Living Hope Findlay Podcast: Recent Episodes
Living Hope Church Findlay
The pastors at Living Hope Church in Findlay, Ohio have prepared and studied hundreds of hours over the years and only a fraction of this content is shared during sermons and classes.The Living Hope Findlay Podcast will provide insight and additional information into sermons, important topics concerning Christians and our society, and helpful information to help grow in discipleship as you walk closer with Jesus Christ. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you will be notified each time a new episode in launched! Pastor include: Blair Hayward, Senior Pastor; Dewey Harris, Equipping Pastor; Dave Revnak, Community Outreach Pastor; Scott Tinman, Youth Pastor; Doug Olson, Children's Pastor. Visit the website at: https://LivingHopeFindlay.com
Evan joins Dave to discuss the full solar eclipse. We discuss what to make of it as Christians and answer a few questions along the way, such as...
Do I need to put eclipse glasses on my dog?
Pastor, what do you do exactly?
Let's talk about what a workweek looks like for a pastor.
Hear from a senior pastor (Blair), equipping pastor (Dewey), and outreach pastor (Dave) as they pop the hood on the work of a pastor.
What do we love about being a pastor?
What is not so fun about being a pastor?
Living Hope Church staff expectations part 2!
This time, we're unpacking the essence of what makes our team thrive and how these values extend to our wider church community. Here's what you'll find:
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Teamwork in Action: Discover how we embody teamwork, breaking down silos to foster collaboration across all ministries, ensuring that everyone, from outreach to youth, works together towards a common goal.
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The Value of Alignment: Learn about our commitment to alignment with the Great Commission, ensuring every ministry under our roof moves in unison towards making disciples of all nations.
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Embracing Gospel Risk: Be inspired by our call to gospel risk, taking chances in outreach and beyond, knowing that faith sometimes means stepping out of the comfort zone for the sake of reaching others for Christ.
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A Mars Bar Promise: A light-hearted promise of a Mars bar for those who engage
An insider look into the day-to-day functioning of a church, focusing on the perspectives and experiences of pastors, staff, and the church community. Get ready for a candid, behind-the-scenes exploration of church life!
Let's discuss what God is doing with whole churches moving toward biblical teaching in Ohio.The need of the day is for God to raise up men who love their families, work jobs, and serve the church with teaching.
What is local church member?
What motivates believers to become church members? What's good and what's bad?
Is it biblical?
Should it be a formal process or not?
What keeps people from becoming members?
What entails membership?
Let us know what you think and your experiences!
Why are you reading this far down?
Our last two values are Strategic Discipleship and Courageous Evangelism and Missions. We round out our mini series on Living Hope Church Mission and Values. We fun on this one!
Join us as we dive into two more core values of Living Hope Church. Loving Fellowship and Selfless Unity.
Today we talk about the Mission of Living Hope Church. Our pillars and the first two of our core values of the authority of Scripture and prayer.
What do you think about this mission of Living Hope?
Scott discusses why student ministry is so important for faith development. He also talks about how this approach prevents students from disengaging after high school and fosters reciprocal disciple making between all ages.
Discussing the philosophy of family and multi-generational disciplemaking, including equipping parents and having consistency from children's to youth ministry.
What are deacons?
Are they necessary?
How are they different than pastors or elders?
What do they look like at LivingHope Church ?
What are church elders? We dive into what the Bible says about elders and focus on character being more important than experience or skills. We also open up about how we as elders oversee the spiritual direction of the congregation and work to raise up new leaders. Our hope is that this gives you some insight into how we serve behind the scenes. Let us know if any other questions!
This podcast discusses Issue One that will be on the ballot in Ohio in November. Issue One is called the "Reproductive Freedom Act" but it would actually enshrine abortion access into the state constitution with no restrictions. Guest Linda Theiss provides background on the pro-life movement in Ohio and explains how Issue One would remove all current abortion restrictions and parental consent laws. It could also impact minors seeking sex changes or other medical procedures. The speakers encourage voting "no" in November to protect both unborn lives and parental rights in Ohio.
Have you heard of Life Tree Resources?Check out what's available at LifeTree.Libib.com.Today, we chat about how Life Tree Resources provides vetted biblical resources to help equip people and address real-life struggles at Living Hope Church. We also discuss needs within the church and tailor our preaching, counseling, and discussions.Also... Dave has an announcement for all who double dog dared him to write a book.
In this episode, Blair, Dewey and Dave discuss the importance and benefits of biblical counseling. They explain how biblical counseling is a powerful ministry in Living Hope Church. It relies solely on Scripture to address life's problems outside the reach of secular psychology. Join in learn how biblical counseling helps people apply God's wisdom to struggles like marriage, addiction, anxiety and more. You'll also get tips for combating internal lies and shame with the truth of God's word.
How Does a Church Help Others with Wisdom, Care, and Community?
We discusses Living Hope Church's approach to benevolence ministry. We share insights on caring for those in need through relationships rather than transactions, and empowering people through generosity, accountability, and finding their dignity as image-bearers of God.
Finding Our Rest and Rhythms in Work and Life.
In this episode, we share lessons we've learned about finding rest and preventing burnout through establishing rhythms of sabbath, solitude, and slowing down. We discuss setting boundaries and embracing God's sovereignty over results to avoid living with constant anxiety and adrenaline. Come hear practical tips and scriptural wisdom for sustaining ourselves in ministry long-term.
The pastors discuss reviving the podcast better communicate with the congregation about what's happening at the church. They want people to feel more connected to the church community and involved in its mission through getting to know each other and working together on outreach projects.
The Heart of Prayer and Fasting - Christ & His Kingdom -Matthew 6:5-8, 16-18 -January 8, 2023 Scripture: Matthew 6:5-8, 16-18
Speaker: Blair Hayward
Because God knows our heart, our acts of worship are to be for His glory, not ours.
www.LivingHopeFindlay.com
By Pastor Dave Revnak
The Lord’s prayer is often seen as a traditional formal prayer. But for Jesus this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Jesus gave a short prayer not a long one. A simple prayer not a complicated one. A powerful thoughtfully crafted pattern of talking to God that cuts to the core of the very essence of what the Christian Faith is all about. Jesus is intentionally teaching his disciples to talk to God is a way that is foreign to human nature, habit, human religions. As we continue to our series in Matthew and we Get to Jesus’ teaching the way to pray in Chapter 6.
- Handy Guide - Simple way to pray
- AWESOME! 9 Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
- Surrender 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.f
- ASK 11 Give us this day our daily bread, James 4:3 says “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions”
- FORGIVE 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
- STOP 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
- pray together
Scripture: Matthew 1
Speaker: Blair Hayward
Our sinful failures cannot stop God's plan of salvation through Jesus. You won't believe the shocking and scandalous family tree of Jesus.
www.LivingHopeFindlay.com
Are you interested in discovering the secrets of your family's past? Join us as we explore the fascinating world of ancestry Jesus. You may discover things you never knew about the most important person in human history.
Scripture: Matthew 6:1-4
Speaker: Blair Hayward
Give quietly and humbly to those in need as an act of worship to God.
www.LivingHopeFindlay.com
Scripture: Matthew 5:43-47
Speaker: Blair Hayward
Love your enemies because God loved us when we were his enemies. www.LivingHopeFindlay.com
Scripture: Matthew 5:38-42
Speaker: Jonathan Philby
We naturally want to avenge ourselves, but Jesus calls us to give of ourselves
www.LivingHopeFindlay.com
Scripture: Matthew 5:33-37
Speaker: Blair Hayward
Because God always keeps His word, we are to keep our word.
www.LivingHopeFindlay.com
Scripture: Matthew 5:31-32
Speaker: Blair Hayward
Because marriage is from God, we are to hold it in high regard.
Christ & His Kingdom
www.LivingHopeFindlay.com
Scripture: Matthew 5:27-30
Speaker: Blair Hayward
Pursue purity because God counts misdirected desire as adultery
www.LivingHopeFindlay.com
Sermon message on Matthew 5:17-20
Jesus Fulfilled God's law on our behalf and calls us to obedience.
True Christians shine the light of Jesus in this dark world.
The sermon series continues with Jesus' teaching on what a Kingdom Citizen is from Matthew 5:13-16.
In this podcast we will start featuring Sunday messages. If you like listening while you mow your lawn, you're welcome!
Today we are going to celebrate your persecution so you can enjoy God’s happiness over you when you face unfairness for Jesus and his righteousness.Has anyone criticized you for your faith? Has anyone been angry at you and insulted you for being a Christian? you have been miss-represented and treated unfairly just because you are not ashamed of your faith in Jesus?
Main Points:
- God is Blessed - The Doctrine of the Blessedness of God
- Blessed are Persecuted - Persecution comes down on those who do good in Jesus.
- The Blessed are a Blessing - God purposes unfairness to bring about faith in others.
Further study? Attributes of God: Blessedness of God and the impassibility of God.
Sermon videos at https://vimeo.com/showcase/livinghopefindlay
Today we discuss pickle ball and spiritual bankruptcy. No, we are not suggesting that those who are related.
We are in Matthew 5:1-4 looking at the poor in spirit and those who mourn.
Why do the "poor in spirit" to have the Kingdom of God?
What does it look like to live this out?
Why are those who mourn blessed?
What does it look like to experience it?
Practically, what does it look like in real life?
Lastly what on earth is so great about pickle ball???
Pastor Scott Tinman joins Dewey and Dave for a special episode on making disciples. We are looking at Matthew 4:17-25.
Jesus had this all inclusive process to ministry that was intentional, relational, and reproducible. Yet in the West we make it confusing. Join us as we untangle the mess.
- What was the difference between Jesus having a following and having followers?
- How was Jesus' call to be a disciple different than the rabbinical tradition of his time?
- What's wrong with "discipleship" and "evangelism" today?
- Why can't we have a microwaved programatic approach to disciple making?
- Is there a role for programs in disciple making?
- What prophecy was being fulfilled by Jesus being the great light to people living in darkness?
- When the Bible talks about living in "darkness" is it merely spiritual?
- Or is it physical opression, political, emotional, and situational hopelessness?
- In other words does the gospel free more than just the soul?
- In what way did Jesus come as light and in what way does the gospel liberate people from oppression?
- What does it mean for believers now? How can you have hope when there so much (emotional, situational, spiritually oppressive) darkness?
- What does it mean that not only do we see light, we become light in Christ?
- How did Jesus face these temptations? (Matthew 4:1-11)
- How does the active / representative obedience of Christ practically encourage the Christian? [Romans 5:19]
- How does our union with Christ help us face temptation?
- How does Scripture point to the reality that we are in a spiritual battle
- What practical weapons do we have for overcoming Satan’s temptations?
- How would you counsel someone who feels unworthy because they fell to temptation again?
- We play no role in our salvation, but do we have a role in our sanctification in regard to fighting temptation?
Join Pastor Blair, Dewey and Dave for a deep dive into he waters of baptism this week as we respond to Jesus' own baptism in Matthew 3:13-17.
- What is the unifying picture of christian baptism?
- Why should you get baptized?
- Why shouldn't you get baptized?
- Why did Jesus get baptized?
- What is unique about Jesus' baptism?
- What if my history with baptism is complicated?
- What if my church says I have to be baptized "our way" to be a member?
- Should baptism be linked to church membership?
- What if I was baptized as a baby?
- What if I was baptized as a believer, but God recently brought be back after a period of rebellion against Jesus?
- Does it matter who baptized me?
- What is the significance of being baptized into the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?
- How is that the same as being baptized into Christ, and into Christ's body?
Watch the sermon video on this passage
We repent and turn to season 2!
In Matthew 3 John the Baptist is calling people to repent. But what does repentance mean?
- What is the meaning of the word ‘repent’?
- What does it look like?
- Can repentance be separated from faith?
- what role does repentance play in becoming a Christian verses living a Christian life?
- How do you know if you’ve truly repented?
- What is the fruit of repentance?
- What role does the fruit of repentance play in security that you are saved?
- How do you respond to professing Christian who is living in sin?
- You snakes! Why does John the Baptist call out the religious leaders?
So many questions! We’re back for season 2!
Season 1 Finale!!!! Ending Romans we discuss Paul's passing warning against false teachers who cause division. We'll take a break over the summer before Season 2.
- Paul warns of those who cause divisions and put obstacles in the way of the gospel. Let’s be specific, what divisions can form in the church, and what obstacles to the true understanding of the gospel have come into the church?
- Let’s reference some other passages which warn of false teachers (see my sermon script for ideas)
- What examples of smooth talking and deceitful flattery are present in the world today?
- How have we as a church go on the offensive to teach sound doctrine? How does this serve as an anchor for our people when they encounter various teachings from people they know or on different forms of media?
- Perhaps look up some Biblical cross references regarding the names, i.e. Timothy. Or use this as a case study…If I wanted to find out more info about these names how would I do that on my own? What resources would help me? (Equip people to make personal Bible discoveries, this will give them a hunger for more study.)
- 16:24-27 ends with a prayer of worship to God for the gospel. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from Romans about the gospel?
- Tell us a story of how you have been positively impacted by a loving/welcoming church culture. (Me: the church I was saved in was so friendly. You could tell they loved each other during the meet & greet time and that was strange & attractive to me)
- Are the lists of names inspired by God? (a trick question to help promote the doctrine of inspiration)
- Pick a few unknown saints from the list and share some background info on them.
- What does this list tell us about the importance of each individual in the Church?
- Let’s talk about Phoebe, P & A (see Acts 18; 1 Cor 16; 2 Tim 4:19), & A & J. Be ready to share some modern day examples of these people from your experience.
- Review the 4 signs of a healthy church and talk through each one.
- What does a welcoming church look like and feel like? What are some expected results of a welcoming church? See John 13:34-35; Romans 14:1; 15:7.
- even expand on Paul’s admonition in 15:30 about the “love of the Spirit”
- What are some practical ways people in our church can form relationships? (Fgs, Cgs, etc). How does serving the Lord forge friendships faster?
- Remind people to send a note of appreciation to at least one other Christian.
What are your thoughts?
How else can we drill down on the core values of “selfless unity” & “loving fellowshi
- What’s the most memorable mission trip you’ve been on? tell us a story from that trip.
- What has this chapter got to do with the rest of Romans? What are the links?
- Is the call to evangelize for every Christian or just the apostles, especially Paul? Prove your answer.
- Dave, tell us how God worked in your life to have you do pioneering work in India.
- Is everyone supposed to pack up and move to the 10/40 window?
- Dave, introduce us to some key concepts in missions…such as UPGs, UUPGs, etc.
- What practical steps could a person take who is sensing a call to missions?
- What is the power of churches helping churches? 15:25-29
- How does God use people’s prayers to help missionaries? 15:30-33
- How has our church been involved in pioneering mission work?
- What are some resources regarding missions we could recommend? joshuaproject.net, perspectives.org course
Is Christian Pride an Oxymoron? What does the work Christ have to do with it? What do we make of "signs and wonders" of Christ's work in the New Testament and today? Its another fun conversation between pastors about the themes of Romans 15:14-19.
- Give a brief story of Christ accomplishing something in your life
- Romans 15:14-19 overview
- “By way of reminder”, why is there a theme in the Bible of reminding people what they already know? (2Pt 1:13, 1 Cor 4:17, 15:1, other examples)
- Pride: Both the Pharisee in Luke 18:9-14 and Paul credit God for their “work”. What’s the difference between the Pharisee’s pride and Paul’s? Bonus: What can this it say about Justification vs self-righteousness?
- Do you have a favorite “moment” in Paul’s ministry in the Bible?
- Is it fair to compare God’s grace to Paul (Romans 15:16) similar/dissimilar to the priesthood of all believers believers?
- What is the role of signs and wonders in Jesus and the NT? How can this become and unhealthy obsession for some today?
- What do you think it means to fulfill the ministry of the gospel? What might that that look like in Hancock County? Our state, our country?
- Blair what’s coming up in Romans 15:20 onwards?
- Who discipled you?
- Why do we call this Great Commission “Great”? Is that right? (Mt 28:18-20)
- What lesson does the multiple commissions at the end of Matthew illustrate about the Great Commission?
- What are some of the ways we’ve side-stepped the great commission?
- How does the power demonstrated by the Jewish Elders contrast with the authority that Jesus has? Which “commission” (Elders vs. Jesus’) has had the greatest impact?
- Could anyone count-themselves out of the Great Commission?
- How have you/we/church grown in this practically?
- How does someone get started? How does a doer keep growing?
- What role does vs. 11-15 play in our understanding of the passage?
- How does the power demonstrated by the Jewish Elders contrast with the authority that Jesus has? Which “commission” (Elders vs. Jesus’) has had the greatest impact?
- Dave can you tell us the significance of “ethne” ?
- Let’s discuss our mission statement and the significance of making disciples of Jesus vs. disciples of Blair, Dave, Scott, Doug, or Dewey. Or John MacArthur, John Piper, etc.
- What aspect of Christ’s death, burial, & resurrection gives you the most personal joy?
- What is so despairing about death? (Hebrews 2:14-15)
- How does Jesus’ resurrection take away that despair? (Philippians 1:21; Luke 23 the thief on the cross)
- What would we say to those who came to church this past Sunday but don’t plan to come back? What would we invite them to do?
- What would we say to someone who is faithful to church, how could encourage them in their faith?
- Pastor Dewey, what does the resurrection of Jesus have to do with biblical counseling?
- Pastor Dave, what does the resurrection of Jesus have to do with evangelism, missions, church planting?
- Pastor Blair, what does the resurrection of Jesus have to do with a preaching / teaching, shepherding (weddings, funerals, etc.) & leadership ministry of a church?
- Pastor Dewey, what’s up this Sunday?
Palm Sunday, Jesus enters the temple welcomed with joy and confrontation.
"Who is this Jesus?"
Pastor Blair and Dave sit down and talk about Jesus. If you haven't figured out already we are crazy about Jesus. We talk about dead religion (cultural christianity) and those who are opposed to who Jesus is (the religious resisters). And we walk through our story of how we came to follow Jesus.
Discussion questions:
- What are some answers you’ve heard to the question “Who is Jesus”?
- How would a person get to know the true Jesus? [essentially, how can we trust the Bible’s testimony about Him]
- What’s the difference between Jesus being a servant king now and a king who will be served later?
- How does Jesus liberate us from spiritual slavery?
- How have you seen people fall into the trap of cultural christianity?
- How have you seen people fall into the trap of being a religious resister?
- What are some signs that a person has a true childlike faith?
We're taking a break and be back next week.
Let us know you've been enjoying this podcast.
You are loved!
How do we Christians love the OT? Relate to the OT? Obey the OT? What does the Old Testament mean for Christians then and now?
- What are we bound to obey and what are we not bound to obey in the OT?
- What OT Scriptures or stories have been especially encouraging to you personally?
- How is the Bible able to offer such perseverance, encouragement, and hope? What’s different about the nature of the Bible than other books?
- How can a Christian increase their hope? (a good chance for modeling biblical counseling)
- Romans 15:8-9. What particular promises to the patriarchs did Jesus fulfill? Where do we see in the Bible that God wants the nations to know His name (see Isaiah 66 and other places; see Matthew 28)? (a good chance for vision casting for evangelism and missions and church planting)
- Romans 15:13 - What’s the link between joy, peace, and faith?
- What does the power of the Holy Spirit look like in a believer’s life? How would I know I am abounding in hope by the Holy Spirit?
- Vision: What does it look like at our church to be filled with joy & peace in believing, and to be abounding in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit?
Watch the sermon on the passage
How would you lead a church that is arguing over secondary issues?
How would you talk to others about participating in Halloween?
If you have kids have you talked to your spouse about what to do with Santa Clause?
This and more as we dive into Romans 15:1-7. You can watch the sermon if you missed it.
- Do you agree with Pastor Blair's definitions of strong and weak from the context of Romans 14 & 15? What did I miss? What would you change?
From Mike Winger: how to determine if something is permissable for you to do or not
- Is the Bible clear? [is their any clear teaching permitting or prohibiting this action]
- Is my conscience clear? [as I ponder and pray about this action, do I sense from God that it would be ok for me to do it or not]
- Is my friend’s conscience clear? [would I violate my friend’s conscience if I did this in front of them?]
- What if someone says, “my conscience is clear,” but they are doing something that is a clear violation of scripture?
- What if someone says, “you can’t judge me!” when they are clearly sinning?
- How do Biblical principles help me in making a decision whether to do something or not? i.e. the Bible doesn’t say I can’t but it does infer that it wouldn’t be wise?
- Why should I have to put my liberty on the shelf for someone else’s conviction?
- Where are we going next in Romans?
The rubber meets the road in this episode!!
- How do you keep hangups and freedoms from getting in the way of The Gospel of Jesus Christ?
- Why do Christians develop different convictions in the first place?
- When and how do we challenge people who's freedoms or hangups are getting in the way of The Gospel?
Questions we tackle:
- What is the main thing we are united on in Romans 14:16–19?
- When do people need directive "duckling" discipleship (1 Corinthians 11:1) and when do they need to be challenged to develop their own convictions (Romans 12:2)? How do you know when people need what?
- Dewey, does Hebrews 6:1 shed light on this? (Maybe we read/discuss Heb 5:11-6:3)
- We talked about Contextualization, and how how Christians develop different convictions in different context. Does this imagination about the things we receive, reject, and redeem in American Culture?
- How is it that Paul can both agree with both the meat-eaters and the vegetarians (Romans 14:14)? Can that work for grey issues today?
- What do you counsel the person who feels lots of peer pressure christians friends (e.g. schooling, vaccines, etc.).
- How can you counsel the person who is applying LOTS of pressure on other believers over grey areas?
- What might it look like for the “free in Christ person” to be a weak brother and make The Kingdom look “bad”? (e.g. waterslide baptisms).
- What might it look like for the “structured and disciplined” person to be a weak brother and make The Kingdom look “bad”? (e.g. baptism candidates get an inquisition).
- *I have a friend who has lots of hangups. I don’t want them to stumble but I feel like I’m in a fishbowl around this person! What I do! What if I’m married to this person!?
- *What do I do with the guilt I feel over not including a believer who is judgy, pushy and likely to ruin it for the rest of the group?
- What strong faith leadership lesson do you see from Paul in Romans 14?
- What does it look like for us to promote strong-faith leadership? How can I grow stronger in my faith by accepting others?
- Blair what’s in store for next Sunday?
Watch the Sermon Video on Romans 14:13-23
- What’s a situation where someone else’s exercising their Christian liberty has made you uncomfortable? What’s a situation where someone else’s weak faith has made you wonder why they have that conviction?
- What has Romans 1-13 to do with Romans 14:1-15:7? What are the contextual links?
- Why are we no longer bound by the Mosaic Law? Romans 10:4; Hebrews 8:13. If that’s true, what role does the OT play in the life of a New Covenant Christian (Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11)?
- What’s the cultural background causing this controversy? (i.e. eating, and regarding days)
- What does the term “weak in faith mean”? (14:1)
- Who is the one who is “strong in faith”? (15:1)
- Why do Christians judge each other and look with contempt on one another in these areas (14:1-4, 10)
- What are the difference nuances of “judging” in the Bible to help us discern when to judge and when not to? Matthew 7:1-2; 1 Corinthians 5, etc.
- What are some “gray areas” that people confuse as “core gospel beliefs”?
- Romans 14:4, 7-12. How might understanding that you are not someone else’s judge bring you freedom?
- What can we expect in next week’s podcast? (Dave give us a teaser)
We get very specific on HOW a Christian is to put on the Lord Jesus christ and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts (13:14).
This is a great episode to display our Biblical counseling ministry.
- Why is Christ’s return a motivator?
- Reference other key passages of Jesus saying, “Be alert, Keep watch.”
- “Put off” language - why does Paul say this? I thought if we are free in Christ it doesn’t matter how we live?
- What does Tina need to practically do to put off her sin and change her heart motivation?
- How can Joy help her do that?
- “Put on” language
- What does it mean to put on the Lord Jesus Christ? See Ephesians 5:18, per the quote from Colin Kruse
- Reference other passages like Galatians 3:27
- The word “provision” means to think ahead of time as to how to act (Premeditated plans). How do I “take my thoughts captive” so that I don’t make plans to sin in obedience to the lusts of my flesh? GET REALLY PRACTICAL.
- Conclusion: Putting on the Lord Jesus Christ is a…
- Relief (Grace, active obedience)
- Motivation
- Empowerment
The Golden Rule says, "love your neighbor as yourself."
In Romans 13:8-10, we see that Paul teaches The Golden Rule differently than all other religions and philosophies. He teaches that we have the "hidden" power to do it and experience it that no one in the world has.
Listen in to this conversation as Pastors Dave, Dewey and Blair dive deeper into practical thoughts about this sermon from Romans 13.
Watch Sunday message on YouTube
How is your relationship with the government?
We had fun and fear going from the clear to the fog of this passage. Join Pastor Blair, Dave and Dewey as we talk about Romans 13:1-7 and discuss questions like...
- What was govt like in Paul's day when it was written?
- What other Scriptures talk about a Christian's relationship to the govt? 1 Peter 2:13-17; Titus 3:1
- What is the role of government according to this passage (Romans 13:1-7)?
- It what ways does the govt currently display God's good?
- Why is punishing evil an important role of the government?
- What are some historical examples of Christian dissidence?
- How do Christians deal with the gray areas in regard to governmental laws that don't obviously break a command of God, but aren't good?
Romans 13:1–7 (English Standard Version)
[1] Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. [2] Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. [3] For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, [4] for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. [5] Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. [6] For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. [7] Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
Watch the sermon video
Next week we talk about freedom, debt, love and fulfilling the Law from Romans 13:8-10.
LivingHopeFindlay.com
What is it inside of us that instantly wants to avenge any wrongs done to us?
Today's scripture is a hard topic to hold to, but why? And why are we to leave vengeance to God? What does it mean to "heap burning coals" on the heads of our enemies?
Pastor Dewey walks us through these important verses in Romans 12 in Sunday's sermon. Today, Pastors Blair, Dave and Dewey sit around the table to follow up on additional insights into this sermon that Pastor Dewey simply did not have time to discuss.
17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it[a] to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
https://LivingHopeFindlay.com
Whenever the topic of "giving" is discussed in the church setting, it is not uncommon for people to tune out or even have the ideas that "the church just wants my money".
So what is giving all about? Is giving a form of worship?
Join Pastors Blair, Dewey, Dave, and Lighthouse Community pastor, Fritz, as they discuss a follow up to Sunday's message "Mercy Motivates Giving" from Romans 12.
Watch the message from Sunday
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Pastors Blair, Dewey & Dave discuss this portion of Romans 12 that deals with spiritual gifts in the church. We know that everyone is given at least one spiritual gift to be used to serve others.
This podcast is recorded the Monday after the sermon & provides additional insight in a candid conversation with the pastors.
Lesson 1 - God's abundant mercy motivates servant ATTITUDES (Romans 12:3-5)
Lesson 2 - God's abundant mercy motivates servant ACTIONS (Romans 12:6-8)
Listen in as we discuss practical applications (and questions) dealing with spiritual gifts.
Watch the sermon, "Mercy Motivate Service" from Romans 12:3-8, 11
Today, we discuss the matter of humility, unity, and love (Romans 12:3-5, 9-10, 15-16), and we must remember that these are responses to God's abundant mercy.
As we ponder how God is leading us to live our lives in a transformed way, are we facing a specific situation today where humility, unity, and love would bring healing? Let's apply God's word in everyday life and watch how He works wonders!
Watch the Sermon Mercy Motivates Love & Unity
Living Hope Church, Findlay, OH
We are having a conversation about Romans 12:1-2 today.
This past Sunday, Pastor Blair shared how to do the following based on our passage from Romans:
- Grow in your devotion to Jesus,
- Know what your spiritual gifts are and how to serve God,
- Know how to forgive when you feel so hurt,
- Know how a Christian should respond to the government,
- Know how to maintain unity with other Christians in the midst of disagreements over matters of personal conviction, or
- Know how to light your fire for the gospel and the church,
Today, Pastor Blair, Pastor Dave & Pastor Dewey break down some practical traps that we all face in our world, which are trying to conform us to the world rather than Christ.
We'll discuss what it means to be transformed, and practical ways a Christian can be "transformed by the renewing of their mind".
Finally, we'll talk about what it really means to "test" or "prove" the will of God.
There is a lot of great stuff in this episode that we are sure will help you to think more specifically about how mercy can motivate your more to worship God.
Watch the sermon Mercy Motivates Worship
Learn more about Living Hope Findlay Church!
There is an increasing buzz within the Church about persecution of Christians as we witness a pushback of "religious freedoms" in United States. But what is persecution, and are we really experiencing persecution in the Church in America?
Listen in as Pastors Blair, Dewey and Dave discuss this important topic.
Visit the Living Hope Findlay Church website to learn more about our faith in Jesus Christ.