Episode 252: Reformation Before Revival

Are we building our churches on God's blueprint or our own? It is a legitimate question and this episode of Mavericks & Misfits challenges us to examine the very foundations of how we 'do church' in modern times. The core insight revolves around Ephesians 4, which outlines the five-fold ministry model of apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers. We are called to shift from a consumer-driven, individual-focused approach to a Kingdom-minded, God-glorifying structure. This isn't just about tweaking our services; it's about a complete reformation of our understanding of church. We are reminded that the early church met both in homes and in larger gatherings, emphasizing the importance of community and shared mission. The model for church found in Scripture urges us to prioritize prayer, embrace the supernatural, and become strategic sending centers. It's a call to move beyond comfort and familiarity, to truly seek God's presence and power in our congregations. As we reflect on this, we must ask ourselves: Are we content with 'good,' or are we willing to pursue God's 'excellent' plan for His church?

Episode 252: Faith Under the Microscope

In this deep dive into the themes of Galatians Chapter 5, we are encouraged to reflect on the true essence of our faith. The pivotal question posed to us is whether our lives bear the evidence of being genuine followers of Jesus. It is easy to declare our faith with words, but this passage challenges us to consider whether the Spirit manifests through our actions and choices. Galatians 5:16-25 emphasizes the contrast between living by the Spirit, which brings forth love, joy, peace, and self-control, and living according to the flesh, marked by immorality, jealousy, and dissension. This comparison serves as a mirror to our souls, urging us to evaluate which list more accurately describes our lives. The spiritual insight here highlights the necessity of a transformation that is both internal and evident through our behavior. It challenges us to renounce superficial confessions and embrace a faith that truly changes us from the inside out, aligning our daily walk with the Spirit's path.

Episode 251: Examining Crucial Evidence

In today's episode of Mavericks & Misfits, we delve deep into the critical issue of ensuring that our faith aligns with the true message of Jesus rather than a misrepresented gospel. This challenge is brought to light through another profound contemplation of Romans 6, which urges us to recognize that sin no longer has dominion over us once we have been genuinely set free by Christ. This passage compels us to reflect on our own lives and question whether we are truly walking in freedom, or if we've become comfortable with sin under the guise of grace. The significance of this scripture is profound; it not only reminds us that grace is meant to liberate us but also challenges us to present ourselves as instruments of righteousness. Are we living as true slaves to righteousness, or are we unknowingly bound by sin? This question invites us to assess who truly masters our lives; it also pushes us to realign with the holiness and power Christ offers every true Christian. As we reflect, let's ensure our spiritual journey is one of authentic transformation and true alignment with God's will.

Episode 250: Freed from Sin

In this compelling episode, we're invited to ponder the profound relationship between Christians and sin, bringing a deeper understanding of our redemption in Christ. The key scriptural focus from Romans 6 addresses whether we should continue sinning so that grace may abound. The answer is a resounding 'By no means!' This scripture reminds us that through Jesus' death and resurrection, we’ve died to sin and are reborn to live a new life characterized by righteousness. We're challenged to reflect on our own lives: do we genuinely live in the victory over sin that Jesus has won for us, or do we fall into antinomian beliefs, where grace is misconstrued as a license to sin? This episode emphasizes the importance of a transformational experience that accompanies true salvation, urging us to examine whether we've experienced the radical change of heart that marks true believers. The teaching inspires us to explore this transformation, embrace our new identity in Christ, and reject the flippancy toward sin that hinders our faith journey.

Episode 249: The Lost Diamond of Truth

In this powerful episode, we delve into the critical importance of recognizing Jesus Christ as Lord of our lives. The central scripture, Philippians 2:9-11, reminds us that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This isn't just about words, but about a life transformed by His lordship. We're challenged to examine whether our actions truly align with our profession of faith. Are we living as though Jesus is truly in charge, or are we merely paying lip service? This message urges us to move beyond 'easy believism' and embrace a faith that radically changes how we live. It's a call to authentic discipleship, where following Jesus means denying ourselves daily and living under His authority. As we reflect on this, let's consider: How might our lives look different if we truly surrendered everything to Christ's lordship?

Episode 248: Healing the Wounded Soul

In our spiritual journey, we often encounter physical challenges that test our faith. But what happens when our very soul - our spiritual self -is wounded? Proverbs 18:14 illuminates this profound truth: while our spirit can sustain us through bodily afflictions, a crushed soul is unbearable. This wisdom beckons us to look deeper, beyond our physical struggles, to the condition of our souls. Are we living with unhealed wounds, compensating with harmful behaviors, or simply 'getting by' approaches to life? This episode challenges us to confront these soul-level injuries, reminding us that Christ's redemption isn't just about forgiveness, but complete restoration. It's an invitation to move from mere survival to true wholeness, allowing our healed spirits to become the wellspring of strength God intended. As we reflect on this, let's ask ourselves: What wounds are we carrying? How might our lives change if we allowed God to heal us at the deepest level?

Episode 247: The Next Move of God

Are we ready to discern God's next move in our lives and in the world? This episode of the Mavericks & Misfits podcast challenges us to look beyond our daily routines and open our eyes to the burning bushes God places in our path. Drawing from the story of Moses in Exodus 3, we are reminded that even in seasons of apparent stagnation, God is preparing us for His next great work. The key is to 'turn aside' from our busy lives and investigate what God might be doing. Just as Moses encountered God in the midst of his mundane shepherding duties, we too can experience divine interruption if we're willing to pay attention. This message encourages us to balance our 'have-to' responsibilities with an expectant search for God's 'might-be' possibilities, fostering a spirit of readiness for His next move in our lives.

Episode 246: Can a Christian Be Demonized?

One of the powers which Jesus promised to his followers was the ability to cast out demons (Mark 16:17-18). This is undebatable. What is debatable, however, is whether a born-again Christian ever has the need to have demonic activity broken off from their lives. In this hard-hitting, controversial episode of Mavericks & misfits, Jeff Lyle pulls no punches when establishing from multiple passages of Scriptures that Christians can be demonized. In order to believe otherwise, the skeptic must have answers to these passages of Scripture. In the end, M&M subscribers are asked to think biblically, but also to reason through why it makes sense that demons would proactively strategize to influence and afflict Christians. This episode should settle in our hearts and minds whether or not a Christian can be demonized.