Fresh Faith: Recent Episodes
Ron Moore
From The Bible Chapel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania comes a podcast, “Fresh Faith.”
Over the years senior pastor, Ron Moore has received many questions ranging from deep theological thoughts regarding the end times, to what does parenting looks like with teenagers.
We’ve heard your questions, and we want to hear more. Join us each week as we tackle new issues with a new guest!
Thank you for joining us again on Fresh Faith. Today we continue our series on leadership as we look at one of the greatest books on leadership, Nehemiah.
Before we get into the message, I’d love to share with you a book Ron wrote called Worn Out By Obedience.
There is hope for the weary. There is hope for the fallen. And there is hope for the alone.
Worn Out By Obedience: Recovering from Spiritual Fatigue will meet people in their place of struggle no matter what that struggle is or how long it has lasted. It is a practical book and an empathetic one. Whether they are church leaders, church members, or church escapers this book lovingly offers the words of truth they need. Moore will remind them of their identity in Jesus, the joy of Christian fellowship, and the hope of obedience no matter the difficulty.
Get your copy of Worn Out By Obedience today at amazon or at The Bible Chapel bookstore.
Welcome back to the Fresh Faith podcast. We’re looking at one of the greatest books ever written on leadership, and today we’ll continue through our series on Nehemiah.
Before we get into the message, I’d love to offer you a pdf copy of Ron’s booklet, Voices of Opposition.
If you’re feeling discouraged or doubtful, from your past or even present situations, this booklet helps you isolate the causes of such doubt and fear, and defeat them in God’s strength. There, you’ll discover an exciting new vision for the work Christ has prepared for you to do. Email prayer@ronmoore.org to receive your copy today!
Welcome back to the Fresh Faith podcast. We’re looking at one of the greatest books ever written on leadership, and today we’ll continue through our series on Nehemiah.
Before we get into the message, I’d love to offer you a pdf copy of Ron’s booklet, Voices of Opposition.
If you’re feeling discouraged or doubtful, from your past or even present situations, this booklet helps you isolate the causes of such doubt and fear, and defeat them in God’s strength. There, you’ll discover an exciting new vision for the work Christ has prepared for you to do. Email prayer@ronmoore.org to receive your copy today!
Thank you for joining us again on Fresh Faith. Today we continue our series on leadership as we look at one of the greatest books on leadership, Nehemiah.
Before we get into the message, I’d love to share with you a book Ron wrote called Worn Out By Obedience.
There is hope for the weary. There is hope for the fallen. And there is hope for the alone.
Worn Out By Obedience: Recovering from Spiritual Fatigue will meet people in their place of struggle no matter what that struggle is or how long it has lasted. It is a practical book and an empathetic one. Whether they are church leaders, church members, or church escapers this book lovingly offers the words of truth they need. Moore will remind them of their identity in Jesus, the joy of Christian fellowship, and the hope of obedience no matter the difficulty.
Get your copy of Worn Out By Obedience today at amazon or at The Bible Chapel bookstore.
Welcome back to the Fresh Faith podcast. We’re looking at one of the greatest books ever written on leadership, and today we’ll continue through our series on Nehemiah.
Before we get into the message, I’d love to offer you a pdf copy of Ron’s booklet, Voices of Opposition.
If you’re feeling discouraged or doubtful, from your past or even present situations, this booklet helps you isolate the causes of such doubt and fear, and defeat them in God’s strength. There, you’ll discover an exciting new vision for the work Christ has prepared for you to do. Email prayer@ronmoore.org to receive your copy today!
Thank you for joining us again on Fresh Faith. We’re continuing through our series on leadership as we look at one of the greatest books on leadership, Nehemiah.
Before we get into the message, I’d love to offer you a pdf copy of Ron’s booklet, Voices of Opposition.
If you’re feeling discouraged or doubtful, from your past or even present situations, this booklet helps you isolate the causes of such doubt and fear, and defeat them in God’s strength. There, you’ll discover an exciting new vision for the work Christ has prepared for you to do. Email prayer@biblechapel.org to receive your copy today!
Welcome to the Fresh Faith podcast. It has been quite some time and we are excited to start 2021 with a series on Nehemiah. At The Bible Chapel this week, Ron taught on leadership and specifically focused on Nehemiah.
Ron talked through some stats about church attendance and how young adults are checking out. I encourage you to listen to the sermon - https://www.biblechapel.org/sermons?sapurl=Lys0YTllL2xiL21pLyt3MzlzcXBmP2JyYW5kaW5nPXRydWUmZW1iZWQ9dHJ1ZQ==
He also mentioned that this study says that a smaller number of people are reading the Bible, and fewer people are taking Christian leaders seriously. Like you we’re concerned about our country, but more concerned about the state of the church. Because we all know as the church goes so goes the country.
As we focus on God’s story throughout the Bible we want to consider one of the greatest leaders in Scripture. So over the next few weeks, we’ll be in a series on Nehemiah.
In today’s episode, Ron chats with two moms, Alison a mother of three, and Amy a mother of four. Alison and Amy unpack a lot of things that God has been teaching them during this time - more than just about their roles as mother’s, but as children of the Living God.
What are some of the challenges you’re facing at this time:
Alison 1. learning how to be together all the time when they normally have a little bit of space. But we’re learning so many things and it’s been a sweet time. Learning new roles while parenting, teaching, and working.
Amy 2. Homeschool and teaching is a huge struggle while you’re still trying to do your own job. Some parents are really hands-off and others are highly stressed because they’re trying to help their kids with school. And then spouses are together more than ever.
What have you missed?
Alison - missing church, our church family, and friends. The church is more than a building and this time has really shown that. We do miss seeing these people that we love doing life with. We’ve had to get creative on how we stay in touch with our friends and our Life Group.
Amy - I’m used to interacting with other parents quite a bit, and I know that not all the parents have the same views. I miss being with my church friends who are very like-minded and know that God is in control.
What has God been teaching you or taught you over the last few months?
Alison - When you strip-down of all normalcy of life. I feel like there is a lot of sin and idols of the heart revealed. This has given me time to take it head-on and not sweep it under the rug.
Amy - slowing down. Be intentional with my day. And trust God. Setting your heart on the Lord first thing in the morning.
What would you share with other moms listening:
Alison - Don’t neglect to spend time with the Lord. Getting in the Word every day and pray. Let the Gospel shape the way we serve our family. Our kids are watching and it’s important for them to know.
Romans 8, there is no combination of our sin in Jesus. Romans 8:28
Ron - The home is the hub of worship and the hub of discipleship. We’re experiencing this now more than ever.
Amy - Acts 20:24, that verse speaks to me and reminds me that when times are tough and the days feel long, and it feels like there is no end in sight, that’s my task to keep going and to finish the race. to just stay true to what God has called me to do.
Dean:
Now is the time to apply all the things we’ve learned as a Christian Leader/Servant Leader. These are the type of leadership principals that are going to lead the way. As leaders, everyone needs to pitch in and make sacrifices across the board. Tony:
The people we work with - our team and those we serve, really need to come first. Communication needs to be frequent, personal, and authentic
A leader’s job is to define reality and provide hope.
Honesty, positive, and creating an environment that provides hope We’re in this together and sometimes we don’t have all the answers. Doug:
My leadership can prove to be compassionate for my employees because what I’m doing is working for them. Having a foundation in Jesus allows us to focus on people.
My personal speculation is truly useless. To be anxious about what may happen tomorrow is comical. It’s a great biblical principle that God has taught us. (Matthew 6) Be true to who God made me and use those skills to honor him and to lead people. Who are we at TBC. We have to stay true to our values. Comparing yourself to others is a dangerous place to be. - Ron Moore
Dean:
It’s a great normalizer of people within hierarchies. The first is last and last, is first. This time has stripped away those hierarchies and hopefully, everyone will be treated equally across the board. People are resilient. We can adapt and handle more than we think we can. Trusting that people can navigate through. We’re giving our team the opportunity to find their way through and make their mark. Tony:
Technology is vital and changing the way we operate rapidly. It was important and critical before the pandemic. This crisis is going to accelerate and change the way we use technology. Stay clear on your priorities and values - at the same time be nimble with how you deliver your message. Doug:
Problems feel bigger than they are. Putting things in perspective. - 2 Chronicles People are thankful that they trust in their eternity and not the outcome of this pandemic. Dean:
People over programs or people over profits
There is still sin and evil and we have to figure out how to address that during this time. Under pressure, the real us comes out. We have to seek the Lord for help in these areas. Tony:
You see so many cultural norms being challenged. Things change constantly around us. One thing doesn’t change and that’s the word of God. Everything else is noise around us and history proves that. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. - Isaiah 40:8 (ESV)
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. - Psalm 119:9 (ESV)
Doug:
Everyone can show great leadership. We’ve seen people operating out of fear and then we’ve also seen people who are trusting, understanding the situation, serve others, and willing to take responsibility for what they can do. When we see the negative responses, I almost can always bring it back to something that we didn’t communicate well as a company. If something isn’t communicated clearly, people get frustrated.
What would you want to tell a young leader right now:
Dean - Now’s the time. Doesn’t matter where you think you are in the pecking order. people need each other right now. Leadership needs each other right now. Be a leader and in the time of crisis
Tony - the importance of servant leadership. Everyone has a chance to be a leader. Be there for your team. Be compassionate. Be a listener and someone who can help.
Doug - Be joyful in what you’re doing and who you’re leading. Seek to understand. Communicate with clarity. Be reliable.
What’s the most important thing you’ve done to prepare yourself as a leader:
Dean - The best way to get where you want to go is to put yourself last. Servant leadership is backward, but the more you put others first, the more you’ll find yourself in a position of leadership.
Tony - Work hard. Give it your all. Be honest. Help people. Give others credit before you take it yourself. Work ethic is so vital.
Doug - You have to always be willing to be learning, to be developing, to be challenging yourself, and to be improving.
I am so glad I had this in place when COVID-19 hit:
Ron - We put together a Lead Team in January.
Dean - We had recently made a big deal about our Core Values for our organization. We refer back to them so many times during this crisis.
Tony - Business - understanding and always being tied to our mission/objective/goal and that everyone is invested in that. The WHY. Personal - Support network at home. So thankful for their support as I work from home.
Doug - Great staff and culture. You can’t have a great culture unless you have great staff. Transparency of conversation. We don’t talk around things, we’re very specific. Having common goals.
We’re better today than we’ve ever been. Through this pandemic, groups of people and individuals are finding ways to do things better.
Dave Shields - Faith in Addiction
Dave was exposed to drugs and alcohol in jr high. Love for sports was trumped by drinking and getting high By the end of high school, full-blown addiction to opioids Looking for approval - wanting time fit in Addition stemmed from Insecurity and fear at a young age. Fear of rejection. Very caring and loving home almost to a fault and not experiencing consequences. It wasn’t intentional but hindered growth for Dave. No view of God at all in teen years. Self-focused. God was nonexistent. Move back home. What caused you to hit the wall? in Myrtle Beach, getting thrown out of school started using heroin Was arrested The police officer said I never want to see you again - changing point in your life
Drinking and drugs were never enough. Always searching for a greater high.
Playing with fire. Opening up yourself to stronger drugs. It’s all a trap. It’s shameful when your child is struggling with addiction. You don’t have to be ashamed. Brother went to FL to get clean. Dave’s parents sent Dave to his brother to get clean. The first two years continued in addiction. 2009 entered into the program. I saw the love that the brothers had for one another. I had never seen this type of unity. I want to experience that. 4-6 months, you’re required to read the Bible every day. It clicked one day. I was saved. That’s when things started to change. I fell in love with Christians before I fell I love with Christ. Growing up I was known as a quitter. I ran when things were difficult.
Don’t quit. Stay. Fight.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Disease or choice or volunteerism and slavery God has a solution for sin. Addicts who really embrace the forgiveness of the cross start to see the freedom that comes with that.
Exodus 14:13-14 And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
Sometimes fear and doubt come rolling in like 30-foot waves and crash into our soul. We’re not able to stand up against the force of the crashing waves. And the good news is – we don’t have to! The Lord will absorb the powerful force for us – you need only to be still. Let His peace sweep over your soul.
To receive your copy of the booklet Refuge, email prayer@ronmoore.org.
Sign up for the Bible2020 Challenge and Read Through The Bible in 2020! We’re so excited that you’re taking the challenge to read through the Bible in 2020. This is a great way to read each and every word that God has given us.
Sign up for the Bible2020 Challenge and Read Through The Bible in 2020! We’re so excited that you’re taking the challenge to read through the Bible in 2020. This is a great way to read each and every word that God has given us.
Gospel Spice is the podcast that spices up your time with God. It is meant to come alongside anyone who has experienced staleness in their relationship with God. Gospel Spice will help you season your time with God with exotic spiritual spices as we embark on a journey through the Bible.
Check out www.gospel-spice.com for more info, and to get a taste for yourself!
Stephanie Rousselle is simply a tour guide for the Christian and active seeker who is spiritually hungry to discover and experience more of God. She has spent the last two decades of her life on three continents, four countries and five cities--this has given her unique insights into our culture, and she now shares them as we experience Scripture together. Besides being a public speaker, writer, and podcaster, Stephanie currently is the women's director at her church where she leads and teaches the women's Bible study to 200 ladies each week. You will find her on Facebook (Stephanie M Rousselle) and on Instagram (StephanieRousselle.US) as well as on your favorite podcast app!
In today's episode, Ron and Maria recap the first year of Fresh Faith. If you have any feedback or suggestions for new guests, please email mstockman@biblechapel.org with "Fresh Faith Ideas" in the subject line.
Gospel Spice is the podcast that spices up your time with God. It is meant to come alongside anyone who has experienced staleness in their relationship with God. Gospel Spice will help you season your time with God with exotic spiritual spices as we embark on a journey through the Bible.
Check out www.gospel-spice.com for more info, and to get a taste for yourself!
Stephanie Rousselle is simply a tour guide for the Christian and active seeker who is spiritually hungry to discover and experience more of God. She has spent the last two decades of her life on three continents, four countries and five cities--this has given her unique insights into our culture, and she now shares them as we experience Scripture together. Besides being a public speaker, writer, and podcaster, Stephanie currently is the women's director at her church where she leads and teaches the women's Bible study to 200 ladies each week. You will find her on Facebook (Stephanie M Rousselle) and on Instagram (StephanieRousselle.US) as well as on your favorite podcast app!
Robin Sweitzer is a member of TBC and has always had a heart for missions, specifically serving the orphaned and vulnerable.
She served as a midterm global worker with Kids Alive in Kenya and is now headed into the field full time. Robin has been in the United States visiting, raising awareness, and telling anyone who will listen how awesome God really is!
Working overseas or even in a domestic setting is hard work. Robin has a great story of how God prepared her for this type of work, even if it wasn’t necessarily the timeline she had envisioned.
We have two new guests with us today, a mother and son, Marlene Majireck and Paul Danner.
Our story today is about running away from God, God’s sovereignty, forgiveness, and redemption.
Last week, we had Jack and Jennifer Zebo on the show talking about the book Turquoise Table and how it impacted their marriage and their lives. Today, we're excited to have Kristen Schell on the show, author of Turquoise Table to hear more about how this sweet little invite has changed so many lives.
We’re excited to have a couple of great guests with us today on the podcast. We’ll be talking about life change, marriage, and how a can of paint and a picnic table is making a huge impact.
A word filled with pain, loss, questions. Today it is reported that one in ten will experience this devastating loss. But what if you experience three or four or five…
Our guests today are Jon and Bianca Fowler, Global Workers in Panama and long-time members of The Bible Chapel. We are excited to share their story as Ron interviews them about their ministry and the work that God is doing through them at Word of Life, Panama.
Our guest today, Jaclyn Royall, is going to share how God has been working in her life from a young age and how He is using her to help shape the way we look at individuals with disabilities.
We all experience anger…sometimes for good, sometimes in sin. And sometimes it hurts…it hurts others, it hurts us and it hurts those we love. Three types of anger desire to have you. They crouch at your door seeking entrance to your soul and your family’s.
Ron Moore and Tunch Ilkin give you a peek at those manifestations of anger. Look at them. Know them, so you can keep them outside.
There are hidden aspects to sinful pride. They lurk around the edges of our lives concealing the arrogance that we condemn in others. Do you want to see what they look like?
Ron Moore and Tunch Ilkin turn on the light of God’s Word so that, in the seeing, we can expose the attitudes of darkness in our soul.
What are some common threads in addictions? How do they weave a fabric that threatens to pattern every inch of your life? How do you know if you’re addicted?
Ron Moore and Tunch Ilkin take a look at the signs that men, and the women in their lives, shouldn’t ignore.
Men, what steps are necessary to demonstrate one has left sin behind? How can we, and the ones we’ve wronged, know that we’re serious about changing?
Ron Moore and Tunch Ilkin begin a look at that vital issue as it relates to leaving an affair. Together they look at what happens after the affair, and what must be done to restore your relationship with God and family.
What’s one of the temptations faced by men that their wives often don’t understand? And what steps can a man take to resist, and even avoid, such a temptation?
Ron Moore and Men's Pastor Tunch Ilkin offer wives understanding for the real issues men face and how men can deal with them in very practical ways.
What does it mean to be a whole man…a man complete in himself and with God? What can you leave for your children that will never fade and will enrich them forever?
On today’s podcast, Ron Moore and Men's Pastor Tunch Ilkin begin a nine-point examination of these questions. And the preeminent question is…how do you measure up?
What do sons and their fathers need in order to be equipped to lead their families?
That’s a crucial issue in today’s world and especially in today’s church. So, Ron Moore and Men's Pastor Tunch Ilkin are going to spend time addressing that topic and offering some practical insight for real men in the real world
You want to be God’s man in your marriage. But just what does that mean? Is it spending time with your wife or spending time providing for her? And are those things mutually exclusive?
That’s Ron Moore and Tunch Ilkin’s focus on today’s podcast. They begin a look at the Godly husband and what it means to be a servant-leader at home.
Today, Ron Moore and Dave DiDonato interview author, Sean McDowell. Sean’s book, So the Next Generation Will Know, has been a great resource to our student leaders and parents.
Currently, at The Bible Chapel, we are in a series called Relevant Faith, which deals with tough questions and topics surrounding Christianity. You can check out this series at any time at http://www.biblechapel.org/sermons/series/relevant-faith/.
Sean McDowell - https://seanmcdowell.org/
Many men, even those who profess Christ, worship at the altar of masculinity. Where does a man get his sense of self and self-worth? And what happens when that source changes?
On today’s podcast, Ron Moore and Tunch Ilkin discuss that through the lens of events, issues and hidden issues in a real man’s life.
In today’s gender-confused culture how can men recapture their God-designed roles and purpose? What does a man, made in God’s image, look like and how does he act?
Those are the questions begun in today’s podcast. Ron Moore and Tunch Ilkin embark on a quest to rediscover “biblical manhood.”
Ron Moore Maria Stockman Ryan Middleton Denise Middleton
• Ryan grew up with no real church experiences • Denise was also unchurched for most of her childhood. Christmas Eve kind of attendance. • Uncle introduced her to a Baptist Church and around 7th grade she was saved. Went to church without parents. • Once high school hit, she fell away from that • Ryan’s dad was an alcoholic and it was pretty extreme. • Not a normal functioning family. Parents separated the summer he turned 9, and came back, then the following year they left. • As a family they made the decision to leave their dad. • Ryan always sought a male role model. Grandfather was a really big role model and he passed away when Ryan was 11. • Ryan’s view of God was that Ryan would be atheist and as he got older it was more agnostic. • Denise felt like her relationship with God was based on her selfish needs. More fear of God versus the loving God.
• Were you looking for a godly man?
• Denise - no. But once we started our family it really became something that I wanted. But still more of a this is a good moral thing to do.
• One day, Denise says we have to go to church and Ryan says ... ok then go do it! That’s you, not me.
• Ryan’s friend, John Schell has been inviting him to come to TBC and to the Men’s a Thanksgiving breakfast for years. He kept at it.
• Denise is 7.5 months pregnant with second child and Ryan hears a scream.
• Denise is in the bathroom, bleeding very badly. She thought her water had broken but it was blood. Rush her to the hospital.
• Denise is convinced that they had lost the baby while on the way to the hospital.
• Take her into the maternity wing and they can’t find the heartbeat. Finally find the heartbeat. Ryan went to move the car and then the nurses say that the heartbeat was Denise’s not the babies. They eventually find it and took her into surgery for a c section.
• At 12:04 a.m., Ryan hears a cry and it’s the greatest noise they ever heard.
• She was 6 weeks pre-mature and relatively healthy. She didn’t need anything extra. 4lbs 7 oz Madison Rae • October 4, 2008
• When the nurses from the night Maddison was born came in for their shift the next evening they were talking to them. One nurse said, did anyone talk to you about what happened?
• Nurse said: “Someone was looking after your daughter because she shouldn’t be ok”
• There was an 85% abruption and there shouldn’t have been enough there to sustain life so we were planning to life light her to Children’s and we didn’t think she would make it.
• Ryan, not being a spiritual person just thought, wow, we’re lucky.
• John Schell says, “it has nothing to do with luck”
• Remember this moment very clearly that this is a moment that God was revealing Himself to Ryan.
— break —
• Would you say this is the breaking point for you?
• In hindsight yes, but there was a lot of things that happened in the months leading up to this.
• “God was working in my life but I didn’t recognize that quiet yet.”
• Ryan was going home to get Austin in hopes for some normalcy for him. It stuck with Ryan what the nurse said about someone watching over Madison.
• Ryan laid down and fell asleep on the couch, woke up in a dream. He was in his bedroom and at the foot of the bed was Jesus. Jesus says is there anything else I need to do to show myself to you.
• Ryan immediately wakes up and is in the living room.
• As a non-Christian, this was something Ryan was hesitant to tell Denise.
• Thinking I can’t tell her, but knew I was going to. Denise is in a rocking chair and Maddison was in the incubator.
• Ryan says you won’t believe the dream I had last night and Denise starts crying as Ryan tells her. She said, last night at about 8:45 pm I prayed to God about who was looking out for her. It was crazy because all the timing was right and it was so comforting.
• This moment made Denise even more hopeful that they would start going to church.
• Ryan, what did you feel? Enough to let her know about it but still dismissive.
• John asked about the breakfast so Ryan decided to go to appease John. It was ok, nothing crazy. Then went into the worship center and remember thinking wow this isn’t what church looks like.
• The message is super relevant to me (Ryan). Very different church experiences. • Heard a gospel presentation and it was the first time I ever heard it. It didn’t sound as far-fetched as I had once placed it.
• As I grew in my faith I became so passionate about sharing the gospel because I knew some people just hadn’t heard about Jesus.
• Ryan started attending church the next day and started going every Sunday after. • Not saved yet, but very intrigued.
• Denise - hasn’t experienced what Ryan was talking about so I wanted to go, too. • Building up hope for the long term for the family.
• Ryan - felt like the messages were so personal and relevant to today. This isn’t some archaic book, this is real. It’s not a way to police people.
• Once I heard this relevant info teaching that directly affected my life, it was awesome.
• There wasn’t a moment that I wanted to trust in Christ,
• Sunday, December 28 went to church and when I came home I said to Denise, I gotta get my own bible.
• I need to get one now, today. So we went to Barnes and Noble and found the religion section and that day he got his first Bible.
• That night, went home and went to bed. Maddison has suddenly passed away in the night.
• That was chaotic and scary and traumatic. The pain. There’s just no way to describe it.
• Denise - I can go through that day in slow motion. You never think you will ever have to go through this. The worst feeling. It’s hard to even think about it even now.
• Ryan - Numb. Disbelief. This can’t really be happening. No. It’s not what’s supposed to happen.
• Drove to the church and talked to Mike McCormick. Ryan had felt that was where he could go for comfort.
• Ryan - It took a lot of time to process things. You’re in disbelief for a long time. But over time, I’ve come to be so thankful for her. Sometimes I question why we only had her for 80 days, but now I am so thankful for those precious 80 days we had with her that God gave us.
• “You give and take away”
• My heart will choose to say, blessed be your name. That was our choice to still praise God.
• Ron - we had a grandson that just passed away and he only lived for 7 hours and we thank God for those 7 hours. We have to learn to see it that way.
• This was the moment that I knew I was a believer. I was turning to God and I have questions but I knew the gospel was the truth.
• I was never angry with God, but I wanted to understand Him better.
• Ron - 70% of parents that lose a child, the marriage doesn’t last. You grieve differently. How did that work for you?
• Denise - in the car and late at night because we didn’t want Austin to see the pain. We just jumped straight into everything at church and took every class possible.
• Ryan’s mom, sister, and Denise’s parents started coming to church and that pulled everyone together and became their source of comfort.
• Many run from God, and God just pulled them in closer. They ran towards Him for their comfort.
• Denise - I could physically feel Jesus wrap his arms around me.
• Ryan - Understanding that men and women grieve differently was helpful to us.
• Denise - You recognize that God has been there all along. Everything worked for our healing and for us to be brought to Him.
• People were so kind and compassionate to them the day that she passed.
• Ryan - the day we buried Mandy, it was such a heavy day. New Year’s Eve. I remember thinking I don’t know how we can go on.
• Austin was handing out pretzels to everyone and he just lightened the room and made everyone see that they can go on.
• God provided us with everything that we needed to get through it.
• Ron - You measure life not by years but my impact. Maddy had such a huge impact on your family and their faith.
• Everyone has taken dramatic steps towards the Lord on both sides of our family. It’s impacted close friends and also people who we aren’t close with.
• Ryan - John Schell’s huddle Group kind of adopted me and really showed me what it meant to be a man of God.
• It’s really how Christian community is supposed to happen.
• March 1 - came to church and Mike McCormick said hey you don’t like ok, what’s wrong? I said nothing. (8:45am)
• After church, I took Austin to the mall to play. Had this urge to call my dad who I had been estranged from for 15+ years.
• I got my aunt’s phone number and called her. She says what leads you to call today.
• Aunt Pat says that his dad passed away earlier this morning (8:45am). I’m beating myself up because I should have called sooner.
• I go home and Austin is throwing those magnetic alphabet letters and when I went to grab them the word “God” is spelled out. I’m questioning myself and feeling so guilty. That was the moment that I had complete peace and I knew that this is how it was supposed to be.
• Denise - through the church had been introduced to other women who had lost a child. I clung to them and their comfort.
• Ryan’s new faith had taken off and it inspired me to do the same. I clung to Ryan a lot.
• There was a sense of love and community that we got.
• Ryan - Having people that can relate to you is really key when you walk through that grief and healing.
• In a SIDS support group, Ryan was evangelizing and just energized by being able to tell of what Jesus had done.
• Ron - Talk about ways that people can support those going through a tough time. Help us be better at interacting with those who are hurting.
• We know that on one meant to hurt us. • The most impactful things that people did weren’t words. Just sitting and being there. • Acknowledge that you don’t know what to say but I love you. • Hugs • A lot of times we think we have to have the right words or they avoid it because they don’t want to remind you. I’m never going to not think about it so that’s not an issue. • It’s hurtful to not hear from people. They didn’t know how to be there for me, but I needed them. • We want to talk about her. • It was hard during the months after when people seemed to move on.
Ron Moore Maria Stockman Ryan Middleton Denise Middleton
• Ryan grew up with no real church experiences • Denise was also unchurched for most of her childhood. Christmas Eve kind of attendance. • Uncle introduced her to a Baptist Church and around 7th grade she was saved. Went to church without parents. • Once high school hit, she fell away from that • Ryan’s dad was an alcoholic and it was pretty extreme. • Not a normal functioning family. Parents separated the summer he turned 9, and came back, then the following year they left. • As a family they made the decision to leave their dad. • Ryan always sought a male role model. Grandfather was a really big role model and he passed away when Ryan was 11. • Ryan’s view of God was that Ryan would be atheist and as he got older it was more agnostic. • Denise felt like her relationship with God was based on her selfish needs. More fear of God versus the loving God.
• Were you looking for a godly man?
• Denise - no. But once we started our family it really became something that I wanted. But still more of a this is a good moral thing to do.
• One day, Denise says we have to go to church and Ryan says ... ok then go do it! That’s you, not me.
• Ryan’s friend, John Schell has been inviting him to come to TBC and to the Men’s a Thanksgiving breakfast for years. He kept at it.
• Denise is 7.5 months pregnant with second child and Ryan hears a scream.
• Denise is in the bathroom, bleeding very badly. She thought her water had broken but it was blood. Rush her to the hospital.
• Denise is convinced that they had lost the baby while on the way to the hospital.
• Take her into the maternity wing and they can’t find the heartbeat. Finally find the heartbeat. Ryan went to move the car and then the nurses say that the heartbeat was Denise’s not the babies. They eventually find it and took her into surgery for a c section.
• At 12:04 a.m., Ryan hears a cry and it’s the greatest noise they ever heard.
• She was 6 weeks pre-mature and relatively healthy. She didn’t need anything extra. 4lbs 7 oz Madison Rae • October 4, 2008
• When the nurses from the night Maddison was born came in for their shift the next evening they were talking to them. One nurse said, did anyone talk to you about what happened?
• Nurse said: “Someone was looking after your daughter because she shouldn’t be ok”
• There was an 85% abruption and there shouldn’t have been enough there to sustain life so we were planning to life light her to Children’s and we didn’t think she would make it.
• Ryan, not being a spiritual person just thought, wow, we’re lucky.
• John Schell says, “it has nothing to do with luck”
• Remember this moment very clearly that this is a moment that God was revealing Himself to Ryan.
— break —
• Would you say this is the breaking point for you?
• In hindsight yes, but there was a lot of things that happened in the months leading up to this.
• “God was working in my life but I didn’t recognize that quiet yet.”
• Ryan was going home to get Austin in hopes for some normalcy for him. It stuck with Ryan what the nurse said about someone watching over Madison.
• Ryan laid down and fell asleep on the couch, woke up in a dream. He was in his bedroom and at the foot of the bed was Jesus. Jesus says is there anything else I need to do to show myself to you.
• Ryan immediately wakes up and is in the living room.
• As a non-Christian, this was something Ryan was hesitant to tell Denise.
• Thinking I can’t tell her, but knew I was going to. Denise is in a rocking chair and Maddison was in the incubator.
• Ryan says you won’t believe the dream I had last night and Denise starts crying as Ryan tells her. She said, last night at about 8:45 pm I prayed to God about who was looking out for her. It was crazy because all the timing was right and it was so comforting.
• This moment made Denise even more hopeful that they would start going to church.
• Ryan, what did you feel? Enough to let her know about it but still dismissive.
• John asked about the breakfast so Ryan decided to go to appease John. It was ok, nothing crazy. Then went into the worship center and remember thinking wow this isn’t what church looks like.
• The message is super relevant to me (Ryan). Very different church experiences. • Heard a gospel presentation and it was the first time I ever heard it. It didn’t sound as far-fetched as I had once placed it.
• As I grew in my faith I became so passionate about sharing the gospel because I knew some people just hadn’t heard about Jesus.
• Ryan started attending church the next day and started going every Sunday after. • Not saved yet, but very intrigued.
• Denise - hasn’t experienced what Ryan was talking about so I wanted to go, too. • Building up hope for the long term for the family.
• Ryan - felt like the messages were so personal and relevant to today. This isn’t some archaic book, this is real. It’s not a way to police people.
• Once I heard this relevant info teaching that directly affected my life, it was awesome.
• There wasn’t a moment that I wanted to trust in Christ,
• Sunday, December 28 went to church and when I came home I said to Denise, I gotta get my own bible.
• I need to get one now, today. So we went to Barnes and Noble and found the religion section and that day he got his first Bible.
• That night, went home and went to bed. Maddison has suddenly passed away in the night.
• That was chaotic and scary and traumatic. The pain. There’s just no way to describe it.
• Denise - I can go through that day in slow motion. You never think you will ever have to go through this. The worst feeling. It’s hard to even think about it even now.
• Ryan - Numb. Disbelief. This can’t really be happening. No. It’s not what’s supposed to happen.
• Drove to the church and talked to Mike McCormick. Ryan had felt that was where he could go for comfort.
• Ryan - It took a lot of time to process things. You’re in disbelief for a long time. But over time, I’ve come to be so thankful for her. Sometimes I question why we only had her for 80 days, but now I am so thankful for those precious 80 days we had with her that God gave us.
• “You give and take away”
• My heart will choose to say, blessed be your name. That was our choice to still praise God.
• Ron - we had a grandson that just passed away and he only lived for 7 hours and we thank God for those 7 hours. We have to learn to see it that way.
• This was the moment that I knew I was a believer. I was turning to God and I have questions but I knew the gospel was the truth.
• I was never angry with God, but I wanted to understand Him better.
• Ron - 70% of parents that lose a child, the marriage doesn’t last. You grieve differently. How did that work for you?
• Denise - in the car and late at night because we didn’t want Austin to see the pain. We just jumped straight into everything at church and took every class possible.
• Ryan’s mom, sister, and Denise’s parents started coming to church and that pulled everyone together and became their source of comfort.
• Many run from God, and God just pulled them in closer. They ran towards Him for their comfort.
• Denise - I could physically feel Jesus wrap his arms around me.
• Ryan - Understanding that men and women grieve differently was helpful to us.
• Denise - You recognize that God has been there all along. Everything worked for our healing and for us to be brought to Him.
• People were so kind and compassionate to them the day that she passed.
• Ryan - the day we buried Mandy, it was such a heavy day. New Year’s Eve. I remember thinking I don’t know how we can go on.
• Austin was handing out pretzels to everyone and he just lightened the room and made everyone see that they can go on.
• God provided us with everything that we needed to get through it.
• Ron - You measure life not by years but my impact. Maddy had such a huge impact on your family and their faith.
• Everyone has taken dramatic steps towards the Lord on both sides of our family. It’s impacted close friends and also people who we aren’t close with.
• Ryan - John Schell’s huddle Group kind of adopted me and really showed me what it meant to be a man of God.
• It’s really how Christian community is supposed to happen.
• March 1 - came to church and Mike McCormick said hey you don’t like ok, what’s wrong? I said nothing. (8:45am)
• After church, I took Austin to the mall to play. Had this urge to call my dad who I had been estranged from for 15+ years.
• I got my aunt’s phone number and called her. She says what leads you to call today.
• Aunt Pat says that his dad passed away earlier this morning (8:45am). I’m beating myself up because I should have called sooner.
• I go home and Austin is throwing those magnetic alphabet letters and when I went to grab them the word “God” is spelled out. I’m questioning myself and feeling so guilty. That was the moment that I had complete peace and I knew that this is how it was supposed to be.
• Denise - through the church had been introduced to other women who had lost a child. I clung to them and their comfort.
• Ryan’s new faith had taken off and it inspired me to do the same. I clung to Ryan a lot.
• There was a sense of love and community that we got.
• Ryan - Having people that can relate to you is really key when you walk through that grief and healing.
• In a SIDS support group, Ryan was evangelizing and just energized by being able to tell of what Jesus had done.
• Ron - Talk about ways that people can support those going through a tough time. Help us be better at interacting with those who are hurting.
• We know that on one meant to hurt us. • The most impactful things that people did weren’t words. Just sitting and being there. • Acknowledge that you don’t know what to say but I love you. • Hugs • A lot of times we think we have to have the right words or they avoid it because they don’t want to remind you. I’m never going to not think about it so that’s not an issue. • It’s hurtful to not hear from people. They didn’t know how to be there for me, but I needed them. • We want to talk about her. • It was hard during the months after when people seemed to move on.
Ron Moore Maria Stockman Ryan Middleton Denise Middleton
• Ryan grew up with no real church experiences • Denise was also unchurched for most of her childhood. Christmas Eve kind of attendance. • Uncle introduced her to a Baptist Church and around 7th grade she was saved. Went to church without parents. • Once high school hit, she fell away from that • Ryan’s dad was an alcoholic and it was pretty extreme. • Not a normal functioning family. Parents separated the summer he turned 9, and came back, then the following year they left. • As a family they made the decision to leave their dad. • Ryan always sought a male role model. Grandfather was a really big role model and he passed away when Ryan was 11. • Ryan’s view of God was that Ryan would be atheist and as he got older it was more agnostic. • Denise felt like her relationship with God was based on her selfish needs. More fear of God versus the loving God.
• Were you looking for a godly man?
• Denise - no. But once we started our family it really became something that I wanted. But still more of a this is a good moral thing to do.
• One day, Denise says we have to go to church and Ryan says ... ok then go do it! That’s you, not me.
• Ryan’s friend, John Schell has been inviting him to come to TBC and to the Men’s a Thanksgiving breakfast for years. He kept at it.
• Denise is 7.5 months pregnant with second child and Ryan hears a scream.
• Denise is in the bathroom, bleeding very badly. She thought her water had broken but it was blood. Rush her to the hospital.
• Denise is convinced that they had lost the baby while on the way to the hospital.
• Take her into the maternity wing and they can’t find the heartbeat. Finally find the heartbeat. Ryan went to move the car and then the nurses say that the heartbeat was Denise’s not the babies. They eventually find it and took her into surgery for a c section.
• At 12:04 a.m., Ryan hears a cry and it’s the greatest noise they ever heard.
• She was 6 weeks pre-mature and relatively healthy. She didn’t need anything extra. 4lbs 7 oz Madison Rae • October 4, 2008
• When the nurses from the night Maddison was born came in for their shift the next evening they were talking to them. One nurse said, did anyone talk to you about what happened?
• Nurse said: “Someone was looking after your daughter because she shouldn’t be ok”
• There was an 85% abruption and there shouldn’t have been enough there to sustain life so we were planning to life light her to Children’s and we didn’t think she would make it.
• Ryan, not being a spiritual person just thought, wow, we’re lucky.
• John Schell says, “it has nothing to do with luck”
• Remember this moment very clearly that this is a moment that God was revealing Himself to Ryan.
— break —
• Would you say this is the breaking point for you?
• In hindsight yes, but there was a lot of things that happened in the months leading up to this.
• “God was working in my life but I didn’t recognize that quiet yet.”
• Ryan was going home to get Austin in hopes for some normalcy for him. It stuck with Ryan what the nurse said about someone watching over Madison.
• Ryan laid down and fell asleep on the couch, woke up in a dream. He was in his bedroom and at the foot of the bed was Jesus. Jesus says is there anything else I need to do to show myself to you.
• Ryan immediately wakes up and is in the living room.
• As a non-Christian, this was something Ryan was hesitant to tell Denise.
• Thinking I can’t tell her, but knew I was going to. Denise is in a rocking chair and Maddison was in the incubator.
• Ryan says you won’t believe the dream I had last night and Denise starts crying as Ryan tells her. She said, last night at about 8:45 pm I prayed to God about who was looking out for her. It was crazy because all the timing was right and it was so comforting.
• This moment made Denise even more hopeful that they would start going to church.
• Ryan, what did you feel? Enough to let her know about it but still dismissive.
• John asked about the breakfast so Ryan decided to go to appease John. It was ok, nothing crazy. Then went into the worship center and remember thinking wow this isn’t what church looks like.
• The message is super relevant to me (Ryan). Very different church experiences. • Heard a gospel presentation and it was the first time I ever heard it. It didn’t sound as far-fetched as I had once placed it.
• As I grew in my faith I became so passionate about sharing the gospel because I knew some people just hadn’t heard about Jesus.
• Ryan started attending church the next day and started going every Sunday after. • Not saved yet, but very intrigued.
• Denise - hasn’t experienced what Ryan was talking about so I wanted to go, too. • Building up hope for the long term for the family.
• Ryan - felt like the messages were so personal and relevant to today. This isn’t some archaic book, this is real. It’s not a way to police people.
• Once I heard this relevant info teaching that directly affected my life, it was awesome.
• There wasn’t a moment that I wanted to trust in Christ,
• Sunday, December 28 went to church and when I came home I said to Denise, I gotta get my own bible.
• I need to get one now, today. So we went to Barnes and Noble and found the religion section and that day he got his first Bible.
• That night, went home and went to bed. Maddison has suddenly passed away in the night.
• That was chaotic and scary and traumatic. The pain. There’s just no way to describe it.
• Denise - I can go through that day in slow motion. You never think you will ever have to go through this. The worst feeling. It’s hard to even think about it even now.
• Ryan - Numb. Disbelief. This can’t really be happening. No. It’s not what’s supposed to happen.
• Drove to the church and talked to Mike McCormick. Ryan had felt that was where he could go for comfort.
• Ryan - It took a lot of time to process things. You’re in disbelief for a long time. But over time, I’ve come to be so thankful for her. Sometimes I question why we only had her for 80 days, but now I am so thankful for those precious 80 days we had with her that God gave us.
• “You give and take away”
• My heart will choose to say, blessed be your name. That was our choice to still praise God.
• Ron - we had a grandson that just passed away and he only lived for 7 hours and we thank God for those 7 hours. We have to learn to see it that way.
• This was the moment that I knew I was a believer. I was turning to God and I have questions but I knew the gospel was the truth.
• I was never angry with God, but I wanted to understand Him better.
• Ron - 70% of parents that lose a child, the marriage doesn’t last. You grieve differently. How did that work for you?
• Denise - in the car and late at night because we didn’t want Austin to see the pain. We just jumped straight into everything at church and took every class possible.
• Ryan’s mom, sister, and Denise’s parents started coming to church and that pulled everyone together and became their source of comfort.
• Many run from God, and God just pulled them in closer. They ran towards Him for their comfort.
• Denise - I could physically feel Jesus wrap his arms around me.
• Ryan - Understanding that men and women grieve differently was helpful to us.
• Denise - You recognize that God has been there all along. Everything worked for our healing and for us to be brought to Him.
• People were so kind and compassionate to them the day that she passed.
• Ryan - the day we buried Mandy, it was such a heavy day. New Year’s Eve. I remember thinking I don’t know how we can go on.
• Austin was handing out pretzels to everyone and he just lightened the room and made everyone see that they can go on.
• God provided us with everything that we needed to get through it.
• Ron - You measure life not by years but my impact. Maddy had such a huge impact on your family and their faith.
• Everyone has taken dramatic steps towards the Lord on both sides of our family. It’s impacted close friends and also people who we aren’t close with.
• Ryan - John Schell’s huddle Group kind of adopted me and really showed me what it meant to be a man of God.
• It’s really how Christian community is supposed to happen.
• March 1 - came to church and Mike McCormick said hey you don’t like ok, what’s wrong? I said nothing. (8:45am)
• After church, I took Austin to the mall to play. Had this urge to call my dad who I had been estranged from for 15+ years.
• I got my aunt’s phone number and called her. She says what leads you to call today.
• Aunt Pat says that his dad passed away earlier this morning (8:45am). I’m beating myself up because I should have called sooner.
• I go home and Austin is throwing those magnetic alphabet letters and when I went to grab them the word “God” is spelled out. I’m questioning myself and feeling so guilty. That was the moment that I had complete peace and I knew that this is how it was supposed to be.
• Denise - through the church had been introduced to other women who had lost a child. I clung to them and their comfort.
• Ryan’s new faith had taken off and it inspired me to do the same. I clung to Ryan a lot.
• There was a sense of love and community that we got.
• Ryan - Having people that can relate to you is really key when you walk through that grief and healing.
• In a SIDS support group, Ryan was evangelizing and just energized by being able to tell of what Jesus had done.
• Ron - Talk about ways that people can support those going through a tough time. Help us be better at interacting with those who are hurting.
• We know that on one meant to hurt us. • The most impactful things that people did weren’t words. Just sitting and being there. • Acknowledge that you don’t know what to say but I love you. • Hugs • A lot of times we think we have to have the right words or they avoid it because they don’t want to remind you. I’m never going to not think about it so that’s not an issue. • It’s hurtful to not hear from people. They didn’t know how to be there for me, but I needed them. • We want to talk about her. • It was hard during the months after when people seemed to move on.
Ron Moore Maria Stockman Melissa Arabia
Show Notes: http://www.biblechapel.org/the-bible-chapel-blog/service-burnout-survivor/
Ron Moore Maria Stockman
Show Notes can be found at http://www.biblechapel.org/the-bible-chapel-blog/stopping-the-stigma-anxiety-and-christianity/
Ron Moore Maria Stockman Nate Edwards
Question:
When a man/woman is in a committed relationship (long time dating, engaged, married), is it appropriate for an opposite gender friendship where personal things are discussed? In other words, is it OK for a man to have a close platonic relationship with a woman other than his wife? What scripture supports the appropriate behavior?
• God created marriage for a man and a woman • Two should become one and it’s a unique relationship that God has designed • Genesis 2 • It can be dangerous to have good friends with members of the opposite sex • Ephesians 5 • All other relationships, opposite gender relationships are off the table. Focus needs to be on your relationship with your spouse • Emotional intimacy normally leads to physical intimacy • Emotional intimacy is designed for a marriage and we should protect that and fight for that. • Marriage relationship is primary after your relationship with the Lord • We have to be careful with anything we share from our marriage • You should not bring issues to your parents • They care for you like no one else and this is not the support you need • Your spouse has to be your best friend • We should be chasing depths in our relationships and it has to be with your spouse
Question:
Are there different types of sin? While holding our Living Grounded bible study, my sister had questions concerning physical sin vs spiritual sin. Is there a difference between sins? What scriptures would best help us to discuss this area of our lives?
• 1 Corinthians 6 • Things that we consider not that big of a deal sin versus huge sin, all reveals that we are guilty and in need of a savior. • Physical sin versus spiritual sin • Sermon on the Mount • Physical sin is obvious and outward. Jesus used that to say that the law says don’t commit adultery but if you list after someone then you’ve committed adultery in your heart • Sin is sin and there is a spiritual aspect of sin that leads to a physical aspect of sin. • Luke 6 —> Out is the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks • Physical sins are symptoms and spiritual sins are the roots of the issues • Target and arrow image from living grounded • Worldly sorrow is embarrassing that you got caught and godly sorrow is repentance and change through God/Spirit
Ron Moore Maria Stockman Brad Rine
Question:
When did the practice of baptizing start, and why did they do it? I know that we use it as symbolism for dying like Christ and rising. John the Baptist was baptizing and even baptized Jesus. Was it going on through the Old Testament times as well?
• Mosaic Law, God talks about a ritual cleansing … Exodus 29 • the Jewish people took this idea and made it part of the process of becoming part of the nation of Israel • Dead Sea scrolls - that community held to these rituals as well • John the Baptist may have had a connection to this community • In the OT it was something you did yourself, but John the Baptist did it and it was tied into a heart issue and sin. It wasn’t just ceremonial. • Jesus is coming, repent from your sins, and prepare • Jesus identifies with man and shows us the example with his demonstration • Why be baptized today? • Outward demonstration of an inward decision • Putting a stake in the ground • Baptism does not make you a Christian • It doesn’t make you more of a Christian • It doesn’t complete your faith journey • TBC links for baptism http://www.biblechapel.org/next-steps/baptism--child-dedications/
Question:
Why don’t we talk about fasting more? Jesus talked about not if but when we fast. When should we fast? How long? How often? How common was it back before Jesus, and afterwards?
• Jesus does say When not If • Matthew 6:16 • Pharisees used it as a point of pride and misused it • Can be easily misunderstood or misapplied • Almost always tied to prayer • There is a spiritual purpose to fasting • “Giants of the Faith” in the OT mention fasting and it’s linked to a time of prayer • It doesn’t sprinkle magic dust on our prayers. It’s personal and between you and God. • It helps you draw closer to the Lord. • It’s convicting • Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline • Depriving yourself of food to remind yourself to focus on prayer • There are physical reasons not to fast • Recovering from illness, pregnancy, diabetic, etc • Fasting could be a period of time or for a specific prayer • fasting could be from other things besides food • There is freedom in fasting because there aren’t set rules • Fasting is still drinking water, it’s a break from food. • It’s about focusing your time with the Lord • Using the hunger as a reminder to keep praying
Ron Moore Maria Stockman Zeb Thomas Dave DiDonato
Question:
In Acts 4:1-4 it says the disciples were put in custody. Did Herod’s temple have jail cells. Also it mentions the captain of the temple... who ran the temple? There were chief priests, high priests, Pharisees, Sadducees...how did all that work? And how to Jews currently believe they’re having their sins atoned for since there are no animal sacrifices today?
o Sanhedrin- Jewish High court o They controlled the activities as a whole of all the temple o Chief priests is seen in the New Testament and not the Old Testament. o Captain of the temple is next in line to become high priest. o The best interpreter of scripture is scripture. o Acts 5 —> the apostles are in prison again and (18) put them in a public prison. o Pharisees believed in resurrection o Sadducees do not o Not in practice today, those specific sects. o Looking for political gain within the Roman Empire. o Human nature is still sinful o Human nature is human nature regardless of what “religion” you follow. o Attrition in legalism because you can’t work yourself to God o 70 AD, the temple is destroyed. o Religious center was moved to Jambia o Psalm 46 o Jesus is the one time for all time sacrifice on the cross o For 35 years, God allowed the Church to meet in Temple. o Hebrews Series Sermons o Israel Trip http://faithbasedexpeditions.com/tour-view/the-journey-10-day-biblical-encounter-tour-in-isra-381/
Question:
First- in Acts 8 :14-17 , Peter and John went to Samaria to lay hands on the people to receive the Holy Spirit... why did that need to happen? Doesn’t it happen immediately after believing?
• Ephesians 1 - sealed • Acts is the history of how God started the church • Not the normative but an accurate account of what happened • Final authority for life and living • Not all of acts us prescriptive, it’s just descriptive • Transition between the OT and NT, it’s a unique time. • Bible study methods: 1. is it normative? Does it happen over and over again? 2. When you have an unclear or hard passage, interrupt with a passage that is clear. • Romans 8:9 • 1 Corinthians 12:13 • The body builds the body
Question:
Does the Holy Spirit live within us once we are in heaven.
• Nonnegotiable he’s omnipresent • When we are in heaven, United with the triune God of love. We aren’t going to dial back with the Holy Spirit • 1 John 3:2 • John 14:16-17 — FOREVER • Sealed by the Spirit today • Beauty or mystery of what God has for us. No fear. • We will be in a perfect state. • No temptation for sin. • The fruit of the spirit will be displayed all the time in our life. • John 3:3-8 • Revelation 22:17
Ron Moore Maria Stockman Tom Rojahn
Question:
How should I interact with my unsaved family? They are not supportive of my faith, and I’m the only Christian in my entire circle of family. Any advice?
• It impacts all of us. • Colossians 4:5 • 1 Peter 3:15 • CS Lewis quote about other world • Ephesians 2 - spiritual corps • Treat people graciously, gently, and lovingly • Show them what it looks like to be a gracious person • Allow God’s timing • Be ready to follow God’s calling
Question: How to process national church scandals that are all over the news. It's quite upsetting and makes me not trust anyone. What should I be saying to people who belong to churches associated with this?
• Both Catholic and Protestant church there are headlines about abuse, abuse of power, financial fraud, affairs, etc. • It damages our testimony and it’s unfortunate • No one is above sin • Romans 3:23 All fall short of the glory of God • Respond with prayer • Come Thou Fount • Jesus came for the sick and hurting, not for the healthy • Jesus can restore relationships and trust • Don’t let the few impact the many faithfully following Christ • We are all one step away from falling into sin that could be headline news • Psalm 51 “just when you speak”
Robinson Campus 175 McMichael Road Carnegie, PA
Ron Moore Maria Stockman “David” – Pseudonyms for reasons of safety
Question:
Do you have any tips for witnessing to my Muslim neighbors? They are great people and I want to share the truth with them without insulting their faith or seeming ‘holier than thou.’
David came to faith as a college student and after getting married, they spent the next 30 years overseas in countries made up of a large majority of Muslims.
Muslims are kind, hospitable, generous, and honorable. What we hear on the news in the States does exist but it’s such a small percentage in comparison.
Just say hi. Overcome the fear.
Muslims are very open about discussing spiritual things as that is part of their culture.
Media world vs David’s experience. • September 11, living in a Muslim community and on that day the local police went to the school and guarded it. • Found that so many people reached out and apologized that a small group of people would represent them. • Islam controls people by fear. Take initiative and don’t let fear control you.
Question: How do you keep the conversation going? • Share your faith as part of your life. Let that be normal as talking about your kids. • Ask them what they believe. They likely will ask you what you believe, but if not, just share yours. • Don’t get caught up in building a relationship for a long time. • Monotheistic- We both believe in one God. • Be respectful and gentle • Invite them to church to experience the differences in practices. In Islam, their identity is what they do in terms of praying, giving, pilgrimage, etc. their faith is practiced together. • Islam was the only world religion that was founded after Christianity. Something went wrong with Christianity and Judaism so it’s like Version 3.0. Early 7th century • The truth of Christianity is a direct threat to Islam. • Conflict between friendship and disagreement. They value friendship so they may try to change the subject. If they are eager to engage in disagreement then they may not value your friendship. Question:
What do most Muslims believe about Jesus?
They believe a lot of the same things that Christians do, there are some major areas that they don’t agree with: • They accept the Bible unless it’s in conflict with the Koran. • Consistency of Revelation. • Parts of the Bible that disagree with the Koran they can’t explain that and think someone changed that. • The Son relationship is hard because they think that Jesus can’t be the son, he would have to be like Hercules. Meaning God had a relationship with Mary. • Crucifixion, they don’t believe Jesus was crucified. • Trinity - God is one, there is no parts in the Muslim world. Question:
Do they agree with the virgin birth? • yes, they believe God is capable of this power. Question:
What does it look like when you share? • Counting the cost, seeing the truth, and making a decision.
Paraphrased: Success is taking the initiative to share Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit and trust God with the results. (Bill Bright - Sharing your Faith)
Question:
Any resources or recommendations for educating our kids on sexuality and teach (protect) them against sexual predators and violence?
For preschoolers, it’s approached from a health and safety aspect.
• God created us • Safe touching • Swimsuit- no touching where your swim suit touches • If someone says don’t tell your mom and dad, that means tell mom and dad. • Resources: Lily Series
Question: How and when do I address sex with my preschoolers? How much is enough information?
• The book we have is God Made All of Me
• This is also a great website and resource: https://birds-bees.com/
• Secret Keepers Girls
• And just because - these are two of our favorite books (not sexuality related and not sure if the bookstore has them already, but they are great gospel focused books that we love) • https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Very-Good-Idea-Delightfully/dp/1784982210/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1542292944&sr=8-1&keywords=gods+very+good+idea • https://www.amazon.com/Garden-Curtain-Cross-Carl-Laferton/dp/1784980129/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1542292959&sr=8-1&keywords=garden+curtain+cross+book
Question: What are your thoughts on sleep overs?
• Nothing good happens at sleep overs
• be the parent and know your child
• verify with parents what is actually happening
• ask questions!
• Mixed sleep overs: Ron and Lori said that was a flat no.
Question: In a world of ideas of how we should be and focused on the outside, how do I teach my child how he/she is meant to be in Christ and be confident from the inside?
• In a world of ideas of how we should be, how do I teach my child how she/he is meant to be in Christ and be confident from the inside?
• Spiritual Identity —> SSAFE Significant Secure Accepted Forgiven Empowered
• Sermon on Spiritual Identity
Ron Moore Bob Freado Maria Stockman
Question:
What foundation can we build with our kids now, that will help pave a smoother path during teen and adult years?
• Emphasis on communication and being involved with their kids’ lives • Lack of communication breaks up relationships • Be open and transparent • Safe and clear communication, two ways • Have fun with your kids. You do that when your kids are little, keep that going when they get older • Let your house be a place where friends would want to come so you can get to know their friends. • Expect bumps in the road during the teen years. • Nurture and promote a path for growth by providing clear expectations and clear follow through • Check your response when your kid confesses their wrong doing. If you address it in a calm and measured way and the correction aligns with the issue it promotes further communication.
Question: What can I do so my child comes to Christ by his/her own? And not because I told, taught, or showed them to?
• Theologically - your child has to do it on their own through the Holy Spirits work in their hearts. • Take the pressure off yourself, only God can do this. • Live your life in a way that demonstrates your love for Jesus • Deut 6:1-9 • PRAY for your children • Prayer has to be first • Allow for stretching experiences to see God • Practically - modeling and mentoring. Let it be natural. Talk about God. • Make the Bible come alive to your kids
Question: In a few short years we have to give our kids a biblical foundation, but we’ve seen many young people leave the church once they’re on their own. What is a common reason for that? What can we as parents do to help prevent it from happening? How do you teach them to get involved in serving and church?
• To prevent: that happens before. Build a culture of faith in the home so that it reflects as your world view. • Go through Living Grounded with your child. (To order a copy email bookstore@biblechapel.org) • Millennials are looking for what is genuine • Show them that your faith is real. • Own it. Do it. • Help them experience faith. Let them go on mission trips and retreats and let them serve. • Encourage a Gap Year • Modeling and mentoring: show and tell • Pray
Question: What are some practical habits or resources you can suggest to make communication and parenting to your child better?
• Slow things down • The Next Story by Tim Challies • Speaker Listener technique: Marriage Enrichment Class on Communication • A Lasting Promise by Scott Stanley
Ron Moore Bob Freado Maria Stockman
Question:
Grandma passed away, how do I address death with my two year old?
• It’s really just a question if care and an expression of love • Answer them in a way that is useful and helpful at this time • young children think concretely and we might not need to over explain • heaven is hard to understand • Grandma isn’t here now, maybe talk about how much we love her and talk about characteristics • Share the gospel • Never go wrong when you keep Jesus as the focus • Unwanted parenting advice • parents have to be on the same page • Address it with the parent directly • Don’t not deal with it and harbor bitterness • Make sure the parenting advice is biblical • Living Grounded • Parenting is not one size fits all • Evaluate the advice one child at a time
Correct your spouse • If safety is at stake • Refrain from doing this and handle it in private
Discipline • 10:13, not really about parents and children • 13:24 is a figure of speech regarding discipline • Corporal punishment should always be meaningful, encompassed in love, never done to inflict harm, rare • Appropriate age range, 2-6 according to studies • Never the first response; Last resort
Ron Moore Bob Freado Maria Stockman
Question: My spouse and I have decided to put our kids in public school so they can experience the world and be a light for Christ, but it’s really hard because they are getting exposed to so many ‘worldly’ things like sex, drugs, explicit language, etc. at a young age. How do we teach our kids to speak truth and stand up to things they know are wrong, without coming across like they are judgmental or think they are ‘better than’ their friends?"
Key Take-Aways: • Anticipate these encounters • Grounded in the word at a young age • Give advice based on their kids • Asking your children what’s happening at school • No matter the situation, our kids will come against hard questions • Develop our children as followers of Jesus
About Being Judgmental • If it’s in scripture and we aren’t supposed to do it, you’re not being judgmental, it’s just what God says. • Humility • Talk through what scripture says • We have to Build our lives on God’s Word • Safety is more important than how they are viewed
Friendship Sermon: http://www.biblechapel.org/sermon/proverbs-friendship/
Parenting Sermon: http://www.biblechapel.org/sermon/parenting-part-2/ (M.A.T.E. reference)
Parenting Sermons: http://www.biblechapel.org/the-journey/category/parenting/
Question: Can you explain the line between providing for your family and being greedy? I want to provide well for my family and ensure they are in the best situation possible, but don’t want to be too focused on success. Do you have tips or warning signs to watch out for in this area?
Key Take-Aways: • Being in the Word/Prayer • Look at scripture, not what the world tells us • Not chasing after money see 1 Timothy about running after money. • Be generous to others • What does it mean to provide for our family?
What does providing for your family mean? • Food / Shelter / Clothing • Being Intentional with your priorities • Steven Covey example, sand, gravel, rocks • Carve out time to talk to each other • Doing devotions together • Reading scripture and talking about it • Praying together • Godly marriage begins with spiritual development
Hosted by:
Ron Moore Maria Stockman Rob Rucker Tunch Ilkin Question:
What can I do to praise God during the music time in church when singing really isn’t my thing and I just feel awkward doing it?
Key Take Aways:
Difference between performance and worshiping God. When it comes to worshipping Jesus, we want thousands of voices, even like Tunch’s, singing loudly. God knows whether or not we can sing because He made us! We were created to praise. The Psalms tell us all over the place to sing. Singing is a spiritual exercise. Question:
What does your morning routine look like? How do you set yourself to focus on God and be ready for the day?
Key Take Aways:
Spend time in the Word Being Intentional with your priorities Steven Covey example, sand, gravel, rocks Carve out time to talk to each other Doing devotions together Reading scripture and talking about it Praying together Godly marriage begins with spiritual development
If you have more questions please send them to Maria Stockman, mstockman@biblechapel.org.
Hosted by:
Ron Moore Jack Keebler, Masters in apologetics from Biola University Simon James, Director of Technical Arts, The Bible Chapel Maria Stockman
Question:
Noah and the flood. BBC has a series called A History of the World in a 100 objects http://www.bbc.co.uk/ahistoryoftheworld/objects/GOe8Mt6vRdSNcg-yeivrEA
Very interesting, except where they get to a scroll they claim to be much older than the time of Noah that describes the flood that covered the earth. They said when this news came out in 1930’s or 40’s a lot of Christians fell away from their faith because the historians said the Bible’s flood story was just someone copying a previous myth. What are the facts?
Things we talked about:
200 flood stories in other cultures Similarities but more differences William Lane Craig Resources:
Navigating Genesis - Hugh Ross Encountering The Old Testament
If you have more questions please send them to Maria Stockman, mstockman@biblechapel.org.
Hosted by:
Ron Moore Zeb Thomas – The Bible Chapel, Washington Campus Director Maria Stockman Question 1:
I’d like to better understand The Bible Chapel’s position on the rapture and tribulation. I know that this can get into a lot of complicated issues but I have recently gotten into a number of conversations with believers and think it’s important to have a clear understanding of our church’s position and why we adhere to it.
Eschatology – the study of last things
As Evangelical Christians we believe the following
Jesus Christ one day is going to physical return to the earth. (Revelation 20) There will be a bodily resurrection. There will be a final judgement. For Satan, believers, and non-believers alike. End Times Calendar:
Rapture - Christ comes back; those who know Christ, first those who have died, their resurrected bodies reach their souls, those that are living are taken up
Tribulation – At the end of this period Christ comes back to Earth
Millennium – Millennium kingdom, 1000 year reign then the Eternal State
Link to Revelation Series - http://www.biblechapel.org/the-journey/series/revelation/
Question 2:
In Revelations 1:7 that Jesus returns with the clouds with every eye on him, even those who pierced him. Does that mean all of Heaven and Earth? Like the thief that was crucified with him that went to paradise?
Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. Revelation 1:7
“Not only is this talking about those who actually pierced him, but those who did so by their sins.”
Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 552). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
Those who pierced Jesus = All of us as we have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
Question 3:
Here’s another one... what about all those Jewish people that died in the holocaust for being Jewish... they didn’t know Christ. But it always seems overwhelming that so many of God’s chosen people were exterminated...and yet?"
Zeb said a wise man asked him this question: What happens to an innocent man in the jungles of the Congo, who lives out all of his days without hearing the name of Jesus Christ. Are you saying that he would go to Hell because he didn’t know Jesus?
Inaccurately viewing the nature of humanity and the nature of sin and how God sees us.
There is no such thing as an innocent man. Scripture is crystal clear that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Everyone has an accounting to reckon for their sin. Apart from Christ we are lost.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. Romans 1:18-20
Jesus came to do what we could never do for ourselves.
Jesus is the only way, not one of many ways, the only way to have a relationship with God. Regardless of the persecution or challenges they may face.
If you have more questions please send them to Maria Stockman, mstockman@biblechapel.org.