Episodes
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Message with any questions, prayer requests, or comments!
This week, we examined an encounter the Broere family recently had and the reminder that the Lord spoke through that encounter. It was a reminder to keep prioritizing communion, a reminder that He still "wants His table back." In this message, we take time to look at Paul's language in 1 Corinthians 10 and what it reveals about the mystery of communion. Neil also gives an update at the beginning on why we have not been posting regular podcast messages recently.
For more information on THE TABLE please visit:
www.thetablecalifornia.com -
Message with any questions, prayer requests, or comments!
Why did God come to us as a man? His decision to wrap Himself in flesh and experience life just like you and I is rooted in His original decision to give humanity dominion and authority to rule in the earth on His behalf.
However, through sin, humanity surrendered this authority to Satan. The incarnation of Jesus as fully human was necessary because only a man could reclaim the authority lost by man. Christ, as the "Last Adam," took back this authority through His life, death, and resurrection. Now, there is a Man seated on the throne in heaven.
As the Body of Christ, we now bear the image of the King, who rules and reigns through His church. We enforce His victory, reflect His glory, and expand His kingdom…once again ruling and reigning as ambassadors of God.For more information on THE TABLE please visit:
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Missing episodes?
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As we go to the waters of baptism today, we first take some time to explore the profound meaning of baptism, highlighting its dual roles as both a declaration of covenant and a consecration into the priesthood. Baptism serves as a public affirmation of the new covenant in Christ, declaring a believer’s union with God through Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, as explained in Romans 6 and Galatians 3. This union marks a shift from sin to life, reflecting the transformative power of God's grace irrespective of one’s past.
Moreover, baptism extends beyond a personal declaration; it binds us to the broader community of believers, the Church. Through baptism, one's inclusion in God's family is affirmed, echoing the welcoming of new believers in Acts 8 and 10, where belief in Christ was the sole prerequisite.
The message further delves into the significance of baptism as a consecration into the priesthood, moving beyond mere symbolism. By drawing parallels with the Old Testament practice of ceremonial washing for priests (Leviticus 8), baptism is portrayed as a spiritual act setting believers apart for ministry to God. This act of consecration aligns with God’s desire for a universal priesthood, spanning all nations, tribes, and tongues, as foreseen by the prophets and solidified in New Testament teachings.
Be encouraged through this message to embrace baptism as a transformative act, consecrating you for service in God's kingdom. Through this sacrament, believers are invited to relinquish previous identities tied to sin and to be clothed in garments of righteousness, joining a royal priesthood designed to proclaim God’s praises.For more information on THE TABLE please visit:
www.thetablecalifornia.com -
Message with any questions, prayer requests, or comments!
In this supplemental discussion from Sunday's message, we explore the far-reaching impact of Abraham's faithful obedience in Genesis 22. Through his willingness to sacrifice Isaac, Abraham demonstrates a profound measure of faith in the midst of his trial, which results in a multigenerational blessing: all nations will be blessed through him. This narrative highlights that faithful obedience to God extends beyond personal blessings; it lays a foundation of faith for future generations.
Reflecting on Hebrews 11, we recognize the sacrifices of the saints who endured immense trials without seeing the fulfillment of God's promises. Their unwavering faith amidst adversity laid the groundwork for future believers, showcasing how obedience in one generation empowers and strengthens another. This underlines a central kingdom truth: true faith is multigenerational, influencing history in unseen and eternal ways.
By living with unwavering faith, believers participate in God’s grand narrative, unfolding throughout history and eternity.
To see the video version of this podcast, clicke here:
https://youtu.be/XXa9irDzAsUFor more information on THE TABLE please visit:
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In this message, we dive into Genesis 22, a pivotal chapter that explores the testing of Abraham. Unlike temptation, which is destructive and comes from the enemy, testing from God is meant to build strength and character. This distinction is crucial, as we witness Abraham facing an extraordinary test - sacrificing his son Isaac, which challenges his faith and trust in God's promises.
Abraham's real test goes beyond the physical act of sacrifice, touching on the deeper challenge of surrendering the promise that God had made to him. This foreshadoes the new covenant way of Christ: promise, sacrifice, and resurrection - the core of God's kingdom.
Abraham's faithfulness during his trial granted him the authority to rename the mountain where God had taken him. This encourages us to endure our own trials with patience, trusting that we, too, will be granted the authority to rename our situations.
We are encouraged to embrace divine tests, let them refine and strengthen our faith, and live with the assurance that God, in His mercy, always provides. This is the way of the kingdom.For more information on THE TABLE please visit:
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Message with any questions, prayer requests, or comments!
Neil and Lindsey sit down to discuss some of the practical ways that we can keep our eyes fixed on Jesus in the midst of real life situations. This is a follow-up conversation to Sunday's message, "Ceaseless Radiance: No One But Jesus Only."
Watch the video of this discussion here:
https://youtu.be/nGrgjYnVZL0
Watch the video of Sunday's message here:
https://youtu.be/CGAFsy1Uvj8For more information on THE TABLE please visit:
www.thetablecalifornia.com -
Message with any questions, prayer requests, or comments!
In this message we examine how Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God, the exact representation of His nature. We look at the Greek term "character," found in Hebrews 1:3, which emphasizes Jesus as the authentic and permanent imprint of God's essence, like a stamp engraved on a coin. Jesus consistently radiates God’s glory, comparable to the constant presence of stars, even when hidden by daylight. This metaphor teaches that despite our distractions, Jesus remains with us, ready to reveal God in our situations.
This message underscores the principle "whatever you look at, you empower," cautioning us against fixating on inferior distractions over Jesus, our true guiding light. Our focus determines whether we empower earthly issues or magnify God's presence in our lives. This is a call to enthrone Jesus by focusing on Him amidst adversities, thus dethroning problems and placing them under God’s dominion.
Peter’s encounter during the Transfiguration (Matthew 17) reveals the folly of equating Jesus with mere historical figures like Moses (the law) or Elijah (the prophets). When overshadowed by divine presence, Jesus stands out as the sole representation of God’s glory and essence.
In conclusion, focusing on Jesus rather than temporal or troubling circumstances empowers us to experience God’s glory and guidance. Jesus is the unwavering light in the midst of darkness.For more information on THE TABLE please visit:
www.thetablecalifornia.com -
Message with any questions, prayer requests, or comments!
In this week’s message, we explore the nature of God's forgiveness through a fresh lens. Drawing from the Psalms and three interactions with Jesus, we challenge conventional religious wisdom about how and when God forgives.
We examine the accounts of the paralytic man, the woman with the alabaster jar, and the woman caught in adultery. In each case, Jesus extends forgiveness without the formal confessions or rituals we often associate with repentance. This leads us to question: what truly is the basis of God's forgiveness?
The message explores the idea that faith, rather than verbal declarations or specific actions, opens the door to divine forgiveness. We discuss how internal repentance often precedes external expression and how God, seeing the heart, responds to this inner transformation with scandalous grace.
We also address how religious practices, while well-intentioned, can sometimes become barriers to experiencing God's forgiveness.
The discussion concludes with a fresh take on the Parable of the Prodigal Son, emphasizing the father's eagerness to forgive and restore his child. This story serves as a powerful metaphor for God's heart toward those seeking forgiveness.
Throughout the message, we emphasize that God is not a God of condemnation but a God of salvation and restoration. This message challenges us to embrace a view of God as compassionate, gracious, and abundantly merciful, always ready to forgive those who turn to Him in faith.For more information on THE TABLE please visit:
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Neil and Lindsey sit down for a discussion on the importance of community within the church, emphasizing that God's design for His church is to function as a family where members are interconnected and grow together in faith. Individuals are not meant to live in isolation but rather thrive in a supportive community that reflects the love of Christ. The church is the central hub of God's authority and power, with Jesus walking among His people, which signifies a unique presence and purpose within the gathered body.
The conversation discusses why some individuals may struggle to connect with a church community, such as past church hurt, difficulty finding a suitable church, or fear of vulnerability. It suggests that these issues often stem from a self-focused perspective, where personal experiences overshadow the collective mission of the church, which is centered on Jesus.
The conversation acknowledges the reality of pain that many of us have experienced at the hands of churches and other believers but insists that God's design for the church remains unchanged…and healing must come from God rather than from seeking the perfect church experience. This is an encouragement to trust that God will lead us to a healthy church family that fosters growth and maturity in faith, while also recognizing that the scars from past hurts can become a testament to one's journey in choosing forgiveness and love.
We also discuss the issue of church consumerism, where individuals approach church with a mindset focused on personal preferences rather than a commitment to community and God’s design for His house. This attitude can lead to a lack of genuine connection and spiritual stagnation. We encourage believers to surrender their preferences and seek God's heart for their involvement in a church, emphasizing that true growth occurs in the context of deep, committed relationships.
Finally, the conversation concludes with a call to action for those who may feel disconnected or disillusioned with the church. We urge individuals to engage with their local church, serve, and build relationships, as this is where they will find the support and accountability necessary for spiritual growth. We also recommend various resources, including books and podcasts, to help individuals deepen their understanding of the church's role in God's plan. Overall, we hope to present a compelling case for the importance of the church as a community where believers can grow, heal, and fulfill their God-given purpose together.
This is a supplemental discussion to last Sunday's message, "Clothed in Glory: How Relationships Shape Our Spiritual Garments." We would encourage you to take a listen.
Additional resources mentioned in the podcast:
Habitation church: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/habitation-church/id1578531408
The King's People: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kings-people/id449544873
Cross Culture Chicago: https://crossculturechicago.org/messagesFor more information on THE TABLE please visit:
www.thetablecalifornia.com -
Message with any questions, prayer requests, or comments!
In this episode, we explore Exodus 28:1-4, where God instructs Moses to set apart Aaron and his sons as priests, emphasizing the significance of their holy garments, which will clothe them in glory and beauty.
This message delves into two main points:
1. Ministry to the Lord as Priority: The essence of being a priest is to stand before God, which must precede any ministry to others. Our relationship with God empowers us to serve effectively. When we pour ourselves out to Him, we are filled with His presence, enabling us to minister to others authentically.
2. The Necessity of Community: Aaron, despite being called and anointed by God, could not create his own holy garments; he needed the artisans in his community. This illustrates that we, too, require those around us to fulfill our God-given roles. The body of Christ is designed to build each other up, as stated in Ephesians 4:16. Our character is shaped through interactions within our community, where we practice living like Jesus.
The episode also addresses the modern church's tendency to prioritize individual gifting over character and community. It emphasizes that true spiritual growth occurs in the context of relationships, where we are held accountable and encouraged by one another. Just as athletes and innovators rely on their teams, we must recognize our need for the family of God to thrive spiritually.
Ultimately, the journey to radiate God's glory takes time and commitment to community. By devoting ourselves to one another and to God’s design for His house, we can shine together in His light. Join us as we reflect on the necessity of becoming the family of God and how we can embody the character of Christ in our daily lives.For more information on THE TABLE please visit:
www.thetablecalifornia.com -
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BONUS MATERIAL - This is a mid-week conversation Neil, Lindsey, & Layla had as a followup to our gathering on Sunday.
The whole earth is full of the glory of the Lord...if only we'd give more attention to Him than to our distractions. Our hope is to cultivate a lifestyle of worship that overflows into our Sunday gatherings...to become a people who can worship through the distraction.
To see the video of this conversation, check out the new AROUND THE TABLE YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@AroundTheTable-xs6ld?sub_confirmation=1For more information on THE TABLE please visit:
www.thetablecalifornia.com -
Message with any questions, prayer requests, or comments!
The path to reconciliation with God isn't about satisfying God's demands with our good works but recognizing that God has already removed all barriers separating us from Him. This precious word, "reconcile," is central to the gospel. The fact that we are restored to God is absolutely foundational to understanding the kingdom. Today, we look at what it means to have our relationship with God restored to its original design.
For more information on THE TABLE please visit:
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Dove-tailing off of last weeks message, we take a closer look at the profound truths found in 2 Corinthians 5; in Christ, we are restored to our original design. We also examine the reason that Jesus became sin so that we would become the righteousness of God. Did Jesus die for sin...or for love?
For more information on THE TABLE please visit:
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What if you knew that you were as righteous and holy as Jesus, and that complete wholeness was our starting point in Christ not the finish line? Today we look at the scandalous truth of the gospel that tells us faith in Jesus and repentance makes us a mirror image of His righteousness. These things are not just semantics or theological concepts, they are keys to living a kingdom life and showing the world how holy our God is.
For more information on THE TABLE please visit:
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Message with any questions, prayer requests, or comments!
BONUS MATERIAL - This is a mid-week conversation Neil & Lindsey had as a followup to our gathering two weeks ago (The Power of Our Words).
In a cultural moment where feelings are celebrated, the principles of the kingdom of God stand in stark contrast. What does the Bible mean by, "A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back"? How can holding back our feelings be healthy? Let's take some time to talk through the healthy, kingdom response to our feelings.
DISCLAIMER: the conclusions we make in this video may not apply to individuals with certain mental disorders, previous trauma, or dangerous relational situations. In no way are we dismissing the role that pastors and counselors play.
To see the video of this conversation, check out the new AROUND THE TABLE YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@AroundTheTable-xs6ld?sub_confirmation=1For more information on THE TABLE please visit:
www.thetablecalifornia.com -
Message with any questions, prayer requests, or comments!
God desires all to be saved. If we are now saved then we are now on mission to give God the desire of His heart. When this is settled, our evangelism is God-focused. Kingdom people announce to the world who Jesus is with their lives...their words simply confirm the message. The power of the gospel is undefeated when it is declared from the lips of authentic Jesus People who re-present Him as He is.
For more information on THE TABLE please visit:
www.thetablecalifornia.com -
Message with any questions, prayer requests, or comments!
BONUS MATERIAL - This is a mid-week conversation Neil & Lindsey had as a followup to our gathering on Sunday.
Many of us have questions about hearing God's voice and how to discern His voice from our own. Lindsey and Neil sat down to have a conversation about some of the things the Lord has shown them over the years on this subject.
To see the video of this conversation, check out the new AROUND THE TABLE YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@AroundTheTable-xs6ld?sub_confirmation=1For more information on THE TABLE please visit:
www.thetablecalifornia.com -
Message with any questions, prayer requests, or comments!
Could our obedience to God be more important than making the "smart" decisions? As we continue looking at qualities of the kingdom of God, we look at the necessity of obedience. Kingdom people don't wait to understand before they obey God, they simply obey by faith. It's obedience in the absence of understanding that demonstrates incredible faith.
For more information on THE TABLE please visit:
www.thetablecalifornia.com -
Message with any questions, prayer requests, or comments!
Ever wondered how the words you speak reflect the condition of your heart? In this message, we dive into Jesus' teachings in Matthew 12, where he illuminates the significance of our words as the fruit of our hearts. As kingdom people, we must weigh our declarations carefully, knowing they are recorded in heaven and form an integral part of our testimony.
Be sure to listen through to the end to hear John Forest give an update on the greenhouse and garden project as well as our commitment to be a people of generosity.For more information on THE TABLE please visit:
www.thetablecalifornia.com -
Message with any questions, prayer requests, or comments!
What does it mean to truly live a life of Kingdom generosity? Today we explore the profound impact that generosity has on our lives and how it goes well beyond mere financial giving. Inspired by Jesus' example in Matthew 14, we reflect on his acts of generosity even when faced with personal grief and exhaustion, urging us to consider how we can embody this in our daily lives.
Be sure to listen through to the end to hear Gretchen Ricker give an update on the greenhouse and garden project as well as our current needs.For more information on THE TABLE please visit:
www.thetablecalifornia.com - Show more
