The Church at Woodbine Podcast

1 John 3:11-24

Scripture does not refer to the church as “the individuals of God” but rather “the people of God.” He has chosen us as his special possession and bonded us to one another – so that we might be on mission together with Him. Together, we are able to more effectively point the world toward God’s glory. We celebrate that each of us brings diverse attributes and spiritual gifts to this mission, and the...

 1 Timothy 2:1-7

Generosity makes it easy for people to believe in God.

Enabling and engaging everyone – especially those closest to you – to become fully prepared for God’s use in the Kingdom.

Humans are introduced into the good story on stewardship. Adam was given the garden and told not to eat of the tree. His influence had limits, and he was to manage the garden for the glory of God just as we manage our resources to accomplish the vision.

The Christian life is not meant to be lived alone.  In community, not only do we find opportunities to use our God-given gifts to build up the Body of Christ, but we learn more about how God wants us to live as we spur each other on towards maturity!

This section reads like a personal letter from Paul to Timothy. In this, we witness faithful Christianity. Paul is a courageous and steadfast disciple with a single purpose in the face of intimidating circumstances. Next Step: Join a group – Finishing well doesn’t happen in an accident. Surround yourself with others who are passionate about DMD relationships. Share stories of people we have sent o...

Paul gives Timothy a passionate plea for doctrinal soundness and continued faithfulness. This section is so intense, that Paul gives nine imperatives in five verses. Next Step: Get equipped – provide additional resources for understanding the Gospel and having Gospel conversations.

Paul paints an alarming picture of the opposition Timothy will face. However, he reminds Timothy that his primary defense is Paul’s example of faithfulness (3:10-13), and the Scripture (3:14-17). Next Step: Get equipped – provide additional resources for reading and studying the Bible.

False teachers will be present, and Paul provides a vivid description of what they look like (3:1-5a). He wanted Timothy to be aware and informed so he can protect himself and his people. Next Step: Get equipped – provide additional resources for understanding the Gospel and having Gospel conversations.

Paul urged Timothy to take the lead in resisting heresy by warning of the danger and exposing its error (2:14–19). Paul used an illustration to appeal for separation from false teachers and their teaching (2:20–21). He also outlined Timothy’s response to the error he faced (2:22–26). Next Step: Join a group – DMD groups provide an atmosphere to learn sound doctrine.

After appealing for qualities such as courage, willingness to suffer, and faithfulness, Paul borrowed images from daily life to illustrate the traits necessary for effective service: a teacher (2:1–2), a soldier (2:3–4), an athlete (2:5), and a farmer (2:6). Paul concludes with the certainty of rewards (2:11-13) as incentives for effectiveness. Next Step: Join a group – DMD relationships provide a...

Paul urges Timothy to remain faithful to Jesus despite hardship. For Paul, faithfulness requires specific spiritual qualities. Timothy will need courage (reference back to vv. 6–7) and a willingness to suffer (vv. 8–12). Timothy is commanded to imitate Paul’s pattern of ministry (vv. 13–14), and ministerial stamina (vv. 15–18). Next Step: Join a group - We all need a pattern to follow. DMD groups...

Paul doesn’t begin with a sense of urgency to combat the invading heresy as he does in I Timothy. Instead, the apostle opens with a reminder of the promise of life we have in Christ. Paul is suffering but is thankful for their relationship, anticipated reunion, and Timothy’s genuine faith. Next Step: Join a group - Life is not problem-free, and God has given us DMD relationships as a place to find...

A Spirit-filled life compels us to live a life of continual repentance and confession of sin. We need to learn how to rejoice in what the Lord is doing in our midst, even when we are faced with disappointment, sin, and defeat all around us.  Our faith is the “already not yet,” reality of living on earth as strangers and foreigners.  We are not at the celestial city yet, so we need to live by faith...

Nehemiah 8:1-12

Nehemiah 5:1-16 If we love the Lord, we will obey Him. If we love the Lord, we will naturally produce fruit. The fruit of the Spirit is a natural overflow of a love-obedient life. In so doing, we will be compelled to love and serve others, considering others’ needs more important than our own.

In order to fulfill God’s will in our lives, it requires preparation, planning, hard work, wisdom, and stewardship.  Many times, the Lord will “assign” us tasks that seem daunting and overwhelming.  At the same time, it is so easy to think that the everyday, mundane responsibilities of life are not important in God’s eyes. Regardless of the “season of life” you find yourself in, we are all called...

Nehemiah 1

Genesis 12:1-3, Revelation 7:9-12, Revelation 21:1-8

As Jesus nears the end of the Sermon on the Mount, he encourages persistence in praying to the Father, gives us the Golden Rule, and then gives the first of four comparisons that illustrate choosing the way of life with the illustration of the narrow gate. The theme of these verses is living against the current of culture, which is not as easy as it looks. In what part of your life do you need to...