1 Corinthians 16:13-14, (NKJV) Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love. 

Dr. Bryan Hudson reflects on 1 Corinthians 16:13–14, urging listeners to live out the biblical call to “be brave, be strong,” and to do all things in love. He explains that the phrase “quit you like men” in the King James Version means to act courageously and maturely, not to quit.

Dr. Hudson critiques modern cultural shifts that swing between idolizing and dismissing fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy and affirming view of fathers and men. Drawing from personal experience as caregiver to his 88-year-old father with dementia, he honors the enduring strength, love, and consistency of his father.

He addresses a common misconception—that affirming the strength of fathers somehow diminishes women—calling it a false dichotomy. Instead, he encourages a culture that affirms bravery and strength in both men and women, especially as Father’s Day approaches.

The message highlights the biblical grammar of “be brave” and “be strong” as middle voice verbs, meaning we act and are acted upon—like David who encouraged himself in the Lord. Ultimately, Hudson calls on listeners to embrace courage, pass on values to future generations, and act in love.

Psalm 23:5–6 (NKJV)

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
 You anoint my head with oil;
 My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
 All the days of my life;
 And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

Bryan Hudson, DMin. hosts an insightful conversation with Denell Howard on Conversations In Focus.

Pastor Howard is the founder and director of Evolve International, Inc. The letters E.V.O.L.V.E stands for "Educating for Victory Offering Leadership Vision & Empowerment."

Evolve International Inc. is an organization developed solely to grow and develop leaders. Our goal is to inspire African American males to intentionally lead in areas of education, entrepreneurship, civics, and mentoring. The challenges within the Black community are vast and multifaceted, yet we believe we can articulate the solution in one word: leadership. Their work of Evolve International is to engage in the development of the next generation and to empower leaders to evolve by creating supportive environments through the five "C's" of Coaches, Conferences, Clubs, Camps, and The Evolve Education Center.

Denell Howard is also Pastor of the Hovey Street church of Christ in Indianapolis, IN. He and his wife, Keisha, have three children and reside in Indianapolis.

What I find remarkable and refreshing about Pastor Howard is his authenticity, consistency, and clarity of purpose. He is a man who does not compromise concerning the assignment the Lord has giving him, maintaining a laser focus on empowering young black men, and bringing people from all walks of life together to fulfill that purpose.

Learn more about Evolve at www.evolveleaders.org

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Sermon Summary: "Live in the House of Wisdom" by Dr. Bryan Hudson

Pastor Bryan Hudson delivers a powerful and practical message rooted in the wisdom literature of Scripture, particularly the book of Proverbs. The central theme of the sermon is an invitation not merely to admire or visit wisdom, but to live in the house of wisdom—to make it our dwelling place and guiding principle.

Purpose of Proverbs (Proverbs 1:1–3)

• Proverbs is given to teach wisdom and discipline, to understand wise insights, and to help people do what is right, just, and fair.

• Discipline is emphasized—it's not what others do for you, but what you choose for yourself.

• Discipline leads to order, consistency, and purposeful living.

The Structure of Wisdom (Proverbs 24:3–4)

• Wisdom builds the house

• Understanding establishes it

• Knowledge furnishes it with pleasant and precious things
  This creates a metaphorical structure: Wisdom = the house, Understanding = the foundation, Knowledge = the furniture.

• This priority counters worldly assumptions—knowledge is not enough; it must be applied through wisdom and guided by understanding.

Illustration of Wisdom with Cooking

• Knowledge is like having the recipe and ingredients.

• Understanding is knowing how to use them.

• Wisdom is putting it all together effectively and appropriately.

Path Principle and Decision-Making

• Proverbs teaches to ponder the path of your feet (Proverbs 4:26).

• Life is about the paths we walk, not merely our intentions.

• Just as walking on a moving walkway takes you in a fixed direction, so do life choices—you arrive where the path leads, regardless of your good intentions.

Living in God’s Wisdom vs. Worldly Lack

• There is both abundance and lack in the world—not only materially but spiritually.

• There’s a famine of hearing the Word of the Lord (Amos 8:11), despite abundance all around.

• True abundance is not material wealth, but spiritual richness, rooted in wisdom and relationship with God.

Warnings and Encouragement

• Covetousness is a danger—desiring something just because someone else has it.

• Jesus was not poor, but He lived simply. True wealth is in wisdom and purpose, not possessions.

• Don't lower yourself or dilute your wisdom to fit in—let others rise to the level of truth and light.

Mind of Christ

• God’s ways and thoughts are higher (Isaiah 55:8–9), but they are not unattainable—we must rise to them.

• Believers have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16), giving access to divine wisdom.

Final Call: Choose Wisdom Daily

• God's wisdom is a path, not just an idea.

• Living wisely leads to stability, fulfillment, and God-directed success.

• Don’t just visit the house of wisdom—live there.

Closing Prayer
Dr. Hudson ends with a prayer of thanksgiving, asking God to help believers live in the house of wisdom and guide others into the same.

Summary Phrase:
"Let’s not just visit the house of wisdom—let’s live in it."

This message is both instructional and deeply spiritual, calling believers to a lifestyle rooted in God’s wisdom, discernment, and understanding.

God Bless and be encouraged!
~ Bryan Hudson, DMin

"The Path Principle"   Bryan Hudson, DMin

I want to talk to you briefly about gun violence and something called "The Path Principle." 

This morning on May 20, I received an email from Anthony Beverly who is the founder and director of Stop the Violence Indianapolis. In this message, he communicated the tragic story of a 17 year old young man who died of gun violence at 29th and Dearborn here in my city of Indianapolis. First of all, I grew up six blocks from 29th in Dearborn. I'm in this neighborhood almost every day as my 88-year-old father lives in the vicinity of 34th and Dearborn. 

The tragedy of the young man who died of gun violence is a story that we've heard before, but it's very important that we do not become desensitized to hearing the stories. Because each young person who dies of gun violence is a person who will not get to fulfill his or her purpose in life. 

As someone who with my wife raised four children, including two sons, have worked with youth over the course of 46 years of ministry, including running a Media Camp each summer for 20 years, these stories of tragedy always strike me as being close to home. While gun violence has not touched my family directly, like you, I know someone who has been touched by it.

The first thing I want to say is do not make the mistake of painting all young people, particularly young, black men, with the same broad brush. The vast majority of young people want to do the right thing, and are doing right things. I don't think of young people as being “at risk,” I think of young people as being “at promise.” This was the case with the young man whom Anthony Beverly highlighted in his communication. May and June should be a season of commencement, not a season of tragic conclusions and death.

I don't know all the circumstances surrounding the death of a young man, but we do know he was attending a party. 

Let me talk about "The Path Principle.”

There is a story in Proverbs 7:7-15 that you can read later. It starts this way, and I will paraphrase it:

“At the window of my house I looked out through the lattice. I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgment He was going down the street near a corner, walking along in the direction of a house at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in. Then out came a person to meet him, and took hold of the youth and said, So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you!’

Trouble is literally looking for all of us, but especially young people because their whole life is ahead of them.

Here is the Path Principle:

It doesn't matter what your intentions are, it doesn't matter what you say you want to do, it only matters what path you are on. You might say that you want to go to Cincinnati, but if you're on the path of I-65 north or 1-70 west, and not I-74 east, you're not going to get to Cincinnati. Your intentions do not matter, it only matters what path you're actually on.

Anthony Beverly and Stop the Violence Indianapolis has many programs to empower young people. I know many others who have programs and opportunities for young people. Many churches, including our church, New Covenant has done a lot of work to empower young people. I have supported organizations like Children's Policy and Law Initiative, Evolve with Pastor Denell Howard. Three of my children are alumni of The Center for Leadership Development, which was led in the beginning by the late Henry Bundles, Jr. and currently by Dennis E. Bland, esq.. 

All these are not simply programs. These are paths.

Let me say this, a party is also a path. Simply “hanging out” is a path. Too many young people have lost their lives while attending a party or hanging around. No one intended to go to a party and get shot or die from gun violence. Not all parties end in violence, but youth need to consider their path. 

This problem of gun violence is persistent and there's not one solution. But let me offer this one insight to parents, youth, and anyone listening: 

It is always your direction that ultimately determines your destination.—it is not your intentions, not your hopes, not your dreams, not your prayers, not your beliefs.

Every path leads somewhere. Your path determines your destination.

Proverbs 4:26 Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established. 

Summary of Message:

“God’s People in the City” by Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min.

This message focuses on God's call for His people to commit to long-term ministry and outreach, especially in the urban context, under the theme “Each One, Reach One.” Drawing from Acts 18, Pastor Hudson reflects on Paul’s ministry in Corinth, emphasizing that God told Paul in a vision, “Do not be afraid... for I have many people in this city.” This refers not only to current believers but to those who would be saved.

Key scripture Text:

Acts18:9, Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” 11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. 

1. God Knows Who Will Be Saved—We Don't

   • God, in His foreknowledge, knows those who will respond to the gospel.

   • Our responsibility is to share the message with everyone—we are not told who will or won’t respond.

   • Romans 8:29–30 outlines the process: foreknown, predestined, called, justified, glorified.

2. The Power and Necessity of the Gospel

   • Romans 1:16: “The gospel is the power of God to salvation.”

   • Programs and outreach are good, but they must be vehicles for presenting the gospel.

3. The Concept of “Locus” as Ministry Focus

   • "Locus" means the central area of activity.

   • Paul’s “locus” was preaching and teaching where God sent him, even staying for long periods to build impact.

   • We each must identify our personal ministry locus and stay committed.

4. Faithful Commitment Bears Fruit

   • Ministry impact takes time, consistency, and sometimes suffering.

   • Like Paul, we may face opposition, but God can shift us to nearby, fruitful places (e.g., Paul moved next door when rejected at the synagogue).

   • Being planted and focused leads to long-term results.

5. Salvation Process is God’s Work—but Requires Our Obedience

   • God does the calling, justifying, and glorifying.

   • Our job is to preach, share, and position ourselves so others can hear and respond.

6. Don’t Be Distracted or Discouraged

   • Ministry requires resilience. Not everyone will receive the message.

   • Even if we don’t see results, we may be sowing seeds others will water.

7. Christ Is Our Everything

   • 1 Corinthians 1:30 says Christ becomes our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.

   • No one can boast—salvation is fully God’s work.

• Recognize that God has people in your city who haven’t heard yet.

• Be intentional about your focus and committed to your calling.

• Share the gospel faithfully—through outreach, in relationships, and wherever God places you.

Conclusion:
The city is full of potential believers waiting to hear. Our role is not to figure out who they are, but to be faithful in sharing, knowing that God will do the work of salvation. As Pastor Hudson put it: “Get a real locus—something you can take to heaven with you.”

Summary of Message: “God’s People in the City” by Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min.

This message focuses on God's call for His people to commit to long-term ministry and outreach, especially in the urban context, under the theme “Each One, Reach One.” Drawing from Acts 18, Pastor Hudson reflects on Paul’s ministry in Corinth, emphasizing that God told Paul in a vision, “Do not be afraid... for I have many people in this city.” This refers not only to current believers but to those who would be saved.

Key Scripture Text: Acts18:9, Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” 11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. 

1. God Knows Who Will Be Saved—We Don't

   • God, in His foreknowledge, knows those who will respond to the gospel.

   • Our responsibility is to share the message with everyone—we are not told who will or won’t respond.

   • Romans 8:29–30 outlines the process: foreknown, predestined, called, justified, glorified.

2. The Power and Necessity of the Gospel

   • Romans 1:16: “The gospel is the power of God to salvation.”

   • Programs and outreach are good, but they must be vehicles for presenting the gospel.

3. The Concept of “Locus” as Ministry Focus

   • "Locus" means the central area of activity.

   • Paul’s “locus” was preaching and teaching where God sent him, even staying for long periods to build impact.

   • We each must identify our personal ministry locus and stay committed.

4. Faithful Commitment Bears Fruit

   • Ministry impact takes time, consistency, and sometimes suffering.

   • Like Paul, we may face opposition, but God can shift us to nearby, fruitful places (e.g., Paul moved next door when rejected at the synagogue).

   • Being planted and focused leads to long-term results.

5. Salvation Process is God’s Work—but Requires Our Obedience

   • God does the calling, justifying, and glorifying.

   • Our job is to preach, share, and position ourselves so others can hear and respond.

6. Don’t Be Distracted or Discouraged

   • Ministry requires resilience. Not everyone will receive the message.

   • Even if we don’t see results, we may be sowing seeds others will water.

7. Christ Is Our Everything

   • 1 Corinthians 1:30 says Christ becomes our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.

   • No one can boast—salvation is fully God’s work.

• Recognize that God has people in your city who haven’t heard yet.

• Be intentional about your focus and committed to your calling.

• Share the gospel faithfully—through outreach, in relationships, and wherever God places you.

Conclusion:
The city is full of potential believers waiting to hear. Our role is not to figure out who they are, but to be faithful in sharing, knowing that God will do the work of salvation. As Pastor Hudson put it: “Get a real locus—something you can take to heaven with you.”

Summary of the Message: “The Song of Mary: What is Your Song?”
By Pastor Bryan Hudson, DMin. (Generated by OpenAI)

Download Worksheet: “Developing Your Song”

It is a testimonial, a joyful and faith-filled declaration of God’s mercy, faithfulness and power in fulfilling His purpose through chosen vessels. 

Luke 1:46, And Mary said:“My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.   48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.  49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name.   50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation.  He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.   52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly.   53 He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty.  54 He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy,  55 As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.”

Pastor Bryan Hudson explores Mary’s Song, also known as The Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55), as both a biblical testimony and a model for personal reflection. Mary’s declaration of praise to God was not merely a song in the musical sense but a profound testimony of God's mercy, power, and covenant faithfulness.

Key Themes of the Message:

1. Your Song is Your Testimony:
   Like Mary, every believer has a “song”—a personal testimony of God’s work in their life. This song is meant to glorify God and bless future generations, not just recount personal experiences.

2. Five Elements of Mary’s Song:

   • Rejoicing – Worship and joy in God (v. 46-47)

   • Regarding – Humility in recognizing God’s favor (v. 48)

   • Reflecting – Acknowledging God’s legacy and mercy through generations (v. 49-50)

   • Revealing – Understanding divine purpose and justice (v. 51-53)

   • Recognition – Remembering God’s covenant and faithfulness (v. 54-55)

3. Application to Our Lives:

   • Believers are encouraged to reflect on their own song using these five elements.

   • Worship is more than singing; it is how we live and respond to God.

   • Testimonies should include humility, legacy, purpose, and an awareness of covenant relationship with God.

   • Mary's experience is uniquely maternal, highlighting the vital role of mothers in God’s redemptive plan.

4. Broader Biblical Context:
   Dr. Hudson compares Mary’s song to other biblical songs—such as those of Moses, Miriam, Deborah, David, and the redeemed in Revelation—to show that songs often arise from deliverance and divine encounter.

5. Call to Honor Mothers and Recognize Their Role:

   • The message honors the spiritual and physical significance of mothers, encouraging all to show gratitude while mothers are still present.

   • Birth, both physical and spiritual, is tied to God's greater plan and purpose.

Final Charge:
Dr. Hudson encourages listeners to reflect, write, and live out their own song, as a testimony of God’s mercy and purpose in their lives. Mary’s song, born of deep spiritual insight and humility, is a pattern for how believers today can shape their impact on the world and future generations.

Proverbs 3:5-10 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.