Grow in Grace Podcast

It's been a while friends! On our first episode back we're just catching up on each other's summers. We can't wait for all the great episodes coming up the rest of this year. You won't want to miss them!

On today's episode, Shanna and Kristen are joined by special guest Kelli Galyean. Kelli is a speaker, author, and women's ministry leader. We talk about seasons of spiritual drought, the shame we may feel, the freedom we have in Christ, and so much more. We know that you will walk away from this conversation greatly encouraged.  Contact Kelli HereFollow Kelli HereResources MentionedIt's All About Jesus Bible Storybook, by Gospel Project. New Morning Mercies by Paul Tripp  Upon Waking by Jackie Hill PerryBooks of prayers: Every Moment Holy, Valley of Vision,  A Rhythm of Prayer by Sarah Bessey

We have a bit of a different episode for you this week! Shanna is interviewing Kristen. Join us as we have a conversation around singleness. Kristen shares her story, gives encouragement to those who are in the midst of waiting, and shares helpful advice for the Church as we seek to be a family and love one another well. This is a conversation that we need more of, so we hope that you will feel encouraged, seen, and loved. 

 We understand that dealing with disappointment can be incredibly difficult. Sometimes, we can feel absolutely devastated by unmet expectations. But then we read in Hebrews to “be content with what you have”. How do we reconcile the two? How can we be content when life is disappointing and not how we had hoped it would be? God gives us the secret to contentment no matter what our circumstances in His Word. He is good and faithful and doesn't command us to “be content” without giving us the grace and means to walk it out.Embrace your life:How to find joy when the life you have is not the life you hoped for. - Elizabeth WoodsonNow and Not Yet : Pressing in when you're waiting, wanting, and restless for more. - Ruth Chou SimonsEmbrace the life God has given you (Video) - John PiperThe Envy of Eve: Finding Contentment in a Covetous World - Melissa Kruger

There are so many people living with chronic illness. Our world is fractured with sin and we feel the effects regularly. The aches and pains in our bodies and of this world are a stark reminder that God created us for something more beautiful and eternal. Our body longs to be home in the true resurrected body.Yet in the midst of suffering, we can find hope in the gospel. We can rejoice that we do not face the pain of this world alone and one day, the Lord will return and make all things new with no more grief and no more pain. In this episode, we are joined by our friend Brittany Allen, to discuss her journey with chronic illness, God's goodness in the midst of suffering, and the hope of the gospel. We hope this episode encourages you. Every Moment Holy Volume II: A Liturgy for those enduring lasting painWhere can I go, but to you, Jesus?And who but you can come to me?Either take this pain away, O Christ Or enfold me in the embrace of your SpiritAnd cradle me through it.For I cannot bear it alone.I cannot bear it alone.

In this episode,  Shanna and Kristen take on one of the most controversial topics. We will discuss some common misunderstandings of submission and look to Jesus's example to reshape our understanding, as we seek to let Scripture, not culture, dictate how we act and think about submission.Links: The Beautiful Faith of Fearless Submission - John PiperMen and Women in the Local Church - Kevin DeYoungAuthority: God's good and Dangerous Gift - Jonathan LeemanEssential and Indispensable Women and the Mission of the Church - Jonathan LeemanThe State of Complementarianism - Albert Mohler

We are joined with author Whitney Pipkin  to talk about her brand new book "We Shall All Be Changed".  Whitney's book is beautifully honest and theologically rich. She invites us to consider death so that we might understand life and how to live it.  We talk about her heart behind the book, how God met her in her suffering, and how in the midst of suffering we can find ourselves in the arms of a Savior who suffered, wept, died and rose again — yet kept his scars. Buy her book here or on amazon Visit Whitney's Website hereFollow Whitney on social media @whitneykpipkin 

Have you ever wondered if you are in God's will? Can we actually know God's will for our lives? This is one of the biggest questions that people ask themselves. How do I know what God wants me to do with my life and how do I know that I am doing the right thing? In today's episode, we discuss what we see in Scripture about God's will, both his hidden and revealed will, and how we can know His will for us. 

Have you ever read a book that is so beautifully written that you don't want to put it down? That is what we experienced reading Lara d'Entremont's book "A Mother Held. " In today's episode, we  sit down and talk to Lara about her inspiration to write the book, her experiences with fear and anxiety through pregnancy and motherhood, and most of all how God carried her through all of it and showed himself faithful. We hope you enjoy listening to this interview as much we enjoyed talking to Lara.To read more of Lara's work check out her websitePre-order her book here

Do you like New Years because it's another opportunity to set new goals? Today, we talk through setting goals and how we can use them to help us meet our ultimate aim of glorifying God in everything we do. 

Merry Christmas!!Scripture to read:Luke 21:27-282 Peter 3:8-14Songs suggested: In Christ AloneLook and SeeYou Hold Me Now. Reflection: Re-read 2 Peter 3:8-14. What stands out to you in this passage and why? What questions does it leave you with?How does your life reflect your belief that Jesus will return? Is it something you think about and long for?What do you think of when you hear or read the words “be diligent”? What does it look like for you to be diligent in pursuing holiness and godliness? In what areas do you need to fight and flee from sin? In what areas do you need to cultivate love for God and love for others?Look up Romans 8:22-25. Compare it to Revelations 21:1-7. What future birth do we await? How does looking expectantly to the promised return of Jesus affect the way you see your present circumstances?In prayer, thank God for the reality that Jesus will return and make all things new. Confess any areas of your life where you haven't been diligent in pursuing holiness. Ask the Lord to show you specific ways you can actively await His promised return in the coming year

Scripture to read:Matthew 2:1-12Songs suggested: Joy to the WorldO Come, All Ye FaithfulGo! Tell it on the MountainWe Three KingsReflection: Look up Psalms 86:9. What promise do you see in this verse? What reassurance does the story of the Magi give us about spreading the gospel? How should the story challenge us as those who are called to tell the Good News?What common reasons do Christians give for not spreading the gospel to all nations? Are any of the reasons valid?Look up Ephesians 2:11-17. In this passage, who are “those who were far off”? Are people in foreign countries farther off from the gospel than you were when you first heard it? Explain. What is the primary means God uses to make disciples of all nations? How can you actively take the gospel to all nations in the upcoming year? Think of someone you know who is actively involved in reaching the nations with the gospel. Take time this week to pray for them by name. 

Scripture to read:Luke 2:8-20Romans 10:14-15Reflection: How did you first hear the gospel? Who told you, and how did you respond?God does not need messengers to communicate His gospel. Why do you think He charged the shepherds with sharing the Good News of Jesus' birth? Why do you think He charges us with sharing the Good News of salvation? Did sharing the news of Jesus' birth feel like a burden or a joy to the shepherds? Why? How do you feel about sharing the gospel? What might help you consistently view it as a joyful calling?What fears keep you from sharing the news that Jesus has come to save sinners? Look up Colossians 1:3-6. How might the assurance in this passage increase your boldness?In prayer, praise God for loving the weak, despised, and lowly. Thank Him for the person or means He used to share the gospel with you and ask Him for the boldness and faith to do the same.Suggested Songs: Hark! The Herald Angels SingAngels We Have Heard on HighWhile Shepherds Kept Their Watch By NightCome Ye Lofty, Come Ye Lowly

Scripture to readMicah 5:2Luke 2:1-7Consider the prophecies from Isaiah 9:1-7 and Micah 5:2. How do you see these fulfilled in Jesus' birth?Think about the circumstances that led Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. What do they show you about God's sovereignty?What promises has God already fulfilled in your life? How do you keep the memory of His faithfulness fresh? What promises of God are you waiting to see fulfilled? How does the perfect fulfillment of God's promise to send the Messiah encourage your confidence in His faithfulness? In prayer, thank God for the perfect fulfillment of His promise through Jesus. Confess places where your confidence in His faithfulness is weak and ask Him for increased trust, belief and hope. Songs suggested: O Holy NightSilent NightGod Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Join Shanna and Kristen this week as we return to a series we did last year through the time of Advent. You'll get a new mini episode every week through December. We hope you enjoy this time of celebrating Advent with us. Scripture to readGenesis 3:15Isaiah 9:1-7Reflection: Consider Israel's long wait for the Savior to come. How do you think God's people fought against doubt, discouragement and the temptation to believe God forgot them? Are you good at waiting? Why or Why not? What makes some promises easier to wait on than others?God often gives us seasons of waiting to sift and strengthen our faith. If you are in a season of waiting, what might the Lord be teaching you?How strong is your confidence that God keeps His promises? Read 2 Corinthians 1:19-20. How does this passage affect your understanding of God's faithfulness?Pray for yourself and those around you, asking God to open your eyes and heart to what He has for you this advent season. Songs suggested: O Come, O Come EmmanuelCome, Thou Long-Expected JesusSuggested Advent Album:Behold the Lamb of God - Andrew Peterson

There are a lot of people in our culture today “deconstructing” their faith. But what does that even mean? For some people, this means turning away from Christianity entirely. That's why the term “deconstruction” is often tied to deconversion stories. But for others, deconstruction means intentionally evaluating their beliefs to see what is true and what isn't. In this episode, Shanna and Kristen consider how we should respond to this movement. We actually look at deconstruction from many different angles and see how the Bible plays into this current cultural moment. Theological triage article Finding the Right Hills to Die On: The Case for Theological TriageVisit our websiteShop our store

"The church is the bride of Christ and the body of Christ — a people set apart to declare God's praises to the nations and called to become more like the people of God we are meant to be. We shouldn't be surprised by hurt and pain in the church, because everyone in the church is still sinful. But while saving faith in Christ is not surprised by brokenness, it is never content or negligent with it either."Join Shanna and Kristen as they talk about what is meant when we discuss church hurt and what does God call us to do when we are hurt by those in the church.Visit out Website

 In our last episode, we defined what an idol is. We said that an idol is anything or anyone that begins to capture our hearts, minds and affections more than God.  In this episode, we want to dive a little deeper into the day to day practicality of idolatry, and then end with good news for the believer. Recommended Resource:Instruments in the Redeemers HandsVisit our websiteShop Merch

 Christians often think that they are exempt from idolatry because they don't verbally profess to worship something other than God. In this episode, Shanna and Kristen talk about idolatry and the different ways it can show up in our lives.  Definition: An idol is anything or anyone that begins to capture our hearts, minds and affections more than God. Visit our websiteShop our merch

Many women feel constant pressure to be perfect in all areas of their lives. And because of this pressure, we push ourselves to our limits trying to be (or appear) perfect. But, perfectionism is oftentimes rooted in love of self. It is the outworking of the wrongful belief that we can earn our way into God's good graces. If we want to have a thriving relationship with God, we need to deal with our perfectionism so that He alone is the standard of perfection in our lives.Join Shanna and Kristen as they chat about the false story of perfectionism and the hope of the Gospel. 

WHOO this is another great interview with Elizabeth Woodson. In this episode, we chat with  Elizabeth about the false stories that we believe and how the gospel is not only different, but better. You will worship someone or something. You will be formed by someone or something. What are you being formed by? Listen along and be encouraged! You can find Elizabeth here: https://www.thewoodsoninstitute.org/Check out our website for all things Grow in Grace! https://growingracepodcast.com/

Join Kristen and Shanna as they talk with Brittany Allen about the goodness of God through suffering. Brittany is a friend of Kristen's and an incredible writer. Find more of her words on her website https://brittleeallen.com

We are throwing it back this week to an episode we did last year when we talked to Jen Wilkin about Bible literacy. 

Join Shanna and Kristen as they discuss the latest research on the State of Theology in the Evangelical Church.  Resources:The State of Theology ResearchNew City CatechismHeidelberg CatechismWestminster Shorter Catechism

Women of the WordScripture Journal  - Can be bought in a set or individually The Daily Grace Co. Bible StudiesJen Wilkin Bible Studies

We made it to the end of our Doctrine series! Its been a good series and we end with one of the more hotly debated doctrines, the doctrine of last things. Join Kristen and Shanna as they talk through what is to come. Three Views on the Millennium and Beyond - Darrell Bock“Revelation 1-11” The Bible Project“Revelation 12-22” The Bible Project“The Last Battle” by C.S. LewisKingdom Come - Sam StormsA Case for Historic Premillennialism - Craig L. BlombergA Case for Amillenialism - Kim RiddlebargerDiscontinuity to Continuity - Benjamin Merkle

This is an episode just dedicated to catching up with everything that has happened in the last month and a half since we last recorded. If you're not interested in our lives, you can skip this one and we won't be upset. Just don't tell us you skipped it!Our store for all the pretty things: https://grow-in-grace-podcast.myshopify.com

Another episode of guest hosts and this week we have Anthony and Michael from the Beers & Bible podcast. Did we give them a controversial topic? Yup we sure did! But we know they have handled it well and with grace. After you listen to this episode, go over and listen to their other episodes and subscribe. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beers-bible-podcast/id1474373753Resources mentioned:http://www.reformedpresbytery.org/books/alcoholb/alcoholb.htm

It's our very first guest hosts taking over the Grow in Grace podcast. Listen to Jon and James as they discuss the theology of the church. Then head on over to their podcast and give them a listen and subscribe! https://4freedompodcast.com

Hang on for this one! Kyle Worley is a guest on this episode as we talk about our union with Christ: what it means, what it entails and how it impacts how we live our lives. Scripture mentioned:Ephesians 1:1-14Resources:J-Curve: Dying and Rising with Jesus in Everyday Life - Paul Miller

Does anyone really read these descriptions? How much thought should I put into these? If you read these, let us know at growingracepodcast318@gmail.comAnyways, join Kristen and Shanna as they discuss the doctrine of the Holy Spirit and they talk about how they differ on whether the apostolic (sign) gifts are still active today. Resources:Cessationist Resources:Why I Am a Cessationist - Tom SchreinerA Case for Cessationism - Tim ChalliesA Case for Cessationism - Tom PenningtonProphecy and the Closed Cannon - John MacArthurUnderstanding CessationismContinuationist Resources:Why I Am a Continuationist - Sam StormsCritiquing CessationismThe Gifts of the Holy Spirit - TVCIn Pursuit of the Spirit - TVCPracticing the Power: Welcoming the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in Your Life(Anything by Sam Storms)

Join us on a bit of a different episode as we talk about grief, helpful and unhelpful things people say while interacting with the grieving and what we have learned through our grief.

Buckle up, it's a long one. We are back and do a lot of talking about life, Christology and Soteriology. Soteriology - We believe that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Verses mentioned: Gen 3:15, Heb 9:28

Are we born essentially good? Is sin just a learned/mimicked behavior or are we born sinners? Join Kristen and Shanna as they delve into and discuss the doctrine of sin. Stay tuned to the very end to hear two super cute guests!Doctrine of Sin - Humanity, by nature and apart from Christ, is broken by sin, declared unrighteous, separated from God, under the judgment of God against sin, and destined for hell. Sin has fractured all things, leaving the world in desperate need of salvation.Scripture mentioned:- Romans 5:12- Romans 5:14- Romans 5:18- I Cor. 15: 22- I Kings 8:46- Romans 3:23- John 8:34- Ephesians 2:3- Romans 3:10-12- Jeremiah 17:9- Ephesians 2:5

After 25 episodes, we finally have our first male guest on the show! Join Kristen and Shanna as they chat with Nathan Cravatt about the doctrine of humanity, what it means to be made in the image of God and how that should impact our every day interactions.

In today's episode, we talk about the doctrine of creation and providence. Doctrine of revelation: We believe that the Bible is authoritative and without error. It is perfectly trustworthy because we have a perfectly trustworthy God.Doctrine of Creation and Providence: We believe that God created the world from nothing and governs all things at all times in all places.Scriptures mentioned: 1Cor 8:6Col 1:15-16Gen 1:2Acts 17:28Gen 45:4-8This is My Father's World lyrics:This is my Father's world:O let me ne'er forgetThat though the wrong seems oft so strong,God is the Ruler yet.This is my Father's world:Why should my heart be sad?The Lord is King: let the heavens ring!God reigns; let earth be glad! 

Season 2 is starting off with a great topic about the Doctrine of Revelation. How does God reveal Himself to us and why do we take the Bible as the ultimate authority in our lives? Kristen and Shanna discuss this in this episode as well as discussing the Bible Recap Bible reading plan they have been doing.If you'd like to join us in reading the Bible chronologically this year, you can join here: https://bible.com/p/55879249/3ec64d671cec42fadad5247521d116d7Our store for all the pretty things: https://grow-in-grace-podcast.myshopify.com

It's season 2 and we kick it off with a pretty large announcement. We also discuss the direction that we anticipate season 2 taking and talk about why Christians neglect studying theology. If you'd like to join us in reading the Bible chronologically this year, you can join here: https://bible.com/p/55879249/3ec64d671cec42fadad5247521d116d7Our store for all the pretty things: https://grow-in-grace-podcast.myshopify.com

Scripture to read:Luke 21:27-282 Peter 3:8-14Songs suggested: In Christ AloneLook and SeeYou Hold Me Now. Reflection: Re-read 2 Peter 3:8-14. What stands out to you in this passage and why? What questions does it leave you with?How does your life reflect your belief that Jesus will return? Is it something you think about and long for?What do you think of when you hear or read the words “be diligent”? What does it look like for you to be diligent in pursuing holiness and godliness? In what areas do you need to fight and flee from sin? In what areas do you need to cultivate love for God and love for others?Look up Romans 8:22-25. Compare it to Revelations 21:1-7. What future birth do we await? How does looking expectantly to the promised return of Jesus affect the way you see your present circumstances?In prayer, thank God for the reality that Jesus will return and make all things new. Confess any areas of your life where you haven't been diligent in pursuing holiness. Ask the Lord to show you specific ways you can actively await His promised return in the coming year

Scripture to read:Matthew 2:1-12Songs suggested: Joy to the WorldO Come, All Ye FaithfulGo! Tell it on the MountainWe Three KingsReflection: Look up Psalms 86:9. What promise do you see in this verse? What reassurance does the story of the Magi give us about spreading the gospel? How should the story challenge us as those who are called to tell the Good News?What common reasons do Christians give for not spreading the gospel to all nations? Are any of the reasons valid?Look up Ephesians 2:11-17. In this passage, who are “those who were far off”? Are people in foreign countries farther off from the gospel than you were when you first heard it? Explain. What is the primary means God uses to make disciples of all nations? How can you actively take the gospel to all nations in the upcoming year? Think of someone you know who is actively involved in reaching the nations with the gospel. Take time this week to pray for them by name. 

Scripture to read:Luke 2:8-20Romans 10:14-15Reflection: How did you first hear the gospel? Who told you, and how did you respond?God does not need messengers to communicate His gospel. Why do you think He charged the shepherds with sharing the Good News of Jesus' birth? Why do you think He charges us with sharing the Good News of salvation? Did sharing the news of Jesus' birth feel like a burden or a joy to the shepherds? Why? How do you feel about sharing the gospel? What might help you consistently view it as a joyful calling?What fears keep you from sharing the news that Jesus has come to save sinners? Look up Colossians 1:3-6. How might the assurance in this passage increase your boldness?In prayer, praise God for loving the weak, despised, and lowly. Thank Him for the person or means He used to share the gospel with you and ask Him for the boldness and faith to do the same.Suggested Songs: Hark! The Herald Angels SingAngels We Have Heard on HighWhile Shepherds Kept Their Watch By NightCome Ye Lofty, Come Ye Lowly

Reflection: Consider the prophecies from Isaiah 9:1-7 and Miach 5:2. How do you see these fulfilled in Jesus' birth?Think about the circumstances that led Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. What do they show you about God's sovereignty?What promises has God already fulfilled in your life? How do you keep the memory of His faithfulness fresh? What promises of God are you waiting to see fulfilled? How does the perfect fulfillment of God's promise to send the Messiah encourage your confidence in His faithfulness? In prayer, thank God for the perfect fulfillment of His promise through Jesus. Confess places where your confidence in His faithfulness is weak and ask Him for increased trust, belief and hope. Scripture to readMicah 5:2Luke 2:1-7Songs suggested: O Holy NightSilent NightGod Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Join Shanna and Kristen this week as we kick off our new series through the time of Advent. You'll get a new mini episode every week through December. We hope you enjoy this time of celebrating Advent with us. Scripture to read: Genesis 3:15, Isaiah 9:1-7Reflection Questions: Consider Israel's long wait for the Savior to come. How do you think God's people fought against doubt, discouragement and the temptation to believe God forgot them? Are you good at waiting? Why or Why not? What makes some promises easier to wait on than others?God often gives us seasons of waiting to sift and strengthen our faith. If you are in a season of waiting, what might the Lord be teaching you?How strong is your confidence that God keeps His promises? Read 2 Corinthians 1:19-20. How does this passage affect your understanding of God's faithfulness?Pray for yourself and those around you, asking God to open your eyes and heart to what He has for you this advent season.Suggested Advent Album: Behold the Lamb of God - Andrew PetersonSuggested Songs: O Come, O Come EmmanuelCome, Thou Long-Expected JesusAdvent Blocks https://goodkind.shop/collections/christmas?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=advent_blocks&utm_id=search&utm_campaign=18742101346&utm_source=g_c&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=631486337020&utm_term=b_advent%20blocks&adgroupid=143188939179&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4OybBhCzARIsAIcfn9l_chTIFSFr-qjyepu1kHU2XIWimoLtOAY7Oy6S-rfNvFybhbQEXbQaArvYEALw_wcB

This episode, Kristen and Shanna discuss the For the Sake of the Gospel Conference as well as answer a few frequently asked questions by you, our listeners.

Have you ever been to a point where you have questioned who you are? In this episode, Shanna and Kristen discuss our identities: where we often find our identities, and who we should ultimately be finding our identity in. Resources:Who God Says You Are: A Christian Understanding of Identity. - Klyne SnodgrassUnion with Christ - Rankin Wilbourne

As a follow-up to our last episode about Legalism and the law, Shanna and Kristen had the opportunity to be interviewed by another podcast in the RFP Network, 4-Freedom. It was a great time talking to Jon and James and we hope you enjoy the discussion about our experience with legalism, but more importantly how grace has healed those hurts. If you enjoy the guys over at 4-Freedom, subscribe to their podcast. I know it will be an encouragement to each of you. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/4-freedom-podcast/id1517878135

Absolutely  nothing!Suggested resource: Ten Words to Live By - Jen WilkinMusic by Joystock- https://www.joystock.org

What is the Bible? How should we study it? In this episode, we explore the story of Scripture and give helpful tools for making the most of our Bible study time.Literary genres found in Scripture:History – tells the story of God's peopleLaw – tells the rules for God's peopleProphets – speak God's words to the peopleWisdom/Poetry – songs and prayers Gospels – tells the story of the life of JesusEpistles/Letters – letters to the churchesQuestions to ask to help determine context:Who wrote the book?To whom was it written?When was it written?What historical and cultural factors prompted and informed its writing.Resources:The Bible ProjectStory of Scripture Song - The Village Church Listen on SpotifyMusic by Joystock- https://www.joystock.org

Today we have author and Bible teacher, Jen Wilkin on the podcast. Shanna and Kristen get to chat with Jen about the importance of studying Scripture in every believers life and why Biblical literacy matters. Follow our social media for a giveaway announcement of Jen's book Women of the Word. You can find more information about Jen and all of her books/Bible studies at https://www.jenwilkin.netMusic by Joystock- https://www.joystock.org

It's our 10th episode and the end of our first series! To celebrate this episode, we have one of our friends, Amy Miller, on to hear her story of how she has seen the attributes of God as she looks back on her life. Music by Joystock- https://www.joystock.org