Gospel Spice | Awaken Delight in God through faith in Jesus Christ

Stéphanie Rousselle
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Gospel Spice | Awaken Delight in God through faith in Jesus Christ

Hungry for deeper intimacy with God? Thirsty to (re)discover His love for you and your love for Him? Ready to embrace your full identity in Christ? Gospel Spice is your Jesus Christ-centered podcast, infused with in-depth Bible flavors and sprinkled with a dash of French culture. Have you recently found yourself less than captivated by your relationship with God? Have you found the pages of Scripture to be stale and lifeless? Are you looking for a spiritual flavor explosion in your journey with God? Then Gospel Spice is your new secret ingredient.  French host and Bible teacher Stephanie Rousselle invites you to taste and see that the Lord is good, and to spice up your relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Could the Christian faith prove more delightful & delicious than you’ve tasted so far? A feast awaits. Begin today! Join Stephanie and her guests to taste & see that the Lord is good! The Gospel Spice Podcast is ranked Top 1% All Categories globally*, and is listened to from 170+ countries.  Guests include Dallas & Amanda Jenkins, Max Lucado, Joel Rosenberg, Os Guinness, Jennifer Rothschild, Sheila Walsh, Susie Larson, Jonathan Evans, Ruth Chou Simons, Jim Cymbala, Jo Saxton, Alisa Childers, Curt Thompson, and so many, many more. When not with her guests, Bible teacher Stephanie Rousselle invites you to delight in God by diving deep into Scripture! NEW! SHOP GOSPELSPICE MERCH DISCOVER THE GOSPEL SPICE MINISTRIES  We exist to inspire Christ-followers to delight in God. The Gospel Spice Podcast is part of a larger range of tools by Gospel Spice Ministries. We provide resources to empower Christian leaders across generational, social, ethnic and geographical boundaries towards more intimacy with Jesus Christ and discipleship effectiveness through a Biblical Christocentric foundation. The Gospel Spice Ministries provide a safe environment for spiritual and community growth empowering people to know Christ more intimately, serve one another more powerfully, and reach the world for Jesus. Gospel Spice Ministries is a non-profit organization registered under the tax-exempt 501c3 status. Your donations are tax-deductible under IRS Section 170. We want to be the best possible stewards of your financial support. The majority of donations above our minimal operating costs go to Christian organizations fighting human trafficking. Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog (*ListenNotes ranking, 2024) Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

  1. Express your worship by investing eternally | Giving Tuesday 2024

    22 HR. AGO

    Express your worship by investing eternally | Giving Tuesday 2024

    Stephanie invites us to ponder an original perspective to help us determine how to invest our time, money and talents wisely, with heaven in mind. What does Jesus mean when He urges us to "accumulate treasures in heaven"? Surely He does not mean we will need money in eternity. What are these treasures? And most importantly, HOW do we accumulate treasures in heaven? Scripture teaches we are saved by grace alone, and faith in Christ alone, and that we cannot earn salvation. So, this is not about salvation. This is about living a life of delight in the glory of God on THIS side of heaven, and a life of investing wisely in what GOD says matters eternally. Stephanie uses a fresh analogy and describes our life this side of heaven as a garden in which we live and work and move and play. But there is a great wall, so high we cannot peek over it, and it separates us from eternal life. This wall is death and, apart from Christ, it is terrifying. It casts its shadows of pain and suffering, hardship and afflictions, disease and sickness over us all. This wall has a door for each one of us--we will not cross over until our time comes, but we will not be able to avoid that door when our time comes. What awaits us on the other side of it and, more importantly since you already know what awaits you in Christ, how do we invest our lives wisely, this side of the wall?  Jesus tells us to accumulate treasures in heaven. In other words, He tells us there are ways to toss our treasure over the wall of death, and into eternity. What can we toss? And HOW do we toss it? In this episode, Stephanie invites us to ponder what it looks like to toss treasure over the wall, and then to discover how we will use it on the other side. What will this treasure look like? How will we use it in heaven? We at Gospel Spice hope and pray that this episode will encourage you to keep running the race set before you, and to fix your eyes on Him who has crossed over to bring you from death to life. NEW GOSPELSPICE CHRISTMAS PLAYLIST ON SPOTIFY! Enjoy our team's selection of favorite Christ-centered Christmas hymns this season. Search Gospel Spice on Spotify, or click here  https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0S4BcfaOfjg2CGH7VBa8mm?si=grkc-ZS6TBu75sByFPvwfw&nd=1 (note - there is also a Gospel Spice Worship playlist for all the other months of the year!) THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS TO PARTNER WITH GOSPEL SPICE TODAY! First, PAY Gospel Spice Forward: Give a tax-deductible gift so others can experience our ministry for free, just like you! You can pay it forward with any debit, credit card, or via PayPal. See below for more details about your impact. Also, PLAY Gospel Spice Forward: SHARE the podcast and the studies with your friends and family. FOLLOW, RATE & REVIEW on your favorite podcast app (leave a comment + a star rating on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Pandora, IHeart, Google Podcast, etc…). It REALLY is the best way to help others find this content-rich podcast.  And, last but not least, PRAY Gospel Spice Forward: We pray for you weekly. We covet your prayers for our ministry, the thousands we reach, and our team! Contact us to let us know you are praying for us! NEW! Another way to partner with us is to purchase our workbooks and online Bible studies. We keep them at the lowest possible cost, but they require a lot of work from us! For example, - a complete Bible Study requires an average of 500 man-hours. - a workbook for a series requires almost 100 man-hours. MORE ABOUT PARTNERING WITH US FINANCIALLY: Gospel Spice Ministries is a non-profit organization registered under the tax-exempt 501c3 status. Our goal is to provide in-depth, high-quality, free Bible resources for all. They are free, but expensive to create! We need your financial support to keep producing and distributing them. Please pay Gospel Spice forward today! For example, a podcast episode takes close to 10 hours of work (and we release 2 each week). They come to you completely

    45 min
  2. Magnify Christ through reflection and liturgy

    4 DAYS AGO

    Magnify Christ through reflection and liturgy

    Today, Stephanie invites us to appreciate the beauty of both sacred feasts and ordinary days, encouraging us to engage in the communal and reflective aspects of faith, and finding God’s purpose within the varied rhythms of the Christian calendar. Throughout our series, we together have woven the historical and prophetic significance of Jewish and Christian feasts. We have remembered that, while Christians aren't required to observe these feasts, they offer valuable insights and experiences. The communal aspect of these celebrations serves as an inspiring contrast to modern individualism, with our faith deeply rooted in community and shared heritage. The spring feasts, including Passover and Pentecost, herald Jesus' first coming, while the fall feasts echo the anticipated second coming, starting with Rosh Hashanah. With Advent beginning on December 3rd, 2024, this season marks a shift from Ordinary Time to a spirited anticipation of Christ's birth. Stephanie encourages us to slow down and reflect on the past year, capturing the introspective spirit of Thanksgiving.   The current era, regarded as the "ordinary time" between Jesus' first and second coming, is marked by the mission to spread his teachings. The concept of Ordinary Time within the Christian liturgical calendar serves as a reminder of the divine presence in everyday life. This period, unique to Christianity, fosters spiritual maturation and invites believers to live more deeply in Christ's teachings. Living the Christian life is akin to growing in spirals, continually deepening our faith journey. This time culminates in the final Sunday of ordinary time, liturgically called “the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe,” and transitions into the vibrant anticipation of Advent. Next, we will ponder the connections between Advent, Hanukkah, Christmas, and Epiphany. These discussions will continue to show intricate ways in which these winter festivals echo the broader themes of anticipation and celebration. The anticipation for the second coming of Jesus, expressed through the Jewish feasts, notably the Feast of Trumpets, aligns with the Christian expectation of the eventual fulfillment of God's promises. As the Gospel Spice podcast series wraps up its exploration of the Jewish and Christian liturgical calendars, Stephanie invites us to embrace a rich tapestry of spiritual traditions through feasts and ordinary days alike. The series shines a light on the intricate dance between the sacred and the ordinary, drawing out beauty found within the familiar rhythms of faith. Don’t forget to check out our essential workbook to accompany this study. Stephanie personally created the content to invite you deeper into study. Don’t miss out! It’s at https://www.gospelspice.com/store THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS TO PARTNER WITH GOSPEL SPICE TODAY! First, PAY Gospel Spice Forward: Give a tax-deductible gift so others can experience our ministry for free, just like you! You can pay it forward with any debit, credit card, or via PayPal. See below for more details about your impact. Also, PLAY Gospel Spice Forward: SHARE the podcast and the studies with your friends and family. FOLLOW, RATE & REVIEW on your favorite podcast app (leave a comment + a star rating on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Pandora, IHeart, Google Podcast, etc…). It REALLY is the best way to help others find this content-rich podcast.  And, last but not least, PRAY Gospel Spice Forward: We pray for you weekly. We covet your prayers for our ministry, the thousands we reach, and our team! Contact us to let us know you are praying for us! NEW! Another way to partner with us is to purchase our workbooks and online Bible studies. We keep them at the lowest possible cost, but they require a lot of work from us! For example, - a complete Bible Study requires an average of 500 man-hours. - a workbook for a series requires almost 100 man-hours. MORE ABOUT PARTNERING WITH US FINANCIAL

    45 min
  3. Advent welcomes both holy leisure and sorrow | with Lanier Ivester

    NOV 26

    Advent welcomes both holy leisure and sorrow | with Lanier Ivester

    Stephanie Rousselle welcomes Lanier Ivester, who embraces life's imperfections to illuminate the beauty of Advent and Christmas. Lanier’s book, "Glad and Golden Hours," invites us to cultivate joy amid sorrow and approach the holiday season with authenticity and grace. By intertwining sensory and spiritual experiences—much like savoring genuine Madagascar Bourbon vanilla—Lanier’s book encourages readers to experience God's goodness through all senses, a practice embedded in her Advent essays. Advent is a powerful reminder of three "advents": the historical arrival of Christ, His anticipated future return, and His everyday presence in believers' lives. It’s like a delicious cake baking, where the scent alone offers a taste of the joy to come. Advent thus becomes a time not just for reflection, but for anticipating the sweetness of God's promises, even amidst trials. Lanier introduces the concept of "otium sanctum," or holy leisure, contrasting sharply with the hustle of the typical American lifestyle. By starting the season from a place of acceptance and prioritizing peace, this practice encourages a restful approach to Christmas, embracing a peaceful, sufficient state of existence amidst the chaos. Through her writing and stories, Lanier has struck a chord with readers from varying backgrounds, resonating deeply with those who've had mixed experiences with Christmas traditions. She encourages readers to adopt meaningful traditions, finding joy and purpose despite previous disappointments, fostering a richer connection to the season. Grief is the 'great equalizer.' Whether rooted in sudden loss or extended heartache, grief opens a space for deeper intimacy with God. Lanier has navigated personal tragedies, from infertility to family losses, through a truth-centered approach that acknowledges both sorrow and joy, creating an authentic reflection of the Advent season. Lanier learned invaluable lessons about imperfection, and how God meets us in our grief, with the hope of reuniting with loved ones bringing comfort. Lanier’s mother, a beacon of easygoing hospitality, taught her the essence of prioritizing people over perfection—a theme woven into her approach to Christmas. In this episode, you will experience… Living Advent: Lanier dives into Advent as not just a season, but an experience—a time to embrace the historical, present, and future presence of Christ, much like the irresistible scent of a cake baking in the oven. Holy Leisure: Ever heard of "otium sanctum"? It's all about finding a peaceful, restful state during the bustling Christmas season. Lanier shares tips on how to set priorities and create a calm oasis amidst the chaos. Joy amidst Grief: Lanier opens up about how grief, from infertility to family losses, has deepened her intimacy with God. She brings light to finding beauty and sufficiency in Christ, even in the darkest times. Embracing Imperfections: Perfectionists, rejoice! Lanier recounts tales of holiday mishaps, including a high school Christmas craft disaster, and how they taught her the true spirit of hospitality. Tradition and Memory: Dive into how Lanier finds solace in memory and tradition, exemplified by her mother’s dining room table—a symbol of love and the Lord’s hospitality. THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS TO PARTNER WITH GOSPEL SPICE TODAY! First, PAY Gospel Spice Forward: Give a tax-deductible gift so others can experience our ministry for free, just like you! You can pay it forward with any debit, credit card, or via PayPal. See below for more details about your impact. Also, PLAY Gospel Spice Forward: SHARE the podcast and the studies with your friends and family. FOLLOW, RATE & REVIEW on your favorite podcast app (leave a comment + a star rating on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Pandora, IHeart, Google Podcast, etc…). It REALLY is the best way to help others find this content-rich podcast.  And, last but not least, PRAY Gospel Spice Forward: We pray for you weekly

    49 min
  4. Harvest and gratitude from Mount Sinai to the Upper Room | Pentecost & Shavuot

    NOV 22

    Harvest and gratitude from Mount Sinai to the Upper Room | Pentecost & Shavuot

    Stephanie invites you today to spice up your faith by exploring unexpected connections between two great feasts. She dives deep into the intertwined celebrations of Pentecost in the Christian tradition, and Shavuot in the Jewish faith. Both festivals are celebrated 50 days post-Easter and Passover respectively, and invite us to reconnect with themes of gratitude, thanksgiving, and divine revelation. Through the enduring cycles of joy, preparation, and revelation, both Shavuot and Pentecost call believers into a deeper understanding of divine grace and the cyclical journey of faith. Shavuot, or the Feast of Weeks, concludes a significant period of anticipation following Passover. Observers commemorate this festival by reading the Ten Commandments and partaking in the harvest of wheat, lauded as the superior grain. Symbolically, Shavuot represents the culmination of the spring feasts, and includes the unique preparation of two loaves of leavened wheat bread, symbolizing humanity's sinful nature. Celebrated with offerings, figs, olive oil, and more, Shavuot is a joyous occasion steeped in history and spirituality. In the Christian liturgical calendar, Pentecost, celebrated on June 8, 2025, mirrors Shavuot’s setting—50 days after the major religious observances of Easter and Passover. It marks the momentous occasion when the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus's followers, empowering us to spread the gospel. God’s presence attributes joy and delight to Pentecost, making it a critical event that signifies the birth of the church and believers' empowerment. Stephanie discusses these celebrations as a "rehearsal dinner" for the future wedding banquet, the final joyous gathering in Christ's return. This celebration encapsulates both preparation and revelation, drawing a parallel to the Israelites' three days of preparation to receive the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. The festival’s ladder-shaped challah symbolizes Moses' ascent to receive the Law, while its inclusion of yeast signifies the sinful nature that, through divine grace, will be fully redeemed. Central to both Shavuot and Pentecost, is the theme of harvest. The gathering of wheat represents the process of evangelism. As believers are sanctified through trials, they are refined wheat, ready for offering and transforming into the spiritual bread of life. In the same vein, Pentecost is a reminder of the Great Commission—empowering believers to go forth and harvest souls for the kingdom of God. Christ embodies the fulfillment of Shavuot. Just as Shavuot celebrates God’s revelation to Moses, Pentecost commemorates the Holy Spirit’s descension, ushering a new covenant. This underscores a deeper spiritual truth: the festival of Shavuot rehearses the believers' ultimate communion with God, transcending into a season of salvation heralded by Jesus' coming. Stephanie highlights a fascinating contrast between Jewish and Western traditions: the Jewish cyclical view of time versus the Western linear perspective. Shavuot, celebrated from sundown on June 1 to nightfall on June 3, 2025, emphasizes the end of the spring harvest—a marker in the cyclical liturgical calendar that heralds a pause until the fall feasts. Meanwhile, the Western tradition tends to perceive time as linear, steadily moving towards a future point. This cyclical nature of the Jewish liturgical calendar offers hope and progress, especially during periods that may seem monotonous. After the spring feasts conclude, the Jewish calendar enters a four-month period without festive observances until Rosh Hashanah. Stephanie encourages believers to view these "ordinary" times as infused with the joy and anticipation of Shavuot and Pentecost, reflecting the Christian longing between Christ's first and second comings. This period is an invitation to embody thankfulness, evangelism, and charity, preparing for the ultimate harvest in the final gathering. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on Holy

    48 min
  5. Catching the whimsy of practical Christian living | with Bob Goff

    NOV 19

    Catching the whimsy of practical Christian living | with Bob Goff

    Stephanie converses with the ever-engaging Bob Goff today. Known for his ability to intertwine whimsy with profound spiritual truths, Bob challenges us to take active, heartfelt actions instead of merely understanding faith on an intellectual level. Bob’s message is simple: live an actionable, authentic faith filled with whimsy and boundless love. His new book "Catching Whimsy" encapsulates this dynamic approach, prompting us to explore faith with fresh eyes and a vibrant spirit. Quiet, modest acts of service hold immense power, says Bob. In a world often driven by recognition, he reminds us that God appreciates small beginnings and gradual growth. This applies to everything - our faith, relationships, and professional commitments. His emphasis on gentleness and patience serves as a reminder that impactful change often starts with unassuming, everyday actions. "Catching Whimsy," the title of Goff’s new book, suggests that whimsy surpasses mere superficial happiness. It is a strategic, intentional approach towards life and faith that echoes childlike simplicity and wonder. Bob illustrates whimsy using metaphors like catching bubbles, tying it back to a pure form of faith that urges us to perceive the world uniquely. Bob Goff advocates for the practice of transitioning from "Bible study" to "Bible doing," urging us to embody our faith through deliberate actions. Central to his message are calls for service to others, such as feeding the hungry and welcoming strangers. Sharing experiences from teaching at San Quentin penitentiary, Bob also reflects on the deep humility demonstrated by the inmates—a quality that influences his own faith journey. His stories underscore the value of surrounding oneself with individuals who truly embody empathy and authentic faith. This principle extends to difficult situations where empathetic communication is key. Bob emphasizes the importance of steering clear from clichéd responses, replacing them with deeper, meaningful connections. Bob reframes suffering by mentioning the teachings of Paul and James, highlighting that through adversity, endurance and character are built, eventually leading to hope. This perspective encourages a focus on personal growth rather than dwelling in arguments or seeking validation. Authenticity is paramount in our relationship with God. He encourages believers to present their true selves, inclusive of doubts and questions. This authenticity is also about running our own race and allowing others to do the same, all while fostering genuine conversations with God - simple, everyday conversations flavored with the "salt" of prayer. For those inspired by his words, the challenge is set—embrace whimsy, embark on a journey of authentic living, and become the "convincing proof" of a lively, active faith. MORE ABOUT BOB GOFF BOB GOFF is the New York Times bestselling author of Love Does; Everybody, Always; Dream Big; Undistracted; Live in Grace, Walk in Love; and Love Does for Kids. He’s a lover of balloons, cake pops, and helping people pursue their big dreams. Bob’s greatest ambitions in life are to love others, do stuff, and most importantly, to hold hands with his wife, Sweet Maria, and spend time with their amazing family. For more, check out BobGoff.com and LoveDoes.org. MORE ABOUT “CATCHING WHIMSY” DISCOVER JOY AND INSPIRATION FROM NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR BOB GOFF EMBRACE THE ADVENTURE OF LIFE AND FAITH IN CATCHING WHIMSY—A 365-DAY JOURNEY TO CURIOSITY AND DELIGHT Dive into the enchanting world of Catching Whimsy: 365 Days of Possibility, where beloved bestselling author Bob Goff invites readers on a 365-day adventure that reawakens curiosity and joy in everyday life. With his signature charm and captivating anecdotes, Goff artfully combines faith with whimsy, offering daily reflections that inspire and uplift readers. Each entry is designed to be a gentle tap on the shoulder, inviting you not only to recognize God’s immen

    44 min
  6. Better than chocolate | Heaven will be intoxicatingly delightful.

    NOV 15

    Better than chocolate | Heaven will be intoxicatingly delightful.

    Within the context of our "Come to the Table" series, I invite you to join me and spend time on an overlooked but essential event in the Christian liturgical calendar today, tucked between Easter and Pentecost. Ascension has become one of my most cherished treasures, because it speaks of a hope that is certain, and a future that is glorious. First, Ascension means that a human body is present in the Throne Room of God right now – that is Jesus Christ today. His incarnation made Jesus a member of humanity; His Ascension made His membership permanent. I cannot wrap my head around this, but one thing I can do is fall on my face to worship in awe and wonder. The corollary to Ascension, Pentecost, means that the Spirit of God is present in human flesh right now – that is you and me today. Ascension and Pentecost tell us that Christ reconciles God to man in His own body. He declares at Pentecost our ultimate reality: “on earth as it is in heaven!” He declares at Ascension the corollary, “in heaven as it is on earth!” Just as He was God on earth, He is now human in heaven. Just as He prayed as God on earth for us, He prays now as our Great High Priest in heaven for us. Ascension and Pentecost are Jacob’s ladder, a two-way relationship of body and spirit, earth and heaven, reconciled in One. Upon His ascension, Jesus, in His glorified human body, received from the Father the Holy Spirit, whom He sent to us to inhabit our own not-yet-glorified bodies. Heaven will be intoxicatingly delightful. So unbearable for our current bodies, in fact, that we will be given brand new, glorified bodies – like Christ’s – so that we can withstand the intensity of delight and pleasure that awaits us. Our heavenly bodies will be like a chocolate masterpiece to our current cocoa-pod bodies: similar, but unimaginably more glorious. From starter seed to perfected fruit. We have yet to experience heavenly chocolate, so we struggle to see its connection to our humble cocoa pod-like current body. It is ultimately a matter of time. We are the “body of Christ” – it means in some real way we are in the Throne Room with Him already. It is ultimately a matter of space. Good thing heaven is beyond time and space. Jesus described His ascension to Mary Magdalene as His going “to my Father and your Father; to my God and your God.” (John 20:17). This is astounding. Jesus is irreversibly identifying with us: His Father is our Father; His God is our God. It means, in essence, that He represents God to man, and man to God: this is the role of the Great High Priest. Had Jesus not ascended to heaven, he could not officiate as our Great High Priest right now, fulfilling at least three primary missions for the church age: interceding for us, teaching us to pray, and making things above real for us. Let’s unpack, seeking continually the things that are above. First, Jesus is interceding for you right now. In John 17, considered by many as the “Holy of Holies” of the New Testament, He gives us a glimpse into His current prayer on our behalf. If you want to know how Jesus is praying for you right now, read John 17 again. And again. Jesus prays that we be one with Him as He is one with the Father. Unity with Christ means unity of purpose and life – living like He lives, praying like He prays and, one day, ascending like He ascended. His present intercession provides the continued effectiveness of His redemptive mission. He maintains His victory by the word of His mouth – in prayer to the Father even now. He bears forth into each one of us, members of His body, the deliverance He accomplished on the cross. He manifests the victory He obtained. His unceasing intercession gives our prayers a power we never had before. Which means, secondly, that Jesus teaches us to pray. He speaks through our prayers; we become the vessels to speak on earth His intercession in heaven, by the Holy Spirit. In Him we join the never-ceasing, never-failing

    59 min
  7. To gaze upon God | with Samuel Parkison

    NOV 12

    To gaze upon God | with Samuel Parkison

    Stephanie welcomes Sam Parkison to takes us on a delightful journey to understand the deep-seated human desire to see God. Through the prism of his book, To Gaze Upon God, he uncovers the theological concepts underpinning this yearning, drawing insights from historical biblical theology. All creatures have an intrinsic desire to see and know God. This aligns with Augustine’s famous proclamation that our hearts remain restless until they rest in God. Influenced by thinkers like Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas, John Owen, Jonathan Edwards and C.S. Lewis, Parkison weaves Christian hedonism with the Westminster Shorter Catechism’s guiding principle: to glorify and enjoy God. This longing is not an optional subplot of life but the ultimate narrative arc for all believers. The longing to delight in God’s glory is rooted in Scriptural truth, biblical tradition, and ecclesiastical legacy. As we, contemporary Christians, grapple with modern challenges, we need to remember that our longing to see God will guide us towards spiritual growth and fulfillment in Christ. In Christ, our beatification transforms human potential into a participation in God’s ultimate happiness, a transformative process vividly portrayed through Scripture and upheld by centuries of theological reflection. The doctrine of the beatific vision is the pinnacle experience of heaven—way beyond simply reuniting with loved ones, or enjoying a resurrected physical body. The beatific vision is the blessed sight of God. Parkison traces this understanding back to church fathers like Augustine and illustrates how this longing is fulfilled in direct communion with the divine. The conversation takes us into the historical nuance of the Reformation's principle of Sola Scriptura. Parkison clarifies that this doctrine does not reject all tradition; instead, it asserts Scripture as the sole infallible authority. The Bible acknowledges other authorities, like pastoral guidance and civil responsibilities (Romans 13). Stephanie and Sam examine how some modern Protestants inadvertently embrace Enlightenment thinking by disregarding the valuable insights of historical tradition, through a truncated adherence to Sola Scriptura. Humility is essential for theological exploration. It includes the importance of engaging with historical Christian thinkers across time to inform contemporary faith. This thematic humility acts as a safeguard against heresies, fostering an appreciation for ancient wisdom that can illuminate blind spots in our own era. Paul’s admonition to emulate Christ’s humility (Philippians 2:5-11) reinforces the call to learn from both Scripture, and seasoned theological voices. One particular discussion point is the mediating role of Christ in the Christian life. Drawing upon passages like Ephesians 1:3-11, Parkison underscores how, through union with Christ, believers partake in spiritual blessings that culminate in the beatific vision. This nuanced theology echoes the insights of thinkers like John Owen (and, probably, Thomas Aquinas), who explore the idea of Christians becoming closer to God through participation in Christ’s humanity. The conversation touches upon C.S. Lewis’s essay “On Reading Old Books,” which urges believers to draw from the wealth of historical Christian thought. Parkison stresses that overlooking the established theological wisdom of nearly two millennia will handicap personal spiritual growth. The historical perspective enriches our understanding of God’s infinite nature, cultivating an endless delight in divine communion. Beyond cultural specificities, Parkison presents the argument that the desire to understand and encounter God transcends temporal and spatial boundaries. This universal longing is mirrored in stories from the biblical canon, from Adam and Eve’s Edenic yearning to Moses’s Sinai encounter. Biblical narrative consistently draws humanity toward a vision of divine glory. MORE ABOUT “TO GAZE UPON GOD

    56 min
  8. A first taste of the eternal feast | Easter and First Fruits

    NOV 8

    A first taste of the eternal feast | Easter and First Fruits

    Jesus has set the Easter table richly, for us to partake. Come to His table today through our exploration of Easter, which took place on the very day of the Jewish Feast of First Fruits. What does it mean for us today? The story of Easter is a tapestry woven with complex emotions—the somberness of Good Friday followed by the overwhelming joy of Easter Sunday. The sequence takes us through the contemplation of Jesus' crucifixion, echoing the depth of human suffering and sacrifice. As Christians, we are invited to relive these moments, acknowledging the pain while eagerly anticipating the joy of resurrection. Easter, often referred to as the most important day in the Christian calendar, transcends time and history. It bridges the gap between Jewish traditions and the new covenant established by Jesus. The Feast of First Fruits mark the beginning of the harvest, while Pentecost signifies its culmination. Both events are intrinsically linked through the work of the Holy Spirit. The First Fruits celebration on Easter sets the stage for the Holy Spirit's coming at Pentecost, bridging the gap between the initial offering and the full harvest, pointing to the birth and growth of the Christian church. The Feast of First Fruits, celebrated the Sunday after Passover, used to hold immense significance in Jewish tradition. Rooted in Leviticus 23:10, this feast involves offering the first barley harvest to God, symbolizing gratitude and the anticipation of a plentiful harvest. It’s a day Jews can’t eat bread or drink wine until sacrifices are made, an act mirrored by Jesus' Last Supper—where he promised a new covenant symbolized through bread and wine. During the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the practice of communion, tying it to the Jewish Passover. He told his disciples that he would not eat or drink again until he was in God's Kingdom, thus establishing the new covenant. The meal shared at Emmaus is another crucial moment. When Jesus broke bread with his disciples, they recognized him, affirming his authority and lordship. The breaking of bread in this context goes beyond a mere meal; it’s a reaffirmation of Jesus' identity and the fulfillment of his promises. Interestingly, Jesus reappears to his disciples but does not partake in the meal at Emmaus. Instead, he later eats fish with another group of disciples, a humble act connecting to his earlier ministry and ultimate sacrifice. This post-resurrection meal underlines his humility and serves as another reminder of the first fruits principle—Jesus is the first fruit of resurrection. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 15:20) highlights that Jesus’ resurrection on the Feast of First Fruits symbolizes the future resurrection of believers. Jesus is the firstborn of creation and the first to rise from the dead, promising eternal life for all who follow. The concept of First Fruits extends to envisioning a perfect, sinless world—a harmonized existence in the eternal presence of Christ. This heavenly vision, often referenced in biblical texts, portrays a future where every generation enjoys everlasting peace and the profound joy of being in God's presence. In today's context, the call for revival echoes the ancient practice of offering First Fruits. Believers are urged to be the first fruits of revival in our times, sharing the message of hope and resurrection with a world in need. It’s a reminder to live with purpose, reflecting the truly life-changing power of Jesus' resurrection in our daily lives. Don’t forget to check out our essential workbook to accompany this study. Stephanie personally created the content to invite you deeper into study. Don’t miss out! It’s at https://www.gospelspice.com/store DISCOVER THE GOSPEL SPICE MINISTRIES The Gospel Spice Podcast is part of a larger range of tools given to you by Gospel Spice Ministries. In a nutshell, we exist to inspire Christ-followers to delight in God. In more details: we provide reso

    42 min
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Hungry for deeper intimacy with God? Thirsty to (re)discover His love for you and your love for Him? Ready to embrace your full identity in Christ? Gospel Spice is your Jesus Christ-centered podcast, infused with in-depth Bible flavors and sprinkled with a dash of French culture. Have you recently found yourself less than captivated by your relationship with God? Have you found the pages of Scripture to be stale and lifeless? Are you looking for a spiritual flavor explosion in your journey with God? Then Gospel Spice is your new secret ingredient.  French host and Bible teacher Stephanie Rousselle invites you to taste and see that the Lord is good, and to spice up your relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Could the Christian faith prove more delightful & delicious than you’ve tasted so far? A feast awaits. Begin today! Join Stephanie and her guests to taste & see that the Lord is good! The Gospel Spice Podcast is ranked Top 1% All Categories globally*, and is listened to from 170+ countries.  Guests include Dallas & Amanda Jenkins, Max Lucado, Joel Rosenberg, Os Guinness, Jennifer Rothschild, Sheila Walsh, Susie Larson, Jonathan Evans, Ruth Chou Simons, Jim Cymbala, Jo Saxton, Alisa Childers, Curt Thompson, and so many, many more. When not with her guests, Bible teacher Stephanie Rousselle invites you to delight in God by diving deep into Scripture! NEW! SHOP GOSPELSPICE MERCH DISCOVER THE GOSPEL SPICE MINISTRIES  We exist to inspire Christ-followers to delight in God. The Gospel Spice Podcast is part of a larger range of tools by Gospel Spice Ministries. We provide resources to empower Christian leaders across generational, social, ethnic and geographical boundaries towards more intimacy with Jesus Christ and discipleship effectiveness through a Biblical Christocentric foundation. The Gospel Spice Ministries provide a safe environment for spiritual and community growth empowering people to know Christ more intimately, serve one another more powerfully, and reach the world for Jesus. Gospel Spice Ministries is a non-profit organization registered under the tax-exempt 501c3 status. Your donations are tax-deductible under IRS Section 170. We want to be the best possible stewards of your financial support. The majority of donations above our minimal operating costs go to Christian organizations fighting human trafficking. Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog (*ListenNotes ranking, 2024) Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

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