In this podcast, Mark and John discuss the importance of Christ-Centered Soul Care. All believers are called to love and serve others. We define redemptive compassion and offer practical ways to help people, such as counseling attitudes and listening skills. In this episode, the guys also discuss the differences between being an encourager, a discipler, and a counselor. If you would like a PDF of today's notes, please email hello@gracefellowshipinternational.com. Thank you to Garrett Higbee and W.H. Hunt for additional information including in this episode.

Links:

To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TSpbKf-cqKQ?si=6YtySmFjpXFp9NdK

Mark's New Book: https://grace-fellowship-international.myshopify.com/products/who-do-you-think-you-are

Season 3 of Glimpses of Grace starts with Mark and John discussing the circle of serenity. To watch Glimpses of Grace, use this YouTube link: https://youtu.be/9PaJ-szxT14

In this episode, the guys discuss controlling what you can control and dealing with the things that are beyond your control. It is very important to take responsibility for the things in our control, to live in the present, and to make the most of the opportunities in front of us. We are to accept what cannot be changed and leave with God what is beyond our control. In this podcast, Mark and John will discuss how we do this. We have to change our "What ifs to nevertheless!"

Links

Show Notes: https://elcmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/the-circle-of-serenity_jbw.pdf

Book: E. Stanley Jones "In Christ." https://www.amazon.com/Christ-Devotions-Every-Day-Year-ebook/dp/B075G9LR88/ref=sr_1_7?crid=JU44UXVM4U48&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.K_eLJQT7SI3fhPis2HkjeunqwlTfyTmk1WZXFhfqD666BagAqst6m-RO9N5WkJngq-y2vA4sfC1tVxmkRFlZAM7gj_U3lKGjwzi30kcv0Fjw4ncjMnZkytIN93JsuNxfSuaYeoYNU4e9uYF4cewzSzZ7-ofV8UtuGQilJ44LQo5VrwJFS-l85Q6PsVgnyboNVmiB0Px4cGThRMh6KH3foIEuqEx7VYJBwnMHcDFSlN8.o0uHElMmoZ7EoU6Oia317q6d8veB7FGcuDfwSe7JenQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=in+christ&qid=1734985434&sprefix=in+christ%2Caps%2C157&sr=8-7

In this episode, Dr. John and Mark define the incarnation and discuss why it is important. There is no atonement without the incarnation, therefore, no victory! Mark and John spend time discussing how the incarnation impacts us, even today. Notes are available for this podcast, and you can request them by emailing hello@gracefellowshipinternational.com. In this podcast, Marks asks believers worldwide to pray for one another. From GFI, we want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Links:

Book: Leanne Payne "The Healing Presence." https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Presence-Curing-Through-Christ/dp/080105348X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1BS2Z19JIECLS&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QjoPkDp03WrM_FXzwU4SjRLk3EPRIBI-CVPm6Og5hmPnCjLJAlHtKTRyfLpY6j5UJACdtb5biGZSaiUr3X1ge9tr2KXXE3O5clfwWl3BfHa5Ang698zccLS2d7Gn3fW-VvSFr1D5oAUWYQppLhOqBHWkBZNAtj75e-5tJJZO34U.h3XKofx2NB50PmfSh1TWQh_ZmcKn4p5n-cKTeuRq-ZA&dib_tag=se&keywords=leanne+payne+the+healing+presence&qid=1734973212&sprefix=leanne+payne%2Caps%2C132&sr=8-1

Book: C. S. Lewis "Miracles." https://www.amazon.com/Miracles-C-S-Lewis-ebook/dp/B002BY77FY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3ATF7ZEH25Q95&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.o3EVvepox-qIHd9FyuP0GzZ79vgNbgo2xFp3J2FrVbUHDq0UUdEZDLWVkbiVe-sgk91iX5gHrez-yNhqX9c8jko8QHYTRDmH-YH1gMMhxVMewBoCZQx6Na5PyBqhJIXivo5Jf1XY8GKhtKuU0Ets8n3W535k8KM1lq-FvG9jU-Jmm1cYp0AD0AOtl6pqtmGHYIntQrZXeUOJscHPhuL7wbcv87CZtoryrAKzPnK1_tw.bECOYAs6uY6gWGpctJ0Ztj2LqB0LqSfeaftYlo_A-BU&dib_tag=se&keywords=cs+lewis+miracles&qid=1734973255&sprefix=cs+lewis+miracles%2Caps%2C160&sr=8-1

Join us for GFI's 2024 year-end review. In this special episode, Mark and John reflect on God's faithfulness throughout the year and celebrate ministry milestones. We hope you are encouraged, equipped, and uplifted as we look back with gratitude and forward with hope.

To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iCmjugjBdDE?si=a1tqWIKLQgWM6tWK

In this part of the interview, Dr. Gregory speaks of his time serving with Dr. Charles Stanley and his friendship with Dr. Charles Solomon. For more information on Dr. Gregory, please visit https://www.sourceministries.net/go/

To donate to GFI: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/about-gfi/donate/

Links:

Book: The New You https://www.sourceministries.net/go/resources/the-new-you/

Book: A Man in Christ https://www.amazon.com/Man-Christ-Vital-Elements-Religion/dp/1789870038/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1QPTVOAUV5WEQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.sxZkAkqe5IvPkcZI7gHqEVS38OlPi7a4UP33zcoqpR9G-xpsuOu-e7pB5X1kwteCcV9lNewsaY5AGZ3jb5w7uL8h73LoQx9DG88W5S8iAqaiXaLmmRmEL6vLHOIzPltAVYMIFGNLc-raY3K55owVJV07_JayZw5BHVI2AJXmS9e7uaPnkkT9fCMo24d369fFUygh5iIrmEL7QsOGS8ALWI5hDp57Va3KJg6MM31MD50.5EhBqOKkVfq5ddEUT46h0GitVxQWILe14RP3YDAnEdQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=a+man+in+christ+james+stewart&qid=1732652617&sprefix=a+man+in+christ%2Caps%2C216&sr=8-1

Book: Birthrite https://www.amazon.com/Birthright-Christian-Classic-Critical-Concern-ebook/dp/B004G5ZYA6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=16R0RNICX9Y06&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._NB_STfSdxH8jqagdYkyGiXHPq4G-vVzUcdjPw0-vGXGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.i5xj56aprG7mORGPD0NCz7ki7Z_FFhOhsB6pxn8ZwEU&dib_tag=se&keywords=birthrite+David+needham&qid=1732652686&sprefix=birthrite+david+needham%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-1

In this podcast, John and Mark discuss faith and the Exchanged Life with Dr. Lewis Gregory. Dr. Lewis W. Gregory has ministered in 29 states and 45 foreign countries since he began in 1970. Dr. Gregory sensed God’s leading to begin SOURCE MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL in November of 1982. SOURCE is a grace-oriented global Christian discipleship and leadership training ministry located in ATLANTA, GEORGIA, USA. Source Ministries exists to point people to the Source of Life in Christ: Not just Christ central, but Christ total.

Dr. Gregory is committed to a grace-oriented approach to ministry based on Christ and the Cross emphasizing our union with Christ as our life. He currently serves as president of Source Ministries with responsibilities in teaching, preaching, counseling, and writing. He has a special emphasis on training and consulting leaders—which include ministers, business personnel, and government officials.

Dr. Gregory is also an ordained minister, having been called into the ministry in 1971. He holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Lamar University, a master's degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a doctoral degree from Luther Rice Seminary. His ministry has been multifaceted: Dr. Gregory has served with Friendship Baptist Church, First Baptist Church Kaufman, Conquerors Thru Christ, James Avenue Baptist Church, Fulness House, Bible Pathway, The Torchbearers Ministry, First Baptist Church Atlanta, In Touch Ministries, Luther Rice Seminary, Promised Land Church and Source Ministries.

Lewis and Lue have been married since 1969. They have three children—Amy Charis, Aaron, and Andrew—a son-in-law Rich, and a daughter-in-law Cristina and four grandchildren: Thomas & Taylor Grace Butler and Theo & Sophia Grace Gregory. Lue serves as the full time Administrator at Source Ministries. The Gregory’s greatest desire is that Jesus Christ be exalted in their lives and ministry. They are personally committed to the ministry of life and the encouragement of others.

Links:

https://www.sourceministries.net/go/

Maybe we could call this "Looking for Love in ALL the Wrong Places?" In this podcast, Mark and John define love and speak about how Jesus is the ultimate example and model of love. In this episode, the guys also break down 1 Corinthians 13:1-8. Dr. John asks us to consider, "To what extent am I a vessel of love in my relationships today?" Love is a choice and more than a feeling!

Links

Article: https://gracenotebook.com/the-love-chapter/

Books:

https://grace-fellowship-international.myshopify.com/products/when-is-christ-being-seen-in-us-1

https://www.amazon.com/LOVE-Present-Tense-Mysteries-Revealed/dp/1977242081/ref=sr_1_4?crid=213FR3H9FLPBQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XF0tUYFKO-q97OtRdgKU713K7NsMgVintlDJietkoekwt5jZFP2dGW8ov-_vG3kMFN1V8LifTtnZhQYc55sYr3broH0Xu279wS6-8lAJ6QM.h9V1vG568SsUsgqOCKsu_7JlxxX2KgGmDOF01KkYNF8&dib_tag=se&keywords=anne+trippe&qid=1730322768&sprefix=anne+trippe%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-4

https://www.amazon.com/Way-Agape-Understanding-Gods-Love/dp/0975253409/ref=sr_1_1?crid=26XWRQ23D5PAI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.qW9upWjnlA1rrHeDGFoec0aC7h0HbUZxzSDPJCH6lcMYmn0ACTXEJIFFSPbuO00-aB-QvSEq9Qt_UGN5kTxr65AIHaTUWdLrDyWalabhRcsQReE-ll8pf0WqvjnO-uokaSHaXa49AI6j5Y2U_73cx_Qfl1c2arnL0HxkjZseBPrl9P6f4LfIurtFYvUQNWmWqKek6JGFILuqt4Np8VXIa48MRSseHcmZFFOtCyoU6mo.oMuMy_TyL60kgG94VDrOUEyU-RV701kZn8yFveb1tjo&dib_tag=se&keywords=way+of+agape&qid=1730322809&sprefix=way+of+agape%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/Love-Does-Discover-Secretly-Incredible/dp/1400203759/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=374BQ0AFU04ZC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ASG2b1vxXX7lTNzOakSjpkBxscIW0qXym1HaAAVurIgw9lmQmrvqNoPk21aBl5o78D1k3A0-VyWlGIT2Ip-iPVQgsoIwRkKTESaUkulNPuDTOpsYaIjMZkA6MbraGkZiHSHZbvJGPiQ985pW92fOn74_1lAdA3GZ62c6qCiNq7kD_z7uT76_991hhmq4SKQFxKIa1PjScBgtDK3_lC1VVyss48KnPdfTSgsGO9XOg-Q.4xtvu3x6-bVG0K_59S70sZRPVkSBi1PUIpDX3aM0JdM&dib_tag=se&keywords=love+does+by+bob+goff&qid=1730322862&sprefix=love+does%2Caps%2C111&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

Ministry: Hope Force- https://www.hopeforce.org

Past Episodes:

Cherri- episode 35

Forgiveness- episode 46

Update: Mark begins this podcast by asking for prayer for those affected by Hurricane Helene. Now over 200 people have lost their lives and there are still thousands without power. Since this recording, Hurricane Milton has hit Florida and we ask for prayer for those affected by this storm.

In this episode, John and Mark discuss hope, which is defined as "a confident expectation of good things to come." Hope is not "wishful thinking." Hope is so important, and Scripture states that without hope, the heart is sick. The guys discuss the difference between faith and hope but also how these work together. In this podcast, we also discuss the difference between losing faith and losing hope. If you feel you have lost hope, listen to the end for a message from Dr. Woodward. A link for Dr. John's article on hope is below.

The basis for the Christian's living hope includes:

1. The believer's hope rests on the promises of God's Word.

2. The believer's hope is based on the bodily resurrection of Christ.

3. The believer's hope rests on the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

4. The believer's hope springs from the indwelling life of Christ.

Links:

https://www.gotquestions.org

https://gracenotebook.com/the-vitality-of-hope/

https://www.amazon.com/Power-Promises-Praying-Gods-Change/dp/0310337216/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2JW6VMWXRLEH7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0lrUF0Vafq1H2-EjGkUHCeYoLSAm4iEi5RlRVbeHdKMmn-3dZKUqDUH5UmG-DjDJ-rqpS9o-rFYtl6DCOFizbz2RW0fAzFos_NGOf6d90eX6WgO2pFnnBji_CTzlpCrBeSKeuT0ngNjta-sXHMyNPvn7muQenVmhZvEAmMdw62wQq-kB7jweXqm4FpCGrGQQI-BtvPmb218Wtt2v-kw2xN3wYr-g6C_cefz2CORPUzU.tpahVBkj-ihPshSvdE7Br4qvLWhYpxEjz4wXpErbzzY&dib_tag=se&keywords=nick+harrison&qid=1729013772&sprefix=nick+harrison%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-3