LOVEmentalism

In this episode, Mike wraps up his Love Initiative series with a short review and then a look at biblical love from 1 Corinthians 13 before ending the message with a challenge.

Mike explores the object lesson Jesus provided as he washed his disciples' feet and provides a real-life example of someone who metaphorically did that for him.

Disagreements are nothing new in the church. From 1st century conflicts over circumcision to our own arguments over music and various doctrines, conflict comes with being human, even Christian humans. How does love inform our attitudes and actions in dealing with our struggles with one another?

A departure from the Love Initiative series, this episode touches on the topic of hate. Can we disagree without hating one another? Can we put love in the air instead?

Mike explores our modern, narcissistic approach to love versus the self-sacrificing way of Christ's love. If we live in love, we live in God (1 John 4), but if we refuse to love others...

Every generation struggles with the one before it and the one after it. Faith does not make us immune. This episode explores how love can bridge the generational gaps in our relationships.

Mike reviews the story of the Samaritan Woman at the Well from John 4. The overall theme of the message is around how we make assumptions about others based on biases that are embedded in our minds. Have we misjudged this biblical character based on our assumptions rather than on the facts? Maybe. Maybe not. Do we really know her story, the full story of her life?

Michael utilizes passages on caring for widows, Blind Bartimaeus, and the Prodigal Son to illustrate the proactive nature of biblical (active/tangible) love - Learning to see, care, and act to meet the needs around us. He rounds out the message with a discussion of Matthew 25, the sheep & the goats.

Michael shares the first class in his Love Initiative series. The incredible importance of love and the urgency of taking action to become shining lights to our communities.

Mike shares about personal changes during the show's hiatus, current struggles with forgiveness, and future plans for the podcast.

Mike unpacks the rich passage of Philippians 1:9-11

The interaction between Jesus and Peter in John 21 is another passage that used to perplex me. I often wondered why Peter was so hurt with Jesus' third question. Have you ever wondered? It takes a deeper look at the language than our popular modern translations give us. While you're at it, consider Jesus' instructions to Peter after each of his answers.

You've seen him on HGTV's Good Bones, but do you know his story? Listen and learn how love changed the trajectory of his life. Now, loving others is his ultimate goal. He even has a clothing line called "Love Heals" to promote his message. www.loveheals.live Caution: Contains some coarse language.

After my friend expressed concern that his congregation was slowly spiraling down, I pulled out my soapbox and stepped on. My thoughts are in this podcast episode. Jesus gave us the answer to making a difference in the world and Paul echoed the message. Will we listen?

Rae, a teacher, had a child in her class who needed a home. Her heart was moved, so she and her husband took her in. Now, they have a new daughter, putting love in action.

Mike explores the Matthew 25 "Sheep & Goats" passage in light of the excellent example of someone very close to him. Wearing your faith on you apron versus wearing it on your sleeve.

An exploration of scriptures where both Jesus and the Apostle Paul emphasize the need to forgive others. "Love...it keeps no record of wrongs..." 1 Corinthians 13:5

A new look at Galatians 5. What is the FRUIT of the Spirit and how can it impact our lives when we pursue it.

Mike shares Chapter 16 in his book, Loving Out Loud: What he learned from a bus trip to Chicago and a homeless woman about being judgmental.

Ephesus had a reputation of being an extraordinarily loving church, yet one generation later, they were described as having "lost the love they had at first." What can we learn?

A look at God's Grace. After growing up in a faith community that was built on a performance mentality, a verse from the Hebrew bible, 2 Samuel 14:14 changed my perspective and opened up the world of God's loving gift to the world.

An interview with Don McLaughlin, Sr. Minister at the North Atlanta Church of Christ and author of Love First: Ending Hate before It's Too Late.

Mike interviews Patrick Mead, lead pastor of Our Safe Harbor Church. Patrick's ministry focus is on loving God and loving others. He discusses how all of scripture arcs to love, as well as the negative side effects of not keeping that as our focus. You can find more info on Patrick and Our Safe Harbor Church at: www.oursafeharbor.com  

Mike discusses Jesus' message where he said, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord' will enter the kingdom..." What were they missing? Jesus said he "never knew" them. How do you get into a place where he knows you?