Refined and Refreshed Podcast

Streetlights is a ministry of Creative Communicators called to intentionally engage global urban culture with the Gospel of Jesus Christ by producing, translating, teaching and proclaiming God’s Word so all can understand. Our identity and call are founded on the belief that God’s Word is transformational and needs to be accessible and understandable to all people.  

If we can trust that God will take care of us, has our best interest in heart, can we then focus on God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness? Can we then focus on how it looks like in our personal lives? Can we then focus on how it is expressed in our family and communities? This episode was a sermon that Ralph spoke at St. Peter United Church of Christ and edited for the podcast.

The beatitudes are common within Christianity. For the most part we can say they are character traits or virtues the we should have. What if the passage that starts the sermon on the mount is more than just character traits and virtues? In this episode we look at "those who mourn." This can be a perplexing statement especially if we only view it through the lens of virtues or characteristics we should embody. How do you cultivate the characteristic of one who mourns?

What aspect of God’s nature or character do you struggle with the most? Is there a certain characteristic that God desires to reveal to you? Is there a theme that is constantly showing up in your life? What difficult attribute about God is hard for you to comprehend or grasp? Sometimes our personal experience can skew our view of God. So on this episode, we look at this question, "Who do you say God is?" This episode was a sermon that Ralph spoke at St. Peter United Church of Christ and edited for the podcast

The beatitudes are common within Christianity. For the most part we can say they are character traits or virtues the we should have. What if the passage that starts the sermon on the mount is more than just character traits and virtues? In this episode we look at the phrase, "the poor in spirit." What does the poor in spirit mean? How does this relate to us and the community that surrounds us?

Ability Ministry is an independent Christian non-profit ministry, who strives to enhance the lives of persons affected with disabilities by providing services for persons with developmental disabilities, including residence, job placement, opportunities for social interaction and spiritual growth.

The beatitudes are common within Christianity. For the most part we can say they are character traits or virtues the we should have. What if the passage that starts the sermon on the mount is more than just character traits and virtues? In this episode we explore the word "blessed." In the "Beatitudes" we see that Christ Jesus over and over again says, "Blessed." So in this episode we will looking comprehensively into understanding what is blessed. Are the virtues that Christ mention, is what makes someone blessed? We'll talk about it!

Happy Mother's Day! On this special Mother's Day episode I talked with my mom about her life. Seeing my mother endure hardship and persevere countless of times made this a very anticipated conversation. I hope you will enjoy listening to a little bit of her life story and may it encourage you in some way. 

The beatitudes are common within Christianity. For the most part we can say they are character traits or virtues the we should have. What if the passage that starts the sermon on the mount is more than just character traits and virtues? Well, this is the introduction for the journey that we will be on. We are going to study the beatitudes with a comprehensive lens in hopes to learn more about this passage.

In this episode I talk we Brian Zahnd about his book turned documentary: Postcards from Babylon. He is the founder and lead pastor of Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. Brian is a passionate reader of theology and philosophy, an avid hiker and mountain climber, and authority on all things Bob Dylan.

As Christians the term, "revival" is like an event we hope to experience. We have heard about the revivals and great awakenings from the past and  the next great movement is something talked about in various denominational circles. However, could our focus be so much on the hope for the next great movement that we miss what's happening in the hear and now? In this episode, we examine our focus with a metaphorical look at how an athlete reaches the top and how that relates to where our focus could be in the day to day. 

In this episode you will hear from Christa Monroe! This is a short and sweet time of mindfulness! So if you can, take the next 5 minutes and be mindful of your surrounding and hear from Christa!

In this episode we hear from guest host Justin Morris on the topic of influence. Do you have influence? How are you using your influence? Are we using our influence for God's glory?

The Scriptures' tell us to honor God with our bodies, but how do we do this? Do we sabotage ourselves and the purpose God has for us when we don't take care of ourselves? We'll explore these questions and more in this episode. 

In this episode I chat with Shae Bynes. We talk about why we should seek the kingdom of God first and also chat about Kingdom Driven Entrepreneur  Shae Bynes is the founder of Kingdom Driven Entrepreneur, author, teacher, speaker, podcast host, and filmmaker.

How does seeking righteousness become counter cultural to what our society promotes today? In this episode we talk about taking time to be with God and going counter cultural to workism.

When we experience a loss there is a process of grief that starts. Life can feel like it's shattered, but there is hope and a healthy way in which we can go through the grieving process. I talk about this and more in this episode. 

Main Passage: John 11:18-37

In this episode I talk with Chalmer Williams who is the producer and host of Fatherhood Friday's.  We talk about defining moments in life and how we navigate though those life altering decision. Also we naturally talk about fatherhood and how 2020 has impacted us as fathers. 

What becomes of the collective group of people living in a fallen society? What becomes of the dreams and goals of organizations and individuals when success is no longer based on the quantity of possessions you have? What becomes of us when our currency no longer has value? What becomes of us when online influence carries no weight? What do we do?  How do we continue? We take a gander at looking for an answer to these questions! 

Main Passage: Matthew 24:1-14

Have you thought about what legacy you are going to leave behind? What is the difference between an inheritance and heritage? What does the Bible say about this topic? We will explore these questions an more in this episode!

Main Passage: Matthew 1:1-16

Source Material: 

After reflecting on life, it brought me back to the gospel. In this episode we tell the story of the Gospel through a narrative of life. 

Main Passage: - Luke 2:6-7 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Featured in this Episode: Christa Sangster Monroe, singing an original song called, "Savior of the World."

In this episode, Aderonke Pederson, MD, psychiatrist and instructor in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Northwestern Medicine, discusses psychiatry and mental wellness. We talk about how to be aware of your own mental health and the stigma of mental health.

Dr. Pederson's work focuses on mental health stigma specifically in ethnic minority populations, exploring the content of stigma to inform building interventions that reduce mental health stigma particularly among black ethnic minorities. She has particular interest in the intersection of race, religion, stigma and migration.

After a year of doing podcast, we are going to try it live! In this episode you will hear a live recording of being emotionally healthy!

Main Scripture: Hebrews 4:14-16 - Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Jamaal Fridge is a husband, speaker and author of several books ("The Novel Gospel" and series "The Life and Times of Theodore Addison").

In this episode Ralph and Jamaal talk about the fallout of the 2020 election and Jamaal shares some thought provoking insights about Christians and choosing their preferred candidate. We chat about Jamaal's time in China,  white evangelicals, the work for Christians after this election and his authorship. 

"God didn't call you to be a Democrat or a Republican. He called you to be His ambassador in a dark world. A world that is hostile to Him, but definitely needs Him." - Jamaal Fridge. 

This is our first ever annual Thanksgiving episode, where we hear from those who have gone before us. 

In this episode we will hear from S.M Lockridge (March 7, 1913 – April 4, 2000) who was the Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, a prominent African-American congregation in San Diego, California, from 1953 to 1993.  He served as pastor of San Diego's Calvary Baptist Church. During his ministry, he held key positions in the Baptist denomination and spoke at various universities and events.

S.M Lockridge Sermon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzqTFNfeDnE&feature=related

Do you feel overburdened or overwhelmed? What do you do with burdens you can and can't control? What does Christ Jesus say about burdens? We'll explore that in this episode!

Main Passage: Matthew   11:28-30 - “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give  you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and   humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is   easy and my burden is light.”   Jesus is   teach and preaching throughout the cities in Israel. He has just talked about   John the Baptist and the work he was doing, then Christ talks about cities   who did not repent when miracles were done in them. Finally He tells the   people He will give them rest. Those who are weary and burdened. For His yoke   is easy and His burden is light.

In this episode, Ralph chats with Thane Marcus about discipline and his upcoming courses that are available to pre-register for.  

Thane Marcus Ringler is a former professional golfer turned speaker, writer, and development coach living in Denver, CO with his wife Evan. In his current work, Thane's mission is to help others live and work better. He is passionate about speaking to the journey from the journey, and is striving to empower this generation to take ownership of their lives and never settle for less than they are capable of. Thane is also the host of The Up & Comers Show, a podcast all about the process of becoming and living with intentionality, while sharing stories from other inspiring up and comers along the way.

Which side will you choose? How did Jesus handle choosing a side? We'll talk about that and give some words of encouragement in this special episode!

Main Passage: Matthew   22: 15-22 - Then the Pharisees went and plotted together how they might trap   Him in what He said. 16 And they *sent their disciples to Him, along with the   Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way   of God in truth, and do not care what anyone thinks; for You are not partial   to anyone. 17 Tell us then, what do You think? Is it permissible to pay a   poll-tax to Caesar, or not?” 18 But Jesus perceived their malice, and said,   “Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites? 19 Show Me the coin used for the   poll-tax.” And they brought Him a denarius. 20 And He *said to them, “Whose   image and inscription is this?” 21 They *said to Him, “Caesar’s.” Then He   *said to them, “Then pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God   the things that are God’s.” 22 And hearing this, they were amazed; and they   left Him and went away.

I had the honor of speaking at Church in the Loop on the topic of anger and reconciliation. Anger is an emotion we have all felt, but it is imperative that we go from anger to forgiveness. In this message, you will hear how to do that and much more!

Main Passage: Matthew 5:22-24 - But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be answerable to the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be answerable to the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. Therefore, if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.

Church in the Loop: https://www.churchintheloop.com/

There are many aspect to God's character and in this episode we focus on two. Some know Him as a loving God. We hear about His judgement and vengeance, but we take a look at why understanding both is important. 

Main Passages: Jonah 4:2 - He prayed to the Lord and said, “Please Lord, was not this what I said while I was still in my own country? Therefore in order to forestall this I fled to Tarshish, for I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, and one who relents concerning calamity.

Nahum 1:2-5 - A jealous and avenging God is the Lord; The Lord is avenging and wrathful. The Lord takes vengeance on His adversaries, And He reserves wrath for His enemies. The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, And the Lord will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. In whirlwind and storm is His way, And clouds are the dust beneath His feet. 4 He rebukes the sea and makes it dry; He dries up all the rivers. Bashan and Carmel wither; the blossoms of Lebanon wither. Mountains quake because of Him and the hills dissolve; indeed the earth is upheaved by His presence, the world and all the inhabitants in it.

What is God's plumb line? How does He measure us? What does it have to do with righteousness and how can we ensure we are aligned with God's plumb line?

Main Passage: Amos 7:8-9 - Thus He showed me, and behold, the Lord was standing by a vertical wall with a plumb line in His hand. The Lord said to me, “What do you see, Amos?” And I said, “A plumb line.” Then the Lord said, “Behold I am about to put a plumb line in the midst of My people Israel. I will spare them no longer. “The high places of Isaac will be desolated and the sanctuaries of Israel laid waste. Then I will rise up against the house of Jeroboam with the sword.”

In this episode we talk with business owner, Bernice Loman, about the Christian business owner and entrepreneurs. We hear her story and thoughts on the church cultivating entrepreneurship.  

Bernice is a woman of Faith, Business Coach, Marketing Campaign Specialist, Author and has plenty of titles. She has a Master’s and Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Management and serves as the overseer, visionary and designer for Loman Creative Services, Loman Creative Marketing and MoTalents.

Ralph talks with Dr. Sonia about her healing story and discusses what her nonprofit, Face 2 Face Global is all about.   

Dr. Sonia, a Family Medicine Physician for over two decades, is the Founder and Lead Minister for Face 2 Face Global, Inc. a faith-based nonprofit organization. The Lord has been using her for many years in ministry, but after her own battle with chronic health issues, the Lord taught her how to hone Holy Spirit’s gifts of healing, teaching, preaching, leading worship, prayer and intercession with a prophetic edge followed by signs and wonders.

Where is the first place you go to for comfort? Have you ever thought about the patterns in your life that you use to self-soothe? We will talk about these and how it relates to a spirit of prostitutions.

Main Passage: Hosea 5:4 - Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God. A spirit of prostitution is in their heart; They do not acknowledge the LORD.

What does it mean for someone to rend their heart? Do you ever feel like you cannot return to the LORD because you need to get yourself together first? We will talk about that and more on this episode!

Main Passage: Joel 2:12-13 - “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”13 Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.

In this episode we look at the book of Daniel and talk about 3 disciplines Daniel possessed that we too may foster in our lives. 

Representative for the AND Campaign, Justin Francis, talks with us about the AND Campaign. The mission for AND is to educate and organize Christians for civic and cultural engagement that results in better representation, more just and compassionate policies and a healthier political culture.

Check out this amazing episode as guest host, Pastor Brain Evans, shares with us the Dance of Joy with God!

Main Passage: Proverbs 8:31 - Rejoicing in the world, His earth, And having my delight in the sons of men.

In this episode we hear from guest host Chimere Onyema on the topic of justice from a Biblical standpoint. Everyone desires justice, and it may look different to various individuals. But what about we as believers in Christ Jesus? What does the Bible say concerning justice?

Main Passage: Micha 6:8 - He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?

On this episode Ralph talks with Tyler, sportswriter and author of the book Searching for Seven.  The Christian life is meant to be a journey—a search for our Maker and a search for truth. Searching for Seven takes readers on a journey of looking for God through every aspect of life—seven days a week. 

 Tyler D. Smith is a pastor, NBA sportswriter, basketball coach, and author; he has also worked in the Christian music industry. He graduated from Lincoln Christian University and has served in ministry since 2005.  

Rashawn Copeland once sat in his room holding a gun in his mouth. Despite having money, romantic relationships and a flashy lifestyle others envied, he was miserable. Instead of his life ending that night, through a God-ordained encounter via social media,  

Rashawn Copeland is the founder of I'm So Blessed Daily and Without Walls Ministries. A writer for Church Leaders, God TV, and the God's Not Dead blog, he is also the host of the Scripture and Stories podcast on the Converge Podcast Network. He also serves on the Life Church (YouVersion) Bible app team with Pastor Craig Groeschel, assisting with global digital outreach. He is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma and is currently earning his MDiv at Liberty University.  

On a team there are a variety of people from all different background. They have different world views, but there's a goal that ultimately unites them. We'll chat today about the characteristics that it takes for unity and what we're united in as Christians.

Main Passage: Ephesians 4:1-3- Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

The Bible talks about growing in knowing Christ through the fellowship of His suffering.  So, in this episode we talk about suffering and how we can respond in it and in turn grow in knowing Him!

Main Passage: Philippians 3:10-11 -  that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; 11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Have you ever felt scattered from bad leadership? Have you ever considered that you may possess the same qualities of bad leadership? This episode we talk about how to respond when we encounter bad leadership and also when we are culprits as well. 

Main Passage: Then the word of the Lord came to me saying, “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and say to those shepherds, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “Woe, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock? You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat sheep without feeding the flock. Those who are sickly you have not strengthened, the diseased you have not healed, the broken you have not bound up, the scattered you have not brought back, nor have you sought for the lost; but with force and with severity you have dominated them. They were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and they became food for every beast of the field and were scattered. My flock wandered through all the mountains and on every high hill; My flock was scattered over all the surface of the earth, and there was no one to search or seek for them.”

On this episode, Ralph was a guest speaker at Church in the Loop and shared what God placed on his heart concerning the current events. What influences oppression, prejudice, racism and the like? Where do we stand as followers of Christ Jesus in all of this? How do we take a stand? Take a listen to find out!

Main Passage: Ephesians 6:12-17 - For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

In this installment of Refined and Refreshed Talks, Ralph chats with Tamicka Monson about mental and emotional healing. Tamicka shares her story of the process she's went through mentally and emotionally. Tamicka is a Rap Artist, Producer, Author and Speaker. She uses her gifts to reach out to hurting individuals within communities, discussing topics such as mental/emotional healing, living as a whole person after experiencing trauma, and strengthening relationships.