Transformed Podcast #273: Jesus Is Enough!

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Is Jesus enough for you? With all that is happening around us and the increasing hostility of the world against the followers of Jesus, I would ask you again, Is Jesus enough for you?

We are here to introduce you to a new message on the Transformed Podcast. It continues our recent theme of informing the disciples of Jesus on what to do now as our society turns colder concerning Christ!

In today’s message, Dr. Smith opens Colossians 2 and shows us three reasons why Jesus should be enough for any Christ follower. And for those of us struggling with a weakening faith, Pastor Matt shows us three ways to strengthen it!

Now, let’s join him as he speaks to the congregation of TouchPoint Church in Bell Gardens, CA on the subject of spiritual warfare and victory in Jesus!

 

And with that Dr. Smith wraps up this timely and challenging message from the Word of God. It is our sincere hope and prayer that you will choose to flesh out the words of the Bible in your daily life as a result of listening today.

Would you help us spread the word?

Could you take just a moment and contact a friend and share the link to this message and encourage them to listen as well? Thank you!

Christmas is right around the corner!

With Christmas only a couple of months away we know you would like to get your shopping done early AND give a meaningful gift this year to the ones you love.

Dr. Smith has written two daily devotionals that cover every day of the coming year … allowing you to give the gift that keeps on giving God’s Word and His encouragement in the lives of your family and friends.

In His Presence is a detailed look at walking with God through life’s ups and downs. Built around the premise that God welcomes you into His presence with joy and pleasure, In His Presence helps you see that the life of abundance can only be enjoyed when we take everything to the Lord and walk every day at His right hand.

In His Image explores God’s great love for humanity from every book of the Bible. From the creation of Genesis to the culmination in Revelation, God’s love shines through every page. Never is this ever clearer than in the times of Israel’s great betrayal of their God. His passionate pursuit of His children can be heard dripping from his voice as He calls them (and us by proxy) back to His shelter and protection.

You can order your copy In His Image or In His Presence from Amazon at the Eagles In Leadership website by clicking the appropriate link on the right hand side panel of the Eagles In Leadership website.

 

Today’s episode was recorded live in Culver City, California at the TouchPoint Church in Bell Gardens, CA and edited by Melodee Smith in La Puente, California.

And now, until next time, we are praying you would be filled with the hope of God so that you stand firm in the midst of our crumbling culture

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Studying James 5:6!

James web slider

Welcome to the Transformed Podcast!

Dr. Matthew Smith, director of Eagles In Leadership, continues to teach verse by verse through the book of James, one verse per podcast. These studies were recorded live in his class at Bible Believers Christian College and Seminary in Hawthorne, California.

The book of James has been called, “the faith explained” and that is the purpose of these teachings. These short studies are designed to help you grow your faith.

Now, let’s open our Bibles to the book of James as Dr. Smith, Director of Eagles In Leadership, discusses our faith from the words of the step-brother of Jesus, the head of the Jerusalem Church …

 

This podcast was recorded in Hawthorne, California and edited by Melodee Smith.

 

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2015 Starbucks Cup Controversy

Screen Shot 2015-11-06 at 9.44.41 AM

A pastor friend of mine asked what the ‪#‎Starbucks‬ cup controversy is all about. Here’s my response:

Some judgmental church people forgot to check to see if #Starbucks cups had “Merry Christmas” on them in the recent past – Starbucks hasn’t done that in the recent past.

Then they chose to judge a non-christian corporation for not putting the words “Merry Christmas” on their cups, revealing the true attitude of these church people – a very NON-JESUS attitude, who said,

“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:17, NKJV)

Spreading their vicious bile and carnal hatred, they chose to rebel against Jesus’ direct command and criticize, harass and judge the very people Jesus loves and died to bring to Himself.

That’s about the size of it Pastor.

BTW – Starbucks is selling Christmas … lots and lots of Christmas.

BTW 2 – They also sell ADVENT calendars! (Advent of the birth of Jesus!) 

Advent Calendar 2015 Starbucks

BTW 3 – Howard Schultz (CEO of Starbucks) was born to a JEWISH family on July 19, 1953 in Brooklyn, New York.

Dr. Smith’s note: For those who know me, you will know I love coffee, have a Gold Card at Starbucks and love Jesus Christ a whole lot more than coffee or Starbucks. 

 

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Transformed Podcast #272: Mighty Men and Women!

Mighty-Quiet-but

For the Church to survive and thrive, it will need a healthy and godly team of men and women leading it!

We want to welcome you to the fifth and final installment in the “Being An Excellent Team Player” Series here on the Transformed Podcast.

Every pastor knows the need to dependable, loyal, skilled, trained men and women. Without these often unsung heroes, most local churches would close their doors tomorrow!

In our final message today, Dr. Smith turns our attention to the great Old Testament leader and King and speaks about 37 men David depended upon for the strength and vitality of his kingdom! Remember, everything rises and falls on the character of God’s people!

As he calls the congregation of Congregational Christian Church in Los Angeles, CA to become the missional team of Jesus, Dr. Smith explores the three components necessary for a successful, healthy and growing ministry!

Now, let’s listen in as he opens 1 Samuel 23 …

 

 

And with that Dr. Smith wraps up this timely and challenging message from the Word of God. It is our sincere hope and prayer that you will choose to flesh out the words of the Bible in your daily life as a result of listening today.

Would you help us spread the word?

Could you take just a moment and contact a friend and share the link to this message and encourage them to listen as well? Thank you!

Christmas is right around the corner!

With Christmas only a couple of months away we know you would like to get your shopping done early AND give a meaningful gift this year to the ones you love.

Dr. Smith has written two daily devotionals that cover every day of the coming year … allowing you to give the gift that keeps on giving God’s Word and His encouragement in the lives of your family and friends.

In His Presence is a detailed look at walking with God through life’s ups and downs. Built around the premise that God welcomes you into His presence with joy and pleasure, In His Presence helps you see that the life of abundance can only be enjoyed when we take everything to the Lord and walk every day at His right hand.

In His Image explores God’s great love for humanity from every book of the Bible. From the creation of Genesis to the culmination in Revelation, God’s love shines through every page. Never is this ever clearer than in the times of Israel’s great betrayal of their God. His passionate pursuit of His children can be heard dripping from his voice as He calls them (and us by proxy) back to His shelter and protection.

You can order your copy In His Image or In His Presence from Amazon at the Eagles In Leadership website by clicking the appropriate link on the right hand side panel of the Eagles In Leadership website.

 

Today’s episode was recorded live in Culver City, California at the First Southern Baptist Church and edited by Melodee Smith in La Puente, California.

And now, until next time, we are praying you would be filled with the hope of God so that you stand firm in the midst of our crumbling culture!

Posted in Discipleship, Last Days, Transformed | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Studying James 5:5!

James web slider

Welcome to the Transformed Podcast!

Dr. Matthew Smith, director of Eagles In Leadership, continues to teach verse by verse through the book of James, one verse per podcast. These studies were recorded live in his class at Bible Believers Christian College and Seminary in Hawthorne, California.

The book of James has been called, “the faith explained” and that is the purpose of these teachings. These short studies are designed to help you grow your faith.

Now, let’s open our Bibles to the book of James as Dr. Smith, Director of Eagles In Leadership, discusses our faith from the words of the step-brother of Jesus, the head of the Jerusalem Church …

 

This podcast was recorded in Hawthorne, California and edited by Melodee Smith.

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Transformed Podcast #271: What Are the Top 10 Characteristics of a Team “Builder?”

Team Builder

Is there hope for the local church in America? Of course there is!

We want to welcome you to the fourth installment in the “Being An Excellent Team Player” Series here on the Transformed Podcast.

Church health and growth is all about leadership development. Just like a baseball or basketball team, the local church depends on good players, good coaching and God’s grace to bring victory for the Kingdom of God!

In our message today, Dr. Smith invigorates us with the qualities that make up a winning team! Everything rises and falls on the character of God’s people!

As he challenges the leaders of the Open Door Worship Center in Long Beach, CA to live out these character traits, Dr. Smith reveals what a true team builder looks like!

Now, let’s jump in and listen as he wraps up his talk, which is already in progress.

 

And with that Dr. Smith wraps up this timely and challenging message from the Word of God. It is our sincere hope and prayer that you will choose to flesh out the words of the Bible in your daily life as a result of listening today.

Would you help us spread the word?

Could you take just a moment and contact a friend and share the link to this message and encourage them to listen as well? Thank you!

Christmas is right around the corner!

With Christmas only a couple of months away we know you would like to get your shopping done early AND give a meaningful gift this year to the ones you love.

Dr. Smith has written two daily devotionals that cover every day of the coming year … allowing you to give the gift that keeps on giving God’s Word and His encouragement in the lives of your family and friends.

In His Presence is a detailed look at walking with God through life’s ups and downs. Built around the premise that God welcomes you into His presence with joy and pleasure, In His Presence helps you see that the life of abundance can only be enjoyed when we take everything to the Lord and walk every day at His right hand.

In His Image explores God’s great love for humanity from every book of the Bible. From the creation of Genesis to the culmination in Revelation, God’s love shines through every page. Never is this ever clearer than in the times of Israel’s great betrayal of their God. His passionate pursuit of His children can be heard dripping from his voice as He calls them (and us by proxy) back to His shelter and protection.

You can order your copy In His Image or In His Presence from Amazon at the Eagles In Leadership website by clicking the appropriate link on the right hand side panel of the Eagles In Leadership website.

 

Today’s episode was recorded live in Long Beach, California at the Open Door Worship Center in Long Beach, CA and edited by Melodee Smith in La Puente, California.

And now, until next time, we are praying you would be filled with the hope of God so that you stand firm in the midst of our crumbling culture!

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Studying James 5:4!

James web slider

Welcome to the Transformed Podcast!

Dr. Matthew Smith, director of Eagles In Leadership, continues to teach verse by verse through the book of James, one verse per podcast. These studies were recorded live in his class at Bible Believers Christian College and Seminary in Hawthorne, California.

The book of James has been called, “the faith explained” and that is the purpose of these teachings. These short studies are designed to help you grow your faith.

Now, let’s open our Bibles to the book of James as Dr. Smith, Director of Eagles In Leadership, discusses our faith from the words of the step-brother of Jesus, the head of the Jerusalem Church …

 

This podcast was recorded in Hawthorne, California and edited by Melodee Smith.

 

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Denial Is Inevitable …

cowardHave you ever lamented your cowardice? I know I have!

So many times I want to stand strong for Jesus and, when a tough situation comes up, I wimp out.

If you know how I feel, we are not alone. Simon Peter, Jesus’ “right hand man,” was like us as well. While reading about Jesus’ betrayal by Judas and subsequent arrest, I recently read these words …

“They seized Him, led Him away, and brought Him into the high priest’s house. Meanwhile Peter was following at a distance.” (Luke 22:54, HCSB)

Don’t miss that last sentence: “Meanwhile Peter was following at a distance.”

This is often the problem in my life. When I have allowed life to get out of hand and I am filled with projects and plans and people and … my anxiety level often rises when my faith is tested.

These are times when I realize I have allows the cares of this life to crowd out my compassion for Jesus. I am concerned about my reputation and my preservation, to the detriment of the Lord I love. I simple chicken out to save my skin!

The solution seems simple enough: FOLLOW CLOSER!

May the courage from the Spirit of God flow over us and may we utter those words of Jesus until they are a part of our DNA: “Father, if You are willing, take this cup away from Me—nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.”” (Luke 22:42, HCSB)

How about you? I would love to hear your thoughts …

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Transformed Podcast #270: What Are the Top 10 Characteristics of a Team “Wrecker?”

toxic-employee-can-destroy-a-team

We have watched it before and we are watching it today: Church closures!

  • In America, 3,500 – 4,000 churches closer their doors every year for good.
  • Half of all churches last year did not add a new member through conversion growth.
  • Churches lose an estimated 2,765,000 people each year to nominalism and secularism.

In America, much of this can be attributed to a simple truth: Team Wreckers!

We are here to welcome you to the third installment in the “Being An Excellent Team Player” Series on the Transformed Podcast.

In our message today, Dr. Smith looks at those men and women who cripple the local church, bring disunity to the congregation and are a cancer to the soul of God’s people.

As he speaks rather humorously and pointedly to the leaders of the Open Door Worship Center Dr. Smith exposes the top 10 characteristics of a team wrecker!

Now, let’s join him in his talk, which is already in progress …

 

And with that Dr. Smith wraps up this timely and challenging message from the Word of God. It is our sincere hope and prayer that you will choose to flesh out the words of the Bible in your daily life as a result of listening today.

Would you help us spread the word?

Could you take just a moment and contact a friend and share the link to this message and encourage them to listen as well? Thank you!

Christmas is right around the corner!

With Christmas only a couple of months away we know you would like to get your shopping done early AND give a meaningful gift this year to the ones you love.

Dr. Smith has written two daily devotionals that cover every day of the coming year … allowing you to give the gift that keeps on giving God’s Word and His encouragement in the lives of your family and friends.

In His Presence is a detailed look at walking with God through life’s ups and downs. Built around the premise that God welcomes you into His presence with joy and pleasure, In His Presence helps you see that the life of abundance can only be enjoyed when we take everything to the Lord and walk every day at His right hand.

In His Image explores God’s great love for humanity from every book of the Bible. From the creation of Genesis to the culmination in Revelation, God’s love shines through every page. Never is this ever clearer than in the times of Israel’s great betrayal of their God. His passionate pursuit of His children can be heard dripping from his voice as He calls them (and us by proxy) back to His shelter and protection.

You can order your copy In His Image or In His Presence from Amazon at the Eagles In Leadership website by clicking the appropriate link on the right hand side panel of the Eagles In Leadership website.

 

Today’s episode was recorded live in Culver City, California at the First Southern Baptist Church and edited by Melodee Smith in La Puente, California.

And now, until next time, we are praying you would be filled with the hope of God so that you stand firm in the midst of our crumbling culture!

Posted in Discipleship, Last Days, Transformed | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Studying James 5:3!

James web slider

Welcome to the Transformed Podcast!

Dr. Matthew Smith, director of Eagles In Leadership, continues to teach verse by verse through the book of James, one verse per podcast. These studies were recorded live in his class at Bible Believers Christian College and Seminary in Hawthorne, California.

The book of James has been called, “the faith explained” and that is the purpose of these teachings. These short studies are designed to help you grow your faith.

Now, let’s open our Bibles to the book of James as Dr. Smith, Director of Eagles In Leadership, discusses our faith from the words of the step-brother of Jesus, the head of the Jerusalem Church …

 

This podcast was recorded in Hawthorne, California and edited by Melodee Smith.

 

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