Love God First

Ep83 Jesus as Our High Priest, Gen 14, Hebrews 7:1-10, 25-28

With the example of the priest-king Melchizedek in Genesis 14 as a springboard, we take this episode to look at what the author explains in Hebrews about the similarities between Melchizedek and Jesus. And by the end we see how having a high priest like Jesus can be such a comfort to our souls. 
 

Ep82 Battles and Priests, Gen 14:1-24

In this episode, we watch Abram and his allies fight and defeat some Mesopotamian kings, save Lot, and head home to the hills. But on the way back, Abram meets a unique individual who is unlike almost every other person in the Bible. Join me as we lay some groundwork on understanding Melchizedek. We will discuss his and Abram's interactions and how Melchizedek's priesthood has some big repercussions on how we view and understand Jesus. The next episode will finish where this one leaves off. 
 
 
Resources:
Study Verse by Verse: Hebrews by Dr. Steve Schell
The Genesis Record by Dr. Henry Morris
Foundations of Pentecostal Theology by Drs. Van Cleave and Duffield
Bible History: Old Testament by Alfred Edersheim
 
Keywords
Jesus, Melchizedek, High Priest, Abram, Faith, Old Testament, New Testament, Spirituality, Christianity, Intercession
 
 

Ep81 Finding Hope in Slow Growth, Gen 13:5-18

In this episode we watch the next chapter of Abram's story unfold with his nephew Lot. We are focusing this episode on the theme of spiritual growth and on being patient with the process the Lord has us in because there is an absolutely wonderful reward in store for us at the end. Listen to find out what unique reward we have to look forward to!
 
Keywords
spiritual growth, Abram, Lot, God's promises, contentment, faith, trust, identity, biblical lessons, personal development

Ep80 How to Make Decisions: Lessons from Abram and David, Gen 12:10-20

In this podcast episode, we explore the process of decision-making for Christians using biblical examples from Abram and David. I emphasize the importance of faith, the need to renew one's mind and the necessity of seeking God's guidance in making decisions. The discussion highlights the consequences of fear-driven choices and provides practical steps for making decisions aligned with God's will.
 
 
Keywords
Christian decision-making, faith, Abram, David, Bible stories, God's will, renewing the mind, fear, guidance, prayer

Ep79 Building Altars: A Tool for the Tool Belt Pt 2, Gen 12:6-9, 13:1-4

In this episode I discuss the significance of building altars in our lives as a means of remembering God's promises and sustaining our faith. I emphasize the importance of returning to these altars to strengthen our relationship with God and to remind ourselves of His faithfulness. Through practical examples and personal anecdotes, I illustrate how modern-day altars can be created through journaling and other methods. Hopefully listeners will see the value of actively recording their significant moments with God!
 
Keywords
altars, faith, remembrance, spirituality, worship, promises, God, prayer, journaling, personal growth

Ep78 Building Altars: A Tool for the Toolbelt Part 1, Gen 12:6-9

In this episode we explore the concept of building altars in the life of a Christ follower, using Abram as a model. We talk about why it was so important for Abram to have built an altar and call on the name of the Lord. We'll see the importance of committing to our own current spiritual assignment, and we'll look at an example of drawing on the Lord's transformative power and presence through worship. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own lives and consider where they can build modern-day altars to invite God's presence into their circumstances.
 

Ep77 The Three Areas of Christian Calling with Marc Hagman

In this conversation, Marc Hagman and I explore the concept of calling in the Christian faith, discussing the different types of calls believers have, including the call to salvation, holiness, and ministry. We emphasize the importance of understanding that a person does not need to be perfect to step into ministry and that calling can manifest in various forms throughout our lives. The discussion also highlights the process of spiritual growth and the significance of community support in discovering our calling.
 
We will be talking in future episodes about this important topic because it is something that each of us comes back to often as we walk with God. 
 
 
Keywords
calling, ministry, holiness, Christian faith, spiritual growth, 1 Peter, God's grace, personal development, fruitfulness, life purpose

Ep76 The Preparations of a Bride, Isa 61:10, Rev 19:7

In this episode, I shares reflections from my son's wedding, drawing parallels between the preparations for that wedding and the spiritual preparation of every Christian as the bride of Christ. I emphasize the importance of growing our inner character as we depend on the righteousness of Christ to clothe us. The conversation culminates in a hopeful vision of the eternal life that awaits believers, inspired by C.S. Lewis's writings.
 
Keywords
wedding, bride of Christ, preparation, righteousness, Love God First, Christian metaphor, Isaiah, Revelation, C.S. Lewis, spiritual journey

Ep75 Embracing Your Calling: A Modern Perspective w/Sarah Miller Pt 3

In this last conversation, Sarah Miller and I continue to explore the concept of calling in a modern context, discussing how God can call each of us to different ministries, jobs, and even locations in our lives. We delve into the importance of understanding one's identity and values, the process of stepping out in faith, and the significance of community in confirming God's call to us. Through personal stories and insights we emphasize that the journey of faith is at its core a relationship with God. Hopefully by the end you will have a confidence (or at least a willingness) to embrace the unique calling that the Lord has given you!
Here is the link for the spiritual formation materials I talk about on this episode:
Life Lessons Publishing, Spiritual Formation
 
Keywords
calling, faith, God, personal growth, trust, life coaching, spiritual journey, obedience, values, community

Ep74 Embracing Your Calling: A Modern Perspective with Sarah Miller Pt 2

In this second conversation, Sarah Miller and I continue to explore the concept of calling in a modern context, discussing how God can call each of us to different ministries, jobs, and even locations in our lives. We delve into the importance of understanding one's identity and values, the process of stepping out in faith, and the significance of community in confirming God's call to us. Through personal stories and insights we emphasize that the journey of faith is at its core a relationship with God. Hopefully by the end you will have a confidence (or at least a willingness) to embrace the unique calling that the Lord has given you!
 
 
Keywords
calling, faith, God, personal growth, trust, life coaching, spiritual journey, obedience, values, community