God Talk

Obedience - (“Questions of Jesus” Week 11 of 12)

Today Pastor Greg talks to us about the importance of obedience when it comes to our relationship with God. If we’re honest with ourselves, quite frankly we tend to bristle with antagonism when we are asked to submit the way we want to live and what we want to do, to the way God wants us to live. It is only when we begin to embrace the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit working within us as believers that we become increasingly more willing to lay aside our will and live lives of biblical obedience. Join us as Pastor Greg walks us through this important change in our mindset.
 
Scriptures Today: Luke 6:46-49, 11:28 // Genesis 6:5-9, 6:11-22, 7:1-5 // Romans 12:1 // 1 John 5:2-3 // 1 Timothy 1:15 //

Smoke and Mirrors: Reflections on Church and Gateway Church

Thank you for joining me for this episode of God Talk. In this episode, I continue the discussion about everything that went down at Gateway Church. I share my reflections on my experiences with them over the years, starting around the same time as Light of the World. Despite their growth into a megachurch, my observations have led me to view much of what they do as 'smoke and mirrors'.
Throughout the episode, I recount specific incidents and practices at Gateway, including the way scriptures were quoted and the emphasis on financial tithing. I express my concerns about the integrity and authenticity of their approach, particularly in light of the recent scandal involving Robert Morris.
Additionally, I discuss the broader issue of how churches, in general, may inflate their attendance numbers and the potential consequences for Gateway moving forward. I also touch on my own experiences and philosophy as a pastor, emphasizing transparency and genuine care for the congregation over superficial growth metrics.
This episode is a call to reflect on the true purpose of church and to seek out genuine, healthy spiritual communities. Thank you for listening, and may this challenge and inspire you.

Wise Manager - (“Questions of Jesus” Week 10 of 12)

This message focuses on a Christian’s call to good stewardship. At a casual glance, it appears it is about how we manage our money, and while money is certainly involved, as we delve into it further, it becomes apparent there is a whole lot more Jesus wants to teach us than that. He asks the question, “if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?” True riches are heavenly riches and are in contrast to what we see as riches this side of heaven. But again, riches are not just money. For example, It isn’t enough to not grow in our faith, our knowledge of God, our witnessing, our giving. We are called to be good managers of ALL of it! Join us as Pastor Greg helps put how to be a good steward of what God has given us into a practical, biblical perspective.
 
Scriptures Today:  Luke 12:42-46, 16:1-12 // Matthew 25:14-30  // Psalm 24:1  // Colossians 3:18-23 // 2 Corinthians 9:11 //

Christianity Under Attack: When Pastors Fall

Thank you for joining me for this episode of God Talk. In this episode, we delve into the recent controversies surrounding prominent megachurch pastors in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We discuss the resignations of Tony Evans and the founding pastor of Gateway Church, shedding light on the circumstances and implications of their actions.
We explore how these events highlight the continuous attack on Christianity, particularly how such scandals can shake the faith of many believers. The episode addresses the broader cultural pressures on Christianity, especially during Pride Month, and the double standards that exist compared to other religions like Islam.
Additionally, we reflect on the resilience required by Christians to withstand these attacks, emphasizing the importance of relying on God’s perfection rather than human imperfection. Through all the trials and tribulations, it is crucial to remember that while Christians may fall, God always catches us.
Join us as we navigate these challenging times, understanding the impact of these scandals on the faith community, and reinforcing the need to maintain our faith in God’s grace and mercy.

Perverse Generation (“Questions of Jesus” Week 9 of 12)

Much like last week, the title of today’s message is taken from a question Jesus asked of his disciples, “Oh faithless and perverse generation, how long must I endure you?” Jesus is questioning His disciples, the very men He spent time with daily, teaching them what faith is, and how to grow and mature in it. However, it is evident that they struggled to learn the lessons because when presented with a man whose son was possessed by a demon, they were unable to cast it out. After Jesus cast out the demon, He pointed to the disciple's lack of faith as the reason for their failure.
What about us? Are we living a lackluster christian life because we haven’t taken what God teaches us about the power of faith to heart? Pastor Greg provides some key insights on how we can.
 
Scriptures Today:  Matthew 5:17-20, 17:1-9, 14-20 // James 2:19  // Jeremiah 17:7-8  // 1 Corinthians 15:33  // 2 Corinthians 6: 14-16 //
Galatians 2:20 //  Phillipians 2:1-5

Did Someone Move My Cheese????

Welcome to this episode of God Talk, where we delve into a universal experience that touches every aspect of our lives: change. Drawing inspiration from Dr. Spencer Johnson's book, Who Moved My Cheese?, we explore how both humans and animals often resist change and the lessons we can learn from this behavior.
Using engaging anecdotes, including encounters with rats and their dietary preferences, we illustrate the importance of adapting to change rather than stubbornly resisting it. We discuss how change can serve as a catalyst for personal and spiritual growth, keeping life exciting and preventing it from becoming monotonous.
We also examine how religious institutions and practices have historically handled change.
Throughout life's various stages—from career shifts to family dynamics, physical aging, and even cognitive changes—embracing change with a positive mindset is crucial. Ultimately, we emphasize the importance of maintaining a constant relationship with God, who guides us through every transition, making change a blessing rather than a burden.
Join us in this thought-provoking discussion on how to navigate life's inevitable changes while keeping faith at the center of it all. God bless.

Questions of Jesus - Week 8 of 11 - Gain the Whole World - But Lose Your Soul

The title of this message is found in Matthew 16:26, where Jesus actually uses the term “forfeit” his soul. Does He mean sell your soul to the devil? Well, not exactly, but when our lives become all about chasing the things of this world, essentially, we are doing just that. It’s a serious topic because it is so culturally accepted to pursue wealth with an all-consuming ferocity that ends up controlling our whole lives. And what have we really gained, even if we were to gain the whole world? Nothing! Because we become doomed for eternity when we do. Pastor Greg helps us weigh in on the gravity of the consequences.
 
Scriptures Today:  Matthew 16:24-28  //  1 John 2:15-17  //  John 14:30  //  Matthew 6:2-3, 9:27-31

Grooming, Child Abuse, and the NFL

In this episode of "God Talk," we delve into controversial topics surrounding grooming, child abuse, and the NFL's involvement in cultural issues. Host tackles the societal impact of Pride Month, examining how it influences children and the broader implications for mental health and suicide rates among LGBTQ+ individuals.
The episode also critiques the role of major NFL teams in promoting Pride Month, questioning the relevance of such endorsements in the realm of sports. Highlighting the resistance from certain teams, the discussion underscores the clash between traditional values and modern cultural trends.
Furthermore, we explore a recent case involving a Texas doctor who blew the whistle on illegal gender-affirming surgeries for minors, facing severe repercussions from the federal government. This segment emphasizes the tension between state laws and federal actions.
Lastly, the episode features an inspiring story of an Idaho bar owner who launched a "Heterosexual Awesomeness Month" in response to Pride Month, demonstrating grassroots resistance and the power of individual action in societal debates.

Who Do You Say I Am? (Questions of Jesus - Week 7 of 12)

Last week, we looked at the question Jesus asked His disciples, frustrated by their lack of understanding. This week, we turn our attention to another question Jesus asked them, which is also the most important question they, and we, will ever answer, “Who do YOU say I am?” It’s incredibly important because if Jesus is who He says He is, we are forced to reckon with what He demands of us. People will go to virtually any lengths to disprove or discredit Jesus. No doubt you have had lengthy discussions with unbelieving family and friends wanting to dispute Jesus Christ’s validity as God in the flesh, who walked here among us on earth, lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, then rose from the dead and is now seated on the throne in heaven. Today, Pastor Greg walks us through a deeper look at the question itself and a look at who Jesus indisputably is. You will be able to unequivocally see that Jesus is the Christ, son of the living God!
Scriptures Today: Matthew 16:13-20 // 1 Peter 3:15
We’re so glad you joined us for this powerful message! Any music performed live is performed under all appropriate licenses from CCLI, and all musical rights remain reserved by their respective artists; license details are available upon request. No other rights are reserved; share this message of hope, light, direction, and peace with anyone and everyone who needs to hear it. If you cannot find a shareable copy, reach out to tech@lotwchurch.org and we will make one available for you. God bless.

Pride Month Comes Before The Fall

Welcome to this episode of "God Talk," where we delve into how Christians should approach Pride Month. Should we stay silent or actively engage in the conversation? Join us as we explore potential ways to address Pride Month while staying true to our faith.
In this episode,  we will examine recent events like the vandalism of a Pride mural in St. Petersburg and the backlash faced by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker for his pro-family, Christian speech. These incidents highlight the societal tensions surrounding free speech and religious beliefs.
Finally, we offer four practical tips for navigating Pride Month: don't ignore it, don't be ashamed of God, avoid inciting more hatred, and always speak the truth in love. Tune in for an insightful discussion that encourages thoughtful and respectful engagement during this challenging time.