Firm Foundation with Bryan Hudson

"How You Overcome" - Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #169 for May 14, 2025

Listen to the Message from Sunday, May 14, 2025
"The Song of Mary: What is Your Song?"
 
Revelation 12:10 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

The Song of Mary: What is Your Song? by Bryan Hudson, DMin.

Summary of the Message: “The Song of Mary: What is Your Song?”By Pastor Bryan Hudson, DMin. (Generated by OpenAI)
Download Worksheet: “Developing Your Song”
What is this kind of “song?”
It is a testimonial, a joyful and faith-filled declaration of God’s mercy, faithfulness and power in fulfilling His purpose through chosen vessels. 
Luke 1:46, And Mary said:“My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.   48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.  49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name.   50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation.  He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.   52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly.   53 He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty.  54 He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy,  55 As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.”
Pastor Bryan Hudson explores Mary’s Song, also known as The Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55), as both a biblical testimony and a model for personal reflection. Mary’s declaration of praise to God was not merely a song in the musical sense but a profound testimony of God's mercy, power, and covenant faithfulness.
Key Themes of the Message:
Your Song is Your Testimony:Like Mary, every believer has a “song”—a personal testimony of God’s work in their life. This song is meant to glorify God and bless future generations, not just recount personal experiences.
Five Elements of Mary’s Song:
Rejoicing – Worship and joy in God (v. 46-47)
Regarding – Humility in recognizing God’s favor (v. 48)
Reflecting – Acknowledging God’s legacy and mercy through generations (v. 49-50)
Revealing – Understanding divine purpose and justice (v. 51-53)
Recognition – Remembering God’s covenant and faithfulness (v. 54-55)
Application to Our Lives:
Believers are encouraged to reflect on their own song using these five elements.
Worship is more than singing; it is how we live and respond to God.
Testimonies should include humility, legacy, purpose, and an awareness of covenant relationship with God.
Mary's experience is uniquely maternal, highlighting the vital role of mothers in God’s redemptive plan.
Broader Biblical Context:Dr. Hudson compares Mary’s song to other biblical songs—such as those of Moses, Miriam, Deborah, David, and the redeemed in Revelation—to show that songs often arise from deliverance and divine encounter.
Call to Honor Mothers and Recognize Their Role:
The message honors the spiritual and physical significance of mothers, encouraging all to show gratitude while mothers are still present.
Birth, both physical and spiritual, is tied to God's greater plan and purpose.
Final Charge:Dr. Hudson encourages listeners to reflect, write, and live out their own song, as a testimony of God’s mercy and purpose in their lives. Mary’s song, born of deep spiritual insight and humility, is a pattern for how believers today can shape their impact on the world and future generations.

"Lean the Right Way" - Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #168 for May 7, 2025

Proverbs 3:5-10 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

The 3Ds of Leadership & Indispensable Ministry – Dr. Jerry M. Williams

The 3Ds of Leadership & Indispensable Ministry Values
Instructor: Dr. Jerry M. WilliamsAudience: Ministers and LeadersHost: New Covenant Church
I. Opening Remarks
Greetings and opening inspiration
“This is the day the Lord has made…”
Yesterday = History; Today = Reality; Tomorrow = Destiny
Personal reflection and honor for Dr. Bryan Hudson
42 years of friendship and ministry partnership
II. Reflection: Four Lessons in Power and Purpose (Shared by Dr. Williams’ Son)
Adam – Passive man who lost paradise
Lesson: Passivity costs purpose
Power Principle: Don’t outsource decisions to avoid conflict
Samson – Strong man who gave up his edge
Lesson: Don’t trade your mission for momentary comfort
Power Principle: Guard your source; protect your vulnerability
Job – The unshaken man under fire
Lesson: Don’t take advice from quitters
Power Principle: Discipline speaks louder than desperation
Lot – Man who moved forward without looking back
Lesson: You can’t lead people emotionally tied to the past
Power Principle: Don’t negotiate divine direction—execute it
III. The 3 D’s of Local Church Leadership
Based on Romans 12:1–2
Living as a sacrifice = reasonable service
Leadership must be demonstrated, not just titled
1. Dedication
Definition: Self-sacrificing devotion and loyalty
Jesus as the model: Isaiah 53:5, Hebrews 12:2
Practical example: Leaders arrive early, not “on time”
2. Diligence
Definition: Steady, earnest, energetic effort
Proverbs 27:23 – Know your flock
Proverbs 12:24 – Hard work leads to leadership
3. Discipline
Definition: Orderly conduct and self-control
Includes:
Regular attendance & punctuality
Positive example & submission to authority
Lifestyle evangelism
IV. Vision Ownership Process
4 Steps to Vision Implementation:
Assimilation – Understand the vision
Integration – Make it part of you
Articulation – Speak it consistently
Demonstration – Live it in action
V. CSI³ Evangelism Model
Caring, Sharing, and Involving:
Caring enough to…
Share enough to…
Invite, Introduce, or Instruct at least three people
Based on Romans Road (Rom 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9–10)
Focus on lifestyle evangelism rather than event-driven outreach
VI. Indispensable Values of Ministry (8 Values)
Faith
Commitment
Obedience
Integrity
Excellence
Responsibility
Accountability
Confidentiality
 
VII. Seven Attributes of Poor Ministry Values (Who Not to Be)
Inconsistent
Slothful
Unaccountable
Irresponsible
Uncommunicative
Unteachable
Unorganized
 
VIII. Five Leadership Styles
Bureaucratic – Rule-bound
Autocratic – Dictatorial
Laissez-faire – Hands-off
Permissive – Tolerant of all
Participative – Engaged and consultative (ideal model)
 
IX. Best Fit Leadership Model
Can Do – Based on skills & training
Will Do – Based on desire & passion
How Fit – Based on personality, values, and spiritual gifts
Intersection = Best Fit
X. Leadership Readiness Pre-Flight Checklist
(Must answer “yes” to all to serve in leadership)
Born again
Spirit-filled
Regular prayer/devotion life
Priorities in order
Consistent worship attendance
Consistent midweek attendance
Punctual to meetings
Faithful tither
Serving in ministry/helps
Household in scriptural order
Free from addictions
XI. Closing Charge
“Coming together is a beginning; staying together is progress; working together is success.”
Stay the course with dedication, diligence, discipline, and faithfulness

You Are the Salt of the Earth: What is the Salt of the Covenant? - Bible Study by Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min.

BIBLE STUDY NOTES AND RESOURCES
Summary: "You Are the Salt of the Earth: What is the Salt of the Covenant?" –
Bible Study by Dr. Bryan Hudson
This Bible study explores Jesus’ declaration, “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13) and examines the deeper meaning behind the "salt of the covenant" referenced in Leviticus 2:13. Dr. Hudson explains that salt symbolizes influence, which is central to the believer's purpose and identity. Just as salt preserves, purifies, and adds flavor, Christians are called to influence the world through godly living and covenant relationship with God.
Key themes include:
Influence as the essence of salt: Salt’s historic uses (purification, preservation, healing, and value) all reflect its power to influence, just as believers are called to influence the world through God’s presence in them.
Covenant relationship: The “salt of the covenant” represents a perpetual, faithful relationship with God, marked by commitment and consistency, not just temporary benefit.
Spiritual formation through SHAPE: Using Rick Warren’s acronym (Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, Experiences), Dr. Hudson explains how God shapes believers through trials (fire) and divine influence (salt).
Seasoned by fire: Trials refine faith like fire purifies gold or forms stainless steel—painful but purposeful, producing strength and Christlikeness.
New Testament application: Jesus shifts the salt metaphor from ritual to spiritual reality—"have salt in yourselves and peace with one another" (Mark 9:50)—emphasizing inner transformation that leads to external impact.
Living as influencers: Believers must first be influenced by God to influence others effectively. A lack of God's influence leads to a loss of “saltiness” or spiritual vitality.
Practical outcome: A life seasoned by God results in peace, stronger relationships, and the ability to represent Christ as both salt and light in the world.
Ultimately, Dr. Hudson teaches that to be the salt of the earth is to live under God's influence, embody His covenant, and positively impact others with purity, purpose, and perseverance.

"Shine Your Light Where It Is Needed" - Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #167 for April 30, 2025

Listen to the Message from Sunday, April 27, 2025
“You Are the Light of the World: Authority and Responsibility”
 
Matthew 5:13, You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

You Are the Light of the World: Authority and Responsibility - Message by Bryan Hudson, D.Min.

You Are the Light of the World
Authority and Responsibility
Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min.
Matthew 5:13, You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Main Themes:
1. Identity & Purpose
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world” and “salt of the earth.”
The church must understand its purpose not just as a community, but as a force for good in the world.
We're not called to shine in the church only, but in the world—where light is needed most.
The Lighthouse Analogy:
A lighthouse doesn’t remove the rocks or calm the sea, but it shines light to guide ships away from danger.
Similarly, believers are called to shine in dark places, helping others avoid destruction.
Challenges to Shining:
We cannot shine effectively if we are living in darkness ourselves.
God wants to make us blameless and harmless, as Philippians 2:15 says, so that we can shine in a crooked generation.
Real-Life Application:
Light = Good Works + Godly Living + Justice
Shining includes helping the weak, standing for justice, and living righteously, not just evangelizing.
Examples from scripture (Micah 6:8, Isaiah 1:17, Acts 20:35) support this.
Biblical Justice & DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion):
These values are biblical, not just political:
Diversity: Revelation 7:9
Equity: Proverbs 2:9, 2 Samuel 8:15
Inclusion: Nehemiah 8:10, Jeremiah 22:3
Believers must not remain silent when injustice occurs but shine the light of truth and compassion.
Authority of the Church:
Jesus gave spiritual authority to His church (Matthew 16:19).
We are to bind and loose in alignment with heaven, standing against darkness wherever God assigns us.
Who is the Church?
The church is not a building but people called by God (Ecclesia).
We are the church wherever we go and must reflect Christ in action and truth.
Conclusion:
Your light must shine where it is needed—in society, politics, schools, neighborhoods.
Don’t hide your light. Let others see your good works and glorify God.
“We all shine differently, but we are all called to shine.”

"Easter Has Passed, But Resurrection Power is Still Here!" - Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #166 for April 23, 2025

Listen to the Message From Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025
"Resurrection Power: Jesus Changed Everything!"
 
Romans 8:11, But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

"Resurrection Power: Jesus Changed Everything" – Message by Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min.,

Sermon Summary by Dr. Bryan Hudson
Title: Resurrection Power: Jesus Changed EverythingText: Philippians 3:9-11; Ephesians 1:19-20; Romans 8:11
🔹 Theme & Purpose
The message emphasizes that the resurrection of Jesus Christ was the greatest paradigm shift in human history, changing not only our past but empowering our present and future. Resurrection power is not just a historical fact—it’s a living, present-day reality.
🔑 Key Points
1. Resurrection Power is for Today
The Apostle Paul wrote "that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection" (Phil. 3:10).
Resurrection isn’t just an Easter story—it’s a daily source of spiritual strength, peace, and purpose.
The Amplified Bible explains this power as a "spiritual and moral resurrection" that lifts us up even while in the body.
2. Paradigm Shift Illustrated
Dr. Hudson used powerful real-life metaphors to illustrate paradigm shifts:
Typewriters to Word Processors: Just as technology evolved, Jesus' resurrection initiated a shift from law to grace.
Robots in Manufacturing: Change can be disruptive but also redemptive—just like Jesus' victory over sin and death.
Medical Advancements: From polio to COVID vaccines, change preserves life. In Christ, resurrection power restores and renews our lives spiritually and physically.
3. Examples of Resurrection Power
Personal testimonies of healing, recovery, and restored lives (Father, Elder Owens, and Daughter) show how resurrection power is active today.
Resurrection power gives courage in suffering, peace in uncertainty, and strength to stand through trials.
4. Scriptural Anchors
Ephesians 1:19-20: God’s mighty power raised Jesus—and that same power works toward us who believe.
Romans 8:11: The Spirit that raised Jesus dwells in believers, giving life to mortal bodies.
🔄 Call to Action: L.G.S. – Look Up, Give Up, Stand Up
Look Up – Recognize that Christ reversed the curse of sin (1 Cor. 15:21-22).
Give Up – Surrender fully to God; you can't take anything with you in death—give your life to Christ now.
Stand Up – Resurrection means to "cause to stand up" (Greek: anastasis). God gives us the power to rise, live, and thrive.
📣 Final Challenge
Jesus rose—and you can rise too.Say yes to the gospel: Jesus died for you, was buried, and rose again so you can live in His power.Resurrection is not a story you just hear—it’s a power you must receive and live out.

"Jesus Paid It All!" - Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #165 for April 16, 2025

1 Corinthians 15:21, For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being. The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.”