Faith and Photos

A few months ago, I posted a sincere question on Facebook: does a certain lyric in a well-known worship song hold up against the text of Scripture? Most of the responses were gracious, even from those who disagreed with me. But the reaction from some pastors and worship leaders was very different- name-calling, personal attacks, and comments I had to hide. In this video, I want to ask a question the church needs to wrestle with: why can't we be Bereans anymore? The Bereans in Acts 17:11 were called "noble" for testing the Apostle Paul against Scripture. If it was noble to test an apostle, why is it considered an attack to test a worship song? In this video we'll look at: • What it actually means to be a Berean (Acts 17:11) • Why "test everything" in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 includes what we sing • Three reasons the modern church has lost the ability to disagree in a Christ-like way • What biblical disagreement actually looks like (Galatians 2:11, Proverbs 27:17) This is not an attack on worship music. It's a plea for discernment- because a church that can't examine what it sings has handed the keys to its doctrine to a recording label. 📖 SCRIPTURE REFERENCED: Acts 17:11 · 1 Thessalonians 5:20–21 · Galatians 2:11 · Proverbs 27:17 · Matthew 7:1 · 1 Corinthians 2:15 If this blesses you, consider subscribing- and let me know in the comments: have you ever hesitated to ask a biblical question in your church? 00:00 - The Facebook Post Over One Worship Lyric 01:26 - Why Is It So Hard to Be Bereans Anymore? 01:41 - How Worship Songs Shape Our Theology 02:25 - "Chapter and Verse, Please" 03:03 - The Hostile Response From Pastors and Worship Leaders 04:30 - Acts 17:11 - What Made the Bereans Noble? 04:59 - They Were Testing the Apostle Paul Himself 05:55 - If Testing Paul Was Noble, Why Not a Song Lyric? 06:08 - 1 Thessalonians 5:21 - Test Everything 07:06 - Reason #1: Experience Has Replaced Biblical Authority 08:26 - Reason #2: Celebrity Culture Has Come Into the Church 09:37 - Reason #3: The "Judge Not" Misapplication 11:13 - The Prescription: Galatians 2:11 & Proverbs 27:17 12:34 - We Must Be Bereans - Truth Is Worth the Cost 13:12 - Was It Worth It? Going Back to Acts 17:11 13:58 - Keep Studying, Keep Your Focus on Him #Acts1711 #BeABerean #SolaScriptura ___________________________________________________ 💛 Want to support this channel? Your support helps keep Faith and Photos going strong! Every dollar goes toward the behind-the-scenes costs- streaming and audio apps, video editing software, travel expenses, and equipment upgrades- so we can keep creating high-quality, faith-based content that points people to Christ. Thank you in advance for standing with us in this work. https://buymeacoffee.com/faithandphotos Soli Deo Gloria! — David

In this ongoing debate, where is the heresy? Is there any at all? In this video I give you my honest answer, and it might not be what you expect. I was told the debate between Calvinism and Arminianism is a fight over who's saved and who's a heretic. But when I actually looked at what both traditions believe, and what the men who led them actually said to each other, the picture got a lot more careful, and a lot more gracious. We'll look at: -What the word "heresy" actually means, and why it gets thrown around too loosely -The one point that disarms the whole argument -What John Wesley, George Whitefield, Adrian Rogers, R.C. Sproul, and Charles Spurgeon actually said about it -And we'll wrestle with John 6:44: "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him." 0:00 The accusation I keep hearing 2:04 What "heresy" actually means 4:05 The point that disarms the whole argument 5:10 The men who refused to condemn 8:30 We call these people family 9:14 The beautiful struggle + CTA #Calvinism #Arminianism #ReformedTheology #ChristianApologetics #BiblicalTheology _________________________________________ 💛 Want to support this channel? Your support helps keep Faith and Photos going strong! Every dollar goes toward the behind-the-scenes costs- streaming and audio apps, video editing software, travel expenses, and equipment upgrades- so we can keep creating high-quality, faith-based content that points people to Christ. Thank you in advance for standing with us in this work. https://buymeacoffee.com/faithandphotos Soli Deo Gloria! — David

A few months ago, I shut down a photography business I built over 26 years- and it wasn't for the reasons you'd expect. Back in 1998, I picked up a 35mm camera because someone asked, "What would you charge to shoot for me?" That question turned into a business. Over the decades I upgraded gear, a Bronica ETRS medium format, lighting equipment, eventually a digital SLR, and kept chasing the craft because I'm a learner at heart. But as I got older, burning the candle at both ends caught up with me. I wasn't tired of photography. I was tired of running a business around it, and I felt God calling me to reallocate my time toward magnifying Him instead. That's how Faith and Photos was born. Here's the twist: I didn't quit the business. I reallocated it. I still take the occasional local job, just incredibly limited, on purpose.If you're weighing a decision like this yourself, I hope this testimony helps. Ecclesiastes 3 says there's a season for everything... and twenty-six years was preparation, not waste. Subscribe for more content that I hope will bless your life and help you make much of our Lord. Related topics: christian testimony, quitting your job for faith, calling from God, career change, God's provision, Christian motivation 📖 Ecclesiastes 3:1 — "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven."#christiantestimony #FaithAndPhotos #GodsProvision #ChristianMotivation #careerchange 0:00 Why I Shut Down a 26-Year Business 0:37 How It Started: A Roll of 35mm Film in 1998 1:09 Building J.D. Spencer Photography 2:00 The Digital Shift Changes Everything 2:31 The Burnout Beneath the Business 3:07 Where the Idea of Faith and Photos Came From 3:56 The Twist: I Didn't Quit, I Reallocated 4:30 Ecclesiastes 3:1 — A Season for Everything 5:03 The Question I'm Asking You 5:32 26 Years Wasn't Wasted, It Was Preparation 6:38 Closing Thoughts ______________________________________________ 💛 Want to support this channel? Your support helps keep Faith and Photos going strong! Every dollar goes toward the behind-the-scenes costs- streaming and audio apps, video editing software, travel expenses, and equipment upgrades- so we can keep creating high-quality, faith-based content that points people to Christ. Thank you in advance for standing with us in this work. https://buymeacoffee.com/faithandphotos Soli Deo Gloria! — David

Stop letting low engagement define your worth as a creator. If you are feeling the weight of editing crashes and algorithmic shifts, this message is for you. We explore how to find stability when your metrics feel stalled and why waiting on God's timing is better than chasing instant approval. Share your biggest struggle with creative burnout in the comments below. #overcomingdiscouragement #creativeburnout #dealingwithalgorithm #Godstiming #contentcreatormindset #creativeblock #burnout

#spirituality #belief #awakening #redcardinalspiritualmeaning #redcardinal

Is your church drifting from Scripture toward something else? Mysticism is spreading through evangelical churches — and most people sitting in the pews don't recognize it. In this video I walk through 4 concrete warning signs that your church may have quietly replaced the authority of God's Word with mystical practices rooted in experience, not Scripture. The 4 Signs: 🔴 Augury — reading meaning into nature, circumstances, or omens 🔴 Numerology — finding hidden divine messages in repeating numbers 🔴 Rejection of Sola Scriptura — elevating personal revelation over the Bible 🔴 "God is whispering to me" — claiming ongoing extra-biblical revelation This is a biblical discernment issue, and it matters. If you've been in charismatic circles, have encountered the contemplative prayer movement, or have watched the New Apostolic Reformation reshape your denomination, you need the tools Scripture gives us to evaluate what's being taught. 📖 2 Timothy 3:16-17- Scripture is sufficient. Fully. 📖 Hebrews 1:1-2- God has spoken. Finally and fully in His Son. 📖 Revelation 22:18- The canon is closed.Chapter and verse, please. That's always the standard.I'm not mad at anyone in these movements, but I am deeply concerned. The Word of God is 1,000% reliable. We don't need anything added to it. 0:00 Intro: The Most Dangerous Theology in the Church Today 1:41 The Berean Standard: Our Test for Truth 3:51 Warning Sign #1 — Augury (Reading God Into Nature) 7:09 Warning Sign #2 — Numerology (Finding Messages in Numbers) 10:07 Warning Sign #3 — Rejection of Sola Scriptura (The Root of It All) 13:36 Warning Sign #4 — Pure Mysticism (Where It All Converges) 16:05 Recap: A Shift from the Text to Self 17:23 Outro: Be a Berean 👇 Have you seen any of these signs in your own church? Drop a comment, I'd love to hear what you're navigating. 🔔 Subscribe to Faith and Photos for biblical theology, Christian apologetics, and content designed to help you make much of our Lord. #ChristianDiscernment #SolaScriptura #FaithAndPhotos #ContemplativePrayer #ChristianApologetics #BiblicalTheology #NewApostolicReformation #Cessationism #ScriptureAlone #FalseTeaching --------------------------------------------------------------------- 💛 Want to support this channel? Your support helps keep Faith and Photos going strong! Every dollar goes toward the behind-the-scenes costs- streaming and audio apps, video editing software, travel expenses, and equipment upgrades- so we can keep creating high-quality, faith-based content that points people to Christ. Thank you in advance for standing with us in this work. https://buymeacoffee.com/faithandphotos Soli Deo Gloria! — David

#christianmusic #worshipmusic #GospelMusic #Spoken4 #SilverDollarCity

Experience a peaceful moment inside the Wilderness Church at Silver Dollar City. This video captures a quiet worship service, focusing on traditional hymn lyrics and themes of faithfulness. It is a perfect watch for anyone seeking a serene reflection on God's mercies in a historic Branson setting. Subscribe for more peaceful moments and travel highlights from Silver Dollar City. #WildernessChurch #SilverDollarCity #BransonMissouri #worshipservice #praiseandworship

I almost quit this channel. Not because of a crisis of faith- but because of quiet discouragement. The flat analytics. The invisible work. The wondering whether any of it matters. Maybe you've been there too. In this video I share the two passages of Scripture that pulled me back and refocused my eyes where they belong, not on metrics, but on the God who promises to uphold us. 📖 Isaiah 41:10- "Fear not, for I am with you... I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." 📖 Galatians 6:9- "Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." If you're a Christian creator, a pastor, a ministry worker, or just a believer who's running low — this one's for you. The harvest is in His timing. We are just called to be faithful. 📷 On this channel we make much of God- through biblical teaching, photography, and the beautiful struggle of walking in faith. 👇 Have you ever battled discouragement in ministry or a God-given calling? Tell me how you pressed through- I'd love to hear your story in the comments. 🔔 Subscribe for more content that helps you live and magnify and make much of our Lord. #ChristianEncouragement #FaithAndPhotos #Isaiah4110 #Galatians69 #ChristianYouTuber #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianContentCreator #NotGrowingWeary #FaithOverFear #MakesMuchOfGod ________________________________________ 💛 Want to support this channel? Your support helps keep Faith and Photos going strong! Every dollar goes toward the behind-the-scenes costs- streaming and audio apps, video editing software, travel expenses, and equipment upgrades- so we can keep creating high-quality, faith-based content that points people to Christ. Thank you in advance for standing with us in this work. https://buymeacoffee.com/faithandphotos Soli Deo Gloria! — David

In this video, we dive into a fascinating conversation about the early days of a career in music. Cecil shares a personal story of meeting J.D. Sumner in the early 80s, a pivotal moment for anyone interested in gospel music. This connection, and the pursuit of bass singing, illustrate the journey within southern gospel.

Is the American church failing? You've seen the headlines: another megachurch scandal, another pastor exposed. This video questions the future of the church in light of recent events, examining the challenges facing pastors and leadership today. We explore the etymology of Peter's name and its connection to building the church on a rock, emphasizing the importance of strong church leadership grounded in christian faith and sound preaching. In this video, we look at what Jesus actually promised about His church in Matthew 16:18, what history confirms, and why the scandals of today do not get the final word. Using the art of photography to make the most of our Lord and to share His gospel with others, this is Faith and Photos. Subscribe for solid biblical theology, ministry highlights, and honest conversations about the beautiful struggle of walking in faith. 👇 Drop a comment below. What gives you confidence in the church despite what you see in the headlines? #TheBodyOfChrist #TrueChurch #Matthew1618 #BiblicalTheology #BiblicalChurch #ChurchHistory #ChristianApologetics #ChurchAndFaith #AmericanChristianity #ChurchInAmerica #MegachurchProblems #ChurchDisrupted #IsTheChurchFailing #ChurchCorruption #ChurchScandals #ReligiousScandals #FaithAndPhotos #ChristianResponse ________________________________________ 💛 Want to support this channel? Your support helps keep Faith and Photos going strong! Every dollar goes toward the behind-the-scenes costs- streaming and audio apps, video editing software, travel expenses, and equipment upgrades- so we can keep creating high-quality, faith-based content that points people to Christ. Thank you in advance for standing with us in this work. https://buymeacoffee.com/faithandphotos Soli Deo Gloria! — David 0:00 Introduction 0:48 Acknowledging the Real Pain Behind the Scandals 1:33 The Flawed Argument: Is the Church Failing? 2:18 Institutional Church vs. The True Church 3:44 Matthew 16:13-18 — Who Do You Say That I Am? 4:50 Petros vs. Petra — What Jesus Actually Built On 5:56 "The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail" — A Promise, Not a Wish 6:50 History Proves It: The Church Endures 8:07 The Real Face of the Church 9:03 Grieve, Hold Leaders Accountable — But Don't Lose Faith 9:33 Conclusion: Jesus Has Not Abandoned His Church

Is there a hidden ministry operating inside one of America’s favorite theme parks? In this video, we go behind the scenes at Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO, to profile Spoken 4, a Southern Gospel quartet with a truly unique mission. While thousands of people flock to SDC for the world-class rides, many find something much deeper at a Spoken 4 show, a genuine, powerful time of worship and reflection. We sit down for an exclusive, raw interview to uncover the incredible personal testimonies and faith that fuel their music: • The Legend’s Protégé: Discover which member started his career at a young age with a world-renowned quartet, thanks to a helping hand from a legendary gospel singer. • A Two-Time Miracle: Hear the harrowing story of a member who is truly blessed to be alive after facing life-altering tragedy not once, but twice. • From Tragedy to Hope: Brandon opens up about his private battle with self-harm and the profound grief of losing his mother in that manner. In his darkest moments, when he felt there was no way out, hear how God used a faithful friend who consistently called at exactly the right time to offer hope, preserve his life, and set him on a path to ministering the Gospel. Through live performance photos, beautiful harmonies, and deep conversation, we explore how God is using these four men to reach hearts in the middle of a bustling amusement park. ________________________________________ 🌟 RESOURCES & HELP If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, self-harm, or thoughts of suicide, please know that you are not alone and there is hope. Help is available 24/7: • National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (Available free and confidentially in the US and Canada). ________________________________________ 🎵 CONNECT WITH SPOKEN4 You can have Spoken4 come to your church or event to sing and lead in worship with their music and testimonies! Reach out to them directly: • Booking & Ministry Inquiries: spoken4quartet@gmail.com • Spoken 4 website: www.spoken4.live • Brian’s Books: Grab the books written by Brian that will truly bless your life here: From Victim to Victory https://a.co/d/07dyDF1N • When Worship Becomes A Word https://a.co/d/0dNSe4vA ________________________________________ 📸 WATCH MORE FROM OUR SDC TRIP If you haven't seen the RAW and Unscripted video of Lindsay and I going to Silver Dollar City to interview Spoken4, as well as the other videos we made on that trip, click the links below! • RAW & Unscripted: https://youtu.be/_w16RaWEPDU?si=dKp1KMfiCx9F9OUf Scripture Reference: "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver." — Proverbs 25:11 (ESV) If you enjoyed this look behind the music, please SUBSCRIBE and click the bell to follow our journey of finding faith through the lens. Keep taking those photos, but keep your focus on Him! #Spoken4 #SilverDollarCity #SouthernGospel #GospelMusic #Testimony #Worship #FaithAndPhotos #BransonMO #MentalHealthAwareness #988lifeline 💛 Want to support this channel? Your support helps keep Faith and Photos going strong! Every dollar goes toward the behind-the-scenes costs- streaming and audio apps, video editing software, travel expenses, and equipment upgrades- so we can keep creating high-quality, faith-based content that points people to Christ. Thank you in advance for standing with us in this work. https://buymeacoffee.com/faithandphotos Soli Deo Gloria! — David