Ordinary Grace is a podcast devoted to experiencing the grace of God in the ordinary spaces of life. Our goal is to think through our favorite topics as well as contemporary issues through the lens of the Gospel. We love having conversations with our favorite people! So join us!
Tom goes sole on this episode to start a new series of brain dump dialogs. On this episode, Tom discusses how we are called to engage the world through a Two Kingdom's vision. Tune in!
On this episode, Tom and Ryan dig into chapter 5 of the 2LBC and Westminster to discuss the totality of God's rule and reign over all creation and how that relates to our freedom. Tune in!
Tom and Ryan hop back into the confession discuss chapter 4 of the 2nd London Confession 1689 and the Westminster Confession. Today we touch on a range of topics from the purpose of the Genesis 1 Account, age of the earth, gender binary vs. fluidity and a lot of other important issues related to a biblical vision of creation.
It's a new year and we are have a great line up of conversations coming your way. We kick off the year preparing to dive back into the Confessions with some side conversations on Baptist Polity and why it matters! Today, Tom and Ryan kick off 2022 with a discuss on why the Creeds and Confessions are vital to faithful Biblical witness. They tackle the popular yet unhelpful notion of “No Creed but the Bible” why it doesn't support “Scripture Alone” in the end. Some resources to take a look at…https://www.reformation21.org/blog/no-creed-but-the-biblehttps://justinholcomb.com/2021/05/09/no-creed-but-the-bible/Creedal Imperative - Carl Trueman
We are back after a short Holiday Break and we are launching off 2022 with a crazy good conversation with my brothers Tyler Krug and Stephen Gambill. In this episode we discuss the dumpster fire that passes for “Public Discourse” among Christians on Social Media. We discuss the tension with being polemical and winsome and they need not be enemies!
Tom and Tyler take to the Pod to finish up their conversation on Every Member Ministry. On the episode, the guys discuss how to recover Every Member Ministry in the local Churches. A large part of it involves Pastors being ok letting their people use their gifts! Tune in!
Tom and Ryan link up to continue their conversation on Advent. In this episode, we discuss the root of Joy and why Joy is a particular gift we see during the season Advent. In the end, amidst a world that uses Christian to prop up our lack of happiness in life, the Christian is offered a durable joy in the midst of life's sorrows.
Tom and Tyler link up to discuss the need for every member ministry in the church. What is “Every Member Ministry” and why is it important? That is what the guys discuss on this episode of Ordinary Grace!
Tom and Ryan throw up the mics to discuss the Peace of Advent. In our world, there always seems to be a longing for peace but the peace that is desires falls well short of God's Standards. In this episode, we discuss the peace the Christ brings and how it is accomplished!
Tom and Tyler continue their conversation from episode 39 on Church Leadership. On this episode discuss how to recover a healthy vision of leadership in the church. They cover questions such as…What is a healthy Church?What is a member and what gifts do they provide and offer the body of Christ?What is the difference between the qualifications of a pastor/elder and his gifts and skills? This was a fun episode…you need to tune in!
Tom and Ryan reconnect to start a 4 week series of discussions on the Advent. On the episode, the guys discuss why Christmas is such a big deal to many people and how Advent helps us shift our hopes and expectations to Jesus! We will also cover the theme of the First Week of Advent on Hope or Expectation! Tune in!
On this episode, Tom is joined by Tyler Krug, a pastor and more importantly a friend for a conversation about “leadership” in the church. What is leadership in the church? What is leadership in the context of Pastoral or Elder Ministry? Tom and Tyler discuss why we need to be careful with how we use the word Leadership in the church and where we tend to go wrong with our expectations of pastors and elders.
Tom and Ryan reconnect this week to discuss the growing conversations about the divide between confessionalism and pietism. This conversation is not new but seems to be getting new traction in recent months. The guys discuss why confessionalism is not anti-piety but guards itself against pietism because it can lead us away from true hope in the Gospel.
On this episode, Tom has Part 1 of a 2 part conversation with Stephen Gambill. Stephen is an OG in the Reformed Baptist circles of Nashville. He planted Reformed Baptist Church of Nashville, TN in 1998 and he shares so much wisdom on how to remain faithful yet hopeful in ministry through difficult seasons of life. You are going to enjoy this one!
Does the church need modern Super Apostles? If you ask some, the American Church's greatest need is to recover and continue the Neo-Evangelical vision of Carl Henry and Billy Graham? Trevin Wax and the folks over at The Gospel Coaltion seem to take this position. At the heart of this vision is the need rediscovery of modern day theological and cultural gatekeepers that follow in the footsteps of Henry and Graham. What are the merits of this vision? Does it work? Will it rescue the conservative evangelicalism from it's current divisions? Tom and Ryan breakdown Trevin's recent article called “Why I'm Not Kissing Evangelicalism Goodbye” along side a response from R. Scott Clark over at the Heidelblog. We hope our assessment is both helpful and fair.
If you have not heard, the organizers of the Together for the Gospel Conference have announced that April 2022 will mark the final installment of the beloved Conference. Tom hops on to reflect on the impact this conference has had on his life and ministry and to grieve circumstances that contributed to the demise of T4G. If you have not read it yet, here is Colin Hanson's reflection from the Gospel Coalition. Worth a Read. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/t4g-final/
It seems that the word “reformed” is used by a lot of well meaning brothers and sisters as a way to describe their theological convictions. Though we are happy to have more and more people investigate the Reformed faith, we must use the word appropriately. To be Reformed is more than being a Calvinist. All Reformed are Calvinists but not all Calvinists are reformed. This conversations seems to be even more important in light of the emergence of the growth of “New Calvinism” (Think Gospel Coalition, Acts 29 Network ,etc) and the rise of more fundamentalist Calvinist Baptists who say they are reformed when they probably are not in its truest sense. Tom and Ryan discuss the difference between being reformational and reformed. This should be a good conversation! Tune in!
Tom and Ryan finally throw up another episode. Today, we talk about the current evangelical landscape and how a confessional and reformed approach offers a more complete critique of the varying issues facing American religions. Suggested Resources:Recovering the Reformed Confession - R. Scott ClarkWhy was the Reformation Necessary? - Robert GodfreyFind us on ITunes, Google Podcasts or any Podcast Catcher!
On this episode, Tom goes solo to discuss whats behind the relaunch of the Ordinary Grace Podcast. This podcast is not an attempt to build a platform or experiment in vanity. Rather, it's a space to work out theological ideas and their relevance to the current American evangelical landscape. Tune in and join the conversation.If you have thoughts or questions, you can contact Tom at tom@gracesmyrn.org
On this episode, we dig into the extent of God's decree and how God's sovereign actions cannot be separated from his being and nature.
Tom and Ryan are finally back after a busy few weeks and some technical difficultly with Tom's 8 year old Mac. But they are ready to dig into the Decree of God in chapter 3 of the 2nd London Confession & Westminster Confession. In this chapter we will talk in detail about human free will and God's sovereign actions. This should be fun!
Tom & Ryan reconnect after a couple busy weeks of vacations and Covid-19 precautions to riff on politics & the glory and sovereignty of God as outlined in the 2nd London & Westminster Confession! Tune in.
Tom and Ryan finish up their conversation on Chapter 2, Paragraph 1 from the 2LBC and WCF. Where the first half of the paragraph deals with God's nature, the second deals with his character and how he relates to mankind.
Tom and Ryan throw up the mics to discuss Chapter 2 Paragraph 1 in both the Second London Confession and the Westminster Confession. The conversation was so dense that they had to break paragraph 1 into two episodes. The knew what we needed to do since he allowed Tom's lawn care man to interrupt their conversation. Important Quote about God's Impassability -"Theologians have often said that when God is described in the language of human emotion, these are expressions of effect, not affect. In other words, we are reading about the effects God causes us to experience of himself not effects we have caused God to experience in Himself." - James RenihanSupplemental Reading:Knowing God by J.I. Packer.
Tom and Ryan continue their discussion in the first Chapter of the Westminster and 2nd London Confessions on the topic of Biblical Interpretation. They briefly introduce the categories of Redemptive Historical & Grammatical Historical Interpretations of Scripture and why they matter.
On this episode, Tom and Ryan dig into the Westminster Confession and the 2nd London Confession on Part 1 of a conversation about the nature and necessity of the Scriptures. If you what to know more about why Christians love "THE BOOK" so much, tune in!
On this episode, Tom and Joe Stegall (Pastor of Providence Baptist Church www.insidepbc.com) discuss the current cultural climate and the impact of the culture wars on the church. We discuss everything from Cancel Culture, Inter-Family Disagreements, Leading with moderation as a pastor and discerning the multiple realms of authority established by God. Super helpful discussion...This was a fun one! Some great resources for reflection:Heidelblog with R. Scott Clark on GCC and Civil Disobediencehttps://heidelblog.net/2020/07/between-conscience-and-defiance-questions-for-grace-community-church/https://heidelblog.net/2020/08/church-services-covid-19-civil-liberties-and-the-culture-war/Sam Renihan on the Restricting of Conscience and Restricting of Actionshttps://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=8172044432833
Tom and Ryan get things restarted on the Ordinary Grace Podcast finishing a series of discussions on the catholic (universal) church creeds with a discussion on the Chalcedonian Creed. We talk about the importance of Jesus divinity and humanity. We may even discuss the merits of Marvel vs. DC. Of course, Marvel comes out on top. Resources:The Basics of Chalcedonian Christology - Keith Mathison
On today's episode, a couple "Big Hams" tackle the importance of the Trinity and why it's not just an etherial discussion but one that impacts our understanding of Creation, Mission and Relationships. Check out Lutheran Satire's fun video on Bad Analogies for the Trinityhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQLfgaUoQCw
On this episode, Tom and Amanda discuss the importance of doing history. They also continue their series on the Doctrine of God as they discuss His Immutability and the assurance that gives our hope of redemption.
Tom and Ryan discuss the far reaching impact of the Council of Nicaea and the Nicene Creed. We also discuss the importance of Macaroni and Cheese.
Tom and Amanda dive into a difficult conversation about God's Simplicity. The essential nature of this attribute of God impacts our confidence in the work of Redemption. Tune in.
Tom and Ryan Bigham continue their series of conversations on the importance of the ecumenical creeds with a conversation on the Apostle's Creed. The dangers that the Apostle's Creed addressed are resurrected in just about every generation and the guys outline a few of those for us in this episode. We also have a "little fun with northerners" as we talk about the differences in our vocabulary...oh and we have stumbled upon a T-shirt idea for Ordinary Grace. "Don't be a Marcionite" (Pronounced Marshionite).Tune in!
On this 3rd Installment in our series on God's Attributes called "KNOWING GOD", Tom and Amanda tackle God's Aseity. Weird word but so important to grasping the weight of God's free mercy and love for his people.
Tom and Ryan Bigham launch a little project on why the creeds and confessions matter. Over the course of this micro-series of conversations, we will explore the importance of the Creed and Confessions and why our church's need to recover classical confessionalism!
On this episode, Tom and Amanda step back to talk about "why" we need to study the attributes of God. They talk about God's incomprehensibly and infinitude and how they play out in our practice experience in life.
On this episode, Amanda and Tom continue their never ending sage of "airing their grievances" about the Kroger Click-List Pick Up but end on how Christians can be faithful worshippers of God but still love the U.S.A.
On this episode, we have a conversation about how cases make it to the Supreme Court and what their rulings mean for us. We have the privilege having Tom's brother, Patrick Agnew who practices Law in Virginia and who is ordained as a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church of America to help us the conversation.Recommended Resources to ExploreHow to Read a Supreme Court Opinion - American Bar AssociationPolitics after Christendom - David Van DrunenLiving in God's Two Kingdoms - David Van DrunenAmerica's Constitution - Akhil Reed AmarAmerica's Unwritten Constitution - Akhil Reed Amar
On this episode, Tom and Amanda kick off a series of conversations about the Attributes of God and why they matter to us. For part 1, we consider the goodness of God and why we need to understand God's goodness before we can pursue goodness in the world. Amanda's Blog Post on www.thegracescripts.comGod is GoodBooks to read:None Greater: The Undomesticated Attributes of God - Matthew BarrettIn His Image - Jen WilkinNone Like Him - Jen WilkinThe Doctrine of God - John Frame
On this episode, Tom and Amanda take some time to discuss our recent disappointing experience with Chipotle and process some current topics of the past couple weeks.
On this episode, Tom invites on Joe Stegall and John Whitenack for a conversation about the Exhausting nature of pastoring in these difficult days. We talk about everything from public discourse, race & racism, and the polarized and highly charged world of Social Media among Christians. Let's have some fun!
On today's episode, Tom brings Justin Bailey back on to apply our discussion about discernment and wisdom as they examine some popular Blog and News articles among Christians on Social Media. Here are the articles we engage on this episode:https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/structural-racism?fbclid=IwAR1YGHelMVSySEDifMWroI9_1qlrH6ITHeLtYRgTFkADrixYxUEFKRA8M0shttps://news.yahoo.com/wears-armor-god-evangelicals-hail-100036201.htmlhttps://www.lifenews.com/2020/06/02/media-more-outraged-by-trump-walking-to-st-john-church-than-rioters-trying-to-burn-it-down/https://www.yahoo.com/gma/black-minneapolis-pastor-calls-white-evangelicals-speak-wake-090940715--abc-news-topstories.html
On this episode, Tom is joined again by his good friend Justin Bailey to discuss the need to further apply Ephesians 5:8-10 which calls us to "walk as children of light...discerning what is pleasing to the Lord." Lot's of good stuff here...
On this episode, Tom and Amanda discuss the recent events surrounding the tragic death of George Floyd by the actions of a Minneapolis Police Officer. Though this is a difficult conversation, it is so needed. We need to learn how to LISTEN to our Black brothers and sisters who are hurting. We need to learn how to GRIEVE with those who are afflicted. We need to learn how to HOPE in the goodness of God's Law as the ultimate standard of Justice. We need to learn how to live out our calling in Christ to "Love justice, do mercy & walk humbly with our God." Helpful BooksJust Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan StevensonWoke Church by Eric MasonLiberating Black Theology by Anthony BradleyBlack and Tired by Anthony BradleyBlood Lines: Race, Cross and the Christian by John PiperHelpful Podcast EpisodesDoctrine and Devotion: Black and White Experiences Social Justice & the GospelSword and Trowel: America Needs a Dad Ahmaud Arbery and Biblical Justice
Amanda throws up the mics with Denise Molinsky and Betty Churchill who are both members of our church. They discuss the goodness of God's grace over the long haul. They explore everything from conversion, marriage, raising children as well as being grandparents. Additionally they talk about the need for intergenerational relationships in the church and how we try to pursue them at Grace Church.
On this episode, Tom brings on Justin Bailey, a long time friends, seminarian & member of Grace Church to discuss COVID-CHAOS. We have a charitable conversation about the Fault Lines that exist among Christians in this complicated season of life.
In this episode, Tom throws up the mics with 2 of his all time best friends to discuss the impact of their friendship of one another's lives and how their friendship saved them over and over through many trials and tests in ministry.
On this episode, we dive into some of the things we have been filling our time with during the Corona Virus Quarantine as well as a serious discussion about why women matter to the church.
So in our very first episode we have fun slicing through the awkwardness of doing a podcast as a Husband & Wife team that discusses theology and culture together. This could get interesting.. Tune in!
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