Marked by Grace

Navigating family relationships when you disagree with your family's church choice is one of the most challenging situations Christians face. Pastor Heath Lambert provides biblical wisdom for this delicate balance between family loyalty and theological convictions. Using the framework of theological triage, this episode helps believers understand when to compromise, when to stand firm, and how love should guide every decision in church conflicts.TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Introduction: The Family Church Dilemma0:39 - The Question: Attending Unbiblical Churches for Family Unity1:49 - Why This Question Matters: Children and Family Dynamics2:51 - Understanding Biblical vs Unbiblical: Not All Errors Are Equal3:06 - Theological Triage: Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Issues4:05 - Primary Issues: Salvation-Essential Doctrines4:55 - Secondary Issues: Important but Not Salvation-Critical5:16 - Baptism Example: Baptist vs Presbyterian Practices6:46 - Tertiary Issues: End Times and Christian Disagreements8:17 - The Law of Love: 1 John 4:7 as the Ultimate Guide8:53 - Pride vs Conviction: Testing Our Motivations9:26 - When Love Means Compromise vs When Love Means Standing Firm10:13 - Final Answer: It Depends on Error Type and Love's DirectionKEY POINTSThe Reality of Family Church Conflicts: Christians often find themselves where their theological convictions differ from their family's church choice, creating tension between honoring family and maintaining biblical faithfulness.Theological Triage Framework: Not all biblical errors are equally serious. Churches can be "unbiblical" in different ways requiring different responses - understanding this hierarchy helps believers respond appropriately.Primary Issues - Salvation Essential: Doctrines so central that denying them prevents salvation, like salvation by grace through faith alone. Churches with primary errors should generally be avoided regardless of family pressure.Secondary Issues - Important but Not Salvation-Critical: Matters affecting church practice but not salvation, like baptism methods. Faithful Christians can disagree while remaining in fellowship.Tertiary Issues - Ongoing Christian Disagreements: Matters where good Christians disagree until Christ returns, like millennium details. These shouldn't divide churches or families.The Law of Love as the Ultimate Test: Love for both family and God must guide decisions. Love sometimes requires compromise on preferences, other times demands taking a stand for essential truth.Submit your questions for future episodes to MarkedbyGrace@fbcjax.comSCRIPTURE REFERENCES1 John 4:7 - "Beloved, let us love one another" - The law of love as the guiding principle for all theological and relational decisionsActs 5:29 - "We must obey God rather than men" - Referenced principle for when obedience to God requires standing against family pressure

One of humanity's most persistent theological questions is thoroughly examined in this episode of Marked by Grace. Pastor Heath Lambert tackles the challenging problem of evil and God's goodness, providing three classical Christian responses that have guided believers through centuries of doubt and difficulty. Whether you're wrestling with personal suffering or trying to understand God's character in a broken world, this episode offers biblical clarity on why God can remain perfectly good while allowing evil to exist.TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Introduction: The Persistent Question of Evil and God's Goodness1:08 - The Specific Question: Why Doesn't God Intervene Like We Should?2:08 - Granting the Premise: When Human Inaction Becomes Sin3:21 - God's Perfect Nature: Light with No Darkness4:08 - Response 1: Primary vs Secondary Causes Explained5:24 - Genesis 50:20 - Joseph's Brothers and God's Sovereignty7:27 - The Shakespeare and Hamlet Analogy8:34 - Response 2: All Evil as Judgment Against Human Sinfulness10:27 - Luke 13:5 - Jesus on the Tower of Siloam11:04 - Response 3: The Greater Good - God's Ultimate Plan12:10 - Romans 8:28 - All Things Work Together for Good13:19 - The Cross: Ultimate Example of Good from Evil14:16 - Eternal Perspective: Praising God for His Redemptive PowerKEY POINTS- The Question Explored: If humans are morally obligated to intervene when witnessing evil acts like assault or abuse, how can God witness atrocities daily without intervening and still be considered good and just?- Primary vs Secondary Causes: God operates as the sovereign primary cause behind all events, while humans act as secondary causes. Evil is always chargeable to secondary causes (human sin) never to the primary cause (God). This distinction explains how the same event can have both a sinful human motivation and a righteous divine purpose.- Universal Human Sinfulness: All people live in a fallen world where we deserve judgment, not blessing. The real theological question isn't "Why do bad things happen?" but rather "Why do any good things happen to sinners like us?" Every person deserves divine judgment due to their rebellion against God.- The Greater Good Principle: God's omnipotent righteousness enables Him to bring ultimate good out of every evil situation. This doesn't make evil good, but demonstrates God's power to redeem and transform even the worst circumstances for His glory and our benefit.- The Cross as Ultimate Example: Jesus Christ's crucifixion represents the worst act of victimization in human history, yet God transformed this ultimate evil into the means of salvation for countless people. This demonstrates how God can use even the most horrific events to accomplish his perfect purposes.- Eternal Perspective: In eternity, believers will praise God not despite the suffering that occurred, but because of how He used that suffering to accomplish His glorious redemptive plan. The eternal weight of glory will far exceed any temporary affliction.Submit your questions for future episodes to MarkedByGrace@fbcjax.comSCRIPTURE REFERENCES1 John 1:5 - "God is light and in him is no darkness at all" - Establishes God's perfect, sinless natureGenesis 50:20 - "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today" - Primary example of primary vs secondary causesLuke 13:5 - Jesus' warning about the tower of Siloam - All people deserve judgment without repentanceRomans 8:28 - "We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" - The greater good principle2 Corinthians 4:17 - "This light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison" - Eternal perspective on suffering

Ever wondered about the visible signs of God's covenants? This episode explores one of the most profound questions in biblical theology: What is the visible representation of God's covenant with King David?Pastor Heath Lambert dives deep into covenant theology, explaining how God uses visible signs to represent invisible relationships. Discover why Jesus sitting on His heavenly throne is the ultimate fulfillment and visible sign of the Davidic covenant, and what this means for believers today.KEY TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Introduction: The visible sign of the Davidic Covenant1:04 - What is a covenant? Biblical relationships explained1:46 - Why covenants have visible signs2:40 - Examples of covenant signs: Rainbow (Noah), Circumcision (Abraham)3:46 - Sabbath as sign of the Old Covenant at Sinai4:46 - New Covenant signs: Baptism and Lord's Supper5:29 - The Davidic Covenant explained (2 Samuel 7:12-13)6:41 - Jesus as fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant7:52 - Two ways to fulfill an eternal covenant8:24 - The visible sign revealed: Jesus on His throne9:00 - Why you don't have to see it for it to be "visible"10:03 - Eternal perspective: We will see Him reignKEY POINTS- Covenants Are Biblical Relationships: God uses covenants as the organizing structure for His relationship with humanity and the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation.- Visible Signs Make Invisible Relationships Real: Since we can't see spiritual relationships, God provides tangible signs we can observe - rainbows, circumcision, Sabbath, baptism, and communion.- The Davidic Covenant Promises an Eternal King: God promised David that someone from his family line would sit on the throne forever (2 Samuel 7:12-13).- Jesus Fulfills the Covenant Perfectly: Rather than an endless succession of mortal kings, Jesus - as David's descendant - reigns eternally, never needing replacement.- Christ's Heavenly Throne is the Visible Sign: Jesus currently sits at the right hand of God's majesty in heaven, fulfilling the Davidic covenant as the eternal King.- "Visible" Doesn't Mean Everyone Sees It: Just as circumcision or baptism aren't seen by everyone but are still "visible signs," Christ's throne is visible to those in heaven, making it a legitimate covenant sign.Submit your questions for future episodes to MarkedByGrace@fbcjax.comSCRIPTURE REFERENCES2 Samuel 7:12-13 - "When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever."Luke 1:32-33 - "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."Hebrews 1:3 - "He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high."

Wondering if you've missed your chance to start family devotions with older kids? This episode provides biblical wisdom and practical steps for beginning family worship at ANY age, even with teenagers! Pastor Heath Lambert tackles one of the most common questions Christian parents face: starting family devotions when you never did them before. Discover why it's never too late, how to handle the awkwardness, and what family worship looks like as kids grow older.TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Introduction: The importance of family devotions1:10 - Biblical foundation: Ephesians 6:4 command to parents2:18 - Heath's family approach: Read, Pray, Sing formula3:01 - It's never too late to start (even with kids out of house)3:44 - How to start: The honest conversation approach4:42 - Embracing the awkwardness: Why it's normal and okay6:00 - Starting with older kids: What to expect6:52 - How family devotions evolve as children grow8:00 - Deuteronomy 6:6-7: Teaching in everyday moments9:17 - Final encouragement: Start todayMAIN TAKEAWAYS- It's Never Too Late to Start: Whether your kids are toddlers, teenagers, or even adults living away from home, you can begin family worship today.- Be Honest About the Gap: Acknowledge to your family that you should have been doing this and ask for grace as you start.- Expect and Embrace Awkwardness: Family devotions will feel awkward at first - that's completely normal. Don't let discomfort stop you from establishing this crucial habit.- Family Worship Evolves: With younger kids, aim for daily structured time (read, pray, sing). With older kids, focus on creating a culture of ongoing spiritual conversation.- Simple Formula That Works: Read scripture + Pray together + Sing = effective family devotion timeSubmit your questions for future episodes to MarkedByGrace@fbcjax.comSCRIPTURE REFERENCESEphesians 6:4 - "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."

Jesus was fully divine, yet Luke 2:52 says He "increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God." How is this possible? In today's episode, Pastor Heath Lambert breaks down this theological question, exploring Christ's active and passive obedience and what it means for believers today.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction to Marked by Grace podcast00:20 How to submit your questions to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com00:39 Today's question: How did Jesus grow in favor with God?00:49 Scripture reference: Luke 2:5201:38 Common questions about Jesus growing in wisdom02:16 God's declaration: "This is my Son with whom I am well pleased"02:40 Understanding Jesus' work on earth02:47 Theological concept: Active and Passive Obedience03:12 Active Obedience explained - Jesus fulfilling all the law03:43 Scripture reference: 1 Peter 2:22 - "He committed no sin"03:59 Passive Obedience explained - Jesus' sacrifice for sinners04:26 Scripture reference: 1 Peter 3:18 - Christ's suffering for sins05:19 How Jesus grew in favor with God - explanation and conclusionKEY POINTS:• Jesus was already pleasing to the Father as Son, but grew in favor through His obedience• "Active obedience" refers to Jesus perfectly fulfilling all requirements of God's law• "Passive obedience" refers to Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross for sinners• While Jesus was fully divine and omniscient, Luke 2:52 shows His human development• Jesus didn't need to grow in His status as Son, but in His earthly mission fulfillment• Jesus grew in favor with God as He progressively accomplished His redemptive work• The Father's pleasure in Christ included both His eternal Sonship and His obedient earthly life• Jesus' complete obedience provides the foundation for our salvation• This theological concept helps us understand both Christ's divinity and humanity• While Jesus was fully divine and omniscient, Luke 2:52 shows His human development• Jesus didn't need to grow in His status as Son, but in His earthly mission fulfillment• "Active obedience" refers to Jesus perfectly fulfilling all requirements of God's law• "Passive obedience" refers to Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross for sinners• Jesus grew in favor with God as He progressively accomplished His redemptive work• The Father's pleasure in Christ included both His eternal Sonship and His obedient earthly life• Jesus' complete obedience provides the foundation for our salvation• This theological concept helps us understand both Christ's divinity and humanitySubmit your questions for future episodes to MarkedbyGrace@fbcjax.comSCRIPTURE REFERENCES:Luke 2:52 - "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man."1 Peter 2:22 - "He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth."1 Peter 3:18 - "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit."

Heath Lambert addresses a question from a youth minister about how to guide young Christians seeking "closure" after relationships end. Discover how to recognize what people are really asking for beneath this vague term, and respond with biblical wisdom.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Introduction and this week's topic on relationship closure0:35 Context: Youth minister's question about teenage breakups1:37 The problem with "closure" as a vague, undefined term2:35 How to help someone seeking closure: Ask questions and apply Scripture3:32 Category #1: Closure when mistreatment has occurred4:40 Biblical perspective: Reconciliation, not just "closure"5:50 Category #2: Desiring to recover a relationship or understand rejection6:52 The painful reality of unrequited feelings8:41 Finding security in God's love (Ephesians 1:7-8) rather than human approval10:02 Category #3: Confusion about the relationship seeking clarityKEY POINTS:- "Closure" is an ill-defined term that means different things to different people- When someone seeks closure, ask specific questions to understand what they're really seeking- Three common categories of what people mean by "closure":1. Mistreatment that needs addressing - When sin has occurred in the relationship- Biblical category: Reconciliation through confession and forgiveness- May be complicated by circumstances (especially if dangerous behavior occurred)2.Unreciprocated affection - When one person likes the other more- Reality: We must learn to respond maturely to rejection- No amount of "closure conversations" can change someone's feelings- Growth comes through finding security in God's lavish love (Ephesians 1:7-8)3. Genuine confusion seeking clarity - Understanding what happened- May be legitimate or may mask the desire for reconciliation- Can be appropriate when seeking growth-oriented feedback- Must approach with others-centered love, not selfish motivesSubmit your questions for future episodes to markedbyGrace@fbcjax.comSCRIPTURE REFERENCES:Ephesians 1:7-8 - "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight."

Heath Lambert addresses questions about narcissism in Christian ministry: Is it widespread in churches, and should those displaying narcissistic traits be removed from leadership? Discover how Scripture reframes this contemporary psychological concern as the age-old spiritual problem of pride.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Introduction to this week's topic on covert narcissism0:50 How the Marked by Grace question process works2:23 The two-part question: Is covert narcissism rampant in church? Should narcissists be fired?2:53 Understanding narcissism from a secular perspective4:11 The biblical equivalent: pride as described in Scripture5:13 Pride as the universal root problem of sinners6:31 Is narcissism (pride) rampant in the church?7:17 Should "covert narcissists" be fired from church positions?7:44 Biblical qualifications and 1 Timothy 3:6 on conceit8:56 The crucial distinction: struggling with pride vs. being "swollen with conceit"KEY POINTS:- Narcissism is a secular psychological term from the DSM describing traits like grandiosity, need for admiration, and arrogance- These characteristics closely align with what the Bible identifies as pride (1 John 2:16)- Pride—the desire to exalt ourselves above others and God—is the fundamental problem of every sinner- All Christians, including church leaders, struggle with pride in some form- The biblical qualification in 1 Timothy 3:6 isn't the absence of pride but not being "puffed up with conceit"- There's a significant difference between a qualified leader who battles pride and seeks to overcome it versus someone who is "swollen with conceit"- Disqualification should be based on biblical grounds (being dominated by pride), not merely secular psychological categories- Judgments about disqualification should come from those close to the person who observe a pattern, not from distant assumptionsSubmit your questions for future episodes to markedbyGrace@fbcjax.comSCRIPTURE REFERENCES:1 John 2:16 - "All that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and the pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world."1 Timothy 3:6 - "He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil."

Heath Lambert examines a complex interpretive question that's increasingly raised in discussions about homosexuality and Scripture. Learn why attempts to find LGBTQ+ affirmation in the close friendship between David and Jonathan represent problematic biblical interpretation.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Introduction and today's controversial question0:46 Context: A member's conversation with someone claiming biblical support for homosexuality1:19 The key passage: 1 Samuel 20:41-42 and claims about David and Jonathan2:52 The more sophisticated argument about Hebrew terminology4:43 Why this approach to Scripture is fundamentally flawed6:36 Clear biblical evidence that David and Jonathan were not in a homosexual relationship8:31 Analysis of the claim about "offspring" and its implications9:40 How Scripture handles David's actual sexual sin with Bathsheba11:34 The real good news: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 and transformation in ChristKEY POINTS:- The argument that David and Jonathan were in a homosexual relationship primarily focuses on 1 Samuel 20:41-42- Some interpreters make claims about Hebrew words for "most" (as in "David weeping the most") and "offspring" to suggest sexual connotations- This interpretive approach forces contemporary LGBTQ+ perspectives onto ancient texts rather than allowing Scripture to shape our understanding- The Hebrew word translated as "most" appears 112 times in the Old Testament and is never used with sexual connotations- The reference to "offspring" between David and Jonathan actually contradicts the homosexual interpretation- When biblical figures sin sexually (like David with Bathsheba), Scripture addresses it directly and honestly- The Bible neither describes nor endorses homosexual behavior between David and Jonathan- Those seeking biblical affirmation for homosexuality are looking for "good news" that their sin is acceptable- The true good news is found in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, which both acknowledges sin and offers transformation through ChristSubmit your questions for future episodes to markedbyGrace@fbcjax.comSCRIPTURE REFERENCES:- 1 Samuel 20:41-42 - David and Jonathan's emotional farewell- 2 Samuel 11:4 - Scripture's direct description of David's sin with Bathsheba- 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 - "Such were some of you..." - transformation through Christ

Heath Lambert addresses a challenging question facing many Christians today: What should we do with books and resources from Christian leaders who have fallen into sin or been disqualified from ministry? Learn a biblical framework for approaching this increasingly common dilemma.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Introduction and today's difficult question0:45 The context: Many prominent Christian leaders falling from ministry1:42 Paul's words about finishing well in 2 Timothy 4:6-72:52 Important distinctions in types of disgrace and disqualification3:28 Addressing resources from those disqualified by false teaching4:52 Addressing resources from those disqualified by moral failure6:32 How moral failures can "taint" otherwise sound teaching7:58 Bottom line: Balancing gratitude for past benefit with future discernmentKEY POINTS:- Many once-prominent Christian leaders have failed to "finish the race" well (2 Timothy 4:6-7)- We must distinguish between disqualification through false teaching versus moral failure- Resources from those who taught false doctrine should generally be avoided completely- Even if their other materials contain truth, recommending them risks leading others to their false teachings- Moral failures don't necessarily make a teacher's true statements untrue, but they do "taint" their work-Just as many can't separate Bill Cosby's shows from his actions, Christians may struggle to benefit from resources by morally fallen leaders- Consider finding similar resources from leaders who haven't been disqualified when possible- Truth that impacted you positively remains true, regardless of the messenger's later failings- When using such resources, heavy qualification about what you now know is advisableSubmit your questions for future episodes to markedbyGrace@fbcjax.comSCRIPTURE REFERENCES:2 Timothy 4:6-7 - "I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Heath Lambert explores why the resurrection of Jesus is essential for salvation, not just a historical event to celebrate once a year. Discover how Christ's resurrection proves His victory over sin and empowers believers to live transformed lives.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Introduction and continuing the resurrection conversation0:45 Is the resurrection important for salvation?1:23 Why we often focus only on Christ's death2:40 The complete gospel: Christ's life, death, AND resurrection3:11 Biblical foundation: Romans 6:3-5 and resurrection power3:45 Two crucial reasons the resurrection matters for salvationKEY POINTS:- Many Christians emphasize Jesus' death on the cross without equal emphasis on His resurrection- While Christ's substitutionary death is central to Christian faith, it's not the complete picture- Complete salvation teaching includes Jesus' perfect life, sacrificial death, AND victorious resurrection- The resurrection provides two essential elements for salvation:Proof that Jesus conquered sin, death, and Satan—without resurrection, Jesus' payment wasn't acceptedPower for believers to live new lives—resurrection power enables righteous livingWithout the resurrection, believers would still be "dead in trespasses and sins"Forgiveness alone only brings us to "neutral"—we need Christ's resurrection life to live righteouslyRomans 6:3-5 teaches that just as Christ was raised to new life, believers can "walk in newness of life"Salvation isn't just about forgiveness of past sins but empowerment for righteous livingSubmit your questions for future episodes to markedbyGrace@fbcjax.comSCRIPTURE REFERENCES:Romans 6:3-5 - "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."

Heath Lambert examines the historical evidence for Jesus Christ's resurrection. Discover why even skeptics in the first century were convinced by overwhelming eyewitness testimony, and why the resurrection stands as the most well-documented miracle in history.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Introduction and the essential question of Christianity0:52 Two possible responses to the resurrection claim2:07 Why skepticism is understandable but insufficient3:39 The skepticism of Thomas and his encounter with the risen Christ (John 20:25-28)5:52 Over 500 eyewitnesses to the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:5-6)7:34 The apostles' willingness to die for their testimony9:03 The global impact of Christianity as evidence for the resurrectionKEY POINTS:- The resurrection either happened or didn't—there is no middle ground position- Even Jesus' closest followers were initially skeptical of resurrection claims- Thomas refused to believe without physical evidence but was convinced when he saw Jesus- Over 500 people witnessed the resurrected Jesus at one time—overwhelming eyewitness testimony- The apostles went to their deaths maintaining their testimony—no one recanted- No group of people would die for what they knew to be a lie- The global impact of Christianity is better explained by a true resurrection than by a hoax- Jesus' followers transformed from fearful skeptics to bold witnesses willing to die for their testimony- Christianity's world-changing influence began with real witnesses to a real eventSubmit your questions for future episodes to markedbyGrace@fbcjax.comSCRIPTURE REFERENCES:John 20:25-28 - Thomas's skepticism and subsequent belief after seeing the risen Jesus1 Corinthians 15:5-6 - Paul's account of Jesus appearing to more than 500 people at one timeEVENT INFORMATION:Join First Baptist Church Jacksonville for a special Good Friday concert celebrating the resurrection. https://fbcjax.com/easter-concert/

Heath Lambert explores the surprising origins of Easter traditions many Christians celebrate. Discover how the Easter bunny, colored eggs, and even the word "Easter" itself have roots in pagan fertility rituals, and learn how to keep Christ's resurrection at the center of your celebration.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Introduction and this week's question about Easter traditions1:00 The pagan origins of the word "Easter" and spring celebrations2:33 How rabbits and eggs became fertility symbols in pagan rituals3:41 The Easter bunny's journey to America through German immigrants4:38 Keeping Christ's resurrection at the center of our celebrationsKEY POINTS:- The word "Easter" comes from Eostre (spelled "Eosre"), a pagan goddess of springtime and fertility- Spring was celebrated as a time when witches of winter were driven away by the return of warmth- Rabbits were this goddess's animal symbol due to their fertility, believed to chase away winter witches- The concept of rabbits delivering eggs combined two fertility symbols despite biological impossibility- German immigrants brought "Osterhase" (Easter hare) traditions to America in the 1700s- Children would create straw nests for the rabbit to fill with colored eggs- These nests evolved into the elaborate Easter baskets filled with candy and gifts we know today- These traditions have absolutely no connection to the biblical account of Christ's resurrection- Christians should be intentional about focusing on Jesus's resurrection during Easter celebrationsSubmit your questions for future episodes to markedbyGrace@fbcjax.comFirst Baptist Church Jacksonville YouTube channel will feature Holy Week devotionals from pastors explaining the significance of each day leading to Resurrection Sunday so stay tuned!

Heath Lambert explores a profound theological question: Does the doctrine of total depravity still apply to believers after salvation? Discover what Scripture teaches about our sinful nature before Christ and the transformative power of regeneration.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Introduction and today's theological question0:48 What is total depravity? Defining the doctrine2:18 Biblical foundation: Romans 8:7-8 and our natural state3:24 Total depravity, salvation, and the Christian life5:13 The answer: 2 Corinthians 5:17 and new creation theologyKEY POINTS:- Total depravity means sin affects every aspect of our being, not that we're as evil as possible- In our natural state, we cannot please God or respond to Him properly (Romans 8:7-8)- This doctrine explains why we need salvation through Jesus Christ- Christians are no longer "totally depraved" after salvation- While believers still struggle with sin, they are fundamentally changed (2 Corinthians 5:17)- Christians are no longer bound to sin but are being progressively sanctified- The theological distinction between pre-salvation nature and post-salvation nature is crucialSubmit your questions for future episodes to markedbyGrace@fbcjax.comSCRIPTURE REFERENCES:Romans 8:7-8 - "The mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, indeed it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God."2 Corinthians 5:17 - "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

If Jesus was born of a virgin and had no human father, yet was fully human and male, where did His Y chromosome come from? Discover how this scientific question illuminates the miracle of the Incarnation.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Introduction to Marked by Grace podcast0:18 Today's question: Where did Jesus get His Y chromosome?0:46 Three realities to understand this question0:52 Reality #1: What is a Y chromosome?1:26 The biological necessity of Y chromosomes in males1:55 Reality #2: Jesus was fully human and male2:34 Reality #3: Jesus was born of a virgin2:39 Matthew 1:18 - The virgin conception2:58 Matthew 1:22-23 - Fulfillment of prophecy3:11 The biological dilemma explained3:50 Answer: The miracle of the virgin birth4:22 Comparison to Adam's creation4:51 Greater miracles of the Incarnation5:06 The ultimate purpose: salvation for sinnersKEY POINTS:- Y chromosomes are genetic material that determines maleness and are passed from father to son- As a biological male, Jesus must have had a Y chromosome- Scripture clearly teaches Jesus had no human father (Matthew 1:18-23)- The Y chromosome was miraculously provided by God as part of the virgin birth- This miracle parallels God's creation of Adam, who also had no biological parents- The greater miracle is not the biological aspect but that God took on human flesh- The ultimate purpose of the Incarnation was salvation for undeserving sinnersSubmit your questions for future episodes to markedbyGrace@fbcjax.comSCRIPTURE REFERENCES:Matthew 1:18 - "The birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way: when his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit."Matthew 1:22-23 - "This took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel.'"

Heath Lambert addresses a sensitive pastoral qualification question: Does having an adult child who identifies as homosexual or enters a same-sex marriage disqualify someone from pastoral ministry? Learn what Scripture teaches about pastoral qualifications and family responsibility.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Introduction to Marked by Grace podcast0:12 Today's question: Do homosexual kids disqualify a pastor?0:36 Context and clarification of the question1:03 Understanding the intersection of pastoral qualifications and family issues1:38 First principle: Pastors are disqualified for their sins, not others'2:17 Biblical basis: 1 Timothy 3:4-5 on managing households2:40 Reference to previous episode (January 20) on related topic2:55 Adult children vs. children in the home - important distinction3:29 How we should evaluate a pastor with an adult child in a homosexual relationship4:01 What actually matters: How did the pastor raise the child?4:27 The importance of the pastor's current response - truth and love4:50 Reference to other episodes addressing complex family situations5:09 Conclusion: Adult children's sins don't disqualify pastorsKEY POINTS:- Scripture doesn't require pastors to keep their adult children sin-free- Pastors are evaluated on how they manage their household, not on controlling adult children's choices- The distinction between children living at home and adult children is biblically significant- A pastor's response to an adult child's sin should balance truth and love- The same principles apply to homosexuality as to any other sin in an adult child's life- Pastoral qualification depends on the pastor's faithfulness, not on their adult children's actionsSubmit your questions for future episodes to markedbyGrace@fbcjax.comSCRIPTURE REFERENCES:1 Timothy 3:4-5 - "He [the pastor] must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, and if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?"

Pastor Heath Lambert explores whether those recovering from addiction should count their days, months, or years of sobriety. With wisdom from Hebrews 13:9, he examines how tracking "clean time" can either support or potentially undermine true grace-centered recovery.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Introduction to Marked by Grace podcast0:30 Today's question: Should addicts keep track of their clean time?0:38 Context: Question from someone recovering from pornography addiction1:08 Cultural practice of tracking sobriety time1:27 Why we naturally notice the absence of addiction2:14 Important perspective on tracking clean time2:47 Biblical insight from Hebrews 13:94:04 The risks of tracking clean time4:10 Risk #1: Pride and boasting about sobriety4:57 Risk #2: Making clean time equivalent to victory5:41 The essential difference between clean time and grace6:35 The power of grace vs. the metric of clean time6:49 Conclusion: Balance and wise perspectiveKEY POINTS:- Tracking sobriety isn't inherently wrong but carries potential spiritual risks- Scripture teaches that our hearts should be "strengthened by grace, not by foods" (Hebrews 13:9)- Pride can attach to long periods of sobriety, making it harder to be honest when struggling- Overemphasizing clean time can lead to devastating discouragement after a relapse- True recovery is measured by dependence on Christ's grace, not just time without the addiction- Even after a relapse, 1 John 1:9 promises complete forgiveness through confessionSubmit your questions for future episodes to markedbygrace@fbcjax.comSCRIPTURE REFERENCES:Hebrews 13:9 - "It is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods"1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"

On this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath Lambert addresses a challenging question: Is it biblical for Christians to threaten legal action against fellow believers? Discover what 1 Corinthians 6 teaches about resolving conflicts within the church and why both suing AND threatening to sue violates Scripture's clear teaching.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Introduction to Marked by Grace podcast0:17 Today's question: Should Christians threaten to sue other Christians?1:02 What does 1 Corinthians 6 say about Christians suing Christians?2:29 The specific question about threatening lawsuits3:00 A powerful analogy about ungodly threats4:38 The biblical conclusion on threatening legal action5:26 God's better way for Christians to resolve conflictsKEY POINTS:- Scripture clearly forbids Christians from taking other believers to court (1 Corinthians 6:1-6)- Christians are called to settle disputes among themselves using godly wisdom- Threatening an ungodly action (like a lawsuit) to get what you want is itself sinful- Pastor Heath shares real examples of pastors threatening to sue other Christians- God has provided better ways for conflict resolution through ChristSubmit your questions for future episodes to markedbyGrace@fbcjax.comSCRIPTURE REFERENCES:- 1 Corinthians 6:1-6 - Christians should resolve disputes within the church- The Sixth Commandment (Exodus 20:13) - "You shall not murder"- The Seventh Commandment (Exodus 20:8) - "You shall not commit adultery"If you found this teaching helpful, please LIKE this video, SUBSCRIBE to our channel, and SHARE with someone who needs biblical guidance on conflict resolution!

Pastor Heath Lambert addresses whether it's biblically acceptable for Christians to intentionally avoid or exclude other believers, particularly in everyday interactions like greeting one another.Key Points- Christians live in an increasingly "graceless" culture that normalizes cutting people off- Scripture commands us to "aim for restoration" (2 Corinthians 13:11)- While complete restoration isn't always possible, Christians are called to maintain basic courtesy- Jesus acknowledges the reality of enemies but commands us to love them (Matthew 5:43-44)- Even greeting those we dislike distinguishes Christian behavior (Matthew 5:47-48)While Christians may have enemies, we aren't permitted to be enemies. Basic courtesies like greetings should be extended even in difficult relationships.Questions for future episodes? Email: markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

Pastor Heath Lambert addresses whether someone with a history of abuse can serve in pastoral ministry, examining three key background issues that inform this complex question.Key Points- Biblical qualifications for pastors include being "above reproach" (Titus 1:6-7) and "well thought of by outsiders" (1 Timothy 3:7)- The importance of careful definition and evidence in abuse cases- The relationship between forgiveness and consequences: while Christ offers forgiveness (1 John 1:9), some past actions may disqualify from pastoral ministry- The need for churches to maintain both biblical truth and proper investigation processes- The distinction between eternal forgiveness and pastoral qualificationBottom LineWhile Christ offers complete forgiveness for all sin, certain past actions may permanently disqualify someone from pastoral leadership, even after genuine repentance.Questions for future episodes? Email: markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

Pastor Heath Lambert addresses whether the Book of Genesis should be understood as actual history. Drawing from his current sermon series through Genesis at First Baptist, he explains why Genesis should be read as historical narrative rather than myth or allegory.Key Points- Genesis presents itself as historical narrative from beginning to end- The text provides no markers to separate myth from history- Jesus referenced Adam and Eve as historical figures (Matthew 19:4-6)- The apostles, including Paul, treated Genesis events as historical fact- Extraordinary events at creation would naturally have extraordinary tellings- The challenge isn't the text's credibility, but our tendency toward independent thinking over biblical thinkingQuestions for future episodes? Email: markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

Pastor Heath Lambert addresses whether Christians who disagree publicly must seek personal reconciliation. Drawing from Scripture, he explains the important distinction between handling personal sin and addressing public false teaching.Key Points- Matthew 18:15 guides us on handling personal sin through private conversation- Titus 1:9 commands teachers to publicly address false teaching- Public error requires public correction- Private reconciliation shouldn't be used to avoid addressing doctrinal concernsConnect With UsQuestions for future episodes? Email: markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath answers the question, "What Is Dignity & Can You Lose It?"

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath speaks biblically on the topic of "Pastoral Responsibility for Adult Children".

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath answers the question, "What Is the Minimum Income Level for Marriage?".

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath addresses the question of "Is Same-Sex Attraction Sinful"?

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath shares two of his favorite books for 2024.

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath discusses the tradition behind Christmas Eve.

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath explains the meaning behind the Christmas tradition of stockings.

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath helps Christians think through what to do with old, worn-out Bibles.

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath helps Christians think through whether it's wrong to date someone with a significant age gap.

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath discusses whether capitalism is corrupt.

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath discusses how to handle conflicts involving politics over the holidays.

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath discusses if it was wrong to attempt to assassinate Hilter.

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath discusses if it's okay for Christians not to vote.

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath discusses when someone's feelings are hurt due to misgendering.

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath helps Christians think through using firearms for protection.

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath explains the meaning of theonomy.

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath explains why people who live in Florida should vote "no" on Amendment 4 this election day.

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath discusses if Christians are allowed to date unbelievers.

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath discusses whether cowardice is a sin.

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath discusses when a pastor is disqualified from ministry because of his family.

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath discusses how to cope with sin against a sovereign God.

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath discusses the ethics of In Vitro Fertilization.

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath explains the meaning of Ezekiel 33:12-20.

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath discusses what a sacrifice of praise is from Hebrews 13.

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath discusses whether Christians should give Native Americans their land back.

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath discusses the benefits and dangers of artificial intelligence.

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath helps Christians think through whether simultaneous verbal prayer is biblical.

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath discusses whether a man should be gentle with his mistress.

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath discusses what it means to be double-tongued.

In this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath discusses how Christians should think about showing care to illegal immigrants.