Firm Foundation with Bryan Hudson

The Greatest of These is Love

Summary of Sermon: "The Greatest of These is Love" by Dr. Bryan Hudson
Dr. Bryan Hudson's sermon focuses on 1 Corinthians 13, emphasizing that love is the greatest virtue above faith and hope. He explains that love is not just a feeling but an action, motivated by God, and highlights how compassion is "love in action."
Key Themes:
Love as Action, Not Just Emotion
The Apostle Paul describes love as patient, kind, and selfless, rather than merely an emotion.
Love must come from the heart and be motivated by God, not just by personal satisfaction or recognition.
Compassion: Love in Action
Jesus demonstrated compassion by healing the sick (e.g., the leper in Mark 1:40).
True love moves us to act, just as Jesus was moved with compassion and performed miracles.
Compassion leads to obedience to God, even when circumstances seem difficult or inconvenient.
The Greatest Commandment: Love God & Others
Jesus taught that the greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and the second is to love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:28-31).
True love is expressed through giving and service, not just words.
Love is the foundation of Christian faith and identity.
God’s Love vs. Human Love
Human love is often conditional and limited, whereas God's love is unconditional, sacrificial, and eternal.
John 3:16 illustrates that God’s love is demonstrated through giving—He gave His Son for humanity’s salvation.
Love Overcomes Fear
1 John 4:18: "Perfect love casts out fear."
Dr. Hudson clarifies that it is not our imperfect love, but God's perfect love that removes fear.
Fear is often false evidence appearing real (F.E.A.R.), and understanding God's love helps us overcome anxiety and doubt.
Obedience in Love
Just as Jesus obeyed the Father, believers should obey God’s call to love and serve others.
Love is about doing the right thing, even when it is inconvenient or unrecognized.
Conclusion:
Dr. Hudson emphasizes that love is the foundation of our faith—it sustains hope and strengthens faith. God's perfect love is what casts out fear, and believers are called to love in action rather than just words. Love is not something we try to produce—it is something we allow God to work through us.

"Empowered For Life" & Introduction to February Devotional - Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #156 for February 5, 2025

Listen to the Message by Pastor Hudson From Sunday, February 2, 2025
Solitary & Safe: How God Helps the Alone and Disregarded
 
Empowered for Life: Introduction to the 21-Day Devotional Summary
Welcome to Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #156! This is a special edition as we prepare for a 21-day devotional on Principles of Empowerment, beginning February 7th.
The Power of God’s Word
Psalm 119:11 – "Your word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you."
God’s Word is a source of strength, guidance, and empowerment.
In an age of overwhelming information, discerning God’s voice is crucial (John 10:27).
Jesus, as the Word of God, strengthens us when His Word abides in us.
Understanding Sin and the Need for Direction
Sin means "to miss the mark" (from archery).
Without God’s direction, we lack aim and purpose.
True empowerment comes through aligning our lives with God's truth.
Introducing the 21-Day Devotional
Begins February 7th – short daily readings with scripture and reflection questions.
Day 1 Theme: "Free Indeed – The Beginning of Empowerment" (John 8:31-32).
Key thought: “In Christ, I am free indeed and free forever.”
Reflection question: "What have I substituted for the true freedom that only Christ can give?"
True freedom is a treasured inheritance through Christ.
How to Participate
Access the devotional at:
NewCovenant.org
BryanHudson.com
Subscribe to receive daily email lessons at 5:30 AM.
Each lesson includes a reflection question and personal insights.
Final Encouragement
Empowerment = Receiving the ability to do what you couldn’t do before.
Being in a community of faith provides strength and support.
Listen to the recent sermon "Solitary and Safe" about the importance of spiritual family.
Stay encouraged, stay strong, and let God’s Word empower you!
God bless!

Solitary & Safe: How God Helps the Alone and Disregarded

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Summary of Dr. Bryan Hudson’s Sermon:
"Solitary and Safe: How God Helps the Alone and Lonely" (by OpenAI)
 
Dr. Bryan Hudson’s message focuses on God's care for the solitary and lonely, as
highlighted in Psalm 68:4-6. He emphasizes that while God is majestic and
transcendent, He also sees and cares for every individual, especially the overlooked
and marginalized. Unlike worldly leaders who often ignore the "small" or "unimportant,"
God values and uplifts them.
Key Themes:
1. God’s Awareness and Care for the Lonely
2. God is "a father to the fatherless" and "a defender of widows" (Psalm 68:5), ensuring that the solitary find family and community.
◦ Human relationships may fail, but God remains constant in His love and provision.
Black History and Truth in Storytelling
◦ February, being Black History Month, is a time to recognize God's hand
3. in history.
◦ Hudson warns against accepting historical "narratives" without verifying the actual truth. He encourages seeking source documentation to understand history in its fullness.
◦ He emphasizes the dignity of enslaved people, rejecting the term "slave" as an identity. Instead, he acknowledges them as humans made in God's image who were enslaved by others.
Christian Responsibility in a Corrupt World
◦ Quoting Philippians 2:15-16, he reminds believers that they are to shine as lights in a crooked and perverse generation.
◦ He criticizes dehumanizing attitudes, especially in leadership, highlighting a recent quote about immigrants that echoed Adolf Hitler’s words.
◦ Christians are called to stand for truth, justice, and love in a world that often promotes division and exclusion.
4. The Danger of Isolation
5. While everyone experiences moments of solitude, prolonged isolation is dangerous.
◦ Proverbs 18:1 warns that isolation leads to selfish desires and poor judgment.
◦ Hudson encourages interdependence—neither complete independence nor total dependence but a balance of personal responsibility and community engagement.
The Role of Family, Community, and Church
6. God places the solitary in families (Psalm 68:6), ensuring that no one has to walk alone.
◦ The prodigal son (Luke 15) serves as an example of how people may isolate themselves but can always return to loving community.
◦ The church must be ready to embrace the broken and bring them into safety.
God Never Forgets His People
◦ Isaiah 49:14-16 reassures that even if a mother forgets her child, God will never forget His people.
◦ The "walls" of a person's life—both strengths and weaknesses—are always before God, and He is actively working in their lives.
Final Message:
Hudson urges believers to reject isolation, seek truth, and embrace their God-given identity and community. He calls on the church to reach out to the lonely, advocate for truth, and love their neighbors as themselves, fulfilling God’s mission through their co-mission.
Closing Prayer:
He thanks God for being a refuge, for setting the solitary in families, and for guiding His people to rediscover their purpose in Him.

"Solitary and 'Solid" - Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #155 for January 29, 2025

Psalms 68:4-6
Sing to God, sing praises to His name;Extol Him who rides on the clouds,By His name Yah,And rejoice before Him.5 A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows,Is God in His holy habitation.6 God sets the solitary in families;He brings out those who are bound into prosperity;But the rebellious dwell in a dry land.
This edition of Firm Foundation Inspiration Minutes focuses on the "solitary. Psalm 68:6, highlights how God places the lonely into families. The message emphasizes God's concern for the hurting, lost, and lonely, reassuring that even when individuals feel isolated, God provides support through church, friends, or community. It stresses the importance of being connected to the right people rather than just being surrounded by a lot of people. Additionally, it warns against resisting God, as rejecting Him leads to spiritual dryness. The message ties into New Covenant Church’s 2025 vision of "Every One, Reach One.' The takeaway: believers are never truly alone—God has already placed them in a family.

"The Gospel is the Power of God" - Firm Foundation Inspiration Minute #154 for January 22, 2025

Listen to the Message by Patricia Hudson From Sunday, January 19, 2025
The Gospel: God's Power for Salvation
 
Podcast Summary:The Gospel of Christ is the power of God for salvation to all who believe, as outlined in Romans 1:16-17. Salvation is simple and centers on Christ's righteousness, which no human can achieve on their own. Jesus, the sinless Savior, condemned sin and rose from the dead, offering salvation to everyone—Jews and Gentiles alike. The message highlights the importance of keeping salvation uncomplicated and emphasizes God’s revelation to Peter and Cornelius about the universal scope of the Gospel. The speaker recommends listening to Patricia Hudson’s message for deeper insight into this truth.

The Gospel: God's Power for Salvation - by Patricia Hudson

Summary of "The Gospel: God's Power for Salvation" by Patricia Hudson (by OpenAI)
Patricia Hudson’s message emphasizes the transformative power of the Gospel and the responsibility of Christ-followers to share it. Drawing from Acts 10 and Matthew 28:18-20, she explores Peter's divine appointment to preach to Cornelius, a Gentile, marking a pivotal moment in the spread of the Gospel beyond the Jewish community.
Key themes include:
The Vision for 2025: "Each One, Reach One" as a call for every believer to share the Gospel.
Peter and Cornelius: Peter’s vision in Joppa and Cornelius’s divine instructions highlight God’s intent to extend salvation to all nations.
The Gospel’s Universality: Peter's realization that God shows no partiality and that salvation is available to all who believe.
The Holy Spirit’s Role: The Spirit’s guidance and power are essential for witnessing and sharing the Gospel.
Call to Action: Hudson encourages believers to study, internalize, and share the Gospel confidently, reflecting on its power to change lives.
Hudson concludes with a challenge to believers: prepare to share the Gospel by delving into Scripture and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide their efforts in spreading the message of salvation.

"Renewed Mind = Renewed Life" ~Pastor Bryan Hudson Bible Study at Wheeler Mission

Summary of Dr. Bryan Hudson's Bible Study at Wheeler Mission:
"Renewed Mind = Renewed Life"
Pastor Bryan Hudson shared an encouraging message about transformation through the renewing of the mind, using Ephesians 6:10-13 and Romans 12:1-2 as core scriptures. Key points included:
The Importance of a Renewed Mind:
A renewed mind leads to a transformed life.
Salvation begins with the heart, but transformation requires renewing the mind.
Key Scriptures and Analogies:
Ephesians 6: Encourages believers to be strong in the Lord and put on the full armor of God to stand firm against challenges.
Romans 12: Stresses not conforming to worldly patterns but being transformed through a renewed mind.
Analogies of molds and chameleons illustrated how people can be shaped by their environment, but believers are called to reflect God's will.
Transformation Process:
Implantation: Planting God's Word in our hearts and acting on it.
Formation: Developing Christ-like character through discipleship and consistent growth.
Sanctification: Being set apart for God's purposes, leading to a demonstration of a changed life.
Practical Steps and Warnings:
Avoid negative influences and environments that hinder growth.
Present your body and mind as living sacrifices to God.
Embrace God's grace to overcome sin and live a sanctified life.
Personal Testimonies and Application:
Dr. Hudson shared his own struggles and growth after salvation, emphasizing that transformation is a lifelong process.
He encouraged attendees to stay in community and take advantage of discipleship programs for continued growth.
Invitation to Salvation:
Dr. Hudson led attendees in a prayer of repentance and commitment to Jesus Christ, inviting them to begin the journey of a renewed mind and life.
The study concluded with an invitation to engage in discipleship and continue growing spiritually, emphasizing that renewal is an ongoing process that brings about lasting change.

"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.