:15 With Andy, Randy, & Jeff

Where is the link between gratitude and generosity? It lies in a similar place as that space between having a great experience and telling someone about it. When we awaken to the enormity of the inexhaustible gift, we just may transform into a follower of Jesus known for our generosity.This week one of our #fhcTAKEAWAYS asked the question:  Of all the people you know, who most needs you to practice generosity towards them?So, what are you thankful for?  We would love to hear your thoughts and your stories of what God has done in your life.  Christmas will be here before you know it and it just so happens that Christmas falls on Wednesday this year!  So send us your thankful list, thankful story, bible text(s), or words of encouragement for someone else who not be filled with the thanks they were hoping for this year.  Submit by December 21st and we will include them in the December 25th podcast.  If we have enough….hint/hint…than a special episode full of the Hospital Church’s reasons to give thanks will be c

The late 20th Century brought new sounds to old stories. The rise of different musical instruments and musical styles have confused many. Is God still moving through music today? How do we respond to new sounds that we don’t like? What kind of music does God like? Psalm 96, Psalm 98, Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16As mentioned in this episode, you can find Robert J. Morgan’s book series; “Then Sings My Soul” trilogy of books at his website: https://www.robertjmorgan.com/shop/collections/then-sings-my-soul-trilogy/, and Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=robert+j.+morgan+then+sings+my+soul&ref=nb_sb_noss_2This week one of our #fhcTAKEAWAYS asked the question:   What does your life as art say about who you are?  Have a comment or question for Richard?   Leave a voicemail or text by using one of the following: ■ Text/Voicemail:  407-965-1607■ Email:  podcast@hospitalchurch.org■ FHC Mobile App:  Media Tab/Podcast Banner and Use Text and Email links■ Social Media:  #fhcPODCAST / #fhcTAKEAWAYSTune in every We

Musical Stories of Faith: The Golden Age Most well-known hymns were written between roughly 1700 and 1900 AD. Charles Wesley and Fannie Crosby together wrote around 14,000 hymns. Hymn singing influenced both society and politics. Who were these writers, and what are some of the stories that shaped these timeless songs? This week one of our #fhcTAKEAWAYS asked the question:   What are the gifts you have been given with which you could be more effective? Have a comment or question for Richard?   Leave a voicemail or text by using one of the following: ■ Text/Voicemail:  407-965-1607■ Email:  podcast@hospitalchurch.org■ FHC Mobile App:  Media Tab/Podcast Banner and Use Text and Email links■ Social Media:  #fhcPODCAST / #fhcTAKEAWAYSTune in every Wednesday as we take a look back at our prior week's message for unique takeaways, added perspective, and a peek at the upcoming message at the Florida Hospital Church.  Thank you for listening and if you’ve enjoyed this episode please share it on social media.  Our show

Psalms is the most-read book of the Bible. It is one of the few shared by Jews, Muslims, and Christians. It’s the book most quoted by Jesus, and it’s the only book written to God instead of from God. The bulk of the psalms come from David - the shepherd, poet, warrior, exile, king, and ancestor of Jesus. What kinds of stories of faith are here, and why are they important today?  This week one of our #fhcTAKEAWAYS asked the question:   Who around you needs to be “adopted” into your family? What do you think?  Leave a voicemail or text by using one of the following:■ Text/Voicemail:  407-965-1607■ Email:  podcast@hospitalchurch.org■ FHC Mobile App:  Media Tab/Podcast Banner and Use Text and Email links■ Social Media:  #fhcPODCAST / #fhcTAKEAWAYSTune in every Wednesday as we take a look back at our prior week's message for unique takeaways, added perspective, and a peek at the upcoming message at the Florida Hospital Church.  Thank you for listening and if you’ve enjoyed this episode please share it on social me

Do Not JudgeMatthew 7:1 - Here is a text for our pluralistic culture.  Is this evidence that Jesus is on the side of our highest contemporary cultural norm of tolerance?  Is there ever a place for Christians to criticize or find fault with a person’s choices?This week one of our #fhcTAKEAWAYS asked the question:   Was Jesus “too easy” on “sinners”?What do you think?  Leave a voicemail or text by sharing from the FHC Mobile App or use one of the following:■ Text/Voicemail:  407-965-1607■ Email:  podcast@hospitalchurch.org■ FHC Mobile App:  Media Tab/Podcast Banner and Use Text and Email links■ Social Media:  #fhcPODCAST / #fhcTAKEAWAYSTune in every Wednesday as we take a look back at our prior week's message for unique takeaways, added perspective, and a peek at the upcoming message at the Florida Hospital Church.  Thank you for listening and if you’ve enjoyed this episode please share it on social media.  Our show is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker!  Be sure to join us next

The Truth Sets Us FreeJohn 8:32 A life built on truth is the route to a life with more personal freedom (no need to keep up with your lies). However, what Jesus is saying here is so much larger and more significant than even this.This week one of our #fhcTAKEAWAYS was a prayer and one I’d challenge us to pray every day:   Lord, take my heart; for I cannot give it. It is your property.  Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for you.  Save me in spite of myself, my weak, un-Christlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of your love can flow through me.Do you have a prayer that keeps you grounded?  We would love to share your prayer on next week’s podcast.  Leave a voicemail or text by sharing from the FHC Mobile App or use one of the following:■ Text/Voicemail:  407-965-1607■ Email:  podcast@hospitalchurch.org■ FHC Mobile App:  Media Tab/Podcast Banner and Use Text and Email links■ Social Media:  #fhcPODCAST / #fhcTAKEAWAYSTune in every Wednesday as we take

Philippians 3:13 We love this text! After all, we’ve all made a bunch of mistakes, and who wants to look back and dredge up all that pain? However, is this text about the grace that allows a new start or God's call to move forward in a life of service and sacrifice, bringing his Kingdom to the world?This week one of our #fhcTAKEAWAYS asked:   Read Philippians 3:13-14 in more than one translation. Then take some time to write it in your own paraphrase.  How might it become more meaningful and personal for you?Send us your thoughts on today’s episode!  Leave a voicemail or text by sharing from the FHC Mobile App or use one of the following:■ Text/Voicemail:  407-965-1607■ Email:  podcast@hospitalchurch.org■ FHC Mobile App:  Media Tab/Podcast Banner and Use Text and Email links■ Social Media:  #fhcPODCAST / #fhcTAKEAWAYSTune in every Wednesday as we take a look back at our prior week's message for unique takeaways, added perspective, and a peek at the upcoming message at the Florida Hospital Church.  Thank you f

Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”  This is a text regularly misused in an attempt to force an answer from God.  We may be surprised to see the context and the call to settle things in community without negating our private devotion to God.This week one of our #fhcTAKEAWAYS asked:   While Jesus is explicitly clear that we are to have no part in leading into sin, how do you feel about “not looking down” on the sinner?Send us your thoughts on today’s episode!  Leave a voicemail or text by sharing from the FHC Mobile App or use one of the following: ■ Text/Voicemail:  407-965-1607■ Email:  podcast@hospitalchurch.org■ FHC Mobile App:  Media Tab/Podcast Banner and Use Text and Email links■ Social Media:  #fhcPODCAST / #fhcTAKEAWAYSTune in every Wednesday as we take a look back at our prior week's message for unique takeaways, added perspective, and a peek at the upcoming message at the Florida Hospital Church.  Thank you for listening and if you’ve enjoye

Rachel Held Evans said, “The Table reminds us that, as brothers and sisters adopted into God’s family and invited to God’s banquet, we’re stuck with each other; we’re family. We might as well make peace. The Table teaches us that, ultimately, faith isn’t about being right or good or in agreement. Faith is about feeding and being fed.”Jesus left his disciples with a concrete way to remember his grace and their purpose – by sharing a meal. When Christians come together to celebrate Communion, it is with the intention of reminding ourselves that faith is an act of community, and it cannot be done alone. This week one of our #fhcTAKEAWAYS asked:   How will you intentionally serve someone today? This week?If you find a unique way to serve please share with us via voicemail or text by sharing from the FHC Mobile App or use one of the following: ■ Text/Voicemail:  407-965-1607■ Email:  podcast@hospitalchurch.org■ FHC Mobile App:  Media Tab/Podcast Banner and Use Text and Email links■ Social Media:  #fhcPODCAST / #fh

Here’s a text we love because we are the star in our own movie, and we like the sound of God’s voice in this declaration.  We like the idea of God’s plan being to prosper us and not to harm us. It could easily be the weekly verse to cite among those who preach a prosperity gospel (which is not gospel at all). Without context, it appears to offer a guarantee that in the end, life will be okay, and that the general path we are on is one of prosperity.  If we’ve adopted this understanding and then really bad stuff happens, we may get mad at God for not fulfilling a promise he never made! Jeremiah 29:11"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - NIVThis week one of our #fhcTAKEAWAYS asked:   How can this word from God, even in context, still encourage you when you seem to be stuck in hard times? This week if you are finding yourself “stuck in hard times”, please reach out with a prayer request or a prayer for someone

This is the quintessential pep talk passage. It is most often used to pump up a spirit of achievement and even pride – like the Little Engine’s, “I think I can!” What is the real context?  Paul is here considering how God has enabled him, strengthened him to be content in times of plenty and times of shortage. Paul writes this from prison, and from the way the text has been abused, you might think it is positive self-talk to break out of jail. This isn’t a passage about going out and accomplishing great feats (think graduation talk), but really about pursuing faith and trust that God can give us the grace to be content in all circumstances.This week one of our #fhcTAKEAWAYS asked:   Happiness is found from within – take a moment and list 5 things things that make you truly happy.  What do you see that is a common thread running through them if any?If you’d like to share your thoughts on “I Can Do All Things”, what it means to you, or how you’ve seen it misused, please share from the FHC Mobile App or use one

Didn’t Jesus say we must be as perfect as God? Or, did he? Didn’t Jesus say if someone hits you once, let him hit you again? Or, did he? Matthew 5:38-48This week our message was by Dr. Ernie Bursey.  Dr. Bursey earned his PhD in New Testament Studies at Yale University, where his dissertation topic was Exorcism in the Book of Matthew. He also earned an M.Div. from Andrews University and a Master's in Religious Studies from Yale University. He has been a Professor of Religion in the Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences since 2001. His current teaching assignments at both the undergraduate and graduate level include World Religions for Healthcare Professions, Identity and Mission in Faith-based Healthcare, and Role Fidelity and the Exercise of Power.This is a part 2 of 2 and a predecessor to one of our “.5” episodes here on the podcast!  As discussed in this episode, here is the link to watch Dr. Ernie Bursey’s message:  http://hospitalchurch.org/sermon/texts-we-love-to-misuse-its-about-a-family-busines

Didn’t Jesus say we must be as perfect as God? Or, did he? Didn’t Jesus say if someone hits you once, let him hit you again? Or, did he? Matthew 5:38-48This week our message was by Dr. Ernie Bursey.  Dr. Bursey earned his PhD in New Testament Studies at Yale University, where his dissertation topic was Exorcism in the Book of Matthew. He also earned an M.Div. from Andrews University and a Master's in Religious Studies from Yale University. He has been a Professor of Religion in the Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences since 2001. His current teaching assignments at both the undergraduate and graduate level include World Religions for Healthcare Professions, Identity and Mission in Faith-based Healthcare, and Role Fidelity and the Exercise of Power.This is a part 1 of 2 and a predecessor to one of our “.5” episodes here on the podcast!  As discussed in this episode, here is the link to watch Dr. Ernie Bursey’s message:  http://hospitalchurch.org/sermon/texts-we-love-to-misuse-its-about-a-family-busines

Jesus’ call to proactive kindness is not to just not do what we wouldn’t want done to us, but it is proactive: DO for others what we wish for ourselves. What do we wish for ourselves at the end of a hard day of work? What would we wish for ourselves if we were without resources to care for ourselves or our child? What would we wish if facing oppression in the land of our origin? We have unending opportunities for proactive kindness. God’s kindness to us compels us to proactive kindness toward others.Matthew 7:12“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”This week one of our #fhcTAKEAWAYS asked:  How does Golden Rule kindness bring our vision to reality (A church without walls fully engaged in serving the people of our community)?You can share from the FHC Mobile App by using the Media tab, and then - Podcast banner - use the text and email share buttons, or use one of the following:■ Text/Voicemail:  407-965-1607■ Email:  pod

“God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.”Facing opposition, suffering persecution and unfair accusations, and being misrepresented is difficult. These experiences can cause you to react in kind or drive us deeper into God’s kingdom. Loving enemies and doing good to those who do us harm is incarnational loving and makes the world a kinder place. To creatively look for ways to redeem bad and let it usher in good puts us in good company with Jesus and the prophets.  God is able to make all things work for the good.This week one of our #fhcTAKEAWAYS asked:  How can we make sure persecution comes from doing right and not just being stubborn?  You can share from the FHC Mobile App

In a world where everything is changing so rapidly and where fortunes can be made or lost in a moment, we may feel compelled to defend and protect “my stuff,” “my ideas,” “my wealth,” “my religion,” and “my tradition.” This doesn’t leave much space for peace. Imagine helping people collaborate instead of competing, cooperate instead of fight. God has made peace with us and calls us to make peace with one another.  Matthew 5:9“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.”This week one of our #fhcTAKEAWAYS asked:  When do you feel least peaceful? You can share from the FHC Mobile App by using the Media tab, and then - Podcast banner - use the text and email share buttons, or use one of the following:■ Text/Voicemail:  407-965-1607■ Email:  podcast@hospitalchurch.org■ FHC Mobile App:  Media Tab/Podcast Banner and Use Text and Email links■ Social Media:  #fhcPODCAST / #fhcTAKEAWAYSTune in every Wednesday as we take a look back at our prior week's message for unique takeaways,

It’s interesting how easy it is to not care for people we don’t know and how hard it is to not care for those we know well. Jesus said “blessed are the merciful!” The best way for us to be merciful is for us to care, to really step into the shoes of another, to look out at the world from behind their eyes, and to hear and experience what they hear and experience.Matthew 5:7This week one of our #fhcTAKEAWAYS asked: Who would be the Zacchaeus of our day that we’d be shocked, even disturbed that Jesus would visit?Who gets your vote for Modern Day Zacchaeus? You can share from the FHC Mobile App by using the Media tab, and then - Podcast banner - use the text and email share buttons, or use one of the following:■ Text/Voicemail: 407-965-1607■ Email: podcast@hospitalchurch.org■ FHC Mobile App: Media Tab/Podcast Banner and Use Text and Email links■ Social Media: #fhcPODCAST / #fhcTAKEAWAYSTune in every Wednesday as we take a look back at our prior week's message for unique takeaways, added perspective, and a

“God blesses those who are poor . . . ” This is a bold and counter-cultural thing for Jesus to say. It was hard to understand and believe in that day and maybe nearly impossible to grasp in our consumer-driven culture where acquiring possessions, power, and influence are so coveted. Jesus says people are blessed and privileged when they come to realize their own bankruptcy—their utter helplessness—and put their whole trust in God.Matthew 5:3This week one of our #fhcTAKEAWAYS asked: How have your spiritual understandings made you feel spiritually superior?What do you think? Please send a text, voicemail, or email!■ Text/Voicemail: 407-965-1607■ Email: podcast@hospitalchurch.orgThank you for listening and if you’ve enjoyed this episode please share it with your social circles. Our show is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker! Be sure to join us next week for Episode 167!Say hello on Twitter; https://twitter.com/floridahc, Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/hospitalchurch/;

Love is something we all want—we all need, and our modern world provides us all manner of messages and definitions of what love is. But Paul says that there isn’t much of what we sing about and talk about that can really get close to the depth of God’s love. In fact, Paul prays for the church that they might be able to somehow grasp this amazing love. Why is it so hard for us to accept, embrace, understand and ultimately translate this core attribute of God?As discussed in this episode, here is the link to watch Tim and Vivian’s message:  http://hospitalchurch.org/sermon/god-is-lovee/.This week one of our #fhcTAKEAWAYS asked:  What do you think about God’s Love being reflected through people who do not claim a relationship with God (I John 4:7-8)?If you have any questions or comments please send a text, voicemail, or email!■ Text/Voicemail:  407-965-1607■ Email:  podcast@hospitalchurch.orgThank you for listening and if you’ve enjoyed this episode please share it with your social circles. Our show is availabl

We like to be in charge.  We like the planning and the scheduling and the organizing and having the final say in what happens and how it happens.   However, our desire to be in charge is only an effort to exert control over things none of us can actually control.  What if we let go (even just a little bit) because God is in control?  Luke 10: 38 – 42 This is a part 2 of 2 to one of our rare “.5” episodes here on the podcast!  As discussed in this episode, here is the link to watch Dorcia Jolliff’s message:  http://hospitalchurch.org/sermon/god-is-in-control/.This week one of our #fhcTAKEAWAYS asked:  In the story of Mary and Martha, Jesus tells Martha, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things.  Only one thing is needed.  Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her.”  What do you think Jesus means when he says “Only one thing is needed?” If you have any questions, comments or have a “Martha” story of your own to share, please send a text, voicemail, or email using