Today Bob and Steve continue their conversation about the relationship between calling, ministry, and serving. Our core ministry is serving. Having a servant’s heart is not only critical to understanding the nature of the kingdom of God but it is also critical to greater responsibility in the kingdom. We are called to bear more fruit…
Today we begin to look at “release into ministry” and how our calling to belong, become, and to do are tied together. When we speak of “release into ministry” one picture would be like a rocket being launched that has to break free of the earth’s gravity. As believers we need to break free of…
We continue our conversational series of life messages between Steve Sizemore and Bob Swank. (For Steve’s bio see episode 1) Today we jump into the topic of calling. What does it mean to be called? When we think of “calling” we typically think of someone going into full time “vocational” ministry. In doing so we…
Today Steve and Bob show us that embracing grace and humility leads to obedience. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “Those who believe obey. Those who obey believe.” Obedience is twofold: It is a becoming and a doing. How does grace fit into that? God’s grace is sufficient for us but we have to cooperate and partner with…
In this episode Steve and Bob continue their conversation on gratefulness. Steve jumps in with the question, “If you could have a superpower, what would it be?” Gratefulness is like a superpower. Gratefulness is a hinge on which heavy doors turn. It’s a timeless truth. Squeeze the idea of gratefulness for every ounce that is…
In this episode we invite you to explore gratefulness with us. Gratefulness is a sign of humility. It is also a great way to measure our humility. It is our humility “dipstick.” Humble people are grateful. And grateful people are humble. They go together. What kind of spirit am I walking in? What is coming…
Today Steve and Bob’s goal is make humility more practical. . .to foster its multiplication in all our lives. One of the aspects of humility is the truth about ourselves. This immediately takes us into the category of identity. Dallas Willard says, “Identity controls behavior.” We need to ask, “How does God describe me?” Am…
Today Steve and Bob talk about what it looks like to choose humility. It means embracing and celebrating what is true about God, what is true about others, and what is true about ourselves. We are a mixture of strengths and weaknesses. Last week we talked about humility enabling us to celebrate our strengths in…
Today Bob and Steve transition from their conversation about pride and explore humility. Steve asks the question, “If humility is not a transaction or currency by which I purchase or earn grace then what is it?” Humility is an environment that God wants to support. Humility is a powerful character quality. There is no one…
Today Bob and Steve take a closer look at pride and how important it is that we see it from God’s perspective. We ask the question, “Where does effort show up when it comes to grace? Is grace opposed to effort?” Dallas Willard says, “Grace is not opposed to effort but it is opposed to…
