WithDA: The Podcast

Christ's Object Lessons - Chapter 29: "To Meet the Bridegroom"

Pastor David Asscherick discusses Chapter 29 of Ellen White's Christ's Object Lessons, which examines the parable of the ten virgins from Matthew 25. This final chapter of the book explores the contrast between those who are prepared for Christ's return and those who are not, with the oil representing the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence. David emphasizes Ellen White's powerful insight that we cannot keep Christ apart from our lives here and be fitted for His companionship in heaven. The chapter reveals that the last message of mercy to the world is a revelation of God's character of love, which must shine as light through Spirit-filled believers into a world shrouded in darkness. David explains that following Jesus is a skill that must be learned over time through daily communion with Him, not something that can be acquired at the last moment. Scripture References: Matthew 25:1-13 Covers: Chapter 29: To Meet the Bridegroom Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jQ2ie3OoAA [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jQ2ie3OoAA] Light Bearers [https://lightbearers.org]

Christ's Object Lessons - Chapter 28: The Reward of Grace

Pastor David Asscherick discusses Chapter 28 of Ellen White's Christ's Object Lessons, examining the parable of the laborers in the vineyard and the story of the rich young ruler. David explores how Ellen White reveals the true economics of grace—that righteousness itself is the reward, not merely a means to some other end. He highlights how Jesus purposefully omitted the tenth commandment when speaking to the rich young ruler, exposing covetousness as the plague spot in his character. The chapter emphasizes that we are saved by grace alone, and that following Jesus brings joy as we learn to serve Him not for what we receive, but because His way of life is the reward itself. David shows how Christ's invitation to discipleship offers treasure in heaven through relationship with Him, and how the parable teaches that God's reward is not proportional to our works but flows from His unmerited grace. Scripture References: Matthew 19:16-30, Matthew 20:1-16 Birds mentioned: Canyon Wren Covers: Chapter 28, The Reward of Grace Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDl86jHRWSA [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDl86jHRWSA] Light Bearers [https://lightbearers.org]

Christ's Object Lessons - Chapter 27: "Who Is My Neighbor?"

Pastor David Asscherick discusses Chapter 27 of Ellen White's Christ's Object Lessons, which examines the parable of the Good Samaritan. David explores Ellen White's commentary on this well-known parable from Luke 10, emphasizing that "neighbor" is not merely a noun but a verb—a way of behaving toward people in need. The chapter challenges readers to do more than simply profess faith, highlighting how Christ Himself is the ultimate Good Samaritan who came to save humanity. David reflects on how Ellen White, writing in 1900, was ahead of her time in affirming that every human being—regardless of race, color, or class—is God's property and deserving of love and care. The discussion includes Ellen White's profound teaching on how God works even among those who have never heard the gospel, implanting His grace in hearts everywhere through the Holy Spirit's impulses of love and compassion. Scripture References: Luke 10:25-37 Covers: Chapter 27: Who Is My Neighbor? Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QwY-okMYFQ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QwY-okMYFQ] Light Bearers [https://lightbearers.org]

Christ's Object Lessons - Chapter 26: "Friends By the Mammon of Unrighteousness"

Pastor David Asscherick is joined by Nathan Renner to discuss Chapter 26 of Ellen White's Christ's Object Lessons, which examines one of Jesus' most provocative parables—the parable of the shrewd (or unjust) steward from Luke 16. Ellen White unpacks how this challenging parable was heard differently by three distinct audiences: the tax collectors and sinners, the disciples, and the Pharisees. David and Nathan explore the radical call to use wealth and spiritual resources wisely, recognizing that worldly people often show more shrewd earnestness in securing their earthly future than believers do in preparing for eternity. The chapter calls Christians to break free from Satan's spell of worldliness, to see phantoms as phantoms and realities as realities, and to weigh all decisions on the scales of eternity. Ellen White emphasizes that the means over and above actual necessities are entrusted to us not for hoarding, but for blessing humanity—feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and caring for the suffering. Through this parable, Jesus summons His followers to be faithful, generous stewards who recognize that only two things last forever: character and converts. Guest: Nathan Renner Scripture References: Luke 16:1-13 Covers: Chapter 26: Friends By the Mammon of Unrighteousness Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKMi4npqiz0 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKMi4npqiz0] Light Bearers [https://lightbearers.org]

Christ's Object Lessons - Chapter 25: Talents, Part 2

Pastor David Asscherick is joined by Nathan Renner to discuss the second half of Chapter 25 of Ellen White's Christ's Object Lessons, examining the parable of the talents from Matthew 25. David and Nathan explore Ellen White's teaching on ten distinct areas of capacity that believers can employ for God's kingdom: mental faculties, speech, influence, time, health, strength, money, and kindly impulses and affections. They emphasize how God gives us more when we faithfully use what we have, working on the principle of addition while He multiplies our efforts. The discussion highlights how these gifts are not our own merit but gracious deposits from the Master, meant to be invested for His glory rather than buried in the ground. Guest: Nathan Renner Scripture References: Matthew 25:14-30 Covers: Chapter 25, Talents, Part 2 Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EIlHzfb47s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EIlHzfb47s] Light Bearers [https://lightbearers.org]