What's the Bible Say?

Do all lives really matter? It’s one of those questions that shouldn’t even be questioned…but in the world we live in, it is.

Listen to Steph’s story and discover why all lives are of equal value, why a life is a life regardless of how that life is conceived, the ripple effect of each life and how God can make beauty out of ashes for you.

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Do all lives matter? If they don’t, who deems one of more value than another? Discover what the Bible says about whether or not God values all life and all lives, why it matters that we know the value of all lives - and how to actually apply what we learn in real life.

This is part 1 or a 2 part series that might help you or someone you know rethink the importance of each life. (Be sure to share this with your friends.)

One would think that this wouldn’t actually be an issue. But so many people come from different points of view. Either a biblical view or a world view.

But what’s the Bible say? Does all life matter to God? And is all life human?

Because if it matters to God - it should matter to us. And if all life is human - then all life deserves equal respect, equal protection and equal rights, including the right to life.

You weren’t an accident. You didn’t just show up on this planet to ping around with no purpose. God intentionally created you on purpose and for a purpose.

You matter to God and you matter to us!

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Martin Luther King Jr was a wake-maker. He left a legacy we can learn from and changed the course of our nation. But while segregation may be a thing of the past, racism still exists.

Discover 4 legacies MLK Jr left, what we can learn from them and what the Bible says about racism, why it matters, and how we can apply what we learn to our lives.

• He left a legacy of ACTION.

• He left a legacy of COURAGE.

• He left a legacy of NON-VIOLENCE.

• He left a legacy of FAITH.

Racism is destructive. It divides. It disrespects others and dishonors God.

Genesis 1:27, God’s Word says, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”

In Acts 10:34-35 when God was teaching Peter a lesson on discrimination against the gentiles…, “So Peter opened his mouth and said: Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.

God shows no partiality means that He does not discriminate against people…

God doesn’t discriminate… neither should we.

Jesus broke down barriers when he ate with tax collectors, conversed with the Samaritan woman, allowed a prostitute to touch him, healed the sick and ministered to the poor, the wealthy, regardless of color, culture or gender.

We divide ourselves in groups. Jesus makes us one.

We look on the outside. God looks on the heart.

God gives us a universal code of conduct toward others: Matthew 7:12, “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them,”

We can and should have laws that prevent people from being the victims of racism. But all the laws in the world won’t end racism because racism is a matter of the heart.

But while we may not be able to end racism, we can certainly do some things to see that it’s not a reality in our own hearts and lives.

1. Examine your own heart.

If there are areas of racism there, admit it and repent from it… and ask God to help you see people as Jesus sees people. You may also need to forgive or ask forgiveness. But handle it biblically.

2. Educate yourself.

A lot of fear and divide comes from a lack of understanding. Research different races and cultures and get to know people as people.

Respect their history and culture. You don’t have to embrace beliefs that are doctrinally different, but you can respect other people and show them the love of Jesus.

3. Pray for and engage in conversations with those from different races and cultures.

They may be a brother or sister in Christ. They may have never heard of Jesus before. God may be opening up an opportunity for you to have a Gospel conversation with them.

Don’t be afraid to talk to people or treat them differently because they might be different from you.

Let’s pray that God would make us all wake-makers, like Martin Luther King Jr.

People of ACTION.

People of COURAGE.

People of NON-VIOLENCE.

People of FAITH.

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Is church really important? Why go? If you've gotten away from going to church because you're too busy, don't think it's relevant, haven't made your way back since Covid or perhaps you've been hurt by the church... this episode will help shed some biblical light on…
• what the Bible says about going to church
• why it's important
• and how to practically live out what you learn from

1. Because God says we need to gather together.
• Hebrews 10:25, “not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Not because we have to... but because we need each other.

2. It’s a testimony of what Jesus has done in our lives.
• 1 John 3:4, “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers…”

Jesus breaks down the walls that separate us. It doesn't matter what color, culture or socio-economic background believers come from...Jesus makes strangers family and Jesus makes people, who may never connect normally, one body who need and love one another.
• 1 Cor 12:20, “But now indeed there are many members, yet one body.”

If you're struggling with your salvation, remember, one of the evidences of salvation is that you love brothers and sisters in Christ.

3. It’s where connections and care happens best. • Gal 5:13, “Serve one another.”
• Gal 6:2, “Bear one another’s burdens.”
• Romans 12:10, “Be devoted to one another.”
• John 13:14, “Wash one another’s feet.”
• 1 Thes 4:18, “Comfort one another.”
• Col 3:13, “Bearing with one another…”

It's hard to do any of the "one anothers" if we aren't connected to a local body.

Those who say, "We don't have to go to church because we are the church" are misconstruing what the Bible says about being part of a local body of believers. If you "are" the church, you will want to "go" to church because that's where "the church" gathers together, worships God together, grows in our faith discovers and uses spiritual gifts and natural talents God has given to us to minister to one another - and to impact our communities and the world for Christ.

Going to church is important for all the reasons mentioned above and more. We can apply it to our lives by:

1. Evaluate what it is that’s keeping you from connecting or reconnecting with a local body of believers. (If you’ve been hurt, seek out someone who can help you biblically navigate your experience find the healing you need and become an active part of healthy and vital church.)

2. Examine what’s really important in light of eternity? Life is short and eternity is long, so you need to examine what you’re doing with the time God has given you and make some important decisions to take responsibility for your and your family’s spiritual growth & walk w/the Lord.

3. Re-prioritize your priorities. Whatever you're doing that's taking the place of church is rarely of any kind of eternal significance. You may need to make some important adjustments to get your priorities in line Priorities should be filtered through your top 4 priorities:
1. God
2. Family
3. Church
4. Career and everything else
4. Be like Nike’ and JUST DO IT. (Hebrews 10:25) Some things, you just need to make a decision to do. Your life is a result of and a culmination of your choices. Choose well. For you, your family and your community.

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Have you ever wanted to make the new year different…maybe even better than the year before? It’s really possible! And in this episode, we show you 4 super practical ways to make 2024 a year that your resolutions become a reality! No more looking back and wishing you would have done things differently. Start 2024 with these 4 steps and make this the year you do what you say instead of looking back on it with a lot of regrets.

The Bible tells us…

“What is your life? It is even as a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” James 4:14

“So Teach us to number our days and apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

SO…HERE ARE 4 WAYS TO HELP US LIVE 2024 INTENTIONALLY:

1. PRAYERFULLY PICK A VERSE OR A WORD FOR THE YEAR

Ask God some good questions:
• God where am I?
• Where do You want to take me this year?
• What = pay attention to more?
• What ways = need to grow?

Helpful online resource links:
TheHopeTable.com
TheProverbialHomemaker.com

2. MAKE A PLAN TO GET IN THE WORD AND PRAY (EVERY DAY)

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. So, make a realistic (not a pie-in-the-sky kind of plan) plan and stick to it.

Put some spiritual disciplines in place. Routines helps us stay the course.

Think about how you can make daily Bible reading a priority and then…

1. Look at your schedule realistically and do what you need to do to have dedicated time in the Word and prayer daily.

• Schedule it in like an appointment that you’re making with the Lord.
• Remember… there is always enough time to do God’s will!

Ideas to help you stick to your plan:
• Decide you WILL NOT go to sleep without reading something from His word.
• Don’t eat breakfast until you’ve eaten from the Word of God.
• Don’t get on Facebook until you’ve sought God’s face first.

Create a Plan B for when life doesn’t work out the way you planned:
• Put a Bible in the car
• Put a notebook in the car for when the Lord speaks to you and prayer requests and notes
• Last resort is to use your phone. Phones can be a blessing but they also come with a lot of distractions

Use reading plans, Bible reading groups and podcasts to help:

• Kathy Howard’s website has a great reading plan and Bible study resources.

• Kathy Howard’s Facebook group, Reading the Bible Together, is a good source for interaction.

• Bible Recap Podcast goes through the Bible and has a quick commentary-type podcast daily.

• Tricia Goyer’s Daily Bible Reading podcast has a reading plan on her website and a Facebook community group.

• Biblegateway.com has a variety of Bible reading plans.

Or…just start at the beginning and read through the Bible to the end. And then start over and do it again.

3. Make Healthy Choices

We are body, soul and spirit and in order to be all God created us to be, we need to make healthy choices for our body, soul and spirit.

• Make healthy choices for your physical health. (All boils down to eating healthy and exercising) AND getting enough rest!

• Guard your heart and mind. Renew your mind by getting in the Word.

• Choose what you think on.
• Be part of a local church and connected in community of believers who encourage you to live biblically…
• Have an iron that sharpens iron kind of friend.

4. Be Faithful - Committed - Dedicated - Disciplined

• Create a time block schedule for each day.
• List your priorities and remember they’re your priorities.
• Learn to say no when doing what is good conflicts with doing what is best.

AND…let’s not forget that we are called to reach the world for Christ.

• Every day, ask the Lord to put people in your path that you can share the Gospel with.
• Practice sharing your testimony.
• Memorize the Romans Road.
• Carry tracts with you.
• Take a friend on a tract blitz.
• Make a list of family and friends you want to see come to know Christ.

As we close this New Year’s Episode and consider these 4 ideas:

1. Choose a word for the year

2. Make a plan to get into the Word

3. Make healthy choices

4. Be faithful

“Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”

If you’ve ever struggled to understand God’s love for you or what love should like like in real life, or maybe, you’ve had a hard time giving and receiving love… this episode is a must listen to for you. Join us in the last episode of our Advent series as we look at love and discover…

• What’s the Bible say?

• Why it matters.

• How we can live it out in real life.

Discover how to experience God’s love and how to give and receive love well today.

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Joy is kind of complicated. It’s more than just a fleeting feeling.

Joy isn’t happiness. It’s a deeper inner-gladness your heart has that is often hard to explain. But it can sometimes seem illusive for many of us because many times, joy is a choice… or sometimes even a sacrifice.

It’s more of the “why behind the what” that is the reason for, the motivation behind or the expected result that makes joy such a wonderful medicine for our souls and strength for our hearts.

Discover how to experience joy even in the midst of your pain today.

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Need peace? Want to learn how to stop letting what’s going on around you control what’s going on inside of you?

Listen in and discover what peace is, how we get it and why peace isn’t dependent upon your circumstances.

Peace doesn’t mean we don’t experience pain. Peace is something we can all have even in the midst of our pain. But we need to know what peace is first.

Peace isn’t the absence of something. It’s the presence of Someone. It’s the presence of YHWH-Shalom. The God who is Peace and who gives us peace.

Jesus came to this earth and died for our sins to give us peace with God. For those who receive Him, we can then experience the peace of God and also peace with one another.

Dear Christian friend, don’t forfeit the peace that Jesus died to give you by wasting so much time & energy worrying about all the what if’s and worst case scenarios of life.

Trust Jesus to be who He said He is and do what He said He will do…to BE your peace and to GIVE you peace.

And be at peace with others. Forgive those who’ve hurt you. It may be hard, but remember… forgiveness is the gift you give yourself.

And if you need to ask for forgiveness, ask. Don’t let your pride prevent you from experiencing peace with others and the peace that is yours when you finally lay down your pride.

And And the BEST WAY we can experience the PEACE OF GOD is to follow Scriptures’ step-by-step plan for peace found in Philippians 4:6-7 and Isaiah 26:3.

Philippians 4:6-7 says,

1. “Be anxious for nothing, (choose not to let your heart be agitated by your circumstances.)

2. but in everything by prayer and supplication, (so, pray about what you’re going through in stead of being anxious)

3. with thanksgiving (choose to be thankful),

4. let your requests be made known to God; (pray…cast your care upon Him, talk to Jesus about what you’re going through)

THE RESULT IS THE PEACE OF GOD (verse 7) and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

And Isaiah 26:3 gives similar instructions, “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.”

In the original language, the phrase, “perfect peace” is literally… SHALOM, SHALOM.

If you want SHALOM, SHALOM (that DOUBLE PORTION of PEACE)…

1. Fix your mind (lean on, rest upon) the Lord.

2. Trust God… have a secure confidence in the Lord.

Stop living in angst when Jesus died to give you peace. Call on YHWH-Shalom to BE your peace and to GIVE you peace…and He will.

Experience the peace you so desperately need today!

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Have you ever wondered how Advent started and what's the significance of the wreath and the candles?

You might be surprised and super blessed to find out how Advent came to be, how it's been celebrated throughout history and what the Bible says about what each candle represents. In this episode, discover the history of Advent and the hope it brings as we look at...

• What's the Bible Say

• Why it matters

• How we apply what we learn to our lives

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Does the Bible mention any kind of connection between Christianity and Hanukkah?

Hanukkah means "to dedicate" and is known as the Feast of Dedication and also as The Festival of Lights.

It's based on a time when King Antiochus IV Epiphanes, King of the Syrian empire, led the Seleucids to siege Jerusalem and Judah and take over the land and the people.

The king desecrated the Temple and erected an altar to Zeus, requiring the Jewish people to worship Zeus instead of God.

But around 165 BC, Judah Maccabee & his 4 brothers led the Jews to successfully drive Antiochus IV Epiphanes and the Seleucids out of Jerusalem. (The account of the Jewish rebellion and their victory is found in the Apocrypha book, 1 Maccabees 4:36-59.)

When the Jewish people cleaned and cleared the Temple, they wanted to dedicate it back to God but there was only enough oil for 1 day. They went ahead and lit the candle with the oil they had and what was only supposed to last 1 day, ended up lasting 8 days.

That's the miracle of the oil which is found in the Talmud and also where the 9 branch Menorah comes from. Eight branches for each day the oil lasted and one candle to be used as the servant candle...to light the other candles.

Jesus went to the Feast of Dedication / Festival of Lights / Hanukkah:

John 10:22-23, "22 Now it was the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah = Dedication) in Jerusalem, and it was winter. 23 And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch.”

Before He went to the Feast of Dedication, He told those around Him that He was the Light of the World:

John 8:12, …“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

John 9:5 “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

Jesus calls us to be a light that shines His light in a dark world:

Matthew 5:14-16, “14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand (Greek equivalent for Hebrew word, Menorah), and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

We hope this encourages you to see the connection between Hanukkah and Christianity and whether it's a holiday you celebrate or not, we pray you personally know the Light of the World. His name is Jesus and He came to die so that we all might live and have the Light of life.

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