The Checkpoint

Purpose feat. Geoff Van Leeuwen (E7/S3)

Purpose.  What is our true purpose? Guest Geoff VanLeewen, a fellow disciple, joins us to share some of his journey. You will be encouraged and challenged as we talk about: * What do you find security (salvation) in? * "Salvation by the System" * You find the end of your own means no matter what. * If you are not saved by grace,  an authentic faith in Christ; then you are not saved (you can't truly be saved by works). * How do we operate in the mission field around us? * What is a healthy fear of God? * What we do is a reflection of who we are. * Masculinity involves rejecting passivity. * Insecurity is something we all share in common. * Letting God change our heart to be loving and missional. Some resources mentioned: Book of Jeremiah in the Bible Courage to Stand: Jeremiah's Message for Post Christian Times by Philip Graham Ryken, Raising a Modern Day Knight: A Father's Role in Guiding His Son to Authentic Manhood, by Robert Lewis. Geoff's talk at Grace Community Church on 12/16/2023 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOqQFNMcIuw "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.." 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

Healing from Trauma feat. Brian Smilde (E6/S3)

Today's podcast featured Pastor and Counselor Brian Smilde.  Brian does his counseling with West Michigan Wellness. His area of focus is informed by facing trauma and our past woundedness. If we avoid it or suppress it, it tends to come out 'sideways' or in unintended ways that we don't want. https://westmichiganwellnessgroup.com/ It is important to face our stories, especially any experiences that have been painful. If we don't face them, and the emotional upheaval of it all, it comes out sideways. A lie believed as truth will affect us as if it is true. As he faced his pain, taking it to Jesus, he brought truth about who he truly was and this brought healing over time, in community, to his beliefs, emotions and behavior. Be a safe parent, and your kids will tell you stuff, and you have the opportunity to share truth with them. Help them feel safe, see them, sooth them, make them secure. Stop asking people, "What is wrong with you?", and instead ask "What happened to you?" instead.  If you feel something is going on inside you, find the safest person you know. Maybe don't tell them all 100 things, but tell them one thing and see where it goes. That is the key to being released, is to start talking about it.  "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.." 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

Ministry Mindset in handling conflict feat. John Riley (E5/S3)

Guest John Riley is back to talk about how to approach conflict with a ministry mindset. This can be done in conflict if on a church security team or in other interpersonal conflicts. Last season he joined us for: De-escalation: gentle response. (E7/S2). John draws from his experience in the military and police force, and blends in Biblical relational principles.  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918177/1490345 John shared many useful tips in approaching conflict, and challenged us to think of these interactions from God's perspective. What makes you so sure that God did not put you in that place at that time to minister to that person?  They are still a child of God, even if they may be misinformed or misled or different than you. You will never look into the eyes of someone God does not want. Are you developing a ministry mindsight, so that when you do encounter another child of God, who may be misinformed or misled, you are at least planting a seed in their life that someone else can water. Proverbs 15:1 "A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire." "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.." 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

Questions With Mike, Part 2 (E4/S3)

Mike is back, with some more questions as he grows in his faith.  These have come up as he is growing in his faith and having discussions with his Mom, brother and daughter. Pastor Curt has joined us for this session, being brought in as an expert  for the 'hard hitting questions'. Curt did a 'Jesusy' thing by asking additional questions to help shed light to narrow in on an answer to these questions as we look at Scripture. Listen to the podcast as we discuss our understanding of the Biblical response to them. Q1: Once someone is saved, are they always saved?  Q2: If a person lives a loving and caring life, how can God send them to hell? Q3: What would you say to someone that has a fear of eternal life? Mike is also sharing some of his 'thinking out loud' on his blog: www.iamtheimperfectchristian.com "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.." 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

Mental Health feat. Dr. Aaron Plattner (E3/S3)

Psychiatrist Aaron Plattner discusses the variety of ways mental issues we face can be handled. There are many factors that make up who we are and how we feel:        > Biology        > Psychology (things that have happened to us)        > Spiritual        > Environment All these things shape us and work together and interact.  What is the role of medicine? In light of our purpose - to glorify God and enjoy Him forever (Westminster Catechism Q&A 1) - can medicine help us glorify God and enjoy Him forever. If so, how and how do we make that work. Or if they hinder that and we rely only on the medicine and not God, has it become some kind of idol? Listen in on the discussion of being vulnerable to deal with things as they are, so we can find more full health. Learn more about Aaron at Spero Psychiatric Services  www.speropsych.com "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.." 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV