whether we practice what we preach and maintain genuine connections with our faith communities.

In this episode, we also explore the divine role in leading us to faith, as underscored by the power that raised Christ from the dead, which is now at work within believers. Highlighting the importance of belonging to a unified body of Christ, Pastor Behrens emphasizes active participation in a Bible-teaching, God-fearing church. Drawing from Ephesians 4:11-16 and Hebrews 10:24-25, we discuss the gifts and roles each believer brings to the table, encouraging listeners to embrace their God-given purpose. Tune in to discover how you can foster genuine relationships and authentically live out your faith within your community.

Support the show

Please visit www.thetakeaway.faith for more resources, books or to send us a message