Assured By Grace

The biblical God pronounces judgment and punishes nations, often resulting in death and destruction. But the Bible also says that God gives "good gifts". Is God really good? What does the overall narrative of Scripture tell us about the character of God? Danny and Phil try to clarify this sometimes confusing subject.Hosts: Danny Woodward and Pastor Phil Congdon#GodsGoodness#DivineSovereignty#GodsPlan#SufferingAndRedemption#TheologyOfGoodness#PurposeInPain#ScriptureInsights

John Rich is a famous country music singer-songwriter. He also believes in Jesus, and isn't afraid to stand up for his faith. But in an interview with Tucker Carlson last year, he talked about theology. Just because a person is famous and a Christian doesn't mean what they say is true. Danny and Phil break down Rich's views that don't mesh with Scripture, and affirm biblical teaching on salvation and end times.Hosts: Danny Woodward and Pastor Phil Congdon#johnrich #returnofchrist #SpiritualInsights#religiousdiscourse #EvangelicalPerspectives#TheologicalError#EndTimesProphecy#spiritualwarfare #revelationsong

Recently, a pastor made the claim that while Christians are attracted to flashy worship services, the world is looking for "holiness". His video went viral. But is this true? And what does "holiness" mean? Phil and Danny explore what "holiness" is, and tackle some tough questions: What effect should holiness have on a Christian life, and what might a lost and dying world actually be seeking instead of holiness?

Interest in prophecy is increasing as events in the Middle East heat up. We're anticipating the Lord coming to take us to be with Him, but in the meantime, can prophecy encourage and challenge us? Danny and Phil explore the life-changing value of biblical prophecy.Hosts: Danny Woodward and Pastor Phil Congdon#EndTimesProphecy #BiblicalProphecy#FaithandProphecy#StrengthforTrials#HopeforTomorrow#PurposeforLife#ReasonforEvangelism#podcast #vlog#bible#assuredbygrace #nbbc

Following former President Jimmy Carter's death, some theologians declared that although he professed faith in Jesus Christ, his words and actions show that he was never really saved. One of these theologians, Justin Peters, used Bible verses to prove Carter was unsaved. Danny and Phil talk about some of these verses, showing how Peters misuses them, and what they really mean, and affirming once again that eternal life is received by just one thing--faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who died on the cross for our sins and rose again!Hosts: Danny Woodward and Pastor Phil Congdon#commandments #falseprophet#thechristianlife#JimmyCarter#JustinPeters#Heresy#Salvation#DiscernmentMinistry#DoctrineofGrace#FalseTeaching#podcast #vlog#bible#assuredbygrace#nbbc

Former President Jimmy Carter died on December 29th, 2024. In the wake of his death, some theologians have said that though he professed his faith in Jesus Christ, Carter's actions and words show he was never really saved. Phil and Danny explore what one theologian, Justin Peters, says proves that Carter was unsaved. What determines our eternal destiny? Danny and Phil affirm that assurance of salvation is based on only one thing -- faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who died on the cross for our sins and rose again!

Too many Christians falter in their walk of faith, or live in doubt, because they don't understand what it means to be a 'new creation in Christ.' Danny and Phil discuss why knowing 'who we are' is important, and how understanding its implications can give us assurance and strength. Hosts: Danny Woodward and Pastor Phil Congdon #IdentityInChrist #KnowingYourPurpose #LivingByFaith #CompleteInChrist #ChristianAssurance #EternalSecurity #IssuesOfIdentity #podcast #vlog #bible #assuredbygrace #salvation #nbbc

The rise of antisemitism in western counties in the last year has been alarming -- but it's nothing new in human history. Satan has always hated God's Chosen People. Sadly, some in the church have abandoned Israel, too. Danny and Phil discuss recent events in Israel and its war against terrorism, and how Christians should act. #Israel #ReplacementTheology #Antisemitism #JustWar #StandingforTruth #Terrorism #ChosenPeople #podcast #vlog #bible #assuredbygrace #salvation #nbbc

Evangelical pastors falling into sin have been in the news too much -- most recently, Steve Lawson. Some Christians, including Steve Lawson himself, have spread the idea that if you don't behave in a certain way, you never really believed in Jesus, and you're going to hell. Phil and Danny break down this destructive teaching. Hosts: Danny Woodward and Pastor Phil Congdon #SteveLawson #EternalSecurity #Assurance #LordshipSalvation #FreeGrace #SexualSin #Perseverance #podcast #vlog #bible #assuredbygrace #salvation #nbbc

Many well-meaning Christians say that if a person is really saved, their actions or beliefs will show it to be true (or conversely prove it to be false). All Christians should live godly lives, but does assessing whether or not a person is saved based on their works prove anything, or does it just undermine any hope of assurance? Hosts: Danny Woodward and Pastor Phil Congdon #Repentance #TurnToGod #Graciousness #GraceInAction #ChristianJoy #JoyInChrist #SavedByGrace #GraceAlone #GospelTruth #TruthOfTheGospel #ProofOfBelief #FaithInAction #SavingFaith #podcast #vlog #bible #assuredbygrace #salvation #nbbc

Many people recoil at the idea of an eternal hell. The Pope says he hopes hell is empty; Dennis Prager disagrees. Danny and Phil discuss biblical teaching about hell, what we know and what we don't know, and how God's love for mankind, mercy, and grace fit with what the Bible says about eternal judgment. Hosts: Danny Woodward and Pastor Phil Congdon #IsHellReal #LifeAfterDeath #EternalPunishment #EternalLife #IsHellTemporary #ProofHellExists #EternalJudgement #podcast #vlog #bible #assuredbygrace #salvation #nbbc

Danny and Phil walk through the book of Philippians, highlighting truths about God's provision and presence that can help us live victorious Christian lives. Hosts: Danny Woodward and Pastor Phil Congdon #StandingForTruth #LessonsFromPhilippians #FalseTeachers #PracticalTruth #LivingForChrist #KnowingJesus #LivingByFaith #podcast #vlog #bible #assuredbygrace #salvation #nbbc

Bad theology is spreading like weeds today - and yes, the local church is not exempt from this infestation. Often, it starts with a departure from biblical truth in one area -- but bad theology in one area leads to bad theology in other areas! Phil and Danny discuss some illustrations of this, and talk about ways to stop the spread. Hosts: Danny Woodward and Pastor Phil Congdon #BadTheology #CorruptTruth #FalseTeachers #WokeTheology #BiblicalTruth #ProtectingTruth #BiblicalTheology #podcast #vlog #bible #assuredbygrace #salvation #nbbc

Hope and despair is common today, but the Bible says Christians 'are not as those who have no hope! Where does our hope come from? How can we maintain hope when things look grim? Phil and Danny explore the Christian's basis for hope. Hosts: Danny Woodward and Pastor Phil Congdon #AbsoluteTruth#LiesOfTheWorld#HopeInChrist#HopeInHopelessness#Assurance#GlobalProblems#TruthUnderFire#podcast #vlog #bible #assuredbygrace #salvation #nbbc

Danny and Phil respond to Dennis Prager's views on how a person gets to heaven and assurance of salvation. Prager is a very moral Jewish man, but his rejection of Jesus Christ as the Son of God who died for the sins of the world leaves him with nothing but his own good works to save him, and no assurance that he'll be saved. Hosts: Danny Woodward and Pastor Phil Congdon #JewishSalvation#JewishApologetics#Soteriology#ChristianSalvation#WorksSalvation#DennisPragerFaith#GoodWorksFaith#podcast #vlog #bible #assuredbygrace #salvation #nbbc

Danny and Phil respond to Dennis Prager's views on how a person gets to heaven and assurance of salvation. Prager is a very moral Jewish man, but his rejection of Jesus Christ as the Son of God who died for the sins of the world leaves him with nothing but his own good works to save him, and no assurance that he'll be saved.

Danny and Phil address Israel's war against Hamas from a biblical and Christian perspective. Many are equivocating Israel with Hamas, but this is a fallacy. While we are all sinners, and salvation is only through faith in God's Son Jesus Christ, we still must stand against unmitigated evil in this world.

Sexual sin continues to be a cause of divisiveness for modern day believers. However, contrary to what some popular Bible teachers have recently adopted, true divisiveness in regard to this topic comes when believers fail to recognize the authority of Scripture and to rightly divide the Word of God. Join Phil and Danny as they take another look at the clear Biblical teaching on the sin of homosexuality and the doctrine of Salvation. Christians should never capitulate or equivocate to the sin of homosexuality. However, it is also important to understand that while homosexuality is clearly sin, it does not mean a person in such sin cannot be eternally saved - salvation is a free gift to all, one that is received by faith alone in Christ alone. #Homosexuality#SexualSin#AndyStanley#InerrancyOfScripture#AuthorityOfScripture#Soteriology#SalvationDoctrine #Grace#podcast #vlog #bible #assuredbygrace #salvation #nbbc

In the midst of the loss of a loved one, bad theology can sometimes make it challenging for those who are left to have confidence in the eternal destiny and security of the one for whom they are grieving. Phil and Danny discuss what it means (as well as what it doesn't mean) for a person to know they are going to heaven when they die and how we can trust God with the salvation of those who have claimed trust in Him, both for those whose lives are over and for those whose lives are just getting started! #ExperiencingGrief#SavingFaith#ChristianSecurity#Death#AssuranceofSalvation#Grace#podcast #vlog #bible #assuredbygrace #salvation #nbbc

Danny and Phil discuss the causes and cures for Deconstruction, and the importance of not giving up on those who have wandered away from the Lord, but commit yourself to keep praying for them. Hosts: Danny Woodward and Pastor Phil Congdon #Deconstruction#DeconstructingFaith#Deconversion#Doubt#AuthorityofScripture#ReligiousHypocrisy #Grace#podcast #vlog #bible #assuredbygrace #salvation #nbbc

What is "deconstruction"? Why does it seem to be so popular today? Danny and Phil discuss what deconstruction is, and isn't, and what is causing so many Christians to embrace it. It really isn't anything new -- just an old idea repackaged for today, and the root cause is as old as the world. #Deconstruction #DeconstructingFaith #Deconversion #Doubt #AuthorityofScripture #ReligiousHypocrisy  #Grace

Danny and Phil analyze John MacArthur's answer to the question, "How can you know you are saved forever?". Not only is MacArthur's use of Scripture flawed, his tests of whether or not you are saved forever remove any possibility of ever knowing for sure you are saved! MacArthur makes our good works the final proof of whether or not we are saved, instead of faith in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose from the dead.  #TestOfSalvation #AssuredByGrace #AssuranceOfSalvation #SavedForever #JohnMacArthur #GoodWorks #WorksBasedSalvation

Danny and Phil discuss Andy Stanley's views on Scripture and how they are exhibited in his teachings on moral issues. While there is much to appreciate in Stanley's desire to draw unbelievers to faith in Christ, his view of Scripture is diminishing, and sadly, his devotion to the teachings of Scripture on the major moral issues of our day has gone awry. Join Danny and Phil as they address these difficult issues. Hosts: Danny Woodward and Pastor Phil Congdon #grace #MoralClarity #AuthorityOfScripture #InerrancyOfScripture #AndyStanley #MoralIssues #CultureWar #ProblemOfSin #podcast #vlog #bible #assuredbygrace #salvation #nbbc

Some conservative evangelical pastors today seem to treat the Bible as unimportant. Is this true? What are the ramifications of doing this? Danny and Phil discuss why this is happening, and what the dangerous implications are for the church.

In a well-intentioned effort to attract skeptics to Christ, some preachers have decided to marginalize the Bible. Does it matter? Danny and Phil talk about how important how we treat the Bible is, and confront a popular preacher's novel ideas.

How should Christians respond to instances in our culture where biblical morals are publicly flaunted? While all sin is sin, some sins are worse than others; how do we respond to those? Danny and Phil encourage Christians to never compromise biblical morals, or capitulate to the world, but to always respond with love and a sincere desire to reach those who are caught in a web of sin.

Recent events in our country have people wondering where we're heading. Changes are happening, and not for the better! How do we respond to a world that makes us depressed and anxious? Danny and Phil explore some biblical truths to strengthen our assurance by grace. #worries #anxiety #badnews #deplatform #assurance #endtimes #hope #podcast #vlog #bible #assuredbygrace

Many Christians around the world live with fear every day, and Christians in America are increasingly feeling tangible fear -- fear of repercussions if they stand for biblical morals, or salvation only through faith in Jesus, or if they resist the progressive worldview of modern society. We see churches and Christian organizations capitulating to evil, and feel alone...and afraid. We need help from God's Word. Danny and Phil provide some biblical help for those who fear. #beingcancelled #anxiety #fearnot #assurance #biblicalsecurity #fear #worry

In the wake of the Nashville Christian school killings, old questions get asked: How do Christians respond to evil in the world? On a related issue, some say the God of the Bible is inconsistent: In the Old Testament He is mean and vindictive, but in the New Testament He is gentle and kind! Danny and Phil discuss the reality of sin in the world, God's plan to save us, and how Scripture speaks with one voice about God's holiness and love. #SchoolShooting #NashvilleShooter #CharacterofGod #SolutiontoSin #CovenantSchoolShooting #Theproblemofevil #Suffering

Dennis Prager suggests that holocaust-deniers will all go to hell. Is this true? Are there some sins so heinous that they render a person "unsaveable"? And if one sin can damn us, what about another sin? How many sins are there that condemn us to eternal judgment? Danny and Phil discuss Prager's statement, and the similar 'blanket damning' of people by today's "Woke Religion." #DennisPrager #Holocaust #Unforgivablesin #WokeReligion #Grace #Forgiveness #Unpardonablesin

Many people wrongly think that "Perseverance of the Saints" means something like "once-saved-always saved," or that Christians have 'eternal security.' But for Calvinists it means much more, that if you are truly saved, you will persevere in your faith. Danny and Phil explain why this undermines any objective assurance of salvation, and put the focus back where it should be, on Christ's gracious payment for sin on the cross. Hosts: Danny Woodward & Pastor Phil Congdon #TULIP#Calvinismdoctrine#doctrinesofgrace#grace #podcast #vlog #bible #assuredbygrace

The Calvinist doctrine known as "Irresistible Grace" follows on from other Calvinist doctrines. Since God "elected" or "chose" who would be saved in eternity past, and those He did not 'choose' cannot be saved, it follows that those He did 'choose' are absolutely and irresistibly saved. His grace 'overwhelms' their resistance, and they believe. But are some "unable" to believe, and others "irresistibly" made to believe? Danny and Phil expose the flaws in this doctrine, showing that Scripture offers salvation to all, and all are free to believe God's good news, or reject it. God doesn't limit His offer of forgiveness of sin and eternal life, nor does He effectively 'force' others to accept it. #IrresistibleGrace #EffectiveGrace #EffectualCalling #EfficaciousGrace #TULIP #Calvinismdoctrine #doctrinesofgrace

The third doctrine of Calvinism's 'five points' is called "Limited Atonement." This doctrine forces an uncomfortable question: Did Christ die on the cross to pay for the sins of only an 'elect' (or 'select') group of people, or did He die for the sins of all mankind? In other words, can anyone believe in Christ and be saved? Danny and Phil explain the practical implications of this doctrine, and discuss Scriptures that emphasize the unlimited extent of God's grace. #LimitedAtonement #DefiniteAtonement #ParticularRedemption #SubstitutionaryAtonement #UnlimitedAtonement #DoctrinesofGrace

The second of Calvinism's 'five points' is "Unconditional Election." What do Calvinists mean by this? What are the implications of this doctrine? How does it stand up to the teaching of the Bible? Danny and Phil explain what this doctrine means, and discuss Scriptures that clarify the offer of salvation to all who believe in Jesus. The good news is this: You can be assured by grace! #UnconditionalElection #SovereignElection #UnconditionalGrace #ReformedCalvinism #TULIP #DoublePredestination #ConditionalElection #FreeWill

Manhood and masculinity are distorted in modern culture, and Christian men often struggle to know how to live. Too often, even churches are trading biblical truths of godly manhood for the lies of this world. Those who suffer the consequences of these failures are often the wives and children who are robbed of the leadership of a godly man in their lives. Join Phil and Danny as they discuss the challenges of pursuing spiritual maturity as a man. What Scripture-based solutions to the needs of men can the church provide? #RoleofaMan #BiblicalLeadership #FamilyLeadership #WhatMenNeed #PostmodernLie #MenofGod #MenintheChurch #SpiritualMaturity

What does "Total Depravity" mean? After all, we are all sinners...right? Calvinists say that Total Depravity means Total Inability -- that mankind is incapable of even choosing to believe in Jesus without God initiating a "divine spark" that changes the heart and regenerates us first. Phil and Danny expose this idea to the truth of Scripture. The implications of this doctrine impact a believer's perception of the character of God. Is our Lord and Savior a capricious deity who created eternal beings without any capacity to escape eternal judgment, or is He a loving Shepherd, seeking for all to turn to Him in faith? #DoctrineofGrace #TULIP #TotalDepravity #TotalInability #AbsoluteDepravity #TotalDepravityRefuted #FreeWill

Manhood and masculinity are distorted in modern culture, and Christian men often struggle to know how to live. Too often, even churches are trading biblical truths of godly manhood for the lies of this world. Those who suffer the consequences of these failures are often the wives and children who are robbed of the leadership of a godly man in their lives. Join Phil and Danny as they discuss the challenges of pursuing spiritual maturity as a man. What Scripture-based solutions to the needs of men can the church provide? #RoleofaMan #BiblicalLeadership #FamilyLeadership #WhatMenNeed #PostmodernLie #MenofGod #MenintheChurch #SpiritualMaturity

Christian pastors, churches, and ministries are dividing over sexuality and gender issues today. Why? Danny and Phil discuss the roots of the contemporary confusion in the church, and focus on the key issue: Is the Bible really your authority, or not? How we answer this question affects both our response to contemporary sexual immorality, and our assurance of salvation. #genderfluidity #LGBTQcontroversy #BiblicalAuthority #genderconfusion #deceptionwithinthechurch #AssuranceofSalvation #transcounseling #deconstructionism

Danny and Phil discuss what happened to the faith of a nation during Israel's conquest of the Promised Land, and how it shows that spiritual vitality can be quickly lost. There is a lesson here for parents: Don't take your children's spiritual lives for granted! Invest in them while they are young.

Danny and Phil discuss Phil's recent trip to Israel, focusing on just a few of the sites visited, and the way the existence of Israel, and archaeological findings, exhibit both the existence of God and the truth of the Bible.

With all the cultural craziness swirling around us, how can Christians stand strong? Danny and Phil discuss the unique role of the Bible in resisting the moral relativism and subjective "truths" that are unraveling our society. God's Word is more important to our lives today than ever!

How should Christians respond to the bizarre lunacy of our culture? Many are aggressively 'shaking their fists' in the face of God. We are prone to get depressed, or angry, but God has called us to a higher path: Suffering.

How should Christians respond to the bizarre lunacy of our culture? Many are aggressively 'shaking their fists' in the face of God. We are prone to get depressed, or angry, but God has called us to a higher path: Suffering. Hosts: Danny Woodward & Pastor Phil Congdon

The percentage of Americans who see the Bible as the actual Word of God has dropped to 20%, a new all-time low according to Gallup. For the first time, significantly more Americans view the Bible as not being divinely inspired than as the literal Word of God. Even several Christian organizations and denominations who have historically held to an inerrant view of Scripture seem to be teetering on the brink of giving in to more liberal theologies. Phil and Danny take a closer look at one reason this trend is growing in our culture. In the near-term, the trend may not change, but the believer should not fear! Rest Assured: When God gave us His Word, He didn't lie and He didn't stutter. #Inerrancy #BiblicalTruth #InspirationofScripture #AuthorityofScripture #ProblemswithAuthority #ProgressiveChristianity #ValuesandBeliefs

In the second podcast of this two-part series, Pastor Phil talks with Misty Fraker about her life journey, starting with getting married young, divorce, and a search for purpose in life...all leading ultimately, in God's gentle providence, to a deep appreciation for His sufficient grace.

In this first of a two-part series, Pastor Phil talks with Misty Fraker about her life journey, from a religiously-divided home, to faith in Christ at a young age, then multiple challenges of abuse, family breakdown, and multiple moves. Through it all -- in hindsight, the gracious providence of God can be seen.

Many pastors and Christian writers teach a form of Replacement Theology, the idea that the Church has "replaced" national Israel in Old Testament kingdom promises. Danny and Phil discuss how this not only makes God's promises deceptive at best, and dishonest at worst, but additional implications on eschatology and soteriology. In the end, Replacement Theology can effectively undermine assurance of salvation.

Danny and Phil reflect on 50 years of abortion in America, what this means for our country, and how Christians should respond. They also reflect on the character of our life-giving God, how His holiness coincides with His love, and how just as He gives physical life, He gives eternal life.

Preachers garble the gospel when they make good works necessary for salvation. and this makes assurance of salvation impossible. Good works are not necessary to get saved, stay saved, or prove you're saved. Danny and Phil respond to a video of John Piper which confuses the gospel and misapplies a teaching from the Sermon on the Mount. If you've been confused by a preacher or a Bible verse that seems to teach that if you sin you will go to hell, this podcast is for you. Hosts: Danny Woodward and Pastor Phil Congdon #grace #podcast #vlog #bible #assuredbygrace #salvation #nbbc #christian #johnpiper #desiringgod

"Am I Truly Saved?" That was the title of Jon Harris's interview with Joel Webbon on his Conversations that Matter podcast. Danny and Phil unravel the confusion that ensued, and help us understand how anyone can know they have eternal life.

Whether intentionally or unintentionally, many preachers and teachers muddy the waters of assurance of salvation by tying it to our behavior. While pursuing holiness is critical for spiritual growth and future rewards, telling a believer he should be "worried" he might go to hell because he struggles with sin is destructive to the Christian life! Danny and Phil respond to a couple of online examples to help clarify this issue.