Dayspring Fellowship Podcasts

How Do You Recognize a Christian? | Part 13 | Love With(out) Borders – 2 John 1:1-13 | Chris Voigt

Love With(out) BoundariesHow Do You Recognize a Christian?August 29, 2021
It was American advertising executive and author Lois Wyse who came up with a tagline for a small company in Orrville, Ohio, which made them famous across the country: “With a name like Smucker’s, it has to be good.” And Smucker’s has been a household name ever since. She’s also credited with saying, “If I had known how wonderful it would be to have grandchildren, I would have had them first.” As many of you know, DeeDee and I have a 3-year-old granddaughter whom we adore. Being Avery’s Pops and Grammy is pure joy. We love hanging out with her; reading books, watching movies, taking walks, dancing, singing, making dinner…just about everything is more fun with Aves. As our only grandchild, she has our undivided attention and affection. And she definitely has us wrapped around her little finger! I mean…we’ve already bought her her first car!Our love for Avery is deep; but as much as we want to hear her laugh and see her happy, we still have boundaries in place that ensure our relationship with her is healthy. She doesn’t get candy for breakfast, we don’t let her run rampant in the streets without supervision, sharp knives are a no-no! Beyond that, well let’s just say Pops is the tops in her world right now.This week, in our series How Do You Recognize a Christian, we’re taking a look at the short book of 2 John. Though only 13 verses long, this letter from the Apostle John holds important truth for us. In just a few verses, John tells us how to keep our love for others within safe boundaries – by building into our lives two solid guardrails that protect us from going off course: truth and discernment. As pastor Chuck Swindoll writes, “Love flows with life-giving power, but without boundaries, it can do great harm. In the name of love, we can go too far.” Throughout his first letter, John challenged us over and over to love one another. Now in his second letter, he helps us better understand what love should look like.

How Do You Recognize a Christian? | Part 12 | Know, Know, Know – 1 John 5:13-21 | Chris Voigt

Know, Know, KnowHow Do You Recognize a Christian?August 22, 2021
A friend of mine is living in limbo this week. Her routine and schedule have been turned upside down by…wanna guess?? A family member was exposed to Covid. So, she’s waiting, a bit impatiently, for test results. Maybe you can relate?There’s a ripple effect when our lives are interrupted by the unexpected, the unwanted, the uninvited. Sure, our daily rhythms are affected; but there’s also a deeper impact. There’s an impact in our spirit. Our heart and mind get involved. There’s a sigh of impatience. We get grumpy, frustrated, maybe even angry! We don’t like it when circumstances are beyond our control, or being reminded that the reality is circumstances are always beyond our control. Life is uncertain.So, what do you do when Covid hijacks your plans? Or an accident changes your life, or a job is lost, or you don’t get in to the college you dreamed about, or…take your pick. How do we not just survive, but THRIVE when life is so full of uncertainty?We are studying the letters of the Apostle John this summer, and this week we’re coming to the end of his first letter. As John concludes this first letter he wants to remind his readers that there are things that we can know; things that are certain, things we can count on, be sure of, bet the farm on. In an uncertain world, that we can be certain of anything brings joy and hope and life to our minds and hearts. And when we choose to focus on the things we can be sure of, those unexpected, unwanted, uninvited things in our lives have far less power over us. We can walk more consistently and with deeper joy, peace, confidence, hope, and love when our faith is sure. Who wouldn’t want that?

How Do You Recognize a Christian? | Part 11 | It All Adds Up – 1 John 5:1-12 | Jon Sprouse

It All Adds UpHow Do You Recognize a Christian?August 15, 2021
In an online article titled ‘Why We Believe Things’ David Harding, CEO of Winton, a research-based investment management company, writes, “When we truly believe something it profoundly influences our actions. These actions can then exert a powerful influence on the beliefs of others.” Consider for a minute the things you believe. There are things you believe because of your physical senses, such as it’s hot outside today or that the sky is blue or that something on the stove is burning. Then, there are things that you believe based on past experience: that a chair you’ve never sat in before won’t collapse on you or that your car will start when you get in to go to work or that it will get dark later. There are also more abstract things you believe, because the truth of them has been testified to by a trustworthy source; things such as lying is wrong, that gravity exists, and that the earth is round.Every decision you make, every word you speak, every action you take is directly linked to what you REALLY believe. So, as people who say they believe in Jesus, does the way we live, day in and day out, line up with what we say, or do our actions speak a louder and contradicting message from our words?
We are continuing in our series How Do You Recognize a Christian this Sunday. We’ve looked at several characteristics that should mark the lives of a Christ-follower over the last couple of months. This week we’ll be taking a look at the concepts of faith, understanding, and belief and how those things impact how we live.If David Harding is right, and what you believe profoundly influences your actions, what does your life say about what you really believe? Let’s consider that together.

How Do You Recognize a Christian? | Part 10 | The Circle of Love – 1 John 4:7-21 | Chris Voigt

The Circle of LoveHow Do You Recognize a Christian?August 8, 2021
On December 10, 2020, the Washington Examiner ran a story with this headline: Dairy Queen customers contribute to 900-vehicle ‘pay it forward’ chain. It began on December 3, when one man decided to pay for the car behind him — prompting a chain of giving that lasted almost three days and resulted in more than $10,000 in sales. Perhaps you’ve been in a Starbucks or McDonald’s drive-thru and been pleasantly surprised to have it happen to you; or maybe you’ve been the one spreading kindness to those in line behind you.Though the concept of ‘pay it forward’ has been around for centuries, the idea was popularized by the 1999 novel and subsequent movie of the same name. However, there’s one significant difference between the book/movie concept and the drive-thru line experience. In the storyline, when someone, ‘pays it forward’ they must do something for someone else that the person cannot do for themselves. Hmmm.We’ve been studying our way through the letters of the Apostle John this summer, in a series we’ve called How Do You Recognize a Christian? As followers and lovers of Jesus, the way we live should give to those around us clear evidence that we are who we say we are…people who love and follow Christ. Our lives should tell the story of God’s extravagant love for us…and for others. One of the first Bible verses kids learn in Sunday School says, “We love because He (God) first loved us.” In his gospel account of Jesus’ life, John records these words spoken by Christ, “Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” Just as I have loved you is a pretty tall order. I mean, I want to love others like Jesus did; but what does that really mean, practically speaking, for me and for you?

How Do You Recognize a Christian? | Part 9 | Tried & True – 1 John 4:1-6 | Chris Voigt

Tried & True
How Do You Recognize a Christian?
August 1, 2021
It began in 1956 and was on-air continuously until 1978. Since then it’s been revised several times, reaching a total of 31 seasons in 2021. To Tell the Truth is an American game show in which four celebrity panelists are presented with three contestants. The contestants all claim to be the same person, with an unusual occupation or life experience. The goal for the panelists is to question the contestants to determine which are the imposters and who is telling the truth. When questioned, the two impostors may lie; but the real person must answer honestly. Asking good questions, listening carefully to the responses, and paying attention to body language are all important factors in determining who is the real deal and who are the fakes. But even knowing that two of the three contestants are lying often doesn’t help the panelists. Determining who the liars are isn’t always as easy as it sounds!
We’ve been working our way through the letters of the Apostle John this summer, in a series we’ve called How Do You Recognize a Christian? We’re looking at the first six verses of 1 John 4 this week, where we find some strong words of exhortation. Like a father warning his children, John reminds his readers, “You can’t believe everything you hear!”
So how do you know what is really true? What sources warrant our trust? There is more information available to the average person today than at any other time in history. It can be overwhelming to even attempt to try and make sense out of the rhetoric, the reporting, the spin, or the sales pitch.

How Do You Recognize a Christian? | Part 8 | How’s Your Love Life? – 1 John 3:11-24 | Michelle Snook

This week, we are about halfway through our summer series, How Do You Recognize a Christian? as we study the letters written by the Apostle John. There’s an old song that says, “They will know we are Christians by our love.” That’s the heart of what John is getting at in our study this week. The only way the world will know what the love of Jesus looks like, is if they see it authentically reflected in how we love them.

How Do You Recognize a Christian? | Part 7 | Who’s Your Daddy? – 1 John 3:4-10 | Jon Sprouse

Who's Your Daddy?How Do You Recognize a Christian?July 18, 2021
Nobody likes to be wrong. And in a very real and devastating sense, our culture has lost the ability to distinguish between right and wrong. If you were to say to someone, “What you are doing is a sin,” what they will most likely hear you saying is, “I’m judging you,” not, “I love you enough to tell you you’re headed for trouble.” In our world, the idea of sin has been diluted; and instead of sin, we use words like error, mistake, sickness, faux pas, failure, fault, weakness…or even, preference.Changing the language we use doesn’t alter the reality…our world, and every person in it, is infected with sin. There is no vaccine that can stop it; it’s only growing and will continue to grow worse.But, there IS hope!This week as we continue in our summer series, How Do You Recognize a Christian? we’re learning about the hope that is available for our sin-sick world. We do not have to live enslaved to the power of death and destruction. Victory over sin can be our new reality.Are you in need of some hope? There is a Deliverer, a Rescuer, a Hero - who promises freedom to those who will follow Him. I invite you to join us this Sunday, as we talk about what it means to experience freedom from the power of sin, to walk in victory and experience true joy.

How Do You Recognize a Christian? | Part 6 | The Blessings of Abidiance – 1 John 2:28-3:3 | Chris Voigt

The Blessings of AbidianceHow Do You Recognize a Christian?July 11, 2021
 Language is an ever-evolving thing. But where do new words or phrases come from and how do they go from obscure to official? A word gets into a dictionary when it’s used by many people who all agree that it means the same thing. First, you drop the word into your conversation and writing, then others pick it up; the more its use spreads, the more likely it will be noticed by dictionary editors, or lexicographers. Dictionaries can add more than 1,000 new words in a single year. Consider these recent additions to our English dictionaries:Hygge, (h(y)o͞oɡə) depending on how poorly you pronounce this Danish word, means a cozy quality that makes a person feel content and comfortable. In the US, we call those hugs.Merriam-Webster defines the term makerspace as “a communal public workshop in which makers can work on small personal projects.” A makerspace is like an art studio for the whole community. Most makerspaces cater to hobbyists rather than professional artists.Crowdfunding is “the practice of obtaining needed funding (as for a new business) by soliciting contributions from a large number of people especially from the online community.”This week, as we continue in our summer series, How Do You Recognize a Christian? I’m creating a new word: abidiance. I’ve decided it means “the act of abiding in Christ.”But what does abiding mean? What does that look like in the life of someone who follows Jesus? Where do we abide and how do we do it? The apostle John, whose letters we are studying this summer, stresses the importance of abiding more than once in his epistle. It’s important that we understand what it means and why it’s so vital for us!

How Do You Recognize a Christian? | Part 5 | Truth is Stranger Than Fiction – 1 John 2:18-27 | Chris Voigt

Truth Is Stranger Than FictionHow Do You Recognize a Christian?July 4, 2021
Most people are familiar with the classic ‘icebreaker’ party game, Two Truths and a Lie. To play, one person has to make three statements about themselves to the rest of the group. Two statements must be true; the other, however is a lie. Each person guesses which of the three statements they believe is untrue; and once all guesses have been made, the lie is revealed. It’s a fun, harmless way to get to know people a little bit better. And though the deception is intentional, it’s not really for the purpose of deceiving anyone. The point of the game is to learn new truths about others.But in real life, lying isn’t fun or harmless. Dishonesty breaks relationships and destroys trust. Being swindled or deceived can be costly. We’ve all heard stories of people who have lost everything because they trusted someone they shouldn’t have.  There are multiple studies that suggest that, on average, Americans tell one or two lies every day. Additional studies have identified nine primary motivations that cause people to lie. So, if lying is so prevalent, how can you tell the difference between the truth and a lie?Psychologists and body language experts who study these things tell us that there are a variety of ways to tell if someone is lying. Body movements, such as fidgeting, facial expressions, or certain hand gestures can all be clues to whether or not someone is telling the truth. But being able to accurately interpret those signs or signals requires training in how to spot a liar. Discernment – the ability to tell the difference between what is true and what is false – must be developed over time and with intention.We are about a month into our summer series, How Do You Recognize a Christian? This week, we’re talking about the importance of being able to tell the difference between biblical teaching (doctrine) and false teaching. It is vitally important that we know the truth. Because ‘truth’ comes in a wide variety of flavors these days. Everyone seems to have their own version. We must know, without a doubt, how to navigate the sea of half-truths, almost-truths, and outright lies in order to stand firm in our faith. And the Apostle John has some important instructions for us on how to develop the ability to identify the liars.

How Do You Recognize a Christian? | Part 4 | A Cautionary Tale – 1 John 2:12-17 | Chris Voigt

A Cautionary TaleHow Do You Recognize a Christian?June 27, 2021
If you live in Oregon, where our church is located, you’re probably aware that much of our state is under an “excessive heat” warning this weekend. Around here, that means the highways to the Oregon coast will be packed with cars as people seek to escape from the heat. The forecast at this point indicates it will be about 35 degrees cooler, just 64 miles west!The purpose of a warning is to provide people with information that allows them to prepare for unusual or potentially dangerous circumstances ahead. Fans and AC units are flying (or have already flown) off the shelves at home improvement and hardware stores around here. We’re stocking up on popsicles and ice cream, preparing to cook outdoors, and covering windows to block out the sun. People are doing whatever they can to prepare for the weekend heat wave.This week, in our summer series How Do You Recognize a Christian? we’re taking a look at a warning the Apostle John gives to those who have chosen to follow Christ. We all know that God is love. And that the love God has for the world has conquered the power of sin and death for those who accept His love. But not all love is created equal. In fact, there is a particular kind of love that God hates. And this is the love John wants to warn us about. You might wonder how any kind of love would be a problem. I encourage you to join us as we find out together.