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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Taste the true freedom that Christ provides as our Passover Lamb. Mar 22, 2024

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of Gospel Spice! I have the humbling privilege to be your teacher, which is a role I take with utmost seriousness and a deep desire to steward your trust well. Thank you! I am thrilled to dive into today's topic: the Passover meal. We have so much to unpack in this episode, from the significance of unleavened bread to the powerful imagery of the cup of redemption. But before we dive in, let's quickly recap the previous weeks where we explored the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion during Holy Week. From his announcement of his impending death to the Pharisees' attempts to prevent it during Passover, there is a rich tapestry of events to explore.

One highlight we'll focus on today is the radiant act of devotion by Mary of Bethany, who anoints Jesus with expensive perfume as a symbol of her love and gratitude. We'll dive into the deeper meaning behind this act and how it ties into the overall theme of Jesus as the bridegroom and us as his bride. That is speaking directly about YOU!

Now, I must apologize for the sound quality of this episode. It was recorded live, and it is not as good as a studio recording. As a perfectionist in trying to bring you the highest quality sound, I faced some challenges, but I hope that the message itself will inspire awe and worship of Jesus Christ.

Speaking of worship, we'll also be exploring the Old Testament roots of the Passover and how it finds fulfillment in Jesus. From the story of Moses and the Israelites to the symbolism of unleavened bread, we'll trace the threads that beautifully connect Scripture and glorify God.

So, get ready to invite the Holy Spirit to captivate you through the intricate details of the Passover meal, the power of Jesus' sacrifice, and the call to live in a way that honors him. We'll be drawing on various passages to shed light on this timeless topic, including John 14:1-23.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. Now, let's uncover the extraordinary significance of the Passover meal and how it points us to the transformative work of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

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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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

Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

What-Color-is-Gods-Love-Book-Cover-e1704327565917-qhsgm6go18kj95mdmgxmj1w6olqx4enxtkzjqfzvz4.jpg — **Come abide in God's love. | with Xochitl Dixon** Mar 19, 2024
Show notes

Stephanie welcomes Xochitl Dixon for an inspiring conversation about the transformative power of faith, the significance of abiding in God, and the reality of God's love represented through colors and Scripture. Xochitl's dedication to celebrating diversity and promoting ethnic reconciliation is illuminated through her children's books. Her narrative and intent behind her books, such as "Different Like Me" and "What Color is God's Love," illustrate how she uses Scripture and colorful imagery to spark conversations about diversity, ethnic unity, and the value of God's love for all individuals. Her books are a testament to the power of storytelling as a tool for fostering understanding and embracing God's diverse creation.
Xochitl Dixon emphasizes the significance of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, enabling believers to serve one another and be filled with God's love. Her profound reflection on the spiritual concept of "be still" verses in Scripture resonated deeply, echoing the notion of finding peace and abiding in God's presence amidst life's challenges. Xochitl's personal journey of navigating chronic pain unleashes a profound message of resilience and faith. Her deep commitment to "be still" despite overwhelming pain serves as a powerful testimony of finding solace and strength in God's love. The transparency and vulnerability of her experiences resonate deeply, offering a source of hope and inspiration for those facing their own struggles.
Xochitl Dixon's journey and insights shared on Gospel Spice serve as a testament to the transformative power of faith, the abiding presence of God's love, and the potential for inclusive storytelling to foster unity and understanding. Her unwavering dedication to uplifting diverse voices and experiences through her work encapsulates the profound impact of faith in action.
**MORE ABOUT THE BOOK**
This playful rhyming picture book invites young readers to discover all the ways God’s love can be displayed through a rainbow of colors.
*All the colors displayed in this world that God made—*
*every glorious, fabulous, beautiful shade—*
*show how good God is and will always be.*
*But what is the color of love? Come and see!*
God created all the colors in the world, and in each one, we can discover how great His love is for us and how we can let that love shine to others! With each turn of the page, the focus shifts to a specific color—orange, yellow, blue, green, pink, black, white, gray, brown, red, purple—and explores a different attribute and expression of love through its many shades.
**MEET XOCHITL DIXON**
Xochitl (So-Cheel) Dixon encourages readers through the ministries of Our Daily Bread and the ECPA bestseller God Hears Her, through her custom designs at Worship Expressed, and through her books, Different Like Me and Waiting for God: Trusting Daily in God’s Plan and Pace. Serving God with her beautifully diverse family and her service dog, Callie, Xochitl loves Jesus, her neighbors, and readers like you!
Author Website/Blog: http://www.xedixon.com
Instagram: @xochitl.e.dixon https://www.instagram.com/xochitl.e.dixon/
Facebook Author Page: Xochitl E. Dixon https://www.facebook.com/Xochitl-E-Dixon-239776362714751/
YouTube Channel: Pause for Prayer https://www.youtube.com/c/xochitldixonauthorspeaker
A word from Xochitl:
“My name is Xochitl (So-Cheel) E. Dixon. I love Jesus and people! But that wasn’t always the case. I didn’t surrender my life to the Lord until I was thirty years old, after I stole my first Bible. Don’t worry. I eventually paid for it . . . two years later, as soon as I figured out that they weren’t free!
I’m a first generation Mexican-American who grew up in the 1970’s, torn between assimilation and the Chicano Pride Movement. My parents believed in God but never took me to church. I knew God existed, but I believed He was into punishing not loving His children. I spent the first few years of my childhood living with my immigrant grandparents, Papa Chato and Mama Luna, speaking Spanish and being told that I wasn’t allowed to speak Spanish in public, especially when I went to school.
My parents changed my name when I went to school because my first name, an Aztec name meaning Princess of the Garden, was too hard for teachers to pronounce. I don’t remember when my family stopped calling me by my real name.
As a child, I remembered loving books because I could escape the turmoil around me. My parents separated then got back together when I was in early elementary school, which led to my mother moving us away from our family in California to follow my father to Washington state for a fresh start. I hated everything about Washington and missed being away from my cousins, who felt more like siblings.
Once we were in our new home, I became a latchkey kid. My parents worked fulltime. So, I was at home alone or at the library. Though some bad things happened in my life. I can now see how God protected me from even worse things that could have happened. I can now see how He was calling me through some of the books He placed in my hands, before I even knew His name.
God taught me about prayer and faith through Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls. God showed me the power of sacrificial love when I read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis.
As a teen runaway, He protected and provided for me even though I still didn’t know Him or seek Him as I scrambled in search of myself, my purpose, my lost innocence, a place to belong, a place to call home. Though I had reconciled with my parents in some ways, moving back into their house wasn’t an option. So, as I prepared to graduate from high school, I planned to return to my grandparents home in California.
The week of finals, my Papa Chato died. My parents left me alone to take my tests and graduate as they attended the funeral with my younger sister.
When my mom returned from her trip and I turned eighteen, I asked her to help me fill out the paperwork so I could legally change my records and begin using my real name again. I applied to a university and vowed to leave my old life behind me.
That’s when I began reclaiming my identity!
The only problem was that I had no idea that the identity I thought I was reclaiming was not really who I was meant to be, who I was created to be . . . because I hadn’t even met my Creator.
I moved back to California in 1990, shortly after pledging Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. I planned to go back to school after working a few months, but after I was a victim of a crime my life spun out of control.
I moved in with my Cousin Rose, the same cousin who felt more like a sibling when I was a little girl. I was filled with fear, anger, bitterness, and confusion. I was planning to live with Cousin Rose for a few months then move to Los Angeles, start school again, and get back track. That’s when I met Alan.
So much happened between that day and December 14, 2001, when I surrendered my life to Jesus. Alan and I have a beautifully diverse growing family.
Between the good and the bad of life on this side of eternity, Jesus remains the same and loves me through each day.
I’m looking forward to sharing His truth and love with You as He leads me to write and share each message He places on my heart. For now, I would like to thank you for being a member of my blog family.
This is where I want to be rooted in God’s Word while growing with God’s people!
With everything that I write, I want to share God’s truth and love, to get to know Jesus more and to make Jesus known more and more.
I want to celebrate diversity and inclusion, alongside my beautifully diverse family and my amazing service dog, Callie.
I cross cultural, generational, and international lines, by sharing biblical encouragement and Scripture-based prayers and seek to inspire the development of deeper, authentic relationships with God and others.
Living with chronic pain and fatigue isn’t always easy. But I have a heart filled with compassion for hurting people. I want to encourage others to inhale the God-breathed words of Scripture and exhale prayers and praises, while resting in the peace of God’s constant presence and walking with Spirit-empowered courage, joy, and enduring hope. I’d like to do this with you, because I know I can’t do this without God or your ongoing prayers and support.”
**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
https://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/
Malachi: Messenger to Messiah
https://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/
Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs
https://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/
Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebrated
https://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/
Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Nurture a faith that trusts truth and embraces the costly grace of fragrant worship. Mar 15, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to another episode of the Gospel Spice podcast! I'm your host and Bible teacher, Stephanie Rousselle, and today we have a riveting topic lined up for you. Last week, we delved into the days leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, examining His entry into Jerusalem as the Bridegroom. Today, we continue our journey as we explore the events of Tuesday, where Jesus encounters a group of religious leaders known as the Sadducees. These skeptics attempt to challenge Jesus with a hypothetical scenario, but little do they know that Jesus is about to dismantle their flawed assumptions with His authoritative grace.

My favorite part is probably a little later in our episode, when we explore the significance of the anointing of Jesus by Mary of Bethany, connecting it to the Passover and Jesus' imminent crucifixion. This matchless, true story from Scripture emphasizes the power of pouring out our praise and worship for the Lord, just as Mary did, sustaining us through difficult times.

Join us as we uncover the depth of Jesus' teachings, the beauty of His identity, and how He ultimately utilizes challenging moments to test and refine our faith.

My prayer is that our time together today will inspire, reassure, and empower you with tested, tried, and true truths from the Gospel of Matthew. Let's jump right in!

MORE DETAILS ABOUT THIS EPISODE

I sure hope that you've been enjoying our recent episodes diving into the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. Today, we start by exploring Jesus' interactions with the skeptical Sadducees and the valuable lessons we can glean from them.

We begin by examining the flawed assumptions of the Sadducees regarding resurrection and eternal life. The Sadducees' story of the woman married to seven brothers is not a realistic scenario, even by their own standards. The Sadducees use this story to challenge Jesus and convey their skepticism about the concept of eternal life.

But let’s not be too quick to judge the Sadducees, because we, too, often enter situations with preconceived assumptions and may even further our own agenda by criticizing others' beliefs. This passage emphasizes the importance of looking beyond our own biases and being open to the truth that Jesus presents.

We then continue our journey through the gospel of Matthew and find ourselves in Matthew chapters 24 and 25, which discuss future events, known as eschatology, surrounding Jesus' second coming. While these prophecies point to a future generation of Jews and their role in the end times, at the same time some of these prophecies have already been fulfilled. There are still many yet to happen.

Our readings today emphasize the message of watchfulness and perseverance that Jesus imparts to believers. We will ponder insights from parables such as the 10 virgins, the parable of the talents, and the parable of the goats and the sheep, illustrating the urgency and importance of being prepared for Christ's return.

As we continue in this holy season leading up to Easter, let us remember the importance of seeking truth, remaining watchful, and allowing Jesus to test and refine us. Together, let's grow in our faith, challenging our own assumptions, and committing to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Thank you for being a part of our Gospel Spice podcast community. We appreciate your support and encourage you to share our episodes with your friends, family, and fellow believers.

With blessings and warm regards,

Stephanie and the Gospel Spice Podcast Team.

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

Bonjour! Gospel Spice exists to inspire our generation to delight in God. We do this through the podcast, online Bible studies, leadership trainings, and more. We want to serve Christ-followers who seek to live a life spiced with the gospel. We want to love God, because He first loved us. We want to experience the fullness of life with Him—and not be content with stale, boring, leftover faith. Jesus tells us that the most important thing is to love the Lord our God, so we take Him seriously. He adds that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Now, there are many ways to do that, but I have always personally felt deep compassion for victims of human trafficking – it is modern day slavery, and it revolts the heart of God. And so, they are our particular neighbors here at Gospel Spice. We want to play our part in raising awareness and then financially supporting those who fight this great evil.

Now we would love to invite you to join the team in one of three ways:

1, pray Gospel Spice forward – pray for our guests, our listeners and participants, and for us too!

2, play Gospel Spice forward by telling your friends about us, and by please leaving positive reviews and comments on your podcast listening app;

and 3rd, PAY GospelSpice forward. Less than 1% of our listeners are supporting us financially. We need your help! Please pay Gospel Spice forward today. It can be a one-time donation, or a monthly one, for the amount of your choice. Your donation is fully tax-deductible in the US. Plus, once we cover our costs, a significant portion of your donation will be given back to Christian organizations that fight human trafficking, and that we vet thoroughly. So, you can know that every dime you give is used for the Kingdom of God. Every little bit helps. So, be part of the spice of the gospel by becoming a financial partner today!

Now we would love to invite you to join the team in one of three ways:

1, pray Gospel Spice forward – pray for our guests, our listeners and participants, and for us too!

2, play Gospel Spice forward by telling your friends about us, and by please leaving positive reviews and comments on your podcast listening app;

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Navigating life with wisdom | with Chris Hall Mar 12, 2024

Show notes

Joining Stephanie on the show today, guest Chris Hall shares deep insights from his spiritual journey and his book "A Different Way." His emphasis on the importance of preparing for death with an awareness of the limited time we are given sets the stage for a powerful exploration of trust, transformation, and a recentered life with Jesus.

Chris Hall highlights the gift of years and the challenge to prepare for death with both awe and awareness. That preparation is not rooted in fear, but rather recognition of the limited time we have been given. This perspective challenges us to embrace each day as a gift and live intentionally, aligning our lives closely with Jesus' teachings.

Chris' latest book, "A Different Way," is a call to recenter our Christian lives around following Jesus. He speaks to seekers, disillusioned Christians, and those seeking congruence between their words and actions. This recentering invites us into deeper intimacy with Jesus, transforming not just our beliefs but our very way of life. He invites listeners to explore internal landscapes to encounter God and correct our perspectives. This call to spiritual introspection and the correction of our views aligns with the need to make the world make sense through corrected perspectives. This deep internal work can lead to a more profound encounter with the divine and a life-lived congruent with the teachings of Jesus.

Chris Hall emphasizes the importance of trusting God, even when life is difficult. Trusting God may not guarantee an easy life, but it promises a life full of His presence. His emphasis on the need to help others explore a different way with God underscores the transformative power of vulnerability, trust, and dependence on the divine. He shares personal experiences of suffering and the profound embedding in the love and care of God. This recognition of God's trustworthiness amidst life's challenges emphasizes the importance of trust and the development of character. His story serves as a reminder that God’s presence and providential care can be found, even in the midst of life's most difficult moments.

Chris Hall's wisdom and insights leave listeners with a profound invitation to embrace life's challenges with trust, knowing that each trial can be an opportunity for growth and a deepening of our relationship with Jesus. His recent life-threatening medical crisis brought into focus God's providential preparation throughout his life. This shared experience serves as a powerful reminder that each moment is part of a greater tapestry, even when we may not fully understand it at the time.

As we reflect on Chris Hall's journey and the wisdom he shared, we are reminded of the invitation to trust, to explore a different way of living with Jesus, and to recenter our lives around following Him. His story becomes a beacon of hope, inviting us to embrace spiritual transformation and a life filled with the presence and guidance of Jesus. Chris Hall's journey serves as a compelling call to embrace spiritual transformation, leaning into the challenges and opportunities that life presents, all the while rooted in the trust and love of God. As we carry his insights with us, may we be inspired to live a life that reflects the love, grace, and transformative power of Jesus Christ.

MEET CHRIS HALL

Christopher A. Hall is author of a four volume set on the Church Fathers: Reading Scripture with the Church Fathers, Learning Theology with the Church Fathers, Worshiping with the Church Fathers, and Living Wisely with the Church Fathers, all published by IVP Academic. He also was associate editor of the Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture (29 volumes: published by IVP Academic). His newest book is A Different Way (HarperOne).

Chris previously served at Eastern University for twenty-four years in several roles, including chancellor, provost, dean of Palmer Theological Seminary, dean of the Templeton Honors College, distinguished professor of theology, and director of academic spiritual formation.

Dr. Hall possesses a B.A. from UCLA in history, an M.A. in biblical studies from Fuller Theological Seminary, a Th.M. from Regent College, and a Ph.D. from Drew University. He has served in the pastorate overseas (France, 5 years) and in Canada (British Columbia, 2 years). He has also served as Director of Pastoral Care at New Jersey’s only state gero-psychiatric hospital.

Dr. Hall has ministered in Asia, Africa, South America, Europe, the Middle-East, Canada, and the United States. He served on the editorial board of Christianity Today. He has published articles and book reviews in Christianity Today, Catalyst, Christian History, inMinistry, Books and Culture, Christian Scholars Review, Modern Theology, and Crux.

He and his wife Debbie reside in Philadelphia and have three children and three grandchildren.

Chris's entire 22-lesson course on the Foundations of Christian Spirituality is available free of charge at this YouTube address: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQSuZ_ztcgU&list=PLtFHThcqLiofWQ8V7EGOzCZXi-31yykbC

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

The perfect gift for everyone - apparel, drinkware, stickers and more for all the women, men and kids in your life!

Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Our trials and tests will prove us true in the end, like they proved Jesus true at Easter. Mar 08, 2024

Show notes

This is it. Today we are entering the final week of Jesus’ earthly life. It is called the week of the “Passion” because the original meaning of this word is “suffering” – very different from our understanding of this word today! Hello! I am Stephanie Rousselle, and it is my dear privilege to be your teacher today. Thank you for joining us! It means the world to me.

In this episode, we will be delving into the powerful story of Jesus' last week on Earth, leading up to his crucifixion and resurrection. From the triumphal entry on Palm Sunday to the events of Monday and Tuesday, we will journey through the gospel of Matthew to uncover the profound significance of these moments.

But before we dive in, let's take a moment to reflect on the testing that Jesus faced during this pivotal week. Just as lambs were tested and examined for blemishes before being sacrificed, Jesus was put to the test by the Pharisees, Sadducees, and the crowds. From Sunday to Thursday, His authenticity and identity were tested, ultimately revealing Him as the spotless Lamb of God.

In this examination of Jesus' journey, we will explore the purpose behind these tests and what they mean for us today. Through testing, we see the strength and character that lies within us. Just as a blacksmith tests and shapes metal to create a powerful blade, God tests and refines us to bring out the best in us. Testing is not meant to destroy us, but to reveal our true selves and transform us into the image of Christ.

Join me as we uncover the significance of these tests and discover how they can shape our own faith journey. As we embark on this exploration, we will see how Jesus' mission to save us unfolds and how it is intimately connected to both Christmas and Easter, the two pillar-events of our Christian faith.

So grab your Bible, settle in, and let's dive deep into the transformative power of testing and the profound significance of Monday and Tuesday in Jesus' last week on Earth. This is Gospel Spice. Let's get started.

MORE DETAILS ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Spring is in full bloom, and we hope you are enjoying the beauty of the season. In this week's episode of Gospel Spice, host Stephanie Rousselle takes us on a journey through the last days of Jesus' life leading up to the crucifixion.

Just like the unexpected encounter Stephanie had with a doe and her fawn in her garden, Jesus faced unexpected challenges and tests during those final days. From the triumphal entry on Palm Sunday to the crowds chanting "Crucify him" just days later, the story takes a dramatic turn. But amidst these events, an incredible truth unfolds: Jesus' mission was to die for us, to become the spotless sacrifice required by the Old Testament law.

Stephanie will guide us through the events of Monday and Tuesday, shedding light on the significance of Jesus being tested by Pharisees, Sadducees, and the crowds. These tests were not intended to make Jesus fail but to reveal His true nature as the Lamb of God without blemish. In the same way, we are also tested daily, both publicly and privately, to reveal the strength of our faith.

Through these tests, God wants to encourage us and show us that we can rely on Him. Temptations and hardships may come our way, but God provides a way of escape and promises to strengthen us. Even in seasons of comfort, when our need for a hero is less perceptible, Jesus remains the hero of our lives. Do we cling to Him amidst abundance, showing whose we are?

Join Stephanie as she explores these powerful themes from Scripture, and applies them to our lives today. Discover how testing can refine us, just like a sword being forged by a blacksmith. Let's dive into God's Word and explore the deep truths of Jesus' final days on Earth.

Stay tuned for next week's episode, where we will delve into the events of Wednesday before the crucifixion, continuing our study from the Gospel of Matthew.

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

https://www.gospelspice.com/merch

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

Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

You are a tree: metaphors to make sense of life | with Joy Clarkson Mar 05, 2024

Show notes

I had the delight of welcoming the brilliant Joy Clarkson, an American author, podcaster, and editor based in the UK. In a world dominated by technological metaphors and a rapid pace of life, she shares wonderful insights, reflections, and inspiration from her latest book "You Are A Tree." Joy joined me on the Gospel Spice podcast for a thought-provoking conversation about the power of metaphors in capturing the intangible aspects of life, finding resilience in times of upheaval, and embracing the poetry of everyday experiences.

Joy Clarkson beautifully expounds on the significance of metaphors in illuminating the intangible aspects of life. She draws a compelling comparison to light as a metaphor for wisdom and guidance in her book. She reveals her desire to bring flavor and richness to people's lives, much like salt brings out existing flavors in food. Joy’s aspiration for her book is to intensify and flavor life, leaving people in awe of the poetry of life and the deep meaning woven into everyday experiences. Through her work, she encourages readers to slow down, pay attention, and savor the richness of life around them.

In our discussion, Joy challenges the paradigm of equating human beings to machines, emphasizing the resilience and complexity of humans. She contrasts the organic nature of humans with the mechanical consistency of machines. Joy artfully weaves these insights into the metaphor of human beings as more akin to organic organisms, specifically comparing them to the resilience and growth of trees. This fresh perspective stands in stark contrast to a culture dominated by machine and computer metaphors, encouraging readers to appreciate their own resilience and organic nature.

I must take a moment to praise the beautiful writing of Joy Clarkson and the book's ability to prompt readers to desire and experience the world around them. Drawing on this metaphorical culinary journey, Joy illuminates the significance of the book's title. She reveals her belief that her book has the potential to draw out the existing richness and flavors of life, leaving people with a more profound appreciation for the everyday experiences that God has intricately woven with meaning. In this context, the metaphor of the tree signifies resilience and the potential for growth, guiding readers to embrace their own capacity for resilience, growth, and rootedness.

The conversation expands as we explore how Joy managed to write her book during a time of personal upheaval. She vulnerably shares how she embraced resilience and found inspiration during a challenging season of life, highlighting her ability to slow down and pay attention to the richness and meaning in everyday experiences. Choosing to draw strength from her surroundings, she surrendered to the process and found resilience in the form of a metaphorical journey, paralleling the growth and rootedness of a tree. This recounting adds depth to the metaphorical exploration within her book.

Joy Clarkson's enlivening conversation on the Gospel Spice podcast beautifully illustrates the power of metaphors in conveying the richness of life and finding resilience in times of upheaval. Through the lens of the metaphorical and organic, readers are invited to slow down, savor life, and appreciate their own resilience. Embracing Joy's poignant insights, we are challenged to see the poetry in our everyday experiences and to draw inspiration from the resilience and growth of the trees that surround us, witnessing the beauty of our own metaphorical journey.

Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:

📚 Metaphors for Intangible Experiences: Through our discussion, Joy emphasized the significance of metaphors for capturing intangible experiences and guiding readers through an introspective journey. We dove into the depth and beauty of using metaphors like light, salt, and trees to enrich and flavor life, leaving people in awe of everyday experiences.

🌱 The Poetry of Human Resilience: Joy discussed the danger of equating human beings to machines and highlighted the resilience and complexity of humans. She shared a personal journey of feeling like a potted plant, growing beyond her pot, and the fear of not being able to root, prompting her to ponder the choices needed for her own life.

📘 Burdens, Sadness, and Community: Our conversation also explored the concept of carrying burdens, the metaphor of life as a journey, and how community plays a role in helping each other carry burdens. Joy delved into the difference between feeling heavy with sadness and carrying a burden, emphasizing the importance of distancing ourselves from sadness and deciding how to carry it.

Joy's insights will shape and inspire your perspective on life and your personal journey. If you're looking for depth, poetry, and meaning in your everyday experiences, "You Are A Tree" is a must-read!

MEET JOY CLARKSON

https://joyclarkson.substack.com/about

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Your season of anticipation | living the days until faith becomes sight Mar 01, 2024

Show notes

I cannot wait to dive with you into the rest of our lesson on the symbolism of the Jewish betrothal ceremony and how it points to our own marriage to Christ our Lord! I am Stephanie Rousselle, your humble host, and it is my utter privilege to spend this moment with you through the pages of Scripture.

Today we continue our exploration of the traditional Jewish custom of betrothal and how it relates to Jesus' mission as the bridegroom. We’re continuing our journey through the season of waiting and preparation that takes place between the moment of betrothal and the wedding celebration. Discover the significance of the bridegroom's role during this period and how it connects to Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on the cross. We'll also uncover the groom's mission of gathering the bride price and building a home for his new family, drawing parallels to Christ's redemptive work and his promise to prepare a place for us in heaven. So grab your cup of coffee and get ready to dive into the fascinating world of betrothal and its profound spiritual truths. My humble prayer is that this episode will leave you with a newfound appreciation for Jesus as your perfect groom and an anticipation for the day when he comes back to fetch you, His beloved bride. This is truly the spice of the gospel of Christ Jesus.

MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE

In our previous episode, we explored the beautiful imagery of betrothal in the Jewish tradition and its connection to Jesus as the ultimate bridegroom. Now, we continue our journey of discovering the depth of this ancient custom. Stephanie takes us deeper into the betrothal period, focusing on the role of the bridegroom. Just as the bride was preparing herself for her new life and identity, the groom had his own mission during this season of anticipation.

Stephanie explains that the first mission of the groom was to gather the full bride price, completing the initial down payment. We see the foreshadowing of this mission in Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on the cross, through which he fulfilled the payment of the bride price for all of humanity.

The second mission of the groom was to build a house for his new family. Stephanie highlights the significance of Jesus being a professional house builder, skilled in both woodworking and masonry. He dedicated himself to creating a perfect dwelling place for his beloved bride, just as the groom in the Jewish custom would tirelessly assemble and furnish rooms for his betrothed.

Stephanie also draws our attention to Jesus' comforting words to his disciples during the Last Supper, echoing the traditional parting words of a Jewish groom to his bride. We read John 14:1-3 and find Jesus assuring his disciples that he is going to prepare a place for them in his Father's house, where they will be eternally united.

As we delve into the significance of Jesus' role as the perfect bridegroom, we are reminded of the promise of Revelation 21:3-4: that one day, God's dwelling will be with humanity, wiping away every tear, eradicating death, grief, crying, and pain.

The episode concludes with the anticipation of the rapture, the moment when the groom comes to fetch his bride. Stephanie delves into the symbolism of the best man, who forewarned the bride of the groom's imminent arrival by blowing a wedding horn. In a similar fashion, we await the trumpet call of God, signaling the return of Jesus to rapture his church, gathering all believers to be with him forever.

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Pray for Jerusalem | with Aaron Shust Feb 27, 2024

Show notes

Bonjour! Stephanie here. I am excited to share the inspiring insights from my recent conversation with recording artist Aaron Shust on the Gospel Spice podcast! Together we invite you to journey deeper into faith through worship. Aaron opened up about his faith journey, music career, and deep connection to scripture and different cultural influences. Aaron and I discussed the importance of experiencing Scripture through different perspectives and interpretations, emphasizing the value of humility and teachability in growing in faith. He shared how diverse cultural influences have shaped his songwriting and deepened his understanding of God's word, with a key focus on the Messianic Jewish culture.

Aaron remains truly humble and teachable, as well as always curious to learn more. This is the hallmark of someone who is walking closely with the Lord. God gets all the glory, and we get to delight in Him through it! It is essential to surround ourselves with people who inspire us to walk closer to God. Inspired by his experiences and love for Scripture, Aaron shared his ongoing desire to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, leading to the creation of his latest song, "Pray for Jerusalem" based on Psalm 122. His commitment to writing songs based on Scripture is truly a testament to God’s faithfulness and goodness, and the depth of Aaron’s faith and creativity.

MORE ABOUT WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS CONVERSATION

Stephanie welcomes acclaimed worship leader and songwriter Aaron Shust to discuss his inspiring journey as a musician and a devoted follower of Christ. Aaron shares how his deep-rooted faith has not only shaped his musical compositions, but also transformed his spiritual walk.

Aaron Shust's artistic evolution presents a compelling narrative of exploration and cultural immersion. His pilgrimage to Israel in 2016 served as a catalyst, reigniting his fascination with ancient traditions and compelling him to delve into the practices of messianic Jewish communities. This journey ignited a creative flame within Aaron, prompting him to infuse his songwriting with influences from his global travels, including the captivating sounds of Scottish music and the evocative melodies of Middle Eastern traditions. By embracing sonic elements from his expeditions, Aaron adds a vibrant and culturally diverse dimension to his musical repertoire.

Aaron Shust's latest endeavor, "Pray for Jerusalem," stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication to encapsulating scriptural inspiration within his music. Rooted in the profound call to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, this poignant composition echoes the enduring devotion to scriptural narratives, weaving together the threads of prayer, faith, and melodic exaltation. Through this musical creation, Aaron extends an invitation to unite in prayer for the ancient city, encapsulating the spiritual essence of the Scriptures through his heartfelt melodies.

Growing up in a family immersed in a love for both the Bible and music, Aaron's childhood was shaped by the harmonious fusion of these two elements. His early exposure to the Hebrew scriptures, coupled with his mother's affinity for music featuring the word Yeshua, laid the groundwork for a profound connection between faith and melody. Central to Aaron Shust's creative process is the imbuing of his compositions with the profound essence of Scripture. His deep reverence for biblical teachings and Jesus' words has led him to craft songs that serve as soul-stirring embodiments of faith and reverence. By weaving the timeless wisdom of Scripture into his musical tapestry, Aaron breathes life into age-old verses, ushering his listeners into a realm of spiritual contemplation and melody. His musical creations exemplify a harmonious marriage of faith and artistry, igniting the hearts of his audience with the eternal resonance of God's word.

Aaron Shust's captivating account unravels the profound interplay between faith, musical expression, and the timeless resonance of scripture. It is a joy and a delight to welcome him on Gospel Spice this week!

A FEW OF AARON SHUST’S MOST POPULAR SONGS:

My Savior, my God (2006)

To God alone (2009)

My hope is in You (2011)

Cornerstone (2014)

No one higher (2014)

Ever be (2016)

MORE ABOUT AARON SHUST

Aaron’s fascination with music—with unique sounds, melodies, progressions, and techniques—has always been a salient part of who he is. From an early age, Aaron has felt most at home in front of a piano. Just as innate to Aaron is his love of God’s Word—of wrestling with the Scriptures, with the hard and beautiful things they say, and the way they foretell and fulfill a picture of a suffering servant, King Jesus.

You’ll hear these twin loves in Shust’s music, from his debut success with “My Savior My God,” winning the 2007 New Artist, Songwriter and Song of the Year. Later, as he grappled with a surprise Down Syndrome diagnosis for one son and waged a war with chronic illness for two, he continued to declare “My Hope is in You,” a song which spent 14 weeks at #1, and “Ever Be,” which debuted at #3 on the NCA chart. Aaron bolsters the faith of his listeners and surprises them, too, as with his 2014 Christmas Album Unto Us, recorded with the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. With this collection, Shust turns conventional classics into something fresh and adds his own work to the canon of Christmas music.

Over the past several years, Aaron has delved deeply into friendship with Messianic Jews, both in Nashville and Israel, as well as into the Hebrew Scriptures and Jewish tradition that they yield. Here, Aaron and his family have found not only friendship, but also a depth of insight into the rich background of the Yeshua Aaron proclaims, and what this depth of meaning can bring to believers today.

You’ll hear the reverence Aaron has developed for this Jewish heritage in Heaven + Earth: The Psalms Project. From melodic patterns and Middle Eastern instruments to passages sung in Hebrew and collaboration with Israeli musicians, Shust is determined that the listener will steep in the Psalmist’s musical vocabulary and therefore, have an intimate and imaginatively accurate experience of this ancient treasure of praise, lament, and contemplation.

Shust, a native of Pittsburgh, makes his home in Nashville with his wife Sarah and their sons Daniel, Nick, and Michael, as well as a growing menagerie of pets.

Connect with Aaron at https://www.aaronshust.com/ as well as YouTube and on social media.

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