The Too Good to Be True News

08/18/23 • 36 min

"The gospel, the too good to be true news, God sent his only begotten son, Jesus, to walk on this earth, live a perfect life, take on the penalty and pay the penalty for the world's sins..." -JB

Episode Summary:

What is the "Too good to be true news"? This week JB talks about the power of the Gospel and how God sent His only son, Jesus, to die for the sins of the world and offer eternal life to those who believe in Him. JB talks about the challenges of accepting the gospel, including the need to humble oneself and acknowledge one's sinfulness. JB also address the concept of once saved, always saved, and the importance of living a life in accordance with God's will which He has laid out for us in His word.

In today's episode:

The gospel has not lost its power and the Holy Spirit is still at work among us.
The gospel is the "too good to be true news" that God sent Jesus to die for our sins and offer eternal life.
Receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior requires acknowledging one's sinfulness and humbling oneself.
Once saved, always saved means that those who have received Jesus are saved for eternity.
Blessed are those who believe without seeing.
Sharing the gospel is a responsibility for believers, but it is up to individuals to accept or reject it.
Jesus has already done the work, all we have to do it receive him.

Weekly Scripture(s):

John 3:16-18 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ( 17) For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (18) Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

Connect with JB:

Audio and show notes by Premier Podcast Promotions

"The gospel, the too good to be true news, God sent his only begotten son, Jesus, to walk on this earth, live a perfect life, take on the penalty and pay the penalty for the world's sins..." -JB

Episode Summary:

In today's episode:

The gospel has not lost its power and the Holy Spirit is still at work among us.
The gospel is the "too good to be true news" that God sent Jesus to die for our sins and offer eternal life.
Receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior requires acknowledging one's sinfulness and humbling oneself.
Once saved, always saved means that those who have received Jesus are saved for eternity.
Blessed are those who believe without seeing.
Sharing the gospel is a responsibility for believers, but it is up to individuals to accept or reject it.
Jesus has already done the work, all we have to do it receive him.

Weekly Scripture(s):

John 3:16-18 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ( 17) For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (18) Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

Connect with JB:

Audio and show notes by Premier Podcast Promotions

Previous Episode

A Foundation of Faith: Understanding Biblical Values and Discipleship with Anna Ferguson

“God brings the harvest, the multiplication, the growth, and sometimes you don't get to see that growth." - Anna Ferguson

Episode Summary:

In this special episode of "On Earth as It Is in Heaven," JB talks with Anna, a guest visiting from Michigan, who is here participating in the NAYC(North American Youth Congress). Anna's profound dedication to worshiping God and aligning her life with His will is evident as she shares her multifaceted journey.

Join this impromptu conversation as JB and Anna explore spiritual growth and character, the importance of building a solid foundation of faith, life’s temptations and ways we can turn to God for guidance and illumination in times of need, and how dedication to discipleship can shape a life rich with meaning and purpose.

In today's episode:

Music's powerful impact on one's spiritual journey.
Falling in love with God.
Parenting and instilling good values and character in your children.
Sharing the message of God's love with gentleness and not judgment.
The effects of our surroundings on our mentality and heart.
Building a strong foundation of faith.
Living in an idolizing world and how to keep our eyes on God.
Seeking God's guidance to fulfil our purpose.

About Anna Ferguson:

Anna is an active member of Life Christian Church located in Lansing, Michigan, where her commitment and involvement extend to various aspects of the congregation's life. Her contributions encompass dedicated service within the nursery, multimedia tasks, and a melodious presence in the choir. Amidst her roles, Anna stands as the middle child in a family of nine, including four beloved siblings with disabilities. Her upbringing was marked by her parents' compassionate act of offering respite care for other children with disabilities, an experience that profoundly shaped Anna's perspective on the world.

This journey ignited a profound passion within Anna for working closely with individuals, assisting them in attaining necessary resources and support. A testament to her resilience and determination, Anna faced a personal health challenge in 2012 when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. With incredible faith and a triumphant spirit, she emerged from three months of chemotherapy in 2013 and has since remained in a stable condition.

These life-altering experiences have driven Anna's unwavering commitment to her passions and career trajectory. Presently immersed in the realm of special education, Anna finds immense fulfillment in her vocation, cherishing the growth and development she witnesses in the children she serves. Her aspirations are taking her further as she embarks on a journey toward a master's degree in counseling, aligning with her fervent desire to guide and uplift others.

Anna's heartfelt calling revolves around creating a secure haven for people to embark on their path of self-discovery, fostering a space where they can be loved and embraced. Anchored in her faith and guided by an unwavering commitment to service, Anna envisions her journey as a conduit for God's love, ushering individuals towards abundant lives that begin with nurturing their mental well-being.

Weekly Scripture(s):

Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Resources:

Connect with JB:

Audio and show notes by Premier Podcast Promotions

Next Episode

Hospitality Ministry: Serving with Compassion, Community, and Prayer with Severin Pelekara

“God calls us to be united, not divided to show love.” - JB

Episode Summary:

This week JB and Pastor Severin delve into the heart of ministry work. Pastor Severin's diverse experiences in Cameroon, Brazil, and the United States have shaped his perspective on compassion and community. As the founder of Inexcelsis, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the unhoused population in St. Louis, he shares profound insights on hospitality and its transformative power. He emphasizes the importance of showing love and respect to all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, and highlights the power of hospitality in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. He also discusses the significance of prayer and the impact it can have on both the person praying and those being prayed for.

In today's episode:

The importance of unity and love for all people.
Providing support and resources to the unhoused population in St. Louis.
Building a united church community.
Bringing the church to the unhoused population, providing a safe space for worship and fellowship.
Offering temporary shelter and support during cold weather for those who cannot access traditional shelters.
The upcoming Mobile Shower program and how it will provide individuals with the opportunity to take showers and maintain personal hygiene, promoting dignity and well-being.
Prayer is a powerful tool that can bring joy, comfort, and transformation to both the person praying and those being prayed for.

About Pastor Severin:

Severin Pelekara, hailing from Cameroon and originally born in the Central African Republic, carries a rich tapestry of experiences. He's held diverse roles, from being the National Youth Coordinator of the United Methodist Church in Cameroon to serving as a missionary in Liberdade-MG, Brazil, where he dedicated two years between 2015 and 2017 to the transformative Shade and Fresh Water Project. His journey led him to St. Louis in 2017, where he assumed the role of Field Service Engineer at Ace Electric Lab Systems, all while passionately volunteering with inExcelsis. As their Community Outreach Planner, he embodies their commitment to serve the unhoused population with patient compassion, intentional respect, and unconditional love. Pastor Severin has left an indelible mark through his services in Cameroon, Brazil, and the United States. He's the visionary founder of Inexcelsis, a nonprofit that stands as a beacon of support for St. Louis' unhoused community. An upcoming venture close to his heart is the Mobile Shower Program, set to launch across multiple Missouri cities, embodying his unwavering dedication to fostering a brighter future. Beyond his altruistic endeavors, Severin finds delight in soccer matches with friends and spins classic records on his cherished turntable.

Connect and Get Involved with InExcelsis:

Weekly Scripture(s):

Matthew 6:1-4 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. (2) “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. (3) But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, (4) so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Luke 14:15-24

Resources: