The Well

Over the years I've had hundreds of conversations with folks who wanted to discuss what they were lacking in their life.  We all lack certain things; we have our wants and needs to be sure.  The author of Hebrews wants to convince those 1st century hearers that God had provided for all their spiritual needs in the person of Christ Jesus, the fully divine and fully human object of their worship.  You're invited to spend 15-20 minutes  with me exploring the Biblical truth of how God replenishes us spiritually when we are feeling depleted (or lacking).  

Do you at times find that your faith is waning, as well as your commitment to Christ and the work of His Community (the Church)?  If so, you're not alone...the issue is as old as the first generation of believers.  This week Shawn begins a study on the Book of Hebrews, and invites you to see Christ in a whole new light.

God invites us into a relationship with Himself; a relationship that leads to spiritual transformation.  Sadly, many of us try to find that spiritual transformation by relying on our own human efforts, rather than the work of the Spirit.  In this episode we'll look at two people who were looking for spiritual meaning/satisfaction/purpose in all the wrong places.

In times like these; filled with anxiety, confusion and even chaos, what does our culture need the most?  Some possible responses to such question might involve the law, the family, mental heath treatment, and the like.  In this podcast Shawn will weigh in on what he believes is needed most in times like these.

 

It is indeed difficult to admit where we're wrong, or to admit our flaws, or where we harmed another.  Sometimes the most important person to make such an admission to is ourself.  In other words, we're good at hiding the truth about us - from us.  Yet being honest with ourselves, God and others, can be the beginning of living in the freedom of God's grace.  In this episode we'll explore the process for moving from hiding the truth, to admitting it...and the great things we might see in our lives as a result.

Many of us find our lives overcrowded with commitments and activities, often good things, that crowd out things that are of even greater value.  This week we'll study the three temptations Jesus faced at the beginning of His public ministry, and how by saying "No", He fulfilled His Divinely ordained purpose and enjoyed intimate communion with the Father in heaven.

In our study of 2 Corinthians 1: 18-20, we'll ponder these questions:

When you think of our Father in heaven, do you encounter Him as one who says "yes", or who says "no" to you?

Do you perceive that God has a calling for your life, and if so, have you responded to Him by saying "yes" or "no"?

Would the people around you say that they experience you as a "yes" or a "no"?

 

Would you characterize yourself as a "giver" or a "taker" in the way you live.  Givers look to add value to the people and places in their lives, while takers try to enrich themselves by using the people and places that are placed in their path.  We'll look at Luke 19; a classic story of a person who transitioned from giver to taker.

This weekend we celebrate our nation's independence; it's an awesome thing to be free, self-sufficient and and independent indeed.  Yet when it comes to our life with God, self-sufficiency is an illusion that hinders our growth in His grace.  In short, we need help from our Lord.  We're going to look at John 2: 1-11, the story of Jesus' first miracle that took place at a wedding.  We'll note that this was not only his first miracle; but also His first answered prayer and it teaches us the first step in our walk with Him.

Is gratitude a character/personality trait we're born with, or a learned behavior?  Paul wrote that followers of Christ Jesus are to "give thanks in all circumstances".  Let's look at how we can make gratitude a part of our daily life, also how this will strengthen our relationship with God and with each other.