Podcasts by Category
- 237 - 237 – Healing the Effects of Trauma and Abuse with Marina Carrier
237 – Is it possible to find healing from the effects of trauma and abuse?
The Prayer of Jabez to enlarge her territoriesLearning FrenchWriting in her journalListening to God and to herselfBringing her well-hidden pain out where she could acknowledge it and give it to God
Have you or someone you know been in an abusive or traumatic situation or relationship? This episode is for you.
Marina Carrier shares how she overcamethe residual effects of being an unwanted child and sexual abuse at the age of nine.
It was only through the power of the Holy Spirit,which brought her back to the church and the study of the Bible, which started her journey of healing.
Some important steps along the way wereMarina talks about how important it is to have a working relationship with God, but points out there's a difference between head-knowledge and heart-knowledge of God.
She loves when John the Baptist sends his disciples to ask Jesus if he is the Messiah. She can relate to what it's like to be in prison full of doubts. Her solution is always to keep turning to God and listening for His voice.
Don't close the door on God, on others, or yourself.
And if you haven't experienced abuse and trauma in your life, remember that those who have need your love and compassion. Don't try to fix them. Don't give them platitudes or quote Bible verses to them. Just love them. Just listen with your heart.
Contact info for Marina Carrier:
Facebook
YouTube
www.overcoming.liveShow notes:
Full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/237_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 23 Apr 2024 - 236 - 236 – What Would Paul Say to Your Chruch?
236 – If the Apostle Paul wrote a letter to your church, what would he say?
First, imagine if you had livedback in the days of the early Christian Church. Paul may have come to your church to preach.
And you may have received a letter from him later with some helpful ideas, prayers, and reminders of what he told you when he was there.
Of course, he might also rebuke you for a couple of things your church was doing that wasn't faithful to Christ.
Now, think of your church today.
What would Paul say to your church?
In this week's episode, I create an imaginary church in Franklin, Tennessee in the United States. I talk about some of it's strengths and some of its challenges, in particular, a couple of members who are real sticklers for the letter of the law. Legalism is keeping this church from growing.
I write a letter to this church, in the style of Paul, just to give an idea of what he might have said.
All this is to get you to think about what Paul would have said to your church.
Do you want your church to grow?
Here's a prayer project for you and your whole church. Please choose one of Paul's letters to a church and read it as if he had written it to your church. What can you learn about how to follow Jesus collectively as a church from this?
Please contact me to let me know what you discover in this process.
Show notes:
For a full transcript of this episode and all Bible quotes referred to, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/236.
Previous episode mentioned:
235: How to Be Filled with the Fullness of God_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 16 Apr 2024 - 235 - 235 – How To Be Filled With The Fullness Of God
235 – What does it even mean to be filled with God's fullness?
In his letter to the Ephesians, at the end of Chapter 3, Paul prays that the church members would know the love of Christ and be filled with all the fullness of God.
But is that even possible?
Most Christians I talk to think that's the sort of thing that happens after they die and go to heaven. But Paul is praying for the Ephesians to experience here on earth.
In this week's episode, I talk about Paul's prayer (there's a lot more in there that applies to you and me as well). Fortunately Paul gives some really helpful guidance in chapters 4, 5, and 6, which helps prepare us to be able to receive the fullness of God.You know this passage,(Ephesians 4:22-24) but think about it as a roadmap to experiencing the love of Christ and the fullness of God.
Put off your old sinful nature, which is corrupt and deceitfulBe renewed by the Spirit in your mindPut on your new self, created to be like God, truly righteous and holyHow do we put off our sinful nature?
Paul makes it sound so simple. In this episode I share two key points that will help you let go of the sin mindset and embrace the mindset of holiness and righteousness.
Your sin does not define you
A previous episode mentioned this week has some great insights on how to get rid of your sinful nature, change your mindset, and accept your true identity as a child of God. Check out Episode 144: Finding Your Identity in the Bible with Keith Ferrin.
Show notes
For a full transcript and all Bible verses mentioned in this episode, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/235_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 09 Apr 2024 - 234 - 234 – Learning to Forgive Yourself
234 – Do you have a hard time forgiving yourself?
Samson: Did he forgive himself for being deceived by Delilah?King David: Did he ever regret the choices he made with Bathsheba and Uriah?Peter: Did he ever forgive himself for denying Jesus three times?Paul: Did he forgive himself for persecuting Christians before he converted?
Right. Join the club. It's not easy to forgive yourself. But it's something we need to do. And we can.
This week I look at several Bible characterswho, in one way or another, had to come to terms with the mistakes they made and their sins.
The Bible doesn't tell us what these folks were thinking and if they ever forgave themselves or if it was enough just to feel God's forgiveness.
Here are the people I talk about this week.Do you think they ever forgave themselves? If you had done what they did, would you be able to forgive yourself?When you have a hard time forgiving yourself, what may be going on is that you haven’t felt worthy of, accepted, or experienced God’s forgiveness of your sin, perhaps because there’s someone you need to forgive.
When you forgive, you’ll be able to accept and experience God’s forgiveness. When God has washed away your sins, even the tiniest mistake, there is nothing left to forgive, no longer a need to forgive yourself.Wherever you are on the path of forgiveness, whether of someone else or yourself, take a moment right now to take a humble look at any situation where you need to forgive someone else or yourself.
And then…forgive.
Previous episodes on forgiveness
Episode 18: Forgiving 70 x 7: How I Forgave My 8th Grade Gym Teacher
Episode 97: Mark Sowersby - Forgiveness Brings Freedom
Show notes:
For full transcript and Bible references: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/234_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 02 Apr 2024 - 233 - 233 – Are You Looking For Jesus in the Wrong Place?
233 – Where are you looking for Jesus?
Your preconceptions and opinionsSomeone else's opinionsTheological debates and man-made doctrinesAsleep at the back of a boatOn the crossIn the tomb
A lot of people are looking for Jesus these days, the real Jesus.
Unfortunately, a lot of people have become disillusionedby the difference between what they’re discovering about Jesus in the Bible and the way their churches have followed, or rather not followed, Jesus.
This week's episode is about where to look for Jesus and where not look for him. The Bible gives some pretty good insights on this.
Where NOT to look for Jesus:Where TO look for Jesus:
The BibleJesus's teachingsYour obedience to Jesus's teachingsThe way you help and heal people in needIn heaven at the right hand of GodBut your motives in looking for Jesusare just as important as where you look for him.
Take a moment and ask yourself:
Where are you trying to find Christ? And just as important: Why are you looking for Christ in the first place? Is it for the loaves and fish? Is it to be healed? Is it because you are hungry and thirsty for righteousness?The only real place to look for and find Jesus, the real Jesus, is in his pure spiritual dwelling place in heaven, the realm of God, the realm of Spirit.
The best way to find Jesus is to close your material eyes and open your spiritual eyes.
You will find Jesuswhen you look through the honest and sincere lens of your own heart: every time you follow and obey his teachings, every time you search for him in Scripture, every time you help others and heal in his name.
When you do these things, you can say with Stephen, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:56 NIV)
Show notes:
Full transcript of the episode and all Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/233_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 26 Mar 2024 - 232 - 232 – You Don’t Need Someone Else’s Permission to Do What God Has Called You to Do
232 – Is anything keeping you from doing what God has called you to do?
David: didn't ask permission to fight Goliath. He just did itJesus: didn't ask permission to preach, teach, heal, and forgive peopleJesus: didn't ask permission to say everything he wanted in the Sermon on the MountThe Disciples: didn't get permission to speak in tongues on the day of PentecostPeter: didn't get permission to preach to the crowd on the day of PentecostPaul: did ask permission to speak to an angry crowd, but didn't ask permission for what to sayThere are a few exceptions - listen to this episode to find out what they are
Do you have a strong sense of purpose in your life but it seems things keep getting in the way of you doing what God has called you to do?
Or maybe you're still waiting to see what God wants you to do with your life.
Sometimes, even when we know what God's will is for our lives, we haven't really pursued it because somehow we're waiting to get permission and approval from someone else.
This week's episode is all about not waiting for someone to give you permission to do what God has called you to do.
There are lots of people in the Bible who didn't wait for someone else to give them the green light before they jumped in and did what God wanted them to. Here are the folks I talk about this week:The bottom line is:when God calls you to do or say something, you don't need anyone's permission or approval.
Previous episode mentioned:
Episode 19: How to Discover Your Spiritual Purpose in LifeShow notes:
For a full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/232_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 19 Mar 2024 - 231 - 231 – How Does God Get Your Attention?
231 – Do you notice when God is trying to get your attention?
Moses and the burning bush, but more importantly it's how God talked to himJonah: God had to get his attention lots of times (does that ever happen to you?)The Israelites often didn't pay attention to how God tried to get their attention through the prophets. Guess what happened to them!John the Baptist got people's attention and pointed to JesusJesus really got people's attention and pointed them back to God, not just because of all the people he healed, but especially because of the crucifixion and resurrection
God talks to us in lots of ways. But how often do we notice?
Take a minute to thinkof all the ways God tries to get your attention.
Sometimes it might be because you're doing something you shouldn't. Sometimes it's because you're not doing something you should.
And sometimes it's because your doing exactly what God wants you to do and He's confirming that you're right where you need to be.
In this week's episode,I talk about how God got the attention of several Bible characters. And it wasn't always rainbows and butterflies. And how God used others to get their attentionHow does all this apply to you and me?
God is always trying to get your attention. Why? Because He loves you and He wants the very best for you.
Please take some time to look back on your life and ponder all the ways God has spoken to you, protected you, directed you, rebuked you, provided for you, healed you.Every time these things happen,even if you don’t realize God is there doing it, God is calling out to you, saying, “I see you. Do you see Me? Look for Me everywhere in your life. Trust Me. Love Me. Lean on Me. Ask Me for what you need. I am here for you. Pay attention to Me and all the love I have for you."
How is God getting your attention today? Then... what will you do next?
Show notes:
Full transcript of Episode 231 and Bible verses_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 12 Mar 2024 - 230 - 230 – Why Do You Try to Lead When You're Dancing with God?
230 – Has God ever asked you to dance with Him?
Accept and follow every leadAccept and follow Him sometimesAccept and try to lead HimDecline the invitation to dance
What does that even mean?
When God asks you to dance,it's a metaphor for God asking you to participate in life and follow where He leads.
Have you ever danced with someone who didn't know how to lead, or follow, depending on which role you were in? It can be confusing, awkward, and sometimes get pretty messy.
Things can get pretty confusing and messy when God asks us to dance with Him and we don't follow His lead, especially if we try to lead.
That's what this episode is all about. When God asks you to dance with him, do youIn this Dance we call Life, I encourage you to accept the invitation to be God’s dance partner.
Let Him lead you to the dance floor, and embrace you. Look into His eyes and see His love for you. Follow His lead.
Pay attention to and learn the language of the many ways He directs you and shows you what steps to take. You don’t have to have everything figured out all the time.
You can trust God to lead you every time He asks you to dance.
Show notes:
For full transcript and Bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/230._________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 05 Mar 2024 - 229 - 229 – The Blood of Jesus, by Itself, Is not what Saves You
229 – How often do you hear: "The blood of Jesus saves you from your sins," or something to that effect?
Getting a bigger picture of how and why our sins are forgivenThe blood of Jesus and why it's not just about the literal blood that flowed through his veins 2,000 years agoThe deeper spiritual meaning of what the blood of Jesus representsWhy the crucifixion of Jesus, along with his blood, are not enough to free us from sin
The more I have pondered and prayed about all the Bible has to say about God's forgiveness of sins, Jesus's crucifixion, and more specifically, the blood of Jesus, I've come to the conclusion that there's more to forgiveness than just the fact that Jesus's blood was shed.
Spoiler Alert:
This may sound a little controversial at first, but when you listen to this episode, you'll understand what I'm talking about.
What really got me to thinking is something Paul says in 1 Corinthians, Chapter 15, about the crucifixion, the resurrection, forgiveness of sins, and our faith.
Too many Christianspass over this crucial passage of Scripture and miss the bigger picture of what Paul is saying about salvation and forgiveness.
That's what this episode is all about,Let me know your thoughts on this topic. I'd love to hear your thoughts, even if you disagree.
Show notes:
For a full transcript and Bible quotes: go to Episode 229_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 27 Feb 2024 - 228 - 228 – Nijay Gupta: Women Leaders in the New Testament
228 – Did you ever realize how many women leaders there are in the New Testament?
Mary MagdaleneJuniaJoannaSusannaPhoebeTryphena and Tryphosa PersisRufus's motherJuliaNereus's sisterEuodia and Syntyche Priscilla
More than you probably realized. There are some I didn't even realize were women? Why haven't we been told about these amazing women who risked their lives to share the Gospel in the early Christian Church?
This week I talk with Dr. Nijay Guptaabout these women leaders in the early Christian church and how they set examples for how women can have leadership roles in the church today. He has written a book called: Tell Her Story (see below for link).
Here are the women we talked about.How many of them have you heard of?Most of them we know very little about but Paul mentions them and commends many of them for their work in sharing the Gospel.
Nijay and I also talked about the so-called submission and women-be-silent verses, but he points out the cultural contexts of these verses, how they seem to contradict the fact that Paul commended women for preaching and promoting the Gospel elsewhere.
And Nijay makes it clear we get into serious trouble when we create a theology around just two or three verses.
Nijay Gupta's books:
Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church.*
A Beginner's Guide to New Testament Studies*
Paul and the Language of Faith*
Prepare, Succeed, Advance, Second Edition: A Guidebook for Getting a PhD in Biblical Studies and Beyond*
New:Strange Religion: How the First Christians Were Weird, Dangerous, and Compelling*
All books* by Nijay GuptaPodcast:Slow Theology
Blog:Crux Sola
Show notes:
For a full transcript and more detailed show notes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/228._________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 20 Feb 2024 - 227 - 227 – God Still Loves You
227 – Have you ever wondered if God still loves you?
Sometimes it begins with intellectually knowing that God loves you, even though you don't feel you deserve itGetting over the belief that God loves you only when you do something rightRealizing that God sent Jesus to earth because He loves everyone – Gasp! that includes youIf you had been with Jesus as one of his followers or asking him to heal you, he would have loved you just as he loved all the folks he ministered toIf Jesus loves you, it's because he could see God love you (see John 5:19)Talking to God and asking why He loves youListening to what God saysBelieving what God says
All too often we think of all the mistakes we've made or the things that have happened to us, and somehow decide God must not love us anymore, that we're not worthy of His love.
But no matter what you've done( or not done that you should have), no matter what mistakes you've made, big or small, God still loves you. It's as simple as that.
Why do we make it so complicated?
In this week's episode, I share some of my personal journey to actually accepting and believing that God really does love me. I'm curious if you have gone through a similar process.
Here are some of the points along the way to accepting the fact that God still loves you.A conversation with God:
I also share a little conversation I had with God several years ago that helped me accept God's love for me.
God still loves you. He will never give up on you. No matter who you are, where you’re from, what you’ve done, what you haven’t done, whatever your circumstances are, God still loves you. He will do whatever it takes for you to accept and experience His love.
For a full transcript of this episode and Bible verses quoted, check out the show notes at: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/227_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 13 Feb 2024 - 226 - 226 – We Are More than Conquerors through Christ
226 – What does it mean to be more than a conqueror through Christ?
We can never be separated from God's loveOnce you have a victory over a problem, you're more than just a former slave to the problemYou're more than just someone who had overcome a problemAfter you conquer a problem, you begin to discover you identity as a child of God
With all the challenges in the world and in your own personal life, does it ever seem like there's just no end to the chaos?
In Chapter 8 of Romans, Paul lists a host of challenges that describes what a lot of people are dealing with today. But he also promises us that we can find answers, solutions, and healing through Christ.
In this week's episode,I talk about what it means to be more than just a conqueror:You are more than a conqueror.You are the beloved child of God and co-heir with Christ. This is your spiritual identity.
Give yourself permissionto be what God has created you to be. It’s actually who you already are. You have inherited all the love and blessings God can give.
You have inherited His kingdom,with and through Christ. Accept your spiritual inheritance, right now, as an heir of God, and live your life from that perspective.Previous episode mentioned:
Episode 61: Your Name Is Written in Heaven
Show notes:
Full transcript and all Bible verses mentioned: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/226_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 06 Feb 2024 - 225 - 225 – If You Could Ask Jesus a Favor...
225 – If you could ask Jesus a favor, what would it be?
JairusVarious religious leaders asking about how to obtain eternal lifeA man who wanted Jesus to get his brother to share the inheritanceMore religious leaders who wanted Jesus to show them a miraculous signPeople who weren't sure if Jesus was the MessiahJames and John, who wanted to sit next to him in heavenly gloryA disciple who asked Jesus how to prayPhilip, who wanted Jesus to show God to him
If you had met Jesus 2,000 years ago while as he was traveling around healing and ministering to people, what would you ask him for? A healing? Deliverance from a problem? The answer to a burning question in your heart?
Lots of people came up to Jesus to ask him for all sorts of things. Sometimes he granted their requests and sometimes he didn't.
There's so much to learn from these folks who approached Jesus with a request.
In this week's episodeI talk about why Jesus answered some requests and why he didn't answer others. Here's who is in the show:The crux of the matter: what you want or what God wants
If you could talk to Jesus, would you ask for something you want really bad? Or would you ask him to show you what God's will is for you?
And how on earth do you figure out what God's is will for you? There are some helpful ideas to get you started, plus a previous episode I recommend (see below for link).
Who should you pray to, Jesus or the Father? Listen to find out...
Episodes mentioned:
Episode 79: How Do You Know if Something is God’s Will ?
Episode 121: Praying in the Name of Christ
Please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Thanks!_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 30 Jan 2024 - 224 - 224 – Why Should I Believe in the Nicene Creed?
224 – Do you have to believe in the Nicene Creed to be a true Christian?
The way Athanasius and others who supported the Creed were ruthless and vindictive toward those who disagreed with them. They did not act in a Christ-like wayThere is nothing in the Creed that talks about obeying God, following Jesus, loving your neighbor, being humble and loving.
This is a pretty heavy duty topic.And people have been arguing over this for about 1,700 years. So this is not the final answer or discussion on the topic.
But is incredibly important to think about what it means to be a Christian. Is it based on what you believe or how you put into practice the teachings of Jesus?
Or is it a combination of the two?
This week, I share my thoughts on the Nicene Creedand some of the problems I have with it. And as always, you are free to disagree with me. And I'd love to hear your perspective, whether you agree or not with what I say. I'm always open to another perspective. We have so much to learn from each other.
Here are the two main reasons I cannot adhere to the Nicene Creed.Jesus says we are to judge a tree by its fruit.The "fruit" of those who supported the Nicene Creed, as well as the fruit of those who opposed it, prove to me they didn't really believe in the Jesus of the Bible. Otherwise they would have followed Jesus's approach and done the mighty works of healing he did.
If you believe in the Nicene Creed,I totally respect your choice to do so. But I think it's important to know the history of how this Creed came down through history. And be aware of what it does not include.
For me, my approach to having a creed is simple: I believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that God is good and made us in His image and likeness. And I add to that my commitment to seek and do God's will, follow Christ the best I can, love my neighbor as myself, and be guided by the Holy Spirit.
And I invite you to join me.
Book referred to:
When Jesus Became God: The Struggle to Define Christianity During the Last Days of Rome by Richard E. Rubenstein. *
Previous episode mentioned:
# 223 The Bible as a Verb with Polly Castor
Show notes:
Full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/224
* Amazon affiliate link_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 23 Jan 2024 - 223 - 223 – The Bible as a Verb with Polly Castor
223 – Have you ever thought of the Bible as a verb?
Obey the CommandmentsLet your light shineLove your neighbor as yourselfBe reconciled to one anotherEdify one anotherSing unto the LordSeek first the kingdom of God and His righteousnessAND so many more
All too often we think of the Bible as a source for our beliefs, our theology, and our faith. But have you ever looked at the Bible through the lens of the action items that need to be on our daily to-do list?
This week, I talk to my wife, Polly Castor, about the Bible as resource for how we are to behave, what we are to do, not just what we're supposed to believe.
Polly shares LOTS of Bible action items, things we need to do, like:Polly makes a practice during her Bible study to keep track of all the things the Bible instructs us to do.
She sees these action items as tools in her spiritual toolbox. When someone is demanding or really needs her attention, she practices patience.
If there's a misunderstanding with a friend or family member, she takes out the "be reconciled to each other" tool and works toward healing the situation.
You get the idea.
You'll love the practical wisdom and humorPolly brings to living the Bible in her daily life.
Polly Castor contact info:
Daily blog: pollycastor.com
Art website: pollycastorart.com
Instagram: @pollycastor
Email: pollycastor@gmail.com
Previous episodes mentioned:
Episode 53: How I Met My Wife
Episode 15: How to Stop Fighting Your Brother and Love Him Instead
Show notes:
For a full transcript of this episode and a list of all the Bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/223._________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 16 Jan 2024 - 222 - 222 – How to Find Yourself in the Bible
222 – Have you ever tried to find yourself in the Bible?
Episode 37: You Are the Image and Likens of God. What the Heck Does that Mean?Episode 144:Finding Your Identity in the Bible with Keith Ferrin
So many people are trying to find themselves these days. They're looking in so many different directions, but they often overlook the spiritual aspect of who they are as a child of God.
The best place to discover your identityis in the Bible. In a couple of previous episodes, I talked specifically about this:This week I'm taking a different approach. I'm looking at various Bible characters to see what we can learn about ourselves from the way they dealt with the situations and the issues of their day.
MosesGideonThe 300 men Gideon chose to fight with himThe thousands of men who were not chosen to fightKing DavidBathshebaUriahAbsalomNaamanNaaman's wife's servant girlElishaBelshazzar’s wife (he was Nebuchadnezzar's son)Pilate's wifeJonahThe king of NinevehZacharias and ElisabethJoseph, Mary's future husbandJesus's disciplesSaul, who becomes Paul
Here are the Bible folks explored in this episode:With each of these Bible characters,what can you see in them that helps you understand yourself? What lessons can you learn from them based on the situations they were in and how they responded?
If there’s someone in the Bibleyou especially identify with and relate to, let me know. I’d love to hear who it is and what you’ve discovered about who you are from someone in the Bible.
And more importantly, I'd love to know not just what you’ve learned about yourself, but what you’ve discerned that God has called you to do.
Show notes:Full transcript and Bible quotes_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 09 Jan 2024 - 221 - 221 – Stop Comparing Yourself to Others, Just Follow Christ
221 – Have you ever been so preoccupied with what others are doing that you don't focus on following Christ?
If someone does something better than me, I will follow ChristIf someone does something worse than me, I will follow ChristIf the candidates I vote for win or lose, I will follow ChristIf people tell me I am right or wrong about the Bible or anything, I will follow ChristIf there are still wars between countries, I will follow ChristWhatever happens this year, I will strive to follow Christ the best I can
Welcome to 2024!
A new year is a wonderful opportunity to take stock of where you've been, where you are and where you're going.
Instead of a New Year's Resolution this year, I decided simply to quit comparing myself to what others are doing and just focus on following Christ.
Remember when Jesus said to Peter,"What is that to you? As for you, follow me." John 21:22
That's why in this week's episode I explain why my mantra for 2024 is "What is that to you? Just follow Christ."
I can't change what other people do or think. But I can change myself. The same is true for you.
I choose to follow Christas a response to whatever happens this year:I invite you to do the same.
This is possible. Paul says, "We have the mind of Christ." 1 Corinthians 2:16That means we can think and act like Jesus did.
Show notes:
For a full transcript and Bible verses in this episode: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/221
Please join me this year in keeping your eyes on Christ, the Shepherd, and not comparing yourself to the other sheep.
_____________
REQUEST:
If you're reading this, it probably means you're listening on a podcast app. If your app allows, please rate the podcast and leave a review.Thanks.
Rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts
Rate the show on Spotify_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 02 Jan 2024 - 220 - 220 – Best Bible Podcast Episodes in 2023
220 – Highlights from The Bible Speaks to You Podcast in 2023
The end of the year is a good time to look back and see where you've come from.
It's a time to appreciate and be grateful for all the blessings from the previous 12 months. In these last few days of 2023, I've gone back to review some of the podcast episodes that, according to you, my listeners, were the most helpful.
This week's episode shares some of the highlights from these favorite episodes from 2023.
Here are the episodes which are highlighted. There's a 3-5 minute audio clip of each episode this week.
The Best of 2023Episode 172: Living in the Holy Spirit
January 24, 2023Episode 176: How much do you love the people who will be born 100 years from now?
February 21Episode 177: You are on the pathway to healing
February 28Episode 180: You are standing on holy ground
March 21Episode 181: How to See Spiritually
March 28Episode 189: How to Pray When You Feel Rejected
May 23Episode 192: Jesus’s Recipe to Stop Worrying
June 13Episode 193: Quietly surrendering to God
June 20Episode 203: What if Jesus preached at your church?
August 29Episode 216: Does God really love everyone? Christmas is the answer
November 28Show notes:
For a transcript and Bible verses, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/220_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 26 Dec 2023 - 219 - 219 – What Will You Get from Christ for Christmas?
219 – What are you expecting to get for Christmas this year?
Love, joy, peaceA sense of God's gloryAn awareness of our relationship with God as His childrenSalvation and spiritual wholenessAnd so much more...
Remember that sense of expectationyou had as a kid at Christmastime? There was so much anticipation for what presents you'd get.
What if you could have that same sense of expectation for all that Christ is giving you this Christmas?
Have you ever stopped to think about all that Jesus has given us? In this week's episode I talk about some of the more obvious things Christ gives us, not just at Christmas, but all year long:Right this moment Christ is pouring forth infinite, boundless, unlimited blessings, most important of which is a full salvation from the world’s evil, along with the awareness that we are the sons and daughters of God.
This is Christ’s gift to you.
How much of this giftwill you accept, not just at Christmas, but all year long?Previous episode mentioned
Episode 167: What Will You Give Jesus for Christmas?
Show notes:
Transcript and Bible verses: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/219_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 19 Dec 2023 - 218 - 218 – Praying for the Prodigals with Pam Fields
218 – Do you have a prodigal in your family?
Acknowledge and deal with your emotions, such as guilt and shameA prodigal may leave not because of what you have done, but because they are rebelling against GodListen to your other children (if you have any) and be willing to listen and learn from themEach child has their own individual relationship with GodYou can trust God to be at work in the life of a prodigal If you don't have a prodigal, be of comfort to those who do. They are all around you but don't always talk about it.Payer is not limited by time, space, or geographyYour prayers are more powerful than your words or physical presence
This week I talk with Pam Fields, mother of nine, and grandmother of four, about how to pray when you have a prodigal child.
One of Pam's grown children has broken away from the family and renounced their faith.
Pam talks about the way she has prayed about this and how she has supported others who have had similar experiences.
Here are some of the points we covered:Pam says that having a prodigal does not disable your life. Step up and step into the calling that God has on your life.
Find a supportive community where you can feel support as well as support others.
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For a full transcript (pardon the typos): 218 Transcript.
Pam's previous appearance on The Bible Speaks to You Podcast
Episode 134: Moms in the Bible
Pam Field’s contact info:
• Website: TendingFields.net
• Facebook: Tending Fields page
• Facebook Tending Fields Moms Group
• Instagram: Tending Fields
Show notes with Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/218_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 12 Dec 2023 - 217 - 217 – Pivotal Moments in the Bible Leading up to Christmas
217 – Have there been times in your life that gave you a deeper sense of what Christmas is all about?
Caleb, of the tribe of Judah, was honest about what he saw when spying in CanaanKing David's life as a whole helped pivot the people to expect a MessiahRuth decided to go with Naomi back to Israel and marries BoazThe prophets continued to pivot the people away from the ways of the world toward the ways of God, preparing them for the coming MessiahMary humbly accepted the message from Gabriel that she would be the mother of ChristJoseph accepted God's message through the angel that he should marry MaryThe Wisemen obeyed the angel and returned to their homeland without telling King Herod where Jesus was
The Bible is full of these decisions people made and actions they took that create a chain of events that eventually lead to the birth of Jesus.
In this week's episode, I talk about a few of these pivotal moments that altered the course of Bible history and bring us to Bethlehem when Jesus is born.
Pivotal moments in the Bible that point us to that first Christmas:What if each of the people had made a different choice? Things would have been very different. God used each of these people to guide mankind to be ready for the birth of Jesus.
What does all this have to do with you and me?
It helps us see God’s hand in the chain of events that led up to Jesus’s birth.
But in addition to that, all these examples of important moments where things pivoted and took a new direction can actually be metaphors for how God works in our lives, preparing and leading us to the birth, or appearance, of Christ in our own lives. They show how God can give us a deeper, more spiritual awareness of what Christmas is all about.
As you’re getting ready for Christmas this year, or even if you’re listening to this in the middle of July, I encourage you to take some time to look back on things in your life that have given you a deeper sense of what Christmas is all about.
What have been the pivotal moments which have pointed you to the spirit of Christmas?
Show notes:
To read a full transcript of this episode and study the Bible quotes mentioned, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/217.
Previous episode mentioned:
Episode 53: How I Met My Wife_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 05 Dec 2023 - 216 - 216 – Does God Really Love Everyone? Christmas Is the Answer
216 – Believe it or not, some people debate whether or not God really does love everyone.
Since God loved the world so much and sent Jesus, the best way for us to prepare for Christmas is to love all mankindTo get an idea of how God loves all His children, look at how Jesus loved peopleJesus only did what he saw the Father do. That means he loved everyone because he saw God love everyone.But did Jesus love the Pharisees and those who opposed him? YesWhy did Jesus want us to love even our enemies?Why did Jesus love his enemies?
And they can debate all they want. To me, the simple answer to this question is the fact that God sent Jesus to show and be the Way for us, to bring healing and salvation to us and the whole world.
The Bible verse that captures this all-inclusive love of God for all mankind, throughout all time is John 3:16
For God loved the world so muchthat he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
Here are some of the main themes in this week's episode:As you start thinking about Christmas, I encourage you to embrace in a deeper spiritual way than you ever have before, God’s love for all mankind. This prepares room in your heart to receive more of God’s love, more of Christ’s appearing. and it opens you up to express more of God’s love to those around you.
What would happenif you felt so powerfully God’s love for all His children, that everyone you came in contact with experienced God loving them?
I can’t think of any better way to get ready for Christmas!
Previous episode mentioned:
Episode 115: Christmas Means Everyone Is Worthy of God’s LoveShow notes:
Read the full transcript of this episode and all the Bible verses mentioned. thebiblespeakstoyou.com/216._________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 28 Nov 2023 - 215 - 215 – Let Your Heart Overflow with Gratitude
215 – Does your heart overflow with gratitude?
The "thank offering" or "sacrifice of thanksgiving" was one of the first ways the Children of Israel expressed their thanks to GodWhen David brought the Arc of the Covenant back to Jerusalem, he appointed people to collectively praise and thank GodWhen Solomon brought the Arc of the Covenant into the Temple for the first time, he also appointed a group of people to thank God collectivelyJehoshaphat sent people out to sing thanks to God to meet the warring armiesEzra appointed people to collectively thank God when they laid the foundation on which the Temple would be rebuiltNehemiah appointed two whole choirs to thank God in song on the newly built walls of JerusalemPsalms is full of gratitude to GodDon't forget Daniel and Jonah, who thanked God in tough situations
I've been thinking of everything I'm grateful for. With all the tensions in the world, not to mention the challenges in my own life, I’ve found that expressing gratitude helps get me refocused on God and brings some peace of mind.
Gratitude helps clear the airso my heart can breathe more freely.
This week's episode takes a deep dive into some of the many ways people in the Bible express gratitude or encourage others to be grateful.
Old Testament:New Testament
Anna thanked God for letting her see the MessiahJesus gave thanks before he fed the 5,000 and 4,000 peopleJesus gave thanks at the Last Supper, even though he knew he would be betrayed and crucifiedPaul thanked God for so many thingsThe people he was writing toThe fact that he got to serve ChristThat Christ delivered people from their sinsHe encourages us to be grateful for everything in the name of Christ JesusAnd sometimes we just need to thank God for being God.
What are some ways you can be more grateful?
Mentioned in this episode:
Episode 213: How to Be Grateful in Every Situation
Episode 111: What Was Jesus Thankful for?
Show notes:
Read the full transcript and all the Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/215_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 21 Nov 2023 - 214 - 214 – Jay Kim: Surrendering to Christ in a Material World
214 – How are you surrendering to Christ today?
How a few guys at church never gave up on him, even though he left churchHow Jay got into the ministryWhat it really means to call Jesus LordThe solution to legalism and other church problemsWhat a church pastor or leader should do when they are tempted or have sinnedWhy the Colossians were like usWhat we can learn from Paul's letter about overcoming our challengesHow do we realize we're being influenced by the material world if we're not aware of it?
We live in challenging times with so many influences trying to pull us away from following Jesus.
But this is not new. It happened all the way back in Bible times.
This week, Jay Kim and I talk about what it means to surrender completely to Christand how the book of Colossians gives us a roadmap.
Jay, the lead pastor at Westgate Church in Silicon Valley, California, has written a book about Paul's letter to the Colossians and how their challenges were very similar to ours today.
Here are just a few of the things we talked about:Above all, we talked about being more like Jesus and surrendering completely to Christ.
Jay's books (affiliate links):
• Analog Church: Why We Need Real People, Places, and Things in the Digital Age
• Analog Christian: Cultivating Contentment, Resilience, and Wisdom in the Digital Age
• Colossians Bible Study Guide: One Jesus, One People (40 Days Through the Book) plus Streaming VideoJay's website:
jaykimthinks.com
Show notes:
To read a full transcript of today's episode and study the Bible verses mentioned, go to the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/214._________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 14 Nov 2023 - 213 - 213 – How to Be Grateful in Every Situation
213 – Is it really possible to be grateful in every situation?
When things are going well in life, it is pretty easy to be grateful.
But maybe you’re going through a season of your life right now where things aren’t going so well. Things aren’t working out.
Or whatever it might be. Sometimes it’s pretty hard to find anything to be grateful for.So, where ever you are on the spectrum of how much or how little you think you have to be grateful for, I want to encourage you to just take a step back and let’s revisit what it really means to be grateful.
Just because God is good and loves youWhen good things happenWhen you receive somethingWhen God delivers you from the mistakes you've madeWhen God delivers you from the harm other people have caused youWhen God heals youWhen you are in the middle of a problem, thank God in advance for helping youWhen you don't have enough, thank God for what you do have
There are so many things to be grateful for.Here are just a few of them. Be grateful...Do you have a gratitude practice?
It could be a gratitude journalFinding three things to be grateful for before you get out of bed in the morningSharing with a spouse, partner, or friend what you're grateful forWriting letters thanking people for how they have blessed youSo much moreIf we're supposed to be grateful for everything, does that mean we should be grateful for problems? The answer can be yes!
Sometimes, a problem makes us stop and turn to God for answers to the real issues we’re facing, which we might not have done if everything seemed to be okay in our lives.As Thanksgiving Day approaches, I encourage you to look through the lens of gratitude, to embrace a mindset of thankfulness, that sees every person and situation as an opportunity to be grateful in one way or another.
For full transcript and Bible verses, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/213
Related:
Episode 111: What Was Jesus Thankful for?_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 07 Nov 2023 - 212 - 212 – What I Learned from Halloween about How to Pray Effectively
212 – Do you want to pray more effectively?
I learned a really important lesson from Halloween several years ago about how to pray in a way I had never thought of.
When kids come to your door for Halloween, yelling "Trick or Treat," do you ever wonder if those are real witches or super heroes behind the masks?
Of course not. Even if you pretend to be scared, you know the kids are just wearing costumes. It's a game we play every Halloween and everyone knows the rules. You know the costume is not part of the kid and it's not who they really are.
When a sick person came to Jesus to be healed,Jesus knew something no one else knew. He saw something no one else saw.
To Jesus, sickness and disease was kind of like a scary costume. He knew it wasn't part of who someone was as a child of God. And he knew how to remove this "costume" or mask that tried to cover up a person's true identity as a child of God.
This week's episode goes into more detail and gives some examples of how Jesus healed people.
By the way, this idea that a problem is just a costume is just a metaphor. So take it in that spirit.
But when you can see this outward appearance of things as just a mask, a costume, that’s not part of who they are as a child of God, but is trying to hide or cover up their true identity as a child of God, your prayers will be more effective.
Because you’re not trying to change a child of God, but you’re praying to remove the "costume."
Show notes:
To read a full transcript of this episode and study all the Bible references, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/212._________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 31 Oct 2023 - 211 - 211 – When Someone Disagrees with You on How to Follow Jesus
211 – Surprise, not everyone agrees on how to follow Jesus
The debate on how to follow Jesus has been going on ever since he was hereSome people make it about doctrine and theologyBut Jesus wants us to follow his exampleIf you love Jesus you will obey his commandmentsIt's not about putting your feet where Jesus's feet were. It's abut putting your heart where Jesus's heart was--and is.Jesus told us not be surprised when religious authorities are judgmental of how we follow him
What do you do when someone says you're not following Jesus the "right" way? Has someone ever "sent you to hell" because you didn't believe in Jesus or follow him the exact way they did?
Jesus said simply, "Come, follow me."He said this to Peter and Andrew, James and John. He said it to tax collectors and anyone who was receptive.
And here we are 2,000 years later still trying to figure out exactly what it means to follow Jesus.
In this week's episode I talk about:Maybe the real questionwe need to ask is, Why should we follow Jesus?
For me, I follow him – some days better than others – because he is the Son of God, the Messiah, who came to show us the Way of Life. He has given us the promise of eternal life by overcoming sickness and sin, disease and death.Christ has opened my eyes to see that the kingdom of heaven is at hand and not just way off in the future, that God is always present to help us. The more I follow Jesus, the more my life is transformed in a very positive way.
I’d love to know: What does it mean to you to follow Jesus?
To read a full transcript of this episode and study the Bible verses quoted, check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/211_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 24 Oct 2023 - 210 - 210 – Jairus’s Daughter Is a Metaphor for Church Revitalization
210 – What if Jairus had not asked Jesus to heal his daughter?
Jairus could have given up when the messenger told him his daughter was dead, but he didn'tWhen the world or a fellow church member says your church is dying or dead, you don't have to accept it.Everyone else thought Jairus's daughter was dead. Jesus knew she was not.Human opinions and activities will not save a dying church. Only Christ can.Christ can always bring resurrection to your church when all members humble themselves.
The answer is pretty obvious. She would not have been restored to life.
I've been thinking of some of the challengesfacing so many churches today and realized that Jairus's daughter being restored to life is a wonderful metaphor for what can happen to our churches when we turn to Christ for help.
All too often, a struggling church thinks to be successful, it needs to get better music or update their audio-visual equipment, have more programs for the members, or even have a coffee shop to get more people to come.
But none of these are real solutions to a dying church. In fact, they're actually decoys. The real answer to to reach out to Christ, like Jairus did.
That's what this week's episode is all about: the revitalization of your church based on turning to Christ, hearing and obeying his voice.When your church is united in and obedient to Christ,you’ll be baptized with the Holy Spirit. God will put words in your mouth and actions in your hands and feet. God will send you to the receptive heart and those in need.
And God will bless your church abundantly.Previous episodes mentioned this week:
Episode 206How to stop legalism from killing your church
Episode 120You Are Loved and Accepted by God with Jason ElamShow notes:
To read a full transcript of this week's episode and study the Bible verses mentioned go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/210._________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 17 Oct 2023 - 209 - 209 – Finding Your Spiritual Identity as a Child of God with Jared Capello
209 – How often do you think about your spiritual identity?
Your spiritual identity is from God and nothing can take it awayYour identity is not wrapped up in what other people think about youJared shares how he helps people discover the deep desires of their heart and achieve themYou can't put God in a boxYou can't find your identity or completeness in another person, only in GodJesus showed us the true nature of God as love, not wrathfulWhen fear governs a church, they try to control youWhen love governs a church, they empower you spirituallyAnd so much more
It's one thing to identify yourself based on what you see in the mirror or how much money you have in the bank, and lots of other such things.
But your real identity, who you are way down deep, is spiritual. It's who you are as a child of God made in God's image and likeness.
This week I talk with Jared Capello, a life coach and fulfillment strategist. He helps people discover who they really are spiritually. This opens up unlimited possibilities for a productive life of joy and love.
He grew up in a cult that was manipulative and fear-based. Leaving the cult helped him discover his relationship with God through love instead of fear.
Here are some of the main points we talked about:After the recent fires in Hawaii,Jared went to Maui to be a comfort to those suffering from the incredible losses of homes and family members.
Guess who Jared would like to talk to in the Bible and who he identifies with in the Bible. Check out this week's episode to find out.
For a full transcript of this episode and to study all the Bible verses quoted, go to the show notes page: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/209._________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 10 Oct 2023 - 208 - 208 – You Already Have Infinite Spiritual Resources
208 – What if you dug up a metal box in your back yard full of old gold coins?
True wisdom is better than material wealthWe need a more spiritual concept of what riches and true wealth are It’s not how much money you have but how much wisdom, love, righteousness, obedience, and all God’s other qualities, that you haveJesus was completely aware that God would provide everything he neededMoney, on its own, is not a measure of God’s favor or how much He loves youJesus knew the kingdom of heaven is at hand and wanted us to see it tooIf you think heaven is in the future, you won't experience God's abundance
How would you feel? Pretty good, right?
Why is it that, just the idea of unexpectedly getting a lot of money, makes us feel good? Well, it's probably because we tend to think of how much money we have as the source of how much happiness we can have in life.
But Jesus gave us a completely different perspective on life, happiness, and wealth. He said life isn't about all your material possessions. It's about your relationship with God.
In this week's episode,I talk about true wealth and the spiritual resources you have right now:The fullness of God is in you right now
You can’t see it with your eyes. You can’t measure it with your bank account. But when you quit believing what the material world tells you, and instead open your eyes, to the present reality of the spiritual abundance of heaven, here and now, you will experience a rich and overwhelming abundance of God’s blessings.Right this moment,you have access to the infinite, spiritual resources of God and His kingdom.
Show notes:To read a full transcript of this episode and study the Bible verses quoted, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/208_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 03 Oct 2023 - 207 - 207 – How to Build Your Life on the Spiritual Foundation of Christ
207 – What would happen if you built your house on the sand next to the beach?
I share a real life story of a house that was built on the sand and what happenedHow to sum up the Sermon on the MountThe four guiding moral and spiritual principles to live byWhat to do when you realize part of your house (your life) is built on sandI include an exercise that helps you find freedom from past mistakes
You might have a beautiful house, but over time the water would probably erode the sand around and underneath your house. And your house would fall apart.
Jesus uses the idea of a house built on a rock or the sand as a metaphor for obeying, or not obeying, the moral and spiritual precepts he taught in the Sermon on the Mount.
In this week's episodeI talk about how to build a firm foundation of obedience to Christ. Here are some of the main points:When you build on the foundation of Christ, it has an influence on everyone around you. When you are living Jesus’s teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, people notice. They feel valued by you. They feel your love. They see the way you treat others. And it has an effect on them.
When you build you house, your life, on the rock of Christ – and I don’t mean by this going around and just quoting Jesus, telling others how they should be living – I mean actually living the precepts Jesus taught because you love Christ, when people see that, they often want what you have, the inner peace of mind and a strong faith.
You may never know what an impact you have on someone else, when you build your life on a spiritual foundation of obedience to Christ.
Show notes: To read a full transcript of this episode and study the Bible verses referred to, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/207.
Resources:
Previous episode mentioned: Finding Your Identity in Christ, Episode 85_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 26 Sep 2023 - 206 - 206 – How to Stop Legalism from Killing Your Church
206 – Is legalism killing your church?
What legalism is and how to discern itSome examples of legalism in churches todaySome examples of legalism in the BibleSome examples of overcoming legalism in the BibleSome examples of overcoming legalism todayAnd most importantly: the only real remedy for legalism
Legalism puts a strangle hold on a church. It stunts the spiritual growth of the members and worst of all, it stifles the activity of the Holy Spirit.
But legalism is not a new thing. Jesus had to deal with the same tendency with the religious leaders of his day. They were more interested in observing all the minute rules and laws than having a relationship with God.
They thought their obedience to all these rules made them righteous.
In this week's episode, I talk about:Is there any legalism in your church? Have you ever stifled the Holy Spirit?
We need to take an honest look at ourselves and our churches to see if there's any legalism lurking in our midst. And this requires humility.
The solution is simple. It's the presence of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is moving upon the waters of your heart and your church right now.
To read a full transcript of this episode and to study the Bible verses quoted this week, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/206_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 19 Sep 2023 - 205 - 205 – The Epistle of James Was Written for Your Church with Robin Jennings
205 – How can the book of James help your church grow?
The importance of church for worship and communityThe power of collective prayerWe need spiritual mentors and to spiritually mentor othersJames shows us how to act (and not act) toward people when they come to our churchesWhy it's important to live your faithWho is James anyway?
For a church to grow,there has to be a strong moral and spiritual foundation in Christ. And that's what the book of James is all about.
In fact, it's very similar in tone with the Sermon on the Mount.
When you and your church put these teachings into practice, individually and collectively, you will flourish.
This week I talk with author, Robin T. Jennings about how the book of James is a guidebook to church growth and a bridge to the next generation of church members.
Here are some of the points we coveredRobin has written 3 books*
May You Live in Christ: Spiritual Growth Through the Vision of St. PeterThe Door to Renewal: Spiritual Growth Through the Mind of St. PaulA Letter to the Church and the Next Generation: Spiritual Growth through the Witness of JamesCheck out Robin's Guided Reflection for Spiritual Growth and Renewal
To download a full transcript of this episode and to check out all the Bible verses mentioned, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/205._________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 12 Sep 2023 - 204 - 204 – How to Pray When You Feel Unwanted
204 – Have you ever felt unwanted?
Start with God's promise in Revelation that you will find healingAs hard as it may be, you need to forgive those who hurt youFind a supportive communityPray for yourself and ask others to pray for you tooTake a deep dive into your Bible studyHow to look at yourself from a new perspectiveWhat would you do if you wrote a letter to God and got an answer?
I have a friend who was told by his parents that he was a mistake. They had not intended to have any more children. They constantly reminded him of this, as if it was his fault he was born.
And they never gave him the love and support they gave to his brothers and sisters. All his life he has struggled with the feeling of being unwanted. It has affected him in lots of very negative ways.
You'd be surprised at how many people I've met over the years who feel unwanted.
So the question is: How can we pray about this problem? Is there a solution? How can we find healing?
Yes, of course there's a solution, but the only real solution is spiritual. You can't heal this without God's help.
In this week's episode I share some helpful ideasabout how to pray for yourself or someone else when there's a feeling of being unwanted. I talk about:You are not a mistake.You didn't just accidentally appear. God knew what He was doing when He created you. He created you because He wanted you to be His child.
The world may not see or believe that. But God does. And you can too.
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Here are two previous episodes mentioned this week:
Episode 135: Your Past Does not Define You
Episode 18: Forgiving 70 x 7: How I Forgave My 8th Grade Gym Teacher_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 05 Sep 2023 - 203 - 203 – What if Jesus Preached at Your Church?
203 – What if Jesus was the preacher at your church?
He was a good speaker He told good stories, or parables He spoke with authority, like he knew what he was talking about He gave new meaning to the Scriptures His message was powerful and had the ring of truth, because he lived the ideas he taught, he practiced what he preached People felt uplifted, valued, and loved by Jesus People were curious People told others about Jesus and invited them to come see for themselves People were healed and others came hoping they would be healedThey often liked what they heard and came to hear him again and brought their friends
How would things be different? Would you listen more carefully to what was said? Would you be more inspired? Would you be afraid he might read your mind and see the things you don't want anyone to know about?
How would it change you? Would you invite your friends to come the next week?
I've been thinking about this lately. And that's what this episode is all about.
What made Jesus a good preacher? Why did people come to listen? Well, there were lots of reasons. Here are a few:One of the most important aspects to Jesus being not just a good preacher, but the best ever was because he was the Messiah, the Son of God. And he knew it.
Peter and Paul were also so completely aware that Jesus was the Messiah that it gave a spiritual power to their preaching.
When you go to church this Sunday, pretend that Jesus is your preacher. How would you listen? Now, listen to your pastor the same way you would listen to Jesus.
Let me know how it goes.
To see the Bible quotes in this episode and a full transcript, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/203.
Thanks for listening!_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 29 Aug 2023 - 202 - 202 – God Parts the Red Sea Today: Finding Freedom from Abuse
202 – Can God still part the Red Sea today?
Have you ever felt like you were trapped on the edge of the Red Sea with Pharaoh's war chariots charging toward you? And it didn't look like there was any way to escape?
Imagine what it must have been like to be in that crowd when Moses raised his staff over the water, the wind began to blow, and the waters parted before your very eyes.
God still delivers us from bondage
He still parts the Red Sea. It just looks different today.
In this week's episode, I share a modern day parting of the Red Sea.A close family member realized she had to get out of an abusive marriage. The counselor said her husband had the worst case of narcissism she had ever seen.
Our relative went through a terrible divorce, but each step of the way, God provided the a path to take, sometimes at the last minute, and often in very unexpected ways.
Even her church and pastor were supportive, once they realized how her husband had been treating her. This was pretty amazing given the fact that this denomination often tells women to stay with their abusive husbands, pray harder and try to save the marriage.
There's a lot more to the story, including a new job opportunity in a different state – with just two weeks to move – opened up (aka: the Red Sea parted again).
God can deliver you from a toxic relationship or situation. It is never His will for you to be abused physically, emotionally, or spiritually. He will provide an escape route.
Listen to this inspiring story of how God parted the Red Sea for our relative. And let me know if there are any ideas that are helpful to you.
To study the Bible verses quoted in today's episode, and to read a full transcript, go the the show notes page: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/202_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 22 Aug 2023 - 201 - 201 – Walking in Other People's Shoes with Neil Matthews
201 – How good are you at walking in someone else's shoes?
Jesus with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's wellJesus with the woman caught in adulteryPharaoh's daughter when she took baby Jesus out of the basket in the Nile
This week I have a conversation with Neil Matthews, host of the Other People's Shoes podcast.
We talked about the importance of empathy when interacting with others.
Neil shared several examples in the Bible when people expressed empathy:Why empathy is important
When you are empathetic with people, they feel seen, heard, and lovedIt helps you understand where someone is coming fromYou are less judgementalYou have more peace of mind
Neil also talked about why empathy is importantWalking in Jesus's footsteps
Neil loves shoes and his podcast is about walking in other people's shoes, trying to understand things from someone else's perspective.
I asked: What it would be like to walk in Jesus's sandals? Listen to the episode to hear Neils heart-felt response.
For a full transcript of the episode, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/201 and click on the link to download a copy._________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 15 Aug 2023 - 200 - 200 – Your Favorite Bible Verses
200 – What are some of your favorite Bible verses?
That's what this episode is all about.
To celebrate Episode 200of The Bible Speaks to You Podcast, I asked listeners to share their favorite Bible verse and why it's important to them.
The response has been tremendous. Over 70 people, from all over the world, emailed me with their favorite passages in the Bible.
Listen now, to see if someone mentioned your favorite verse.
If you'd like to read everyone's response, go to the show notes page: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/200_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 08 Aug 2023 - 199 - 199 – Talking to the Devil with Authority
199 – How do you pray when bad things happen?
We can pray "with the mind of Christ.Accept the authority Christ gives usSee the devil what he is, as Jesus defined himThe lies Satan tells don't have any power over you unless you believe themEvery time Jesus healed, he was exercising his power over the devilTurn Satan's lies back on himWhy it's important to call Satan by name
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by with a problem, or series of problems, when it seemed like evil forces are trying to tempt or harm you?
As always Jesus has the answerto these kinds of situations
He told his disciples, who had been out preaching and healing, that he gave them authority to overcome all the power of the enemy (Satan).
Christ gives you and me this same power today, to defeat the lies and temptations of the devil.
That's what this week's episode is all about. Here are some of the main points I cover.You can only resist the devil,you can only speak with authority to Satan, when you first submit wholly to God. This allows you to see the devil for what he is: a liar, the father of lies, a murderer from the beginning, in whom there is no truth.
Christ gives you this authority over Satan.God empowers you to exercise this authority. And the Holy Spirit keeps you alert to when and how to speak to Satan with authority.
Never doubt your ability to follow Jesus’s example of speaking to Satan with your God-given authority.
To read a full transcript of this episode and study the Bible references quoted, go to the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/199_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 01 Aug 2023 - 198 - 198 – What Has God Written in Your Heart?
178 – Did you have to memorize Bible verses when you were a kid in Sunday School?
How my mom taught me the importance of learning Scripture when I was disrespectful of herWhy God will write His laws in our heartsWhat happens when other people try to write things in your heartWhy you need a direct relationship with God
It can be a really good way to get to know the Bible. But it's not enough just to know the words. We need the spirit behind the words.
Too much of what's in our heartshas been put there by the world, by people with good and bad intentions, and our own experiences.
It seems like everyone and everything is trying to influence us in one way or another.
But the most important things in your heart are what God puts there.
God says to the Children of Israel:
"I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. " Jeremiah 31:33 NIV
This week's episode is about what God is writing in your heart. I shareI encourage you to become increasingly aware of, not what you or others have written in your heart, but what God has, is, and will write in your heart.
Think of the love and the joy He has put there. What about the spirit of forgiveness and patience, wisdom and understanding.
But that’s just the beginning. God is writing His law of love in your heart every day, in a language you understand.
To read a full transcript of this episode and study all the Bible references mentioned, check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/198.
_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 25 Jul 2023 - 197 - 197 – Quit Looking at God through a Wall of Glass Bricks
197 – Have you ever looked at someone through a wall of glass bricks?
A modern day parable about knitting that explains why we don't see God clearlySome of the "glass bricks" that distort our view of GodHow to detect the glass bricks in our thinkingHow to get rid of themWhy it's hard to get rid of themWhy a distorted view of God prevents you from praying effectively
The image is all distorted. You can't really tell who's behind all that glass. You can see shapes and forms and some color, but that's about it.
Believe it or not, that's the way some people look at God. But it's not a literal wall of glass bricks. They see God through fear, man-made doctrines, and their own misconceptions about God.
For example, if you think God is wrathful and vindictive and gleefully waiting to punish you for the tiniest little mistake, that's a "glass brick" that distorts God's true nature as divine Love.
You may see God that way, but that doesn't mean that's the way God actually is. It's the lens you look through that makes Him appear that way.
How do I know?
Well, Jesus gave us a clear picture of God's nature. He only did what he saw God do and only said what God told him to. You can look at Jesus's words and actions and get a pretty good idea of what God is really like and how He wants us to act.
That's what this week's podcast is all about. I talk about:The good news is that Christ is revealing God's true nature to you right now without any distortions of human opinions, culture, limitations, or fear. Christ is always revealing God’s true nature to you.
Take an honest look at whatever glass bricks may be distorting your view of God. Let Christ dismantle them. Then bask in the un-distorted, undiminished light of God’s full glory.
To read a full transcript of this episode and study all the Bible verses mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes page: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/197
Thanks for listening. Please share with a friend._________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 18 Jul 2023 - 196 - 196 – Making Room for God in Your Life with Tommy Thompson
196 – How do you make room for God in your life?
Why is it important to create space in your life for God? What practical steps can we take to de-clutter our minds and hearts from external distractions? How do you prioritize your day and find what is truly important? How can slowing down and creating space be more impactful than rushing through tasks? How has this impacted your personal life and relationship with God? Why is consistency important in connecting with God? What's the difference between chronos time and kairos time, and why is kairos moments are so important?
With all the busyness of today's world and the demands of daily life, it's sometimes hard to find the time to make space for one-on-one time with God.
In this week's episode, I chat with author Tommy Thompson about how he has discovered ways to benefit from creating spaces in your life to be with God.
Tommy says the best way to do this is start with small steps making room for God in your life. It could be just 10 more minutes of prayer each morning.
And it's important to be consistent.
Even if there's a day or two where you may not feel connected to God in your prayers, the consistent practice of making room for God will have a long term effect.
Here are some of the questions I asked Tommy. You'll love his straight forward and practical answers.These are just a few of the things we talked about.
To read all the Scripture references in this episode, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/196 and scroll all the way to the bottom.
To read the full transcript of this episode, download it here.
Resources:
Tommy's book: Space to Breathe Again: Hope for the Overloaded and Overwhelmed*
Website: http://www.tommythompson.org/*Amazon affiliate link
_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 11 Jul 2023 - 195 - 195 – The Declaration of Spiritual Independence
195 – Have you ever thought about having a Spiritual Independence Day?
July 4 is celebrated in the United Sates as Independence Day.
It's the anniversary of the day, back in 1776 when a small group of men, gathered in Philadelphia, and after much discussion and debate, decided to declare independence from England.
If you would like to read a copy of that document, and don’t have one, click this link: The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America.
If you are a citizen of the United States, this is of deep importance. And it has served as a model for other countries.
But it also serves as a metaphor for each of us to declare our independence from negative, material, and evil influences, that would pull us away from our God-given heritage and freedoms.
Declaration of Spiritual Independence
It is in this spirit that I share something I wrote several years ago and had on my website, but have now updated. It is a Declaration of Spiritual Independence.
But it’s not enough just to declare our independence from the material and evil influences of the world. Just as those early Americans had to defend their newly proclaimed freedom and then fight to establish it, at times we need to defend our right to be free of worldly influences.
I encourage you to print off a copy of this Declaration of Spiritual Independence, sign it, and put it somewhere you can see it.
To check out the show notes for this episode with all the Bible quotes implied in the document, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/195._________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 04 Jul 2023 - 194 - 194 – Who Are You in the Parable of the Good Samaritan?
194 – Who do you identify with the most in the parable of the Good Samaritan?
The priestThe LeviteThe Good SamaritanThe innkeeperThe donkeyThe thievesThe man who was robbed and beaten
We usually like to think of ourselves as always being like the Good Samaritan, but sometimes we play some of the other roles.
When I take an honest look at my life, there have been lots of times I have been more like the priest and the Levite.
But there are several other characters in the story and this week's episode talks about all of them and what we can learn from them:
Here they are. Which ones have you been? Who are you now?If you're like me, you've been several of these characters.
As I said earlier, we usually like to think we are always the Good Samaritan in this story, but sometimes you may be the innkeeper or the donkey. All three are important and work together to bless the one who needs help.
And sometimes you need to be a Good Samaritan, an innkeeper or a donkey to yourself, especially if you’ve been the thief, the priest, or the Levite to yourself.
I’ll leave you with these questions: Who is your neighbor? And whose neighbor are you? What will you do about it?
To read the full transcript and Bible quotations in this episode, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/194._________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 27 Jun 2023 - 193 - 193 – Quietly Surrendering to God
193 – What comes to mind when you hear the phrase: surrender to God?
What does the word surrender actually mean?What it means to surrender to God What should we surrender?How to surrender to GodThe best example in the Bible of someone who surrendered to God
Is it something you're comfortable with? Or is it a something you've tried to do but not very successfully? Or maybe it's something you don't really think about that much?
This week, we're going to dive into this topic of surrendering to GodSurrendering to God should be a quiet process between you and God and no one else. You don’t need to tell anyone else about it. You don’t need to announce it at church to show how spiritually minded you are or to impress anyone.
Let them see the changesthat take place in the way you live your life.
If there is something in your life you need to surrender to God, or if you’ve realized you need to surrender your whole self to God’s purpose for your life instead of trying to force your own plans, I encourage you to set aside some time to ponder this deeply.Go into your prayer closet. Be still. Ask God for help. Be quiet. Listen for God’s direction. And I would encourage you to write down everything God tells you. Put yourself at God’s disposal. Put your life completely in His hands.
Thanks for listening.
Check out the Bible verses mentioned this week as well as a complete transcript of the episode at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/193_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 20 Jun 2023 - 192 - 192– Jesus's Recipe to Stop Worrying
192 – Have you ever known someone who worried about almost everything?
To quit worrying is about trusting God (Proverbs 3:5, 6, of course)You have to quit trying to manipulate people and circumstances to get what you wantWhat are the consequences of the kingdom of heaven being at hand?How to get rid of the fear that keeps us from trusting GodFind out what my friend Eunice quit worrying when there was no money and she didn't have one crumb of food to feed her family the day before Thanksgiving What does it really mean to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness?You can't just quote Scriptures and think that will solve the problemSome people think they're praying, when actually they're just worrying
Or have you ever been that person, that just couldn't help worrying about stuff?
This week's episode dives intoJesus's solution to overcoming being a worrywart. It's all about embracing his promise that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Here are some of the key things this week:The way to stop worrying,is to seek and find the kingdom of heaven at hand, to experience being in God’s presence.
Jesus would not tell us to seek this kingdom if we couldn’t find it. The implication is that we can be conscious right now of heaven’s presence and dwell there.In heaven there’s nothing to worry about. And that is where you dwell. You have everything you need and God is in complete control.
For a full transcript of this episode and a list of Bible references mentioned, check out the show notes: Episode 192_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 13 Jun 2023 - 191 - 191 – How Early Christian Writings Help Us Understand the Bible with Shirley Paulson191 – Did you know there are around 100 early Christian writings but only 27 of them are included in the New Testament?
This week my guest is Shirley Paulson, founder and principal producer of Early Christian Texts, the Bible, and Beyond.
We talked about how the early Christian writings, which aren't in the Bible, can help us understand the Bible better. They give us a bigger picture of what was going on in the early Christian church.
Shirley's academic work focuses on early Christian writings, and she discussed the Secret Revelation of John, a long text focused on the theology of healing.
Shirley emphasized the connection between healing and restoring the body and soul, which she sees as the essence of healing. We also talked about the concept of Gnosticism and how scholars have wrestled with ideas about Jesus, Christianity, and believing in God.
We covered lots of topics relating to these early non-canonical writings:
Consolidation of power by the Roman Empire under Constantine's rule Development of the concept of heresy and exclusion of women, healers, and spiritual thinkers from positions of power Formation of the Biblical canon and disagreement on which books should be included Interests in reading various texts to understand better early Christianity and Jesus' followers The Secret Revelation of John, a long text focused on the theology of healing Shirley's focus on healing practices and theology in early followers of Jesus Gnosticism is not what you thought it wasAnd so much more...I learned that when the church became institutionalized, it tried to stamp out spiritual healing, the leadership of women in the church, and spiritually understanding your relationship with God. These three things were the biggest threat to the authority of the church institution.
One of the best books to start with is the Gospel of Mary.
Shirley has written a book exploring The Secret Revelation of John, which is really a guide to spiritual healing.
Shirley's books:
Illuminating the Secret Revelation of John: Catching the Light
And: After Jesus Before Christianity: A Historical Exploration of the First Two Centuries of Jesus Movements
Shirley's website: Early Christian Texts
For more det_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 06 Jun 2023 - 190 - 190 – Quit trying to change something when you pray
190 – When you pray, do you start with the problem or the solution?
It starts with our relationship with GodThen it acknowledges the power, kingdom, and glory of GodWe humbly pray for God's will instead of our own
This week we take a deep dive into how to pray more effectively. And so we're going to look at how Jesus prayed and see how we can follow his example.
Jesus never started his prayers with the problem. But isn't that what we do sometimes? We try to explain to God how bad the situation is, as if He doesn't already know what's really going on.
Jesus always started his prayers with the solution.Just look at how he taught us to pray.None of these lines in the Lord's Prayer are trying get God to fix the problem. The more we follow this model, the more effective our prayers will be.
Jesus said his purpose on earth was to bear witness to the truth. He could see what was true in heaven about a given situation, that God was supreme and in charge.
When challenges come up, ask yourself: What is true about this situation in the kingdom of heaven? Then be quiet and listen for an answer.
The more you do this, the better you’ll get at hearing God’s voice. Your prayers will no longer be an attempt to fix or change something or to get God to change something. More and more, they will become a joyful opportunity to bear witness to what is true in heaven right now.
Thanks for listening. To read all the Bible quotes in this episode, go to the shownotes page thebiblespeakstoyou.com/109._________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 30 May 2023 - 189 - 189 – How to Pray When You Feel Rejected
189 – What do you do when you feel rejected?
It can be a pretty lousy feeling. When you feel rejected, sometimes it's hard to know what to do.
I’ve been hearing from people lately who have been rejected in one way or another.
For some it’s being rejected by a family member or someone at school, or not getting the promotion at work they had hoped for.I have several friends who have been rejected by their churches because they were misunderstood and misjudged, or sometimes because they disagreed with the pastor on some topic.
There are all kinds of rejection.It happens all the time. Some situations are not as significant as others. But sometimes a rejection, or series of rejections, can cut right into your sense of self-worth.
Eliab, and all David's other brothers, when they weren't chosen as kingHagar, when Sarah was jealous of her and had Abraham banish herElijah, when Jezebel threatened to kill himSaul, when he had disobeyed GodJeremiah, when people would not listen to his warningsAnd Jesus, when religious leaders rejected his message and Messiahship
In this week's episode, I talk about several people in the Bible who were rejected for various reasons, some appropriate, some not.Some of the folks dealt with rejection better than others, but Jesus gives the best example: to love and forgive.
For a full transcript of this episode and all the Bible quotes this week, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/189 for the show notes.
How do you pray when you feel rejected?
If you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review and a rating on Apple Podcasts. Thanks._________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 23 May 2023 - 188 - 188 – The Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea as Metaphors for Life
188 – The Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea have the same source. Why are they so different?
Nabal, Abigail's husbandThe man who tore down his barns to build bigger onesJosephAnanias, who healed Saul of blindnessDorcas, also known as Tabitha
Have you ever noticed how many water metaphors there are in the Bible?
One of the most important ones is not specifically mentioned. You have to know the geography of the Holy Land to understand it.
The Sea of Galilee has fresh water coming into and water flows out of it. As a result, the Sea of Galilee is teaming with life.
The Dead Seahas fresh water flowing into it, but there's no outlet for the water. It can only evaporate. All the minerals and sediments are left behind. Over thousands of years these deposits have become so concentrated that nothing can live in or around it.
These two seas are metaphors for how we live.
Are you someone who receives and gives in return. Or are you someone who takes, but never gives back.
In this week's episodeI talk about several Bible characters who either have the Dead Sea approach to life or the Sea of Galilee mentality.The Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea don’t have a choice as to how the water comes in and goes out of them. But you and I do have a choice.
Be a cheerful giver. And I would add, be a cheerful and grateful receiver. You probably already are.
It’s not about the amount of resources you are given or how much time or money or effort you give. It’s about the gratitude for and generosity of God’s love that overflows in your heart to bless those around you.To read the full transcript of this episode and to study all the Bible references mentioned this week, check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/188.
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Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 16 May 2023 - 187 - 187 – Scot McKnight: Revelation for the Rest of Us
187 – What if the book of Revelation is not a prophecy of what will happen in the future, but a guidebook of how to follow the Lamb in the midst of Babylon?
The book is a critique of Rome and its sin-sickness, its idolatry, its blasphemy, its immoralities, its exploitations, its warmongering.Revelation is concerned with the seven churches beginning to act like Rome, allowing the way of Rome influence the way they were living. The speculation approach to the book of Revelation has taught believers that we’re going to escape and this stuff is in the future and doesn’t have anything to do with us. And we have missed the opportunity to disciple our congregations politically enough to discern Babylon and live faithfully when Babylon is breathing everywhere around us.The three ways to resist Babylon as followers of JesusHow the dragon got sLambed.The effect of Constantine and the institutionalization of the Christianity was a great loss for the church.
This week I talk with Scot McKnight, author of Revelation for the Rest of Us: A Prophetic Call to Follow Jesus as a Dissident Disciple.
Scot warns against the tendency to read the book of Revelation through speculation as to who in the world today might be fulfilling specific prophecies.
This misses the main point of Revelation, which is to alert Christians to be faithful to following Jesus in the midst of Babylon's influence in the world.
Some of Scot's main points:Check out the episode and let me know what you think; contact info is below.
To purchase this book: Revelation for the Rest of Us: A Prophetic Call to Follow Jesus as a Dissident Disciple*
Check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/187
*Amazon affiliate link_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 09 May 2023 - 186 - 186 Staying Faithful over a Few Things
186 – With all the challenges in the world and in your life, is it really possible to stay faithful?
What it means to be and stay faithfulWho we should be faithful to (it's not just God)What we should not be faithful to, but all too often areWays to takes steps that strengthen our faithGod and Jesus are faithful toward usThis gives us a foundation for our faith
Yes, of course.
Sometimes we think of our faith in a big sweeping way. But staying faithful sometimes is about tiny little baby steps of doing what's right in the moment.
In this week's episode, I talk aboutWhen you feel your faith is challenged, or you've lost your faith, just pick something from the Sermon on the Mount or a chapter from one of the Gospels that calls out to you.
Walk the extra mile with a friendForgive and love your enemiesBe more patientBe grateful for times in the past when your faith was strong
Be faithful over one thing that God is calling you to do.Being faithful over a few things is not so much a final destination. It’s the way we journey one step of faith at a time on the path of life. Each step leads to the next.
Our faith grows and we are made rulers over many things. And then, from His infinite abundance of grace, love, and goodness, God gives us immeasurable gifts of the Spirit.
Show notes:Bible references quoted in this week - thebiblespeakstoyou.com/186
Previous episode mentioned: # 91 – Using Your God-given Talents_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 02 May 2023 - 185 - 185 – You Dwell in the House of the Lord Right Now
185 – What does it really mean to dwell in the house of the Lord?
Psalm 23:6 says we dwell in the house of the Lord foreverForever is not just in eternity. It's right now too.What I learned about living in the house of the Lord from fixing my kitchen faucet God Himself is actually our dwelling place (Psalm 90:1; Acts 27:28)Dwelling in the house of the Lord doesn't mean you live in your church. It's the way you live your lifeThe way you live in your home is an indication of how aware you are of dwelling in God's house, being in God's presenceThe way you dwell in God's presence is really how you worship Him
Usually we think it means sometime way off in the future after we die. But the Bible gives a lot of clues which point to the fact that we live in the house of the Lord right now, and always.
That's what this episode is all about, living in the house of the Lord right now.
Here are some of the key points:Jesus wants us to get over a limited form of worship, constricted by a location, a building, or thinking your church is the only one that can worship God correctly.
You can worship God wherever you are, because you are always in the house of the Lord. You are always in God’s presence, dwelling with and in Him. This is true for everyone.
The house of the Lord is where you live, right now.
To see the show notes, with all the Bible quotes and links to the original Hebrew words mentioned in this week's episode, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/185._________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 25 Apr 2023 - 184 - 184 – Is God Omnipotent?
184 – Does it bother you if someone says they don't believe God is omnipotent?
There's a lot of fresh discussion around this age old question, "Is God omnipotent?"
Most people who think they believe God is omnipotent really don't believe itThey believe in lots of other powers, usually the devil or evilThose who say God is not omnipotent say the Bible doesn't teach itBut the Bible has lots of references to God's all-powerful nature. Some of the folks in the Bible who mention this areAbramDavidNebuchadnezzarGabrielJesusVoices in the book of Revelations
A lot of people are challenging this concept and tying to be honest with themselves about what they really believe. So that's what we're talking about today.
In fact, a lot of people are deciding that they no longer believe God is omnipotent. If God was all powerful, why would He allow all the evil in the world?
In this week's episode I dig into this age old question about God and whether He is all-powerful. Some of the highlights:Just because you don't believe God is omnipotent, doesn't mean He isn't. Just because you believe He is, doesn't mean He is.
Maybe the question should be, Does God see Himself as omnipotent? Isaiah has several things to say about that.
This is really a mindset issue. If you start with the premise that God is not omnipotent, then you will see "proof" of that everywhere you look. It's like looking through tinted sunglasses and everything is the color of your lenses.
The color is in the lens, not the object you're looking at.
The conviction that God is not omnipotent is in you, in the lens or mindset you're looking through, not in God or an event. And it colors all you see.
I'd love to hear your thoughts. How do you answer the question: Is God omnipotent?
To review all the Bible quotes in this week's episode, check out the show notes at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/184. Scroll all the way to the bottom.
Thanks for listening._________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 18 Apr 2023 - 183 - 183 – Kit Cummings: Ministering to "the least of these"
183 – What is the best way to minister to the people most people ignore, the "least of these," as Jesus called them?
How he got started in his prison ministryThe struggle with alcoholism in his family and his own life His rise as a popular preacher as a young manHis public fall from grace as a preacherHow he dealt with the shame of his mistakesHow he found healing for himself when he ministered to his brothers in prison2 VERY powerful experiences working with men on death rowHow to start a prison ministryAnd so much more
This week on the podcast, I talk with Kit Cummings about his ministry in prisons and institutions, including men on death row.
My favorite Kit quote:
“A selfless act of service wakes up something inside of a person that, I don’t think, can be touched any other way.”
We talked aboutYou will love Kit's heart for Jesus.He truly sees Christ in each person he talks to in his ministry.
Kit encourages you to find a way to minister to the least of these. It doesn't have to be people in a prison. It could be someone in church who is lonely or someone in a nursing home that has no one to visit with.
Website:
kitcummings.comBooks:*
Peace Behind the Wire, a Nonviolent Resolution
The New Convict Code, Bringing Peace to the Streets from Behind the WireCheck out the show notes page:
All the Bible quotes Kit referred toKits full bio* Amazon affiliate links
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Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 11 Apr 2023 - 182 - 182 – Why did Jesus say, "I have overcome the world"?
182 – Have you ever wondered how Jesus could say “I have overcome the world,”beforehe was crucified?
Easter is in just a few days and I’ve been thinking about something Jesus said to his disciples after the Last Supper and just before he went to the Garden of Gethsemane.
It’s his famous saying, “I have overcome the world.” I’ve been pondering what he meant.Jesus knew exactly what was coming.He had tried to warn his disciples ahead of time that he would be arrested, tried, falsely accused, and crucified. And he also explained he would return after these ordeals. But they just couldn’t take it in. They had no hooks to hang that information on.
Jesus's kingdom-of-heaven-is-at-hand mindsetJesus's I-have-overcome-the-world mindsetJesus was conscious that his true spiritual dwelling place was heaven even when he was on earthWe can claim victory over our problems because Jesus has already overcome the worldJesus overcame the world to bless us.
Getting ready for Easter
In this week's episode,I talk about the fact that Jesus claimed victory over the world before his crucifixion and resurrection. Here are some of the points I cover:Spend some time this Easter season rejoicing over God’s love for all mankind, and being grateful for Jesus’s gift to you of his victory over the world.
To study all the Bible quotes in this episode, check out the show notes at
thebiblespeakstoyou.com_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 04 Apr 2023 - 181 - 181 – How to See Spiritually
181 – It's easy to see what your eyes see, but have you ever wondered how to see spiritually?
When Moses sent twelve men to spy out the Promised Land, only Joshua and Caleb saw the possibility of success. The other ten could only see failure. Their material eyes saw the same thing. But Joshua and Caleb were seeing spiritually.When Samuel went to anoint one of Jesse's sons to be king of Israel, he thought Eliab would be the one, because he was tall, handsome, and strong. But God said no. Samuel didn't look at Eliab spirituallyWhen the king of Syria, or Aram, sent soldiers to capture the prophet Elisha, Elisha's servant was terrified, but Elisha saw the horses and chariots of fire.
Recently a listener asked me to comment of 1 Corinthians 2:9-14. She wanted to know what it means to see spiritually and how we can do that.
This famous passage points out that the material senses, even the human mind and heart, cannot see or perceive the spiritual things God reveals to us. They can only be discerned spiritually.
That's what this week's podcast is all about: how to see spiritually. I share several Bible stories that had to do with seeing spiritually, seeing things that you couldn't see with your eyeballs.Jesus had a lot to say about seeing spiritually,
The light of the body is the eyeThe pure in heart see GodBeing judgmental of someone keeps you from seeing your own problemsThe evil thoughts in our heart keep us from seeing spirituallyThe good thoughts in our heart help us see spirituallyRight this minute, you have the ability to see spiritually. Jesus said to his disciples, and it is true for you and me today, "Blessed are your eyes for they see." He was talking about spiritual vision.
In this episode I talk about how to let go of the things and thoughts that keep you from seeing spiritually all that God is revealing to you.
Show notes, transcription, and Bible verses mentioned this week: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/181._________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 28 Mar 2023 - 180 - 180 – You Are Standing on Holy Ground
180 – Have you ever had a "burning bush" moment and felt like you were standing on holy ground?
Moses, of course, in front of the burning bushMannaseh, who was disobedient to God and was taken as a prisoner by the Assyrians. He humbled himself in prison, which was his holy ground.Saul, who appeared to be on the opposite of holy ground when he was going to Damascus. But Christ met him where he was and turned that road into holy ground for SaulJesus, who was always on holy ground, you could say. But in this week's episode I talk about his temptation in the wilderness and how he stood on the holy ground of the Scriptures.And I share a sweet little story of my youngest daughter when she decided what it meant to her to be on holy ground.
God appears to us in so many ways and situations.
Even when it seems you're wandering in the desert, hungry and thirsty, either literally or figuratively, searching for answers and solutions to problems, in need of healing and love, maybe even at the end of your rope, right there and then, you are on holy ground.
God is ready to guide you, protect you, love you, and heal you. You only need to be humble, listen for and obey His voice. Even though it may not seem like it with all your challenges, you are on holy ground, when you turn to God for help.
In this week's episode I talk about several characters in the Bible who found themselves on holy ground, even though it didn't always seem holy at the time:The fact is you are always on holy ground.You are always a nanosecond away from hearing and obeying God’s voice, no matter how far you may feel from God at the time.
Right this moment, you are standing on holy ground. Take off your sandals, anything that would make you feel separated from God. Be quiet. Be still. Be humble. And listen. God will tell you what to do next.
To check out the full show notes and transcript of this episode, along with all the Bible verses quoted, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/180._________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 21 Mar 2023 - 179 - 179 – What Is the Original Sabbath Day?
179 – Why did God rest on the original Sabbath day?
Was God tired? What does it mean for God to rest?
How some people misunderstand the 4th CommandmentWhat the 4th Commandment is actually asking us to doWhat is true Biblical rest?How did Jesus think about the Sabbath?What kind of rest did Jesus offer us?What day of the week is the real Sabbath? (It's not what you think!)
How does this apply to you and me?
Is there something we need to know about the original Sabbath day, that helps us find a Biblical rest and what it really means to obey the Fourth Commandment?
In this week's episode, I talk with Gregory Hall about what the original Sabbath is and how we can remember it the way God intended.
Here are some of the things we talked about:These are just a few of the questions we dove into.
We also talked about Greg's new book Rethinking Rest, Why Our Approach to Sabbath Isn't Working.*
And check out Greg's podcast: Rethinking Scripture podcast.
To see the full transcript of the episode and all Bible quotes, go to the show notes at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/179.* Affiliate link
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Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 14 Mar 2023 - 178 - 178 – How do You Self-Identify?
178 – How do you see yourself?
Can we decide who and what we are? Are we defined by our past, our position in life, our culture, our money and education, our emotions. Can our mistakes define us? Can other people define who we are? Can we define ourselves; can we decide our own identity?
There's a lot of debate these days about how some people choose to self-identify when their choices don't follow society's stereotypes.
Who or what is that defines us?
Episode 037 – You Are the Image and Likeness of God. What the Heck Does that Mean?Episode 070 – Why Is It So Hard to Put Off the Old Self?Episode 085 – Finding Your Identity in Christ
You are so much more than whatever label you put on yourself, how you see yourself, and how others see you.
The real question is:How does God define you? How does God see and identify you?
Whether you think you're defined by your circumstances, your past, etc., or whether you think you can define yourself however you choose, your true spiritual identity is already established. You are the image and likeness of God.
Three previous episodes of The Bible Speaks to You Podcast that talk about your identity:Check out the Bible quotes in this week's episode: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/178
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Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 07 Mar 2023 - 177 - 177 – You Are on the Pathway to Healing
177 – Are you searching for the pathway to healing?
Have you ever felt like you were a long way off from getting an answer to your prayers?
Maybe you’ve been praying for a long time about a resolution to challenge of some sort, guidance in making an important choice, or maybe you’ve been praying for healing, either physical or emotional, in your own life or for a friend.Sometimes it’s tempting to wish Jesus was here and we could just walk up to him and ask him to heal us, solve our problem, or guide us to make the right decision.
The pathway to healing goes both directions. You are seeking Christ to heal you. Christ is coming to youChrist meets you exactly where you are on the path of healingJesus didn't just randomly show up where someone was looking for healingJesus knew exactly where to be because of how he listened to GodSometimes people came to Jesus asking for healingSometimes Jesus reached out to someone who needed healingSomeone can be on the pathway to healing and not even know it (think Saul)
If you’re looking for healing in your life, the spiritual transformation that comes as a result of God’s presence in our lives, I’ve got some good news.
You are not so far away from healing as you might think.
In this week's episode I talk about the pathway to healing.Where ever you are,whatever your circumstances, whatever your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual state, you are on the pathway to healing and Christ is coming to you, finding you, encouraging you, strengthening you, and bringing healing to you. Whether you know it or not. Whether you believe it or not.
You are always on the pathway to healing because you can never be separated from Christ.
Christ is meeting you wherever you are, or rather wherever you think you are, and revealing to you where you truly are, the pathway of healing, the pathway of your wholeness, your presence in the kingdom of heaven.
To see the Bible quotes in this episode: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/177_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 28 Feb 2023 - 176 - 176 – How Much Do You Love the People Who Will Be Born 100 Years from Now?
176 – Have you ever wondered if how much you love will have an impact on the future?
Just thinking about this question gave me a more all-encompassing perspective of what it means to love all mankindJesus said love your neighbor as yourself. People in the future are actually a kind of neighbor too.Jesus prayed for everyone in the future who would believe on him. Since Jesus knew he would be a blessing to folks in the future, we can follow his example and be a blessing for those in the future.
A couple of weeks ago during my prayer time, God dropped this question into my heart:
How much do you love the people who will be born 100 years from now?
It really blew me out of the water.
In this week's episode,I share some possible answers to this question. And I encourage you to think how you would answer it.If you’re doing what God has called you to do, that will have an influence on those you know and they will pass it along to the people they know.
That’s how the gospel of Christ has come to us down the ages to this present moment.This same process will continue. Even if people 100 years from now never know your name or that you even existed, the influence you have on the people you love and bless right now will have a ripple effect into the future.
Jesus fulfilled his purpose here on earth.He didn’t live his life just for himself or the people who lived in his time period but for all mankind throughout the ages.
When you live your life in fulfillment of your God-given purpose, you too will be a blessing for generations yet to come.
How will that happen? I have no idea.
But I deeply believe that when we follow Jesus’s example of doing God’s will in our own lives, as Jesus did, it will bless others, just as Jesus did.
And there is no time limit on that blessing.Previous episode mentioned this week:
Episode 8 – How to Experience the Spiritual Power of the Lord’s Prayer
Show notes for this week(with Bible verses mentioned):
thebiblespeakstoyou.com/176_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 21 Feb 2023 - 175 - 175 – Living in the Kingdom of Heaven
175 – How is it possible to live in the kingdom of heaven today?
I share an experience when I had to see past the surface appearance of things to bear witness to what is true in heaven. It brought healing.You can't see, understand, or live in the kingdom of heaven with your material senses or the human mindAwareness of heaven's presence comes through revelation from GodI share three of the many ways to be more receptive to the presence of heaven here on earthJesus's parables are keys that unlock the gates of heaven so we can dwell there. Here are three I talk about:The lady putting yeast in her bread doughThe man who finds a pearl of great valueWaiting until the harvest to separate the tares from the wheat
Recently I was talking with a new listener to The Bible Speaks to You Podcast about what it means to embrace the mind of Christ on the subject of the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus says that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. If that's really true, how can we be more conscious of its presence? Can we actually live in the kingdom here on earth? And what does that look like?
These are some of the things I talk about in this week's episode:A lot of folks think that the kingdom of heaven should appear in some grandiose and dramatic way with angels flying around blowing trumpets, but more often heaven appears following the model in Isaiah 28:10 – Precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, there a little.
When you notice and are faithful over the little ways the kingdom of heaven appears, you’ll be ready to receive more of it in the future.
Think of something or someone in your life right now that’s giving you a bit of a challenge. Just from the three parables mentioned above, is there an aspect of heaven you can bring to your situation?
Can you add just a little bit of spiritual yeast to the situation like the lady in the parable? What do you need to focus on that is of great spiritual value? Where in your life do you need to wait on God’s timing of events?
Jesus promises us that the kingdom of heaven is here.It is at hand. And you can experience its presence now.
Previous episodes mentioned this week:
Episode 2: The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand
Episode 34:Windows into Heaven
Episode 46:_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 14 Feb 2023 - 174 - 174 – From Hurt to Hope with Steve Wormer
174 – Getting from hurt to hope
Forgiveness and trust are two different thingsWhat is forgiveness anyway?Sometimes forgiveness is like wrestling with GodGod likes you to be specific in your prayersGratitude is the cousin of forgivenessGratitude is a powerful healing prayerThe 5 things that kill gratitudeThere's always something to be grateful forWhat brings healing to someone's life?What does being a follower of Jesus put on your heart?We all need to love more like Jesus didOur churches especially need to be more loving in and out of church
Are there things hurting you from the past you're still carrying around? Or do you know someone who is?
This week's podcast episode is full of healing. I'm talking with Steve Wormer about his work as a minister, and the Hurt to Hopeprogram he works with to help churches and individuals find healing in their lives. It's a Bible-based program that helps someone move from the hurts of the past to hope for the future.
We talk about what it takes to bring healing to a person's life as well as to a whole church membership that may be hurting.
Here are some of the main points we cover:Connect with Steve Wormer:
Website: https://hurt2hope.org/
Email: steve.wormer5@gmail.com
Book: Rivers of Hope (Amazon affiliate link)
Check out all the Bible references we talked about: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/174_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 07 Feb 2023 - 173 - 173– The Parable of the Overloaded Backpack: What Will You Surrender to God?
173 – Is there anything you need to surrender to God?
This week's episode is a parable about six year-old Charlotte, who tries to take all 12 of her stuffed animals on a hike, crammed into her backpack.
But it's not so easy to keep them all tucked away. One after the other they either fall in the water, get left behind, get covered in mud, or fall in a thorn bush.
But Charlotte is determined to take all her "friends" with her each day.
Join in the fun and listen as the wise little six-year old summarizes the camping and hiking trip:
“I had the best time ever and my favorite thing was that I learned sometimes the things you love, hold you back when you hold onto them too much. Sometimes you have to let go of the things you love so you can go where you want to.”
The question is on the table for you and me: What will you take out of your overloaded backpack? What will you surrender so you can follow Christ more closely?
Check out the full transcript of this episode at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/173.
I also make mention of a conversation I had with my friend Pam Fields, host of The Mom Next Door: Stories of Faith Podcast. Pam shares how she was able to surrender something from the past and accepting the Holy Spirit's gift in exchange.
Two previous parables on The Bible Speaks to You Podcast:
Episode 14 – Would You Let Jesus in Your House if You Hadn’t Cleaned Up for Weeks?
Episode 32 – The Parable of the Unbaked Cake_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 31 Jan 2023 - 172 - 172 – Living in the Holy Spirit
172 – What is it like to live in the Holy Spirit?
Why Jesus had to leave before the Holy Spirit would comeHow to know that you have the Holy Spirit in your life2 things you can do that bring the Holy SpiritThe overall purpose of the Holy Spirit in Scripture and todayWhether to say the Holy Spirit or just Holy SpiritHow to actually live in the Holy SpiritExamples in the New Testament of people living in the Holy Spirit
Is it still possible today? Yes, it is!
To understand why, we need to go back to when Jesus promises his disciples he will send the Holy Spirit to guide them, teach them everything they need to know, and remind them of everything he taught them.
In this week's episode I talk aboutAre you willing to let go of your agenda, your preconceptions, your opinions about what and how things have to be done, and be completely willing to go where the Holy Spirit guides you?
Is your church willing to do this collectively?Never think you are exempt from being "employed" by the Holy Spirit to further the Cause of Christ in the world.
God can use your talents and abilities, and even your perceived lack of them, to His greater purpose. It’s not about how capable or holy you are, but how capable and holy God is.
My prayer for you is that you will feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life, that you will live in the presence of the Holy Spirit and that the light of Christ in you heart will shine out into the world to bless all mankind.
Blog posts mentioned in this week's episode:
What Does the Holy Ghost ACTUALLY Do?”
The Holy Spirit: Advocate, Comforter, and Defense Attorney
Bible verses quoted this week are in the show notes:
thebiblespeakstoyou.com/living-in-the-holy-spirit/_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 24 Jan 2023 - 171 - 171 – Why Did Jesus Talk in Parables?
171 – Have you ever wondered why Jesus spoke in parables so often?
What benefit was it to telling the multitude to plant seeds in good soil? Jesus wasn't trying to teach them how to grow their crops.What benefit could the crowds get if they didn't have an explanation?Did Jesus think people would think deeply about what he said and eventually figure out what he was talking about?Did he not care that most of the crowd didn't understand as longs a few people did?Did Jesus know that his words would be written down and shared in the future?Why didn't Jesus speak more clearly to his disciples?
Recently I got an email from a listener, Brian, wondering why Jesus spoke so often in parables but didn't ever explain things to the crowds of people who were listening. He only explained them to his disciples.
So I decided to do a whole episode about this. There's actually a lot to it and Brian actually had a lot of related questions.
Here are the questions Brian asked and that I talk about this week. He was referring specifically to the Parable of the Sower:I also talk about the number 1 problemin trying to figure out what the parables, or any of Jesus's teachings, mean.
And I share the very best wayto actually discover the meaning of Jesus's parables.
To see all the Bible verses quoted in this week's episode, check out the show notes at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/171.
NOTICE: If you have a topic you'd like me to talk about on The Bible Speaks to You Podcast, please click the contact link in the bio below._________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 17 Jan 2023 - 170 - 170 – Leaving Legalistic Religion for God's Abundant Grace with Emily Louis
170 – If you're stuck in a legalistic church, it may be time to leave.
Why did you start your podcast, Abundant Grace and how has it blessed folks?What was the first thing you found freedom from in you journey out of legalism?Why was it so hard?Why do you think people find comfort in the box, in the rules and the legalism? What caused you to rebel against legalism?Why do people obey the legalistic rules if they don't agree with them?What was your concept of and your relationship with God growing up and how has that changed?How has your approach to prayer changed?What are some of the theological things you don't believe anymore?How did you find your worth as a child of God?How do you help people discover and accept their worth?What is God's abundant grace and unconditional love like?How did it feel when you actually left the church you grew up in?
Being in a legalistic church is like being stuck in a small, tight box with little freedom.
In today's podcast, I have a conversation with my friend Emily Louis, a worthiness coach and the host of the Abundant Grace Podcast, who left legalism for God's abundant grace.
Here are some of the things we talked about:To see all the Bible references mentioned in this episode, go to:
thebiblespeakstoyou.com/170
Resources:Instagram: emily.abundantgrace
Podcast: Abundant Grace
Please visit this special page Emily created just for you: emilyklouis.com/thebiblespeaks
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Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 10 Jan 2023 - 169 - 169 – What Is Your Spiritual Vision for 2023?
169 – Have you thought about what your spiritual vision for 2023 will be?
Why spiritual vision is importantWhat spiritual vision isHow to look at your life from a more spiritual perspectiveLooking at yourself and others with your spiritual visionHow did Jesus see things?Can you and I have the same spiritual vision Jesus did?Where will you go spiritually in 2023?
It's not just setting a goal and making it happen but seeing what God is doing in your life.
The book of Proverbs shares a powerful truth: "Where there is no vision, the people perish:" (Proverbs 29:18)
But this vision doesn't just mean what you see with your eyeballs. It means spiritual or prophetic vision, the ability to see what God is doing in your life and the world.
In this week's episode, I talk aboutGod has given us spiritual vision, we just need to use it.
God has given you the ability to see way beneath and beyond the surface appearance of things and discern the things of the SpiritUse this gift often. Open your spiritual eyes and you will see what God is doing in 2023.
For Bible references mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/169._________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 03 Jan 2023 - 168 - 168 – Best Podcast Episodes: 2022
2022 Highlights of The Bible Speaks to You Podcast
Sometimes at the end of the year and before the new year begins, you need a little reminder of all the good things that happened in the last 12 months.
In this episode I share clips from 10 of the most listened to episodes of The Bible Speaks to You Podcast during 2022.
Here are links to the full episodes of all those mentioned:
# 120 Jason Elam: You Are Loved and Accepted by God
# 125 Can Your Prayers to End War Make a Difference?
# 136 Cultivating the Mindset of Christ
# 139 The Healing Power of Blessing Others with Pierre Pradervand
# 146 You Are Filled with All the Fullness of God
# 149 You Are Here for Such a Time as This
# 153 Where Does Your Self-Worth Come From?
# 157 How to Find Inspiration when You Feel Uninspired
# 159 Following Wise Women in the Bible
# 161 You Are Already Complete_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 27 Dec 2022 - 167 - 167 – What Will You Give Jesus for Christmas?
167 – Have you ever thought about what you'll give Jesus for Christmas this year?
in the storesin trafficon the sidewalkat churchat homeon the phonewherever
Christmas is in just a few days (if you're listening to this episode when it comes out). And you probably have most of your holiday preparations already taken care of except for the things that have to wait for the last minute.
In all you've done to get ready for Christmas, have you ever stopped to consider what you'll give Jesus for Christmas this year?
What could you possibly give him that he doesn't already have? He doesn't need any more gold, frankincense, or myrrh. He doesn't need any things. What he wants is the love in your heart, your whole heart.
And maybe we need to ask the question in a different way: What will you give up for Jesus this Christmas? The hurts, the fears, the unforgiving attitude, the desire to get even with someone.
When we clear out these negative thoughts, there's more room for Christ in our hearts. That is a beautiful gift for Jesus.
Every time you obey one of Jesus's commandments, you are giving him a gift.
In Matthew, Chapter 25, Jesus reminds us that we need to treat everyone we meet the same way we would treat him, because, that's actually what's happening.
This Christmas, I encourage you to see Jesus in everyone you come in contact with:Express the same love to these people you would to Jesus.
And if you get so busy you forget, do it retroactively before you go to bed at night.
When you love everyone you meet the way you would love Jesus, that's the very best gift you can give him. It's the best gift you can give someone else. And it's the best gift you can give yourself.
I wish you a very Merry Christmas. I recognize and cherish the Christ in you today and always.To read a transcript of the episode and see the Bible quotes mentioned this week, go to: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/167.
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Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 20 Dec 2022 - 166 - 166 – Getting Ready for Christmas with the Sermon on the Mount
166 – How do you get ready for Christmas spiritually?
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God Do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them Love your enemies Do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven Each line of the Lord's PrayerDon’t store up treasures here on earth, store your treasures in heavenDon't worry about what you'll eat, drink, or wear because God will care for youSeek first the kingdom of God and His righteousnessDon't judge others or you will be judged
Christmas will be here in less than two weeks. Are you ready?
I'm not talking about the shopping and the cooking, the decorations and the Christmas cards. I'm talking about being ready spiritually to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Usually at this time of year, I read the Nativity stories in Matthew and Luke. And I look at the prophecies in the Old Testament the tell how Jesus will be born.
But this year I've been studying the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew, chapters 5, 6, and 7), to get in the Christmas spirit.
And I'm seeing things I've never seen before.
There's not time to go over every verse in this podcast episode, but here's what I talk about. And I share how these verses shed light on the spiritual meaning of Christmas.I encourage you to read the whole Sermon on the Mount and think about how each verse brings vibrancy to the Christmas message.
I wish you a very blessed and holy Christmas.
For all the Bible quotes in this episode, go to the show notes page:
thebiblespeakstoyou.com/166_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 13 Dec 2022 - 165 - 165 – How Did Jesus Love His Disciples?
165 – Have you ever noticed all the ways Jesus loved his disciples?
If you were going to tell someone you loved them, what would you say? How would you say it? There are so many possibilities. Just saying the words, “I love you,” doesn’t always convey love does it?
It’s about the tone of voice, the circumstances, your facial expressions and body language, the sincerity in your heart. A lot more than just words goes into letting someone know you love them.And if you were going to show someone you loved them, what would you do? To them? For them? With them? Again, there are lots of ways to show someone you love them, sometimes without even saying a word. Actions often express much more love than words ever could.
A listener recently requested I explore in a podcast episode, all the ways Jesus expressed love to his disciples.
Jesus loved them first and foremost by being true to himself and his purposeHe loved them by choosing them to follow himHe taught them publicly and privatelyHe appointed them to preach and teach and empowered them to do soHe taught them not just with his words but with his exampleHe was patient with themHe answered the questionsHe rebuked themHe prepared them for when he would no longer be with themHe sent the Holy Spirit to guide them once he was goneHe trusted them to do what God called them to do
Well there's no way to talk about them all in one short episode, but this week I take an overview of many of the ways Jesus loved his disciples. And the implication is that he loves us in the very same way.
Here are the ways Jesus loved his disciples mentioned in this episode:When you look at every single word and action through the lens of how much Jesus loved his disciples, his love is so much more obvious.
And remember, the love in Jesus's heart for his disciples includes you and me as well.
Here's how Jesus summed up this love:"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love." John 15:9 NIVJesus loves us the way the Father loves him. Are you willing to open your heart to and accept that kind of love?
To see all the Bible quotes in this week's episode: thebiblepseakstoyou.com/165_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 06 Dec 2022 - 164 - 164 – Sitting in Heavenly Places with Christ
164 – Wouldn't it be great to be sitting with Christ in heavenly places?
Have you ever just wanted to get away from all the struggle, the challenges, and the busyness of daily life? Sometimes it seems the cycle of events never stops and we don’t have time to just be still and feel God’s presence as much as we’d like to.
I have certainly felt this way many times. But a phrase from Ephesians has been coming to me the last week or so which has given me a lot of comfort: “sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:6That actually sounds pretty good doesn’t it? To sit in heavenly places in Christ.
But how on earth do we do that? Or, how in heaven do we do that, I should say. How can we get there, sitting in heavenly places?
The verb tense indicates that God has already made us sit in heavenly placesIt's not just way off in the futureTo sit in heavenly places is part of our spiritual inheritance as co-heirs with ChristIt is spiritually true now, we just can't see it looking through a distorted lensWe need to accept the fact we are heirs to the kingdom and that we deserve this inheritance because God has ordained it for us, and us for itWhen we look the the lens of God's grace, we can see more of our divine heritageBefore we can completely accept our divine inheritance we must give up a sin-oriented mindset that sees everyone, including ourselves, as miserable sinnersJesus looked at people through the lens of what's true in the kingdom of heaven and saw them "sitting with him in heavenly places."
In this week's episode I explore what this means:Take a moment right now, and open your spiritual vision to see yourself sitting in these heavenly places we’ve been talking about. Quit looking through the smudged and cracked lens of a world full of sin. Look at yourself, and everyone you meet, through the lens of God’s grace, God’s divine influence in your heart.
This is not something to do just once or twice. It begins with that. But it’s a daily practice. It’s a mindset shift. The more you look through the lens of grace, the more grace you’ll see everywhere you go. And you will see yourself and everyone you meet sitting in the heavenly places in Christ.
For Bible references in this episode: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/164_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 29 Nov 2022 - 163 - 163 – Being Grateful for Little Things
163 – What are you most grateful for?
Jesus giving thanks before a mealAn angel tells Zechariah not to despise small beginningsJesus telling his disciples they needed faith as a grain of mustard seedThe widow who gave two copper coins to the Temple treasuryBits in the mouths of horsesA rudder on a shipYeast in bread dough
What’s the first thing you think of? Is it something big or small? Something recent, something in the distant past, or is it for something in the future that hasn’t even happened yet?
Recently, when I asked someone in a class I was teaching what he was grateful for, he said it was his toothbrush. There's more to the story when you listen to the full episode, but it got me to thinking.
What does the Bible say about gratitude? A lot actually.
But most of the references I found have to do with thanking and praising God for the great things He has done, like create the heavens and the earth, deliver the children of Israel from Egypt and warring armies, and other grand and important things.
But I got curious about what the Bible says about being grateful for the little things in our lives.
I found some wonderful examples where the Bible brings out the importance of small things.
Here are just a few:But we can take our gratitude way beyond just being grateful for these things. How about turning them into spiritual metaphors!
For example, Jesus's parable of the woman putting yeast in the bread dough gives us a hint of when we get a little taste of the kingdom of heaven, it completely changes our lives.
In this episode, I give a lot more examples of how to take the everyday things in your life, and see them as spiritual metaphors. Things like a light switch, a window and door, a steering wheel in your car. Check it out.
I'd love to know what are the little things you're grateful for.
To see the full show notes with all the Bible references mentioned in this week's episode, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/163.
Subscribe to the podcast_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 22 Nov 2022 - 162 - 162 – Tim Winders Redefining Success
162 – How do you define success?
Redefining success is about busting up the Babylonian or worldly system of approaching life and business and how success is defined. And then asking 'What does the kingdom of God success look like? That’s really the bottom line.'What is success in the kingdom of heaven?Are you walking in the assignment God has given you?The three types of language Jesus used with different types of peopleWhy brokenness often causes us to finally turn to God for helpTo be a good leader, you need a relationship with your CreatorThe difference between the Babylonian approach to success and the kingdom of heaven approachservant leadership and steward leadership
Too many people today define success by how much money they have, their career, the things they have, their education, and lots of other externals.
But we need to redefine what success really is according to Tim Winders, my guest this week.
Tim made some very insightful observations about success:I also asked Tim three final questions:
If you could talk to anyone in the Bible other than Jesus, who would it be? Who do you identify with in the Bible?How does Jesus really want us to live our lives?Tune it to hear his answers.
155 – Aramaic in the New Testament with Roy Gessford160 – Why Does the Sabbath Still Matter Today?
Subscribe to the podcast
Resources:
Website: timwinders.com
Book: Coach - A Story of Success Redefined*
For Tim's bio and the Bible verses mentioned go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/162
Previous episodes mentioned:* Affiliate link
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Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 15 Nov 2022 - 161 - 161 – You Are Already Complete
161 – Did you know that as the image and likeness of God, in a sense, you are already complete and whole.
The woman who touched Jesus's clothes for healing and how Jesus took that healing to a deeper dimension Bartimaeus, whom Jesus could see as whole before he was was healedThe two aspects of Jesus's mindset that revealed a person's wholeness and then healed themWhere did Jesus see someone's completeness? What Jesus said to the woman who couldn't stand up that revealed she was already complete, even before she was healed
When I was a kid, I usually felt there was something missing in my life. I didn't have everything I needed. I felt incomplete. I often thought I needed some thing or situation to make me complete, but it was actually a mindset issue. Way down inside, I felt incomplete as a person.
As I grew in my faith, I came to see that as a child of God made in the divine image and likeness, my completeness came from God, not external things or just good human thoughts internally.
In this week's episode, I talk about how Jesus saw the completeness of the people he came in contact with and the healing effect it had on their lives. I discuss:Christ represents the fullness of God. All God’s fullness is in Christ.
When you truly embrace this idea that Christ embodies the fullness, the full nature, of God, then, “you also are complete through your union with Christ.” (Colossians 2:10 NLT)
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Bible references in this week's episode: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/161_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 08 Nov 2022 - 160 - 160 – Why Does the Sabbath Still Matter Today?
160 – Why is the Sabbath still important?
In the world today, lots of people don't really think too much about honoring the Sabbath. They may be glad to have a day off from work, but they’re not aware of its deep spiritual significance.Other folks who consider themselves spiritual but not religious, may think it’s just some old-fashioned religious tradition. They may be thinking, “Why can’t we just celebrate and be spiritual however we want to? Why should one day be more important than another?”
Where the idea of the Sabbath comes fromThe origin of the Hebrew word that refers to the SabbathGod's displeasure with the way the Children of Israel were sometimes celebrating the Sabbath in the Old TestamentHow Jesus healed on the Sabbath and why that is so significantHow the Pharisees felt about Jesus healing on the Sabbath (hint: they did NOT like it one bit)The spiritual essence of the SabbathHow we can remember the Sabbath all week long, not just on one day.
And some people take a very ritualistic approach to observing the Sabbath.
In this week's episode, I talk about__________________
Bible references in this week's episode: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/160
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Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Mon, 31 Oct 2022 - 159 - 159 – Following Wise Women in the Bible
159 – The Bible is full of women who speak with wisdom and have positions of authority.
Sarah: God commanded Abraham to obey wife and do everything she told him, in regards to sending Hagar and Ishmael awayAbraham obeyed his wifeHusbands who think their wives should always obey them need to remember what God told AbrahamDeborahwas a prophet and a judge in Israel, before there were kingsThe people came to Deborah as a judge and prophet because they truested her. Her reputation spoke for her. They did not discredit her because she was a woman.Deborah commanded Barak to gather 10,000 troops and he obeyedBarak wanted Deborah to go with him into battle. He valued what she had to offer.Barak was willing not to take credit for the victory because he knew Deborah was the one who brought the victoryHuldahwas a prophet during the reign of King JosiahWhen the book of the Law was found in the Temple and read to the Josiah, he sent the priest and others to Huldah, a prophetess, to inquire what God wanted him to doThe king, the mightiest man in the kingdom, asked for advice from a womanMary Magdalene was commissioned by Jesus to proclaim his resurrection to the disciplesThis is a case where men should have listened to a woman but didn'tPriscilla,along with her husband, taught a very educated man, who thought he already knew the Bible, about how Jesus fulfilled the Messianic prophecies
Several years ago in my Bible class at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, CT, I put together a class on all the women in the Bible.
It was fascinating to look at the Bible from the perspective of what women were doing and what was being done to them.
One of the first things I realized in preparing for and teaching this class was that the Bible is full of examples when women were in charge, had great authority, were sought out by men for advice, and were chosen for important roles.
These women were not subservient to men. They owned their power and fulfilled their God-given purpose by being true to themselves and to God.
In this week’s episode, we’re going to look at a few of these women and see what we can learn from them. This not just for you if you’re a woman. Guys, there are lots of lessons we can learn from what God does with women in the Bible.
Here are the women I talk about in this week's episode:How many times throughout history has God given wisdom to women,
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Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 25 Oct 2022 - 158 - 158 – Can We Be Modern Day Prophets?
158 – Have you ever thought of yourself as a prophet?
Have you ever thought it was even possible for you to be a prophet?We usually think if someone is going to be a prophet, it’s going to be someone else. Not us!
And we have this stereotype of prophets in the Bible predicting the future, issuing a warning to an evil king, or performing miracles of some sort.
But to be a prophet, doesn’t necessarily mean you have to do all these things.
Basically, to be a prophet, in the Bible, or today, you have to be able to hear God talking to you, do what He tells you do, say what He tells you to say to whom He tells you to say it.
To be a prophet means you have to set aside your personal opinions and listen to God for what to say and do.
Hears God's voiceObeys God's directionsSays what God tells them to say to whom God tells them to speakSets aside their personal opinions and perspectivesIs not deterred when someone tries to intimidate them or discredit them
In this week's episode, I talk about what the spirit of true prophecy and what makes it's possible for you to be a prophet.
A true prophet:Sometimes people try to squash your prophetic spirit. Even Joshua did this when two of the elders, who were supposed to come to the Tabernacle to receive God's Spirit, stayed in the camp. God placed His Spirit on them anyway.
When Joshua found out, he told Moses to stop them.
But Moses replied, "I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit upon them all!” Numbers 11:29 NLT
Don't let anyone intimidate you out of sharing what God reveals to you and calls you to do.
The world needs your spiritual vision, this spirit of true prophecy that you have and can bring to bear in a given situation. Human opinions will never bring healing to the world, but your prophetic spirit will.Whenever you are filled with the Holy Spirit, even if it's just for a minute, whenever you hear God, whenever say and do what God impels you to, you are a modern day prophet.
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Bible references in this week's episode: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/158_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 18 Oct 2022 - 157 - 157 – How to Find Inspiration when You Feel Uninspired
157 – Have you ever had one of those days...
Who has the wind in his fists? (Hint: Proverbs 30:4)What is the spiritual meaning of wind?What do you do when your down in the dumps and all your prayers and Bible study seem like a bunch of hollow words?The recipe for getting out of the doldrums (Hint: Psalm 42:11)The crucial importance of the word again in that verseThe power of singingThe power of gratitude
You know, when you just feel down in the dumps, uninspired, and nothing seems to get you out of the doldrums?
You sit there praying and it just seems like words? You try to read and study your Bible but even your favorite stories and verses seem empty and flat?
It happens to most of us at one point or another.
So how do we get out of it?
Well, it may have very little to do with you. It may be the atmosphere you're in, the mental, emotional, spiritual, as well as physical atmosphere around you.
It's not the sailboat's fault when there's no wind to propel it forward. You many just need a little wind in your sails to get you going in the right direction.
In this week's episode, I talk about how to get out the spiritual doldrums and start going forward with your life. Some of the points I cover:When your life feels like a sailboat out on the lake with no wind to move you forward, take a moment right now to start praising God.
Pour your heart out in gratitude for all your blessings.
Sing every hymn you can think of. Make up your own songs.
This is one of the best ways to get some wind in your sails, to get your life moving in the right direction, and to feel the genuine inspiration of God’s presence in your life.
__________________Bible references in this week's episode: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/157
Subscribe to the podcast
___________________________________________James Early,theJesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.Contact him here.
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Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 11 Oct 2022 - 156 - 156 – Would You Help the Syrophoenician Woman?
156 – Do you remember the story about the Syrophoenician woman who asked Jesus to heal her daughter?
Have you ever wondered why Jesus was so incredibly inclusive of all types of people is in his ministry?I mean, think about it. Jesus talked to every sort of person there was to talk to: the rich, the poor, the holy, the humble, the sinner, the self-righteous. It didn’t matter to him if someone was of high or low social and religious status. What he cared about was if someone was receptive to who he was and his message of the kingdom of heaven.
And Jesus didn’t only minister to people of the Jewish faith. He often broke the social and religious boundaries by talking to non-Jewish people.
Matthew and Mark both recount this story, but they each give details the other leaves outMatthew says Jesus didn't even respond at first to her plea for helpJesus disciples were bothered by her presence and wanted Jesus to get rid of herJesus saw an opportunity for healing; the disciples did notJesus basically calls the woman a dogThe word he used for dog actually meant a little dog, a lap dog, or pet. It was a term of endearment, not an insultThe woman picked up on this. The "dogs under the table" are pets, members of the family and the woman realized Jesus was including her as worthy to be healed.Jesus was "the bread of life" and did not deny this woman this breadHe healed her daughter
In this week's episode,I focus on how Jesus interacted with the Greek woman who was a Syrian Phoenician. There are some important things to keep in mind:How was Jesus able to see this as an opportunity for healing when no one else did? How can we see these kinds of things as opportunities for healing?
Jesus knew his message of the kingdom of heaven and salvation was for all mankind. What is he teaching us about heaven in this story? What is he showing us about how his church should treat people who are rejected by social, cultural, and religious tradition?This encounter is actually prophetic of how the Gospel would be shared with the non-Jewish world relatively soon after Jesus ascended.
How could Jesus love the social outcasts, and even the foreigners who worshiped false gods? What was he thinking?
Whatever it was, we need to think like he did. We need to love like he did. We need to, and can, see every situation as an opportunity to bear witness to the healing power of God. Even when it’s awkward, uncomfortable, or difficult.
__________________Bible references in this week's
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Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 04 Oct 2022 - 155 - 155 – Aramaic in the New Testament with Roy Gessford155 – Jesus spoke Aramaic in the New Testament
Is there any advantage to learning Aramaic to understand his teachings better?
Of course!
In this week's podcast episode, I talk with Roy Gessford about the insights we can get from reading the New Testament translated from Aramaic.
Roy got interested in the original languages of the Bible when a speaker at a Bible conference told him he could learn these ancient languages.
His first research said it was a dead language. But he quickly learned it was not.
Roy shared some examples of how Aramaic has given him a better understanding of what a particular passage in the Bible means. He refers to
When the devil tempts Jesus to turn the stone into breadThe line in the Lord's prayer about God's will being done on earthGetting a deeper understanding of Jesus's mindset that God's healing power is here today just as it was thenHe shares a healing he had because of the conviction he found in Jesus's wordsIn John 21, the word play with the words lamb and sheep when Jesus tells Peter three times to tend his flock.Listen to find out Roy's answer to the question: "If Jesus walked in the room, would you be able to talk to him in Aramaic?"
Contact Roy Gessford:
Website: letinthelightpublishing.com
Email:letinthelightpublishing@gmail.com
Bible references in this week's episode. Check them out atthebiblespeakstoyou.com/155
Subscribe to the podcast
___________________________________________James Early,theJesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.Contact him here.
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Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 27 Sep 2022 - 154 - 154 – When Is the End of the World Coming?
154 – Have you noticed lately how so many people are predicting the end of the world?
Harold Camping, who incorrectly predicted the end of the world several timesWhat God has to say about false prophetsWhen John of Patmos saw the new heaven and new earth, was it a vision of the future or was it something he was able to see that had always been there?Why it's important to understand the Greek word translated "world" in the phrase, "the end of the world."The end of the world is not just a one-time, far off, or not so far off, event in the future. Every time you obey God, every time you have a spiritual victory, the material world is coming to an end, bit by bit.We are not supposed to figure out when the final "end of the world" happens? We need simply to bear witness to God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
There is so much talk about "end times" these days. But actually it's been going on for years, even centuries.
Think of all the people who came up with exact dates for when the world was going to end. But it never happened the way they predicted.
Jesus said no one knows that day and time, not the angels, not even him. Only the Father knows.
If Jesus said he didn't know, then we shouldn't be trying to figure it out.
In this week's episode, I look at "the end of the world," share some ideas, and look at it all from a little bit different perspective. I talk aboutThe end of the material world is today and every day that we obey the First Commandment, that we put God and the things of the Spirit first and foremost in our lives, that we follow Christ and imbibe his mindset that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
The more we do this, the more we will see the end of this material world, the less material it will appear, because the lens we’re looking through is more spiritual. And the more we will see of God's kingdom already come, here and now.
Don’t believe what the world, and the people in it, tell you. Open your eyes, your spiritual eyes, and bear witness to what already exists, and that God is revealing to you this very day, that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
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Bible references in this week's episode. Check them out atthebiblespeakstoyou.com/154Subscribe to the podcast
___________________________________________James Early,
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Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 20 Sep 2022 - 153 - 153 – Where Does Your Self-Worth Come From?
153 – How can we find true self-worth?
A friend of mine lost his job. All his confidence and self-assurance vanished. He never was able to reclaim a sense of his own worth. He saw his value based on the job he had and the money he made.
But true self worth doesn’t come from anything you do, say, or achieve. It’s not based on how much money you make, how successful you are in business, with your family, or at church.
It doesn’t depend on where you’re from or where you went to school. It’s not about your physical appearance. Or how famous you are. Or how many followers you have on Social Media.
True self-worth comes from understanding who you are as child of God. It’s really that simple. Then, whatever the circumstances you can value who you are.In this week's episode, I talk about:
Gideon's low self-worth when based on social status and family positionGideon's high self-worth when he trusted in God's helpHow Jesus sees our worthHow Paul describes our worthHow King David describes our worthWhy we don't feel our God-given worthWhere the negative view of ourselves comes fromThe right and wrong way to get a better sense of your worthThis verse from Ephesians 2:10 sums it up: "We are God’s masterpiece."
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Bible references in this week's episode. Check them out at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/153Subscribe to the podcast
___________________________________________James Early,theJesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.Contact him here.
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Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 13 Sep 2022 - 152 - 152 – Just Being in God's Presence
152 – Sometimes, the best prayer is just being in God’s presence
Moses felt God's presence at the burning bush, but wanted moreMoses felt God's presence after being on Mt. Sinai, but wanted moreMoses eventually learned that God's presence was enoughThe book of Psalms assures us of God's presenceGod told Jeremiah that He was always presentAnd why some people are afraid of God's presenceI felt God's presence in an electrical stormJesus experienced God's presence, even on the cross
A lot of people think they don't know how to pray. They assume you have to say certain words and phrases in a certain way for your prayer to be "right."
But there is no on right way to pray. It's more about feeling God's presence. Then the right ideas will come to you to pray with.
Being in God's presence
I've been thinking about this a lot lately, the idea of just being in God's presence.
In this week's episode, I talk about how:Practice being in God's presence
How would you feel if you were completely aware of God being present with you? Would you act differently? Would you think different thoughts? How would it change what you say or don’t say?
How would it change the way you think about and treat other people? How would it change the way you see and treat yourself?
I encourage you to practice being in God's presence.
Take some time when you’re not trying to solve a problem, not praying for anything in particular.
Just practice being in God’s presence.
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Bible references in this week's episode. Check them out atthebiblespeakstoyou.com/152Subscribe to the podcast
___________________________________________James Early,theJesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.Contact him here.
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Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 06 Sep 2022 - 151 - 151 – How to Deal with Modern Day Pharisees
151 – Have you ever had to deal with modern day Pharisees?
What a modern day Pharisee is likeThe 4 main ways to deal with Pharisees What works the best What happens if you try to correct or rebuke a PhariseeHow I almost became a Pharisee
It's a big problem in a lot of churches, where someone in a church’s leadership becomes dictatorial, self-righteous, legalistic, and does everything to stay in control.
Part of the problem is that Pharisees today, don't realize they are Pharisees.
In this week's episode, I talk about________________
Bible references in this week's episode. Check them out at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/151Subscribe to the podcast
___________________________________________James Early,theJesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.Contact him here.
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Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 30 Aug 2022 - 150 - 150 – Your Questions about the Bible
150 – I asked for your questions about the Bible. Wow!
How do you explain the contradictions in the Bible?Are Adam and Eve the first humans created by God? Is this a legend or not? Should we interpret the Bible literally or figuratively? Does Jesus have siblings? If God is all powerful, all knowing, and all loving why do bad things happen to good people? And since bad things happen, is that a reason we shouldn’t believe God is good and all-powerful?Where does evil come from?Where does evil exist? Can you shed some light on the how Jesus multiplied the loaves and the fish?What does the Bible say about eunuchs?If only one of the sixty-six books that comprise the Bible could be preserved for all eternity, which book do you feel it should be?How can we see the Bible stories more spiritually and with fresh eyes instead of just from a human perspective? Are the miracles and healings of the patriarchs, the prophets, Jesus and his disciples, just symbolism of God being in power or can these things happen today? If so, how? If not, why not?Why doesn’t God just heal us automatically?You talk about mud as a metaphor for the sins and mistakes in our lives, that can be washed away with God's love and grace. How do you know this is true? What if the "mud" or sin seems really convincing that it’s part of us? How do we get rid of muddy thinking?What is your favorite Bible story, quote, or inspiration, and why?If God wants you to do something that is daunting and seems impossible, how do you know it’s really God guiding you and not the whispering voice tempting you to jump off the pinnacle of the temple? When times are rough, how do you keep walking in the Spirit, even though you’re afraid and times are hard?
Several weeks ago, I asked listeners to send in their questions about the Bible. Thanks to everyone who responded. What wonderful and thoughtful questions.
Asking questions is one of the most important ways to learn. Unfortunately, some churches discourage questions. They don't want people to think for themselves. I feel the exact opposite.
Here are the questions sent in:
My responses are not the be-all and end-all answers. But I share a few thoughts and encourage you to think how you would answer these same questions.Here are three previous episodes I mentioned this week
Episode 17 –If You Take the Bible_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 23 Aug 2022 - 149 - 149 – You Are Here for Such a Time as This
149 – Have you ever wondered why you are where you are at this point in history?
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how each of us has a unique place and purpose in God’s creation. The Bible is full of examples of the right person being in the right place at the right time, saying and doing the right thing.One of the best examples in the Old Testament of someone being in the right place at the right time, is Esther.
How my friend Paul had an Esther moment with a dictator in Central AmericaHow God led me to discover a greater sense of purposeHow Jesus thought about his purposeWhy it was important for Jesus to come when he did, instead of 500 years sooner or laterHow you can begin to align yourself with God's purpose for you at this moment in human history.
In this week's episode, I talk about the story of Esther at the crucial moment when her cousin Mordecai sent her a message encouraging her to go talk to her husband the king. She was hesitant but Mordecai explained that God had put her in the position of Queen so she could help to remedy the situation.
We still find comfort and guidance in Mordecai's words: "And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)
"For such a time as this"
You are here, at this point in history and whatever situation you find yourself, have the same opportunity as Esther did to make a right choice and stand up for truth and justice. You're probably not a queen in a palace saving thousands of people from being killed, like Esther did.
But with all the challenges in the world today, both on a global scale as well as your personal life, you have the ability to hear God's voice and follow God's guidance. That's where all true solutions come from.
In this episode I shareStep with boldness into what God has called you to do. God is using you to accomplish something much bigger than you just solving your own problems. The world needs your light. The world needs your courage. And most of all, the world needs your love. You are here for such a time as this.
Bible references in this week's episode. Check them out at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/149.Subscribe to the podcast
___________________________________________James Early,the
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Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 16 Aug 2022 - 148 - 148 – Christ Opens the Book with Seven Seals – Today
148 – When does Christ open the book with seven seals?
Many Christians believe these prophecies have not yet been fulfilledA growing number of Christians believe the prophecies in Revelation were fulfilled right after the book was written.Past prophecies as to time and date for Jesus returning and the end of the world have been wrong.Jesus said no one, not even the angels in heaven, not even himself, knew when that day would be. Only God knows (Mark 13:22)Jesus also told his disciples it is not for us to know the times and dates of when God will accomplish things (Acts 1:6, 7)
Recently, I was studying Revelation, Chapter 5, where John of Patmos is shown a scroll sealed with seven seals. Chapter 6 then describes what happens as the seals are opened.
A lot of Christians are incredibly fixated on what these seals represent and the events that follow in the book of Revelation. There are so many different opinions and theories about how and when these prophecies will be fulfilled.
Here are some of the key points in this episode:Instead of getting all caught up in how this is going to happen in the future or whether it has already happened in the past, I encourage you to focus more on how Christ fulfills this prophecy in your life today.
What if we don’t have to wait till the end of time for Christ to open the seven seals? What if it could happen right now?
Is there something hiding in your heart that needs to be exposed, faced, and healed? Things you have done wrong and haven't dealt with? Or the unhealed wounds from things others have done to harm you? Only Christ can open the seals of your heart, expose the evil, and defeat the foe.
Christ is knocking on the door of your heart.
All he asks is to share a meal with you, to partake of the bread of life with you. In the process, he will open the seven seals on your heart, everything that would try to keep you from being all that God made you to be.Christ is uncovering and destroying whatever is unlike him, in your life, today!
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Bible references in this week's episode. Check them out at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/148.Subscribe to the podcast
___________________________________________James Early,theJesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and
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Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 09 Aug 2022 - 147 - 147 – Keep Following Christ Even When Your Church Doesn't
147 – What do you do when your church isn't following Christ?
Recently I’ve met several people who have left their churches because their pastor, the leadership team, or the church as a whole, was not really following Jesus or obeying his teachings.I know folks who have been abused emotionally, spiritually, theologically, and sometimes even physically, in their churches. One or more of their church leaders, and sometimes the whole culture and the resulting politics at church, have been so far away from Jesus’s way of thinking and living, that my friends had to leave.
Their motives were misunderstood. They were accused of things they didn’t do or say. Friends betrayed them and often end up refusing to ever talk to them again.
My heart goes out to these folks. And there are thousands upon thousands who have left their churches or are thinking about it.
76 Keith Giles and the Atonement of Christ 120 Jason Elam: You Are Loved and Accepted by God
Here are two previous episodes where I interviewed pastors who left their churches because their churches weren't following JesusAnd by the way, leaving their old churches and their old doctrines behind did not cause them to abandon Jesus. They love him more now than they ever did before.
We all need to leave behind any version of Christianity that does not perfectly embrace what Jesus said and did.
I am tired of people defending man-made religion. It’s time to get back to the religion of Jesus, the original Christianity of Christ. That’s what this podcast is all about.
Re-examining your faith can be a scary and uncomfortable process. But you’re not alone in the journey. More people than you can possibly imagine are on the same path and each may feel like they are the only one with doubts and questions.There’s no formula of what to do when you find yourself in this position or your church isn’t following Christ, but here are a few ideas to get you started in this process:
Go back to the four Gospels. Take each idea and put it into practice in your daily life. That's one of the best ways to see if Jesus knew what he was talking about.Visit other churches and listen to people with different ideas.Ask questions and write them in a journal.Talk to a friend.And if you need someone to talk to, please_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 02 Aug 2022 - 146 - 146 – You Are Filled with All the Fullness of God
146 – Is it really possible for us to be filled with God's fullness?
And what does that even mean?
Over the years, I’ve met people from all walks of life who, to greater or lesser degree, don’t feel complete. They identify themselves with their mistakes. They see themselves as victims of other people or circumstances. They don’t feel loved, good enough, or worthy.I have struggled with this myself at times.
You can pray, read the Bible, talk to a friend, or even listen to a sermon or a podcast, or go to a Bible conference, and sooner or later you’ll come across the idea that God loves you and forgives you. But sometimes it just seems like words. It seems like something is still missing.
This week's episode talks about:
What it means to be filled with God's fullnessWhy we don't believe we areThe difference between trying to fix a problem and getting rid of itThe importance of a mindset shift from a material perspective to a spiritual oneWhy it doesn't take time to change your mindset, but seems like it doesA simple gratitude-in-advance prayer to accept and embrace God's fullness in your life________________
Bible references in this week's episode. Check them out at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/146.Subscribe to the podcast
___________________________________________James Early,theJesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.Contact him here.
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Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 26 Jul 2022 - 145 - 145 – Why Doesn't God Answer My Prayer?
145 – Have you ever wondered why some prayers get answered and some don't?
Episode 29: Is it Ever God’s Will You Are NOT Healed when You Pray? Episode 98: Is it God’s Will for You to Be Healed?
Personally, I believe all prayers are answered, just not always according to our preconceptions. There are times when we think our prayers have not been answered, but we just didn’t realize that the answer was, “No,” or something different from what we were expecting.
Is it ever God’s will that someone not be healed or a problem not be solved? Unfortunately, too many Christians have been taught this very thing. I did a couple of episodes on this topic:When you have prayed every way you know how and someone is not healed or a challenge lingers, it is all too easy to think, “Well, I prayed for God’s will to be done and they weren’t healed. So, it must be God’s will this person wasn’t healed.”
But if you start your prayer with even the unconscious inkling that it might not be God’s will for someone to be healed, you cannot pray with the same authority Jesus did.
In this week's episode, I talk about some of the reasons our prayers don't seem to be answered or heal the way Jesus healed. Here are just a few:
It has to do with our motivesUndetected fear or sinOur lack of faith and spiritual vision,And sometimes disbelief and opposition from othersTake a moment for an honest look at your motives. Surrender to God all your carefully constructed plans for your life, all your preconceptions, personal goals, and aspirations. Just for a moment resign your will to God’s.
There’s nothing to fear because God’s will is always good, and so much better than anything we could come up with for ourselves. God will put you in the path that glorifies Him and blesses mankind the most. Be like a little child. Put your hand in God’s and trust Him to guide you.Hold your life up to the standard Jesus set in the Sermon on the Mount. This is not about beating yourself up because you’re not doing everything perfectly.
Always acknowledge how much you’re doing right. But ask God to wash away any fear, uncertainty, or sin that may cloud your clear spiritual prayer-vision.Quietly but with boldness: acknowledge God’s supremacy over all the lies of Satan; rejoice that God has revealed the remedy for all evil through Christ; claim and exercis
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Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 19 Jul 2022 - 144 - 144 – Finding Your Identity in the Bible with Keith Ferrin
144 – Keith Ferrin shares a unique way to read the Bible that reveals more of your identity in Christ.
The world’s lies are really, really loud and part of why I read the Bible is to make sure that the truth is louder.” It’s not about learning something new. It’s about being reminded what is true.We need to read the Bible relationally, not informationally ( and he explains what that means)We have the same power that raised Jesus from the dead dwelling in us.He shares what happened on April 18, 1993, that caused a major shift in the way he thought about the BibleThe difference between memorizing Scriptures and internalizing them
This week, Keith Ferrin and I have a conversation about experiencing the Bible's message on a whole new level that reveals more of who we really are as children of God.
Keith shares why he's so passionate about the Bible. Here are some of the ideas he shares:Keith shared asimple way to look at any Bible passageand see more than you ever did before:
- What does this passage tell me about who God is? Remember, God is the most important character in the Bible. What does it tell me about what God has done? What does it say about who I am? (in light of, or in relationship with who God is and what God has done) What is my response?
Keith emphasized the need to soak in bigger chunks of the Bible. All too often we study the Bible in tiny little pieces, as if we’re discussing the scenes of a movie we’ve never completely watched.
Keith and I created a Bible reading challenge. For the next 30 days, read the book of 2 Timothy out loud. It should take about 10-15 minutes. Read it like a letter you received from a very dear friend.
Keith Ferrin Contact info:
KeithFerrin.com
Keith's YouTube Channel
Keith's interview of me on YouTube: Developing the Mind of Christ
For more detailed show notes go to TheBibleSpeakstoYou.com/144
Subscribe to the podcast
___________________________________________James Early,theJesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker,
_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 12 Jul 2022 - 143 - 143 – What Does it Really Mean to Go into Your Prayer Closet?
143- Jesus said to go into your closet and shut the door when your pray.
The Greek word here means a storehouse. It's where you'd keep your resources. When we pray, Jesus wants us to go into our spiritual storage room where God has already provided an answer for our needs. It's not a literal closet or a literal doorJesus never went into a little room and shut the door to pray. For him the closet was a spiritual state of mind that shut out the material influences of the world so he could hear the voice of God.Jesus took his spiritual closet with him wherever he went
Did he mean that literally? What is Jesus really asking us to do?
Imagine you were in the crowd when Jesus was giving his Sermon on the Mount. He's talking about praying and all of a sudden he says you should go into your closet and shut the door.
Most people you know pray on the street corners or in the synagogues. Jesus basically just called them hypocrites. How does he get away with that?
In this week's episode, I talk about what it actually means to go into your closet and pray. Here are several of the important ideas I talk about:Another way to think about this is to ask: Where do you stand when you pray?
Jesus stood on his oneness with the Father when he prayed. He understood his relationship with God.
When you pray, do you stand on and in your relationship with God?
When Jesus prayed, he knew the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Is it possible for us to have that same conviction when we pray?
Are you standing where Jesus prayed for you to be? If not, you don’t have to go anywhere to get there. You just have to shift your whole perspective from what the world tells you is true to what Christ tells you is true. This is allows you to see that the kingdom of heaven is at hand and not just way off in the future after you die.To acknowledge that the kingdom of heaven is at hand goes against everything the world has taught us. That’s why we have to shut the door on it.
To the degree that you and I see the supremacy of God’s rule, God’s kingdom, here and now on earth and bear witness to the truth that heaven is at hand, we will think like Jesus did. We will pray like Jesus did. We will heal like Jesus did.
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Check out the Bible references quoted in this week's episode here: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/143
If you have questions or comments please_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 05 Jul 2022 - 142 - 142 – Quit Learning about God
142 – Sometimes we need to stop learning about God
Several years ago, I knew a fellow who was always studying the Bible. He was always trying to learn more about God. He’d look up every little detail about whatever topic he was researching. He knew a lot about God. He could always quote verses from the Bible that seemed appropriate for almost any situation.But all this knowledge about God was mostly in his head. Very little of it had made it into his heart. And even less had seeped out into his daily life in the way he treated others or how he saw himself.
He didn’t really feel God’s love for him. Oh, he could talk about the fact that God loved him but he didn’t feel it. And when he told others that God loved them, it usually came across as just empty words.
I don’t know if you’ve ever felt this way, but I have.
We need a sincere and humble desire to know God on His termsWe need to become aware of our relationship with GodWe need to nurture that relationshipDon't just dump all your problems on GodHave a conversationAsk questionsAsk for help and guidanceAsk God to show you how to love the way He does
You know enoughaboutGod already
It's more important to know God, to feel God's presence and love in your life.
Paul says in 1 Corinthians 2:9, 10 that we can't know God through the material senses. It is only through a revelation of the Spirit.
The only way to really know God is by God revealing Himself to us.
A Sunday School teacher in the church I grew up in said, "God doesn't talk to us today like He did to the people in the Bible. We have the Bible and that's all we need."
I heartily disagree and actually did a previous episode of this podcast on this topic: Episode 39 Does God Still Talk to Us Today?
Why don't we hear God's voice?
We're distracted with and absorbed in our own little worlds, all our worries and fears, etc.
So how do we get to know God and not just learn more about God?In getting to know God,we need to get out of our human intellectualism and reside more in the Spirit. Studying the Bible is important, don’t get me wrong. But we need to make sure our Bible study is guided by the Holy Spirit and not the human intellect.
Sometimes you need to close your Bible
Close your Bible. Think about one aspect of God's nature, like love or forgiveness, wisdom or mercy. Now practice that in your daily life and you will get to know God better. You will exper_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 28 Jun 2022 - 141 - 141 – Does Your Church Need a Spirtual Rebirth?
141 – What would spiritual rebirth look like in your church?
What does it really mean to be born again and why did Jesus call it an "earthly thing" instead of a "heavenly thing"?When you or your church experience a rebirth here on earth, what's taking place in heaven?How do you conceive of church?Whose church do you go to, a church built by people's opinions and doctrines or do you go to the church Jesus built?What is the real foundation Jesus built his church on?Why did Nicodemus take the idea of being born again literally, and why do we take the idea of our churches being born again literally?How does God see your church?
Our churches are facing some pretty challenging times. We need a more spiritual approach to church, but in our individual churches as well as all of Christianity.
In this week's episode, I talk about how the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus about the need to be born again, can apply, not just to us as individuals, but also collectively to our churches.
There needs to be a spiritual rebirth taking place in our churches.
Here are some questions I explore in this week's episode:Mentions:
Episode 106: Markus Watson and the Future of the Church
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Bible references in this week's episode. Check them out at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/141.
If you have questions or comments please contact me.Subscribe to the podcast
___________________________________________James Early,theJesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.Contact him here.
_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 21 Jun 2022 - 140 - 140 – What Keeps Us from Leaving All to Follow Christ?
140 – Is it really possible to leave all for Christ?
It's easy to say the words, but it's not so easy to actually let go of all our personal opinions, perceptions and preconceptions.
But that's what Jesus encourages us to do.
Does that mean we're supposed to sell all our worldly goods, give it all to the poor, live on the streets or in a cave, depend on charity, or get our money from a fish’s mouth?
No!
Jesus only told one person to sell everything and give the proceeds to the poor. And even if you did that, it doesn't automatically make you more spiritual and obedient to Jesus.
What does it mean to leave all for Christ?As always Jesus gives us the answer. And it’s more the way he lived his life, and not just the words he said.
He did not pursue his own will, he always did God’s will. Jesus didn’t come to accumulate and bask in personal glory. Everything he did was for God’s glory.Jesus did not come with his own personal agenda. From the time he was a young boy, he was about his Father’s business. He did not maneuver his way into people’s lives to exert his personal power over them.Each breath he took, each step he took, each word he spoke, each deed he accomplished, each person he healed, he did so because God directed and empowered him to.How can we follow his example?
Let’s start just with the way he loved people.Are we moved with compassion and love to the degree he was when he saw the multitudes? Or do we judge people by all the outward appearances and separate them into us and them categories?
I am pretty sure there were people in those crowds, which Jesus looked on with compassion, who were not necessarily the most outstanding members of society. We might not want to associate with some of the people Jesus loved so freely. And there some of those folks we might not want to show up in our churches.
But Jesus saw the worth and dignity of everyone he came in contact with, regardless of their social status or how much of a saint or sinner they were.
Is there any anger or resentment? Are you holding onto a victim mentality because of past circumstances or the way people have treated you? Are you a control freak and always have to be in control?
Take an honest look at yourself. What is it in your heart that hasn’t yielded to Christ?Why do we hold onto these things? Because we think they define us. But they don’t. They just describe something that happened to us.
Why should we leave all for Christ? Because i
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Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 14 Jun 2022 - 139 - 139 – The Healing Power of Blessing Others with Pierre Pradervand
139 – How often do you actually bless the people in your life?
Is it possible to love and bless someone like Vladimir Putin Is it okay to bless ourselves? What does it really mean to bless someone?The highest form of prayerTwo mystical experiences in which Pierre experienced a deep all-encompassing divine loveThe real structure of the universe is spiritualThe biggest blessing in his lifeWhy people feel separated from God
And what about loving and blessing your enemies?
The real question is "Why should we bless our enemies and how do we do it?"
My guest this week, Pierre Pradervand, talks about how he discovered the power of blessing everyone he meets. It all started when someone undermined him at work. At first Pierre was really mad and full of resentment.
But he was reminded of Jesus's command to love and bless our enemies. As he did this, he found a freedom from hatred.
Then he started blessing everyone he passed on the street, the people on the bus and at the grocery store. It has changed his life.
Pierre now helps others learn to love and bless in this way.
His book, The Gentle Art of Blessing, shares more of his story and many examples of his own and people he has helped.
Here are some of the questions and topics we talked about:Here are a couple of quotes:
“Blessing is a way of sending unconditional love, peace, healing, goodness to a person or a situation, or simply seeing them bathe in the love.”
“Blessing is not something we do to attract good into our life; that would be attempting to manipulate the universe. However, the result will be that you will find more and more harmony pouring into your life. You will find greater peace of mind, greater poise.”
Bible references in this week's episode. Check them out at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/139.
If you have questions or comments please contact me.James Early,theJesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in dai
_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Wed, 08 Jun 2022 - 138 - 138 – When You Feel Unappreciated
138 – What do you do when you feel unappreciated?
Have you ever felt your talents and abilities were underutilized on a project you were working on? People just don’t seem to appreciate how much you have to offer at work, at church, or wherever? You just don’t get the recognition, or the leadership opportunities you deserve?
I have felt that way many times over the years. And along with those feelings would come the little voice in my head, “If I were in charge, I would do things differently”, or “I could do such a much better job than they are.”
He felt unappreciated and underutilized All the while he believed he could do a better jobHe wanted a position of authorityHe plotted and schemed to get revenge instead of seeking justice through the appropriate channelsHe flattered the people and won their loyalty away from King DavidHe even planned to make himself King in Hebron
I really don't feel that way anymore. But I'm reminded of them every time I read the story of Absalom, one of King David's sons.
This week's episode explores how Absalom approached these feelings:Unfortunately Absalom met an untimely death. All his plotting and planning got him nowhere in the long run. His egotism and self-will were actually part of his downfall, even though that's what he thought would get him what he wanted.
He didn't seek his own gloryHe came as a humble servant instead of being a mighty earthly rulerHe did not do his own will. He did the Father's willAbsalom made himself a judge to get his will. Jesus made himself not a judge by listening to and obeying God's will
Another "Son of David"
We have a better example of how to live our lives from another one of David's sons, and I don't mean Solomon. He had his problems as well.
I mean THE Son of David, Christ Jesus.
Jesus took the exact opposite approach from Absalom in the way he lived his lifeIf you’re ever in a situation where you’re seeking a position of authority or leadership, whether at work or at church, or you’re impelled to seek public office on a local, state, or national level, it's important to examine your motives.
It’s always easier to see when someone else is acting like Absalom. It’s not always easy to see when we have some of those motives mixed in with our genuine motives of wanting to do something to help people.When you feel unappreciated, undervalued, and underutilized and know you could do a better job than what’s going on, the question I have for you is: Whi
_________________________
Reach out todayif you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donationto support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching callto see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you ContactJames here
James Early,the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
Tue, 31 May 2022
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