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  • 05-28-25 part 2: From Ruins to Radiance: God’s Glory in New Beginnings
    2025/05/28

    A) The Greater Glory of the New Temple

    In Haggai 2:8–9, God declares that the silver and gold are His and that the glory of the present house will surpass that of the former. This declaration is made in a context where a rebuilt temple seemed inferior to Solomon's grand structure. However, God’s reassurance is profound: what may appear less glorious in the eyes of man holds a future filled with divine brilliance. This is a powerful reminder that outward appearances do not dictate spiritual significance.

    B) God’s Redemptive Continuum

    God is never finished with His people. Even when situations seem bleak or downgraded compared to previous victories or blessings, He is actively working, molding, and shaping us into the image of Christ “from glory to glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18). The past may hold beauty and triumphs, but the future holds transformation and divine visitation. God urges His people not to dwell in nostalgic sorrow but to anticipate greater manifestations of His presence.

    C) Jesus: The Ultimate Fulfillment of Glory

    The true reason the later temple surpassed the former is because Jesus Himself would walk its courts, bringing redemption to the world. His presence turned the “lesser” into the “greater.” It’s a powerful gospel truth: what we see as ruins, God rebuilds with eternal significance. The ultimate glory isn’t measured in architecture or gold, but in the grace and salvation brought by Christ.

    D) Your Best Is Still Ahead

    Listeners are encouraged not to dwell in the idea that the best has already passed. Instead, they are reminded that, unless one is already in heaven, the fullness of God’s glory is still ahead. Even the greatest earthly moment pales in comparison to what awaits in eternity. God's promise isn’t just restoration—it’s elevation. What’s coming will so far exceed the past, it’ll leave us in awe of His redemptive brilliance.

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    57 分
  • 05-28-25 part 1: Praising, Praying, and Proclaiming Anchored in Psalm 65
    2025/05/28

    A) Praise with a Purpose

    Dr. Spoon opens the reflection in Psalm 65 by reminding us that praise isn’t just a formality—it’s an expectation and an expression of our trust in God’s unwavering faithfulness. David declares, “Praise is awaiting You, O God, in Zion,” and Dr. Spoon unpacks this as a call to live with an “attitude of gratitude.” The Psalmist isn’t praising God because everything looks perfect—he’s praising because he knows God is worthy, trustworthy, and generous, even when circumstances aren’t easy to understand.

    B) Vows and Divine Commitment

    Dr. Spoon dives into the topic of vows, clarifying that not all vows are condemned in Scripture. The kind of vow David references is a promised deed—a declaration of commitment to honor God—not a manipulative bargain. Dr. Spoon traces these biblical vows from Genesis to Revelation, showing that sincere dedication to the Lord is a response to His provision and grace. David’s vow is to give God what He deserves: glory and reverence. This form of worship is part of why we were created—to glorify God.

    C) God Hears, Even When It Feels Silent

    In verse 2, David refers to God as the One “who hears prayer.” Dr. Spoon reassures listeners that no matter how it feels, God is always listening. He acknowledges our frustration when prayers don’t seem to be answered on our timeline or in our preferred method, but he reminds us that God’s ways are higher. The key is alignment—prayers answered are those aligned with God’s will, not rooted in selfish ambition. Real prayer follows the model: “Thy will be done,” not “my will be done.”

    D) Chosen, Covered, and Content

    Dr. Spoon ends with a powerful look at verses 3 and 4, where David speaks of transgressions and atonement. Even when sin prevails, God provides forgiveness and draws people close. Dr. Spoon emphasizes that being chosen by God isn’t something we earned—it’s a divine calling. With that calling comes contentment, because those who are selected, elected, and protected by the King lack nothing. We find satisfaction not in our own strength but in the provision and presence of the Shepherd who leads us.

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    30 分
  • 05-27-25 part 2: The Hope We Carry Sharing Christ in a World That’s Starving for It
    2025/05/27

    A) The Message of Hope

    In Romans 10, Dr. Spoon emphasizes the profound truth that anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved. But how can they call if they haven’t believed, and how can they believe unless someone tells them? The passage draws attention to the critical role Christians play in communicating the gospel—not with bullhorns and soapboxes, but through sincere, relational sharing. Dr. Spoon notes how tragically rare hope is in the world today and how the absence of eternal hope leaves people clinging to shallow, temporary illusions. As believers, we carry something of eternal value, and we're called to deliver it.

    B) Your Voice, Their Lifeline

    Dr. Spoon challenges Christians to recognize that we are not only bearers of a life-giving message but that people are spiritually starving for what we have. Whether they seem receptive or not, most are longing for peace and purpose. It's easy to stay quiet when life feels "okay" for us, but the danger lies in forgetting that others are not okay. Dr. Spoon reminds us that our silence may leave someone without the hope they desperately need. The simplicity and profundity of the gospel—the assurance of eternal life and peace with God—is something we must be ready and willing to speak into people's lives.

    C) Beautiful Feet and Everyday Mission Fields

    Citing Romans 10:15 and tying it to Ephesians 6, Dr. Spoon highlights that “beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” This isn’t about being a professional preacher; it’s about every believer being “fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace.” Whether at work, the grocery store, or during a casual conversation, believers are always “on mission.” He likens our calling to a “Monopoly Go Square,” humorously yet insightfully connecting everyday movement with the divine directive to go and make disciples. Every place you walk is a mission field—and every person you meet could be hungry for truth.

    D) The Gospel of Peace, Not Gotcha

    Dr. Spoon wraps up with a sobering but empowering reminder: we are vessels of peace, not prosecutors of guilt. Sharing the gospel isn’t about shouting people into submission, but lovingly pointing them to a Savior who brings healing, hope, and eternal purpose. The armor of God includes feet prepared with peace—because we walk into a hurting world with the only message that truly heals. Our hope is not just for others, it's our anchor too. As the world grows darker, the brightness of Christ’s hope becomes more needed—and we are His light-bearers.

    Let me know when you're ready for the next one! 😊

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    57 分
  • 05-27-25 part 1: The Two Commands That Change Everything
    2025/05/27

    A) The Trap in Disguise

    Dr. Spoon leads us into Matthew 22:34–40, where the Pharisees attempt to trap Jesus with a deceptively simple question: “What is the greatest commandment in the law of Moses?” This wasn’t a genuine inquiry—it was a setup. Dr. Spoon highlights that not every question posed to believers (or to Jesus) is sincere. Many aim to trip us up. But Jesus, with divine clarity, sees past their motives and responds with a summary that silences the room: love God fully—with all your heart, soul, and mind.

    B) The Divine Order of Love

    Jesus not only answers the question but gives a divine order to our spiritual lives. Dr. Spoon stresses that loving God comes first—always. This isn’t a bumper-sticker slogan; it’s a foundational truth. Our hearts, minds, and souls are to be directed first toward God before anything else. Without this vertical love, our horizontal love for others will falter. Dr. Spoon reminds us that trying to love our neighbor without loving God first is like building a house without a foundation—it won't stand.

    C) The Call to Neighborly Love

    Following His first commandment, Jesus immediately gives a second: love your neighbor as yourself. But Dr. Spoon is quick to clarify—this is not a substitute for loving God. It’s an extension of it. He explains that our ability to love others properly hinges on understanding our own worth in God’s eyes. If we don't believe we are valuable—because God loves and redeemed us—we won’t be able to offer love to others in a healthy, Christlike way. Self-loathing blocks effective neighborly love.

    D) The Only Glasses That Work

    Closing the message, Dr. Spoon reminds us to examine the "glasses" through which we view people. Like Saul in the Old Testament who saw David with eyes of jealousy, we too can wear lenses tainted by bitterness, pride, or assumptions. But when we truly love God and let His love transform us, our perspective on others shifts. We become grace-givers, not fault-finders. Love God. Love others. It’s not just a motto—it’s the heartbeat of the Gospel, and the prescription for Kingdom vision.

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    30 分
  • 05-23-25 part 2: Ask Boldly, Pray Humbly, and Trust Deeply The Sacred Rhythm of Divine Partnership
    2025/05/23
    1. A Great Daily Starter Prayer

    Dr. Spoon opens with what he calls a “Great Daily Starter Prayer” from Genesis 24:12: “Oh Lord, the God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today.” He unpacks this simple but profound prayer phrase by phrase. The direction of prayer—“Oh Lord”—acknowledges who we’re speaking to. The identification—“God of my master Abraham”—brings spiritual heritage into the moment, similar to how we approach God in the name of Jesus. And the word “please” reflects humility, not begging, but recognizing that answered prayer is a gift, not a demand. It's the heart posture that matters most, not the word count.

    2. God’s Partnership in Your Everyday

    The heart of Dr. Spoon’s message is that God wants to partner with us in our everyday activities—not just the spiritual high points. Whether you're heading into a workday, a family challenge, or a difficult conversation, starting the day with “Please grant me success today” places everything under God’s leadership. Dr. Spoon dismisses the idea that asking for success is selfish or “name-it-and-claim-it” theology. Instead, he highlights that praying for success in alignment with God’s will is biblical, bold, and smart. It invites divine favor while acknowledging divine sovereignty.

    3. Persistent Asking, Powerful Giving

    As the episode unfolds, Dr. Spoon teaches from Matthew 7:7–11, reminding us that our job is to ask, seek, and knock—not once, but continuously. The present tense used in the original Greek emphasizes persistence. God, the perfect parent, delights in giving good gifts to His children. Our responsibility is to keep asking with trust, and God’s responsibility is to give according to His wisdom. Dr. Spoon hilariously advises listeners to “annoy God”—in the best way—because God loves when we persist in prayer. Far from being frustrated by our repetition, God welcomes it as faith in motion.

    4. Finish Strong, Trust Deeply

    In Acts 11, Peter recounts how the Holy Spirit fell on Gentile believers just as it had on the Jewish believers at Pentecost. Dr. Spoon draws from Peter’s humble realization: “Who was I to oppose God?” He applies that lesson to the modern church, emphasizing that God may move in ways we don’t expect or fully understand. The Holy Spirit’s work is not bound by our systems or traditions. Whether through a vision, a different worship style, or a nontraditional believer, God does what He pleases—and our job is not to oppose it, but to follow. Trust Him. He knows how to build His Kingdom.

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    57 分
  • 05-23-25 part 1: False Teachers, Real Tragedy, and the Church That Must Stay Awake
    2025/05/23
    1. Springs Without Water and Storm-Driven Mists

    Dr. Spoon opens with a powerful and sobering continuation of 2 Peter, where the apostle describes false teachers as “springs without water” and “mists driven by storms.” These are not harmless wanderers; they’re deceptive voices exploiting the church for selfish gain. Dr. Spoon emphasizes that these individuals are not only attenders—they can be leaders and teachers, exploiting their platform for personal influence. The imagery is haunting: these leaders promise freedom but are themselves slaves to depravity. Their spiritual impact is devastating, especially on those who are newly freed from error but still fragile in faith.

    2. Corrupting the Young in Faith

    Highlighting Peter’s concern for new believers, Dr. Spoon points out how these false teachers prey on the spiritually vulnerable. Just as a spring without water misleads the thirsty, these influencers draw in fresh believers with lofty but empty promises. Dr. Spoon warns that new Christians, still growing in the Word, are especially susceptible. He makes it personal—sharing that he’s lived this reality himself—and reiterates that we must be grounded in Scripture and closely connected to the Lord. Jesus Himself had stern words for anyone who causes “little ones” to stumble, and that warning extends to those who harm spiritual infants as well.

    3. Praise for Faithful Churches

    Dr. Spoon offers a strong encouragement to those attending healthy, gospel-centered churches. He urges believers not to take such blessings for granted. If you’re part of a church that honors Jesus, teaches Scripture, and cares for its people—praise God for it. And even more: tell your pastors and leaders how much they mean to you. A simple word of appreciation goes a long way. While Peter rebukes the darkness in some corners of the church, Dr. Spoon reminds us that many congregations are shining bright with integrity and truth. Those places deserve recognition and gratitude.

    4. Real Pain, Real Ministry

    The episode takes a deeply emotional turn when a caller, Samson, shares about ministering to a family who just lost a 20-year-old daughter in a tragic accident—her birthday was spent in the ICU, and she passed the same day. Dr. Spoon leads a prayer of comfort, compassion, and intercession. He acknowledges the burden Samson carries as a chaplain and underscores the importance of praying for those walking through grief. Ministry isn’t always cheery—it often requires entering into real pain with real people. But in that space, God’s comfort becomes more than theory—it becomes the sustaining hope of the gospel.

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    30 分
  • 05-22-25 part 2: Unity in Truth, Boldness in Faith: Fighting the Lies That Divide
    2025/05/22
    1. Greet the Church—Not Just Your Denomination

    Dr. Spoon brings Colossians 4 to a powerful close by emphasizing the unity of the church across geographical and denominational lines. Paul tells the believers to greet the brothers in Laodicea and the church that meets in Nympha’s house—no qualifiers, no conditions. Dr. Spoon unpacks the spiritual importance of this greeting: it affirms our shared identity in Christ. He challenges Christians not to cling too tightly to denominational identity, reminding us that while there are many tribes, there is only one Israel. We’re not Baptist, Pentecostal, or Presbyterian first—we are blood-bought, Spirit-filled children of God.

    2. When the World Twists the Word

    In a stirring rebuke of cultural compromise, Dr. Spoon exposes how the world perverts God’s truth. He cites examples of biblical names like Nimrod and Nympha being twisted by culture and media, and he warns against letting academia, government, or entertainment redefine biblical values—especially marriage, gender, and truth. These aren’t small issues. They’re foundational to faith. Dr. Spoon urges believers to stand firm: Let God be true and every man a liar. The Word of God doesn’t evolve with culture. If the world calls it outdated or offensive, we must call it holy and eternal.

    3. Don’t Be Ashamed of the Gospel—Ever

    Dr. Spoon’s passion flares as he encourages believers to stop apologizing for the truth of God’s Word. There is no higher authority than the Creator of the universe. No court, classroom, or celebrity has the right to rewrite Scripture. He declares that the modern world doesn’t just misunderstand the Bible—it actively lies about it, cherry-picking verses while ignoring context. Faithful believers must never let biblical truth be swallowed by worldly lies. If people don’t like what the Bible says, that’s between them and God. Our calling is to speak truth with clarity, love, and boldness.

    4. Finish the Work—You’re Not Done Yet

    Closing out the book of Colossians, Dr. Spoon draws special attention to Paul’s words to Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.” That same charge applies to every believer. If you’re breathing, God’s not done with you. Dr. Spoon makes it personal: whether you feel unqualified, weary, or unsure, your prayers still shift heaven, your voice still matters, and your role in the body is irreplaceable. Like Jesus, who served through death, we’re called to serve all the way through to the finish line. The trumpet hasn’t sounded yet—so get back in the game.

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    58 分
  • 05-22-25 part 1: Crowns, Creatures, and the King Worship at the Center of Everything
    2025/05/22
    1. Revelation Revealed—And Contested

    Dr. Spoon dives into Revelation 4 with a mix of awe and scholarly honesty. He highlights how the image of the 24 elders sitting around God’s throne has sparked no fewer than nine distinct theological interpretations. Are they the raptured church? The 12 apostles plus the 12 tribes of Israel? Priestly representatives from the Old Testament? Even angelic beings? Dr. Spoon makes it clear—no one knows with certainty, and claiming only one correct view misses the point. He emphasizes that Revelation offers a blessing to its readers not because we master all its symbols, but because its ultimate message is simple: Jesus wins.

    2. The Robes, the Crowns, and the Righteousness

    Instead of getting stuck in the theological weeds, Dr. Spoon encourages listeners to observe what is unmistakable: these 24 elders are clothed in white robes and wear golden crowns. White robes symbolize righteousness—righteousness not earned, but given by grace. Dr. Spoon likens it to that soft, plush robe you find at a resort—it’s not yours by merit, but by invitation. The golden crowns, he notes, symbolize reward and authority. And yes, Scripture promises that believers who love Christ’s return will receive such crowns. So whether those elders are apostles, patriarchs, priests, or saints—it could be you. That’s the bigger takeaway.

    3. Don’t Miss the Main Focus

    As lightning, thunder, and voices proceed from God’s throne, Dr. Spoon paints a vivid picture: if creation trembles at God’s voice here on earth, how much more at His cosmic throne? He emphasizes that the throne room scene is not primarily about decoding creatures or numbers, but about experiencing the majesty of Jesus Christ. The continual thread in Revelation is not symbolic interpretation—it’s worship. It’s surrender. It’s Christ having preeminence (Colossians 1:18). Whatever our interpretation, the center is clear: Jesus is King, and everything bows to Him.

    4. Seeing It All, Knowing It All, Caring Through It All

    Dr. Spoon previews the next section with excitement: four living creatures full of eyes—front and back. He jokes, “If you were in the Visine business, you’d be thrilled,” but quickly turns the humor into truth. Those eyes aren’t random—they symbolize awareness. God sees everything. Not just globally, but personally. Every moment of your life is seen, known, and carried by the God who sits on the throne. Dr. Spoon then transitions into Acts 8 with the Ethiopian eunuch, celebrating that salvation—not symbolism—is the root of rejoicing. Even in pain, there’s joy because Jesus saves, Jesus reigns, and eternity is real.

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    30 分