Transformed Podcast: Episode #042: Becoming a Church of Diversity!

Posted on July 7, 2008 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“Red and yellow, black and white,

They are precious in his sight.”

Perhaps you remember this children’s song concerning the love of Jesus. While it doesn’t cover all the colors and hues of God’s children, there is no doubt of the message inside of this little song: God loves diversity. As the people of God we’re to love the diversity of his children as well.

In this episode entitled “Becoming a Church of Diversity!” Pastor Matt Smith explores the path that God is leading the congregation of First Baptist Church of Palos Verdes down. One that every true follower of Jesus can and should follow.

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Dr. Matthew Smith Interviews Dr. Erwin Lutzer

Posted on July 2, 2008 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

In today’s interview Dr. Matthew Smith interviews Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer, Senior Pastor of the Moody Church in Chicago Illinois. Pastor Matt and Pastor Lutzer have been friends for over three decades. In this interview you will hear about Dr. Lutzer’s new book, Is God On America’s Side?, growing an urban church and the passion and pursuit of one of America’s true men of God.

Dr. Erwin Lutzer was born and reared near Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. His educational background includes a B.Th fro Winnipeg Bible College, a Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary, an MA from Loyola University, an honorary LL.D. from Simon Greenleaf School of Law, and an honorary Doctorate from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary.

For five years Dr. Lutzer was the Pastor of Edgewater Baptist Church in Chicago and later became an assistant professor of Bible and Theology at the Moody Bible Institute. On January 1, 1980 he became the Senior Pastor of the Moody Church in Chicago. From this vantage point he has provided leadership to Chicago pastors in the discipline of prayer and fasting.

Dr. Lutzer is the author of numerous books among which are: Failure, The Back Door to Success, How to Say No to a Stubborn Habit, and Christ Among Other Gods. Hitler’s Cross (April 1995), was awarded the Christian Booksellers Gold Medallion Award and One Minute After You Die (January 1997), was on their Best Sellers List. Recent releases include: Seven Reasons Why You Can Trust The Bible (November 1998), Why The Cross Can Do What Politics Can’t (January 1999), Seven Convincing Miracles, and Understanding the Claims of Christ in Today’s Culture (October 1999).

Dr. Lutzer is the featured speaker on “The Moody Church Hour” and the popular evening program “Songs in the Night,” as well as the fifteen-minute daily broadcast called “Running to Win,” available on the Moody Broadcasting Network and many Christian radio stations around the country. His speaking engagements outside the pulpit of the Moody Church include Bible conferences and seminars, both domestically and in other parts of the world.

Dr. Lutzer and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area and are the parents of three children.

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Transformed Podcast: Episode #041 – Why Do We Have Troubles?

Posted on June 30, 2008 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

James says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” James 1:2

The reality is, apart from the filling of the Holy Spirit and an understanding of the mind of God, this verse makes little sense.

Pastor Matt answers the question “Why do we have troubles?” from God’s perspective, and then prepares the congregation at the First Baptist Church of Palos Verdes, California for the times “When Troubles Come …

Now, let’s listen in to this episode which was delivered on Mother’s Day this year …

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'There is a reason,' says cancer survivor Powers

Posted on June 25, 2008 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Sun Prairie Today

June 23, 2008

'There is a reason,' says cancer survivor Powers Photo
When veteran radio broadcaster Mike Powers learned he had prostate cancer, the news left him in shock.”The word cancer is very daunting — it’s very scary,” he said. “You start to wonder, Lord, how long am I going to be in this world? Are my days numbered?”

Powers, an on-air personality for WNWC in Madison (WI) and long-time voice of Sun Prairie (WI) Cardinal football on KSUN-12, relied on his Christian faith more than ever to get through the tough times.

“I had all of these discussions with God,” he told an audience gathered at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (Sun Prairie, WI) Sunday evening for a concert to support the local chapter of Relay for Life. “He just revealed so much to me.”

In February, Powers had prostate surgery. “As of right now, I’m cancer free,” he told the group, receiving a large round of applause.

We don’t always know why things happen, but there is a reason, said Powers. “God is doing all kinds of things in our lives with the experiences he presents us with.”

One of those experiences for Powers will be serving as an honorary chair of Relay for Life in Sun Prairie (WI).

Another experience will have an even broader impact. Powers has been chosen by motivational speaker Zig Ziglar to write a chapter in his upcoming book, “Embrace the Struggle.”

“His daughter contacted me shortly after she heard my story,” said Powers. “She said, ‘you’ve interviewed my father a number of times. You just really impressed our spirit with what God did with you. We’d like to add [your story] to our new book.'”

Editor’s Note: Mike Powers is Executive Vice President of Media for Eagles In Leadership.

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Transformed Podcast: Episode #040 – What Are We Willing to Sacrifice for Christ?

Posted on June 23, 2008 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Albert Pike says, “What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.”

While many today are living their lives in search of success, Jesus calls us to a higher goal. That goal is eternal significance.

Following the example of Stephen, Pastor Matt traces the five steps we can take to achieve true eternal significance. Let’s listen in now as he leads this study at the First Baptist Church of Palos Verdes, California in this week’s episode “What Are Willing to Sacrifice for Christ?”

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Mike Powers MC's "Music For Life" Benefit for Relay for Life In Sun Prairie, Wisconsin

Posted on June 20, 2008 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Local musicians raising voices in fight against cancer

From Sun Prairie Today.

Cancer has a voice in Sun Prairie.

Thousands of voices, actually. One for each person who’s been affected by the deadly disease — either directly or through friends or family who’ve waged battle with the illness.

At 5 p.m. Sunday, a group of musicians from Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 300 Broadway, will use their voices to raise money for a cure.

Faithful, the congregation’s contemporary band, will put on a free-will offering concert, performing music by a variety of contemporary Christian artists includng Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns and Third Day.

The event is open to the public. All donations will support Sun Prairie Relay for Life.

Between songs, band members will share testimonies about their own experiences with cancer and the important role faith has played.

Former Sun Prairie resident Mike Powers — a Christian radio host (WNWC) and the voice of Cardinal football (KSUN) — will serve as MC. He recently overcame his own battle with prostrate cancer.

Powers will be the honorary co-chair of this year’s Sun Prairie Relay for Life event.

In addition to the music, there will be plenty of good food available for munching between sets and after the show.

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Mike Powers Interviews Max Lucado

Posted on June 17, 2008 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Max Lucado has touched millions with his signature storytelling writing style. Awards and accolades follow Max with each book he writes. Max is the first author to win the Gold Medallion Christian Book of the Year three times—1999 for Just Like Jesus, 1997 for In the Grip of Grace and 1995 for When God Whispers Your Name. In 2005, Reader’s Digest dubbed him “America’s Best Preacher.” In addition, he has been an ECPA Gold Medallion finalist with more titles than any other author in the industry.

Learn more about Max Lucado and his ministry at his website: http://www.maxlucado.com

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Transformed Podcast: Episode #039 – How Do We Choose Deacons?

Posted on June 14, 2008 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

John Maxwell reminds us that …

* “The secure are into towels … The insecure are into titles.
* The secure are people-conscious … The insecure are position conscious.
* The secure want to add value to others … The insecure want to receive value from others.”

Jesus defined Christianity when he said … Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” Mark 10:43-44 (NIV)

Inside a healthy, growing church the goal of life is serving others.

Let’s listen now as Pastor Matt explores New Testament servant leadership at First Baptist Church of Palos Verdes, California in this week’s episode “How Do We Choose Deacons?”

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Dr. Matthew Lee Smith interviews Patrick Morley, Ph.D.

Posted on June 3, 2008 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Patrick Morley, Ph.D.

Chairman and CEO, Man in the Mirror

http://www.maninthemirror.org

If you take virtually every problem in America today, at the root of it you will find the failure of a man (e.g. 93% of prisoners are male and 85% of these come from fatherless homes). Today there are approximately 98,000,000 men in America, 63,000,000 of which don’t know Christ. Only 8,000,000 of these are active in discipleship. This would be the equivalent of 12 guys playing on a football team and only 1 of them knowing how to play football.

Now, no man fails on purpose – most wake up in the morning wanting to succeed.

The desire of Man in the Mirror is to come along side pastors and men’s ministry leaders who are equipping men for success. Man in the Mirror is accomplishing their mission and vision through: Men’s Bible Studies; Christian Literature; Seminars and their Leadership Training / Networking.

For three decades Patrick Morley has been regarded as one of America’s most respected authorities on the unique challenges and opportunities that men face.

After spending the first part of his career in the highly competitive world of real estate development, Patrick has been used throughout the world to help men think more deeply about their lives.

In 1989 he wrote The Man in the Mirror, a landmark book that poured from his own search for meaning, purpose, and a deeper relationship with God. With nearly 3,000,000 copies, this best-selling book has captured the imaginations of hundreds of thousands of men worldwide, and was selected as one of the 100 most influential Christian books of the twentieth century. Five of his 13 books have received critical acclaim.

In 1991, Patrick founded Man in the Mirror, which trains and resources church leaders to reach men more effectively. Through his speaking and writing he is a tireless advocate for men, encouraging and inspiring them to change their lives. Every Friday morning since 1986, Patrick teaches a Bible study to 150 businessmen in Orlando, Florida which is webcast throughout the United States and in 50 countries.

“The ministry of Man in the Mirror exists,” says Patrick Morley, “in answer to the prayers of all those wives, mothers, and grandmothers who have for decades been praying for the men in their lives.”

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Transformed Podcast: Episode #038 – What is the Key to Church Health and Growth?

Posted on May 25, 2008 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Lyle Schaller calls attention to the fact that most churches in the United States reach a peak in size during their first twenty or thirty years and then either plateau or shrink in size. The reasoning is that while most begin with an outward focus, in time, they turn inward, allocating their resources and their attention on the maintenance of the organization and the care of the membership.

Becoming a healthy, growing church in a hostile world is what today’s episode is all about.

In “What is the Key to Church Health and Growth?”, Dr. Matthew Lee Smith looks back to the first century church and discovers the keys to avoid the ‘death cycle’ so many churches find themselves in today …

Let’s listen now as Pastor Matt encourages First Baptist Church of Palos Verdes, California to break the cycle and reach the world for Christ!

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