Join Pastor Lee Fuller and John Sullivan as they discuss Christians' involvement in Missionary work in Episode 3 of Bible in Real Life!

Episode 2 of Season 2 is here! Join Pastor Lee in an enlightening interview with Tracy Moore, author of inspiring books, as she shares her transformative journey with God. Through the healing power of her written words, life-changing experiences, and the strength found in her testimony, Tracy guides us on a profound exploration of faith and healing after brokenness. 📖✨🙏 #Episode2 #Season2 #FaithJourney #HealingAfterBrokenness

Our first guest, Kevin Haynes of Revolution Ministries, joins Pastor Lee and on Bible in Real Life. We dive into a captivating conversation as Kevin shares how he's making God famous through his impactful work and unveils the beauty of his gift for dance. Don't miss this inspiring episode!

Today we would like to celebrate fathers.

Importance of Fathers:

Here are a few lessons we can learn from fathers.

Examples of Fathers in the Bible:

• Adam: Lesson There are Consequences for Bad Behavior.
• Proverbs 20:7 Children are blessed if a father walks in integrity. The righteous who walk in his integrity— blessed are his children after him! 

• Noah: Serving God and his obedience protected his family.
• Proverbs 14:26 - In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.

• Joseph: Choice to love and raise a son that was not his. Is an example of a man Stepping up and being obedient to what God has called him to do.
• Psalm 127: 3-5 Children are a blessing. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. 5 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. 

• Moses: A leader and provider for the nation of Israel. Interceeded and gave wisdom and instruction to the People.
• Exodus 20:12 Honor your mother and father.

God Identifies himself as a Father

• Lost Son God is the Father that waits for his Son to return. Luke 15
• Jesus is my beloved Son

1 John 3:1 3 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

Happy Father's Day to all the Fathers

John 3 - Bible Study Archive

God gives examples of Mothers and fathers teaching and training children.

• “Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you” (Deuteronomy 5:16).“

• Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head, and a chain to adorn your neck” (Proverbs 1:8-9).

Mothers can pass on a spiritual legacy as well.

• “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also” (2 Timothy 1:5).

God uses a mothers love as a picture of God's Love for his people.

• “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem” (Isaiah 66:13).
• These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, Titus 2:4

Even if you had a Bad Mother, God is the best example:

• “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (Isaiah 49:15).
• Picture of a mothers Love - Good and Bad. Two women with a dead baby taken before solomon.Then the king gave his ruling: ‘Give the living baby to the first woman. Do not kill him; she is his mother’” (1 Kings 3:24-27). This story gives us insight into what the Bible says about mothers and one of the aspects of motherhood. In this instance, this mother protected the life of her son, even if it meant losing him to someone else. This story demonstrates the caring, compassion and love that is typically exhibited by mothers towards their children.

Mothers JobLife of Prayer for thier kids:

1. Pray for protection, wisdom or thier kids
2. Don't Give up on you kids
3. Persistence through the stages of Child and teen, young adult: Not Permanent

• We see Mary at Jesus birth and at his death.

Being a mother is permanent, job of raising the child is temporary. Your responsibilities for the child changes over time - Instructor to supporter and encourager

It is important to understand the priority that family should have in the spiritual development of our children. Family plays an important part.

I. Introduction

• God created the institution of family (Genesis 2:18-24)
• Proverbs 22:6: "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."
• Family is a central theme throughout the Bible (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Psalm 127:3-5, Ephesians 5:22-33)

II. The Importance of Family in the Old Testament

• God established family relationships from the beginning (Genesis 1:27-28)
• The family was the basic unit of society (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
• The patriarchal structure of the family emphasized the role of the father as the spiritual leader (Genesis 18:19, Deuteronomy 6:1-9)

III. The Role of Family in the New Testament

• Jesus affirmed the importance of family relationships (John 19:26-27)
• The church is described as a family (Ephesians 2:19, 1 Timothy 3:15)
• The family is a metaphor for our relationship with God (Ephesians 5:22-33)

IV. The Blessings of Family

• Family provides a sense of belonging and identity (1 John 3:1, Galatians 3:26-29)
• Family teaches us about love and sacrifice (John 15:13, Ephesians 5:2)
• Family provides a space for spiritual growth and discipleship (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Acts 16:31)
• Family provides a source of comfort and support (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Galatians 6:2)
• Family provides a legacy of faith (Psalm 78:5-7, 2 Timothy 1:5)

VI. Conclusion

• Family is a gift from God and an important part of the Christian life
• Let us embrace our roles as family members and seek to honor God in our relationships with one another.

Ep 58: Christ's Once for all Sacrifice in Real Life w/Lee Fuller - Message Archive

As we look at the story of the resurrection, we see Jesus is dying to take away the sins of the world. Matthew 26-28, Mark 14-16, Luke 22-24, and John 18-21.

• Jesus died willingly
• He told Peter to put his sword away
• He said he could call 10,000 angels to defend him

Response of the Disciples

• Peter denied Christ 3 times and then went away in deep sorrow after he denied Christ. - If we have moments of weakness and denial of Christ there is redemption. God has prayed for you.
• John went to the crucifixion and was standing at the foot of the cross with Mary and Mary Magdalene. - Stay with Jesus to the end there is always work to do. Allow your love to keep you close to Jesus no matter what.
• Judas is the one that betrayed Jesus. He betrayed him with a kiss. Jesus went to give the money back. He later went out and killed himself.  Matthew 27:3-5 - If you are discouraged at how things are happening. If you expected things to happen a different way trust that God has a plan and remain committed. You have never gone too far to turn around. Jesus can remove the guilt of your actions. Jesus' death is what caused us all to be saved, and our sins are taken away.
• Thomas: Wanted asked questions and wanted to see and touch Jesus. God allowed him to see and touch him, then he taught us that it is possible to believe without touching. God can give you the faith to believe even if you don't see him.

Easter is a great time to share the Gospel

1 Cor 15:1-415 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,

1. Christ Died for our sins
2. He was Buried, acknowledge and confirmed as dead
3. Raised on the third day

• God's love and grace: The gospel message begins with the idea that God loves humanity and desires a relationship with us. This love is not based on our merit or good works, but is freely given to us as a gift of grace.

• Human sin and brokenness: The gospel message acknowledges that humanity is broken and separated from God due to sin. This sin has created a barrier between us and God, and has caused us to suffer and struggle in our lives.

• Jesus Christ as Savior: The gospel message proclaims that Jesus Christ came to earth as the Son of God, lived a sinless life, and died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. His death and resurrection made it possible for us to be reconciled to God and to receive eternal life.

• Repentance and faith: The gospel message calls for us to repent of our sins and turn towards God in faith. This involves confessing our sins, asking for forgiveness, and committing our lives to following Jesus.

• New life in Christ: The gospel message promises a new life in Christ, one that is characterized by love, joy, peace, and purpose. This new life is made possible through the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live out our faith and to grow in our relationship with God.

Key elements of the gospel message:

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" - Romans 3:23

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 6:23

"Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6

"But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him." - Acts 2:24

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord" - Acts 3:19

"If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." - Romans 10:9

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" - 2 Corinthians 5:17

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23

These elements of the gospel message are central to Christianity and are expressed in different ways throughout the Bible. They offer hope, comfort, and transformation to those who receive them and believe in them.

Title: Dealing with Toxic Relationships

Section 1: Recognizing Toxic Relationships

• Definition of toxic relationships and examples (e.g. manipulation, control, abuse, constant drama)
  • Disrespectful relationships: Relationships where there is a lack of respect for each other can be unhealthy. This includes relationships where one person consistently disregards the other's feelings or opinions, or where there is a lack of mutual respect for each other's values and beliefs.
  • Abusive relationships: Physical, emotional, or psychological abuse is never acceptable in any relationship. It's important for Christians to recognize that abusive behavior is not God's plan for relationships and to seek help if they are experiencing abuse.
  • Unequally yoked relationships: Unequally yoked relationships refer to relationships between Christians and non-Christians. While it's possible for these relationships to work, they can be unhealthy if there is a lack of shared values and beliefs.
  • Codependent relationships: Codependent relationships are characterized by an unhealthy reliance on each other. This can manifest in many ways, such as one person being overly controlling or one person constantly needing validation from the other.
  • Dishonest relationships: Dishonesty can be toxic in any relationship. This includes relationships where one person consistently lies or withholds important information from the other.
• Discussing common reasons why people stay in toxic relationships (e.g. fear, guilt, obligation)
• Scripture reference: Proverbs 12:26 - "The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray."

Section 2: Responding to Toxic Relationships

• Emphasize the importance of setting boundaries and seeking help from trusted sources (e.g. friends, family, church)
• Discuss how forgiveness does not mean allowing toxic behavior to continue
• Scripture reference: Proverbs 22:24-25 - "Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared."

Section 3: Examples of Toxic Relationships

Section 4: Overcoming Toxic Relationships

• Discuss the healing process after leaving a toxic relationship
• Emphasize the importance of seeking God's guidance and finding support in the church community
• God is able to Redeem the relationship, Remove the relationship, Repent of the toxic behavior to Repair the relationship.

We hear a lot about prosperity and prosperity preachers. Well, today we want to take a look at what the Bible says about prosperity and wealth and we want to see God's warning about placing our trust in riches and wealth.

What is Prosperity? To force entry, cut through, be successful

Does God Bless His People so that they prosper?

• Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Esau, and Joseph all prospered.
• Psalm 1:3 whatsoever he doeth shall prosper
• Prayer of Jabez 1 Chronicles 4:9-10
• Solomon had wealth and prosperity. 1 Chron 22:13

Don’t think its you, remember the Lord causes you to prosper. Deut 8:17-18

Wealth is not the only sign of God's favor. The wicked can have wealth too, but wealth is fleeting. Psalm 73, Jeremiah 12:1

Good and bad happen to God's people and both situations can come from God. Ecclesiastes 7:14, Phil 4:13

What does it profit to gain the world and lose your soul?

When does wealth and prosperity become evil?

• When we love it. The love of money is evil. 1 Timothy 6:10, Hebrews 13:5
• When prosperity turns you from God. (Deut 32:15) Jeshurun the “upright ones”
• When you choose Money over God, you can't serve two masters. Luke 16:13
• When your love of money causes you to reject the true gospel of Christ. 2 Peter 2:1-3

Wealth and prosperity can be a gift from God, but we must always prioritize the giver over the gift.

WBS Philippians 3 - Time to Lean In

In this episode, let's get the keys to success. Should a Christian seek and desire success? yes. But only if it is good success!

Philippians 2:3-5 Warns us not to do anything out of selfish ambition and vain conceit.

Success: to reach one's expectations and reach a defined goal. If your goal is God's will, righteousness and goodness then every Christian should desire success in this area.

To be successful you must:

1. Develop Godly mentality and habits: Joshua 1:7-8 - be careful to do all the law...mediate in it day and night.
2. Keep the Lord With you - Gen 39:2 - Lord was with him and he was successful
3. Walk in the call that God has for you. 1 Chronicles 22:11
4. Daniel 6:28 - So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and Cyrus - Godly success is long-lasting

God also affirms that believers should also work hard

• “The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slack hand will be put to forced labor” (Proverbs 12:24).
• “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8).
• Develop a skill and it will bring you before kings and notable men.
  • “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men” (Proverbs 22:29).

If you combine working hard with working according to the purposes of God you will have good lasting success.

So the formula for good success = walking in God's way + working hard.

As we look at the Birth of Christ it is amazing what we can see in the genealogies. Let's take a look at Matthew and Luke in this episode to see what God shows us in the list of names. Take a listen.

Matthew Genealogies

• Matthew Lists 4 women - Matthew 1:1-17
• Tamar - Incest
• Rehab - Prostitute
• Ruth - Moabite
• Wife of Uriah (Bathsheba)

God's Grace that all of these are invited, excepted and claimed in the Family of God.

Luke Genealogies - Jesus is the son promised to redeem the world. Luke 3:23-38

• Luke takes History up to Adam - Jesus has a link to humanity and is the savior for the whole world.

Bible in Real Life is celebrating Episode 50!!! We are excited and praising God for the opportunity to reach everyone all over the world to share how the Bible impacts us all in Real Life.

In this week's episode you’ll see highlights from some of our favorite episodes and guests. 

Shopping can be stressful during the Holiday season. Here are a couple of things to consider to help you not fall into the trap of the shopping frenzy.

1. Check Your Motives. Evaluate our motives, Ps 139:23-24

Why do you want to go Black Friday shopping? Are you wanting to be a good steward of your time and money so you can give generously while still providing for your family's needs? Or is your desire to go Black Friday shopping fueled by greed, pride, or ego?

2. Contentment 1 Timothy 6:6 "Godliness with contentment is great gain"

Black Friday and Cyber Monday often turns our heart quickly from being thankful to discontent. Paul taught that God gives us the strength to be content in any circumstance.

3. Covetousness Luke 12:15, 34 Be on guard against greed…, where your treasure is, your heart is…

4. Charity - Acts 20:34 it is more blessed to give than to receive.

1 Tim 6:17-19   17As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

A good prayer for guidance

We can pray, "God, how would you like me to use the resources you have given me?" or "Please reveal any pride, selfishness, or greed in my heart and replace them with love, generosity, and Godly contentment."

Remember Christmas is about Jesus, The gifts at Christmas were given to Jesus. Let's remember the reason for the season.

Each year we have things to be thankful for. During this holiday season, we want to talk about what we must be grateful for. What about you? What are you thankful for?

This year there may be an additional stress to the holiday. If you have experienced a loss, it can really be evident during the holidays. In today's podcast, we are interviewing Pastor Tye Maner on how to process grief and avoid this holiday headache. Listen to this episode now, because the holidays are coming quickly.

Dealing with Grief w/Pastor Tye Maner