The Bible Speaks to You: Embracing the Mindset of Christ James Early

242 – What is your priority at church, getting new members or taking care of the sheep you have?I used to think my church should focus only on reaching out to the community, sharing the gospel, and getting more people to come to church.But over the years I've realized it's equally important to nurture and care for the members we already have.This week's podcast episode talks about the difference between the Great Commission and, what I call, the Great Shepherding of the flock.Jesus knew his f...

241 – Why should you read the Gospel of Thomas?Well, do you want to be closer to Christ? Then the Gospel of Thomas is for you.But you have to learn how to decode it. That's where Kieth Giles comes in. His book helps find the deeper meaning: The Quantum Sayings of Jesus: Decoding the Lost Gospel of Thomas*This week I talk with Keith Giles about the Gospel of Thomas. Keith explains why this ancient text is really important and how it helps us get a really deep insight into how to follow J...

240 – If Jesus was here today, would he get involved in politics?Do you think he would be a member of your political party? Would he take sides at all? Or would he take a different approach to solving the problems people are facing today?How would Jesus bring healing to the political divisions in today’s society? Would he go to Washington, D.C. and make a speech in congress? Would he meet with opposing political opponents and try to get them to agree on things? Or would he hold a political ra...

239 – Have you ever felt far away from God?Maybe you've made some huge mistakes, or someone had done something that harmed you. But no matter what has happened in your life, God is always with you, even if you're not aware of it.This week's episode digs deep into this idea that God is always with us, no matter what. Highlights this week:Psalm 139: Wherever you go, God is thereMy parents story of losing their business, but feeling God's presence with them during the challengesRomans 8:38,...

238 – Have you ever wondered if there's a way to really know God loves you?Does God's love ever seem far away? Or maybe you know theoretically that God loves you, but you just don't feel it?Maybe you've made bad life choices that makes it hard to imagine God still loves you.When I'm discouraged, it's been really helpful to remember that God sent Jesus because He loves us so much, all of us.Jesus's whole life, everything he said and did, is an example of how God loves you and me, not jus...

237 – Is it possible to find healing from the effects of trauma and abuse?Have you or someone you know been in an abusive or traumatic situation or relationship? This episode is for you.Marina Carrier shares how she overcame the residual effects of being an unwanted child and sexual abuse at the age of nine. It was only through the power of the Holy Spirit, which brought her back to the church and the study of the Bible, which started her journey of healing.Some important steps along the way ...