Thursday, April 30, 2015

Throwback Thursday: Speaking4Him Podcast #30: Entitlement:The American Dream

"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"The New Colossus



On This Throwback Thursday, we go back to an episode where Adam McNutt and I discuss how American dream has been influenced by the modern sense of entitlement that is a fixture in our society today and what the proper Christian response should be. Listen Here!

If you have any questions or feedback check out our Facebook Page or Leave a Voice Mail by clicking on the Microphone at the Right Hand Side of This Page!

Also check out my ebook Men of Valor now for sale!  

Keep Serving The Best of Masters,

Andrew Gommesen

Monday, April 27, 2015

What's a Christian to Do?

There is a lot of discussion today on social media and in other places about how America and other parts of the world are becoming increasingly hostile to Christians. This is not surprising, and is in fact predicted several times in the Bible. The apostle Paul puts it this way “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:13)

We as Christians need to be aware of what is going on around us and we need to be prepared to stand for Christ no matter what the cost. We also need to continue to proclaim the gospel so that others can find the truth and be prepared for his return. That being said, I feel the need to take some time to address what I feel is a disturbing trend in Christian circles today.

I recently saw someone on Facebook (and I know he’s not alone) imply that there is nothing we can do or should do to stand up for our rights. If we are persecuted, we should just rejoice that we were found worthy to suffer and move on. I think this is the wrong view on this issue.

While persecution is a very real thing both here and abroad and will only get worse as time goes on, I believe we as Christians often contribute to the problem by taking an apathetic approach in the way we respond to the loss of our rights.

Many people would say that Christians should not be involved in things of a civic manner because they should be gospel minded. I agree that the gospel is important, however if the gospel does not change the way we live our daily lives what good is it?

It’s true that there is a lot in Scripture about heaven being our home and this earth being temporary. It may be easy for some to infer that these passages speak against being involved in government or standing up for earthly rights. It’s worth noting however, that the early church was for the most part under dictatorships and had little or no opportunity to affect their government.

As American citizens, we do have a voice. I believe that only do we have a right to influence the public arena, we have a duty to do so. The Proverbs say “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” (Proverbs 29:2) I feel blessed that I can support candidates who have a respect for the word of God.

Another area in which I believe Christians miss the mark is that they often believe that legislation is a waste of time. To them I say if we are to do everything to the glory of God, shouldn't that include the way we legislate? I think so. I also think it’s important for us to know the law and to be able to articulate it well. If we are not, we can easily be made to believe that something we are free to do is illegal.

 I am very thankful for places like the American Center for Law and Justice who defend the constitutional rights of students and others were simply embracing their freedom to live out their Christian faith. They have had a great deal of success, and we should pray that it continues.

Another common misconception is that putting forthAnother area in which I believe some Christians are weak is when they. godly legislation is forcing our religion on others. The irony in this is that the reason for most God honoring legislation is because we as a country fail to see the “self-evident truths” upon which this country was built. Those of us who speak up about these things do so because we want to get back to the principles of freedom that made America great.

I would like to put before you the example of William Wilberforce. He was a man in the British Parliament struggled with whether he should leave to be a minister of the gospel. He realized that he could impact people for Christ while making his voice heard in Parliament on important issues such as slavery. Because of this, Great Britain outlawed slavery about half a century before America did. I don’t sacrifice gospel because I love this country, rather I love this country because it was founded (in large part) by those who loved the gospel.

I believe that if we stay quiet on the important issues of our day we will be contributors to the decay of our society. If we do nothing we in essence contribute to a self-fulfilled prophecy. I believe that we can be agents of change much like Wilberforce was in his day.

While it is true that the world is getting darker by the day you must remember that we have been called to "shine as lights in the world;” (Philippians 2:15) it is time for us to shine brighter! There is too much at stake to do nothing. What is God calling you to do?Call

Speaking4Him,

Andrew Gommesen          

Friday, April 24, 2015

Speaking4Him Podcast #133: Things We Couldn't Say

“I felt peace, even though I was still scared to death. I thought that, whatever would happen to me - I could still be killed. I didn't know - and in what I'd already been through, God was in control.” 
― Diet Eman, Things We Couldn't Say


Today on the show, Adam McNutt and I welcome director Pris McDonald to talk about Master Arts special fifth show for 2015 "Things We Couldn't Say" the story of Diet Eman and her experience in the Dutch resistance. Cast members Cathy and Tayrn Van Lopik join us for important and informative discussion. Listen Here and come to the show!

The Show runs May 14-30 2015.  Get Ticket Info Now!

If you have any questions or feedback check out our Facebook Page or Leave a Voice Mail by clicking on the Microphone at the Right Hand Side of This Page!

Also check out my ebook Men of Valor now for sale!  

Keep Serving The Best of Masters,

Andrew Gommesen

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Throwback Thursday: Speaking4Him Podcast #29: Pearson Photo: Photographing God’s Glory

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

"God Did This" By Robert Pearson
Available For Purchase  at Fine Art America
On this Throwback Thursday we go back to the time when Adam McNutt and I welcomed Bob Pearson Jr to the studio to talk about Pearson Photo and how he seeks to glorify God with his Photos! He also talks about how God never gave up on him! Listen Here!

Find Bob on Facebook and Email Him  

If you have any questions or feedback check out our Facebook Page or Leave a Voice Mail by clicking on the Microphone at the Right Hand Side of This Page!

Also check out my ebook Men of Valor now for sale!  

Keep Serving The Best of Masters,

Andrew Gommesen

Friday, April 17, 2015

Speaking4Him Podcast #132: Wisdom

“The all-seeing eye of God beheld our deplorable state; infinite pity touched the heart of the Father of mercies; and infinite wisdom laid the plan of our recovery.” David Brainerd 

On Today's show, Adam McNutt and I discuss the subject of Godly wisdom. How do we get wisdom? What is its purpose? How can we put into practice?  Listen Here and be encouraged to pursue wisdom with all your heart!

Note: The verse I missed on Today's show:

"The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens." Proverbs 3:19

If you have any questions or feedback check out our Facebook Page or Leave a Voice Mail by clicking on the Microphone at the Right Hand Side of This Page!

Also check out my ebook Men of Valor now for sale!  

Keep Serving The Best of Masters,

Andrew Gommesen

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Throwback Thursday: Speaking4Him Podcast #28: In Tents

 "And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent." Genesis 18:9


On this Throwback Thursday we go back to the time when Ann Bjorlie of In Tents sat down with Adam McNutt and me to talk about this important ministry to young ladies!  Listen and consider this program for yourself or your daughter! (Please note that the age requirement of 18 years age or older) Listen Here!

This years dates are June 7-20.

If you have any questions or feedback check out our Facebook Page or Leave a Voice Mail by clicking on the Microphone at the Right Hand Side of This Page!

Also check out my ebook Men of Valor now for sale!  

Keep Serving The Best of Masters,

Andrew Gommesen

Friday, April 10, 2015

Speaking4Him Podcast #131: The Beverly Hillbillies

“Now strap down your rocking chair to the back of the truck. Clear your calendars for The Beverly Hillbillies. The lovable Clampett family rides onto the stage for an evening of hillbilly hilarity. Witness the wild discovery of oil, the improbable invasion of hi-falutin' Beverly Hills society, the absurd adventures and the ridiculous romances.” Master Arts Website



On Today's show, Adam McNutt and I welcome directer JD Gonzales to talk about Master Arts Theater's Spring 2015 production of The Beverly Hillbillies.  Cast Members Nick Favreau (Jethro Bodine) and Gracey Shira (Elly May Clampett) come along for the ride!  Listen Here and then come to the show!  

If you have any questions or feedback check out our Facebook Page or Leave a Voice Mail by clicking on the Microphone at the Right Hand Side of This Page!

Also check out my ebook Men of Valor now for sale!  

Keep Serving The Best of Masters,

Andrew Gommesen

Thursday, April 09, 2015

Throwback Thursday: Speaking4Him Podcast #27: The Great Divorce

“You cannot love a fellow-creature fully till you love God.” C.S. Lewis

The Great Divorce
Today we Throwback to when Pris McDonald from Master Arts Theatre joined Adam McNutt and I to talk about the start of Master Arts Theatre and their production C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce! Listen Here!

If you have any questions or feedback check out our Facebook Page or Leave a Voice Mail by clicking on the Microphone at the Right Hand Side of This Page!

Also check out my ebook Men of Valor now for sale!  

Keep Serving The Best of Masters,

Andrew Gommesen

Friday, April 03, 2015

Speaking4Him Podcast #130: Cries From The Cross

“To some, the image of a pale body glimmering on a dark night whispers of defeat. What good is a God who does not control his Son's suffering? But another sound can be heard: the shout of a God crying out to human beings, "I LOVE YOU." Love was compressed for all history in that lonely figure on the cross, who said that he could call down angels at any moment on a rescue mission, but chose not to - because of us. At Calvary, God accepted his own unbreakable terms of justice.

Any discussion of how pain and suffering fit into God's scheme ultimately leads back to the cross. ” 
― Philip Yancey



Today Adam McNutt and I look at the 7 cries of Christ from The Cross!  Listen Here, Be Thankful, and Worship!
  
If you have any questions or feedback check out our Facebook Page or Leave a Voice Mail by clicking on the Microphone at the Right Hand Side of This Page!

Also check out my ebook Men of Valor now for sale!  

Keep Serving The Best of Masters,

Andrew Gommesen

Thursday, April 02, 2015

Throwback Thursday: Speaking4Him Podcast #26: Our Beautiful Secret Premiere

 “People have told me to separate myself from
being Jonathan’s sister while directing and producing this film. I don’t agree. Who else could be the best advocate for people living with disabilities than someone who lived right alongside a family member struggling with it? 

I was there when my family got turned away from restaurants because of Jonathan’s disability. I was there when Jonathan was mocked and bullied. I was there when doctors told my family Jonathan’s value of life isn’t worth the procedures we wanted for him. I understand and that voice will
not be silenced.” Angela Peavey

Angela Peavey
Today we throwback to when Angela Peavey talked about the West Michigan Premiere of  her film Our Beautiful Secret!  Listen Here and look back on this exciting journey!

Update: This film has now seen multiple international premieres and has also been picked up by PBS!

Get the DVD HERE!  

If you have any questions or feedback check out our Facebook Page or Leave a Voice Mail by clicking on the Microphone at the Right Hand Side of This Page!

Also check out my ebook Men of Valor now for sale!  

Keep Serving The Best of Masters,

Andrew Gommesen