Gospel Spice | Awaken Delight in God through faith in Jesus Christ

Malachi: Messenger to Messiah

Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs

Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebrated

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Breaking stereotypes: Jesus reveals the Kingdom of God's flavorful diversity. Apr 26, 2024

Show notes

Did you know that mint isn't just for freshening your breath or adding flavor to your food? There are over 600 types of mint, and each one has its own unique flavor profile, ranging from pineapple to chocolate to lavender. Mint truly is a multitasker in the world of spices. Just like the citizens of the kingdom of heaven, who come from all walks of life. Mint needs a humid soil to produce richly scented leaves. Similarly, we need Jesus, the water of life, to bring flavor and meaning to our lives. Without Him, we're just flavorless grass. Let's be like mint and embrace the diverse flavors within the kingdom of heaven!

Now let's shift our focus to the citizens of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus welcomes everyone, regardless of their background or past. It's like a minty guest list, including lepers, Romans, women, and even former zombies. Yes, you read that right! A Roman centurion, an unlikely candidate, amazed Jesus with his great faith. He recognized Jesus' authority and knew that just a word from Him could heal his servant. Faith, not abilities or background, is what truly amazes Jesus. Next, Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law, showing His compassion and power. He touches her hand, and she is instantly healed. Just like mint, which has the power to refresh and invigorate. He took our weaknesses and carried our diseases.

Throughout these events, Jesus challenges the religious norms and surprises everyone. He invites us all to be citizens of the kingdom of heaven, regardless of our past. So, let's embrace the diverse flavors within the kingdom and the fresh minty scent of Christ. Stay tuned for more stories about the kingdom of heaven and how it functions. We will explore the parables and discover the flavors and tastes within the kingdom. There's an exciting adventure ahead! Remember, just like mint, you have a unique flavor to bring to the world. Embrace it and let your aroma be pleasing to God.

Are you looking for a place to take notes, some topics to research on your own, or some questions you could ponder to go deeper during your quiet time with God or with a friend? Remember, we have workbooks available for this episode, and every other episode of our Jesus Rabbi and Lord series. For each episode, they contain a summary, listening guide, key takeaways, quotes, questions and topics to go deeper. Go to gospelspice.com/jesus to purchase these workbooks.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit alongside Jesus and his initial audience? To experience the fresh spiritual flavors that the Messianic Jewish culture weaves into the four gospels? Well, that's exactly what we here aim to do through this original series, JESUS RABBI AND LORD. Stephanie invites you to dig deep into Scripture, unearthing raw diamonds that may need a little cleaning up, but will ultimately shine brightly.

So get ready to embark on this enlightening and transformative journey with Gospel Spice. Prepare to encounter Jesus in a way that resonates with our modern world and discover the richness of the gospel through the lens of Jewish culture. Let's dig deep, uncover the hidden spices, and experience the beauty of the Scriptures together. Welcome to Gospel Spice!

Grab your headphones, hit play, and let Gospel Spice be the catalyst for encountering Jesus in a way you've never experienced before!

Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog

Do you enjoy Gospel Spice? Then let's deepen our relationship! There are 4 very simple ways to do that, and it would truly mean the world to us.

1- If you’ve enjoyed this episode, you will love receiving our newsletter. It contains value-packed free gifts and rich content each month. It’s at gospelspice.com/signup. There is always something new and exciting happening around here, and I don’t want you to miss out! Sign up at Gospelspice.com/signup

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3- Also please give us a star rating and a comment on your podcast listening app. Your reviews actually really do make a difference to help others discover and experience Gospel Spice. You would be surprised how helpful these are! So please leave a star rating and a review of a sentence or two. Thank you!

4- As always, we are praying for you! You can confidentially email us your prayer requests and praise items at the email address contact@gospelspice.com. It is our privilege to pray for you!

So, would you please invest 3 to 5 minutes of your time, maybe even right now, to do one (or more!) of the following suggestions:

1- signup on our website for our newsletter to receive gifts you’re going to love - at Gospelspice.com/signup

2- find us on YouTube, and see what content we’ve put together to help you grow closer to Jesus - at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice

3- rate Gospel Spice on your listening app – it’s one of the easiest ways to share the gospel!

4- and finally, tell us how we can pray for you!

Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog

We offer high-quality, full color, gorgeous PDF downloadable workbooks to come alongside each episode of this original series of Gospel Spice, Jesus Rabbi and Lord. These workbooks allow you to build your library of in-depth Biblical studies and content to maximize your time in Scripture and amplify your intimacy with God. For each episode, we offer:

- an episode summary

- a listening guide

- key takeaways from the episode

- key quotes

- Bible verses to enhance your experience

- up to 10 questions per episode to take charge of your quiet time

- topics for further research, based on the episode content.

There are 3 workbooks, each containing over 10 episodes to cover the entire series. You can buy them separately, or as a bundle for an amazing price!

Go now to https://www.gospelspice.com/jesus for the details and to purchase your Jesus Rabbi and Lord workbooks!

Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

The wood between the worlds | theopoetics of the Cross with Brian Zahnd Apr 23, 2024

Show notes

Bonjour! Stephanie here. Obviously, I love every single guest I welcome on the show because otherwise, I wouldn't welcome them. And I read every single book. But once in a while, there's one that makes you pause, take a deep breath, and ponder deeply. This is what happened when I read “The Wood Between the Worlds” by Brian Zahnd. Just take a moment and ponder the title itself – I know I keep coming back to its profound poetry. It's about the Cross: Jesus and the Cross, the meanings of the Cross.

Brian opens his book with these words: “I dare to write about God, which is admittedly an audacious undertaking. That a bit of sentient soil would venture to say something about the nature of the ineffable eternal must seem like the most absurd of fools errands. And yet, I venture. I cannot help myself. The depth of my fascination with the one who is the answer to the question of why there is something instead of nothing makes it impossible for me to remain silent on the subject. And when I dare to speak about God, I do so not as the idly curious but as a reverent worshipper. I seek to understand God not as a cold and dispassionate scientist, a “God-ologist,” if you will, but as one who prays, worships, and kneels before his maker.”

“The Wood Between the Worlds” is made of 20 short chapters, each one a precious chocolate nugget nestled inside a fancy box. There is something Forrest Gump-like about it, too. Some of these chapters will probably unsettle you. You may not agree with everything. Just like with a box of chocolates, there might be some you like more, others less. Some spices may feel a little too pungent or not quite to your taste. And that's okay: if we only read things that we totally agree with all the time, things we completely understand, things that never challenge us, how then shall we grow? So, I invite you to be prepared to be shocked, maybe even to disagree with some of the things Brian writes. And that's okay. It's a good thing. I don't ask you to agree with everything in the book, but I would invite you to please consider allowing it to challenge you, as it has me. To do otherwise is to emulate the cancel culture we speak so easily against.

Brian's publisher, InterVarsity Press, is giving away several copies of his book “The Wood Between the Worlds,” to Gospel Spice listeners. You need to be signed up for our newsletter to receive the email that will be sent out a few days after this episode airs. So, if you're not signed up, make sure to sign up now to the Gospel Spice newsletter so you can enter for a chance to win a copy of Brian's book. I'm telling you, it’s totally worth it. It’s at gospelspice.com/signup !

ABOUT “THE WOOD BETWEEN THE WORLDS”

The Cross is the heart of Scripture. Everything about the gospel message leads to the cross, and proceeds from the cross. In fact, within the narrative of Scripture, the crucifixion of Jesus is literally the crux of the story―the axis upon which the biblical story turns. But it would be a mistake to think we could sum up the significance of the crucifixion in a tidy sentence or two. That kind of thinking only insulates us from the magnificence of what God has done. In our ongoing quest to make meaning of the cross, we need to recognize that this conversation will never conclude―that there is always something more to be said.

Brian Zahnd reminds us that the meaning of the cross is multifaceted and should touch every aspect of our lives. Just as gazing through the eyepiece of a kaleidoscope reveals a new geometric image with every turn, Zahnd helps us see that there are infinite ways to behold the cross of Christ as the beautiful form that saves the world. The Wood Between the Worlds is an invitation to encounter the cross of Christ anew.

ABOUT BRIAN ZAHND

Brian Zahnd is the founder and lead pastor of Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. He is also a pastor-theologian who has authored eleven books, including Sinners In the Hands of a Loving God, When Everything’s on Fire, and The Wood Between the Worlds. Brian is enthusiastic about music, literature, mountains, and long-distance pilgrimages.

Find more at https://brianzahnd.com/

NEW TO GOSPEL SPICE? YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!

Check out our free resources, and more, at https://www.gospelspice.com/start

We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Here are a few suggestions:

Identity in the battle | Ephesians

Malachi: Messenger to Messiah

Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs

Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebrated

Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

When we suffer, the unveiling of Christ’s majestic glory is the firm anchor of our faith. Apr 19, 2024

Show notes

Last week, we witnessed a powerful moment in history - the transfiguration of Jesus Christ. As we stood on that holy mountain with Peter, James, and John, we were immersed in the glory of God. But there's so much more to this incredible event. Let's dive deeper into the significance of the transfiguration.

In Exodus, we see Moses encountering God on the mountain and coming down with a radiant face. But when Jesus is transfigured, His glory shines even brighter, revealing that the glory is not from without, but from within. Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness.

Matthew's account of the transfiguration challenges the Jewish audience. Jesus is not just another prophet; He is God Himself. The presence of Moses and Elijah only emphasizes this truth. They, the great prophets of old, bow down to Jesus, showing His superiority. But why did Moses and Elijah choose to discuss Jesus's departure or exodus? They were there to encourage Jesus as He prepared for His upcoming death on the cross. They reminded Him that His sacrificial death would lead to His restoration and our salvation.

Moses and Elijah symbolize two groups of believers. Moses, who prefigured Jesus, represents the Old Testament believers who died in faith. Elijah points to the future believers who will be translated into God's presence at the rapture. They represent us all.

Jesus fulfills the law and the prophets, ushering in a new age - the age of grace or the Church. This revolutionary concept was challenging for the Jewish audience. Jesus greatly surpasses the law and the prophets. He came to fulfill them, and through His death and resurrection, a new kingdom - the mystery kingdom - was established.

The Book of Hebrews reminds us that God initially spoke through the law and prophets, but in these last days, He speaks to us directly through His Son, Jesus Christ. He is the radiance of God's glory, the exact expression of His nature. Let us listen to and delight in Him!

The transfiguration is a profound revelation of who Jesus is. As we join Peter, James, and John on that mountain, we are reminded of His divine glory, His sacrificial love, and His fulfillment of the law and prophets. Let's allow this truth to transform our lives. May we never forget the transfiguration, the glorious moment when Jesus's true identity was unveiled. He is the Son of God, the Light of the World, and the fulfillment of all prophecies. Let's live our lives in awe of His glory and share this Good News with the world!

Grab your headphones, hit play, and let Gospel Spice be the catalyst for encountering Jesus in a way you've never experienced before!

Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog

Do you enjoy Gospel Spice? Then let's deepen our relationship! There are 4 very simple ways to do that, and it would truly mean the world to us.

2- Did you know Gospel Spice has a YouTube Channel? There’s exclusive content there too. So, join Gospel Spice on YouTube! It's at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice

4- As always, we are praying for you! You can confidentially email us your prayer requests and praise items at the email address contact@gospelspice.com. It is our privilege to pray for you!

So, would you please invest 3 to 5 minutes of your time, maybe even right now, to do one (or more!) of the following suggestions:

1- signup on our website for our newsletter to receive gifts you’re going to love - at Gospelspice.com/signup

2- find us on YouTube, and see what content we’ve put together to help you grow closer to Jesus - at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice

3- rate Gospel Spice on your listening app – it’s one of the easiest ways to share the gospel!

4- and finally, tell us how we can pray for you!

Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog

- an episode summary

- a listening guide

- key takeaways from the episode

- key quotes

- Bible verses to enhance your experience

- up to 10 questions per episode to take charge of your quiet time

- topics for further research, based on the episode content.

There are 3 workbooks, each containing over 10 episodes to cover the entire series. You can buy them separately, or as a bundle for an amazing price!

Go now to https://www.gospelspice.com/jesus for the details and to purchase your Jesus Rabbi and Lord workbooks!

Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Come, Holy Spirit | with Jean-Luc Sergent Apr 16, 2024

Show notes

I welcome Jean-Luc Sergent, a personal friend and Anglican priest with a heart for ministry in France, to share his journey of faith, unity, and hope in a secularized society. Jean-Luc shares insights on the cultural and religious landscapes of France in the last generation or so, emphasizing the importance of unity among Christians and the need for faith, love, and hope amidst challenges.

I invited Jean-Luc to specifically highlight a series of songs sourced from the original song "The Blessing," which emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic as a unifying force among Christians. The release of a new song in French, based on the ancient hymn "Veni Creator Spiritus", underscores the capacity of music to unite believers across cultural and linguistic boundaries, reflecting the universal impact of faith and worship. This is all happening this spring and summer, under the exciting news of the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.

As an Anglican priest with a ministry rooted in both France and England, Jean-Luc Sergent brings a unique perspective to the challenges and opportunities in cross-cultural ministry. His journey from Paris to London, the influence of his wife's Catholic background on their faith, and his call to ministry at 35 reflect the interwoven experiences that have shaped his understanding of ministry amidst cultural diversity.

We discuss the importance of ecumenical unity between Protestants and Catholics in France as an essential step in bridging denominational divides and standing as a testament to the power of love and faith in a diversified faith landscape. This emphasis on cooperation highlights what happens when believers of different traditions come together to share a message of hope and love under the common banner of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

Jean-Luc provides a glimpse into the cultural and religious dynamics in France, highlighting the declining percentage of practicing Catholics and evangelicals. This shift poses a significant challenge in a secularized society where the Christian faith has faced marginalization. In this context, it is essential to develop a commitment to fostering unity and cooperation in witnessing about the love of God.

Here are a few insights of wisdom I will take away from this conversation, and hope to learn to role-model better in the future:

- Seek unity in faith, love, and hope, especially in a secularized society.

- Embrace ecumenical unity between different Christian denominations for a greater witness of God's love.

- Be open to transitions and callings in life that may lead to unexpected ministry opportunities.

- Look for ways to create a positive impact in my community.

- Welcome the influence of the Holy Spirit and seek to align with biblical and Christian principles.

- Find inspiration and comfort in the Spirit of God, especially during challenging times.

- Journey in faith, while respecting the history, culture, and language of different Christian traditions.

- Ponder the significance of meaningful hymns and songs in providing consolation and blessings to others.

- Value collaborative efforts and movements within the church for positive change and revival.

What about YOU? What did YOU take away from this conversation? I’d love to hear from you, so email us or DM us on social media! You have no idea how happy this would make me!

CONNECT WITH JEAN-LUC SERGENT THROUGH IMPACT FRANCE

Want to know more? Get involved?

Specifically with The Blessing France and Jean-Luc: https://impactfrance.org/benediction/

More about Impact France, an amazing ministry: https://impactfrance.org/

MORE ABOUT THE BLESSING FRANCE (“LA BENEDICTION FRANCE”)

La Bénédiction France wants people to encounter God and the unity of His people through music. Originally birthed from the 2020 pandemic lockdowns which popularized remote-ensemble worship music videos, La Bénédiction has continued to build on the spirit of its first project, the French version of “The Blessing”. The ministry has gone on to produce and release a video every year since then, and is producing its fifth in 2024. These exceptional-quality projects are not only a beautiful form of worship, but dismantle denominational barriers in the Christian world through the collaboration of talented singers and musicians from hundreds of churches and organizations. Accordingly, La Bénédiction lives out the calls of scripture to offer a sacrifice of praise to God (Heb 13:15) and to let Christian unity be a testimony to all (John 17:23).

La Bénédiction also offers musical, artistic and cultural training to all to develop their skills while promoting Christian values.

Finally, the ministry collaborates with other charitable and humanitarian organizations through service and organization of events to live out Christian principles of compassion and love of neighbor.

Your generosity will allow La Bénédiction to continue to expand on its mission, letting people meet God deeply through soul-moving music, and equipping His people to work in unity to advance the Gospel more fully.

Be sure to visit their YouTube channel to see all of their videos! Here: https://www.youtube.com/@LaBenedictionFrance

VENI CREATOR SPIRITUS | IN ENGLISH (as read by Stephanie during the episode)

Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest,
Vouchsafe within our souls to rest;
Come with Thy grace and heav'nly aid
And fill the hearts which Thou hast made.
To Thee, the Comforter, we cry,
To Thee, the Gift of God Most High,
The Fount of life, the Fire of love,
The soul's Anointing from above.
The sev'n-fold gifts of grace are Thine,
O Finger of the Hand Divine;
True Promise of the Father Thou,
Who dost the tongue with speech endow.
Thy light to every thought impart
And shed Thy love in every heart;
The weakness of our mortal state
With deathless might invigorate.
Drive far away our wily Foe,
And Thine abiding peace bestow;
If Thou be our protecting Guide,
No evil can our steps betide.
Make Thou to us the Father known;
Teach us the eternal Son to own
And Thee, whose name we ever bless,
Of both the Spirit, to confess.
Praise we the Father and the Son
And Holy Spirit, with them One;
And may the Son on us bestow
The gifts that from the Spirit flow! Amen.

This song is a hymn to the Holy Spirit, composed by Rabanus Maurus in the 8th century. The text expresses gratitude for the Creator's visitation, inspiration, and protection of the soul.

About the original author of this hymn (written in Latin):

Rabanus Maurus (c. 776-856) or Hrabanus Magnentius Maurus, was born of noble parents at Mainz, and educated at Fulda and Tours under Alcuin, who is reputed to have given him the surname, Maurus, after the saint of that name. In 803, he became director of the school at the Benedictine Abbey at Fulda. He was ordained priest in 814, spending the following years in a pilgrimage to Palestine. In 822, he became Abbott at Fulda, retiring in 842. In 847, he became archbishop of Mainz. He died at Winkel on the Rhine, February 4, 856. This distinguished Carolingian poet-theologian wrote extensive biblical commentaries, the Encyclopaedic De Universo, De Institutione Clericorum, and other works which circulated widely during the Middle Ages.

Again, make sure to connect with Jean-Luc and the whole project. Be sure to visit their YouTube channel to see all of their videos! Here: https://www.youtube.com/@LaBenedictionFrance

NEW TO GOSPEL SPICE? YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!

Check out our free resources, and more, at https://www.gospelspice.com/start

We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Here are a few suggestions:

Identity in the battle | Ephesians

Malachi: Messenger to Messiah

Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs

Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebrated

Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Taste the Transfiguration: Savoring the spiritual flavors of Jesus' Revelation Apr 12, 2024

Show notes

Have you ever experienced a meal so extraordinary, it leaves an indelible mark on your memory? A French-style 8 or 10 course dinner, each dish a tiny masterpiece that lingers on your tongue? Well, today we're going to savor a different kind of feast, the Transfiguration of Jesus. Join me as we explore this captivating story through a culinary lens.

🍽️ Course 1: The Hors d'oeuvre 🍽️

Our appetizer is found in Matthew 16:15, where Jesus poses a profound question: "Who do you say that I am?" This sets the stage for the miracles and masterpieces that follow, leading up to the ultimate entree of the Transfiguration.

🍽️ Course 2: The Exquisite Entree 🍽️

Imagine a mountain, a high peak where Jesus takes Peter, James, and John. Suddenly, Jesus is transformed, radiant like the sun, his clothes white as light. And then, Moses and Elijah appear, conversing with him. An awe-inspiring sight, the pinnacle of this divine feast.

🍽️ Course 3: The Beloved Son 🍽️

Amidst the ethereal encounter, Peter suggests building tabernacles for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. But in that breathtaking moment, a voice from a bright cloud declares, "This is my beloved Son. I take delight in him. Listen to him." The affirmation of Jesus' divine identity.

🍽️ Course 4: Awestruck Disciples 🍽️

Overwhelmed, the disciples fall face down in fear. Jesus comforts them, and as they look up, they see only Him. The transfiguration experience imprints upon their hearts, forever etched in their memories.

🍽️ Course 5: The Unveiled Mystery 🍽️

As they descend from the mountain, Jesus commands the disciples to keep this vision a secret until the Son of Man is raised from the dead. A tantalizing mystery, revealing a deeper purpose to be unveiled.

🍽️ Course 6: Fulfillment & Witness 🍽️

But here's where it gets interesting. Some have puzzled over Jesus' statement that some disciples won't die until they see the glory of Messiah. Enter John and Peter, who both bear witness to seeing Christ's glory, both in the transfiguration and beyond.

🍽️ Course 7: The Glory Unveiled 🍽️

At the transfiguration, Jesus is the visible manifestation of God's glory, the breathtaking display of the face of Jesus Christ. The veil of flesh temporarily lifted, revealing the fullness of His divine splendor. A taste of what's to come.

🍽️ Course 8: A Glimpse of Revelation 🍽️

Just as God commanded light to shine out of darkness, in the face of Christ Jesus, we catch a glimpse of the glory of God. The transfiguration is a moment where heaven and earth intertwine, as the disciples witness the radiance of Jesus. A truly divine encounter.

🍽️ Course 9: The Feast Continues 🍽️

The transfiguration is a pivotal moment in Matthew's Gospel, a foretaste of the ultimate feast to come. Next week, we'll delve into the stories of Peter, James, John, Moses, and Elijah. Join me as we savor each delectable course of this spiritual feast.

🍽️ Course 10: The Invitation 🍽️

As we conclude this appetizing journey into the Transfiguration, let the flavors of glory, identity, and revelation linger. May we be inspired to seek the presence of Jesus, to encounter His divine splendor, and to embrace the invitation to partake in His eternal feast.

Bon appétit, my friends! May this taste of the Transfiguration leave you hungry for more of Jesus and His glorious revelation. Stay tuned for the next course in our Gospel Spice series. Until then, savor the flavors of faith and feast on the richness of God's Word.

Grab your headphones, hit play, and let Gospel Spice be the catalyst for encountering Jesus in a way you've never experienced before!

Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog

Do you enjoy Gospel Spice? Then let's deepen our relationship! There are 4 very simple ways to do that, and it would truly mean the world to us.

2- Did you know Gospel Spice has a YouTube Channel? There’s exclusive content there too. So, join Gospel Spice on YouTube! It's at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice

4- As always, we are praying for you! You can confidentially email us your prayer requests and praise items at the email address contact@gospelspice.com. It is our privilege to pray for you!

So, would you please invest 3 to 5 minutes of your time, maybe even right now, to do one (or more!) of the following suggestions:

1- signup on our website for our newsletter to receive gifts you’re going to love - at Gospelspice.com/signup

2- find us on YouTube, and see what content we’ve put together to help you grow closer to Jesus - at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice

3- rate Gospel Spice on your listening app – it’s one of the easiest ways to share the gospel!

4- and finally, tell us how we can pray for you!

Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog

- an episode summary

- a listening guide

- key takeaways from the episode

- key quotes

- Bible verses to enhance your experience

- up to 10 questions per episode to take charge of your quiet time

- topics for further research, based on the episode content.

There are 3 workbooks, each containing over 10 episodes to cover the entire series. You can buy them separately, or as a bundle for an amazing price!

Go now to https://www.gospelspice.com/jesus for the details and to purchase your Jesus Rabbi and Lord workbooks!

Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Heaven on earth | with Ros Evans | a Gospel Spice Conversation Apr 09, 2024

Show notes

Bonjour! Today I welcome my dear friend, team member, and regular Gospel Spice Podcast guest Ros Evans to ponder the statement we start with: Heaven is closer than we realize.

How does this statement hit you? I ask Ros the same question, and then we engage in a conversation about the presence of God in our lives and God’s invitation to us as believers, to bring heaven to Earth in small, transitional ways until He establishes Heaven on Earth. We invite you to embrace the mystery of heaven, engage in dynamic worship and co-creation with God, and actively participate in being the hands and feet of Christ, bringing heaven on Earth. We humbly hope to challenge you, as we ourselves are challenged, to prayerfully consider your role in bringing the transformative power of heaven into your everyday life!

I start by sharing an insightful listener's email questioning the Christian responsibility to wait for heaven while actively engaging in the world. This prompted a discussion on the closeness of heaven and the ways in which we can experience and manifest God's presence on Earth. Now, of course we acknowledge the tension of not fully understanding the nature of heaven, so we draw parallels to the beauty of Eden before the fall, and the transcendent experiences described in the book of Revelation.

We humbly hope to help providing you with a framework to explore the Biblical truth of the presence of God in our lives. And so, we discuss the incarnation of God in Christ Jesus as a unique and essential aspect of our faith, and the various ways in which God's presence is made visible through manifestations in the Old Testament. The goal of our conversation is to hopefully bring you rich spiritual insights, and invite you to hold your own profound reflection on how we can actively participate in bringing heaven to Earth.

We also explore the Biblical teaching of worship in heaven as dynamic and active, emphasizing the idea of growth and co-creation with God. This perspective challenges the static perception of heaven: it is not about sitting on a cloud with a harp! It is stunningly active, growing, and engaged.

An important topic in the conversation is the transformative impact of Pentecost, which enables believers to bring heaven to Earth through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This pivotal event empowers believers to act as a royal priesthood, representing God to humanity and interceding on behalf of humanity to God. We spend some time exploring our role as the royal priesthood, under Jesus as our Great High Priest.

We also hope to provide practical insights into living out the Lord's Prayer, specifically focusing on the line "on earth as it is in heaven." We encourage you to lean into Jesus for guidance, and to actively partake in the realization of heaven on Earth, aligning your life with God's will and purpose! On that subject, Ros does a great job emphasizing the significance of bringing blessings to those in need and the stewardship of God's gifts and resources.

It is not too late to be one of those who, in Christ, participates in bringing heaven to earth! The Lord calls us to a sense of urgency in taking action in the present moment. Think of the thief on the cross who experienced a transformational encounter with Christ. This serves as a powerful reminder for us to embrace our role in bringing heaven to Earth and to be ready to answer the call without delay.

NEW TO GOSPEL SPICE? YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!

Check out our free resources, and more, at https://www.gospelspice.com/start

We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Here are a few suggestions:

Identity in the battle | Ephesians

Malachi: Messenger to Messiah

Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs

Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebrated

https://www.livingwithpower.org/

Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Experiencing grace in our mess and pain | with Lina Abujamra Apr 05, 2024

Show notes

I welcome my new friend Lina Abujamra who invites us on a compelling journey through the ups and downs of faith, the role of suffering, and the unfathomable depths of God's grace. One of my favorite quotes from her book exemplifies this. She says, “mercy is never deserved, but always desired, and the key to unlocking it is simply to receive it.” Amen! She also adds, “God loves us not because we believe it, but despite the fact that we don’t.” Amen again!!

As I reflect on our conversation, here’s the main takeaway: Lina reminded me of the unfathomable-but-so-true depth of grace amidst the chaos of life. Her Christ-centered transformation, her candidness in sharing her struggles, and the indescribable nature of God's grace left me with a very real hope in the grace I have received in Christ alone. May we embrace grace in all its messy, beautiful, and transformative glory, knowing that God's love extends far beyond our moments of weakness and failure.

Allow me to tell you a little more. And remember - Lina goes a hundred miles an hour, and our conversation reflects every bit of her 100% passion for Christ! So, as soon as we get started, she dives headfirst into the turbulent waters of suffering, highlighting her experience of God's grace amid hardship. From Lina's childhood in war-torn Lebanon to her struggles with church hurt and not one, but two broken engagements, she reminds us that grace isn't just a feel-good notion; it's a lifeline we cling to in the stormiest of seas. Through Lina's story, we see the transformative power of grace as God teaches her to turn her pain and disappointment into a purposeful journey of healing and growth.

Lina transparently shares her experience of church hurt and the rollercoaster of emotions and doubt it triggered. Her raw honesty about the struggle of leaving her church and the subsequent crisis of faith will speak straight to the hearts of many who have found themselves on a similar rocky road. Lina's openness about embracing weakness and the need for humility in allowing God to become our strength is a reality check in the best way possible, resonating with anyone wrestling with their own spiritual journey amidst the messiness of life.

Lina's insights from her book, "Don't Tell Anyone You're Reading This," shed light on the relentless struggle to understand and receive grace. Her own dance with legalism and the expectation of earning God's favor will strike a chord with those of us who have felt the inescapable weight of our very real imperfections. Through Lina's journey of grappling with the depth of God's unconditional love, I feel challenged to ponder anew my understanding of grace, and to embrace the sheer magnificence of experiencing God's love in my many failures and corresponding messiness.

We do also talk about her latest Bible Study, “A table in the wilderness,” which I devoured. Stories of God’s tables of blessing are woven throughout Scripture. In addition to an introduction about why God chooses to feed us in order to teach us about His goodness, A Table in the Wilderness offers in-depth Bible study on five tables that God offers as physical and spiritual reminders of His love, mercy, and overflowing kindness:

- Salvation (Passover)—when you need to be rescued

- Unexpected belonging (King David’s table)—when you deserve to be punished

- Overflowing satisfaction (the wedding at Cana)—when you feel empty

- Remembrance (the Lord’s Supper)—when you’re likely to forget

- Eternal celebration (the marriage supper of the Lamb)—when life is hard

This substantive, applicable, and richly spiritual study includes a QR code for quick access to streaming videos, spiritual exercises for contemplation and prayer, a self-reflection tool, and a leader’s guide for small group study. Even in the most unexpected places—our weaknesses, our sins, our doubts—God loves to invite us into His presence. You are invited! Come to the table.

To end, here is another favorite quote from her book: “the kind of meal most of us long for isn’t about the food; it is about the people.” How very Gospel Spice! So, let’s unpack together what Lina means by that.

CONNECT WITH LINA ABUJAMRA

Dr. Lina Abujamra is a Pediatric Emergency Room doctor who now practices telemedicine full time as well as oversees the ministry of Living With Power.

For over more than 20 years, Lina has been teaching the Bible and speaking at conferences, retreats, and colleges, both here and overseas. She is the author of several books including her most recent book Don’t Tell Anyone You’re Reading This: A Christian Doctor’s Thoughts on Sex, Shame, and Other Troublesome Issues as well as her Bible Study series Mapping the Footsteps of God.

Not unfamiliar with pain and brokenness, she has made it her mission to ignite passion for Jesus in the hearts of God’s people, and to help them experience the beauty of Jesus’ healing and the power of hope.

Through Living With Power Global, Lina is providing medical and humanitarian aid to Lebanese people, refugee communities in Lebanon, and to Ukrainian families displaced by the war. Learn more here.

Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Lina now calls Chicago home. She is still single and is still a huge Green Bay Packers fan.

NEW TO GOSPEL SPICE? YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!

Check out our free resources, and more, at https://www.gospelspice.com/start

We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Here are a few suggestions:

Identity in the battle | Ephesians

Malachi: Messenger to Messiah

Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs

Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebrated