Iron Sheep Ministries Inc.

Dave Bigler
  • 5.0 (4)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Hello and welcome to Iron Sheep Ministries. Our goal, in everything we do, is to Equip, Build and Strengthen the body of Christ (Based on Eph 4:12). That said, despite our best efforts, we acknowledge that we are all weak, helpless, lost sheep in daily need of our shepherd, Jesus Christ (Isa 53:6). Together we are seeking to learn more about God day by day and to be changed by Him from the inside out. Join founder Dave Bigler in his weekly, through the Bible teachings, or simply partake in one of our topical interviews or testimonies.

  1. FEB 4

    John 15:1-17 Bible Study - Abide in the Vine; how to thrive as Christians (Soils Part 2)

    In this powerful message from John 15, Dave Bigler explores what it truly means to abide in Christ and bear lasting fruit as believers. Building on his previous teaching about the Parable of the Soils in Matthew 13, Dave reminds us that the seed is God's Word, and our hearts represent the different types of soil. He emphasizes that genuine disciples are called to remain deeply connected to Jesus—the Vine—allowing Him to prune us so we can produce the fruit He desires. Through personal stories, practical insights, and direct Scripture, the teaching highlights the joy, purpose, and intimacy that come from abiding, while addressing common struggles that keep us from bearing fruit. Dave unpacks key truths: the necessity of staying rooted in God's Word through consistent Bible study, prayer, and community; the reality that hardship and pruning are part of God's loving process to make us more fruitful; and the freedom found in surrendering control, naming our emotions honestly, and trusting Christ's easy yoke. Whether you're feeling spiritually dry, overwhelmed by life's "weeds," or simply desiring deeper growth, this message encourages you to let go, abide in Jesus, and experience the fullness of joy He promises. Outline: 0:00 – Introduction: Dave introduces himself as an elder, shares excitement about teaching, and briefly recaps his prior message on the Parable of the Soils (Matthew 13) – the seed is God's Word, with four soil types (path/rocky/thorny/good). 0:30 – Quick review of the soils: Rocky (shallow faith scorched in trials), hard-packed/path (Satan snatches the word), thorny/weeds (cares of life choke fruit), good soil (produces fruit). 1:40 – Transition to John 15: Response to a request for a follow-up on abiding; prayer to open.3:15 – Reading John 15:1-17 aloud. 4:00 – Key verse breakdown begins: Jesus as the true vine, Father as the gardener (v.1). 6:00 – Branches and fruit: God cuts off unfruitful branches, prunes fruitful ones for more fruit (v.2); already clean by the word (v.3). 7:30 – Core command: Abide/remain in Jesus to bear fruit; apart from Him, nothing (v.4-5); purpose is much fruit for God's glory and to prove discipleship (v.8). 9:00 – Joy in abiding: Jesus' joy in us, complete joy (v.11); love and obedience like friends, not servants (v.14-15). 10:00 – Chosen and appointed to bear lasting fruit; love one another (v.16-17). 12:00 – Illustrations: Grape vine analogy; God as gardener/sower/potter; we are branches/conduits, not the source of fruit (Holy Spirit produces it). 15:00 – Common false sources of fulfillment: relationships, social media, retail therapy, possessions, entertainment/TV stats, etc. – these are modern "idols" that can't satisfy. 20:00 – What is fruit? Character of the Spirit (Galatians 5), good works, sharing the gospel; not a salvation requirement but evidence. 25:00 – Pruning process: God removes dead/unfruitful things (even good things that hinder); pruning hurts but increases fruit; trust God's role as gardener. 30:00 – Abiding practically: Stay connected through Bible study (cleaned by the word), prayer, community; name emotions honestly in hard times to reduce tension. 40:00 – Takeaways / Steps:Know your place: God is God, we are branches (surrender control).Abide in the true vine: Daily prayer, Bible intake, obedience.See challenges/hard things as opportunities/pruning for growth. 50:00 – Conclusion: Struggle of self-reliance; abide means letting go and trusting; God's yoke is easy/light. 55:00 – Closing prayer: Gratitude for abiding, pruning, joy; request for strength to follow commands; Amen. Support Iron Sheep Ministries: https://Ironsheep.org/donateListen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheepContact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.orgJoin the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD

    59 min
  2. Cocaine Addict & Convicted Felon to Peer Recovery Advocate & Coach: Ben Deeb's Story | An Apostle Talk Interview

    JAN 28

    Cocaine Addict & Convicted Felon to Peer Recovery Advocate & Coach: Ben Deeb's Story | An Apostle Talk Interview

    In this powerful episode of Apostle Talk, host Dave Bigler sits down with Ben Deeb, a quad-certified peer professional (CRPA, CJSR, PSP, CARC) and Center Staff Supervisor at Healing Springs Recovery Community and Outreach Center in Saratoga County, New York. Ben shares his raw, redemptive journey from severe cocaine addiction, repeated arrests (around 15 times), homelessness, and incarceration to becoming a transformative leader in recovery support. He candidly discusses how substance use disorders and mental health challenges affect a vast majority of the incarcerated population, the lack of meaningful rehabilitation or wraparound services in the justice system, and how a divine encounter with God during one of his jail stays ignited lasting change. Ben now supervises peer professionals, spearheaded the development of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs, recovery units, and reentry initiatives in the Saratoga County jail, helping justice-impacted individuals find hope, stability, and freedom. The conversation highlights the systemic failures in treating addiction as a moral failing rather than a health issue, the vital role of peer support and faith in recovery, and Ben's ongoing mission to train others and expand programs that bridge jail to community reintegration. This episode is a stirring testimony of God's redemptive power, the importance of compassion over judgment, and practical steps toward breaking cycles of addiction and recidivism. If you're struggling with addiction, supporting someone who is, or passionate about justice reform and recovery advocacy, Ben's story offers encouragement and real-world insight. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, reach out for help: Healing Springs Recovery Community: (518) 306-3048 https://preventioncouncil.org/healing-springs/ Shelters of Saratoga:(518) 581-1097 https://sheltersofsaratoga.org/Subscribe for more inspiring testimonies of faith, recovery, and transformation. Like, comment, and share to spread hope! 00:00 Intro & Welcome 00:39 Ben's Addiction & Rock Bottom: Cocaine, Homelessness, 15 Arrests 01:07 The Broken System: "Bad Person" vs. "Sick Person" Mindset 01:17 Turning Point: Conversations with God in Jail 01:56 Ben's Bio & Current Role at Healing Springs 03:04 Early Life, First Drugs, and Entry into the Justice System 08:21 First Jail Time & Walking Away from Faith1 2:31 Homeless in Schenectady, Felonies, and Opiate Spiral1 8:31 Release Struggles & Fentanyl Impact 27:40 Armed Robbery Arrest & Foxhole Prayer Moment 31:10 Steps Toward Change & Peer Support Beginnings 35:51 Re-Incarceration & Mindset Shift in Jail 44:03 Paid Role in Jail & Building Hope 47:21 Developing Recovery Programs & MAT in Saratoga County Jail 51:43 Childhood Trauma, God's Love, and Realizing Worth 58:11 Creating the Recovery Unit & Reducing Recidivism0 1:06:06 Advice for Those Struggling: You Deserve to Recover 01:10:58 Closing Prayer & Hope for Addicted, Incarcerated, and Families01:15:23 Final Amen & Wrap-Up Support Iron Sheep Ministries: https://Ironsheep.org/donateListen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheepContact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.orgJoin the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD

    1h 16m

  3. JAN 12

    Matthew 13 Bible Study - The Parable of the Soils - which soil type are you?

    This is a study that Dave Bigler gave at Adirondack Christian Fellowship. For more on ACF visit https://acfsaratoga.org In Matthew 13, the Parable of the Sower (or the Soils) is used to illustrate how the gospel is received by different people based on the condition of their hearts. The "seed" represents the word of God or the message of the kingdom. The "sower" is ultimately the Holy Spirit, though God often uses people to spread the word. This teaching breaks down four specific soil types: the hard path where the word is snatched away by the enemy, the rocky ground where faith lacks depth and withers under trial, the thorny soil where worldly worries and the deceitfulness of wealth choke out spiritual growth, and the good soil where the word is understood and produces an abundant crop. In this teaching Dave Bigler emphasizes that believers may find themselves transitioning between these soil types depending on their season of life. A central theme is the importance of maintaining "good soil" by trusting God as the ultimate gardener rather than relying on one's own efforts. This involves resisting the "weeds" of busyness and material security, which can lead to a lack of spiritual maturity. The lesson concludes with an encouragement to enter into God’s rest and allow the Holy Spirit to transform the heart from the inside out, ensuring that the word remains fruitful rather than being choked out by life's distractions.

    50 min
  4. Leviticus 26 & 27 - Conclusions, Rewards and Warnings

    12/11/2025

    Leviticus 26 & 27 - Conclusions, Rewards and Warnings

    In this final video of our study of Leviticus, we cover both Leviticus 26 and 27. Chapter 26 is a warning from the Lord of the consequences if they follow his decrees and if they do not. If they DO follow his law, God promises blessings, but IF THEY DO NOT, he promises punishment (or better known as chastisement). We look at these warnings as well as examples of where we see both play out in the Old Testament history of Israel. We also cover Leviticus 27, in which we study the dedication and redemption value of items devoted to the Lord.

    1h 3m
  5. Leviticus 25 Bible Study - Land Sabbath & the Year of Jubilee (Holiness Code)

    12/03/2025

    Leviticus 25 Bible Study - Land Sabbath & the Year of Jubilee (Holiness Code)

    In this Bible Study, we dig into Leviticus 25, looking at both the Sabbath year for the Land as well as the Year of Jubilee. The Israelites were instructed, after entering into the promised land, to give the land a sabbath rest every 7 years. Additionally, they were instructed that every 50 years was to be a year of Jubilee in which all land ownership went back to the original owners, all debts were cleared and all slaves were freed. What was the purpose for both the sabbath land rest as well as the year of Jubilee? What are our takeaways for today? All this and more we discuss in this teaching. Outline: 01:54 Leviticus 25.1-7 - The Sabbath Year for the Land.Every 7th year, the land was to receive a Sabbath rest. So for 6 years you may Sow (plant) your fields, prune (maintain) your vineyards - your plants; and gather/reap/harvest - to gather to take to market to sell or save for future use. Then on the seventh year they were instructed not to: sow, prune or reap/harvest. Don’t verses 5 & 6 contradict each other? No, V5 is speaking of “working” the land, to either reap/harvest - to sell or store up. V6-7, makes it clear that you can gather what you can eat - but not for profit or storage. You must trust the Lord. For an entire year, you must trust in the Lord’s provision. Did Israel do this? - No, we will talk about that more later in our study. 10:01 - The year of Jubilee. Every 50th year (7x7 - 49 years), on the day of Atonement (10th day of the 7th month) at the sound the trumpet (shofar) the year of Jubilee started. Proclaim liberty, for all the inhabitants. At the year of Jubilee, everyone returns to their ancestral family property and family, and all land sales go back to the original owners (land ownership is a lease). If you purchase land, the price of the land (lease) is based on the number of crops you have until the year of jubilee. 15:30 - Leviticus 25.25-34 - Redemption of land. The land belongs to God; the Israelites are only tenants, at any time after a sale, a family member may redeem the sold land at a prorated price. 17:52 - What does “redeem” mean? As it relates to redeeming a person and redeeming land. The simple definition is to buy back at a price, to rescue to pay a ransom for something. What does the Bible say about redemption? Exo 6:6 - God declares that he will “redeem” Israel from the Egyptians. Exo 15.13 - Moses declares that God redeemed his people. Bought back. Jesus is our redeemer, bought us back, with a price (his blood). For more read Eph 1.7, Gal 3.13, and 1 Pet 1.18-19. 22:26 - Leviticus 25. 35-55 - Redemption and Treatment of Impoverished Israelites Who Sell Themselves into Servitude 28:22 - Why did God call for a land sabbath and for the year of Jubilee? To establish the land and the people are Gods - he is the owner. Lev 25.23, “the land is mine, and you reside in my land as foreigners.” To provide rest for the people and the land. - 25.20-22 God declares a massive blessing. To provide economic freedom to the people - no generational poverty or servitude. As a picture fulfilled in Christ - Typology. Jesus provides our ultimate jubilee - we are free from the debt or bondage of sin, we are adopted into our heavenly family, because we have been redeemed. 32:47 - Did they do this? Did Israel keep the land sabbath every 7 years? Did they follow the year of Jubilee every 50 years? What does scripture say? Read Chronicles 36.20–21, Jeremiah 29:10 & 25:11–12 (NIV). 41:09 - Question for discussion: what are you missing out on because you are not trusting the Lord? 43:21 - The Millennium Sabbath Rest for the world theory. https://answersingenesis.org/age-of-the-earth/ Support Iron Sheep Ministries: https://Ironsheep.org/donate Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheep Contact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.org Join the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD

    50 min

  6. 11/27/2025

    Happy Thanksgiving - an Iron Sheep Ministries update.

    Enjoy this short update from Iron Sheep Ministries.

    1 min
  7. Leviticus 24 Bible Study - Lamp Oil, Show bread, Eye for Eye, & Blasphemy (Holiness Code)

    11/19/2025

    Leviticus 24 Bible Study - Lamp Oil, Show bread, Eye for Eye, & Blasphemy (Holiness Code)

    Today’s Bible study covers Leviticus 24 and four distinct elements that are all tied together within the Holiness Code. Verses 1-4 we will talk about the continuous call for the priests to tend to the oil of the lampstand found within the tabernacle. Verses 5-9 discuss the weekly call to supply the show bread (bread of the presence). Both the lampstand and the show bread have application and fulfillment in Christ (which we discuss). In verses 10-23, we see a narrative about a man who blasphemes the Lord and receives swift justice. This leads to a discussion on Lex Talionis (the law of retaliation), also known as “eye for an eye,” as well as a thorough discussion on what blasphemy is and why it deserved the death penalty. Lots to talk about as we dig deep into Leviticus chapter 24. Outline: 03:02 - Leviticus 24.1-4 - Continues Lamp Oil.We learn about the tabernacle lampstand in Exodus 25.31-40. The lampstand had a purpose in its day, it was the only source of light within the Holy Place of the tabernacle. It illuminated the work inside the tabernacle. This is also representative of Christ as our only source of divine eternal light. John 8.12, Jesus says, “‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have light of life.” John 1.4-5, “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” Heaven will be illuminated by the Glory of the Lord, Rev 21.23, “The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.” Additional Symbolism found in the lampstand: 2 Cor 5.21, Heb 7.26, Isa 53.4, Rev 1.20, Jhn 8.12, 9.5, 1.4-9, Rev 21.23. 09:09 - Leviticus 24.5-9 - Show bread also known as the “bread of the presence.” The show bread had a purpose in Moses day. It was a perpetual acknowledgement that all bread/food comes from the Lord. It was a thank-offering to the Lord. God is the provider of all. The 12 loaves represent the 12 tribes of Israel, continually offering their gratitude and dependence on God for daily provision. The show bread has fulfilment in Christ. Jesus is the bread of life, John 6.35, Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” Additionally (you can dig deep into this yourself) Jhn 3.16, 1 Pet 2.22, Heb 7.25, Rom 8.34, Eph 5.2, 1 Pet 2.9, 1 Cor 11.23-25. 13:39 - Leviticus 24.10-23 - Blasphemy and justice 17:05 - What is Lex Talionis? What is Eye for an Eye?Lex Talionis is latin. “lex” = law and talio = “like for like”The law of retaliation and the law of retributionBible verses covered on this in the study: Ex 21.23-25, Deut 19.15-21, Mat 5.38-48, Mat 5.17, Rom 13.1-4. Lex Taolionis - eye for an eye - was never meant for personal relationships. This is where we must apply Jesus’ statement of turning the other cheek. 30:48 - Leviticus 24.10-16, 23 - BlasphemyWhat is Blasphemy? Blasphemy is any deliberate, irreverent, or contemptuous speech or action against: God (father, son, or spirit), His character, His name, His worksWhat is Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? A willful, knowing, persistent rejection of the Holy Spirit’s testimony about Jesus. Considered unforgivable because the person has hardened their heart against the only means of salvation. The Holy Spirit resides in us as believers: John 14.16–17, Ephesians 1.13–14, 2 Corinthians 1.21–22, Ephesians 4.30.Key Bible Verses on Blasphemy covered in this talk: Exo 20.7, Exo 22.28, Lev 24.16, 1 Kings 21.1-14, Job 2.9-10, Luke 5.21, John 10.30-39, Psa 82:6, Mark 14.60-64, John 19.6-7 and Rev 13:5–6. Support Iron Sheep Ministries: https://Ironsheep.org/donateListen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheepContact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.orgJoin the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD

    48 min
  8. Leviticus 23 Bible Study - Festivals and Sacred Assemblies (Holiness Code)

    11/12/2025

    Leviticus 23 Bible Study - Festivals and Sacred Assemblies (Holiness Code)

    In this Bible Study we walk through Leviticus 23 looking at the major Holy Days or Festivals. The Sacred Assemblies to the Lord include Sabbath (Shabbat), Passover (which includes the Festival of Unleavened Bread, and the Feast of Firstfruits. We also look at the Festival of Weeks (Shavout), the Festival of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah) and the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). The last celebration we look at is the Festival of Tabernacles (Sukkot).Lots to look at as we unpack each of these Sacred Assemblies.

    1 hr
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About

Hello and welcome to Iron Sheep Ministries. Our goal, in everything we do, is to Equip, Build and Strengthen the body of Christ (Based on Eph 4:12). That said, despite our best efforts, we acknowledge that we are all weak, helpless, lost sheep in daily need of our shepherd, Jesus Christ (Isa 53:6). Together we are seeking to learn more about God day by day and to be changed by Him from the inside out. Join founder Dave Bigler in his weekly, through the Bible teachings, or simply partake in one of our topical interviews or testimonies.

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