February 26, 2025 • 33 mins
Join us for a conversation between Helen Todd and Dr. Mike Brown that connects the grand narrative of the Bible with the individual purpose in our lives. Dr, Brown shares insights on how understanding scripture can inspire usto discover and to walk confidently in our calling.
• Discussion on the importance of viewing the Bible as one continuous story
• Insights into feeling adequate in our spiritual journey and responsibilities
• The power of God's Word illustrated through the metaphor of seeds
• Emphasis on relationship over performance in fulfilling our purpose
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to Limitless Spirit, a weekly podcast with
host Helen Todd, where sheinterviews guests about pursuing
spiritual growth, discoveringlife's purpose through serving
others and developing a deeperfaith in Christ.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Welcome to Limit purpose in life.
We're going to dive deep intohow the grand narrative of the
Bible God's story of redemptionfrom Genesis to Revelation
inspires us to live out thatpurpose for which we were
created.
(00:42):
And, let's be honest, it isn'talways easy.
Many of us struggle withfeeling inadequate and qualified
.
It's not easy to balance faithwith our daily responsibilities.
I mean, let's be honest, it'snot easy to figure out what is
that greater purpose in ourlives?
(01:02):
My guest today is Pastor MikeBrown.
He pastors Faith and WisdomChurch in Branson, missouri, and
he knows these challengesfirsthand.
He is a dynamic speaker.
In fact, he will be a speakerat our Greater Purpose
Conference April 9th, 10th and11th in Branson, missouri.
(01:24):
And Pastor Mike has truly apassion and a gift for helping
people connect with the Biblepractically to their everyday
lives and inspire them to liveout their faith in the daily
life.
And so in this episode, we willexplore how understanding the
(01:46):
Bible as one continuous storycan help us find this purpose.
And it's not what you think.
This is the greatest thingabout this conversation.
So, whether you're wrestlingwith self-doubt, or you are
unsure about your role in God'splan, or you're simply looking
for inspiration to step out infaith.
(02:09):
This episode is for you.
Stay tuned as we unpack thesetruths with Pastor Mike Brown.
Let's get started.
Good morning, pastor Mike.
Welcome to the Limitless Spirit.
How are you this morning?
Speaker 3 (02:25):
I'm doing well and say that title again.
I love it.
Speaker 2 (02:32):
Well, Limitless Spirit.
I like that.
I like that.
We believe that the Holy Spiritis limitless and through the
power of the Holy Spirit, we arelimitless, and so, really, the
purpose of this podcast is toconnect our listeners with their
greater purpose in life anddiscover these limitless powers
that we're endowed with throughthe Holy Spirit, and so I'm so
(02:56):
excited about our conversation.
I am looking forward to yourmessage at the upcoming Greater
Purpose Conference, with ourtheme Inspired.
It's bound to inspire everyonein attendance, and, having heard
you many times, I consider youone of the best communicators
(03:17):
out there, and I don't know thatwe've ever talked about this as
long as Chuck and I have knownyou.
But you know you are verygifted, a gifted speaker.
But what really inspired you tobecome a pastor, to go into
ministry?
You could have used yourtalents in corporate world and
(03:37):
you know many other spheres oflife, so what is it that
inspired you to become a pastor?
Speaker 3 (03:44):
Well, the call of God , of course, is vital, and being
a pastor in any five-foldministry is not just a career
path, and you know that, you'reaware of that, that one just
chooses on his own and probablyif I would have just chosen on
my own, I might have goneanother way.
Not because I disrespect theministry my mom and dad were
(04:06):
pastors and I was born duringthe week and in church on Sunday
.
We didn't wait very long andI'm grateful for that.
But I think probably, helen,the reason why was my mother and
my father instilled in me at avery young age an absolute love
(04:29):
for God's Word.
In fact they told me later, asI was growing up.
They said that while I was inmy mom's womb, that they laid
hands on mom's stomach.
Dad, mom did and said father,when this child is born and they
didn't know then, you know theway we know now if it was going
(04:51):
to be a boy or girl but theysaid when this child is born, we
pray that you would give thischild an insatiable hunger for
the word of God and an abilityto communicate it to others.
And so that was prayed over mewhen I was in my mother's womb
(05:12):
and from a very early age I haveloved God's word.
I have loved God's word andit's not self-aggrandizement at
all or arrogance on my part tosay this, because I realize it
has nothing to do with me or mymental ability, but God gave me
(05:33):
an ability early in my life tocomprehend the word of God and
to memorize large portions of it, eyes, large portions of it and
any gift of communication I'vehad over these last 58 years.
In preaching the word of God, Istarted when I was 15 years old
(05:55):
.
You all can do the math on thatand the gray you know the gray
beard is showing up.
Speaker 2 (05:59):
Even though this is audio, you'll see, but by you,
when they come you know it's soawesome that you mentioned that,
because this year only at ourconference, we have this
extraordinary exhibit of thehistory of the Bible through
(06:20):
centuries.
So sort of you know, when weread the Bible we get the inside
, look into the Bible.
But this exhibit presents uswith the outside history of how
the Word of God worked inpeople's lives through centuries
.
Amidst the persecution and theattempts to exterminate that and
extinguish it, it perseveredand through centuries it
(06:44):
produced fruit in people's lives, just like it did in yours,
like it did in mine, and youknow, I think it addresses
people's.
Sometimes people look atespecially the Old Testament,
but even the New Testament, asthis ancient history.
You know that, yes, it is theword of God, but it was back
then, and how does itpractically apply to my life
(07:07):
today?
And so I think this exhibitgives this perspective, and what
you just mentioned today is agreat example that if you allow
the word of God, if you bring itinside your soul, you know and
allow it to do its work, itreally shapes and guides your
lives in the ways that arebeyond imagination and
(07:31):
comprehension, and so that isawesome.
And thank God for your godlyheritage.
You know that matters too, andso that's a great testimony.
Speaker 3 (07:43):
And so that's a great testimony.
Well, helen, I think you're atheme inspired.
That's the difference in theBible and every other book.
I love reading and I read a lot, but the majority of my reading
, of course, is in the word ofGod.
But I read other books too, andsome recreationally, you know,
(08:03):
novels and other things, becauseI just want the information and
the knowledge.
But the difference in the Bibleand every other book is that
one word that is the theme ofthe conference inspired.
It's inspired.
The Bible said it was notwritten by the thoughts of men,
(08:25):
but holy men spake as they weremoved by the Holy Ghost.
It is God breathed Plenaryinspiration, just big
theological words, but it meansit's the breath of God, it's the
word of God.
1189 chapters, 66 books, andit's been tried to be
(08:47):
extinguished and removed anderadicated from the planet since
all of those books in the Wordwere written, and unsuccessfully
.
It's still the number oneseller today.
And the Bible says of itselfthat when heaven and earth pass
away, his word will not passaway.
(09:11):
Everything God does in your lifeand my life and in the life of
the listeners, he does throughhis word.
And his word is alive, it'sactive, it's sharper than any
two-edged sword and it's morerelevant to today than tomorrow
will be relevant to tomorrow,and that may sound like a
(09:34):
convoluted statement, but it'sabsolutely true.
It knows the end from thebeginning and it inspires our
faith.
It shows us how to relate toone another.
It brings purpose into ourlives and I love his word.
I love his word and I know youdo too, and that's what WMA does
(09:57):
all around the world.
You're sowing the seed of theword of God and it's bringing
forth harvest, and it doesn'tmake any difference what culture
it's in, what persecution itsuffers.
I have to laugh about this.
Voltaire, the French atheist,made a statement in his home in
(10:20):
France when he was alive.
He said I will eradicate theBible from all of Europe before
I die.
He died, and that house todayis owned by the American Bible
Society that is printing God'sWord in multiple languages all
(10:41):
across Europe.
So his Word endures.
Speaker 2 (10:45):
That is so true.
In Argentina, we partner withthe Bible Institute that is
being housed in a summer mansionof a Nazi officer that escaped
a tribunal in Nazi Germany.
You know, such is the power ofGod that no evil can stand
(11:10):
before him, and what the enemymeans for evil, god turns for
greater glory.
He redeems things, you know,and I think that's what the word
of God does in our lives.
It redeems our past, it redeemsour failures, and one of the
other gifts that I really soadmire in you is your pastoral
(11:30):
calling and how.
You're currently the pastor ofFaith and Wisdom Church in
Branson, missouri, and I soappreciate how, with your
messages, you are trying toimpart this very practical
application of the Word of Godon your congregation, and I
(11:51):
believe that you have the sameprepared for our listeners, and
I want to highlight that forthose who haven't met you or
haven't heard you before, thatthey're in for a special treat.
They can expect to go away witha lot from this message.
So can you give us a sneakpreview on what you're going to
(12:15):
be talking about?
Speaker 3 (12:16):
Sure, I'd be glad to do that and I believe God's Word
.
Helen establishes believers, ittrains receivers and it
produces achievers.
You know, we were created to beproductive.
We were created to beproductive.
One of the great things I loveabout you and Chuck and WMA is
(12:40):
the trips you take, you know,all around the world and the
people that go with you and thepurpose of productivity.
But I'm going to talk about atthe conference and I can't wait,
oh, your lineup of speakers isphenomenal the special exhibit
you're going to talk about atthe conference, and I can't wait
.
Oh, your lineup of speakers isphenomenal the special exhibit
you're going to have.
So I'm looking forward to beingin attendance as much as I can
(13:00):
to every session that I canpossibly be there.
But what the Lord has laid on myheart, I'm going to talk about
the power of the Word as a seed.
The power of the word as a seed, or I might just say the power
of seed.
And you can't study the Biblewithout realizing how into seed
(13:24):
God is.
Genesis, chapter one he createseverything, and the Bible says
he created every tree, everyherb, every plant, bearing in
itself seed, everything on theearth, most everything that we
eat comes from a seed.
(13:46):
I'm sitting at a desk in myoffice and it's made of wood.
It came from a seed and Ibelieve everything God does on
the earth he does through a seed.
God had a son.
He made him into a seed.
He sowed him on Calvary's crossand you and I are the harvest
(14:13):
of the family that he got.
God's the greatest sower thatever sowed a seed.
When Jesus came, the greatestparable, in my opinion, he ever
gave was the parable of thesower.
He said a sower went forth tosow seed and, as you know, it
fell on four different kinds ofsoil and the soil determined
(14:34):
what the productivity of itwould be.
But he said he was the sowerand the Word was the seed.
And that's what WMA is doingall around the world.
You're sowing the seed of theWord of God.
I want to talk when we meet atthe conference about the power
of the seed that God puts in ourlives.
And so much of the time somepeople only see seed as finance
(15:02):
or as money.
And money is a seed.
As we sow into the kingdom ofGod.
It brings forth great harvestfor the glory of God, wins
people to Christ.
But money is not the only seed.
Time is a seed Energy, mercy,mentorship, intercessory prayer,
(15:22):
a breath meant in closeproximity.
It can be a seed.
Anything that God puts in ourhand that, on his instruction,
we can sow into somebody else'slife, that will bless them,
produce a harvest and bringglory to God is a seed, and you
(15:44):
might tell that I'm prettyexcited about the message of the
Lord's land in my heart.
I'm going to talk about thepower in seed, the power in the
word, the power in the seed topenetrate, the power of
penetration.
I saw a study that actually,through high-level technology,
(16:05):
traced the germination of a seedthat was put under concrete and
the seed, the sprig, the littlegreen sprig, began to grow and
it hit the bottom of thatconcrete and literally had and
it sounds unbelievable what it'sscientifically proven had the
power to crack a fissure in thatconcrete and go back into the
(16:28):
sunshine and sprout to life.
God's word can penetrate anyblock that the enemies put in us
.
So you want a little taste.
I'm going to talk aboutpenetration, multiplication,
equalization, predestination,transformation, glorification,
domination and restoration.
Now I may not get on all those,but that's a few of the power
(16:51):
of the seeds.
Now I may not in on all those.
Speaker 2 (16:52):
but that's a few of the power of the seeds.
That's a lot to process and youknow I think this is.
I really am looking forward toit.
I better have my notepad andpen to take notes.
But you know you were talkingabout productivity and the
importance of us beingproductive and not all
productivity is equal.
You know we a lot of timesdedicate our lives to careers
(17:17):
and and achievements, you know,and only to find that and at the
end of the highest achievementthere is still that sense of
emptiness and dissatisfaction.
And if you've dedicated yourentire life to that and you
reach the end of your life andyou're still not fulfilled and
(17:37):
not satisfied, that's tragic,you know.
Speaker 3 (17:41):
Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (17:42):
And so I think that's one of the greatest tragedies
of life is realizing by the endof your life that there is
something that you might havemissed.
You know, and after applying somuch effort and Jesus is very
explicit about being productive,you know, when he addresses the
fig tree, that looked very lushand green, but it was lacking
(18:07):
what Jesus was looking for, andthat was the fruit.
And I think that you know thefocus on that productivity and
this.
We can plant many seeds in life, you know, and we, like I said,
we apply our efforts to variousthings, we apply our gifts to
various things, but there isonly one particular fruit that
(18:28):
Jesus is looking for and in theend, that's the only fruit that
is going to count.
So I think that this is a veryimportant message and it really
applies to the whole idea ofGreater Purpose Conference.
And you know, and I think, thepeople that will be present at
(18:48):
the conference are people whoare looking for that greater
purpose in life, you know, andthe significance of their lives
in the big scheme of God's plan.
So what advice do you have forpeople who are still feel?
Maybe they attend churchfaithfully, you know, and they
even read the word of God, butthey struggle with connecting
(19:11):
their lives with the message.
Speaker 3 (19:13):
Yeah, I think back all the way back to Genesis 1,
28,.
And the first words he said toman and woman.
I think the first words he saidbear as importance, and the
Bible said he blessed themGenesis 1, 28.
He blessed them.
He said be fruitful, multiply,replenish the earth.
(19:37):
He said be fruitful, multiply,replenish the earth, subdue it
and take dominion.
The purpose of all those things,the purpose of productivity,
multiplication, filling ourenvironment with fullness,
(19:57):
taking control of things rulingon the earth, the way the Lord
wants us to, is not about us.
It's about the glory of God,and I think people that struggle
with understanding theapplication of the Word of God
sometimes are trying to consumeit all and understand it all.
Don't do that.
(20:18):
The purpose God has given us isone purpose and, helen, I don't
know if we've ever talked aboutthis, but I think a lot of
people are confused betweenpurpose and assignment.
They think their purpose on theearth is to be a worshiper.
Well, God loves worshipers andwe all should worship, but he
(20:41):
had worshipers before he createdman.
If you ask someone in thechurch, that's a real
intercessor that prays forpeople.
What's your purpose?
Oh, my purpose is to be anintercessor.
Well, but God could sovereignlydo that, and I want the people
that are listening to grasp this, and I love your question and I
(21:02):
want them to grab this as ananswer.
I think we all have the samepurpose, but we have different
assignments, and our purpose issimply this to walk with God on
a daily basis.
When God came in the cool ofthe evening into the Garden of
(21:26):
Eden, he didn't swim withporpoises, he didn't swing in
the trees with chimpanzees, hedidn't romp over the Serengeti
with wildebeest.
He walked with man.
And I think the reason why a lotof people are frustrated,
they're trying to do things inthe word to please God, rather
(21:47):
than just allowing the word toteach us how to walk with him.
You know, the old hymn wasright he walks with me, he talks
with me, he tells me that I'mhis own.
There's a joy in walking withthe Lord, and when you walk with
him, led by his word, then yourassignments become clear.
(22:09):
Then your assignments becomeclear and I think a lot of
people get the cart before thehorse, if you will.
They're trying to find outtheir assignments and they're
calling them their purpose.
Hey, wherever you are in theWord of God, let it get in you,
transform you and walk with theLord in that revelation and
(22:30):
He'll reveal what you'resupposed to do.
He'll reveal your assignmentsand your gifts and your talents.
It almost sounds like I'msaying don't work at it so hard,
and I really'm saying don'twork at it so hard, and I really
am saying don't work at it sohard.
Speaker 2 (22:45):
I like that.
I like that.
It's very refreshing.
I remember I did the series,podcast series, greater Purpose,
and I interviewed differentpeople, pastors and just lay
Christians, you know, askingthem if they feel like they have
connected with their greaterpurpose.
And I think that I have toagree with your perspective.
(23:07):
I think our life on this earthdoes not really have a
destination.
It's a journey, it's atransition, but how you walk
through this journey matters.
And so, yeah, I like thatperspective because it releases
burden.
You know, there are people thatare super achievers, they love
to reach goals and mark thingsoff the list, and it can be very
(23:31):
discouraging because you know,we can never attain the perfect
holiness.
Attained the perfect holinesswhile we're on this.
We're given the golden standardin the life of Christ of what
we should be, but we always fallshort and it can become
discouraging.
Speaker 3 (23:50):
Yeah, but.
Speaker 2 (23:50):
I think this is a great perspective and from that
perspective, every day of ourlife matters Absolutely.
Speaker 3 (23:59):
You know sometimes, and I'm one of those guys I mean
, if I would be, you know, if apsychologist would look at me,
he would call me, whatever analpha.
I am an achiever and I setgoals in my life, and so are you
and so are Chuck and in yourministry.
But I had to learn a long timeago and the Holy Spirit helped
(24:23):
me in understanding this thatGod really is not nearly so
interested in my achievementsfor him as he is in my
fellowship with him.
Romans 8 doesn't say as many asare driven by the Spirit of God
(24:43):
or the sons of God.
It says as many as are led bythe Spirit of God or the sons of
God.
And I've discovered in my life Ican achieve many, many, many
more times what God wants me toachieve, simply by walking with
him, hearing his voice, throughhis word and through the Holy
(25:06):
Spirit, and simply obeying himand let it be enjoyable.
Jesus didn't say I am come thatyou might have a and I don't
want this misunderstood.
But he didn't say I'm come thatyou might have a purpose that
would drive you, burden you,frustrate you.
(25:28):
He said I am come that youmight have life, and that more
abundantly, and part of thatlife is achieving the purpose
and the assignments God gives us.
But I've learned in my lifeGod's not near the hard
taskmaster that we think he is.
(25:48):
He's a loving father and hewants us to enjoy him.
Enjoy him.
The fact of the matter is Iknow this really hurts all of
our egos but he could probablyget along well without any of us
, absolutely.
And when I think of the GreatCommission.
Speaker 2 (26:08):
You know, and Chuck and I have devoted three decades
of our lives to this.
You know, the truth of thematter is because people often
look at it as a task.
You know that.
God assigned us with and that heneeds our help in that.
But he doesn't he doesn't reallyneed our help in revealing
(26:29):
himself to people, drawingpeople to himself.
So I look at it as a privilegethat was bestowed on us as sort
of a blueprint for life, if youwill.
Absolutely, it's not limited tous, just, you know, going on
service trips to God, performingcharity acts.
(26:52):
It's more of a blueprint forlife and to produce disciples
through our daily life, whetherit's in Jerusalem or Samaria or
Judea or the ends of the earth,you know, and that really is
just all we need to know on howto structure our lives.
(27:13):
And so that's why we are sopassionate about involving
people, and I know your churchis extremely passionate about
the Great Commission and puttingthe emphasis on that global
reach, absolutely.
So I just feel that yourministry at this conference is
(27:34):
going to be absolutelyinvaluable and I encourage our
listeners not to miss out.
You are a rare breed, pastorMike, in today's church world,
and so we're very, very honoredto have you and Karen at the
conference and are reallylooking forward to it.
So any final words to ourlisteners what would you like to
(27:59):
leave them with the takeawayfrom today's conversation?
Speaker 3 (28:03):
Here's my takeaway we do what we do because of what
we are, and the word of God inus is to create what we are.
It's to conform us to the imageof Christ.
That's why we're calledChristians.
I know we say we're Christians,but we're not like Chris.
(28:25):
We're like Christ and itdoesn't make any difference how
we pronounce that word.
But I'll leave them with this.
I love horses.
I have a beautiful blue-roanedfoxtrotting mare.
I don't get to ride her as muchas I'd like to, but I love her
and she does horse thingsbecause she is a horse.
(28:46):
I don't have to make her likealfalfa.
I don't have to make her likesweet grains.
She whinnies naturally, shegallops naturally.
She does horse things becauseshe's a horse and I can do horse
things.
I guess I could gallop throughthe pasture with her and I could
maybe choke down some sweetgrain, but I would not be a
(29:10):
horse.
What am I saying?
Action comes from being and theword of God in us makes us
become like Jesus, and when weare like Jesus we will do what
Jesus did and it won't be astrain.
(29:31):
We'll bear fruit, and I'venever seen an apple tree having
a nervous breakdown trying tobear an apple and we've missed
it.
I think we've done it throughour own power rather than the
power of the word.
So I just encourage thelisteners that are going to be
at the conference center ifyou're not planning to change
your plans, it's going to bedynamite.
(29:52):
I think it'll be your greatestconference yet and I'm looking
forward to it.
Speaker 2 (29:58):
Absolutely Well, don't miss it.
It's April 9th, 10th and 11that the Thousand Hills Resort in
Branson, Missouri.
Pastor Mike will be speaking atthe very last session, so we
saved the dessert for last.
It's going to be rich and it'sgoing to be powerful.
Thank you so much, Pastor Mike,for joining.
(30:19):
It was wonderful to talk to youand we so much look forward to
your ministry at the Greater.
Speaker 3 (30:25):
My pleasure, my pleasure, thank you.
Speaker 2 (30:29):
Well, that was an incredible conversation.
I hope this episode inspiredyou today to see the Bible not
just as ancient history but as aliving, breathing story that
invites you to be a part ofGod's mission.
And if you've been feelinghesitant, unqualified or unsure
(30:50):
about your calling, rememberthis God's story is bigger than
our fears and doubts and ourfears and doubts.
And his purpose for you ishidden in the Great Commission
and, as Pastor Mike reminded us,we are all part of a greater
(31:10):
narrative and our role, nomatter how small it seems, is
significant in God's kingdom.
If you're encouraged by today'sepisode, you can check out
Pastor Mike's website, where hehas many resources, including
his books.
We are posting the link in theshow notes, but it is
(31:32):
swmbransoncom.
It stands for Strength andWisdom Ministries.
I also invite you to visit ourwebsite for World Missions
Alliance.
It's rfwmaorg, and this is aresource for you to find
(31:55):
opportunities in the GreatCommission.
You can fulfill the GreatCommission through short-term
missions it doesn't have to be alifelong commitment and so we
connect you with theseopportunities in over 32 nations
across the world.
Again, the website is rfwmaorg.
That's fwmaorg, and please cometo the Greater Purpose
(32:20):
Conference.
This is a time to experienceGod, perhaps, like you, have
never experienced Him before.
We have had so many testimoniesfrom our previous attendees how
they've heard God's voice, howthey have been touched, how they
have experienced a breakthrough, and we want this for you.
So, again, the conference isApril 9th, 10th and 11th in
(32:45):
Branson, missouri, at theThousand Hills Resort, and you
can find more information on ourwebsite.
Thank you for joining us today.
Until next time, I'm Helen.
Speaker 1 (32:56):
Tan.
Limitless Spirit Podcast isproduced by World Missions
Alliance.
We believe that changed liveschange lives.
If your life was transformed byChrist, you are equipped to
help others experience thistransformation.
Christ called his followers tomake disciples across the world.
To make disciples across theworld.
(33:19):
World Missions Alliance givesyou an opportunity to do this
through short-term missions inover 32 countries across the
globe.
If you want to help those whoare hurting and hopeless and
discover your greater purpose inserving, check out our website,
rfwmaorg, and find out how toget involved.
Welcome to Limitless Spirit, a weekly podcast with
host Helen Todd, where sheinterviews guests about pursuing
spiritual growth, discoveringlife's purpose through serving
others and developing a deeperfaith in Christ.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Welcome to Limit purpose in life.
We're going to dive deep intohow the grand narrative of the
Bible God's story of redemptionfrom Genesis to Revelation
inspires us to live out thatpurpose for which we were
created.
(00:42):
And, let's be honest, it isn'talways easy.
Many of us struggle withfeeling inadequate and qualified
.
It's not easy to balance faithwith our daily responsibilities.
I mean, let's be honest, it'snot easy to figure out what is
that greater purpose in ourlives?
(01:02):
My guest today is Pastor MikeBrown.
He pastors Faith and WisdomChurch in Branson, missouri, and
he knows these challengesfirsthand.
He is a dynamic speaker.
In fact, he will be a speakerat our Greater Purpose
Conference April 9th, 10th and11th in Branson, missouri.
(01:24):
And Pastor Mike has truly apassion and a gift for helping
people connect with the Biblepractically to their everyday
lives and inspire them to liveout their faith in the daily
life.
And so in this episode, we willexplore how understanding the
(01:46):
Bible as one continuous storycan help us find this purpose.
And it's not what you think.
This is the greatest thingabout this conversation.
So, whether you're wrestlingwith self-doubt, or you are
unsure about your role in God'splan, or you're simply looking
for inspiration to step out infaith.
(02:09):
This episode is for you.
Stay tuned as we unpack thesetruths with Pastor Mike Brown.
Let's get started.
Good morning, pastor Mike.
Welcome to the Limitless Spirit.
How are you this morning?
Speaker 3 (02:25):
I'm doing well and say that title again.
I love it.
Speaker 2 (02:32):
Well, Limitless Spirit.
I like that.
I like that.
We believe that the Holy Spiritis limitless and through the
power of the Holy Spirit, we arelimitless, and so, really, the
purpose of this podcast is toconnect our listeners with their
greater purpose in life anddiscover these limitless powers
that we're endowed with throughthe Holy Spirit, and so I'm so
(02:56):
excited about our conversation.
I am looking forward to yourmessage at the upcoming Greater
Purpose Conference, with ourtheme Inspired.
It's bound to inspire everyonein attendance, and, having heard
you many times, I consider youone of the best communicators
(03:17):
out there, and I don't know thatwe've ever talked about this as
long as Chuck and I have knownyou.
But you know you are verygifted, a gifted speaker.
But what really inspired you tobecome a pastor, to go into
ministry?
You could have used yourtalents in corporate world and
(03:37):
you know many other spheres oflife, so what is it that
inspired you to become a pastor?
Speaker 3 (03:44):
Well, the call of God , of course, is vital, and being
a pastor in any five-foldministry is not just a career
path, and you know that, you'reaware of that, that one just
chooses on his own and probablyif I would have just chosen on
my own, I might have goneanother way.
Not because I disrespect theministry my mom and dad were
(04:06):
pastors and I was born duringthe week and in church on Sunday
.
We didn't wait very long andI'm grateful for that.
But I think probably, helen,the reason why was my mother and
my father instilled in me at avery young age an absolute love
(04:29):
for God's Word.
In fact they told me later, asI was growing up.
They said that while I was inmy mom's womb, that they laid
hands on mom's stomach.
Dad, mom did and said father,when this child is born and they
didn't know then, you know theway we know now if it was going
(04:51):
to be a boy or girl but theysaid when this child is born, we
pray that you would give thischild an insatiable hunger for
the word of God and an abilityto communicate it to others.
And so that was prayed over mewhen I was in my mother's womb
(05:12):
and from a very early age I haveloved God's word.
I have loved God's word andit's not self-aggrandizement at
all or arrogance on my part tosay this, because I realize it
has nothing to do with me or mymental ability, but God gave me
(05:33):
an ability early in my life tocomprehend the word of God and
to memorize large portions of it, eyes, large portions of it and
any gift of communication I'vehad over these last 58 years.
In preaching the word of God, Istarted when I was 15 years old
(05:55):
.
You all can do the math on thatand the gray you know the gray
beard is showing up.
Speaker 2 (05:59):
Even though this is audio, you'll see, but by you,
when they come you know it's soawesome that you mentioned that,
because this year only at ourconference, we have this
extraordinary exhibit of thehistory of the Bible through
(06:20):
centuries.
So sort of you know, when weread the Bible we get the inside
, look into the Bible.
But this exhibit presents uswith the outside history of how
the Word of God worked inpeople's lives through centuries
.
Amidst the persecution and theattempts to exterminate that and
extinguish it, it perseveredand through centuries it
(06:44):
produced fruit in people's lives, just like it did in yours,
like it did in mine, and youknow, I think it addresses
people's.
Sometimes people look atespecially the Old Testament,
but even the New Testament, asthis ancient history.
You know that, yes, it is theword of God, but it was back
then, and how does itpractically apply to my life
(07:07):
today?
And so I think this exhibitgives this perspective, and what
you just mentioned today is agreat example that if you allow
the word of God, if you bring itinside your soul, you know and
allow it to do its work, itreally shapes and guides your
lives in the ways that arebeyond imagination and
(07:31):
comprehension, and so that isawesome.
And thank God for your godlyheritage.
You know that matters too, andso that's a great testimony.
Speaker 3 (07:43):
And so that's a great testimony.
Well, helen, I think you're atheme inspired.
That's the difference in theBible and every other book.
I love reading and I read a lot, but the majority of my reading
, of course, is in the word ofGod.
But I read other books too, andsome recreationally, you know,
(08:03):
novels and other things, becauseI just want the information and
the knowledge.
But the difference in the Bibleand every other book is that
one word that is the theme ofthe conference inspired.
It's inspired.
The Bible said it was notwritten by the thoughts of men,
(08:25):
but holy men spake as they weremoved by the Holy Ghost.
It is God breathed Plenaryinspiration, just big
theological words, but it meansit's the breath of God, it's the
word of God.
1189 chapters, 66 books, andit's been tried to be
(08:47):
extinguished and removed anderadicated from the planet since
all of those books in the Wordwere written, and unsuccessfully
.
It's still the number oneseller today.
And the Bible says of itselfthat when heaven and earth pass
away, his word will not passaway.
(09:11):
Everything God does in your lifeand my life and in the life of
the listeners, he does throughhis word.
And his word is alive, it'sactive, it's sharper than any
two-edged sword and it's morerelevant to today than tomorrow
will be relevant to tomorrow,and that may sound like a
(09:34):
convoluted statement, but it'sabsolutely true.
It knows the end from thebeginning and it inspires our
faith.
It shows us how to relate toone another.
It brings purpose into ourlives and I love his word.
I love his word and I know youdo too, and that's what WMA does
(09:57):
all around the world.
You're sowing the seed of theword of God and it's bringing
forth harvest, and it doesn'tmake any difference what culture
it's in, what persecution itsuffers.
I have to laugh about this.
Voltaire, the French atheist,made a statement in his home in
(10:20):
France when he was alive.
He said I will eradicate theBible from all of Europe before
I die.
He died, and that house todayis owned by the American Bible
Society that is printing God'sWord in multiple languages all
(10:41):
across Europe.
So his Word endures.
Speaker 2 (10:45):
That is so true.
In Argentina, we partner withthe Bible Institute that is
being housed in a summer mansionof a Nazi officer that escaped
a tribunal in Nazi Germany.
You know, such is the power ofGod that no evil can stand
(11:10):
before him, and what the enemymeans for evil, god turns for
greater glory.
He redeems things, you know,and I think that's what the word
of God does in our lives.
It redeems our past, it redeemsour failures, and one of the
other gifts that I really soadmire in you is your pastoral
(11:30):
calling and how.
You're currently the pastor ofFaith and Wisdom Church in
Branson, missouri, and I soappreciate how, with your
messages, you are trying toimpart this very practical
application of the Word of Godon your congregation, and I
(11:51):
believe that you have the sameprepared for our listeners, and
I want to highlight that forthose who haven't met you or
haven't heard you before, thatthey're in for a special treat.
They can expect to go away witha lot from this message.
So can you give us a sneakpreview on what you're going to
(12:15):
be talking about?
Speaker 3 (12:16):
Sure, I'd be glad to do that and I believe God's Word
.
Helen establishes believers, ittrains receivers and it
produces achievers.
You know, we were created to beproductive.
We were created to beproductive.
One of the great things I loveabout you and Chuck and WMA is
(12:40):
the trips you take, you know,all around the world and the
people that go with you and thepurpose of productivity.
But I'm going to talk about atthe conference and I can't wait,
oh, your lineup of speakers isphenomenal the special exhibit
you're going to talk about atthe conference, and I can't wait
.
Oh, your lineup of speakers isphenomenal the special exhibit
you're going to have.
So I'm looking forward to beingin attendance as much as I can
(13:00):
to every session that I canpossibly be there.
But what the Lord has laid on myheart, I'm going to talk about
the power of the Word as a seed.
The power of the word as a seed, or I might just say the power
of seed.
And you can't study the Biblewithout realizing how into seed
(13:24):
God is.
Genesis, chapter one he createseverything, and the Bible says
he created every tree, everyherb, every plant, bearing in
itself seed, everything on theearth, most everything that we
eat comes from a seed.
(13:46):
I'm sitting at a desk in myoffice and it's made of wood.
It came from a seed and Ibelieve everything God does on
the earth he does through a seed.
God had a son.
He made him into a seed.
He sowed him on Calvary's crossand you and I are the harvest
(14:13):
of the family that he got.
God's the greatest sower thatever sowed a seed.
When Jesus came, the greatestparable, in my opinion, he ever
gave was the parable of thesower.
He said a sower went forth tosow seed and, as you know, it
fell on four different kinds ofsoil and the soil determined
(14:34):
what the productivity of itwould be.
But he said he was the sowerand the Word was the seed.
And that's what WMA is doingall around the world.
You're sowing the seed of theWord of God.
I want to talk when we meet atthe conference about the power
of the seed that God puts in ourlives.
And so much of the time somepeople only see seed as finance
(15:02):
or as money.
And money is a seed.
As we sow into the kingdom ofGod.
It brings forth great harvestfor the glory of God, wins
people to Christ.
But money is not the only seed.
Time is a seed Energy, mercy,mentorship, intercessory prayer,
(15:22):
a breath meant in closeproximity.
It can be a seed.
Anything that God puts in ourhand that, on his instruction,
we can sow into somebody else'slife, that will bless them,
produce a harvest and bringglory to God is a seed, and you
(15:44):
might tell that I'm prettyexcited about the message of the
Lord's land in my heart.
I'm going to talk about thepower in seed, the power in the
word, the power in the seed topenetrate, the power of
penetration.
I saw a study that actually,through high-level technology,
(16:05):
traced the germination of a seedthat was put under concrete and
the seed, the sprig, the littlegreen sprig, began to grow and
it hit the bottom of thatconcrete and literally had and
it sounds unbelievable what it'sscientifically proven had the
power to crack a fissure in thatconcrete and go back into the
(16:28):
sunshine and sprout to life.
God's word can penetrate anyblock that the enemies put in us
.
So you want a little taste.
I'm going to talk aboutpenetration, multiplication,
equalization, predestination,transformation, glorification,
domination and restoration.
Now I may not get on all those,but that's a few of the power
(16:51):
of the seeds.
Now I may not in on all those.
Speaker 2 (16:52):
but that's a few of the power of the seeds.
That's a lot to process and youknow I think this is.
I really am looking forward toit.
I better have my notepad andpen to take notes.
But you know you were talkingabout productivity and the
importance of us beingproductive and not all
productivity is equal.
You know we a lot of timesdedicate our lives to careers
(17:17):
and and achievements, you know,and only to find that and at the
end of the highest achievementthere is still that sense of
emptiness and dissatisfaction.
And if you've dedicated yourentire life to that and you
reach the end of your life andyou're still not fulfilled and
(17:37):
not satisfied, that's tragic,you know.
Speaker 3 (17:41):
Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (17:42):
And so I think that's one of the greatest tragedies
of life is realizing by the endof your life that there is
something that you might havemissed.
You know, and after applying somuch effort and Jesus is very
explicit about being productive,you know, when he addresses the
fig tree, that looked very lushand green, but it was lacking
(18:07):
what Jesus was looking for, andthat was the fruit.
And I think that you know thefocus on that productivity and
this.
We can plant many seeds in life, you know, and we, like I said,
we apply our efforts to variousthings, we apply our gifts to
various things, but there isonly one particular fruit that
(18:28):
Jesus is looking for and in theend, that's the only fruit that
is going to count.
So I think that this is a veryimportant message and it really
applies to the whole idea ofGreater Purpose Conference.
And you know, and I think, thepeople that will be present at
(18:48):
the conference are people whoare looking for that greater
purpose in life, you know, andthe significance of their lives
in the big scheme of God's plan.
So what advice do you have forpeople who are still feel?
Maybe they attend churchfaithfully, you know, and they
even read the word of God, butthey struggle with connecting
(19:11):
their lives with the message.
Speaker 3 (19:13):
Yeah, I think back all the way back to Genesis 1,
28,.
And the first words he said toman and woman.
I think the first words he saidbear as importance, and the
Bible said he blessed themGenesis 1, 28.
He blessed them.
He said be fruitful, multiply,replenish the earth.
(19:37):
He said be fruitful, multiply,replenish the earth, subdue it
and take dominion.
The purpose of all those things,the purpose of productivity,
multiplication, filling ourenvironment with fullness,
(19:57):
taking control of things rulingon the earth, the way the Lord
wants us to, is not about us.
It's about the glory of God,and I think people that struggle
with understanding theapplication of the Word of God
sometimes are trying to consumeit all and understand it all.
Don't do that.
(20:18):
The purpose God has given us isone purpose and, helen, I don't
know if we've ever talked aboutthis, but I think a lot of
people are confused betweenpurpose and assignment.
They think their purpose on theearth is to be a worshiper.
Well, God loves worshipers andwe all should worship, but he
(20:41):
had worshipers before he createdman.
If you ask someone in thechurch, that's a real
intercessor that prays forpeople.
What's your purpose?
Oh, my purpose is to be anintercessor.
Well, but God could sovereignlydo that, and I want the people
that are listening to grasp this, and I love your question and I
(21:02):
want them to grab this as ananswer.
I think we all have the samepurpose, but we have different
assignments, and our purpose issimply this to walk with God on
a daily basis.
When God came in the cool ofthe evening into the Garden of
(21:26):
Eden, he didn't swim withporpoises, he didn't swing in
the trees with chimpanzees, hedidn't romp over the Serengeti
with wildebeest.
He walked with man.
And I think the reason why a lotof people are frustrated,
they're trying to do things inthe word to please God, rather
(21:47):
than just allowing the word toteach us how to walk with him.
You know, the old hymn wasright he walks with me, he talks
with me, he tells me that I'mhis own.
There's a joy in walking withthe Lord, and when you walk with
him, led by his word, then yourassignments become clear.
(22:09):
Then your assignments becomeclear and I think a lot of
people get the cart before thehorse, if you will.
They're trying to find outtheir assignments and they're
calling them their purpose.
Hey, wherever you are in theWord of God, let it get in you,
transform you and walk with theLord in that revelation and
(22:30):
He'll reveal what you'resupposed to do.
He'll reveal your assignmentsand your gifts and your talents.
It almost sounds like I'msaying don't work at it so hard,
and I really'm saying don'twork at it so hard, and I really
am saying don't work at it sohard.
Speaker 2 (22:45):
I like that.
I like that.
It's very refreshing.
I remember I did the series,podcast series, greater Purpose,
and I interviewed differentpeople, pastors and just lay
Christians, you know, askingthem if they feel like they have
connected with their greaterpurpose.
And I think that I have toagree with your perspective.
(23:07):
I think our life on this earthdoes not really have a
destination.
It's a journey, it's atransition, but how you walk
through this journey matters.
And so, yeah, I like thatperspective because it releases
burden.
You know, there are people thatare super achievers, they love
to reach goals and mark thingsoff the list, and it can be very
(23:31):
discouraging because you know,we can never attain the perfect
holiness.
Attained the perfect holinesswhile we're on this.
We're given the golden standardin the life of Christ of what
we should be, but we always fallshort and it can become
discouraging.
Speaker 3 (23:50):
Yeah, but.
Speaker 2 (23:50):
I think this is a great perspective and from that
perspective, every day of ourlife matters Absolutely.
Speaker 3 (23:59):
You know sometimes, and I'm one of those guys I mean
, if I would be, you know, if apsychologist would look at me,
he would call me, whatever analpha.
I am an achiever and I setgoals in my life, and so are you
and so are Chuck and in yourministry.
But I had to learn a long timeago and the Holy Spirit helped
(24:23):
me in understanding this thatGod really is not nearly so
interested in my achievementsfor him as he is in my
fellowship with him.
Romans 8 doesn't say as many asare driven by the Spirit of God
(24:43):
or the sons of God.
It says as many as are led bythe Spirit of God or the sons of
God.
And I've discovered in my life Ican achieve many, many, many
more times what God wants me toachieve, simply by walking with
him, hearing his voice, throughhis word and through the Holy
(25:06):
Spirit, and simply obeying himand let it be enjoyable.
Jesus didn't say I am come thatyou might have a and I don't
want this misunderstood.
But he didn't say I'm come thatyou might have a purpose that
would drive you, burden you,frustrate you.
(25:28):
He said I am come that youmight have life, and that more
abundantly, and part of thatlife is achieving the purpose
and the assignments God gives us.
But I've learned in my lifeGod's not near the hard
taskmaster that we think he is.
(25:48):
He's a loving father and hewants us to enjoy him.
Enjoy him.
The fact of the matter is Iknow this really hurts all of
our egos but he could probablyget along well without any of us
, absolutely.
And when I think of the GreatCommission.
Speaker 2 (26:08):
You know, and Chuck and I have devoted three decades
of our lives to this.
You know, the truth of thematter is because people often
look at it as a task.
You know that.
God assigned us with and that heneeds our help in that.
But he doesn't he doesn't reallyneed our help in revealing
(26:29):
himself to people, drawingpeople to himself.
So I look at it as a privilegethat was bestowed on us as sort
of a blueprint for life, if youwill.
Absolutely, it's not limited tous, just, you know, going on
service trips to God, performingcharity acts.
(26:52):
It's more of a blueprint forlife and to produce disciples
through our daily life, whetherit's in Jerusalem or Samaria or
Judea or the ends of the earth,you know, and that really is
just all we need to know on howto structure our lives.
(27:13):
And so that's why we are sopassionate about involving
people, and I know your churchis extremely passionate about
the Great Commission and puttingthe emphasis on that global
reach, absolutely.
So I just feel that yourministry at this conference is
(27:34):
going to be absolutelyinvaluable and I encourage our
listeners not to miss out.
You are a rare breed, pastorMike, in today's church world,
and so we're very, very honoredto have you and Karen at the
conference and are reallylooking forward to it.
So any final words to ourlisteners what would you like to
(27:59):
leave them with the takeawayfrom today's conversation?
Speaker 3 (28:03):
Here's my takeaway we do what we do because of what
we are, and the word of God inus is to create what we are.
It's to conform us to the imageof Christ.
That's why we're calledChristians.
I know we say we're Christians,but we're not like Chris.
(28:25):
We're like Christ and itdoesn't make any difference how
we pronounce that word.
But I'll leave them with this.
I love horses.
I have a beautiful blue-roanedfoxtrotting mare.
I don't get to ride her as muchas I'd like to, but I love her
and she does horse thingsbecause she is a horse.
(28:46):
I don't have to make her likealfalfa.
I don't have to make her likesweet grains.
She whinnies naturally, shegallops naturally.
She does horse things becauseshe's a horse and I can do horse
things.
I guess I could gallop throughthe pasture with her and I could
maybe choke down some sweetgrain, but I would not be a
(29:10):
horse.
What am I saying?
Action comes from being and theword of God in us makes us
become like Jesus, and when weare like Jesus we will do what
Jesus did and it won't be astrain.
(29:31):
We'll bear fruit, and I'venever seen an apple tree having
a nervous breakdown trying tobear an apple and we've missed
it.
I think we've done it throughour own power rather than the
power of the word.
So I just encourage thelisteners that are going to be
at the conference center ifyou're not planning to change
your plans, it's going to bedynamite.
(29:52):
I think it'll be your greatestconference yet and I'm looking
forward to it.
Speaker 2 (29:58):
Absolutely Well, don't miss it.
It's April 9th, 10th and 11that the Thousand Hills Resort in
Branson, Missouri.
Pastor Mike will be speaking atthe very last session, so we
saved the dessert for last.
It's going to be rich and it'sgoing to be powerful.
Thank you so much, Pastor Mike,for joining.
(30:19):
It was wonderful to talk to youand we so much look forward to
your ministry at the Greater.
Speaker 3 (30:25):
My pleasure, my pleasure, thank you.
Speaker 2 (30:29):
Well, that was an incredible conversation.
I hope this episode inspiredyou today to see the Bible not
just as ancient history but as aliving, breathing story that
invites you to be a part ofGod's mission.
And if you've been feelinghesitant, unqualified or unsure
(30:50):
about your calling, rememberthis God's story is bigger than
our fears and doubts and ourfears and doubts.
And his purpose for you ishidden in the Great Commission
and, as Pastor Mike reminded us,we are all part of a greater
(31:10):
narrative and our role, nomatter how small it seems, is
significant in God's kingdom.
If you're encouraged by today'sepisode, you can check out
Pastor Mike's website, where hehas many resources, including
his books.
We are posting the link in theshow notes, but it is
(31:32):
swmbransoncom.
It stands for Strength andWisdom Ministries.
I also invite you to visit ourwebsite for World Missions
Alliance.
It's rfwmaorg, and this is aresource for you to find
(31:55):
opportunities in the GreatCommission.
You can fulfill the GreatCommission through short-term
missions it doesn't have to be alifelong commitment and so we
connect you with theseopportunities in over 32 nations
across the world.
Again, the website is rfwmaorg.
That's fwmaorg, and please cometo the Greater Purpose
(32:20):
Conference.
This is a time to experienceGod, perhaps, like you, have
never experienced Him before.
We have had so many testimoniesfrom our previous attendees how
they've heard God's voice, howthey have been touched, how they
have experienced a breakthrough, and we want this for you.
So, again, the conference isApril 9th, 10th and 11th in
(32:45):
Branson, missouri, at theThousand Hills Resort, and you
can find more information on ourwebsite.
Thank you for joining us today.
Until next time, I'm Helen.
Speaker 1 (32:56):
Tan.
Limitless Spirit Podcast isproduced by World Missions
Alliance.
We believe that changed liveschange lives.
If your life was transformed byChrist, you are equipped to
help others experience thistransformation.
Christ called his followers tomake disciples across the world.
To make disciples across theworld.
(33:19):
World Missions Alliance givesyou an opportunity to do this
through short-term missions inover 32 countries across the
globe.
If you want to help those whoare hurting and hopeless and
discover your greater purpose inserving, check out our website,
rfwmaorg, and find out how toget involved.
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