Start2Finish: The Exartizo Podcast

Continuing our look into the attributes of God, this week's episode focuses on the primary attribute of God's love. It is important to be mindful that the Scripture doesn't just portray God as merely displaying acts of love, it reveals Him as "being" love. God is love (1 John 4:8). It is His nature and His very being.  Scriptures: 2 Pet. 3:18; 1 John 4:8; Deut. 7:6-8; John 3:16; Rom. 5:8; John 15:13; Psalm 118:1; Psalm 100:5; Psalm 34:8. Production: Samuel Romano Music: Justin Jollie Communications: chris@vcbcs.org

This episode continues our look into the important subject of Theology by exploring 4 basic attributes of God's nature: 1. He is Eternal 2. He is Transcendent 3. He is Personal 4. He is Spirit To begin a study of God (theology defined), it is important to establish the reality of God's existence. Faith begins with an apprehending of the reality of God (Heb. 11:6- "...he who comes to God must believe that He is..."). The Bible doesn't explain God, it merely reveals and declares that "He is!" For a believer, it is critical to place faith that "God is" and be able to support that premise with what the Bible records concerning Him. Enjoy this episode of Start2Finish as we spend time pouring over some primary, fundamental attributes of God's essence and being. Scriptures: Gen. 1:1; Rev. 22:20; Heb. 11:6; Ex. 3:13-14; Psalm 90:1-2; Job 11:7-9; Isaiah 55:8-9; Malachi 3:6; James 1:17; John 17:23; John 4:24; Phil. 2:6-8; 1 Tim. 1:17; Exodus 33:20. Production: Samuel Romano Music: Justin Jollie Communication: chris@vcbcs.org

In today's episode, Dr. Romano explores some of Theology's essentials such as: Continuing the faithful tradition of the church in pursuing sound doctrine (Acts 2:42). The importance of the church as a "teaching community." Doing theology for the purpose of providing clarity and integration to the body of Christ. Doing theology through the help and guidance of the Spirit (John 16:13). Doing theology through the reliance upon the Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16). Maintaining proper motives for studying theology: humility, love, the glory of God. Production: Jason Romano Music: Justin Jollie Communications: chris@vcbcs.org

Today's episode begins our last series of SEASON 1, with an introduction to the subject of Theology. Featured in this episode is: A basic definition of Theology: "Words, Ideas, Thoughts, & Concepts about God." (Theos = God; Logos = Word) All people have a theology! The question is, is it a "good theology" or a "bad theology?" Perceptions of Theology in the "church" Theology was once the "Queen of the Sciences!" The proper approach to exploring theology: "Not something to prove, but something to discover." Scriptures: Matt. 22:34-40; Rom. 8:5; Rom. 11:33-36. Production: Samuel Romano Music: Justin Jollie Communications: chris@vcbcs.org

Today's episode concludes our look into The Vine-Branch illustration found in John 15:1-8 by focusing on the importance of fruit bearing. Fruit producing is an "Eden image." (Gen. 1:28; Gen. 9:1; Gen. 12:3; Isaiah 5:1-2). Fruit is the clearly stated will of the Father (Vinedresser/Gardener) who is personally invested in His vineyard (our lives).  Fruit is the result of faithful connection to the True Vine (our life source).  Abiding/Remaining in Christ requires: Total Commitment (John 6:56); True Discipleship (John 8:31); Growing in the love of God (John 15:9-10). Production: Jason Romano Music: Justin Jollie Communication: chris@vcbcs.org

Special guest Tara Romano joins the show to continue our look into the importance of abiding in Christ. Today's conversation will emphasize: The importance of maintaining "connection" to the True Vine. Keeping Jesus as the primary "source" and "influence" of our lives. How the overflow of abiding produces a unity in prayer, as well as answered prayer (15:7-8).  To study along with us, please reference John 15:1-8! Production: Samuel Romano Music: Justin Jollie Communication: chris@vcbcs.org

John 15:1-8 is one of the most famous and familiar passages in all of Scripture. The simple illustration of the "Vine and Branches" provides every generation of Jesus followers with some amazing and timeless principles. Tune in to today's episode to gain a brief overview of this passage, as well as how it applies to your relationship with Jesus today! Scriptures: John 15:1-8; John 14:9-10; 1 John 4:8; Matt. 11:28-30; 1 Cor. 6:19-20; 1 John 3:1. Production: Samuel Romano Music: Justin Jollie Communications: chris@vcbcs.org

One of the greatest gifts we have been given as believers is the Name of Jesus. As the old song proclaims, "There is just something about that Name!" In this episode, the significance of the Name of Jesus is explored through: The urgency of gaining a fresh vision and perception of the power of His Name. Recognizing that in the Hebrew culture, names reveal a person's identity, character and purpose. What it means to pray in "Jesus Name." MUCH, MUCH more!! Scriptures: Matt. 1:21; Luke 1:31-33; Rom. 10:9-13; Col. 2:9; John 14:13-14; 15:16; 16:23-24; Phil. 2:9-10; Acts 3:1-7; Mark 16:17; Prov. 18:10; Col. 3:17. Production: Samuel Romano Music: Justin Jollie Communications: chris@vcbcs.org

This episode brings to completion the mini-series on the power of the cross and the resurrection by continuing to explore the biblical theme of deliverance. While deliverance is part of the meta-narrative of the entire biblical story, all prior deliverances point to and culminate in the "grand" deliverance that is accomplished in Jesus. As followers of Jesus, what exactly have we been delivered FROM? AND what exactly have we been delivered TO? Tune in today and discover that our deliverance in Christ has a destiny to it! Scriptures: Col. 1:13; 1 Thess. 5:9; Rom. 6:23; Rom. 8:2; Heb. 2:14-15; 1 John 4:18; Rom. 8:1; Gal 3:13; 1 John 3:1; Rom. 8:15-17; Phil. 3:20: Rom. 5:17; Eph. 5:1-2; John 8:32; Gal. 5:1; John 8:36.  Production: Samuel Romano Music: Justin Jollie Communications: chris@vcbcs.org

Believers need deliverance? Deliverance is part of discipleship? On this episode of Start2Finish, we explore the theme of deliverance as a pattern that is established in the Hebrew Scriptures and ultimately leading to Jesus as the True Deliverer. In addition to the grand deliverance that Christ produced at the Cross and in His Resurrection, followers of Jesus require an ongoing, consistent deliverance that is available every day by the mercies of God. Scriptures: Judges 3:9-11; Matt. 11:28; Luke 1:67-72; Rom. 12:1; Col. 1:13. Production: Samuel Romano Music: Justin Jollie Communications: chris@vcbcs.org

According to the Apostle Paul, if the Resurrection of Jesus weren't true, then the Christian faith is a sham! Preaching would be emptied of its power and believers would remain dead in their sin (1 Cor. 15:12-19). However, Paul's claim and the claim of the New Testament, is that Christ is risen from the dead! And because He lives victorious over sin and death, believers can have confidence and hope concerning their own future resurrection and eternal place in God's Kingdom. Tune in to today's episode as we briefly explore the significance of the Resurrection of Jesus.  Production: Samuel Romano Music: Justin Jollie Communications: chris@vcbcs.org

Our mini-series on the Power of the Cross & the Resurrection continues with this episode entitled, "Pleasing the Father." In considering the "why" of the cross of Christ, it is easy to fixate our minds on how it benefited us. Apart from His grace, all people are lost, hopeless and helpless. Our sin required a Perfect Savior in order to experience salvation. And though Jesus' love and mercy for us certainly motivated His sacrificial act, there was something even more primary that compelled Him. Tune in to today's episode to learn more about Jesus' heart and motivation for dying on the cross. Scriptures: Gal. 1:6; Rev. 13:8; 2 Tim. 1:9; Eph. 5:1-2; Is. 53:10. Production: Samuel Romano Music: Justin Jollie Communication: chris@vcbcs.org

This episode begins a new "mini" series on the power of the cross and resurrection of Jesus. Today's episode will explore: The cross/resurrection as integrated realities that produce the same benefit for those who believe: LIFE! (John 20:30-31). The cross/resurrection as the primary features (MAIN THING) of the apostle's teaching (1 Cor. 15:1-4). The relationship between the love of God and the wrath of God (1 John 3:16; Rom. 5:8-9). The primary result of the cross/resurrection: Rescue from sin's power; Ransom from sin's penalty; Redemption from the curse; Reconciliation from abandonment; Restoration to co-rulership.  Production: Jason Romano Music: Justin Jollie Communication: chris@vcbcs.org / vcbcs.org

In today's episode, we welcome worship leader Steven Musso onto the show. Steven is a worship leader, Billboard-charting songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist based in Schenectady, New York. Steven’s heart has been stamped with the image from Revelation 7:9-10 of every tribe, nation, and tongue worshipping passionately, and his desire has been to release the sound of heaven through God’s people onto the earth. His music incorporates many styles that bridge cultures and generations together to lift up one unified voice to Jesus. Locally, Steven serves as the worship pastor at Redemption Church where him and his wife, Hannah, lead a thriving team of emerging songwriters and worship leaders.  You will also hear a brief clip from Steven's recently released song, "On the Waters," which is available NOW on all major streaming platforms. For more info on Steven and Hannah Musso, please visit their website: www.themussos.com You can also find them on their YouTube page: click here Today's Show was produced by: Samuel Romano Intro Music: Justin Jollie For more information on Chris' teaching ministry, please visit: www.vcbcs.org Communications: chris@vcbcs.org

In this episode, we speak with worship leader Gabriel Gibilisco about the importance of worship in the local church. Gabe is the Worship & Creative Director at Hope Church in Winter Garden, Florida.  Production: Samuel Romano Music: Justin Jollie Communications: chris@vcbcs.org

The "series finale" on the subject of the Presence of God offers a very practical devotional strategy designed to help believers experience God's Presence, hear His voice and develop consistency in prayer. This ancient-modern practice incorporates 4 main components: Reading. Reflecting. Responding. Resting.  Scriptures: Heb. 5:14; Psalm 1:1-3; Joshua 1:8; Psalm 46:10. Production: Samuel Romano Music: Justin Jollie

Today's episode continues to look at practical ways that believers can test and discern the various voices and messages that come their way. In the effort to train and exercise our spiritual senses (Heb. 5:14), several keys are offered to provide listeners with the confidence that they can hear the voice of God.  Scriptures: Isaiah 11:2-3; Phil. 2:5; Matt. 5:38-48; Rom. 13:14; Heb. 11:6; Joshua 1:1-9; Matt. 22:39; Gal. 5:22-23; 1 Cor. 13:4; Psalm 27:14; Rom. 6:11-14; Rom. 12:1-2.  Production: Samuel Romano Music: Justin Jollie Contact Info: chris@vcbcs.org

Today's episode looks into the ways in which believers can test the various voices that are regularly communicating to them. Is it God who is speaking to me OR is it just me? Even worse, is it the enemy? How can I know with confidence that the voice I'm hearing is God? Scriptures: Psalm 103; 1 Thess. 5:19-21; Eph. 1:17-18; 1 Cor. 2:16; Matt. 16:21-23; Jer. 23:16; 1 John 4:1; John 8:42-47; 1 Cor. 14:1-3, 26; Rom. 8:15-17. Production: Samuel Romano Music: Justin Jollie Contact: chris@vcbcs.org

In today's episode, we explore the spiritual practice of hiding the word of God in our hearts. Based out of Psalm 119:11, an important connection is made between hiding the word in our hearts and hearing the voice of God.  Scriptures: Psalm 119:18; Psalm 119:11; Luke 24:32; Matt. 4:4; Deut. 8:3. Music: Justin Jollie Production: Samuel Romano Communication/Correspondence: chris@vcbcs.org

How did God speak in the Bible? How does God speak today? Today's episode considers the various ways (Heb. 1:1) in which God spoke in the past and compares that with the way in which God speaks today. Scriptures: Heb. 1:1-2; Gen. 12:1-3; Job 33:14-16; Acts 13:1-2; Psalm 119:105; 2 Tim. 3:16; Psalm 119:11; John 16:12-14; 2 Cor. 5:17. Music: Justin Jollie Production: Samuel Romano Communication: chris@vcbcs.org