Firm Foundation with Bryan Hudson

Honor's Reward: How Doors of Blessing Open

Main Theme:
Honor opens doors to God's blessings. Dishonor restrains God's power.
Key Scripture:
Mark 6:1–6 Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him. 2 And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! 3 Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him. 4 But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” 5 Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.
Main Points:
Honor Releases God’s Power:
Jesus could not (not just would not) perform mighty works because He was dishonored.
Honor positions us to receive from God. Dishonor blocks blessings.
Understanding Honor:
Honor = Valuing someone or something.
It involves public and private appreciation, respect, and esteem.
Dishonor is treating someone as common or ordinary.
The Danger of Familiarity:
People in Jesus' hometown thought they knew Him based on His past, but failed to recognize the version of Him operating in purpose.
Sometimes people limit others by clinging to an old version of them.
The Role of Faith and Honor:
Faith and honor are linked.
“Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Dishonor is often rooted in unbelief.
Peter dishonored Jesus by rebuking Him, failing to understand His purpose to suffer before reigning (Matthew 16:21–23).
Misunderstanding Leads to Dishonor:
Like Peter and the Pharisees, we can dishonor God by misunderstanding His ways and the people He uses.
God may send help in unexpected packages (e.g., a story about rejecting help from a Muslim or atheist and then blaming God).
Honor Is Seen in Action:
Luke 5:17–20 – Friends of a paralyzed man honored Jesus through faith and action (breaking through the roof).
Meanwhile, Pharisees sat in judgment and missed the move of God, despite God's power being present.
Western vs. Eastern Mindsets:
Western: “I think, therefore I am” (individualistic).
Eastern: “We are, therefore I am” (community-oriented, honor flows more naturally).
Practical Example:
In education, honoring teachers leads to more help and deeper learning.
Likewise, honoring spiritual leaders unlocks their ability to bless you.
Final Takeaways:
Honor opens doors of blessing.
Dishonor, especially rooted in familiarity or misunderstanding, closes those doors.
Faith acts, and honor releases what God has placed in others for your benefit.
Always honor God, His people, and His process — not for their sake only, but for your own growth and blessing.
Closing Declaration:
“Doors of blessing are open to me because I honor.”

"Honor's Reward" - Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #174 for June 18, 2025

Listen to the Message from Sunday, June 16, 2025
"Legacy of Love" - Father's Day Message
 
Summary of "Honor’s Reward" by Pastor Bryan Hudson, DMin
Mark 6:1 Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him. 2 And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! 3 Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him. 4 But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” 5 Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And He marveled because of their unbelief.
Bryan Hudson's talk, Honor’s Reward, draws from Mark 6:1–6, where Jesus is dishonored in His hometown and thus unable to perform many miracles. Hudson highlights that it wasn't Jesus’ unwillingness but the people's lack of honor that restrained His power. He explains that honor means to value, appreciate, and respect, whereas dishonor is treating something or someone as common or ordinary.
Because the people saw Jesus only as “Mary’s son” and not as the Messiah, they failed to receive the fullness of what He came to offer. Hudson connects this principle to daily life: you can only receive to the extent that you are willing to honor—whether it's God, people, or opportunities. He warns that like the Pharisees, people can honor God with their lips but remain far from Him in heart, missing out on His blessings.
The key takeaway: Honor unlocks potential and blessing; dishonor shuts it down. Let honor be both heartfelt and practical to experience God’s best.
 

"Legacy of Love" - Father's Day Message by Bryan Hudson, DMin

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Summary of “Legacy of Love” (Generated by OpenAI)
by Pastor Bryan Hudson, DMin, New Covenant Church
In his message “Legacy of Love,” Dr. Bryan Hudson explores the biblical and personal dimensions of legacy, emphasizing that true legacy is not about fame, wealth, or status, but about love, service, and influence. Centering on 1 Corinthians 16:13–14, he urges listeners to be vigilant, courageous, strong, and above all, to do everything with love.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14, (NLT), Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.
Key Themes:
Definition of LegacyLegacy is what we leave behind—not only after death, but also while living. It includes tangible things like wealth or memorials, but more importantly, spiritual, moral, and relational influence—values passed on to others.
Legacy in ActionDr. Hudson shares a clip from the late Congressman John Lewis, who framed legacy as living boldly, pursuing justice, and building a beloved community. Lewis modeled how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy of love and nonviolence shaped future generations.
Legacy as Service and SacrificeUsing Matthew 20:20–23, Hudson contrasts selfish ambition with Christ’s model of servant leadership. The disciples' mother sought honor for her sons, but Jesus taught that legacy comes through drinking the “cup” of sacrifice—suffering for love’s sake, not seeking positions of prestige.
Understanding SufferingSuffering, in biblical terms, is not just physical pain but includes:
Resisting temptations we've been delivered from.
Maintaining integrity under pressure.
Loving and serving others even when it’s difficult.
Hudson teaches that suffering refines us—perfecting, establishing, strengthening, and settling us (1 Peter 5:10).
Personal Testimony and Media CampHe recounts how his Media Camp for youth, launched in 2000, began as a response to a complaint about negative media. God challenged him: “What are you going to do about it?” That led to years of impact, mentoring youth in media and life.
Legacy of Family and ExampleDr. Hudson honors the legacy of his father and his wife’s father, noting how they passed down a life of service. He likens legacy to footprints in the sand—temporary, but they reveal a path for others to follow. Even when the prints fade, the direction remains.
Living the LegacyHe concludes by encouraging everyone—especially fathers and father-figures—to live out a legacy of love. This legacy isn’t self-manufactured; it’s manifested by walking in God's light. We don’t have to strive for greatness—we need only walk in love and obedience.
Confession of Faith:
By the grace of God, I will stand firm in the faith, I will be courageous and strong. But most of all, everything I do will be done through Love. No self service, no selfish ambition, only God's purposes fulfilled by Grace.
Whatever my station in life, may the Lord continue to let my feet be planted in his path. I will live the legacy, my father, mother, grandparents, and all the people in my family and in life have helped to show me the way forward.
I'll take nothing for granted and never fail to give praise to God and thanks to people.
Christ has brought me into a place of undeserved privilege where I now stand, and I will confidently joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory with others.
Conclusion:Legacy of Love challenges us to live intentionally, to love sacrificially, and to serve faithfully. It’s not about being remembered, but about leaving a meaningful path others can follow—empowered by God’s grace and rooted in love.

"Be Brave, Be Strong, Like Your Father" - Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #173 for June 11, 2025

1 Corinthians 16:13-14, (NKJV) Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love. 
Dr. Bryan Hudson reflects on 1 Corinthians 16:13–14, urging listeners to live out the biblical call to “be brave, be strong,” and to do all things in love. He explains that the phrase “quit you like men” in the King James Version means to act courageously and maturely, not to quit.
Dr. Hudson critiques modern cultural shifts that swing between idolizing and dismissing fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy and affirming view of fathers and men. Drawing from personal experience as caregiver to his 88-year-old father with dementia, he honors the enduring strength, love, and consistency of his father.
He addresses a common misconception—that affirming the strength of fathers somehow diminishes women—calling it a false dichotomy. Instead, he encourages a culture that affirms bravery and strength in both men and women, especially as Father’s Day approaches.
The message highlights the biblical grammar of “be brave” and “be strong” as middle voice verbs, meaning we act and are acted upon—like David who encouraged himself in the Lord. Ultimately, Hudson calls on listeners to embrace courage, pass on values to future generations, and act in love.

"How Goodness and Mercy Follow You" - Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #172 for June 4, 2025

Listen to the Message from Sunday, June 1, 2025
Live in the House of Wisdom:
The Abundance of Wisdom, Understanding, and Knowledge
 
Psalm 23:5–6 (NKJV)
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.
 

Conversations In Focus with Pastor Denell Howard of Evolve International

Bryan Hudson, DMin. hosts an insightful conversation with Denell Howard on Conversations In Focus.
Pastor Howard is the founder and director of Evolve International, Inc. The letters E.V.O.L.V.E stands for "Educating for Victory Offering Leadership Vision & Empowerment."
Evolve International Inc. is an organization developed solely to grow and develop leaders. Our goal is to inspire African American males to intentionally lead in areas of education, entrepreneurship, civics, and mentoring. The challenges within the Black community are vast and multifaceted, yet we believe we can articulate the solution in one word: leadership. Their work of Evolve International is to engage in the development of the next generation and to empower leaders to evolve by creating supportive environments through the five "C's" of Coaches, Conferences, Clubs, Camps, and The Evolve Education Center.
Denell Howard is also Pastor of the Hovey Street church of Christ in Indianapolis, IN. He and his wife, Keisha, have three children and reside in Indianapolis.
What I find remarkable and refreshing about Pastor Howard is his authenticity, consistency, and clarity of purpose. He is a man who does not compromise concerning the assignment the Lord has giving him, maintaining a laser focus on empowering young black men, and bringing people from all walks of life together to fulfill that purpose.
Learn more about Evolve at www.evolveleaders.org

Live in the House of Wisdom - Pastor Bryan Hudson, DMin

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Sermon Summary: "Live in the House of Wisdom" by Dr. Bryan Hudson
Pastor Bryan Hudson delivers a powerful and practical message rooted in the wisdom literature of Scripture, particularly the book of Proverbs. The central theme of the sermon is an invitation not merely to admire or visit wisdom, but to live in the house of wisdom—to make it our dwelling place and guiding principle.
Purpose of Proverbs (Proverbs 1:1–3)
Proverbs is given to teach wisdom and discipline, to understand wise insights, and to help people do what is right, just, and fair.
Discipline is emphasized—it's not what others do for you, but what you choose for yourself.
Discipline leads to order, consistency, and purposeful living.
The Structure of Wisdom (Proverbs 24:3–4)
Wisdom builds the house
Understanding establishes it
Knowledge furnishes it with pleasant and precious thingsThis creates a metaphorical structure: Wisdom = the house, Understanding = the foundation, Knowledge = the furniture.
This priority counters worldly assumptions—knowledge is not enough; it must be applied through wisdom and guided by understanding.
Illustration of Wisdom with Cooking
Knowledge is like having the recipe and ingredients.
Understanding is knowing how to use them.
Wisdom is putting it all together effectively and appropriately.
Path Principle and Decision-Making
Proverbs teaches to ponder the path of your feet (Proverbs 4:26).
Life is about the paths we walk, not merely our intentions.
Just as walking on a moving walkway takes you in a fixed direction, so do life choices—you arrive where the path leads, regardless of your good intentions.
Living in God’s Wisdom vs. Worldly Lack
There is both abundance and lack in the world—not only materially but spiritually.
There’s a famine of hearing the Word of the Lord (Amos 8:11), despite abundance all around.
True abundance is not material wealth, but spiritual richness, rooted in wisdom and relationship with God.
Warnings and Encouragement
Covetousness is a danger—desiring something just because someone else has it.
Jesus was not poor, but He lived simply. True wealth is in wisdom and purpose, not possessions.
Don't lower yourself or dilute your wisdom to fit in—let others rise to the level of truth and light.
Mind of Christ
God’s ways and thoughts are higher (Isaiah 55:8–9), but they are not unattainable—we must rise to them.
Believers have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16), giving access to divine wisdom.
Final Call: Choose Wisdom Daily
God's wisdom is a path, not just an idea.
Living wisely leads to stability, fulfillment, and God-directed success.
Don’t just visit the house of wisdom—live there.
Closing PrayerDr. Hudson ends with a prayer of thanksgiving, asking God to help believers live in the house of wisdom and guide others into the same.
Summary Phrase:"Let’s not just visit the house of wisdom—let’s live in it."
This message is both instructional and deeply spiritual, calling believers to a lifestyle rooted in God’s wisdom, discernment, and understanding.

"Your Tomorrow Begins Today" - Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #171 for May 28, 2025

All of what we hope for tomorrow, begins today.Joshua prepared Israel to cross the Jordan River. This was the second time they faced a barrier of water. First was the Red Sea after their exodus from Egypt. They miraculously crossed over with great joy, but they soon fell into bad habits. By the time Moses wrote the book of Deuteronomy, which was the last of his five books called the Pentateuch, he was very aware of Israel's failure after the Red Sea miracle.
In that last book, Moses wrote about people focusing on God and doing His will "today" over 160 times. Looking back, I think Moses realized that the people's hope for tomorrow was not met with preparation today.After Moses died, God raised up Joshua. As Israeli faced their second barrier of water, the Jordan River, we find Joshua giving them instructions today, before crossing over the next day. Joshua said, “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” (Joshua 3:5)God has prepared you for every challenge and opportunity in front of you. Today is your tomorrow because what you do today determines your success tomorrow.
 
God Bless and be encouraged!~ Bryan Hudson, DMin

SPECIAL EDITION – "The Path Principle" - Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #170 for May 21, 2025

Listen to the Message from Sunday, May 18, 2025
God's People in the City
 
"The Path Principle"   Bryan Hudson, DMin
I want to talk to you briefly about gun violence and something called "The Path Principle." 
This morning on May 20, I received an email from Anthony Beverly who is the founder and director of Stop the Violence Indianapolis. In this message, he communicated the tragic story of a 17 year old young man who died of gun violence at 29th and Dearborn here in my city of Indianapolis. First of all, I grew up six blocks from 29th in Dearborn. I'm in this neighborhood almost every day as my 88-year-old father lives in the vicinity of 34th and Dearborn. 
The tragedy of the young man who died of gun violence is a story that we've heard before, but it's very important that we do not become desensitized to hearing the stories. Because each young person who dies of gun violence is a person who will not get to fulfill his or her purpose in life. 
As someone who with my wife raised four children, including two sons, have worked with youth over the course of 46 years of ministry, including running a Media Camp each summer for 20 years, these stories of tragedy always strike me as being close to home. While gun violence has not touched my family directly, like you, I know someone who has been touched by it.
The first thing I want to say is do not make the mistake of painting all young people, particularly young, black men, with the same broad brush. The vast majority of young people want to do the right thing, and are doing right things. I don't think of young people as being “at risk,” I think of young people as being “at promise.” This was the case with the young man whom Anthony Beverly highlighted in his communication. May and June should be a season of commencement, not a season of tragic conclusions and death.
I don't know all the circumstances surrounding the death of a young man, but we do know he was attending a party. 
Let me talk about "The Path Principle.”
There is a story in Proverbs 7:7-15 that you can read later. It starts this way, and I will paraphrase it:
“At the window of my house I looked out through the lattice. I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgment He was going down the street near a corner, walking along in the direction of a house at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in. Then out came a person to meet him, and took hold of the youth and said, So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you!’
Trouble is literally looking for all of us, but especially young people because their whole life is ahead of them.
Here is the Path Principle:It doesn't matter what your intentions are, it doesn't matter what you say you want to do, it only matters what path you are on. You might say that you want to go to Cincinnati, but if you're on the path of I-65 north or 1-70 west, and not I-74 east, you're not going to get to Cincinnati. Your intentions do not matter, it only matters what path you're actually on.
Anthony Beverly and Stop the Violence Indianapolis has many programs to empower young people. I know many others who have programs and opportunities for young people. Many churches, including our church, New Covenant has done a lot of work to empower young people. I have supported organizations like Children's Policy and Law Initiative, Evolve with Pastor Denell Howard. Three of my children are alumni of The Center for Leadership Development, which was led in the beginning by the late Henry Bundles, Jr. and currently by Dennis E. Bland, esq.. 
All these are not simply programs. These are paths.
Let me say this, a party is also a path. Simply “hanging out” is a path. Too many young people have lost their lives while attending a party or hanging around. No one intended to go to a party and get shot or die from gun violence. Not all parties end in violence, but youth need to consider their path. 
This problem of gun violence is persistent and there's not one solution. But let me offer this one insight to parents, youth, and anyone listening: 
It is always your direction that ultimately determines your destination.—it is not your intentions, not your hopes, not your dreams, not your prayers, not your beliefs.
Every path leads somewhere. Your path determines your destination.
Proverbs 4:26 Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established. 

God's People in the City - by Pastor Bryan Hudson, DMin

Summary of Message:
“God’s People in the City” by Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min.
This message focuses on God's call for His people to commit to long-term ministry and outreach, especially in the urban context, under the theme “Each One, Reach One.” Drawing from Acts 18, Pastor Hudson reflects on Paul’s ministry in Corinth, emphasizing that God told Paul in a vision, “Do not be afraid... for I have many people in this city.” This refers not only to current believers but to those who would be saved.
Key scripture Text:
Acts18:9, Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” 11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. 
Key Themes:
God Knows Who Will Be Saved—We Don't
God, in His foreknowledge, knows those who will respond to the gospel.
Our responsibility is to share the message with everyone—we are not told who will or won’t respond.
Romans 8:29–30 outlines the process: foreknown, predestined, called, justified, glorified.
The Power and Necessity of the Gospel
Romans 1:16: “The gospel is the power of God to salvation.”
Programs and outreach are good, but they must be vehicles for presenting the gospel.
The Concept of “Locus” as Ministry Focus
"Locus" means the central area of activity.
Paul’s “locus” was preaching and teaching where God sent him, even staying for long periods to build impact.
We each must identify our personal ministry locus and stay committed.
Faithful Commitment Bears Fruit
Ministry impact takes time, consistency, and sometimes suffering.
Like Paul, we may face opposition, but God can shift us to nearby, fruitful places (e.g., Paul moved next door when rejected at the synagogue).
Being planted and focused leads to long-term results.
Salvation Process is God’s Work—but Requires Our Obedience
God does the calling, justifying, and glorifying.
Our job is to preach, share, and position ourselves so others can hear and respond.
Don’t Be Distracted or Discouraged
Ministry requires resilience. Not everyone will receive the message.
Even if we don’t see results, we may be sowing seeds others will water.
Christ Is Our Everything
1 Corinthians 1:30 says Christ becomes our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
No one can boast—salvation is fully God’s work.
Final Challenge:
Recognize that God has people in your city who haven’t heard yet.
Be intentional about your focus and committed to your calling.
Share the gospel faithfully—through outreach, in relationships, and wherever God places you.
Conclusion:The city is full of potential believers waiting to hear. Our role is not to figure out who they are, but to be faithful in sharing, knowing that God will do the work of salvation. As Pastor Hudson put it: “Get a real locus—something you can take to heaven with you.”