Firm Foundation with Bryan Hudson

"Jesus Stood Still" - Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #153 for January 15, 2025

Listen to My Message From Sunday, January 12, 2024
New Covenant Church Vision for 2025 - "Each One, Reach One."
 
Mark 10:46 Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”48 Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”Mark 10:49 So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.”50 And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus. 51 So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?”The blind man said to Him, “ Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.”
This is a beautiful story about the compassion of Jesus and the boldness of a blind man in that time in region. It was culturally inappropriate for a disabled person to be seen and heard in the fashion in which Bartimaeus cried out, they were thought to be cursed by God. It was presumed that they would accept their lot in life to accept their insignificance because of disability. Poor people, disabled people, lesser people should not speak up, even less demanding the attention of an important person.
 In the midst of the crowds who followed Jesus many were desperate, some sincere, some just curious. He was thronged with people and many were calling out. When blind Bartimaeus called out, there was something different in his voice, not only desperation, but faith and trust.
And I love this part of the text where it said, "Jesus stood still."
He stopped walking to pay attention to this solitary voice. In doing this, Jesus broke a cultural norm that required him to not regard people like Bartimaeus. He dignified a man who had been disrespected his whole life. The story goes on as we read, "Jesus called for him, asked what he wanted." Bartimaeus said," I want to see," to which Jesus said, "Your faith has made you well."  Among all the people crying out to Jesus, Bartimaeus was a voice of faith.
This story highlights a vision statement we've made at New Covenant Church this year. That statement is simply is "Each One, Reach One." It's a very simple statement, somewhat cliche, but the profound truth behind it is this:
We need to see people, stand still, pay attention, and let God work through us and on behalf of people who are willing to be helped.
As we enter a season in our country where we're likely going to see a continued disrespect toward the poor, the less powerful, a likely a continued diminishing of Black history and neglect of the true values that defined who Christ followers should be.
We may even face the effects of what has been called "The Tyranny of the Majority." However, be sure of this: When you call on Jesus, He will stand still for you! Let's stand still for the least among us. They're going to need us in this season.
God bless. Have a great day and be encouraged.

New Covenant Church | Vision for 2025

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Summary of New Covenant Church Vision 2025 by Pastor Bryan Hudson
The 2025 vision, rooted in the church's constitution and the will of God, emphasizes collective purpose and unity under God's guidance. The theme, "Each One Reach One," calls every individual to focus on personal responsibility in reaching and impacting one person at a time, mirroring Jesus' approach of compassion and attention to the individual.
Key Points:
Foundational Scripture:
Psalm 65:11 ("You crown the year with your goodness, and your paths drip with abundance").
Luke 15:7 ("More joy in heaven over one sinner who changes heart and life than over 99 righteous people").
Galatians 5:13 ("Through love, serve one another").
Vision Principles:
God's vision is greater than personal ambitions, and individual purpose is discovered within God's purpose.
Prioritize adapting personal priorities to align with God's kingdom priorities.
True joy in heaven stems from repentance and transformation, not material achievements.
Theme: "Each One Reach One":
Emphasizes individual impact rather than crowd-focused goals.
Encourages empathy, seeing and valuing individuals beyond their external circumstances.
Challenges members to engage meaningfully, reflecting Jesus' compassion for individuals within multitudes.
Jesus' Examples of Reaching the One:
The lost sheep (Luke 15).
The woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5).
Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10).
Cultural Shift:
Recognize the kingdom's values over societal norms, moving from self-centered perspectives to collective and kingdom-oriented thinking.
Replace idealism (unrealistic expectations) with actionable ideals grounded in love and service.
Call to Action:
Visit the vision webpage and engage in reflection and participation.
Focus on actionable steps that align with the vision of loving God, loving people, and serving the world.
The message concludes with a prayer of gratitude and encouragement for the congregation to embody the vision of reaching one person at a time with God's love and purpose.

"Run With the Vision" - Firm Foundation inspiration Minute #152 for January 8, 2025

Lean more about the context of this Scripture in Habakkuk's time: https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-habakkuk/
Habakkuk  2:1, I will stand my watch And set myself on the rampart, and watch to see what He will say to me, And what I will answer when I am corrected. 2 Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry. “Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith."
Summary of "Run With the Vision" by Dr. Bryan Hudson (by OpenAI)
Dr. Bryan Hudson reflects on Habakkuk 2:1–4, emphasizing the importance of faith, vision, and trust in God's promises during challenging times. The passage highlights the prophet Habakkuk's dialogue with God about the injustice and evil in his world, including the rise of Babylon as an instrument of judgment. Despite the challenges, God assures Habakkuk that the vision of justice will come to pass, even if it seems delayed.
Key lessons include:
Living by Faith: Regardless of external circumstances, the righteous are called to live by faith in God, trusting His timing and promises.
Writing and Sharing the Vision: God instructs Habakkuk to write the vision plainly so it can inspire action and hope. This reminds believers to articulate and share God's guidance in a way that motivates others to act.
God’s Justice: While Babylon’s rise served as judgment, God holds all nations accountable, and evil will ultimately be punished. Believers are to focus on God’s justice and purpose rather than on the wickedness of the world.
Hudson draws parallels between Habakkuk’s time and today, urging Christians to focus on serving God's purpose and shining as lights in a dark world, as stated in Philippians 2:15. He emphasizes that God's promises remain valid and relevant, encouraging believers to live with hope and share God's vision in their communities.
The message concludes with an invitation to join New Covenant Church to hear and engage with the vision for 2025, centered on God's ongoing work and unchanging promises.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! "A Resolution for 2025" - Firm Foundation inspiration Minute #151 for January 1, 2025

Philippians 4:8-9 CEB
From now on, brothers and sisters, if anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise. 9 Practice these things: whatever you learned, received, heard, or saw in us. The God of peace will be with you.
 
SUMMARY
 
Dr. Bryan Hudson's talk for January 1, "A Resolution for 2025," encourages people to set resolutions that align with God's will, rather than relying on their own strength. He highlights a study showing that most New Year's resolutions fail by the second week of January, mainly because they are made in human strength. Hudson stresses the importance of resolutions rooted in God's power, which brings grace, motivation, and strength. He focuses on Philippians 4:8-9, urging individuals to focus on things that are excellent, admirable, true, holy, just, pure, lovely, and worthy of praise.
Hudson suggests that making decisions based on these virtues will lead to better outcomes. He encourages practicing solitude and prayer for personal growth and reflection. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of exemplars—role models who demonstrate the qualities to aim for. Hudson shares practical advice like "habit stacking," which involves building small, consistent habits to create lasting change.
Ultimately, Hudson calls for a resolution to rely on God's wisdom and strength, rather than one's own, and to focus on what is excellent and admirable. He encourages everyone to lean into God's guidance for personal and spiritual growth in the coming year.

Merry Christmas! Jesus: Born to You - Firm Foundation inspiration Minute #150 for December 25, 2024

Luke 2:10-11, Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
WATCH: 2024 Community Christmas Outreach Highlights
Christmas Message by Pastor Bryan Hudson:
“The Joy of New Life in Christ.”
Summary:
Dr. Bryan Hudson’s "Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute" reflects on the birth of Jesus, emphasizing the message of hope and joy found in Luke 2:10-11. He highlights the angel's proclamation of "good tidings of great joy" and reminds listeners that Jesus was born for each person, regardless of their circumstances—whether surrounded by family, alone, or experiencing loss. He encourages focusing on God’s presence during the Christmas season.
Dr. Hudson also shares updates on his church’s community outreach, including deliveries of food and gifts to families in their homes, donations and ministry to various groups such as homeless teens, incarcerated individuals, and those in need. He concludes by celebrating Jesus as the reason for the season, urging listeners to let Christ fulfill His purpose in their lives.
Merry Christmas and encouragement are central to his message.

The Joy of New Life in Christ | Christmas Message

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Luke 2:8Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a [d]manger.”13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14  “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
SUMMARY
The message, The Joy of Christ in Christmas by Pastor Bryan Hudson, emphasizes the profound joy brought by the birth of Jesus Christ. Drawing from Luke 2:10 and other scriptures, Pastor Hudson highlights the contrast between busy Bethlehem and the serene shepherds’ field, where the angelic announcement of "good tidings of great joy" was made.
Jesus’ humble birth in a manger symbolizes His identification with everyday people and His purpose as a Savior for all. The wise men’s gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—prophetically speak to Jesus’ royalty, deity, and sacrificial death.
The message celebrates Christ as the ultimate gift, offering new life and joy that transcends life’s challenges. By embracing this gift, believers can rise above circumstances, share His joy through giving, and live a life of praise and gratitude. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to reflect the spirit of Christ’s love and joy in their daily lives.
 

"J.O.Y. - Firm Foundation inspiration Minute #149 for December 18, 2024

Luke 2:8, Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And [c]behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 

Love & Serve: A Year of God's Favor - Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min.

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Summary of Pastor Bryan Hudson's Sermon:
“Love & Serve: A Year of God's Favor”
 
Pastor Bryan Hudson emphasizes that 2024 has been a year for highlighting the enduring nature of God’s promises and the importance of embracing His favor both spiritual and natural. The sermon focuses on the New Covenant Church mission of Loving God, Loving People, Serving the Word, which is foundational to the Christian walk. Dr. Hudson calls on believers to express their faith through acts of service, motivated by God’s love for humanity and our love for one another.Key Themes:1. God’s Favor:◦ • God's favor manifests in both natural and supernatural ways.◦ • Favor involves God's provision, protection, and influence over circumstances and people.◦ • Believers are encouraged to align with God's work rather than waiting passively.2. Foundations of Faith:◦ • The foundation of a believer's life is God’s love for us and our reciprocal love for others.◦ • Living out this love requires simplicity and focus.3. Freedom in Christ:◦ • Using Christian liberty to serve others, not for selfish gain, reflects God’s love.◦ • Service includes helping those in need, visiting homes, and sharing blessings selflessly.4. Godly Motivation:◦ • True motivation stems from love—God's love for us and our love for others.◦ • Other motivations (e.g., external rewards, self-image, or control) often fall short and can lead to selfishness or harm.5. The Mission of Christ: ◦• Jesus came to proclaim freedom for captives, give sight to the blind, and declare God’s favor.
◦ • His mission inspires believers to bring hope and practical aid to those in need.6. Love and Service:◦God's love is universal, sacrificial, and giving, unlike the world's love, which is often narrow and self-serving.◦ The church’s mission—"Loving God, Loving People, Serving the World"— encourages believers to reflect Christ’s example in their daily lives.
Practical Application:• Loving God: Through prayer, worship, study, and quiet reflection.• Loving People: By sharing the gospel, making disciples, and meeting people where they are.• Serving the World: Demonstrating love through actions, often without words, to reflect Christ’s character.Closing Reflections:Dr. Hudson concludes by acknowledging the legacy of love passed down from previous generations and encouraging believers to follow their example. He challenges the congregation to embody God’s love and favor as they approach a new year, ensuring their lives reflect the vision of love and service.
 
The message closes with a prayer of thanksgiving, celebrating the work of God
throughout the year and looking forward to continued blessings and opportunities for
service

"Love & Serve" - Firm Foundation inspiration Minute #148 for December 11, 2024

"Love & Serve"  -  Firm Foundation inspiration Minute #148 for December 11, 2024
Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me  to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favoand the day of vengeance of our God to comfort all who mourn,3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—o bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

"Have You Made a Peace Offering?" - Firm Foundation inspiration Minute #147 for December 4, 2024

Listen to My Message From Sunday, December 1, 2024
Giving Thanks: Not Only a Day - A Foundation 
 
1 Thessalonians 5:18, In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for youLeviticus 7:11 ‘This is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings which he shall (or “may offer”) offer to the Lord: 12 If he offers it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer, with the sacrifice of thanksgiving, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, unleavened wafers anointed with oil, or cakes of blended flour mixed with oil.