Firm Foundation with Bryan Hudson

Ministry in The Margins: How Small Acts Have Eternal Impact

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SERMON SUMMARY (by OpenAI)
Ministry in the Margins: How Small Acts Have Eternal Impact
By Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min.
Matthew 25:31 “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’
 
1. Introduction: Jesus will separate those who served from those who did not.
Dr. Hudson opens with Matthew 25, where Jesus describes the Son of Man returning in glory, separating people like a shepherd divides sheep and goats. This passage reveals how God evaluates lives—not by spectacle or prominence, but by compassionate actions taken toward “the least of these.”
Jesus lists personal, human-scale acts:
Feeding the hungry
Giving drink to the thirsty
Welcoming the stranger
Clothing the naked
Visiting the sick
Ministering to the imprisoned
The righteous are surprised—they don’t remember doing these things for Jesus. But He replies:
“Inasmuch as you did it to the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”
This text reveals Christ’s heart for people and His identification with the marginalized.
2. Two Levels of Ministry: Macro & Micro
Dr. Hudson explains that Jesus operated at two simultaneous levels:
A. Macro (Big Picture)
The “40,000-foot view”
God enthroned in heaven
Christ coming in glory with angels
The sweeping rule of God over all creation
Jesus doing “big things”—miracles, world-changing acts
This is the majestic, transcendent dimension of Christ’s ministry.
B. Micro (Personal & Individual)
Jesus noticing one hungry person
One thirsty person
One stranger
One sick or imprisoned person
One woman touching His garment
One boy with a small lunch
The same King who rules the universe also sees individual people in need.
"Jesus sees you right where you are.”
Christ never stops seeing the person while seeing the big picture.
The Problem With People Who Only See Macro
Some people only want big, impressive ministry. They become “legends in their own minds.”But without micro-vision—tenderness, compassion, awareness—you cannot truly minister to people.
 
3. What God Actually Pays Attention To
Dr. Hudson stresses that we live in a culture fascinated by entertainment, showmanship, and spectacle. But:
God is not impressed with big platforms or big productions.
God does not measure greatness the way people do.
God pays attention to people and their conditions, especially those who are suffering.
Illustration: Prison Ministry
Prison ministry strips away props, technology, and fanfare.You can’t take your laptop, phone, Apple Watch, or screens.You go in with:
A Bible
A simple watch
Glasses
A few notes
And Jesus in your heart
This is micro-level ministry—core, simple, compassionate.
God pays attention to that.
4. A Big God Who Sees and Uses Small Things
A. God Sees Small Things
Luke 12:6–7 – God cares about sparrows and numbers every hair on your head.
Jesus regularly highlights small acts of faith, not big personalities.
B. God Uses Small Things
Biblical examples:
A boy’s small lunch (loaves & fishes)
Rahab’s small but courageous lie to protect the spies
David’s sling and five smooth stones
Samson’s donkey’s jawbone
The woman’s touch of Jesus’ garment
Gideon’s 300 soldiers
A man loaning Jesus his donkey
All small acts. All with massive impact.
C. God Uses Simple Things
Especially in ministry to the marginalized—juvenile centers, prisons, people at the margins of society.Simplicity reveals Christ most clearly.
 
5. Ministry in the Margins: The Meaning of “Margins”
The sermon uses the metaphor of a book:
The text is the main content—where “most people” live.
The margin is outside the center—where people feel unseen, unwelcome, or displaced.
Some people live in the margins because:
Society pushes them there
They don’t fit expected norms
They experience hardship, injustice, or lack
They aren’t embraced by the “main text”
Jesus, however, identifies with people in the margins.
He says:
“I was hungry… I was thirsty… I was a stranger…”
He does not say “they were hungry.”
Jesus dignifies the marginalized by identifying with them personally.
Christ’s Identification With the Marginalized
Jesus Himself:
Was never literally sick or imprisoned
Was never homeless in the modern senseBut He chooses to identify with those who are.
Why? Because if you are trapped in the same condition yourself, you cannot lift someone else out.
He identifies so He can elevate.
6. The Problem in American Christianity
Dr. Hudson warns against a version of Christianity obsessed with:
Power
Privilege
Proximity to the wealthy
Cultural influence
Celebrity preachers
“Macro-only ministry”
The Gospel calls us back to the heart of Christ—a heart that sees the hungry, thirsty, undocumented, imprisoned, and sick.
As his grandfather preached:
“You got what you wanted, but lost what you had.”
7. Macro & Micro Together in Scripture
Examples:
Proverbs 16:9
Macro: A man plans his way
Micro: The Lord directs his steps
James 2:14
Macro: Faith
Micro: Works
Both are required.
8. Sheep vs. Goats: A Call to Be a Sheep
A. Sheep Characteristics
Gentle
Stay close together
Easily follow the shepherd
Respect boundaries
Stay where God places them
Ready to inherit the kingdom because they’ve been walking with the King
B. Goat Characteristics
Wander into danger
Break boundaries
Independent
Do their own thing
Resist leadership
Not oriented to the flock
Self-willed
This explains the behavior of many people.
C. Why Sheep Inherit the Kingdom
Not because God “picked” them that day, but because:
They were already aligned with Christ
Their lives consistently reflected His compassion
Their hearts were shaped by love, not self-service
“Be a sheep and not a goat.”
9. Final Exhortation: God’s Kingdom Is Love in Action
Jesus separates people not by:
Religion
Church attendance
Public image
Size of ministry
Amount of Bible knowledge
But by compassion expressed toward others.
Two realities:
The unrighteous (goats) face judgment for indifference and self-service.
The righteous (sheep) inherit the kingdom because they carry the King’s heart.
“Faith works through love.” — Galatians 5:6
 
10. Closing Prayer Themes
Gratitude for the Word
Correction and reorientation of our attitudes
Desire to reflect the compassion of Christ
Awareness that God sees even sparrows—and certainly sees us
Thankfulness for people who care and serve quietly
A commitment to be sheep, not goats
A call to draw close to Jesus and His heart for the marginalized
One-Sentence Summary
This sermon teaches that while God is great and majestic (macro), He pays the closest attention to small, compassionate acts done for people in the margins (micro), and those who consistently walk in such compassion—His “sheep”—are the ones who inherit His kingdom.

"You Did It Unto Me" – Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #195 for November 12, 2025

Matthew 25:31 “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

"Who Do We Listen To Now?" – Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #194 for November 5, 2025

Hebrews 1:1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; 3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

"Greater Love in a Season of Self-Service" – Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #193 for October 29, 2025

John 15:12–13, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”
 
Listen to the Message from Sunday, October 26
What Do You See? Fulfilling Purpose, No Excuses
Breaking “Christian” Strongholds 
 

What Do You See? Fulfilling Purpose, No Excuses – Breaking “Christian” Strongholds

Summary: “What Do You See? Fulfilling Purpose—No Excuses”
Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min. 
Primary Texts: Jeremiah 1:1–12; Esther 4:13–14; John 18:36; 2 Cor. 10:3–5
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Jeremiah 1:3 It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, until the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah, king of Judah, until the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month. 4 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: 5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;
Before you were born I sanctified[a] you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” 6 Then said I: “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.” 7 But the Lord said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. 8 Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord. 9 Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. 10 See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, To root out and to pull down, To destroy and to throw down, To build and to plant.” 11 Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” And I said, “I see a branch of an almond tree.” 12 Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am ready to perform My word.”
 
Thesis: How you see—with Spirit-given vision, not just physical sight—determines how God can use you. Vision silences excuses and activates purpose right where you already are.
1) Vision vs. Sight
Opens with Dr. Myles Munroe’s line: sight is with the eyes; vision is with the heart.
We act out of what we see internally; no one acts beyond their beliefs and understanding.
Best motivator of action: God’s purpose and love of neighbor.
Worst motivator: self-interest.
Greatest enemy to purpose: accepting limitations and making excuses.
2) Jeremiah’s Context and Call
Jeremiah ministers in a divided kingdom (Israel & Judah). Israel already fell; Judah still “with God” yet drifting into idolatry and injustice.
God’s word to Jeremiah (Jer 1:4–10):
Before birth—God knew, formed, sanctified, appointed him.
Jeremiah’s excuse (“I’m too young / can’t speak”) is dismissed by God.
God gives a threefold redirection:
Command: “You shall go…and speak.”
Prohibition: “Do not fear their faces.”
Promise: “I am with you to deliver you.”
Provision: God touches Jeremiah’s mouth, putting His words there—empowerment. Assignment: “Root out, pull down, destroy, throw down”—then “build and plant.”
3) Inside the System, Yet Unconformed
God often uses people already inside systems if they refuse to be conformed.
Jeremiah: born into priestly establishment, yet called to confront corruption.
Esther: positioned in power and tempted to silence; Mordecai reminds her she’s there “for such a time as this.”She risks comfort to challenge an evil decree.
4) Two “Kingdoms”: Counterfeit vs. Christ’s
Dr. Hudson contrasts “Christianity without Christ” with the Christianity of Christ:
Manifest Destiny and the Doctrine of Discovery (historical justifications for conquest and displacement) and chattel slavery are cited as religiously-coated systems that harmed people—ends never justify means.
Frederick Douglass is quoted distinguishing the pure Christianity of Christ from the hypocritical religion of his time.
“I love the pure, peaceable, and impartial Christianity of Christ; I therefore hate the corrupt, slaveholding, women-whipping, cradle-plundering, partial, and hypocritical Christianity of this land. Indeed, I can see no reason, but the most deceitful one, for calling the religion of this land Christianity. I look upon it as the climax of all misnomers, the boldest of all frauds, and the grossest of all libels.” (Frederick Douglass, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave)
Contemporary Christian nationalism seeks to wield state power to impose religion. Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36); the Gospel changes hearts, not by coercive law.
Christians hold dual citizenship: we preach the Gospel, love neighbors, pursue justice, and elect competent public servants, but we do not try to “Christianize” worldly power.
5) Excuses vs. God’s Plan
God ignores excuses—they only “work” for the one making them.
Inadequacy is real, but not a hiding place; the God who formed you increases capacity.
Expect trouble for obedience; God already factored it in and promises presence and deliverance.
6) Weapons and Work of the Kingdom
Our warfare is not carnal (2 Cor. 10:3–5). We pray, speak truth to power, show up, help people, and support leaders who serve the common good rather than self-interest.
“Rooting out” includes exposing deception; “building/planting” means constructive actions that bless people and communities.
7) “What Do You See?”—The Almond Branch
God asks Jeremiah what he sees (1:11–12).
Almond branch—earliest to bloom—pictures God’s watchfulness and swift action.
Key: Jeremiah didn’t need full interpretation to obey; he only needed to see what God showed.
When Jeremiah saw God’s adequacy more than his own inadequacy, God declared, “You have seen well… I am ready to perform My word.”
8) Applications & Practices
Confession: Renounce excuses; receive assignment where you are; refuse fear; trust God’s presence.
Act where placed: Identify your sphere (home, work, school, civic board, ministry team).
Two moves each week:
One “tear down” act (truth-telling, intercession, challenging injustice).
One “build/plant” act (mentoring, proposing just processes, starting prayer/helps initiatives).
Discernment: Judge by fruit, not labels; avoid fruitless arguments; invest in people with ears to hear.
9) Closing Appeal & Prayer
Place hope in Christ, not systems. Worldly empires fail; God’s kingdom endures.
Ask for grace to discern counterfeit religion, to shine light without anger, and to participate in God’s change by changed hearts leading to changed conditions.
Call to salvation, consecration, and immediate obedience—letting the “light turn on” and walking out purpose with no excuses.
Bottom line:Seeing with kingdom vision—not merely with natural sight—positions you to confront lies, build what blesses people, and walk confidently in the assignment God prepared before you were born.

"Father of Lights" – Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #192 for October 22, 2025

James 1:17, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 
 1 John 1:5, The Apostle John wrote, “This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.”
 John 1:4–5, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”
 

"The Light That Blinds: When Power Creates Darkness – Moral Clarity in an Age of Injustice" (DIGITAL VOICE AUDIO)

"The Light That Blinds: When Power Creates Darkness –  Moral Clarity in an Age of Injustice"
by Bryan Hudson, D.Min.
This is audio of an article read by a digital voice. To read the article VISIT THIS LINK on my blog.

"Press Forward & Up" – Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #191 for October 15, 2025

Philippians 3:12, Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

Your Kingdom, Power & Glory: Quietness + Confidence = STRENGTH

Summary of the Message:“Kingdom, Power, Glory: Quietness + Confidence = Strength”by Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min.
I. INTRODUCTION: THE DISCIPLE’S REQUEST AND THE KINGDOM CONTEXT
A. The Request: “Lord, Teach Us to Pray” (Luke 11:1; Matthew 6:9–13)
Jesus models prayer for His disciples—not the Lord’s prayer, but our prayer.
The prayer closes with a reminder of divine ownership and sovereignty:“For Yours is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory forever.”
B. Meaning of the Three Realms of God
Kingdom – God’s rule and authority.
Power – God’s ability to accomplish His will.
Glory – God’s majesty and divine presence.
These belong to God alone; not to governments, politicians, or human systems.
Believers operate in a higher kingdom, with higher power, for the glory of God.
II. THE KINGDOM IS LIGHT IN A DARK WORLD
A. The Bright Light of God’s Kingdom (Matthew 5:14)
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world; a city on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Christ has transferred His light to His followers.
Application:
You are already visible—so shine.
Others are already watching, so be the light.
“You may as well shine!”
III. THE KINGDOM IS TRANSFORMATIVE
A. The Call of the Disciples (Matthew 4:18–20)
Jesus said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Transformation begins when we follow; God makes us.
The Kingdom changes identity and purpose.
B. Cooperation with God’s Transforming Power
Transformation requires yielding, not striving.
God’s kingdom forms new purpose, power, and personhood.
IV. THE KINGDOM IS FULL OF STRENGTH
(Isaiah 30:15–16)
“In returning and rest you shall be saved;In quietness and confidence shall be your strength;But you would not…”
A. The Prophetic Context
Judah sought political alliances (Egypt) instead of trusting God.
God rebuked them: “You take counsel, but not of Me.”
The warning: reliance on worldly systems leads to weakness and dependence.
B. Worldly Systems vs. God’s Kingdom
Earthly systems concentrate power and wealth among a few.
God’s kingdom strengthens, uplifts, and liberates people.
True strength is found only in God’s rule.
V. THE FALSE STRENGTH OF SPEED AND STRIVING
A. The Futility of Running Faster
“We will flee on swift horses…” — but “those who pursue you shall be swift.”
You cannot outrun anxiety, distraction, or fear.
The faster you run, the faster your troubles seem to chase you.
Principle: The answer is not speed but stillness.
B. Modern Application
People try to fix weakness by posturing strength—pretending to be powerful.
Strength doesn’t come from acting strong but from quietness of heart and confidence in God.
VI. TRUE STRENGTH ILLUSTRATED: HARRIET TUBMAN
A. Example of Spiritual Strength
Physically small (about 5 feet tall), formerly enslaved, but mighty in faith.
Escaped 90 miles to freedom and returned to rescue ~70 others.
Served as a scout and spy during the Civil War and later as an activist.
B. The Source of Her Strength
Quote: “I prayed to God to make me strong and able to fight.”
Her strength came from God, not size or status.
True strength is moral, spiritual, and rooted in trust and courage.
VII. RETURNING, RESTING, AND KNOWING GOD
A. Returning and Rest (Isaiah 30:15)
Returning = repentance — turning back to God.
Rest = tranquility and settledness.
Deliverance comes through surrender, not striving.
Rest is not inactivity—it is trusting the power of another (God).
B. Quietness and Confidence
Quietness: Calm heart; stillness of spirit.
Confidence: Assurance in God’s character and promises.
“Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
You know only after you be still.
Stillness allows God’s presence to fill the heart.
C. Results of Quiet Confidence
“The work of righteousness will be peace” (Isaiah 32:17).
When God is with you, you can move without fear.
If you are still fearful—sit back down until peace returns.
VIII. THE HUMAN TENDENCY TO MOVE FASTER
A. God Says: “Rest.” Humanity Says: “No.”
Israel said, “We will flee on swift horses.”
Principle: The human reflex is to move faster rather than trust deeper.
Lesson: You need stillness, not speed.
B. Trust in God, Not in Systems
“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses,but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7)
Wealth, systems, and networks can change—but God remains faithful.
Even abundance (money, success) is no substitute for trust in the Lord.
IX. THE POWER OF STILLNESS
A. Stillness Is Productive, Not Passive
God’s kingdom is productive—just not busy.
Stillness reorders priorities and aligns you with God’s presence.
It helps you reframe life’s situations through faith:
“It’s bad, but God’s got it.”
“It’s chaotic, but God’s got me.”
B. Illustration: Captain “Sully” Sullenberger
During the “Miracle on the Hudson,” he acted calmly under pressure.
His stillness allowed his training—and God’s grace—to work.
Lesson: You can’t perform CPR, pilot a plane, or save a life while frantic.
Stillness lets knowledge, faith, and grace operate effectively.
X. THE INVITATION TO REST IN CHRIST (Matthew 11:28)
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
A. God’s Offer vs. Humanity’s Resistance
Many hear this call but refuse it—choosing “swift horses” instead.
Jesus invites us to stop striving and receive His rest.
XI. APPLICATION AND RESPONSE
1. Return to God Daily
Repent, realign, and rest—make it a daily rhythm.
Don’t wait for crisis to return; stay aligned continuously.
2. Seek Strength Through Quiet Time
Prayer and meditation on God’s Word.
Meditate—turn truth over and over until it shapes your heart.
3. Value Stillness with God Over Speed Without Him
Resist the culture of hurry.
Strength grows in quiet confidence, not constant motion.
4. Trust That When You Stop Striving, God Starts Moving
Let surrender activate divine strength.
Faith rests, and rest becomes power.
XII. CONCLUSION AND PRAYER
Summary Statement:“Quietness + Confidence = Strength.”God’s kingdom is not built on noise, speed, or display—but on returning, resting, and trusting.
Closing Prayer Highlights:
Thank God for His kingdom, power, and glory.
Ask for grace to practice stillness, repentance, and confidence.
Celebrate examples of spiritual strength (like Harriet Tubman).
Reaffirm trust in God’s rule: “Yours is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, forever.”

"Stillness, Not Speed" – Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #190 for October 8, 2025

Isaiah 30:15–16 (NKJV)
16 This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.
16 You said, ‘No, we will flee on horses.’ Therefore you will flee! You said, ‘We will ride off on swift horses.’ Therefore your pursuers will be swift!