God is Kind // S3E15 Join me on this episode of the podcast where I speak with Allen Casstevens the host of the Revitalize Hope podcast.

When we think about God being the beginning of all things, this includes kindness! This was a great discussion and we hope that this is an encouragement as we talk about the kindness of our creator and how His kindness is life altering.

Scripture discussed

1 John 4:19, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Ephesians 2:7, Psalm 36:7, Psalm 31:21

Revitalize Kindness core verse - Titus 3:4-5 "But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit."

Quotes

"The goodness of God to a man of evil life is not intended to encourage him to continue in his sin, but it is meant to woo and win him away from it."

-Charles Spurgeon

"The truth is the kindest thing we can give folks in the end."

-Harriet Beecher Stowe

Quenching the Spirit // S3E14 On this episode we discuss and define what quenching the spirit is. In our conversation with Bill we discuss topics such as "walking in the spirit", excuses that we give for following the flesh, and carnal Christianity.

If we are quenching the spirit are we walking by faith? If we are called to be a light unto the world, is this possible if we are quenching the spirit?

We consider these questions and many more!

Links:

https://www.gotquestions.org/quench-Holy-Spirit.html

https://www.gotquestions.org/Spirit-walk.html

Eat Your Fruit // S3E13 Have you ever heard the expression,"An apple a day will keep the doctor away"? Fruit in many facets of our lives is a good thing. In terms of our spiritual lives, fruit is a great thing especially if that fruit is a gift from the Holy Spirit.

In this episode we discuss the Fruit of the Spirit, Kindness! In a world where kindness is rare, as Christians we should acknowledge how the Holy Spirit works within us, growing us to maturity in our faith. Our God is kind (we will take a deep dive into this idea in an upcoming episode) and so as image bearers of our creator, we are to be kind also. However, we live in a sinful world, and let's face it, sometimes being kind is difficult to people that are not kind to us. This is why we need to focus on what thie Spirit can enable us to do which is to be kind and love in the face of adversity.

Links:

https://www.gotquestions.org/fruit-Holy-Spirit-kindness.html

Connect:

Click to join us in the Revitalize Kindness Podcast Community

https://www.facebook.com/groups/219380614872161

Ambassadors // S3E12 Did you know as a Christ follower that you are a new creation? We have been reconciled and God has given us this as a ministry. In this episode we discuss passages in 2 Corinthians that introduces believers to a special task that God has giving each and ever one of us. There is hope in this world and God has giving us the privilege to announce this good news to the world!

Also Check Out These Episodes:

| S2E3 | Social Media Ethics: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/revitalize-kindness/id1522175088?i=1000554807044

| S2E5 | Hurt by the Church: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/revitalize-kindness/id1522175088?i=1000556263948

*All Episodes are available on Spotify, ApplePodcast, GooglePodcast, and iHeartRadio.

Forgiveness // S3E11 Join us for part 2 of our conversation with Mark Sowersby where we discuss these topics and more:

• Is forgiveness something we do to benefit ourselves or is it for the other person?

• Can avoiding forgiveness or deciding not to forgive someone causes more pain?

• Can our suffering prepare us for something greater such as ministry?

• How do we identify our own nightmare

If you are experiencing your own nightmare and need help be sure to check out these resources:

https://forgivingthenightmare.com/

https://www.forthechildren.org

Connecting forgiveness and kindness in scripture:

Ephesians 4:32 

“And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as god also forgave you in Christ. “

Colossians 3:12-13

“Therefore, as gods chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. 

Forgiveness // S3E10 Forgiveness in the Bible is a "release" or "dismissal" of something. In this episode Mark gives us glimpse of his testimony and although it is difficult to hear about the nightmare that Mark endured, it is glorious to see the triumph God has given him, both physically and spiritually.

In part 1 of our discussion Mark shares part of his testimony and a great word on a faith that can move mountains and the importance of perspective.

Make sure to get a copy of Mark's book, "Forgiving the Nightmare"

https://forgivingthenightmare.com/

Forgiving the Nightmare (FTN) has been asked to produce a TV series. If you would like to donate to this ministry for this great cause please see the link below:

https://www.givesendgo.com/FTNTV?utm_source=sharelink&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=FTNTV

Mental Health & Kindness // S3E9 It is amazing how many bonds we find between good mental health, kindness, and human connection. In this episode we begin by showing God as our creator, thereby God knows what is best for our health. Science uncovers what God already knew, and we make connections between Psychology and scripture.

We recognize too, that we live in a world of sin. In this world there is stress, hardships and real-life every day! Also, we learn behavior. In this episode Carrie Bock (host of "Hope for Anxiety and OCD" podcast), talks to us about anxiety, OCD, and church.

Mental Health is an important topic. We need more discussion around this as this is something that affects many many people. Our hope for this episode is that you will understand when it is ok to get help. Yes, we need to pray and yes we need to have faith in a God that can heal and comfort. We also know from our discussion with our friend Carrie that there is wisdom in seeking the right kind of help.

Below is a link where you can lean 5 things Every Christian Struggling with OCD Needs to Know:

Www.hopeforanxietyandocd.com/free

Carrie's Podcast Link:

https://open.spotify.com/show/03e4LIdqlTlBwVbRkVR9dw?si=R6shYSE3RLmzewUjzkwmGA

Get Plugged In:

• Proverbs 12:25 “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad”
• Proverbs 16:24 “Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
• Hebrews 13:16 “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
• 2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit of God does not make us timid, but gives us power, and love and self-discipline.

Make sure to read Matthew 6:25-34

Resources:

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/the-art-of-kindness

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/kindness/why-did-we-pick-kindness-theme

Bonus Resource (great article):

https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-anxiety.html

Revival Revisited // S3E8 On 01/31/2023 we read you reports that revival was not in the cards for North America. Then there was Asbury.....

In this episode we uncover the impacts of God's moving through college students as a revival of worship has spread across America. This is of God and only because of Him.

The bottom line folk, whether we identify this as revival, movement or experience - each one of us need to do our part each day to bring about kindness in this world. We can't do this alone. It is in His power that we will be able to accomplish these things, and so hopefully if anything, we are motivated to do so.

Follow God's Word and His example:

Psalm 80:19 - Restore us, O Lord God of host! Let your face shine, that we may be saved!

James 4:8 - Draw near to God, ad he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, your sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Psalm 51:10 - Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Romans 12:2 - Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Colossians 3:12 - Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience

Why Bad Things Happen to Good People // S3E7 We start this conversation by talking about Job from the Bible. He was a righteous man, however a multitude of bad things happened to Job. It is difficult for many to equate a good God that allows bad things to happen to a moral being. After all, we spend our lives quoting the familiar verse that says, "For God so loved the world..." In our culture too, we often equate "being good", as a prerequisite for making it into heaven.

In this episode we discuss several ways to think through this, as we know this can be a crucial question in life that we will encounter, sooner or later.

We also share an article that prompts us to consider 4 things about the bad stuff that happens to give us an alternate way to view mishap and misfortune. (see link below)

Resources:

bad-things-good-people.html

Verses:

Job 1:1

Job 13:15

Romans 8:28

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Ways to Connect:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/219380614872161

Email - revitalizekindness@gmail.com

Love is Kind // S3E6 In this episode we start with some interesting facts about Valentines Day, then we unpack what God's word says about "Love". A big take away for me this week was to remember the "why" in all that I do. Ultimately we are to glorify Him in all that we do, and we are to do things, in love. Love should inspire us, and it does, however we should not forget where this love comes from!

Join us on this episode to learn about the connection between love and kindness!

Verses discussed:

• 1 Corinthians 13
• 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
• Colossians 3:14
• 1 Peter 4:8
• 1 John 4:8

Resources:

https://www.gotquestions.org/love-is-kind.html

https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-love.html

Ways to Connect:

Revitalize Kindness Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/219380614872161/

Email - revitalizekindness@gmail.com

Revitalize Truth Vol. 2 // S3E5 We all may have asked this question before, "How did the offspring of Adam Eve procreate and avoid the act of incest?" This one can be very difficult to explain, especially to an unbeliever. Also, the unbeliever may use this against the argument of creation and ask you, "what is so good about it, if incest was necessary?"

Again these are tough questions, however Dave Weaver and Yvette Walker discuss this one today in this episode of Revitalize Truth - a sub-series we are doing in season 3.

In this episode to unpack this topic we discuss:

• Morality - This is our starting point as we unpack this. Knowing that God defines what is is right and wrong is a key part of this.
• God's command to "Be fruitful and multiply"
• The purity and goodness of God's creation
• Old Testament Law concerning incest

Resources for this Episode:

https://answersingenesis.org/morality/where-did-morality-come-from/

https://bible.org/question/was-world-populated-through-incest-or-did-god-create-others-besides-adam-and-eve

Additional Resources for a deeper dive:

https://www.gotquestions.org/Adam-and-Eve-questions.html

https://www.gotquestions.org/Adam-Eve-Garden-Eden.html

https://crossexamined.org/did-they-really-exist-a-biblical-and-scientific-defence-of-adam-and-eve/

https://www.alisachildersblog.com/blog/did-adam-and-eve-really-exist-what-does-the-science-say

Revival // S3E4 It may take a revival of God's people for kindness to become revolutionary. On this episode we take a deep dive into some of the more well known revivals of the last two centuries that not only had an effect on the believer, but also the communities around them.

In this episode the following is discussed:

• What is a revival?
• Why being humble is one key to revival
• The hard-hearted of our society
• A comparison of some of greatest revivals
• Street preaching - is this still a thing, or are there more "Platform Preachers" - Yvette coined this term!
• Revival brought about worship and big changes in the communities and changed the course of history!
• Are we at a similar place of desperation to spark another revival
• Also we discuss 8 reasons North America may not be ready for revival (list is from Chuck Lawless)

Resources and Links:

https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-revival.html

https://www.sharefaith.com/blog/2016/06/5-great-american-revivals/

https://chucklawless.com/2018/12/why-the-north-american-church-is-unlikely-to-experience-revival/

Joel 2:12-14

“Yet even now,” declares the LORD,

“return to me with all your heart,

with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;

and rend your hearts and not your garments.”

Return to the LORD your God,

for he is gracious and merciful,

slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love;

and he relents over disaster.

Who knows whether he will not turn and relent,

and leave a blessing behind him,

a grain offering and a drink offering

for the LORD your God?

Revitalize Truth Vol.1 // S3E3 Join us on a new series we are calling "Revitalize Truth". We recently asked our social media friends the question, "What are the toughest biblical truths to understand or explain"?

In this first installment of Revitalize Truth we discuss whether or not we have anything to prove to God. Sometimes people that are new to the faith, think that they must "clean" up their life before approaching a holy God. Often this line of thinking deters us from a saving relationship with Jesus.

Learn the Truth with us today!

Resources:

https://www.gotquestions.org/show-thyself-approved.html

For further study:

Micah 6:8 - seek Justice, love Kindness, and to walk humbly with your God

Ephesians 2:8-10 - The gift we receive from God of salvation is not of our own doing

The Great Divide // S3E2 Join us on this episode as discuss 3 crucial areas in our culture that divide us: Political Polarization, Woke Culture, and Humanism. In our conversation we answer questions such as:

• How should Christians be woke?
• Does wokeness actually make us paranoid?
• What are our churches doing in our communities?
• How is Humanism and Woke culture targeting our children?
• How to be creative when sharing the Gospel?

Resources:

https://www.gotquestions.org/being-woke.html

https://www.gotquestions.org/secular-humanism.html

Bible Verses:

Titus 3:9-11

Luke 11:17

Jude 1:16-19

What is Biblical Kindness // S3E1 We are excited to begin a new Season of the podcast. This Season we will explore and unpack for you what is Biblical Kindness. As we dive into this subject we will answer questions such as, "Why Kindness" and "Are we capable of changing our culture, and if so at what cost?"

In this episode we discuss the current state of culture when it comes to behavior and ask "do we still believe in the importance of good character?"

Also discussed:

• Digging into God's Word
• Everything starts with God, so it is not about what we do necessarily, but what He has already done in us.

We are looking forward to these topics throughout the season and many more as we allow the Holy Spirit to lead our journey together:

• Forgivness
• Fruits of the Spirit
• Judging others
• Testimonies of changed lives
• Mental Health

Check out Yvette's new book Whispering in His Ear

https://positivelyjoy.com/books/

Recap Episode // S2E13 Join us for this final episode of season 2 where we recap the majority of the season and take about what all we learned and where this will lead us next!

Encouragement // S2E12 Join us on this episode with our guest Brian Sexton from the The Intentional Encourager Podcast as we unpack what it looks like to be an encourager. Our discussion gets interesting as we discuss the difference between being specific about our encouragement vs. displaying generic encouragement. We ask questions such as, "Is there a right or wrong way to encourage along with what does the Bible say about needing to be encouraged in order to effectively be an encouragement to others.

Zig Ziglar once said, "Encouragement is the fuel that powers hope", and as you know there are many that need a dose of encouragement in this world. If you need to lifted up, this is the episode for you!

Check out more of Brian Sexton:

https://anchor.fm/bizofpharmpod/episodes/People-Buy-from-People--Brian-Sexton--MBA--Author-eukj0a/a-al7coh

Join the Revitalize Kindness podcast community:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/219380614872161

Check out more on Yvette Walker:

https://positivelyjoy.com

Links from Show Notes:

https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-encouragement.html

Faith and the Gospel // S2E11 On this episode I take a quick dive into multiple scriptures to show the connection between our faith and the Gospel. For many this is a no brainer, however to the one's out there that have disconnected from their faith, the Good News may have become irrelevant. The connection between hope and Jesus Christ have dissolved for them. Please use this episode as a reminder to what God's word says about faith, and know that if you have even just a mustard seed sized faith, then you have life and that is Good News!

Old Testament vs. New Testament God \\ S2E10 In this episode we discuss the age old argument, is the God of the Old Testament angry, vengeful and murderous, whereas in the New Testament we see a much calmer version of God that advocates peace, love, and kindness.

This is a huge topic that gets debated and is consequently an area where many fall away from their faith because of misunderstandings about God.

We pray that we touched on areas in this discussion that will be fruitful and will help Christians to evaluate the consistency and cohesiveness of scripture and of course, God, as we learn about Him in scripture.

To help with this discussion please review these resources which was mentioned in this episode:

Prophecies mentioned concerning Jesus

https://www.gotquestions.org/prophecies-of-Jesus.html

John Piper article

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/five-truths-about-the-wrath-of-god

For Building Community join us here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/219380614872161

Back to the Basics // S2E9 On this episode we talk about 5 things that are important in the scope of getting back to the basics in our faith. Throughout the season we have discussed how sometimes we can get unplugged from our faith, and on this episode we get to some of the foundational steps we can take in our faith to strengthen, nurture and grow in Christ.

A.W. Tozer once said, "What comes to our minds when we think about God is the most important things about us." This is so true! We need to have our hearts and mind on the things of God, things that God established as a part of our faith and things that honor God as well as bring us into worship of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I believe the 5 items we discuss are very important if not necessary in our faith journey!

In these notes I am also providing the Revitalize Kindness mission statement, because we tie in our mission with many of the items we discussed on this episode.

Revitalize Kindness Mission Statement:

"Produce content that will edify each listener by giving a Biblical response to culture, gospel-centered guidance, building community, offering encouragement and pointing them to Jesus who’s death and resurrection provides salvation, revitalizing us, so that we can show love and kindness to others."

For feedback or prayers contact us:

revitalizekindness@gmail.com