Firm Foundation with Bryan Hudson

“Love & Serve”

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

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“Have You Made a Peace Offering?”

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1 Thessalonians 5:18, In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you

Leviticus 7:11 ‘This is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings which he shall (or “may offer”) offer to the Lord: 12 If he offers it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer, with the sacrifice of thanksgiving, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, unleavened wafers anointed with oil, or cakes of blended flour mixed with oil.

Listen to My Message From Sunday, December 1, 2024

Giving Thanks: Not Only a Day - A Foundation

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[UPDATED 12/6/24 -- Article in progress, bookmark to read the latest revisions – Input welcome]

“Each of us holds the power to determine what we will and will not tolerate within our spheres of influence.”

Our current environment has given rise to numerous expressions of hate, disrespect, and racism towards people of color, particularly African-Americans.

This is not a new phenomenon, but the 21st-century media platforms have amplified all communications, opinions, and expressions of hatred at an alarming rate. The presidential election of 2024, featuring an immensely qualified Black woman against a White man, served as a catalyst for racist and sexist rhetoric. The intensity and prevalence of these attitudes and sentiments reached unprecedented levels. This is no ordinary White male, but one with a documented history of lies, racism, abuse of women, fraud, and instigating an insurrection against the same constitutional government he swore to protect.

It is more insidious than mere words and actions when individuals offer “tacit" support, which means persons understand and support something without explicitly expressing it.

At 68 years old and having studied, written, and been active on matters of race in our nation, I see three things in a lot (not all!) of White culture:

1. Being in one’s feelings rises above almost every other concern, even to the extent of being willing to ignore/alter American history, change Black history curriculum, and hinder truth-telling.

2. Self-service is too prevalent. Deriving a benefit or credit should not be the objective.

3. Zero tolerance for racism/hatred is lacking. We all need to address bad behaviors within our circles. Black folk cannot effectively correct White folk, and vise versa.

Any student of history (supported by source documentation) and current events can readily discern the patterns and threads of actions that shape our current circumstances. That history and current events form the basis of this statement:

Within the United States of America, racism is not only a stain on the fabric of our nation, but racism is part of the threads that form the fabric of our nation.

This article will soon include source documentation to include examples of “threads” of racism at the founding of our nation, such as allowing the enslavement of fellow humans made in God's image and likeness, when it could have been avoided for righteousness sake (at great cost!),

Allow me to also share this perspective:

The fabric of the United States of America is not all bad. Throughout our past and present, many courageous White Americans have stood on the right side of history, often making great sacrifices to champion justice and equality. We honor and celebrate their efforts in support of heroic African American men and women, whose contributions have shaped the nation.

What is troubling, however, is the persistent tolerance for language and actions intended to demean, hinder, or harm Black people. Another artifact of this disrespect is the embrace of false narratives, and efforts to misrepresent history, leading to the miseducation of students as it relates to American history.

”Tolerance,” in this instance, reflects what an individual or society is willing to accept or permit. Each of us holds the power to determine what we will and will not tolerate within our spheres of influence.

While it is clear what overt racists are willing to tolerate, the deeper concern lies with those who stand by, silently allowing or enabling such behavior. Their complicity, whether intentional or not, perpetuates harm and allows injustice to persist.

The righteous and helpful posture is zero-tolerance of racism.

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Some examples below were gathered in a few minutes from Twitter/X which has ended nearly all moderation under Elon Musk. This is pervasive and targeted nearly 100% at Black people:

People continue to deny racism against Black people in our nation. All one needs to do is look at comments on posts by the NAACP, famous Black people, etc. We also see it reflected in the myriad of anti-Black responses related to “anti-woke,” “anti-DEI,” Black history curriculum, and similar. These are responses from Internet “trolls,” whom we ignore, but the sentiments and allowance of hatred represent some of the “threads” of our nation.

Response to Former President Barack Obama Thanksgiving Greeting:

Comments about the NAACP

Comments about NFL Coach Mike Tomlin

Intentional false teaching about the 1921 Tulsa Massacre by White Racists

Another example of racist threads within the fabric of our nation. Oklahoma superintendent wants teachers to lie about the 1921 Tulsa massacre, excluding facts of White racism. Essentially saying, “leave race out of it.” So Black people did it to themselves?
History should not be adapted to suit the feelings of people or to place anyone in a false position from a historical perspective. Obviously, not all White people participated in this horrible massacre of 300 Black people and the destruction of a prosperous and thriving Black community. Why would an education superintendent participate in lying about history and covering the evil deeds of people in 1921?

Miseducation in Florida Schools About Rosa Parks' Legacy

The original text stated, “was told to move to a different seat because of the color of her skin.” This was changed because the “Anti-Woke” law in Florida.

Race was excluded from Rosa Parks’ story in the revised weekly lesson text for Florida schools. Rosa Parks was arrested for not giving up her seat to a white man. This action led to the Montgomery bus boycott. Black people exercised their unalienable rights and pushed back against White racism and segregation.

There's no reason that accurate history cannot be taught, except that there are white folks who want to remove all references to documented white supremacist actions.

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Book:
Biblical & Social Justice: What Is It?” An Everyday Person’s Guide to Understanding

Justice and the Role of the Church in Our Society

Link to other blog posts related to injustice, race, racism, “race relations,” and white supremacist issues

~ Bryan Hudson

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Sermon Summary: “Giving Thanks—Not Only a Day, A Foundation”

Dr. Bryan Hudson emphasizes that Thanksgiving should be more than a holiday—it’s a foundational lifestyle of gratitude. Drawing from scripture, he explores how giving thanks transcends circumstances, reflecting a heart rooted in peace and faith.

Key Scriptures: Colossians 1:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Leviticus 7:11-15

1. Thanksgiving as a Foundation:

• Thanksgiving is not tied to obligation but arises spontaneously from a grateful heart.

• True praise and offerings—whether financial, time, or acts of kindness—should be willing and joyful, not out of duty or legalism.

2. Peace Offerings and Sacrificial Praise:

• Peace offerings, as distinct from many other types of OT offerings, express worship unconnected to sin or obligation.

• In the New Testament, Jesus becomes our peace offering, bridging divisions and enabling us to live in grace and freedom.

3. Practical Application:

• Cultivate gratitude: Acknowledge blessings—both asked for and unexpected—and express thanks through words, actions, and offerings.

• Develop a lifestyle of praise and worship, independent of external circumstances.

• Avoid callousness and indifference by maintaining a spirit of thankfulness toward God and others.

4. Key Takeaways:

• Thanksgiving fosters peace, and peace inspires thanksgiving, creating a positive spiritual cycle.

• Gratitude keeps believers in God’s presence (Coram Deo), fostering perpetual joy and strength beyond circumstances.

Dr. Hudson concludes with encouragement to embrace thanksgiving as a daily, spontaneous expression of worship and gratitude, rooted in God’s peace and goodness.

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But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. (Matthew 20:25-26)

“Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men” (Rom 12:17-18)

A controlling person often exhibits behaviors aimed at dominating others, maintaining power, or ensuring situations unfold according to their preferences. These characteristics can manifest in various contexts, such as relationships, workplaces, or social interactions. Here are some common traits:

Emotional Characteristics
• Manipulative: Uses guilt, fear, or flattery to influence others' decisions or actions.
• Insecure: Struggles with self-esteem issues and seeks control to compensate.
• Fearful of Uncertainty: Has difficulty dealing with situations they cannot predict or influence.

Interpersonal Characteristics
• Isolating Others: Discourages or sabotages relationships with friends or family to maintain control.
• Possessive: Displays jealousy or acts territorial over people or resources.
• Conditional Affection: Offers approval or love only when others conform to their expectations.
• Punitive: Uses punishment or withdrawal of support as a means to enforce compliance.

Communication Characteristics
• Gaslighting: Distorts reality to make others doubt their perceptions or feelings.
• Withholding Information: Controls narratives by selectively sharing or hiding information.