Did you know that mint isn't just for freshening your breath or adding flavor to your food? There are over 600 types of mint, and each one has its own unique flavor profile, ranging from pineapple to chocolate to lavender. Mint truly is a multitasker in the world of spices. Just like the citizens of the kingdom of heaven, who come from all walks of life. Mint needs a humid soil to produce richly scented leaves. Similarly, we need Jesus, the water of life, to bring flavor and meaning to our lives. Without Him, we're just flavorless grass. Let's be like mint and embrace the diverse flavors within the kingdom of heaven! Now let's shift our focus to the citizens of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus welcomes everyone, regardless of their background or past. It's like a minty guest list, including lepers, Romans, women, and even former zombies. Yes, you read that right! A Roman centurion, an unlikely candidate, amazed Jesus with his great faith. He recognized Jesus' authority and knew that just a word from Him could heal his servant. Faith, not abilities or background, is what truly amazes Jesus. Next, Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law, showing His compassion and power. He touches her hand, and she is instantly healed. Just like mint, which has the power to refresh and invigorate. He took our weaknesses and carried our diseases. Throughout these events, Jesus challenges the religious norms and surprises everyone. He invites us all to be citizens of the kingdom of heaven, regardless of our past. So, let's embrace the diverse flavors within the kingdom and the fresh minty scent of Christ. Stay tuned for more stories about the kingdom of heaven and how it functions. We will explore the parables and discover the flavors and tastes within the kingdom. There's an exciting adventure ahead! Remember, just like mint, you have a unique flavor to bring to the world. Embrace it and let your aroma be pleasing to God. Are you looking for a place to take notes, some topics to research on your own, or some questions you could ponder to go deeper during your quiet time with God or with a friend? Remember, we have workbooks available for this episode, and every other episode of our Jesus Rabbi and Lord series. For each episode, they contain a summary, listening guide, key takeaways, quotes, questions and topics to go deeper. Go to gospelspice.com/jesus to purchase these workbooks. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit alongside Jesus and his initial audience? To experience the fresh spiritual flavors that the Messianic Jewish culture weaves into the four gospels? Well, that's exactly what we here aim to do through this original series, JESUS RABBI AND LORD. Stephanie invites you to dig deep into Scripture, unearthing raw diamonds that may need a little cleaning up, but will ultimately shine brightly. So get ready to embark on this enlightening and transformative journey with Gospel Spice. Prepare to encounter Jesus in a way that resonates with our modern world and discover the richness of the gospel through the lens of Jewish culture. Let's dig deep, uncover the hidden spices, and experience the beauty of the Scriptures together. Welcome to Gospel Spice! Grab your headphones, hit play, and let Gospel Spice be the catalyst for encountering Jesus in a way you've never experienced before! Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Do you enjoy Gospel Spice? Then let's deepen our relationship! There are 4 very simple ways to do that, and it would truly mean the world to us.  1- If you’ve enjoyed this episode, you will love receiving our newsletter. It contains value-packed free gifts and rich content each month. It’s at gospelspice.com/signup. There is always something new and exciting happening around here, and I don’t want you to miss out! Sign up at Gospelspice.com/signup 2- Did you know Gospel Spice has a YouTube Channel? There’s exclusive content there too. So, join Gospel Spice on YouTube! It's at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3- Also please give us a star rating and a comment on your podcast listening app. Your reviews actually really do make a difference to help others discover and experience Gospel Spice. You would be surprised how helpful these are! So please leave a star rating and a review of a sentence or two. Thank you! 4- As always, we are praying for you! You can confidentially email us your prayer requests and praise items at the email address contact@gospelspice.com. It is our privilege to pray for you! So, would you please invest 3 to 5 minutes of your time, maybe even right now, to do one (or more!) of the following suggestions: 1-      signup on our website for our newsletter to receive gifts you’re going to love - at Gospelspice.com/signup 2-      find us on YouTube, and see what content we’ve put together to help you grow closer to Jesus - at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3-      rate Gospel Spice on your listening app – it’s one of the easiest ways to share the gospel! 4-      and finally, tell us how we can pray for you! Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog We offer high-quality, full color, gorgeous PDF downloadable workbooks to come alongside each episode of this original series of Gospel Spice, Jesus Rabbi and Lord. These workbooks allow you to build your library of in-depth Biblical studies and content to maximize your time in Scripture and amplify your intimacy with God. For each episode, we offer: - an episode summary - a listening guide - key takeaways from the episode - key quotes - Bible verses to enhance your experience - up to 10 questions per episode to take charge of your quiet time - topics for further research, based on the episode content. There are 3 workbooks, each containing over 10 episodes to cover the entire series. You can buy them separately, or as a bundle for an amazing price! Go now to https://www.gospelspice.com/jesus for the details and to purchase your Jesus Rabbi and Lord workbooks! Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Bonjour! Stephanie here. Obviously, I love every single guest I welcome on the show because otherwise, I wouldn't welcome them. And I read every single book. But once in a while, there's one that makes you pause, take a deep breath, and ponder deeply. This is what happened when I read “The Wood Between the Worlds” by Brian Zahnd. Just take a moment and ponder the title itself – I know I keep coming back to its profound poetry. It's about the Cross: Jesus and the Cross, the meanings of the Cross. Brian opens his book with these words: “I dare to write about God, which is admittedly an audacious undertaking. That a bit of sentient soil would venture to say something about the nature of the ineffable eternal must seem like the most absurd of fools errands. And yet, I venture. I cannot help myself. The depth of my fascination with the one who is the answer to the question of why there is something instead of nothing makes it impossible for me to remain silent on the subject. And when I dare to speak about God, I do so not as the idly curious but as a reverent worshipper. I seek to understand God not as a cold and dispassionate scientist, a “God-ologist,” if you will, but as one who prays, worships, and kneels before his maker.” “The Wood Between the Worlds” is made of 20 short chapters, each one a precious chocolate nugget nestled inside a fancy box. There is something Forrest Gump-like about it, too. Some of these chapters will probably unsettle you. You may not agree with everything. Just like with a box of chocolates, there might be some you like more, others less. Some spices may feel a little too pungent or not quite to your taste. And that's okay: if we only read things that we totally agree with all the time, things we completely understand, things that never challenge us, how then shall we grow? So, I invite you to be prepared to be shocked, maybe even to disagree with some of the things Brian writes. And that's okay. It's a good thing. I don't ask you to agree with everything in the book, but I would invite you to please consider allowing it to challenge you, as it has me. To do otherwise is to emulate the cancel culture we speak so easily against. Brian's publisher, InterVarsity Press, is giving away several copies of his book “The Wood Between the Worlds,” to Gospel Spice listeners. You need to be signed up for our newsletter to receive the email that will be sent out a few days after this episode airs. So, if you're not signed up, make sure to sign up now to the Gospel Spice newsletter so you can enter for a chance to win a copy of Brian's book. I'm telling you, it’s totally worth it. It’s at gospelspice.com/signup ! ABOUT “THE WOOD BETWEEN THE WORLDS” The Cross is the heart of Scripture. Everything about the gospel message leads to the cross, and proceeds from the cross. In fact, within the narrative of Scripture, the crucifixion of Jesus is literally the crux of the story―the axis upon which the biblical story turns. But it would be a mistake to think we could sum up the significance of the crucifixion in a tidy sentence or two. That kind of thinking only insulates us from the magnificence of what God has done. In our ongoing quest to make meaning of the cross, we need to recognize that this conversation will never conclude―that there is always something more to be said. Brian Zahnd reminds us that the meaning of the cross is multifaceted and should touch every aspect of our lives. Just as gazing through the eyepiece of a kaleidoscope reveals a new geometric image with every turn, Zahnd helps us see that there are infinite ways to behold the cross of Christ as the beautiful form that saves the world. The Wood Between the Worlds is an invitation to encounter the cross of Christ anew. ABOUT BRIAN ZAHND Brian Zahnd is the founder and lead pastor of Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. He is also a pastor-theologian who has authored eleven books, including Sinners In the Hands of a Loving God, When Everything’s on Fire, and The Wood Between the Worlds. Brian is enthusiastic about music, literature, mountains, and long-distance pilgrimages. Find more at https://brianzahnd.com/ We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Identity in the battle | Ephesians https://www.podcastics.com/episode/74762/link/ Centering on Christ | The Tabernacle experience https://www.podcastics.com/episode/94182/link/ Shades of Red | Against human oppression https://www.podcastics.com/episode/115017/link/ God's glory, our delight  https://www.podcastics.com/episode/126051/link/   Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Last week, we witnessed a powerful moment in history - the transfiguration of Jesus Christ. As we stood on that holy mountain with Peter, James, and John, we were immersed in the glory of God. But there's so much more to this incredible event. Let's dive deeper into the significance of the transfiguration. In Exodus, we see Moses encountering God on the mountain and coming down with a radiant face. But when Jesus is transfigured, His glory shines even brighter, revealing that the glory is not from without, but from within. Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness. Matthew's account of the transfiguration challenges the Jewish audience. Jesus is not just another prophet; He is God Himself. The presence of Moses and Elijah only emphasizes this truth. They, the great prophets of old, bow down to Jesus, showing His superiority. But why did Moses and Elijah choose to discuss Jesus's departure or exodus? They were there to encourage Jesus as He prepared for His upcoming death on the cross. They reminded Him that His sacrificial death would lead to His restoration and our salvation. Moses and Elijah symbolize two groups of believers. Moses, who prefigured Jesus, represents the Old Testament believers who died in faith. Elijah points to the future believers who will be translated into God's presence at the rapture. They represent us all. Jesus fulfills the law and the prophets, ushering in a new age - the age of grace or the Church. This revolutionary concept was challenging for the Jewish audience. Jesus greatly surpasses the law and the prophets. He came to fulfill them, and through His death and resurrection, a new kingdom - the mystery kingdom - was established. The Book of Hebrews reminds us that God initially spoke through the law and prophets, but in these last days, He speaks to us directly through His Son, Jesus Christ. He is the radiance of God's glory, the exact expression of His nature. Let us listen to and delight in Him! The transfiguration is a profound revelation of who Jesus is. As we join Peter, James, and John on that mountain, we are reminded of His divine glory, His sacrificial love, and His fulfillment of the law and prophets. Let's allow this truth to transform our lives. May we never forget the transfiguration, the glorious moment when Jesus's true identity was unveiled. He is the Son of God, the Light of the World, and the fulfillment of all prophecies. Let's live our lives in awe of His glory and share this Good News with the world! Are you looking for a place to take notes, some topics to research on your own, or some questions you could ponder to go deeper during your quiet time with God or with a friend? Remember, we have workbooks available for this episode, and every other episode of our Jesus Rabbi and Lord series. For each episode, they contain a summary, listening guide, key takeaways, quotes, questions and topics to go deeper. Go to gospelspice.com/jesus to purchase these workbooks. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit alongside Jesus and his initial audience? To experience the fresh spiritual flavors that the Messianic Jewish culture weaves into the four gospels? Well, that's exactly what we here aim to do through this original series, JESUS RABBI AND LORD. Stephanie invites you to dig deep into Scripture, unearthing raw diamonds that may need a little cleaning up, but will ultimately shine brightly. So get ready to embark on this enlightening and transformative journey with Gospel Spice. Prepare to encounter Jesus in a way that resonates with our modern world and discover the richness of the gospel through the lens of Jewish culture. Let's dig deep, uncover the hidden spices, and experience the beauty of the Scriptures together. Welcome to Gospel Spice! Grab your headphones, hit play, and let Gospel Spice be the catalyst for encountering Jesus in a way you've never experienced before! Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Do you enjoy Gospel Spice? Then let's deepen our relationship! There are 4 very simple ways to do that, and it would truly mean the world to us.  1- If you’ve enjoyed this episode, you will love receiving our newsletter. It contains value-packed free gifts and rich content each month. It’s at gospelspice.com/signup. There is always something new and exciting happening around here, and I don’t want you to miss out! Sign up at Gospelspice.com/signup 2- Did you know Gospel Spice has a YouTube Channel? There’s exclusive content there too. So, join Gospel Spice on YouTube! It's at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3- Also please give us a star rating and a comment on your podcast listening app. Your reviews actually really do make a difference to help others discover and experience Gospel Spice. You would be surprised how helpful these are! So please leave a star rating and a review of a sentence or two. Thank you! 4- As always, we are praying for you! You can confidentially email us your prayer requests and praise items at the email address contact@gospelspice.com. It is our privilege to pray for you! So, would you please invest 3 to 5 minutes of your time, maybe even right now, to do one (or more!) of the following suggestions: 1-      signup on our website for our newsletter to receive gifts you’re going to love - at Gospelspice.com/signup 2-      find us on YouTube, and see what content we’ve put together to help you grow closer to Jesus - at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3-      rate Gospel Spice on your listening app – it’s one of the easiest ways to share the gospel! 4-      and finally, tell us how we can pray for you! Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog We offer high-quality, full color, gorgeous PDF downloadable workbooks to come alongside each episode of this original series of Gospel Spice, Jesus Rabbi and Lord. These workbooks allow you to build your library of in-depth Biblical studies and content to maximize your time in Scripture and amplify your intimacy with God. For each episode, we offer: - an episode summary - a listening guide - key takeaways from the episode - key quotes - Bible verses to enhance your experience - up to 10 questions per episode to take charge of your quiet time - topics for further research, based on the episode content. There are 3 workbooks, each containing over 10 episodes to cover the entire series. You can buy them separately, or as a bundle for an amazing price! Go now to https://www.gospelspice.com/jesus for the details and to purchase your Jesus Rabbi and Lord workbooks! Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

I welcome Jean-Luc Sergent, a personal friend and Anglican priest with a heart for ministry in France, to share his journey of faith, unity, and hope in a secularized society. Jean-Luc shares insights on the cultural and religious landscapes of France in the last generation or so, emphasizing the importance of unity among Christians and the need for faith, love, and hope amidst challenges. I invited Jean-Luc to specifically highlight a series of songs sourced from the original song "The Blessing," which emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic as a unifying force among Christians. The release of a new song in French, based on the ancient hymn "Veni Creator Spiritus", underscores the capacity of music to unite believers across cultural and linguistic boundaries, reflecting the universal impact of faith and worship. This is all happening this spring and summer, under the exciting news of the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. As an Anglican priest with a ministry rooted in both France and England, Jean-Luc Sergent brings a unique perspective to the challenges and opportunities in cross-cultural ministry. His journey from Paris to London, the influence of his wife's Catholic background on their faith, and his call to ministry at 35 reflect the interwoven experiences that have shaped his understanding of ministry amidst cultural diversity. We discuss the importance of ecumenical unity between Protestants and Catholics in France as an essential step in bridging denominational divides and standing as a testament to the power of love and faith in a diversified faith landscape. This emphasis on cooperation highlights what happens when believers of different traditions come together to share a message of hope and love under the common banner of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Jean-Luc provides a glimpse into the cultural and religious dynamics in France, highlighting the declining percentage of practicing Catholics and evangelicals. This shift poses a significant challenge in a secularized society where the Christian faith has faced marginalization. In this context, it is essential to develop a commitment to fostering unity and cooperation in witnessing about the love of God. Here are a few insights of wisdom I will take away from this conversation, and hope to learn to role-model better in the future: -        Seek unity in faith, love, and hope, especially in a secularized society. -        Embrace ecumenical unity between different Christian denominations for a greater witness of God's love. -        Be open to transitions and callings in life that may lead to unexpected ministry opportunities. -        Look for ways to create a positive impact in my community. -        Welcome the influence of the Holy Spirit and seek to align with biblical and Christian principles. -        Find inspiration and comfort in the Spirit of God, especially during challenging times. -        Journey in faith, while respecting the history, culture, and language of different Christian traditions. -        Ponder the significance of meaningful hymns and songs in providing consolation and blessings to others. -        Value collaborative efforts and movements within the church for positive change and revival. What about YOU? What did YOU take away from this conversation? I’d love to hear from you, so email us or DM us on social media! You have no idea how happy this would make me! CONNECT WITH JEAN-LUC SERGENT THROUGH IMPACT FRANCE Want to know more? Get involved? Specifically with The Blessing France and Jean-Luc: https://impactfrance.org/benediction/ More about Impact France, an amazing ministry: https://impactfrance.org/ MORE ABOUT THE BLESSING FRANCE (“LA BENEDICTION FRANCE”) La Bénédiction France wants people to encounter God and the unity of His people through music. Originally birthed from the 2020 pandemic lockdowns which popularized remote-ensemble worship music videos, La Bénédiction has continued to build on the spirit of its first project, the French version of “The Blessing”. The ministry has gone on to produce and release a video every year since then, and is producing its fifth in 2024. These exceptional-quality projects are not only a beautiful form of worship, but dismantle denominational barriers in the Christian world through the collaboration of talented singers and musicians from hundreds of churches and organizations. Accordingly, La Bénédiction lives out the calls of scripture to offer a sacrifice of praise to God (Heb 13:15) and to let Christian unity be a testimony to all (John 17:23). La Bénédiction also offers musical, artistic and cultural training to all to develop their skills while promoting Christian values. Finally, the ministry collaborates with other charitable and humanitarian organizations through service and organization of events to live out Christian principles of compassion and love of neighbor. Your generosity will allow La Bénédiction to continue to expand on its mission, letting people meet God deeply through soul-moving music, and equipping His people to work in unity to advance the Gospel more fully. Be sure to visit their YouTube channel to see all of their videos! Here: https://www.youtube.com/@LaBenedictionFrance VENI CREATOR SPIRITUS | IN ENGLISH (as read by Stephanie during the episode) Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest, Vouchsafe within our souls to rest; Come with Thy grace and heav'nly aid And fill the hearts which Thou hast made. To Thee, the Comforter, we cry, To Thee, the Gift of God Most High, The Fount of life, the Fire of love, The soul's Anointing from above. The sev'n-fold gifts of grace are Thine, O Finger of the Hand Divine; True Promise of the Father Thou, Who dost the tongue with speech endow. Thy light to every thought impart And shed Thy love in every heart; The weakness of our mortal state With deathless might invigorate. Drive far away our wily Foe, And Thine abiding peace bestow; If Thou be our protecting Guide, No evil can our steps betide. Make Thou to us the Father known; Teach us the eternal Son to own And Thee, whose name we ever bless, Of both the Spirit, to confess. Praise we the Father and the Son And Holy Spirit, with them One; And may the Son on us bestow The gifts that from the Spirit flow! Amen. This song is a hymn to the Holy Spirit, composed by Rabanus Maurus in the 8th century. The text expresses gratitude for the Creator's visitation, inspiration, and protection of the soul. About the original author of this hymn (written in Latin): Rabanus Maurus (c. 776-856) or Hrabanus Magnentius Maurus, was born of noble parents at Mainz, and educated at Fulda and Tours under Alcuin, who is reputed to have given him the surname, Maurus, after the saint of that name. In 803, he became director of the school at the Benedictine Abbey at Fulda. He was ordained priest in 814, spending the following years in a pilgrimage to Palestine. In 822, he became Abbott at Fulda, retiring in 842. In 847, he became archbishop of Mainz. He died at Winkel on the Rhine, February 4, 856. This distinguished Carolingian poet-theologian wrote extensive biblical commentaries, the Encyclopaedic De Universo, De Institutione Clericorum, and other works which circulated widely during the Middle Ages. Again, make sure to connect with Jean-Luc and the whole project. Be sure to visit their YouTube channel to see all of their videos! Here: https://www.youtube.com/@LaBenedictionFrance We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Identity in the battle | Ephesians https://www.podcastics.com/episode/74762/link/ Centering on Christ | The Tabernacle experience https://www.podcastics.com/episode/94182/link/ Shades of Red | Against human oppression https://www.podcastics.com/episode/115017/link/ God's glory, our delight  https://www.podcastics.com/episode/126051/link/   Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Have you ever experienced a meal so extraordinary, it leaves an indelible mark on your memory? A French-style 8 or 10 course dinner, each dish a tiny masterpiece that lingers on your tongue? Well, today we're going to savor a different kind of feast, the Transfiguration of Jesus. Join me as we explore this captivating story through a culinary lens. 🍽️ Course 1: The Hors d'oeuvre 🍽️ Our appetizer is found in Matthew 16:15, where Jesus poses a profound question: "Who do you say that I am?" This sets the stage for the miracles and masterpieces that follow, leading up to the ultimate entree of the Transfiguration. 🍽️ Course 2: The Exquisite Entree 🍽️ Imagine a mountain, a high peak where Jesus takes Peter, James, and John. Suddenly, Jesus is transformed, radiant like the sun, his clothes white as light. And then, Moses and Elijah appear, conversing with him. An awe-inspiring sight, the pinnacle of this divine feast. 🍽️ Course 3: The Beloved Son 🍽️ Amidst the ethereal encounter, Peter suggests building tabernacles for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. But in that breathtaking moment, a voice from a bright cloud declares, "This is my beloved Son. I take delight in him. Listen to him." The affirmation of Jesus' divine identity. 🍽️ Course 4: Awestruck Disciples 🍽️ Overwhelmed, the disciples fall face down in fear. Jesus comforts them, and as they look up, they see only Him. The transfiguration experience imprints upon their hearts, forever etched in their memories. 🍽️ Course 5: The Unveiled Mystery 🍽️ As they descend from the mountain, Jesus commands the disciples to keep this vision a secret until the Son of Man is raised from the dead. A tantalizing mystery, revealing a deeper purpose to be unveiled. 🍽️ Course 6: Fulfillment & Witness 🍽️ But here's where it gets interesting. Some have puzzled over Jesus' statement that some disciples won't die until they see the glory of Messiah. Enter John and Peter, who both bear witness to seeing Christ's glory, both in the transfiguration and beyond. 🍽️ Course 7: The Glory Unveiled 🍽️ At the transfiguration, Jesus is the visible manifestation of God's glory, the breathtaking display of the face of Jesus Christ. The veil of flesh temporarily lifted, revealing the fullness of His divine splendor. A taste of what's to come. 🍽️ Course 8: A Glimpse of Revelation 🍽️ Just as God commanded light to shine out of darkness, in the face of Christ Jesus, we catch a glimpse of the glory of God. The transfiguration is a moment where heaven and earth intertwine, as the disciples witness the radiance of Jesus. A truly divine encounter. 🍽️ Course 9: The Feast Continues 🍽️ The transfiguration is a pivotal moment in Matthew's Gospel, a foretaste of the ultimate feast to come. Next week, we'll delve into the stories of Peter, James, John, Moses, and Elijah. Join me as we savor each delectable course of this spiritual feast. 🍽️ Course 10: The Invitation 🍽️ As we conclude this appetizing journey into the Transfiguration, let the flavors of glory, identity, and revelation linger. May we be inspired to seek the presence of Jesus, to encounter His divine splendor, and to embrace the invitation to partake in His eternal feast.   Bon appétit, my friends! May this taste of the Transfiguration leave you hungry for more of Jesus and His glorious revelation. Stay tuned for the next course in our Gospel Spice series. Until then, savor the flavors of faith and feast on the richness of God's Word. Are you looking for a place to take notes, some topics to research on your own, or some questions you could ponder to go deeper during your quiet time with God or with a friend? Remember, we have workbooks available for this episode, and every other episode of our Jesus Rabbi and Lord series. For each episode, they contain a summary, listening guide, key takeaways, quotes, questions and topics to go deeper. Go to gospelspice.com/jesus to purchase these workbooks. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit alongside Jesus and his initial audience? To experience the fresh spiritual flavors that the Messianic Jewish culture weaves into the four gospels? Well, that's exactly what we here aim to do through this original series, JESUS RABBI AND LORD. Stephanie invites you to dig deep into Scripture, unearthing raw diamonds that may need a little cleaning up, but will ultimately shine brightly. So get ready to embark on this enlightening and transformative journey with Gospel Spice. Prepare to encounter Jesus in a way that resonates with our modern world and discover the richness of the gospel through the lens of Jewish culture. Let's dig deep, uncover the hidden spices, and experience the beauty of the Scriptures together. Welcome to Gospel Spice! Grab your headphones, hit play, and let Gospel Spice be the catalyst for encountering Jesus in a way you've never experienced before! Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Do you enjoy Gospel Spice? Then let's deepen our relationship! There are 4 very simple ways to do that, and it would truly mean the world to us.  1- If you’ve enjoyed this episode, you will love receiving our newsletter. It contains value-packed free gifts and rich content each month. It’s at gospelspice.com/signup. There is always something new and exciting happening around here, and I don’t want you to miss out! Sign up at Gospelspice.com/signup 2- Did you know Gospel Spice has a YouTube Channel? There’s exclusive content there too. So, join Gospel Spice on YouTube! It's at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3- Also please give us a star rating and a comment on your podcast listening app. Your reviews actually really do make a difference to help others discover and experience Gospel Spice. You would be surprised how helpful these are! So please leave a star rating and a review of a sentence or two. Thank you! 4- As always, we are praying for you! You can confidentially email us your prayer requests and praise items at the email address contact@gospelspice.com. It is our privilege to pray for you! So, would you please invest 3 to 5 minutes of your time, maybe even right now, to do one (or more!) of the following suggestions: 1-      signup on our website for our newsletter to receive gifts you’re going to love - at Gospelspice.com/signup 2-      find us on YouTube, and see what content we’ve put together to help you grow closer to Jesus - at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3-      rate Gospel Spice on your listening app – it’s one of the easiest ways to share the gospel! 4-      and finally, tell us how we can pray for you! Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog We offer high-quality, full color, gorgeous PDF downloadable workbooks to come alongside each episode of this original series of Gospel Spice, Jesus Rabbi and Lord. These workbooks allow you to build your library of in-depth Biblical studies and content to maximize your time in Scripture and amplify your intimacy with God. For each episode, we offer: - an episode summary - a listening guide - key takeaways from the episode - key quotes - Bible verses to enhance your experience - up to 10 questions per episode to take charge of your quiet time - topics for further research, based on the episode content. There are 3 workbooks, each containing over 10 episodes to cover the entire series. You can buy them separately, or as a bundle for an amazing price! Go now to https://www.gospelspice.com/jesus for the details and to purchase your Jesus Rabbi and Lord workbooks! Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Bonjour! Today I welcome my dear friend, team member, and regular Gospel Spice Podcast guest Ros Evans to ponder the statement we start with: Heaven is closer than we realize.  How does this statement hit you? I ask Ros the same question, and then we engage in a conversation about the presence of God in our lives and God’s invitation to us as believers, to bring heaven to Earth in small, transitional ways until He establishes Heaven on Earth. We invite you to embrace the mystery of heaven, engage in dynamic worship and co-creation with God, and actively participate in being the hands and feet of Christ, bringing heaven on Earth. We humbly hope to challenge you, as we ourselves are challenged, to prayerfully consider your role in bringing the transformative power of heaven into your everyday life! I start by sharing an insightful listener's email questioning the Christian responsibility to wait for heaven while actively engaging in the world. This prompted a discussion on the closeness of heaven and the ways in which we can experience and manifest God's presence on Earth. Now, of course we acknowledge the tension of not fully understanding the nature of heaven, so we draw parallels to the beauty of Eden before the fall, and the transcendent experiences described in the book of Revelation. We humbly hope to help providing you with a framework to explore the Biblical truth of the presence of God in our lives. And so, we discuss the incarnation of God in Christ Jesus as a unique and essential aspect of our faith, and the various ways in which God's presence is made visible through manifestations in the Old Testament. The goal of our conversation is to hopefully bring you rich spiritual insights, and invite you to hold your own profound reflection on how we can actively participate in bringing heaven to Earth. We also explore the Biblical teaching of worship in heaven as dynamic and active, emphasizing the idea of growth and co-creation with God. This perspective challenges the static perception of heaven: it is not about sitting on a cloud with a harp! It is stunningly active, growing, and engaged. An important topic in the conversation is the transformative impact of Pentecost, which enables believers to bring heaven to Earth through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This pivotal event empowers believers to act as a royal priesthood, representing God to humanity and interceding on behalf of humanity to God. We spend some time exploring our role as the royal priesthood, under Jesus as our Great High Priest. We also hope to provide practical insights into living out the Lord's Prayer, specifically focusing on the line "on earth as it is in heaven." We encourage you to lean into Jesus for guidance, and to actively partake in the realization of heaven on Earth, aligning your life with God's will and purpose! On that subject, Ros does a great job emphasizing the significance of bringing blessings to those in need and the stewardship of God's gifts and resources. It is not too late to be one of those who, in Christ, participates in bringing heaven to earth! The Lord calls us to a sense of urgency in taking action in the present moment. Think of the thief on the cross who experienced a transformational encounter with Christ. This serves as a powerful reminder for us to embrace our role in bringing heaven to Earth and to be ready to answer the call without delay. We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Identity in the battle | Ephesians https://www.podcastics.com/episode/74762/link/ Centering on Christ | The Tabernacle experience https://www.podcastics.com/episode/94182/link/ Shades of Red | Against human oppression https://www.podcastics.com/episode/115017/link/ God's glory, our delight  https://www.podcastics.com/episode/126051/link/   Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

I welcome my new friend Lina Abujamra who invites us on a compelling journey through the ups and downs of faith, the role of suffering, and the unfathomable depths of God's grace. One of my favorite quotes from her book exemplifies this. She says, “mercy is never deserved, but always desired, and the key to unlocking it is simply to receive it.” Amen! She also adds, “God loves us not because we believe it, but despite the fact that we don’t.” Amen again!! As I reflect on our conversation, here’s the main takeaway: Lina reminded me of the unfathomable-but-so-true depth of grace amidst the chaos of life. Her Christ-centered transformation, her candidness in sharing her struggles, and the indescribable nature of God's grace left me with a very real hope in the grace I have received in Christ alone. May we embrace grace in all its messy, beautiful, and transformative glory, knowing that God's love extends far beyond our moments of weakness and failure. Allow me to tell you a little more. And remember - Lina goes a hundred miles an hour, and our conversation reflects every bit of her 100% passion for Christ! So, as soon as we get started, she dives headfirst into the turbulent waters of suffering, highlighting her experience of God's grace amid hardship. From Lina's childhood in war-torn Lebanon to her struggles with church hurt and not one, but two broken engagements, she reminds us that grace isn't just a feel-good notion; it's a lifeline we cling to in the stormiest of seas. Through Lina's story, we see the transformative power of grace as God teaches her to turn her pain and disappointment into a purposeful journey of healing and growth. Lina transparently shares her experience of church hurt and the rollercoaster of emotions and doubt it triggered. Her raw honesty about the struggle of leaving her church and the subsequent crisis of faith will speak straight to the hearts of many who have found themselves on a similar rocky road. Lina's openness about embracing weakness and the need for humility in allowing God to become our strength is a reality check in the best way possible, resonating with anyone wrestling with their own spiritual journey amidst the messiness of life. Lina's insights from her book, "Don't Tell Anyone You're Reading This," shed light on the relentless struggle to understand and receive grace. Her own dance with legalism and the expectation of earning God's favor will strike a chord with those of us who have felt the inescapable weight of our very real imperfections. Through Lina's journey of grappling with the depth of God's unconditional love, I feel challenged to ponder anew my understanding of grace, and to embrace the sheer magnificence of experiencing God's love in my many failures and corresponding messiness. We do also talk about her latest Bible Study, “A table in the wilderness,” which I devoured. Stories of God’s tables of blessing are woven throughout Scripture. In addition to an introduction about why God chooses to feed us in order to teach us about His goodness, A Table in the Wilderness offers in-depth Bible study on five tables that God offers as physical and spiritual reminders of His love, mercy, and overflowing kindness: -       Salvation (Passover)—when you need to be rescued -       Unexpected belonging (King David’s table)—when you deserve to be punished -       Overflowing satisfaction (the wedding at Cana)—when you feel empty -       Remembrance (the Lord’s Supper)—when you’re likely to forget -       Eternal celebration (the marriage supper of the Lamb)—when life is hard This substantive, applicable, and richly spiritual study includes a QR code for quick access to streaming videos, spiritual exercises for contemplation and prayer, a self-reflection tool, and a leader’s guide for small group study. Even in the most unexpected places—our weaknesses, our sins, our doubts—God loves to invite us into His presence. You are invited! Come to the table. To end, here is another favorite quote from her book: “the kind of meal most of us long for isn’t about the food; it is about the people.” How very Gospel Spice! So, let’s unpack together what Lina means by that. CONNECT WITH LINA ABUJAMRA https://www.livingwithpower.org/ Dr. Lina Abujamra is a Pediatric Emergency Room doctor who now practices telemedicine full time as well as oversees the ministry of Living With Power. For over more than 20 years, Lina has been teaching the Bible and speaking at conferences, retreats, and colleges, both here and overseas. She is the author of several books including her most recent book Don’t Tell Anyone You’re Reading This: A Christian Doctor’s Thoughts on Sex, Shame, and Other Troublesome Issues as well as her Bible Study series Mapping the Footsteps of God. Not unfamiliar with pain and brokenness, she has made it her mission to ignite passion for Jesus in the hearts of God’s people, and to help them experience the beauty of Jesus’ healing and the power of hope. Through Living With Power Global, Lina is providing medical and humanitarian aid to Lebanese people, refugee communities in Lebanon, and to Ukrainian families displaced by the war. Learn more here. Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Lina now calls Chicago home. She is still single and is still a huge Green Bay Packers fan. We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Identity in the battle | Ephesians https://www.podcastics.com/episode/74762/link/ Centering on Christ | The Tabernacle experience https://www.podcastics.com/episode/94182/link/ Shades of Red | Against human oppression https://www.podcastics.com/episode/115017/link/ God's glory, our delight  https://www.podcastics.com/episode/126051/link/   Do you enjoy Gospel Spice? Then let's deepen our relationship! There are 4 very simple ways to do that, and it would truly mean the world to us.  1- If you’ve enjoyed this episode, you will love receiving our newsletter. It contains value-packed free gifts and rich content each month. It’s at gospelspice.com/signup. There is always something new and exciting happening around here, and I don’t want you to miss out! Sign up at Gospelspice.com/signup 2- Did you know Gospel Spice has a YouTube Channel? There’s exclusive content there too. So, join Gospel Spice on YouTube! It's at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3- Also please give us a star rating and a comment on your podcast listening app. Your reviews actually really do make a difference to help others discover and experience Gospel Spice. You would be surprised how helpful these are! So please leave a star rating and a review of a sentence or two. Thank you! 4- As always, we are praying for you! You can confidentially email us your prayer requests and praise items at the email address contact@gospelspice.com. It is our privilege to pray for you! So, would you please invest 3 to 5 minutes of your time, maybe even right now, to do one (or more!) of the following suggestions: 1-      signup on our website for our newsletter to receive gifts you’re going to love - at Gospelspice.com/signup 2-      find us on YouTube, and see what content we’ve put together to help you grow closer to Jesus - at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3-      rate Gospel Spice on your listening app – it’s one of the easiest ways to share the gospel! 4-      and finally, tell us how we can pray for you! Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Welcome to a special episode of Gospel Spice, where today we spend time in the glorious subject of the Resurrection. We're continuing our exploration of Easter Sunday, this time shifting our focus from the cross to the powerful event that happened on the other side. As we enter into the beauty and wonder of the Resurrection, ask the Holy Spirit to prepare you to be moved by the significance of Christ's sacrifice and the hope that it brings. We'll explore the spiritual resurrection that took place before Jesus' physical death, understanding how it paved the way for his triumphant resurrection on Sunday morning. We'll explore the fulfillment of ancient prophecies and the undeniable truth that Jesus had to die for the forgiveness of our sins. Discover the meaning of the torn temple curtain and its profound implications for our relationship with God. Through personal faith and the redemptive power of Christ's sacrifice, we are set free from the mastery of sin, given the ability to choose righteousness and walk in a new life. And as we embark on this journey, we'll uncover the foundational truths that differentiate Christianity from mere rule-keeping. Join me as we embrace the power of the Resurrection and delve into the heart of what it means for our lives today. This is Gospel Spice, and we are still celebrating Resurrection Sunday. Are you looking for a place to take notes, some topics to research on your own, or some questions you could ponder to go deeper during your quiet time with God or with a friend? Remember, we have workbooks available for this episode, and every other episode of our Jesus Rabbi and Lord series. For each episode, they contain a summary, listening guide, key takeaways, quotes, questions and topics to go deeper. Go to gospelspice.com/jesus to purchase these workbooks. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit alongside Jesus and his initial audience? To experience the fresh spiritual flavors that the Messianic Jewish culture weaves into the four gospels? Well, that's exactly what we here aim to do through this original series, JESUS RABBI AND LORD. Stephanie invites you to dig deep into Scripture, unearthing raw diamonds that may need a little cleaning up, but will ultimately shine brightly. So get ready to embark on this enlightening and transformative journey with Gospel Spice. Prepare to encounter Jesus in a way that resonates with our modern world and discover the richness of the gospel through the lens of Jewish culture. Let's dig deep, uncover the hidden spices, and experience the beauty of the Scriptures together. Welcome to Gospel Spice! Grab your headphones, hit play, and let Gospel Spice be the catalyst for encountering Jesus in a way you've never experienced before! Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Do you enjoy Gospel Spice? Then let's deepen our relationship! There are 4 very simple ways to do that, and it would truly mean the world to us.  1- If you’ve enjoyed this episode, you will love receiving our newsletter. It contains value-packed free gifts and rich content each month. It’s at gospelspice.com/signup. There is always something new and exciting happening around here, and I don’t want you to miss out! Sign up at Gospelspice.com/signup 2- Did you know Gospel Spice has a YouTube Channel? There’s exclusive content there too. So, join Gospel Spice on YouTube! It's at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3- Also please give us a star rating and a comment on your podcast listening app. Your reviews actually really do make a difference to help others discover and experience Gospel Spice. You would be surprised how helpful these are! So please leave a star rating and a review of a sentence or two. Thank you! 4- As always, we are praying for you! You can confidentially email us your prayer requests and praise items at the email address contact@gospelspice.com. It is our privilege to pray for you! So, would you please invest 3 to 5 minutes of your time, maybe even right now, to do one (or more!) of the following suggestions: 1-      signup on our website for our newsletter to receive gifts you’re going to love - at Gospelspice.com/signup 2-      find us on YouTube, and see what content we’ve put together to help you grow closer to Jesus - at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3-      rate Gospel Spice on your listening app – it’s one of the easiest ways to share the gospel! 4-      and finally, tell us how we can pray for you! Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Welcome to Gospel Spice, the podcast that explores the beautiful and transformative message of the Gospel. In today's episode, we dive into the powerful and profound topic of the cross. This is part one of a two-part series during which I invite you to join me to seek to plumb the depth of surrender, the sacrifice of Jesus, and the significance of our personal choice in response to His offer of salvation. I invite you to explore the concept of surrender and how it requires us to access the strength of God Himself. We'll journey through a prayer of weakness and wrestle with the question of finding a true friend with whom we can share our deepest emotions. The strain on creation during the judgment of Jesus' crucifixion becomes evident, as we ponder how creation could handle the death of the Author of life. We'll dive into the separation of Jesus from the Father and the Trinity on the cross, paying the ultimate price for our sins. This sacrifice is a fact, and it is offered to every person. It's up to us to make a personal decision about this offer, regardless of what others have done. We'll emphasize the importance of taking Jesus' kingdom offer personally and approach the weighty topic of the cross and resurrection with fear and reverence. Throughout history, there have been many authorities, experts, and opinions, but in this episode, we'll discuss the long-lasting authority of God's Word, highlighting its endurance over cultures, trends, and fads. While humans and their opinions may change, God remains steadfast and trustworthy. We'll dig into the significance of the Old and New Testaments, uncovering the prophecies that have been fulfilled and the messianic miracles performed by Jesus. We'll explore the choice of surrender that each of us must make, understanding that just like a physical leper, we all have spiritual leprosy and can only find healing through God's direct intervention. Get ready to journey deeper towards the heart of the love of God, as we navigate the depth of the cross and all that it represents. From the incarnation to the resurrection, we are presented us with a choice: what will we do about the truth and beauty we encounter? Join us as we unravel the unity and harmony of the Trinity sacrificed for humanity's benefit and explore the power of surrender and the incredible grace found in the blood of Christ. So grab your Bible, your journal, and a cup of coffee, and join us for this eye-opening exploration of the cross. It's time to spice up your faith and dive deeper into the heart of the Gospel. Welcome to Gospel Spice! Are you looking for a place to take notes, some topics to research on your own, or some questions you could ponder to go deeper during your quiet time with God or with a friend? Remember, we have workbooks available for this episode, and every other episode of our Jesus Rabbi and Lord series. For each episode, they contain a summary, listening guide, key takeaways, quotes, questions and topics to go deeper. Go to gospelspice.com/jesus to purchase these workbooks. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit alongside Jesus and his initial audience? To experience the fresh spiritual flavors that the Messianic Jewish culture weaves into the four gospels? Well, that's exactly what we here aim to do through this original series, JESUS RABBI AND LORD. Stephanie invites you to dig deep into Scripture, unearthing raw diamonds that may need a little cleaning up, but will ultimately shine brightly. So get ready to embark on this enlightening and transformative journey with Gospel Spice. Prepare to encounter Jesus in a way that resonates with our modern world and discover the richness of the gospel through the lens of Jewish culture. Let's dig deep, uncover the hidden spices, and experience the beauty of the Scriptures together. Welcome to Gospel Spice! Grab your headphones, hit play, and let Gospel Spice be the catalyst for encountering Jesus in a way you've never experienced before! Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Do you enjoy Gospel Spice? Then let's deepen our relationship! There are 4 very simple ways to do that, and it would truly mean the world to us.  1- If you’ve enjoyed this episode, you will love receiving our newsletter. It contains value-packed free gifts and rich content each month. It’s at gospelspice.com/signup. There is always something new and exciting happening around here, and I don’t want you to miss out! Sign up at Gospelspice.com/signup 2- Did you know Gospel Spice has a YouTube Channel? There’s exclusive content there too. So, join Gospel Spice on YouTube! It's at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3- Also please give us a star rating and a comment on your podcast listening app. Your reviews actually really do make a difference to help others discover and experience Gospel Spice. You would be surprised how helpful these are! So please leave a star rating and a review of a sentence or two. Thank you! 4- As always, we are praying for you! You can confidentially email us your prayer requests and praise items at the email address contact@gospelspice.com. It is our privilege to pray for you! So, would you please invest 3 to 5 minutes of your time, maybe even right now, to do one (or more!) of the following suggestions: 1-      signup on our website for our newsletter to receive gifts you’re going to love - at Gospelspice.com/signup 2-      find us on YouTube, and see what content we’ve put together to help you grow closer to Jesus - at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3-      rate Gospel Spice on your listening app – it’s one of the easiest ways to share the gospel! 4-      and finally, tell us how we can pray for you! Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Stephanie welcomes Jodie Niznik, a precious, sweet personal friend, to carve out time to make God the priority in our lives. In a world filled with hustle and bustle, it's easy to neglect our personal relationship with God. However, Jodie Niznik's unwavering zeal for Scripture meditation brings a refreshing perspective to our faith. Through her wisdom and personal experiences, Jodie emboldens listeners to embrace the journey towards a slower, more contemplative faith, making space for divine encounters and profound transformation. Jodie Niznik highlights the significance of resting in the love of God. By delving into scripture meditation, she emphasizes the profound impact it has in seeking God's guidance and understanding familiar passages in newer, deeper ways. Jodie Niznik's transition from vocational ministry to a more behind-the-scenes, home-based ministry serves as a poignant testament to faith's dynamic nature. Her candid reflections on both the challenges and joys of this shift offer a relatable narrative that inspires resilience and adaptability. Jodie's experiences provide solace for those navigating significant changes, demonstrating the beauty that can emerge from embracing divine opportunities for growth. Jodie and Stephanie delve into personal hopes and aspirations for Easter, conveying a deep yearning to comprehend the sacrifice of Jesus on a profound level. Their shared desire for personal revival mirrors the heartfelt sentiments of many, encapsulating a collective anticipation for renewal and spiritual awakening. Jodie's thoughtful reflection on the purpose of Lent offers a fresh perspective. She discusses how this period of preparation leads our hearts towards Easter, embracing guided meditations and reflective spiritual moments. Through her series of guided meditations for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Resurrection Sunday, Jodie invites us to embark on a soul-stirring journey, nurturing our spirits in the lead-up to Easter. Addressing the perplexing emotions of grief and confusion experienced by the disciples during the Easter narrative, Jodie also accentuates the paramount role of women in the resurrection account. By exploring the significance of these days leading up to Easter, Jodie infuses renewed meaning into this sacred season. As the episode draws to a close, Jodie's gentle and heartfelt prayer for the audience's renewed awakening to God's word and love, along with a rejuvenated joy for salvation during Easter, will bring you hope and joy! CONNECT WITH JODIE NIZNIK Best is her website: https://www.jodieniznik.com/ Also, her Instagram: @creatingspaceforgod – I highly recommend it! Jodie says, “My passion is to help you create space for God in your life. One of the ways I do this is through my Scripture meditation and Lectio Divina podcast So Much More: Creating Space for God. My Bible studies are another way I hope to help you create space for God in your life. They are filled with sound biblical truth, practical application, and spiritual practices that aim to help you grow in your walk with Jesus. You should also know that I’m a pastor by training and by heart. I served on the pastoral team at a large church in the Dallas area for over 12 years. And I have a master’s degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. I love to teach God’s word by connecting spiritual truth to real life. If you need a Bible teacher who is encouraging, inspiring, and engaging - I’m your girl.” Jodie is a seminary trained, lover of God’s Word. She would love to craft a message just for your group. You can also invite Jodie to lead Scripture meditation experiences live for your group. This is a powerful way to interact with God’s word in community. It can either set the tone for a conference, or stand alone as a way for your group to experience God’s Word in a fresh new way. We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Identity in the battle | Ephesians https://www.podcastics.com/episode/74762/link/ Centering on Christ | The Tabernacle experience https://www.podcastics.com/episode/94182/link/ Shades of Red | Against human oppression https://www.podcastics.com/episode/115017/link/ God's glory, our delight  https://www.podcastics.com/episode/126051/link/   Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Welcome back to another episode of Gospel Spice! I have the humbling privilege to be your teacher, which is a role I take with utmost seriousness and a deep desire to steward your trust well. Thank you! I am thrilled to dive into today's topic: the Passover meal. We have so much to unpack in this episode, from the significance of unleavened bread to the powerful imagery of the cup of redemption. But before we dive in, let's quickly recap the previous weeks where we explored the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion during Holy Week. From his announcement of his impending death to the Pharisees' attempts to prevent it during Passover, there is a rich tapestry of events to explore. One highlight we'll focus on today is the radiant act of devotion by Mary of Bethany, who anoints Jesus with expensive perfume as a symbol of her love and gratitude. We'll dive into the deeper meaning behind this act and how it ties into the overall theme of Jesus as the bridegroom and us as his bride. That is speaking directly about YOU! Now, I must apologize for the sound quality of this episode. It was recorded live, and it is not as good as a studio recording. As a perfectionist in trying to bring you the highest quality sound, I faced some challenges, but I hope that the message itself will inspire awe and worship of Jesus Christ. Speaking of worship, we'll also be exploring the Old Testament roots of the Passover and how it finds fulfillment in Jesus. From the story of Moses and the Israelites to the symbolism of unleavened bread, we'll trace the threads that beautifully connect Scripture and glorify God. So, get ready to invite the Holy Spirit to captivate you through the intricate details of the Passover meal, the power of Jesus' sacrifice, and the call to live in a way that honors him. We'll be drawing on various passages to shed light on this timeless topic, including John 14:1-23. Thank you for joining us on this journey. Now, let's uncover the extraordinary significance of the Passover meal and how it points us to the transformative work of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Are you looking for a place to take notes, some topics to research on your own, or some questions you could ponder to go deeper during your quiet time with God or with a friend? Remember, we have workbooks available for this episode, and every other episode of our Jesus Rabbi and Lord series. For each episode, they contain a summary, listening guide, key takeaways, quotes, questions and topics to go deeper. Go to gospelspice.com/jesus to purchase these workbooks. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit alongside Jesus and his initial audience? To experience the fresh spiritual flavors that the Messianic Jewish culture weaves into the four gospels? Well, that's exactly what we here aim to do through this original series, JESUS RABBI AND LORD. Stephanie invites you to dig deep into Scripture, unearthing raw diamonds that may need a little cleaning up, but will ultimately shine brightly. So get ready to embark on this enlightening and transformative journey with Gospel Spice. Prepare to encounter Jesus in a way that resonates with our modern world and discover the richness of the gospel through the lens of Jewish culture. Let's dig deep, uncover the hidden spices, and experience the beauty of the Scriptures together. Welcome to Gospel Spice! Grab your headphones, hit play, and let Gospel Spice be the catalyst for encountering Jesus in a way you've never experienced before! Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Do you enjoy Gospel Spice? Then let's deepen our relationship! There are 4 very simple ways to do that, and it would truly mean the world to us.  1- If you’ve enjoyed this episode, you will love receiving our newsletter. It contains value-packed free gifts and rich content each month. It’s at gospelspice.com/signup. There is always something new and exciting happening around here, and I don’t want you to miss out! Sign up at Gospelspice.com/signup 2- Did you know Gospel Spice has a YouTube Channel? There’s exclusive content there too. So, join Gospel Spice on YouTube! It's at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3- Also please give us a star rating and a comment on your podcast listening app. Your reviews actually really do make a difference to help others discover and experience Gospel Spice. You would be surprised how helpful these are! So please leave a star rating and a review of a sentence or two. Thank you! 4- As always, we are praying for you! You can confidentially email us your prayer requests and praise items at the email address contact@gospelspice.com. It is our privilege to pray for you! So, would you please invest 3 to 5 minutes of your time, maybe even right now, to do one (or more!) of the following suggestions: 1-      signup on our website for our newsletter to receive gifts you’re going to love - at Gospelspice.com/signup 2-      find us on YouTube, and see what content we’ve put together to help you grow closer to Jesus - at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3-      rate Gospel Spice on your listening app – it’s one of the easiest ways to share the gospel! 4-      and finally, tell us how we can pray for you! Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Stephanie welcomes Xochitl Dixon for an inspiring conversation about the transformative power of faith, the significance of abiding in God, and the reality of God's love represented through colors and Scripture. Xochitl's dedication to celebrating diversity and promoting ethnic reconciliation is illuminated through her children's books. Her narrative and intent behind her books, such as "Different Like Me" and "What Color is God's Love," illustrate how she uses Scripture and colorful imagery to spark conversations about diversity, ethnic unity, and the value of God's love for all individuals. Her books are a testament to the power of storytelling as a tool for fostering understanding and embracing God's diverse creation. Xochitl Dixon emphasizes the significance of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, enabling believers to serve one another and be filled with God's love. Her profound reflection on the spiritual concept of "be still" verses in Scripture resonated deeply, echoing the notion of finding peace and abiding in God's presence amidst life's challenges. Xochitl's personal journey of navigating chronic pain unleashes a profound message of resilience and faith. Her deep commitment to "be still" despite overwhelming pain serves as a powerful testimony of finding solace and strength in God's love. The transparency and vulnerability of her experiences resonate deeply, offering a source of hope and inspiration for those facing their own struggles. Xochitl Dixon's journey and insights shared on Gospel Spice serve as a testament to the transformative power of faith, the abiding presence of God's love, and the potential for inclusive storytelling to foster unity and understanding. Her unwavering dedication to uplifting diverse voices and experiences through her work encapsulates the profound impact of faith in action. MORE ABOUT THE BOOK This playful rhyming picture book invites young readers to discover all the ways God’s love can be displayed through a rainbow of colors. All the colors displayed in this world that God made— every glorious, fabulous, beautiful shade— show how good God is and will always be. But what is the color of love? Come and see! God created all the colors in the world, and in each one, we can discover how great His love is for us and how we can let that love shine to others! With each turn of the page, the focus shifts to a specific color—orange, yellow, blue, green, pink, black, white, gray, brown, red, purple—and explores a different attribute and expression of love through its many shades.   MEET XOCHITL DIXON Xochitl (So-Cheel) Dixon encourages readers through the ministries of Our Daily Bread and the ECPA bestseller God Hears Her, through her custom designs at Worship Expressed, and through her books, Different Like Me and Waiting for God: Trusting Daily in God’s Plan and Pace. Serving God with her beautifully diverse family and her service dog, Callie, Xochitl loves Jesus, her neighbors, and readers like you! Author Website/Blog: http://www.xedixon.com Instagram: @xochitl.e.dixon https://www.instagram.com/xochitl.e.dixon/ Facebook Author Page: Xochitl E. Dixon https://www.facebook.com/Xochitl-E-Dixon-239776362714751/ YouTube Channel: Pause for Prayer https://www.youtube.com/c/xochitldixonauthorspeaker A word from Xochitl: “My name is Xochitl (So-Cheel) E. Dixon. I love Jesus and people! But that wasn’t always the case. I didn’t surrender my life to the Lord until I was thirty years old, after I stole my first Bible. Don’t worry. I eventually paid for it . . . two years later, as soon as I figured out that they weren’t free! I’m a first generation Mexican-American who grew up in the 1970’s, torn between assimilation and the Chicano Pride Movement. My parents believed in God but never took me to church. I knew God existed, but I believed He was into punishing not loving His children. I spent the first few years of my childhood living with my immigrant grandparents, Papa Chato and Mama Luna, speaking Spanish and being told that I wasn’t allowed to speak Spanish in public, especially when I went to school. My parents changed my name when I went to school because my first name, an Aztec name meaning Princess of the Garden, was too hard for teachers to pronounce. I don’t remember when my family stopped calling me by my real name. As a child, I remembered loving books because I could escape the turmoil around me. My parents separated then got back together when I was in early elementary school, which led to my mother moving us away from our family in California to follow my father to Washington state for a fresh start. I hated everything about Washington and missed being away from my cousins, who felt more like siblings. Once we were in our new home, I became a latchkey kid. My parents worked fulltime. So, I was at home alone or at the library. Though some bad things happened in my life. I can now see how God protected me from even worse things that could have happened. I can now see how He was calling me through some of the books He placed in my hands, before I even knew His name. God taught me about prayer and faith through Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls. God showed me the power of sacrificial love when I read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. As a teen runaway, He protected and provided for me even though I still didn’t know Him or seek Him as I scrambled in search of myself, my purpose, my lost innocence, a place to belong, a place to call home. Though I had reconciled with my parents in some ways, moving back into their house wasn’t an option. So, as I prepared to graduate from high school, I planned to return to my grandparents home in California. The week of finals, my Papa Chato died. My parents left me alone to take my tests and graduate as they attended the funeral with my younger sister. When my mom returned from her trip and I turned eighteen, I asked her to help me fill out the paperwork so I could legally change my records and begin using my real name again. I applied to a university and vowed to leave my old life behind me. That’s when I began reclaiming my identity! The only problem was that I had no idea that the identity I thought I was reclaiming was not really who I was meant to be, who I was created to be . . . because I hadn’t even met my Creator. I moved back to California in 1990, shortly after pledging Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. I planned to go back to school after working a few months, but after I was a victim of a crime my life spun out of control. I moved in with my Cousin Rose, the same cousin who felt more like a sibling when I was a little girl. I was filled with fear, anger, bitterness, and confusion. I was planning to live with Cousin Rose for a few months then move to Los Angeles, start school again, and get back track. That’s when I met Alan. So much happened between that day and December 14, 2001, when I surrendered my life to Jesus. Alan and I have a beautifully diverse growing family. Between the good and the bad of life on this side of eternity, Jesus remains the same and loves me through each day. I’m looking forward to sharing His truth and love with You as He leads me to write and share each message He places on my heart. For now, I would like to thank you for being a member of my blog family. This is where I want to be rooted in God’s Word while growing with God’s people! With everything that I write, I want to share God’s truth and love, to get to know Jesus more and to make Jesus known more and more. I want to celebrate diversity and inclusion, alongside my beautifully diverse family and my amazing service dog, Callie. I cross cultural, generational, and international lines, by sharing biblical encouragement and Scripture-based prayers and seek to inspire the development of deeper, authentic relationships with God and others. Living with chronic pain and fatigue isn’t always easy. But I have a heart filled with compassion for hurting people. I want to encourage others to inhale the God-breathed words of Scripture and exhale prayers and praises, while resting in the peace of God’s constant presence and walking with Spirit-empowered courage, joy, and enduring hope. I’d like to do this with you, because I know I can’t do this without God or your ongoing prayers and support.” We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Identity in the battle | Ephesians https://www.podcastics.com/episode/74762/link/ Centering on Christ | The Tabernacle experience https://www.podcastics.com/episode/94182/link/ Shades of Red | Against human oppression https://www.podcastics.com/episode/115017/link/ God's glory, our delight  https://www.podcastics.com/episode/126051/link/   Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Welcome to another episode of the Gospel Spice podcast! I'm your host and Bible teacher, Stephanie Rousselle, and today we have a riveting topic lined up for you. Last week, we delved into the days leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, examining His entry into Jerusalem as the Bridegroom. Today, we continue our journey as we explore the events of Tuesday, where Jesus encounters a group of religious leaders known as the Sadducees. These skeptics attempt to challenge Jesus with a hypothetical scenario, but little do they know that Jesus is about to dismantle their flawed assumptions with His authoritative grace. My favorite part is probably a little later in our episode, when we explore the significance of the anointing of Jesus by Mary of Bethany, connecting it to the Passover and Jesus' imminent crucifixion. This matchless, true story from Scripture emphasizes the power of pouring out our praise and worship for the Lord, just as Mary did, sustaining us through difficult times. Join us as we uncover the depth of Jesus' teachings, the beauty of His identity, and how He ultimately utilizes challenging moments to test and refine our faith. My prayer is that our time together today will inspire, reassure, and empower you with tested, tried, and true truths from the Gospel of Matthew. Let's jump right in! MORE DETAILS ABOUT THIS EPISODE I sure hope that you've been enjoying our recent episodes diving into the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. Today, we start by exploring Jesus' interactions with the skeptical Sadducees and the valuable lessons we can glean from them. We begin by examining the flawed assumptions of the Sadducees regarding resurrection and eternal life. The Sadducees' story of the woman married to seven brothers is not a realistic scenario, even by their own standards. The Sadducees use this story to challenge Jesus and convey their skepticism about the concept of eternal life. But let’s not be too quick to judge the Sadducees, because we, too, often enter situations with preconceived assumptions and may even further our own agenda by criticizing others' beliefs. This passage emphasizes the importance of looking beyond our own biases and being open to the truth that Jesus presents. We then continue our journey through the gospel of Matthew and find ourselves in Matthew chapters 24 and 25, which discuss future events, known as eschatology, surrounding Jesus' second coming. While these prophecies point to a future generation of Jews and their role in the end times, at the same time some of these prophecies have already been fulfilled. There are still many yet to happen. Our readings today emphasize the message of watchfulness and perseverance that Jesus imparts to believers. We will ponder insights from parables such as the 10 virgins, the parable of the talents, and the parable of the goats and the sheep, illustrating the urgency and importance of being prepared for Christ's return. As we continue in this holy season leading up to Easter, let us remember the importance of seeking truth, remaining watchful, and allowing Jesus to test and refine us. Together, let's grow in our faith, challenging our own assumptions, and committing to love our neighbors as ourselves. Thank you for being a part of our Gospel Spice podcast community. We appreciate your support and encourage you to share our episodes with your friends, family, and fellow believers. With blessings and warm regards, Stephanie and the Gospel Spice Podcast Team. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit alongside Jesus and his initial audience? To experience the fresh spiritual flavors that the Messianic Jewish culture weaves into the four gospels? Well, that's exactly what we here aim to do through this original series, JESUS RABBI AND LORD. Stephanie invites you to dig deep into Scripture, unearthing raw diamonds that may need a little cleaning up, but will ultimately shine brightly. So get ready to embark on this enlightening and transformative journey with Gospel Spice. Prepare to encounter Jesus in a way that resonates with our modern world and discover the richness of the gospel through the lens of Jewish culture. Let's dig deep, uncover the hidden spices, and experience the beauty of the Scriptures together. Welcome to Gospel Spice! Grab your headphones, hit play, and let Gospel Spice be the catalyst for encountering Jesus in a way you've never experienced before! Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Do you enjoy Gospel Spice? Then let's deepen our relationship! There are 4 very simple ways to do that, and it would truly mean the world to us.  1- If you’ve enjoyed this episode, you will love receiving our newsletter. It contains value-packed free gifts and rich content each month. It’s at gospelspice.com/signup. There is always something new and exciting happening around here, and I don’t want you to miss out! Sign up at Gospelspice.com/signup 2- Did you know Gospel Spice has a YouTube Channel? There’s exclusive content there too. So, join Gospel Spice on YouTube! It's at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3- Also please give us a star rating and a comment on your podcast listening app. Your reviews actually really do make a difference to help others discover and experience Gospel Spice. You would be surprised how helpful these are! So please leave a star rating and a review of a sentence or two. Thank you! 4- As always, we are praying for you! You can confidentially email us your prayer requests and praise items at the email address contact@gospelspice.com. It is our privilege to pray for you! So, would you please invest 3 to 5 minutes of your time, maybe even right now, to do one (or more!) of the following suggestions: 1-      signup on our website for our newsletter to receive gifts you’re going to love - at Gospelspice.com/signup 2-      find us on YouTube, and see what content we’ve put together to help you grow closer to Jesus - at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3-      rate Gospel Spice on your listening app – it’s one of the easiest ways to share the gospel! 4-      and finally, tell us how we can pray for you! Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Bonjour! Gospel Spice exists to inspire our generation to delight in God. We do this through the podcast, online Bible studies, leadership trainings, and more. We want to serve Christ-followers who seek to live a life spiced with the gospel. We want to love God, because He first loved us. We want to experience the fullness of life with Him—and not be content with stale, boring, leftover faith. Jesus tells us that the most important thing is to love the Lord our God, so we take Him seriously. He adds that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Now, there are many ways to do that, but I have always personally felt deep compassion for victims of human trafficking – it is modern day slavery, and it revolts the heart of God. And so, they are our particular neighbors here at Gospel Spice. We want to play our part in raising awareness and then financially supporting those who fight this great evil.   Now we would love to invite you to join the team in one of three ways: 1, pray Gospel Spice forward – pray for our guests, our listeners and participants, and for us too! 2, play Gospel Spice forward by telling your friends about us, and by please leaving positive reviews and comments on your podcast listening app; and 3rd, PAY GospelSpice forward. Less than 1% of our listeners are supporting us financially. We need your help! Please pay Gospel Spice forward today. It can be a one-time donation, or a monthly one, for the amount of your choice. Your donation is fully tax-deductible in the US. Plus, once we cover our costs, a significant portion of your donation will be given back to Christian organizations that fight human trafficking, and that we vet thoroughly. So, you can know that every dime you give is used for the Kingdom of God. Every little bit helps. So, be part of the spice of the gospel by becoming a financial partner today! Bonjour! Gospel Spice exists to inspire our generation to delight in God. We do this through the podcast, online Bible studies, leadership trainings, and more. We want to serve Christ-followers who seek to live a life spiced with the gospel. We want to love God, because He first loved us. We want to experience the fullness of life with Him—and not be content with stale, boring, leftover faith. Jesus tells us that the most important thing is to love the Lord our God, so we take Him seriously. He adds that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Now, there are many ways to do that, but I have always personally felt deep compassion for victims of human trafficking – it is modern day slavery, and it revolts the heart of God. And so, they are our particular neighbors here at Gospel Spice. We want to play our part in raising awareness and then financially supporting those who fight this great evil.   Now we would love to invite you to join the team in one of three ways: 1, pray Gospel Spice forward – pray for our guests, our listeners and participants, and for us too! 2, play Gospel Spice forward by telling your friends about us, and by please leaving positive reviews and comments on your podcast listening app; and 3rd, PAY GospelSpice forward. Less than 1% of our listeners are supporting us financially. We need your help! Please pay Gospel Spice forward today. It can be a one-time donation, or a monthly one, for the amount of your choice. Your donation is fully tax-deductible in the US. Plus, once we cover our costs, a significant portion of your donation will be given back to Christian organizations that fight human trafficking, and that we vet thoroughly. So, you can know that every dime you give is used for the Kingdom of God. Every little bit helps. So, be part of the spice of the gospel by becoming a financial partner today! Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Joining Stephanie on the show today, guest Chris Hall shares deep insights from his spiritual journey and his book "A Different Way." His emphasis on the importance of preparing for death with an awareness of the limited time we are given sets the stage for a powerful exploration of trust, transformation, and a recentered life with Jesus. Chris Hall highlights the gift of years and the challenge to prepare for death with both awe and awareness. That preparation is not rooted in fear, but rather recognition of the limited time we have been given. This perspective challenges us to embrace each day as a gift and live intentionally, aligning our lives closely with Jesus' teachings. Chris' latest book, "A Different Way," is a call to recenter our Christian lives around following Jesus. He speaks to seekers, disillusioned Christians, and those seeking congruence between their words and actions. This recentering invites us into deeper intimacy with Jesus, transforming not just our beliefs but our very way of life. He invites listeners to explore internal landscapes to encounter God and correct our perspectives. This call to spiritual introspection and the correction of our views aligns with the need to make the world make sense through corrected perspectives. This deep internal work can lead to a more profound encounter with the divine and a life-lived congruent with the teachings of Jesus. Chris Hall emphasizes the importance of trusting God, even when life is difficult. Trusting God may not guarantee an easy life, but it promises a life full of His presence. His emphasis on the need to help others explore a different way with God underscores the transformative power of vulnerability, trust, and dependence on the divine. He shares personal experiences of suffering and the profound embedding in the love and care of God. This recognition of God's trustworthiness amidst life's challenges emphasizes the importance of trust and the development of character. His story serves as a reminder that God’s presence and providential care can be found, even in the midst of life's most difficult moments. Chris Hall's wisdom and insights leave listeners with a profound invitation to embrace life's challenges with trust, knowing that each trial can be an opportunity for growth and a deepening of our relationship with Jesus. His recent life-threatening medical crisis brought into focus God's providential preparation throughout his life. This shared experience serves as a powerful reminder that each moment is part of a greater tapestry, even when we may not fully understand it at the time. As we reflect on Chris Hall's journey and the wisdom he shared, we are reminded of the invitation to trust, to explore a different way of living with Jesus, and to recenter our lives around following Him. His story becomes a beacon of hope, inviting us to embrace spiritual transformation and a life filled with the presence and guidance of Jesus. Chris Hall's journey serves as a compelling call to embrace spiritual transformation, leaning into the challenges and opportunities that life presents, all the while rooted in the trust and love of God. As we carry his insights with us, may we be inspired to live a life that reflects the love, grace, and transformative power of Jesus Christ. MEET CHRIS HALL Christopher A. Hall is author of a four volume set on the Church Fathers: Reading Scripture with the Church Fathers, Learning Theology with the Church Fathers, Worshiping with the Church Fathers, and Living Wisely with the Church Fathers, all published by IVP Academic. He also was associate editor of the Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture (29 volumes: published by IVP Academic). His newest book is A Different Way (HarperOne). Chris previously served at Eastern University for twenty-four years in several roles, including chancellor, provost, dean of Palmer Theological Seminary, dean of the Templeton Honors College, distinguished professor of theology, and director of academic spiritual formation. Dr. Hall possesses a B.A. from UCLA in history, an M.A. in biblical studies from Fuller Theological Seminary, a Th.M. from Regent College, and a Ph.D. from Drew University. He has served in the pastorate overseas (France, 5 years) and in Canada (British Columbia, 2 years). He has also served as Director of Pastoral Care at New Jersey’s only state gero-psychiatric hospital. Dr. Hall has ministered in Asia, Africa, South America, Europe, the Middle-East, Canada, and the United States. He served on the editorial board of Christianity Today. He has published articles and book reviews in Christianity Today, Catalyst, Christian History, inMinistry, Books and Culture, Christian Scholars Review, Modern Theology, and Crux. He and his wife Debbie reside in Philadelphia and have three children and three grandchildren. Chris's entire 22-lesson course on the Foundations of Christian Spirituality is available free of charge at this YouTube address: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQSuZ_ztcgU&list=PLtFHThcqLiofWQ8V7EGOzCZXi-31yykbC   We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Identity in the battle | Ephesians https://www.podcastics.com/episode/74762/link/ Centering on Christ | The Tabernacle experience https://www.podcastics.com/episode/94182/link/ Shades of Red | Against human oppression https://www.podcastics.com/episode/115017/link/ God's glory, our delight  https://www.podcastics.com/episode/126051/link/   Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

This is it. Today we are entering the final week of Jesus’ earthly life. It is called the week of the “Passion” because the original meaning of this word is “suffering” – very different from our understanding of this word today! Hello! I am Stephanie Rousselle, and it is my dear privilege to be your teacher today. Thank you for joining us! It means the world to me. In this episode, we will be delving into the powerful story of Jesus' last week on Earth, leading up to his crucifixion and resurrection. From the triumphal entry on Palm Sunday to the events of Monday and Tuesday, we will journey through the gospel of Matthew to uncover the profound significance of these moments. But before we dive in, let's take a moment to reflect on the testing that Jesus faced during this pivotal week. Just as lambs were tested and examined for blemishes before being sacrificed, Jesus was put to the test by the Pharisees, Sadducees, and the crowds. From Sunday to Thursday, His authenticity and identity were tested, ultimately revealing Him as the spotless Lamb of God. In this examination of Jesus' journey, we will explore the purpose behind these tests and what they mean for us today. Through testing, we see the strength and character that lies within us. Just as a blacksmith tests and shapes metal to create a powerful blade, God tests and refines us to bring out the best in us. Testing is not meant to destroy us, but to reveal our true selves and transform us into the image of Christ. Join me as we uncover the significance of these tests and discover how they can shape our own faith journey. As we embark on this exploration, we will see how Jesus' mission to save us unfolds and how it is intimately connected to both Christmas and Easter, the two pillar-events of our Christian faith. So grab your Bible, settle in, and let's dive deep into the transformative power of testing and the profound significance of Monday and Tuesday in Jesus' last week on Earth. This is Gospel Spice. Let's get started. MORE DETAILS ABOUT THIS EPISODE Spring is in full bloom, and we hope you are enjoying the beauty of the season. In this week's episode of Gospel Spice, host Stephanie Rousselle takes us on a journey through the last days of Jesus' life leading up to the crucifixion. Just like the unexpected encounter Stephanie had with a doe and her fawn in her garden, Jesus faced unexpected challenges and tests during those final days. From the triumphal entry on Palm Sunday to the crowds chanting "Crucify him" just days later, the story takes a dramatic turn. But amidst these events, an incredible truth unfolds: Jesus' mission was to die for us, to become the spotless sacrifice required by the Old Testament law. Stephanie will guide us through the events of Monday and Tuesday, shedding light on the significance of Jesus being tested by Pharisees, Sadducees, and the crowds. These tests were not intended to make Jesus fail but to reveal His true nature as the Lamb of God without blemish. In the same way, we are also tested daily, both publicly and privately, to reveal the strength of our faith. Through these tests, God wants to encourage us and show us that we can rely on Him. Temptations and hardships may come our way, but God provides a way of escape and promises to strengthen us. Even in seasons of comfort, when our need for a hero is less perceptible, Jesus remains the hero of our lives. Do we cling to Him amidst abundance, showing whose we are? Join Stephanie as she explores these powerful themes from Scripture, and applies them to our lives today. Discover how testing can refine us, just like a sword being forged by a blacksmith. Let's dive into God's Word and explore the deep truths of Jesus' final days on Earth. Stay tuned for next week's episode, where we will delve into the events of Wednesday before the crucifixion, continuing our study from the Gospel of Matthew. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit alongside Jesus and his initial audience? To experience the fresh spiritual flavors that the Messianic Jewish culture weaves into the four gospels? Well, that's exactly what we here aim to do through this original series, JESUS RABBI AND LORD. Stephanie invites you to dig deep into Scripture, unearthing raw diamonds that may need a little cleaning up, but will ultimately shine brightly. So get ready to embark on this enlightening and transformative journey with Gospel Spice. Prepare to encounter Jesus in a way that resonates with our modern world and discover the richness of the gospel through the lens of Jewish culture. Let's dig deep, uncover the hidden spices, and experience the beauty of the Scriptures together. Welcome to Gospel Spice! Grab your headphones, hit play, and let Gospel Spice be the catalyst for encountering Jesus in a way you've never experienced before! Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog The perfect gift for everyone - apparel, drinkware, stickers and more for all the women, men and kids in your life! https://www.gospelspice.com/merch Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Do you enjoy Gospel Spice? Then let's deepen our relationship! There are 4 very simple ways to do that, and it would truly mean the world to us.  1- If you’ve enjoyed this episode, you will love receiving our newsletter. It contains value-packed free gifts and rich content each month. It’s at gospelspice.com/signup. There is always something new and exciting happening around here, and I don’t want you to miss out! Sign up at Gospelspice.com/signup 2- Did you know Gospel Spice has a YouTube Channel? There’s exclusive content there too. So, join Gospel Spice on YouTube! It's at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3- Also please give us a star rating and a comment on your podcast listening app. Your reviews actually really do make a difference to help others discover and experience Gospel Spice. You would be surprised how helpful these are! So please leave a star rating and a review of a sentence or two. Thank you! 4- As always, we are praying for you! You can confidentially email us your prayer requests and praise items at the email address contact@gospelspice.com. It is our privilege to pray for you! So, would you please invest 3 to 5 minutes of your time, maybe even right now, to do one (or more!) of the following suggestions: 1-      signup on our website for our newsletter to receive gifts you’re going to love - at Gospelspice.com/signup 2-      find us on YouTube, and see what content we’ve put together to help you grow closer to Jesus - at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3-      rate Gospel Spice on your listening app – it’s one of the easiest ways to share the gospel! 4-      and finally, tell us how we can pray for you! Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

I had the delight of welcoming the brilliant Joy Clarkson, an American author, podcaster, and editor based in the UK. In a world dominated by technological metaphors and a rapid pace of life, she shares wonderful insights, reflections, and inspiration from her latest book "You Are A Tree." Joy joined me on the Gospel Spice podcast for a thought-provoking conversation about the power of metaphors in capturing the intangible aspects of life, finding resilience in times of upheaval, and embracing the poetry of everyday experiences. Joy Clarkson beautifully expounds on the significance of metaphors in illuminating the intangible aspects of life. She draws a compelling comparison to light as a metaphor for wisdom and guidance in her book. She reveals her desire to bring flavor and richness to people's lives, much like salt brings out existing flavors in food. Joy’s aspiration for her book is to intensify and flavor life, leaving people in awe of the poetry of life and the deep meaning woven into everyday experiences. Through her work, she encourages readers to slow down, pay attention, and savor the richness of life around them. In our discussion, Joy challenges the paradigm of equating human beings to machines, emphasizing the resilience and complexity of humans. She contrasts the organic nature of humans with the mechanical consistency of machines. Joy artfully weaves these insights into the metaphor of human beings as more akin to organic organisms, specifically comparing them to the resilience and growth of trees. This fresh perspective stands in stark contrast to a culture dominated by machine and computer metaphors, encouraging readers to appreciate their own resilience and organic nature. I must take a moment to praise the beautiful writing of Joy Clarkson and the book's ability to prompt readers to desire and experience the world around them. Drawing on this metaphorical culinary journey, Joy illuminates the significance of the book's title. She reveals her belief that her book has the potential to draw out the existing richness and flavors of life, leaving people with a more profound appreciation for the everyday experiences that God has intricately woven with meaning. In this context, the metaphor of the tree signifies resilience and the potential for growth, guiding readers to embrace their own capacity for resilience, growth, and rootedness. The conversation expands as we explore how Joy managed to write her book during a time of personal upheaval. She vulnerably shares how she embraced resilience and found inspiration during a challenging season of life, highlighting her ability to slow down and pay attention to the richness and meaning in everyday experiences. Choosing to draw strength from her surroundings, she surrendered to the process and found resilience in the form of a metaphorical journey, paralleling the growth and rootedness of a tree. This recounting adds depth to the metaphorical exploration within her book. Joy Clarkson's enlivening conversation on the Gospel Spice podcast beautifully illustrates the power of metaphors in conveying the richness of life and finding resilience in times of upheaval. Through the lens of the metaphorical and organic, readers are invited to slow down, savor life, and appreciate their own resilience. Embracing Joy's poignant insights, we are challenged to see the poetry in our everyday experiences and to draw inspiration from the resilience and growth of the trees that surround us, witnessing the beauty of our own metaphorical journey. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation: 📚 Metaphors for Intangible Experiences: Through our discussion, Joy emphasized the significance of metaphors for capturing intangible experiences and guiding readers through an introspective journey. We dove into the depth and beauty of using metaphors like light, salt, and trees to enrich and flavor life, leaving people in awe of everyday experiences. 🌱 The Poetry of Human Resilience: Joy discussed the danger of equating human beings to machines and highlighted the resilience and complexity of humans. She shared a personal journey of feeling like a potted plant, growing beyond her pot, and the fear of not being able to root, prompting her to ponder the choices needed for her own life. 📘 Burdens, Sadness, and Community: Our conversation also explored the concept of carrying burdens, the metaphor of life as a journey, and how community plays a role in helping each other carry burdens. Joy delved into the difference between feeling heavy with sadness and carrying a burden, emphasizing the importance of distancing ourselves from sadness and deciding how to carry it. Joy's insights will shape and inspire your perspective on life and your personal journey. If you're looking for depth, poetry, and meaning in your everyday experiences, "You Are A Tree" is a must-read! MEET JOY CLARKSON https://joyclarkson.substack.com/about We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Identity in the battle | Ephesians https://www.podcastics.com/episode/74762/link/ Centering on Christ | The Tabernacle experience https://www.podcastics.com/episode/94182/link/ Shades of Red | Against human oppression https://www.podcastics.com/episode/115017/link/ God's glory, our delight  https://www.podcastics.com/episode/126051/link/   Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

I cannot wait to dive with you into the rest of our lesson on the symbolism of the Jewish betrothal ceremony and how it points to our own marriage to Christ our Lord! I am Stephanie Rousselle, your humble host, and it is my utter privilege to spend this moment with you through the pages of Scripture. Today we continue our exploration of the traditional Jewish custom of betrothal and how it relates to Jesus' mission as the bridegroom. We’re continuing our journey through the season of waiting and preparation that takes place between the moment of betrothal and the wedding celebration. Discover the significance of the bridegroom's role during this period and how it connects to Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on the cross. We'll also uncover the groom's mission of gathering the bride price and building a home for his new family, drawing parallels to Christ's redemptive work and his promise to prepare a place for us in heaven. So grab your cup of coffee and get ready to dive into the fascinating world of betrothal and its profound spiritual truths. My humble prayer is that this episode will leave you with a newfound appreciation for Jesus as your perfect groom and an anticipation for the day when he comes back to fetch you, His beloved bride. This is truly the spice of the gospel of Christ Jesus. MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE In our previous episode, we explored the beautiful imagery of betrothal in the Jewish tradition and its connection to Jesus as the ultimate bridegroom. Now, we continue our journey of discovering the depth of this ancient custom. Stephanie takes us deeper into the betrothal period, focusing on the role of the bridegroom. Just as the bride was preparing herself for her new life and identity, the groom had his own mission during this season of anticipation. Stephanie explains that the first mission of the groom was to gather the full bride price, completing the initial down payment. We see the foreshadowing of this mission in Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on the cross, through which he fulfilled the payment of the bride price for all of humanity. The second mission of the groom was to build a house for his new family. Stephanie highlights the significance of Jesus being a professional house builder, skilled in both woodworking and masonry. He dedicated himself to creating a perfect dwelling place for his beloved bride, just as the groom in the Jewish custom would tirelessly assemble and furnish rooms for his betrothed. Stephanie also draws our attention to Jesus' comforting words to his disciples during the Last Supper, echoing the traditional parting words of a Jewish groom to his bride. We read John 14:1-3 and find Jesus assuring his disciples that he is going to prepare a place for them in his Father's house, where they will be eternally united. As we delve into the significance of Jesus' role as the perfect bridegroom, we are reminded of the promise of Revelation 21:3-4: that one day, God's dwelling will be with humanity, wiping away every tear, eradicating death, grief, crying, and pain. The episode concludes with the anticipation of the rapture, the moment when the groom comes to fetch his bride. Stephanie delves into the symbolism of the best man, who forewarned the bride of the groom's imminent arrival by blowing a wedding horn. In a similar fashion, we await the trumpet call of God, signaling the return of Jesus to rapture his church, gathering all believers to be with him forever. Stay tuned and filled with Gospel Spice! Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit alongside Jesus and his initial audience? To experience the fresh spiritual flavors that the Messianic Jewish culture weaves into the four gospels? Well, that's exactly what we here aim to do through this original series, JESUS RABBI AND LORD. Stephanie invites you to dig deep into Scripture, unearthing raw diamonds that may need a little cleaning up, but will ultimately shine brightly. So get ready to embark on this enlightening and transformative journey with Gospel Spice. Prepare to encounter Jesus in a way that resonates with our modern world and discover the richness of the gospel through the lens of Jewish culture. Let's dig deep, uncover the hidden spices, and experience the beauty of the Scriptures together. Welcome to Gospel Spice! Grab your headphones, hit play, and let Gospel Spice be the catalyst for encountering Jesus in a way you've never experienced before! Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS TO PARTNER WITH GOSPEL SPICE TODAY! First, PAY Gospel Spice Forward: Give a tax-deductible gift so others can experience our ministry for free, just like you! You can pay it forward with any debit, credit card, or via PayPal. See below for more details about your impact. Also, PLAY Gospel Spice Forward: SHARE the podcast and the studies with your friends and family. FOLLOW, RATE & REVIEW on your favorite podcast app (leave a comment + a star rating on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Pandora, IHeart, Google Podcast, etc…). It REALLY is the best way to help others find this content-rich podcast.  And, last but not least, PRAY Gospel Spice Forward: We pray for you weekly. We covet your prayers for our ministry, the thousands we reach, and our team! Contact us to let us know you are praying for us! NEW! Another way to partner with us is to purchase our workbooks and online Bible studies. We keep them at the lowest possible cost, but they require a lot of work from us! For example, - a complete Bible Study requires an average of 500 man-hours. - a workbook for a series requires almost 100 man-hours. MORE ABOUT PARTNERING WITH US FINANCIALLY: Gospel Spice Ministries is a non-profit organization registered under the tax-exempt 501c3 status. Our goal is to provide in-depth, high-quality, free Bible resources for all. They are free, but expensive to create! We need your financial support to keep producing and distributing them. Please pay Gospel Spice forward today! For example, a podcast episode takes close to 10 hours of work (and we release 2 each week). They come to you completely free, but we would truly love your support. We want the money to go to those who really need it. Once our operating costs are paid, 100% of your donation is redistributed to our partners who fight human trafficking. Each year, we aim to give as much as we can. For example, Stephanie works more than full time for Gospel Spice, entirely for free. All board members and volunteers are donating time. We limit our operational expenses to the bare minimum. Your pay-it-forward donations are tax-deductible under IRS Section 170. We want to be the best possible stewards of your financial support. Thank you! Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Do you enjoy Gospel Spice? Then let's deepen our relationship! There are 4 very simple ways to do that, and it would truly mean the world to us.  1- If you’ve enjoyed this episode, you will love receiving our newsletter. It contains value-packed free gifts and rich content each month. It’s at gospelspice.com/signup. There is always something new and exciting happening around here, and I don’t want you to miss out! Sign up at Gospelspice.com/signup 2- Did you know Gospel Spice has a YouTube Channel? There’s exclusive content there too. So, join Gospel Spice on YouTube! It's at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3- Also please give us a star rating and a comment on your podcast listening app. Your reviews actually really do make a difference to help others discover and experience Gospel Spice. You would be surprised how helpful these are! So please leave a star rating and a review of a sentence or two. Thank you! 4- As always, we are praying for you! You can confidentially email us your prayer requests and praise items at the email address contact@gospelspice.com. It is our privilege to pray for you! So, would you please invest 3 to 5 minutes of your time, maybe even right now, to do one (or more!) of the following suggestions: 1-      signup on our website for our newsletter to receive gifts you’re going to love - at Gospelspice.com/signup 2-      find us on YouTube, and see what content we’ve put together to help you grow closer to Jesus - at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3-      rate Gospel Spice on your listening app – it’s one of the easiest ways to share the gospel! 4-      and finally, tell us how we can pray for you! Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Bonjour! Stephanie here. I am excited to share the inspiring insights from my recent conversation with recording artist Aaron Shust on the Gospel Spice podcast! Together we invite you to journey deeper into faith through worship. Aaron opened up about his faith journey, music career, and deep connection to scripture and different cultural influences. Aaron and I discussed the importance of experiencing Scripture through different perspectives and interpretations, emphasizing the value of humility and teachability in growing in faith. He shared how diverse cultural influences have shaped his songwriting and deepened his understanding of God's word, with a key focus on the Messianic Jewish culture. Aaron remains truly humble and teachable, as well as always curious to learn more. This is the hallmark of someone who is walking closely with the Lord. God gets all the glory, and we get to delight in Him through it! It is essential to surround ourselves with people who inspire us to walk closer to God. Inspired by his experiences and love for Scripture, Aaron shared his ongoing desire to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, leading to the creation of his latest song, "Pray for Jerusalem" based on Psalm 122. His commitment to writing songs based on Scripture is truly a testament to God’s faithfulness and goodness, and the depth of Aaron’s faith and creativity. MORE ABOUT WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS CONVERSATION Stephanie welcomes acclaimed worship leader and songwriter Aaron Shust to discuss his inspiring journey as a musician and a devoted follower of Christ. Aaron shares how his deep-rooted faith has not only shaped his musical compositions, but also transformed his spiritual walk. Aaron Shust's artistic evolution presents a compelling narrative of exploration and cultural immersion. His pilgrimage to Israel in 2016 served as a catalyst, reigniting his fascination with ancient traditions and compelling him to delve into the practices of messianic Jewish communities. This journey ignited a creative flame within Aaron, prompting him to infuse his songwriting with influences from his global travels, including the captivating sounds of Scottish music and the evocative melodies of Middle Eastern traditions. By embracing sonic elements from his expeditions, Aaron adds a vibrant and culturally diverse dimension to his musical repertoire. Aaron Shust's latest endeavor, "Pray for Jerusalem," stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication to encapsulating scriptural inspiration within his music. Rooted in the profound call to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, this poignant composition echoes the enduring devotion to scriptural narratives, weaving together the threads of prayer, faith, and melodic exaltation. Through this musical creation, Aaron extends an invitation to unite in prayer for the ancient city, encapsulating the spiritual essence of the Scriptures through his heartfelt melodies. Growing up in a family immersed in a love for both the Bible and music, Aaron's childhood was shaped by the harmonious fusion of these two elements. His early exposure to the Hebrew scriptures, coupled with his mother's affinity for music featuring the word Yeshua, laid the groundwork for a profound connection between faith and melody. Central to Aaron Shust's creative process is the imbuing of his compositions with the profound essence of Scripture. His deep reverence for biblical teachings and Jesus' words has led him to craft songs that serve as soul-stirring embodiments of faith and reverence. By weaving the timeless wisdom of Scripture into his musical tapestry, Aaron breathes life into age-old verses, ushering his listeners into a realm of spiritual contemplation and melody. His musical creations exemplify a harmonious marriage of faith and artistry, igniting the hearts of his audience with the eternal resonance of God's word. Aaron Shust's captivating account unravels the profound interplay between faith, musical expression, and the timeless resonance of scripture. It is a joy and a delight to welcome him on Gospel Spice this week! A FEW OF AARON SHUST’S MOST POPULAR SONGS: My Savior, my God (2006) To God alone (2009) My hope is in You (2011) Cornerstone (2014) No one higher (2014) Ever be (2016) MORE ABOUT AARON SHUST Aaron’s fascination with music—with unique sounds, melodies, progressions, and techniques—has always been a salient part of who he is. From an early age, Aaron has felt most at home in front of a piano. Just as innate to Aaron is his love of God’s Word—of wrestling with the Scriptures, with the hard and beautiful things they say, and the way they foretell and fulfill a picture of a suffering servant, King Jesus. You’ll hear these twin loves in Shust’s music, from his debut success with “My Savior My God,” winning the 2007 New Artist, Songwriter and Song of the Year. Later, as he grappled with a surprise Down Syndrome diagnosis for one son and waged a war with chronic illness for two, he continued to declare “My Hope is in You,” a song which spent 14 weeks at #1, and “Ever Be,” which debuted at #3 on the NCA chart. Aaron bolsters the faith of his listeners and surprises them, too, as with his 2014 Christmas Album Unto Us, recorded with the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. With this collection, Shust turns conventional classics into something fresh and adds his own work to the canon of Christmas music. Over the past several years, Aaron has delved deeply into friendship with Messianic Jews, both in Nashville and Israel, as well as into the Hebrew Scriptures and Jewish tradition that they yield. Here, Aaron and his family have found not only friendship, but also a depth of insight into the rich background of the Yeshua Aaron proclaims, and what this depth of meaning can bring to believers today. You’ll hear the reverence Aaron has developed for this Jewish heritage in Heaven + Earth: The Psalms Project. From melodic patterns and Middle Eastern instruments to passages sung in Hebrew and collaboration with Israeli musicians, Shust is determined that the listener will steep in the Psalmist’s musical vocabulary and therefore, have an intimate and imaginatively accurate experience of this ancient treasure of praise, lament, and contemplation. Shust, a native of Pittsburgh, makes his home in Nashville with his wife Sarah and their sons Daniel, Nick, and Michael, as well as a growing menagerie of pets. Connect with Aaron at https://www.aaronshust.com/ as well as YouTube and on social media. We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Identity in the battle | Ephesians https://www.podcastics.com/episode/74762/link/ Centering on Christ | The Tabernacle experience https://www.podcastics.com/episode/94182/link/ Shades of Red | Against human oppression https://www.podcastics.com/episode/115017/link/ God's glory, our delight  https://www.podcastics.com/episode/126051/link/   Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Welcome to the Gospel Spice podcast, where we explore the richness of the Gospel message and explore its impact on our lives. I'm your host, Stephanie Rousselle, and in today's episode, we embark on a journey that will take us to Easter. We've covered the birth of Jesus, His baptism, and His temptation, and now it's time to look ahead and contemplate the significance of Easter, the climax of Jesus' mission on Earth. In our exploration of Matthew's account, we'll take a slow and meandering path, delving into the last week of Jesus' earthly life, leading up to Easter Sunday. As we unravel the layers of these historical events, we'll discover how Jesus, throughout His time on Earth, portrayed himself as the Bridegroom coming to collect His bride. By examining Jewish wedding customs, we'll uncover the profound parallels between Jesus' final week and the traditional chronology of a Jewish wedding. Join me as we explore the concept of betrothal, where Jesus initiated the process by coming to Earth with the intention of marriage. We'll discover the symbolism behind Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where He symbolically flaunts His heavenly wealth and power as the groom in love, coming for His bride – the Church. As we journey together towards Easter, we encourage you to reflect on the profound love and devotion Jesus has for His bride, the Church. Just as the groom wooed his bride and paid the bride price to express his devotion, Jesus poured out His life for us, dying on the cross to save us from our sins and give us eternal life. Join us in exploring the rich symbolism and timeless truths found in the betrothal ceremony, as we prepare our hearts for the ultimate celebration of Jesus' resurrection this Easter. Together, let's step into the world of betrothal and allow it to transform our understanding of Easter and our relationship with Christ. Welcome to the Gospel Spice podcast. Let's dive in! Thank you for being a part of the Gospel Spice community. We are grateful for your support and encourage you to share our podcast with others who might be looking to deepen their understanding of the Scriptures. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit alongside Jesus and his initial audience? To experience the fresh spiritual flavors that the Messianic Jewish culture weaves into the four gospels? Well, that's exactly what we here aim to do through this original series, JESUS RABBI AND LORD. Stephanie invites you to dig deep into Scripture, unearthing raw diamonds that may need a little cleaning up, but will ultimately shine brightly. So get ready to embark on this enlightening and transformative journey with Gospel Spice. Prepare to encounter Jesus in a way that resonates with our modern world and discover the richness of the gospel through the lens of Jewish culture. Let's dig deep, uncover the hidden spices, and experience the beauty of the Scriptures together. Welcome to Gospel Spice! Grab your headphones, hit play, and let Gospel Spice be the catalyst for encountering Jesus in a way you've never experienced before! Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Do you enjoy Gospel Spice? Then let's deepen our relationship! There are 4 very simple ways to do that, and it would truly mean the world to us.  1- If you’ve enjoyed this episode, you will love receiving our newsletter. It contains value-packed free gifts and rich content each month. It’s at gospelspice.com/signup. There is always something new and exciting happening around here, and I don’t want you to miss out! Sign up at Gospelspice.com/signup 2- Did you know Gospel Spice has a YouTube Channel? There’s exclusive content there too. So, join Gospel Spice on YouTube! It's at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3- Also please give us a star rating and a comment on your podcast listening app. Your reviews actually really do make a difference to help others discover and experience Gospel Spice. You would be surprised how helpful these are! So please leave a star rating and a review of a sentence or two. Thank you! 4- As always, we are praying for you! You can confidentially email us your prayer requests and praise items at the email address contact@gospelspice.com. It is our privilege to pray for you! So, would you please invest 3 to 5 minutes of your time, maybe even right now, to do one (or more!) of the following suggestions: 1-      signup on our website for our newsletter to receive gifts you’re going to love - at Gospelspice.com/signup 2-      find us on YouTube, and see what content we’ve put together to help you grow closer to Jesus - at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3-      rate Gospel Spice on your listening app – it’s one of the easiest ways to share the gospel! 4-      and finally, tell us how we can pray for you! Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

In a world filled with turmoil, our hearts ache for those who suffer unspeakable hardships, and we seek to understand as well as to help, however we are able. Today I have the privilege of speaking with Charmaine Hedding about the incredible efforts to rescue persecuted Christians and vulnerable families amidst the chaos in Afghanistan, South Sudan, Israel and Gaza, and many other places. Our conversation is about humility, courage, gratitude, and practical support for those facing persecution and hardship. Charmaine Hedding, President of the Shai Fund, shares her harrowing journey negotiating funds and organizing evacuation planes to rescue over 2,100 members of the Afghan underground church. Despite terrible conditions and threats from the Taliban, their unwavering courage prevailed. She also shares about remarkable efforts in South Sudan, among other places. These extraordinary efforts exemplify the resilience and determination of those fighting for freedom and faith in the face of immense danger. But the battle is far from over. Charmaine emphasizes the ongoing need for practical and financial support for these persecuted individuals. She tells me about the pivotal role of financial assistance for security, travel, legal aid, and resettlement, underscoring the urgent need to pressure governments to allow sponsorship of asylum seekers and refugees. Our prayers and practical support can make a world of difference. The conversation also turned to the current situation in Israel, with Charmaine calling for prayers amidst violent attacks and a hostage situation. As we pray for peace and safety, let us remember that our prayers are interconnected with our willingness to offer tangible support. If I were to summarize some key takeaways from my time with Charmaine, here are some things I would choose to remember: 1. Embrace humility and wisdom in serving others, as seen in the hidden, effective work of humanitarian efforts. 2. When faced with challenges or persecution, remain committed to saying "yes" to God's will and direction in your life. 3. Stand with courage and compassion for the marginalized, especially women facing societal restrictions and persecution for their faith. 4. Choose to live with gratitude and hope, knowing that God can do a new thing in your life and in the world. 5. Acknowledge first-world privileges and use them as a reminder to advocate and support those facing greater hardships. 6. Empower and support persecuted individuals and communities with practical resources, including financial aid, sharing information about relevant organizations, and investing time and talent in helping those in need. 7. Find inspiration in the unwavering faith and resilience of persecuted Christians, letting their courage guide your own faith journey. 8. Work towards practical support for persecuted communities, recognizing the importance of both prayer and tangible assistance. MAKE SURE TO CONNECT WITH CHARMAINE AT https://www.theshaifund.org/ Let me tell you a little bit about the Shai Fund. First, the word Shai in Hebrew means Gift. And the Fund's mission is to support those who are affected by war, conflict, disaster, persecution, and exploitation. And they do that by partnering with local communities that provide urgent aid, practical support, and, yes, humanitarian assistance. Since 2014, the Shai Fund has directly assisted over 170,000 people with practical, immediate assistance, and they've created job opportunities and sustainable futures for thousands. My guest, Charmaine, is the founder and president. She oversees their global operations, strategy, and partnerships. She's worked for 2 decades in development management for the nonprofit sector, which is why she is so well suited to her current role for the Shai Fund. Her focus is the protection of persecuted minorities in the Middle East and in Africa. She also advocates for freedom of religion and belief, and the Shay Fund has been instrumental in helping so many, Christians who are persecuted for their faith. She's served on the ground responding to foreign disasters, humanitarian aid projects. She's designed and implemented emergency relief development programs, All of that for the protection of people at risk in complex emergencies, war, conflict. She used to work in the business sector. She's going to tell us how she moved out of it because of God's clear calling. This conversation will encourage, bless and challenge you.   Do you enjoy Gospel Spice? Then let's deepen our relationship! There are 4 very simple ways to do that, and it would truly mean the world to us.  1- If you’ve enjoyed this episode, you will love receiving our newsletter. It contains value-packed free gifts and rich content each month. It’s at gospelspice.com/signup. There is always something new and exciting happening around here, and I don’t want you to miss out! Sign up at Gospelspice.com/signup 2- Did you know Gospel Spice has a YouTube Channel? There’s exclusive content there too. So, join Gospel Spice on YouTube! It's at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3- Also please give us a star rating and a comment on your podcast listening app. Your reviews actually really do make a difference to help others discover and experience Gospel Spice. You would be surprised how helpful these are! So please leave a star rating and a review of a sentence or two. Thank you! 4- As always, we are praying for you! You can confidentially email us your prayer requests and praise items at the email address contact@gospelspice.com. It is our privilege to pray for you! So, would you please invest 3 to 5 minutes of your time, maybe even right now, to do one (or more!) of the following suggestions: 1-      signup on our website for our newsletter to receive gifts you’re going to love - at Gospelspice.com/signup 2-      find us on YouTube, and see what content we’ve put together to help you grow closer to Jesus - at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3-      rate Gospel Spice on your listening app – it’s one of the easiest ways to share the gospel! 4-      and finally, tell us how we can pray for you! Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!