Ave G CoC | Podcast Guru

Overview

Episodes

Recent Episodes

JAN 28, 2024

<p class="">Amazon has already proven to be one of the most successful, creative, and productive companies in history. Yet they still continue to innovate. There is a drive that exists within them that is not content with being who they were the day before. They seek to become better and find more ways to deliver to more people in more efficient ways. Check out what they are up to in this short video. </p> <p class="">This made me think of the way in which Christians are called to be like salt and light. I know that we are the salt and light on this earth but are we effective, efficient, and innovative with how we open the world's eyes to God? Door knocking, Gospel tracts, and a sit and wait attitude are no longer as effective if at all in reaching the world. You need proof? Go look at any Church who rely on those things solely as their mission, most of those churches are literally dying and there won't be members in the building in 15-20 years. I believe that as people of the Stone Campbell tradition we should look to the word for how to reach the lost. Discipleship is built within small communities with people interacting with each other “as they go”. Why be a Church that has settled? Why not start a lunch time Bible study at your place of employment? Why not start a simple prayer chain among your friend group? Why not disciple people through an online game chat while playing COD? The Church is a living organism that grows and should shift with the culture without compromising truth. Come join us this morning as we look into ways in which we can Do More!</p>

play-circle

-1 MIN

Video: Interview w/ Dr. Doug A Foster

JAN 11, 2024

Video: Interview w/ Dr. Doug A Foster

play-circle

-1 MIN

Article: Why did Jesus say this on the cross?

JUL 28, 2023

Article: Why did Jesus say this on the cross?

<figure data-test="image-block-v2-outer-wrapper" class=" sqs-block-image-figure image-block-outer-wrapper image-block-v2 design-layout-collage combination-animation-none individual-animation-none individual-text-animation-none image-position-left " data-scrolled > <img data-stretch="false" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/c01c7b61-28ae-4f7d-9621-1b5efa3a19e7/Suit+and+tie+w+Background.png" data-image-dimensions="4000x6000" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="" data-load="false" elementtiming="system-image-block" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/c01c7b61-28ae-4f7d-9621-1b5efa3a19e7/Suit+and+tie+w+Background.png?format=1000w" width="4000" height="6000" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, (max-width: 767px) 100vw, 100vw" onload="this.classList.add("loaded")" srcset="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/c01c7b61-28ae-4f7d-9621-1b5efa3a19e7/Suit+and+tie+w+Background.png?format=100w 100w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/c01c7b61-28ae-4f7d-9621-1b5efa3a19e7/Suit+and+tie+w+Background.png?format=300w 300w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/c01c7b61-28ae-4f7d-9621-1b5efa3a19e7/Suit+and+tie+w+Background.png?format=500w 500w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/c01c7b61-28ae-4f7d-9621-1b5efa3a19e7/Suit+and+tie+w+Background.png?format=750w 750w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/c01c7b61-28ae-4f7d-9621-1b5efa3a19e7/Suit+and+tie+w+Background.png?format=1000w 1000w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/c01c7b61-28ae-4f7d-9621-1b5efa3a19e7/Suit+and+tie+w+Background.png?format=1500w 1500w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/c01c7b61-28ae-4f7d-9621-1b5efa3a19e7/Suit+and+tie+w+Background.png?format=2500w 2500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-loader="sqs"> <figcaption data-width-ratio class="image-card-wrapper"> <p class="">Welcome to the Minister’s Desk!</p> <p class="">Greetings, dear readers, and welcome to this sacred space where we explore the depths of faith, seek the truth, and meditate on the profound teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ.</p> </figcaption> </figure> <p class="">Today, we delve into a question that has long captivated the hearts and minds of believers: What did Jesus mean when He uttered those poignant words on the cross, recorded in Matthew 27:46? In this blog post, we will embark on a journey of theological reflection and Scriptural exegesis, drawing from the rich tapestry of biblical wisdom to unveil the true meaning behind Jesus’ haunting cry. So, join me as we unravel the layers of this profound passage and discover its timeless significance for our lives today in the briefest way possible! (<strong><em>I understand you only have so long on your breaks</em></strong>.) ;-) </p><p class=""><br></p> <figure class=" sqs-block-image-figure intrinsic " > <img data-stretch="false" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/a915a0ab-75ec-4b61-ab48-5c3afa18c31b/PSX_20230725_194936.jpg" data-image-dimensions="2705x4057" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="" data-load="false" elementtiming="system-image-block" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/a915a0ab-75ec-4b61-ab48-5c3afa18c31b/PSX_20230725_194936.jpg?format=1000w" width="2705" height="4057" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, (max-width: 767px) 100vw, 100vw" onload="this.classList.add("loaded")" srcset="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/a915a0ab-75ec-4b61-ab48-5c3afa18c31b/PSX_20230725_194936.jpg?format=100w 100w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/a915a0ab-75ec-4b61-ab48-5c3afa18c31b/PSX_20230725_194936.jpg?format=300w 300w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/a915a0ab-75ec-4b61-ab48-5c3afa18c31b/PSX_20230725_194936.jpg?format=500w 500w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/a915a0ab-75ec-4b61-ab48-5c3afa18c31b/PSX_20230725_194936.jpg?format=750w 750w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/a915a0ab-75ec-4b61-ab48-5c3afa18c31b/PSX_20230725_194936.jpg?format=1000w 1000w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/a915a0ab-75ec-4b61-ab48-5c3afa18c31b/PSX_20230725_194936.jpg?format=1500w 1500w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/a915a0ab-75ec-4b61-ab48-5c3afa18c31b/PSX_20230725_194936.jpg?format=2500w 2500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-loader="sqs"> </figure> <p class="">In the question, the person asks why did Jesus say “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mt. 27:46) Anyone who has ever been in a Bible class with me whether it be in the classroom at Central Texas Christian School or Bible classes at the Ave. G Church of Christ know I love getting to talk about this question. We know that Jesus is quoting the often famous Psalm 22, a lament. </p><p class="">Jesus is quoting the popular lament found in Psalm 22. The form of the laments is beautiful in that they usually follow a pattern where you see a believer lamenting/complaining to God about a problem. You see them confirm that God is mighty and he has delivered them or others before. There is then a transition that challenges God to do it again. The lament will usually end with the lamenter announcing their problems as over even though they are still in the midst of the trouble. They know that God is going to make everything OK again. What I love most about this Psalm is that the last portion in Hebrew speaks about how God will reverse the fortune of those on the margins and in trouble. And the last words in the Psalm are... </p><p class=""><br></p><blockquote><p class="">"they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn, that he has done it." ESV </p></blockquote><p class=""><br></p><p class="">In Hebrew, it can be roughly translated as "It is finished!". So, Jesus is not sad are woeful in the end, He is triumphant in that God's mission is successful and the Gospel plan is about to be carried out. All people can proclaim with a loud shout, HE HAS DONE IT! or IT IS FINISHED!</p><p data-rte-preserve-empty="true" class=""></p><p class="">What are your thoughts? Share them with us. Let us reason together. </p>

play-circle

-1 MIN

Sermon: Mission Perplexing

JUL 22, 2023

Sermon: Mission Perplexing

<figure class=" sqs-block-image-figure intrinsic " > <img data-stretch="false" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/c307e46d-33b3-4aa7-99e6-7c54dd7e5615/Strong_Social-Media-Image.png" data-image-dimensions="1000x1000" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="" data-load="false" elementtiming="system-image-block" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/c307e46d-33b3-4aa7-99e6-7c54dd7e5615/Strong_Social-Media-Image.png?format=1000w" width="1000" height="1000" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, (max-width: 767px) 100vw, 100vw" onload="this.classList.add("loaded")" srcset="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/c307e46d-33b3-4aa7-99e6-7c54dd7e5615/Strong_Social-Media-Image.png?format=100w 100w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/c307e46d-33b3-4aa7-99e6-7c54dd7e5615/Strong_Social-Media-Image.png?format=300w 300w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/c307e46d-33b3-4aa7-99e6-7c54dd7e5615/Strong_Social-Media-Image.png?format=500w 500w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/c307e46d-33b3-4aa7-99e6-7c54dd7e5615/Strong_Social-Media-Image.png?format=750w 750w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/c307e46d-33b3-4aa7-99e6-7c54dd7e5615/Strong_Social-Media-Image.png?format=1000w 1000w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/c307e46d-33b3-4aa7-99e6-7c54dd7e5615/Strong_Social-Media-Image.png?format=1500w 1500w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/c307e46d-33b3-4aa7-99e6-7c54dd7e5615/Strong_Social-Media-Image.png?format=2500w 2500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-loader="sqs"> </figure> <p class=""><strong>Mission Perplexing: Trusting God's Perfect Plan</strong><br>Have you ever found yourself confused by God's mission for your life? It's not uncommon to feel perplexed when we focus on the immediate instead of the bigger picture. That's why it's crucial for us to simply obey and trust in God's perfect plan.</p><p class=""><br>In our latest podcast episode, we explore how God's mission may ask us to make difficult decisions. Sometimes, it means being okay with the loss of a loved one or turning down a job that offers more money. It may require sacrificing sports practices and games for a greater purpose. In some cases, God's mission might even call us to let go of family and friends.<br>But as perplexing as His mission can be, we come to understand that it is always perfect. The story of Joshua in the Bible provides us with valuable insights into the challenges of following God's mission.<br>Joshua witnessed the fear that God's work instilled in the hearts of their enemies when they heard of the Lord's miraculous acts. And right before a crucial battle, God asked Joshua to perform an odd request: circumcise the sons of Israel a second time. This demand seemed inconsequential, but it carried symbolic importance and highlighted the need for consecration and obedience.<br>Furthermore, we explore how a lost generation cannot effectively influence the next generation. We must be willing to let go of our old ways and embrace a new day, just like the Israelites did when they experienced a new menu after crossing the Jordan.<br>To dive deeper into this topic and gain a better understanding of God's mission for our lives, be sure to listen to and subscribe to our podcast. Trusting God's perfect plan may not always make sense, but it will undoubtedly lead us to greater blessings and fulfillment.</p>

play-circle

-1 MIN

Article: What did Jesus mean by it’s easier for a camel to pass through a needle’s hole, than the rich going to heaven?

JUL 21, 2023

Article: What did Jesus mean by it’s easier for a camel to pass through a needle’s hole, than the rich going to heaven?

<p class="">Dear fellow seeker of truth,<br>Today, I stumbled upon an intriguing question about Matthew 19:24 within my social media notifications. Recognizing the need for a quick response, I felt compelled to share my thoughts on this matter, albeit with the acknowledgment that my response is far from an in-depth study. </p><p class="">Matthew 19:24 is a verse that raises an important theological question, often subject to varying interpretations. Jesus states, "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." This metaphorical statement has perplexed many, prompting discussions and debate among scholars and believers alike.<em> </em>I know that this passage is very deep but I try to stick to the user’s question of the impossibility of rich people being saved. Join the conversation and let me know what you see in this passage. </p> <figure class=" sqs-block-image-figure intrinsic " > <a class=" sqs-block-image-link " href="Photo by Ankit Gupta: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-camel-lying-down-on-sand-2491829/" > <img data-stretch="false" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/9cde5dcf-2c02-42ef-aaf4-565ef00fc796/pexels-ankit-gupta-2491829.jpg" data-image-dimensions="4000x5000" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="" data-load="false" elementtiming="system-image-block" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/9cde5dcf-2c02-42ef-aaf4-565ef00fc796/pexels-ankit-gupta-2491829.jpg?format=1000w" width="4000" height="5000" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, (max-width: 767px) 100vw, 100vw" onload="this.classList.add("loaded")" srcset="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/9cde5dcf-2c02-42ef-aaf4-565ef00fc796/pexels-ankit-gupta-2491829.jpg?format=100w 100w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/9cde5dcf-2c02-42ef-aaf4-565ef00fc796/pexels-ankit-gupta-2491829.jpg?format=300w 300w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/9cde5dcf-2c02-42ef-aaf4-565ef00fc796/pexels-ankit-gupta-2491829.jpg?format=500w 500w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/9cde5dcf-2c02-42ef-aaf4-565ef00fc796/pexels-ankit-gupta-2491829.jpg?format=750w 750w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/9cde5dcf-2c02-42ef-aaf4-565ef00fc796/pexels-ankit-gupta-2491829.jpg?format=1000w 1000w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/9cde5dcf-2c02-42ef-aaf4-565ef00fc796/pexels-ankit-gupta-2491829.jpg?format=1500w 1500w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a35de7dccc5c5247c5971de/9cde5dcf-2c02-42ef-aaf4-565ef00fc796/pexels-ankit-gupta-2491829.jpg?format=2500w 2500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-loader="sqs"> </a> </figure> <p class="">My Response:</p><p class=""><em>This one was a passage that used to give me trouble as well. I used to believe that everyone must be poor and give all away in order to be pleasing to God. But in context, Jesus is talking to a man who trusts more in his earthly riches than in YHWH. Please take a look at the passage below...</em></p><p class=""><strong><em>Matthew 19:23-26 - Christian Standard Bible</em></strong></p><p class=""><strong><em>23 Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”</em></strong></p><p class=""><strong><em>25 When the disciples heard this, they were utterly astonished and asked, “Then who can be saved?”</em></strong></p><p class=""><strong><em>26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”</em></strong></p><p class=""><em>On the surface and reading through our Western eyes we think of a sewing needle and clearly see in our exegesis of this passage that Warren Buffett won't make it to heaven. That is not the case here. Apparently, there are scholars who hold to the idea that Jesus is referring to the gate to the city which would have been hard for a fully loaded camel to get through. So, the camel would have to unload some things in order to fit through it. There are others who profess that Jesus was describing an actual sewing needle. I do not come here to argue either case because I believe the key to this pericope is in verse 26. The baffled crowd responds to Jesus and asks "Then who can be saved?". Then in verse 26 Jesus says "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." He drops the mic and the crowd erupts in cheers! Not really, This rich man's account with Jesus is being used in a larger context to describe this upside-down Kingdom that Jesus has come to establish. It matters not if you are the richest, the strongest, or male. In the Kingdom of God "...the first will be last, and the last first.". That rich man did not prove that rich people could not get into heaven, he proved that there are some things on this earth that can become new gods to us, even supplanting YHWH. We would do well to know that even with that scary reality YHWH is still sovereign enough to save and He gives us the ability to choose Him first over everything else in this world.</em></p>

play-circle

-1 MIN