Grace For This City | Podcast

In this episode Justin continues talking about the distinction between being a peacemaker and a peacekeeper, emphasizing the active role of peacemakers in building shalom—God's peace, wholeness, and security—in their spheres of responsibility. He contrasts this with the passive, often cowardly approach of peacekeepers who avoid conflict and compromise with chaos, allowing destructive elements to persist. He shares Biblical insights to underscore that wise individuals build peace actively, while the foolish passively tear it down. Through a personal anecdote about being physically attacked with a Bible by someone rejecting peace, Justin illustrates the challenges peacemakers face, urging listeners to embrace their God-given authority to enforce shalom in their lives and not shy away from necessary confrontation.

In this episode Justin continues a discussion on the distinction between being a peacemaker and a peacekeeper, emphasizing the Biblical call to actively pursue peace within one's sphere of responsibility, as highlighted in Romans 12:18 and Ephesians 4:3. He explains that peacemakers intentionally establish and enforce peace, even if it requires engaging in conflict to address chaos or disruptive elements, without compromising with evil or chaos. In contrast, peacekeepers may passively compromise, settling for a superficial peace that avoids necessary confrontation, which can lead to burnout and a lack of true shalom (wholeness). Justin stresses the importance of clarity, courage, and Biblical principles in maintaining peace, advocating for withdrawing from situations where chaos persists after reasonable efforts, and underscores that true peace comes from Jesus, not worldly compromises, encouraging listeners to build shalom actively with the tools God provides.

In this episode Justin explores being a peacemaker, as highlighted in Matthew 5:9, which states, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God." He emphasizes the active, intentional effort required to cultivate true peace, or "shalom," which signifies wholeness, security, and nothing missing or broken. Justin contrasts peacemakers, who actively work to establish peace even if it involves conflict or confrontation, with peacekeepers, who avoid conflict at all costs, often leading to compromise and a false sense of peace. Using analogies like landscaping to illustrate the need for intentional cultivation and law enforcement mottos like "preserve peace and maintain order," he underscores that peacemakers may need to engage with chaos or threats to restore true harmony. Justin encourages listeners to stand firm in their biblical convictions, engage with foreign elements disrupting their sphere of responsibility, and prioritize shalom over passive compromise.

In this episode Justin emphasizes the critical importance of repentance in the Christian faith, arguing that forgiveness from God is contingent upon genuine confession and turning away from sin. He explains that the gospel centers on Jesus Christ serving as a substitute for humanity's sins, offering forgiveness and reconciliation with God, but only if individuals humbly repent and "plead the blood" of Jesus. Justin stresses that unconfessed sin remains "on record" and that true repentance involves a heartfelt change, not just lip service, as God does not forgive without it. He warns against the false teaching that repentance is unnecessary, suggesting it gives people a misleading sense of security, and highlights that while forgiveness wipes the spiritual slate clean, natural consequences of sin may persist. Throughout, he encourages listeners to maintain a "current" relationship with God through confession and to hold others accountable for genuine repentance.

In this episode Justin continues the discussion on the themes of love, forgiveness, confession, and repentance. He looks at Isaiah 43:25 which reveals a sequence where confession and repentance precede forgiveness and the blotting out of sins. Justin warns against false teachings that offer a false sense of security by downplaying sin, asserting that true salvation involves a transformative process initiated by repentance, not an automatic absolution, and urge listeners to embrace this Biblical truth to escape future judgment and experience genuine renewal through Jesus Christ.

In this episode Justin dives into a scriptural study focusing on the concept of love, forgiveness, and repentance as presented in the Bible. He begins by referencing 1 Corinthians 13:5 from the Amplified Classic Bible, which states that love "takes no account of the evil done to it and pays no attention to a suffered wrong," sparking a discussion on how this is often misunderstood. Justin challenges the notion of inclusionism—the idea that everyone is automatically forgiven after Jesus's resurrection—by emphasizing that repentance is essential for forgiveness and salvation. Drawing from various scriptures, including the messages of Jesus and Peter, as well as prophecies from Zechariah, he argues that God keeps a record of wrongs until an individual humbly repents and pleads the blood of Jesus, which cleanses sin and averts judgment. He warns against a false sense of security that ignores the need for personal transformation, urging listeners to embrace the gospel's call to repentance and the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice to escape the coming judgment and receive mercy.

In this episode Justin specifically focuses on 1 Corinthians 13:5 which emphasizes that love "takes no account of the evil done to it." Justin delves into the practical application of this principle, particularly the idea of covering sins, and addresses potential misinterpretations of scripture. He stresses that love, in fact, does keep a record of wrongs until repentance occurs, at which point love forgives and erases the record through the transformative power of Jesus’ blood. Justin warns against worldly definitions of love that overlook sin without repentance, contrasting them with God’s true love, which requires accountability and reconciliation. He supports his argument with additional scriptures, such as Psalm 86:5 and 1 John 1:9, to highlight the necessity of repentance for forgiveness and cleansing, urging listeners to align their understanding of love with Biblical truth rather than cultural distortions.

In this episode Justin explores the concept of spiritual discernment in an era marked by heightened spiritual activity and deception, continuing the thought on the Biblical concept of "spirit of python." He emphasizes the necessity of testing spirits to distinguish true prophetic messages from false ones, as cautioned in 1 John 4:1, and highlights the dangers of false prophets who may appear legitimate but are driven by deceptive spirits. Justin warns against the superficial judgment of prophets based on titles or appearances, advocating instead for an evaluation of their long-term conduct and fruit, as advised in James 3. He shares personal experiences of being misled and the pitfalls of prophetic ministry, such as succumbing to soulish desires rather than divine inspiration.

In this episode Justin continues with the subject on the "spirit of python," a term used to describe a deceptive spiritual force behind false prophecy, divination, and attempts to predict the future without divine authority. He emphasizes that, according to scripture—specifically referencing Isaiah—only God truly knows the future, and any genuine foresight comes from Him, often through prophets or the Holy Spirit, who, as noted in the Book of John, reveals "things to come" to believers. Justin contrasts this with the counterfeit efforts of demonic forces, which lack access to God’s mind and can only make predictions based on observable data or overheard truths, peddling falsehoods to mislead people. He warns against the allure of secret societies, psychics, and false prophets who profit from humanity’s craving for hidden knowledge, citing Daniel 2:28 where Daniel credits God alone for revealing King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, underscoring that neither Satan nor his minions possess inherent knowledge of the future.

In this episode Justin focuses on Acts 16:16-18, exploring the encounter between Paul and a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination, identified as the "spirit of Python," linked historically to the Greek god Apollo, known for prophecy. Justin warns against the pervasive counterfeit of true prophecy which he describes as a demonic force that mixes truth with error to deceive, manipulate, and profit off people's fascination with the supernatural, a phenomenon he sees as increasingly mainstream today, much like in the Greco-Roman world where consulting oracles was a universal practice. Justin emphasizes that this spirit attempts to infiltrate when one seeks truth or communion with God, as illustrated by the slave girl’s accurate yet misleading proclamation about Paul and his team, aiming to associate them falsely with pagan deities like Apollo rather than true salvation. Justin cautions against modern "prophets" who lack accountability to a local church, urging listeners to test prophecies rigorously, as Paul advised in 1 Thessalonians 5:20, and to rely solely on the Holy Spirit for genuine revelation about the future, contrasting this with the limitations of ancient sorcerers in Daniel 2 who couldn’t access divine secrets, reinforcing that only God, through His Spirit, holds true knowledge of what’s to come.

In this episode Justin delves into the concept of discerning spiritual influences in our lives, particularly focusing on the "spirit of python." He discusses how the Bible describes the current era as a time of maturity where both good and evil are fully manifested, making it crucial for believers to distinguish between divine guidance and misleading voices. Justin emphasizes that the Holy Spirit communicates from within the believer, originating from the spirit rather than the mind, which can be swayed by external influences. He warns against the dangers of false prophecies and divination, which he equates with the spirit of python, advising listeners to be vigilant about the sources of their thoughts and the information they accept. Justin also critiques the modern fascination with hidden knowledge and secret prophecies, likening it to a form of spiritual addiction. He highlights the pitfalls of following unverified or sensationalist predictions, often found in both secular and spiritual contexts, which can lead believers astray. He recounts personal anecdotes to illustrate how such misinformation can influence decisions and actions, ultimately leading to spiritual and relational harm. The episode concludes with a call to seek genuine spiritual guidance through prayer, scripture, and the Holy Spirit rather than being swayed by false prophets or mediums, urging listeners to be discerning and grounded in their faith.

In this episode, Justin discusses how individuals can discern between various voices influencing their lives: their own internal dialogue, advice from peers or mentors, and the deceptive whispers of the enemy. Justin introduces the concept of the "spirit of python," which relates to divination and false prophecy, warning listeners about the dangers of not discerning true spiritual guidance from counterfeit influences. He stresses the necessity of internal spiritual awareness to differentiate between divine guidance and external, potentially misleading voices. The main theme is the empowerment through spiritual discernment and living in accordance with God's word rather than being swayed by external opinions or negative thoughts.

In this episode, Justin emphasizes the importance of being heavenly minded to produce Godly outcomes on Earth. He argues against the notion that being focused on heavenly things makes one unproductive, referencing Biblical scriptures that encourage setting one's mind on things above. The discussion includes insights on utilizing imagination as a powerful tool and its role in seeing the unseen, and how words and meditation can transform one's mindset. The podcast concludes with an invitation for listeners to engage in prayer and to align their thoughts with divine purpose for 2025.

In this podcast episode, Justin discusses the concept of being 'Heavenly minded' as a way to invoke the presence of Heaven on Earth. He emphasizes that this mindset can lead to spiritual awakenings and refreshing moments in one’s life and ministry, especially as believers prepare for the return of Jesus. The podcast encourages focusing on divine mysteries and God's promises to experience His glory and power on Earth.

In this episode, Justin discusses the theme of loyalty, particularly focusing on undivided loyalty to Jesus. He reflects on the story of Judas Iscariot, emphasizing that it is not how one starts that matters, but how one finishes their journey of faith. The discussion transitions to the importance of applying scriptural teachings in our lives, especially in confronting sin within ourselves and others, promoting genuine compassion guided by truth.

In this episode of the Grace For This City Podcast, host Justin explores the themes of loyalty and narcissism, discussing how the latter often requires blind loyalty from others. He emphasizes the importance of distinguishing true loyalty from unhealthy attachments, cautioning against remaining loyal to those who betray Jesus-like values. By referencing Biblical figures such as Judas and teachings from 1 Corinthians, Justin argues that loyalty should first be to Christ and His word, rather than to individuals who exhibit morally questionable behavior.

In this episode, Justin discusses the importance of being mindful about the company we keep and how it influences our character, habits, and ultimately our life direction. He emphasizes evaluating the five closest people in our lives to ensure they align with our values and aspirations, cautioning that 'bad company corrupts good character.' The conversation also touches on the significance of seeking mentorship from those with more life experience, and prioritizing relationships that cultivate good habits and deeper character over mere potential or talent.

In this episode, Justin discusses the crucial role of the Scriptures as a source of authority and guidance for Christians, particularly in the context of a post-Christian society. He challenges the assertion that the authority of the Scriptures should be diminished and argues that both the Word and the Holy Spirit are essential for spiritual growth and discernment. Throughout the episode, he critiques prominent church figures who advocate for separating spiritual experiences from Biblical foundations and emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded understanding of scripture.

In this episode, Justin emphasizes the importance of being led by the Spirit of God in conjunction with a strong grounding in the Scriptures. He argues that the Bible should be considered the final authority for all matters of faith and life, and warns against the dangers of neglecting Scripture in favor of just spiritual experience. The episode aims to equip believers with strategies and motivations to effectively live out their faith, especially as they anticipate the return of Jesus.

In this episode, Justin discusses the importance of living a Spirit-led life as a mature believer in Christ. He emphasizes the need to cultivate a strong relationship with the Holy Spirit, discern internal promptings, and separate spiritual insights from natural inclinations. Through examining key Biblical Scriptures, he encourages listeners to trust their inner guidance from the Holy Spirit while navigating challenges in life, ultimately aiming for a deeper and more fulfilling Christian experience.

In this episode, Justin discusses the concept of being led by the spirit according to Biblical principles. He emphasizes the importance of foundational understanding, distinguishing between being led by one's spirit and the flesh, and highlights key scriptures that support being spirit-led as essential for a Christian life. Justin asserts that true believers are animated by the Zoe life of Christ, which resides in their spirit, and contrasts this with living according to the desires of the flesh.

In this episode of the Grace For This City Podcast, Justin discusses the fundamental aspects of living a spirit-led life, emphasizing the importance of a vibrant relationship with the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit. He explains how the Holy Spirit guides and instructs believers, highlighting the advantages of having the Spirit within us post-resurrection compared to the Old Testament believers who had the Spirit upon them. Through understanding and yielding to the Spirit's leading, believers can experience a deeper communion with God.

Fear is a strange voice seeking to get an audience and conversation with you. Let's talk about it!

The Bible says that the voice of a stranger we will not follow. In This episode we'll look at one of the admonitions to stay far away from strange voices. Let's talk about it!

The proof of who and whose you are is found in your daily practices. Let's talk about it!

They come in Jesus name ...but then deny Him? How is this possible? Let's talk about it!

People get off course, and abandon the way of truth by giving a listening ear to these false spirits.

The initial sign of the last days is the rapid increase in deception. Let's talk about it!

Every writer in the New Testament warns about deception. Let's talk about it!

Is it truly as sinister as some say it is? How do we reconcile being delivered from darkness and participating in it? Let's talk about it!

You do not heal wolves while they feed on the sheep. You identify and then isolate and starve out their desire for mutton. Let's talk about it!

Wolves and prostitutes are root concepts because both seeks to seduce and devour for personal gain. Let's talk about it!

How do these two terms work together? Let's talk about it!

For this is the will of God, that each one of you should know how to possess (control, manage) his own body in consecration (purity, separated from things profane). Let's talk about it!

Between now and the time Jesus returns for us, His body, we are to conduct ourselves in a way that is fitting for a believer. Let's talk about it!

You must get up and place your feet into the steps of faith demonstrated by those who have gone before us. Let's talk about it!

Special Guest Elijah Murrell Many are not walking in the abundant provision God has for them because they lack diligence. Let's talk about it!

Special Guest Elijah Murrell God has given us great and precious things by inheritance, but many have not taken advantage of what is theirs. Let's talk about it!

Commit to and make your work a priority and God will supernatural assist you. Let's talk about it! Watch video episode: https://youtu.be/qi5_2SQUrSo

You have your "plow and field" of service to the Lord. He has a priority structure that when honored brings great production, increase and blessing. Let's talk about it! Watch video episode: https://youtu.be/BOvDmjN941U

God places each of us into one of His gardens. He asks us to tend and to guard them. Let's talk about it! Watch video episode: https://youtu.be/W1t83OodH_k

If you will make a decision to set yourself like a "flint" and focus on getting to the end of the objective, or at least to a realistic evaluation point ...God says that He will assist you and you won't be disgraced or ashamed. Let's talk about it!

Some things are obvious sins ...others are not so obvious. The considerations are called "convictions. Let's talk about it!

Even Jesus learned obedience. You and I don't start out obedient ...we must learn it. Let's talk about it!

To be used of the Lord more ...we must arrive at the place where we gladly say, "Not my will but Yours be done." Let's talk about it!

You must determine that you will not quit, or give up, even in the face of difficulty or persecution. Let's talk about it!

The Bible says that "hearers only" are easily deceived. But to be a person who is wise, Jesus said we must HEAR and also DO what He says to do. Let's talk about it!

And the standardized test still remains …Are you the Christ? Are you Elijah? OR, are you the only one God is using? If the answer is “yes” …then sadly those will wind up on the spiritual junk heap. Let's talk about it!  

The tendency of human flesh will be to exalt a man beyond what is appropriate. Let's talk about it!

You're NOT the only one God is using. To think so is to set yourself up to build an idol rather than tearing it down. History records the men and women who thought they were Elijah ...God's only one, His last one, or even His "best" one ...when in reality ...He has thousands of others who He is using. Let's talk about it!

The spirit and power of Elijah is specific for confronting immorality and confronting idolatry. We discus how this is perverted and instead of tearing down and idol ...the temptation is to build up an idol with someone other than Christ as the object. Let's talk about it!