Tonight we will hear from Mr. James Ells, senior pastor of The Gathering Church in Clermont, Florida. Joined by Mr. Dave Smth.

Dave smith joins me on the podcast today. Happy New Year to all! He is a Pastor, and author of an amazing book called "Even Old Dogs Can Teach new Tricks". For sale on Amazon, and he is donating the proceeds To GSR to help us offset some expenses. You will truly enjoy this. Thanks for being here. God Bless you in 2026. Link to the book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/1EkyPxm

This is a personal look into Fritz's journey, and he candidly shares about the personal struggles and the podcast future. Thank you to all who listen faithfully, and it is our prayer that we have affected you some how in a poisitive way. God Bless and see you soon.

When someone says, "Watch this," it usually means something important is about to happen. But when Greg says it, It grabs your attention. Now imagine applying that phrase to the Bible—the living Word of God. Every time we open it, God is saying, "Watch this. Watch what I've done, watch what I'm doing, and watch what I will do."

In the Christian walk, there is a profound difference between knowing god (in a vague, cultural, or superficial sense) and truly knowing God—the living, holy, personal capital 'G' God of Scripture. One leads to religion without transformation, while the other leads to relationship, reverence, and revival.

When we say someone "knows god" in the lowercase sense, it often means:

• A generic belief in a higher power without commitment to Jesus Christ.
• An idea of god shaped by culture, comfort, or convenience.
• A belief in self-made gods—things or people we elevate in our lives that take the place of God.

These little 'g' gods are idols in disguise.

Common "little g" gods:

• Success or ambition
• Money or materialism
• Approval or popularity
• Control or self-dependence
• Romance or relationships
• Religion without relationship

"You shall have no other gods before Me." – Exodus 20:3
"Their gods are silver and gold, the work of human hands." – Psalm 115:4

These idols may not be carved statues, but they compete for our worship. They promise what only God can truly give—security, identity, purpose—but they always fail.

To know God (capital G) means:

• Relationship over religion – Knowing about God isn't enough. He wants us to walk with Him daily.
• Revelation through Jesus – Jesus said, "If you have seen Me, you have seen the Father" (John 14:9).
• Submission and transformation – Knowing God means He shapes our identity, decisions, and desires.

"Be still, and know that I am God." – Psalm 46:10
"Now this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent." – John 17:3

• Evaluate what you worship – What consumes your time, thoughts, and trust?
• Repent of idols – Confess and surrender the little gods you've allowed to lead you.
• Seek intimacy with God – Through prayer, Scripture, worship, and obedience.
• Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal any hidden idols or areas of misplaced trust.

In our journey of faith, how we respond spiritually to life's challenges, blessings, and questions deeply reflects our walk with Christ. Here are some core principles and key points to guide your spiritual responses:

"God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind." – 2 Timothy 1:7

• Faith trusts God even when the outcome is unclear.
• Fear reacts; faith responds.
• A spiritual response says, "I don't understand this, but I know God is still in control."

"Pray without ceasing." – 1 Thessalonians 5:17

• Before reacting emotionally, go to God in prayer.
• Prayer aligns your heart with His will and gives you peace and clarity.

"It is written..." – Matthew 4:4

• Jesus answered temptation and attack by quoting Scripture.
• Know the Word, speak the Word, and let the Word guide your decisions and emotions.

"Let your speech always be with grace." – Colossians 4:6

• Spiritual maturity is shown in how we handle others, especially in conflict.
• A harsh response feeds division, but a gracious one opens hearts.

"Forgive as the Lord forgave you." – Colossians 3:13

• Forgiveness is a powerful spiritual act that frees both the offended and the offender.
• Holding onto offense hinders your growth; letting go invites healing.

"God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." – James 4:6

• Spiritual responses are rooted in humility—admitting we don't know everything, and we need God.
• Pride reacts to protect self-image; humility yields to God's shaping hand.

"In everything give thanks..." – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

• Even in trials, spiritual eyes look for God's hand and choose praise.
• Gratitude shifts the atmosphere and invites joy into the situation.

"If you love Me, keep My commandments." – John 14:15

• A spiritual response isn't just emotional—it's obedient.
• Even when it's hard or unpopular, obedience brings blessing and growth.

The phrase "Risen By the Blood" holds powerful meaning, especially when viewed through the lens of Easter Sunday, the cornerstone of the Christian faith. It captures the essence of what Jesus accomplished through His death and resurrection—not just rising from the grave, but raising us with Him through the power of His shed blood.

Before resurrection came the crucifixion, where Jesus shed His blood as the ultimate sacrifice for sin. In the Old Testament, the blood of animals was used for atonement, but it was temporary. Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God, offered His blood once and for all:

"Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins." – Hebrews 9:22

Through His blood:

• Sin is forgiven
• The curse of death is broken
• We are made righteous before God

Easter Sunday is the celebration of Jesus rising from the dead, proving that sin and death were truly defeated. But it's not just about Him being alive again—we are spiritually raised with Him:

"...just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." – Romans 6:4

This means:

• We are spiritually resurrected—given new life now
• We have the hope of eternal life
• We walk in victory, not defeat

So when we say "Risen by the Blood," we're declaring:

• Jesus rose, and by His blood, we rise too
• We are no longer slaves to sin, shame, or death
• His blood gives us access to resurrection power—spiritually now, and physically one day when He returns

It's not just that Jesus got up—He got us up too.

Easter Sunday isn't just a holiday—it's a declaration:
"I was dead in sin, but now I'm risen by the blood. I walk in freedom, I walk in grace, and I walk in the power of the resurrected Christ."