94 | Why Does God Allow Trials In Your Life? (SERMON)

Send us a textIs everyone called to go on a mission trip? In this episode, we break down the true meaning of missions, the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19), and whether every Christian is required to travel to fulfill God’s calling. We also address misconceptions about missions work, the role of the local church, and why obedience looks different for each believer.Some say, “Everyone should go on a mission trip.” But is that biblically accurate? We discuss the difference between personal calling and general commands, challenge traditional views, and bring clarity to an often misunderstood topic.👉 Should YOU go on a mission trip? Listen and decide for yourself.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 – Introduction: The Viral Missions Debate02:10 – What Is a Mission Trip, Really?05:45 – Is Every Christian Called to Missions?09:30 – The Role of the Local Church in Matthew 28:1912:15 – Paul & Barnabas vs. Timothy & James: Different Callings16:40 – Why “Always” and “Never” Statements About God Can Be Misleading20:05 – The Problem with Elevating Missionaries Over Local Pastors24:30 – Should You Feel Guilty for Not Wanting to Go?28:10 – Responding to the “Girls Gone Bible” Clip31:55 – Final Thoughts: How to Obey God in YOUR CallingSign up for Theos University - The best way to learn theologyhttps://www.theosu.ca/?via=Spencernak___________________________Become a Partner of the Ministryhttps://spencernakamura.com/partner__________________________Give a one-time donation to the Ministryhttps://spencernakamura.com/donation__________________________Download my FREE 5-day Devotional helping you understand the importance of The Word of Godhttps://mailchi.mp/d3bd65882c1a/5-day-devotional__________________________

Send us a textIn this episode of The Future Is Now Podcast, we dive into The Art of Waiting—learning how to trust God in seasons of uncertainty. Based on Isaiah 40, this message will challenge you to shift your perspective, embrace the waiting, and prepare for what God is developing in you.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction & Podcast Update01:32 – Reading Isaiah 40:28-3103:14 – Context: Why Israel Was Waiting06:10 – Israel’s Sins That Led to Exile08:06 – How This Applies to Us Today13:03 – What It Means to Wait on God15:16 – Waiting Is Not Passive—It’s Active19:02 – How Perspective Shapes Your Waiting24:07 – Avoiding Idleness in the Waiting Season29:17 – Are You Ready for What You’re Praying For?33:38 – Closing Prayer & Final EncouragementSign up for Theos University - The best way to learn theologyhttps://www.theosu.ca/?via=Spencernak___________________________Become a Partner of the Ministryhttps://spencernakamura.com/partner__________________________Give a one-time donation to the Ministryhttps://spencernakamura.com/donation__________________________Download my FREE 5-day Devotional helping you understand the importance of The Word of Godhttps://mailchi.mp/d3bd65882c1a/5-day...

Send us a textIn this message, we explore The Jesus Equation—the powerful truth that Jesus often starts with scarcity to reveal His abundance. Before God adds to your life, He may subtract, not to punish, but to build dependence. Through the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 (John 6:1–13), we learn how surrendering our fragments can lead to overflowing miracles.Timestamps:00:00 – The Story of Jesus Feeding the 5,00003:00 – What Does Jesus Equal in Your Life?06:15 – The Difference Between the Crowd and the Disciples09:40 – Admiration vs. Surrender: What Really Matters13:25 – Scarcity as the Starting Point for Miracles17:50 – Why God Subtracts Before He Multiplies21:30 – The Power of Dependence in Spiritual Growth25:15 – The Dog Poop Story: Learning from Overload29:10 – The CEO Encounter: God’s Power in Humility33:00 – What Fragments Are You Willing to Give to God?Sign up for Theos University - The best way to learn theologyhttps://www.theosu.ca/?via=Spencernak___________________________Become a Partner of the Ministryhttps://spencernakamura.com/partner__________________________Give a one-time donation to the Ministryhttps://spencernakamura.com/donation__________________________Download my FREE 5-day Devotional helping you understand the importance of The Word of Godhttps://mailchi.mp/d3bd65882c1a/5-day...__________________________

Send us a textChristians should be the best at everything they do because their work reflects who God is. But why do so many believers struggle with mediocrity? Why does Christian media, art, and culture often lack excellence? The problem is that we have compartmentalized our faith, limiting it to Sundays and church settings instead of seeing all of life as an opportunity to glorify God.In this episode, we break down why this mindset is damaging the influence of Christianity, how we got here, and what we can do to change it. From scripture-backed truth to historical examples of Christians shaping culture, we’ll challenge you to take your faith beyond Sundays and pursue excellence in every area of life.If you’re ready to stop settling for mediocrity and start making a real impact, this episode is for you.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Why Christians struggle with mediocrity2:00 - The problem with compartmentalized faith5:45 - Christian art and culture should be better9:15 - Biblical examples of excellence13:00 - What Rome can teach us about influencing culture17:00 - How to break the cycle and pursue excellenceSign up for Theos University - The best way to learn theologyhttps://www.theosu.ca/?via=Spencernak___________________________Become a Partner of the Ministryhttps://spencernakamura.com/partner__________________________Give a one-time donation to the Ministryhttps://spencernakamura.com/donation__________________________Download my FREE 5-day Devotional helping you understand the importance of The Word of Godhttps://mailchi.mp/d3bd65882c1a/5-day...__________________________

Send us a textImmigration is one of the most heated topics in our nation today. With new policies, mass deportations, and ongoing debates about open versus secure borders, emotions are running high. But as Christians, we have to ask—what does the Bible say about immigration?In this episode, we strip away political bias and look at biblical principles on immigration, government authority, and love for the foreigner. We dive into Exodus 22:21, 1 Timothy 5:8, and Romans 13 to understand how Scripture speaks to caring for immigrants while maintaining godly priorities.Are secure borders unloving? Does biblical love mean allowing illegal entry? How do we balance compassion and wisdom in this debate? Let’s take an honest, scripture-based look at immigration policy, love, and the role of government.🔹 Topics Covered: • The danger of using Bible verses out of context • What the Old Testament teaches about welcoming the foreigner • Understanding biblical love (1 Corinthians 13) and government authority (Romans 13) • The Christian responsibility to family, nation, and neighbor • Why having secure borders doesn’t mean being unlovingSign up for Theos University - The best way to learn theologyhttps://www.theosu.ca/?via=Spencernak___________________________Become a Partner of the Ministryhttps://spencernakamura.com/partner__________________________Give a one-time donation to the Ministryhttps://spencernakamura.com/donation__________________________Download my FREE 5-day Devotional helping you understand the importance of The Word of Godhttps://mailchi.mp/d3bd65882c1a/5-day-devotional__________________________

Send us a text🚨 Welcome back to The Future is Now Podcast! 🚨In this episode, we dive into one of the most crucial questions for every believer: How do we discern when to fight and when to embrace peace?Life is full of volatile situations—division in our world, disagreements within the church, and personal battles we all face. Join me as we unpack Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 and Matthew 5:5, exploring Jesus’ call for meekness: power under control and submission to God’s righteousness.In This Episode, We Discuss:🔥 Why the world thrives on division and how Christians can rise above it.🤔 The balance between standing for truth and maintaining unity in the church.🕊️ How to live out Philippians 4:8 and focus on what’s pure, noble, and praiseworthy.⚔️ Knowing the “hills to die on”—when to fight for biblical truth and when to let go of lesser disagreements.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Welcome Back!2:17 Why the World Thrives on Division4:05 The Balance of Meekness (Matthew 5:5)7:10 Self-Reflection: Where Do You Stand?9:01 The Church’s Role in Unity (1 Corinthians 1:10)12:12 When to Fight: Closed-Handed Issues15:18 When to Let Go: Open-Handed Issues19:10 Adopting a Philippians 4:8 MindsetSign up for Theos University - The best way to learn theologyhttps://www.theosu.ca/?via=Spencernak___________________________Become a Partner of the Ministryhttps://spencernakamura.com/partner__________________________Give a one-time donation to the Ministryhttps://spencernakamura.com/donation__________________________Download my FREE 5-day Devotional helping you understand the importance of The Word of Godhttps://mailchi.mp/d3bd658

Send us a textIn this podcast we discuss the importance of living your life above reproach. It is the best guard to your reputation.____________________________Support The Ministry by giving a one-time gift or becoming a partner:CLICK HERE____________________________Download my Free 5 Day DevotionalCLICK HERE____________________________Sign up for your free trial at Theos UniversityCLICK HERE____________________________🟢 Follow Spencer on Instagram and YoutubeYouTube Profile

Send us a textIn this sermon we walk through James 1:2-4 and discuss how God uses trials in order to shape our faith. Download David Ryan Cooks new EP "Guard The Glory"CLICK HERE____________________________Check out David Ryan Cooks Instagram:CLICK HERE____________________________Support The Ministry by giving a one-time gift or becoming a partner:CLICK HERE____________________________Download my Free 5 Day DevotionalCLICK HERE____________________________Sign up for your free trial at Theos UniversityCLICK HERE____________________________🟢 Follow Spencer on Instagram and YoutubeYouTube Profile

Send us a textIn todays episode I got the privilege to talk with my friends David Ryan Cook and Caleb Fobes about Worship and songwriting. It was an incredible conversation that I know will bless you!Download David Ryan Cooks new EP "Guard The Glory"CLICK HERE____________________________Check out David Ryan Cooks Instagram:CLICK HERE____________________________Support The Ministry by giving a one-time gift or becoming a partner:CLICK HERE____________________________Download my Free 5 Day DevotionalCLICK HERE____________________________Sign up for your free trial at Theos UniversityCLICK HERE____________________________🟢 Follow Spencer on Instagram and YoutubeYouTube Profile____________________________

Send us a textIn todays episode we are talking about plastic surgery. Is there any merit to it? Is all of it a sin? We are looking at this from all angles to come to a logical, biblical understanding.____________________________Support The Ministry by giving a one-time gift or becoming a partner:CLICK HERE____________________________Download my Free 5 Day DevotionalCLICK HERE____________________________Sign up for your free trial at Theos UniversityCLICK HERE____________________________🟢 Follow Spencer on Instagram and YoutubeYouTube Profile____________________________Learn how you can grow your social media to over 300k followers like I did:https://youtu.be/umj5d1b7h78