We welcome you, all who choose to receive the things of Christ that is yours! These messages are recordings from the times we have in the word, in our local assembly. We believe once you’re in Christ, based upon grace through faith, these beautiful truths can be revealed to us. We look forward to growing with you through the preaching and teaching of the Word. Visit awordofgrace.org for daily posts and teachings. Thank you for listening!
December 21, 2025
December 16, 2025
December 4, 2025
November 16, 2025
November 13, 2025
November 2, 2025We centered on God's incomparable nature, redemption through Christ's blood, and the believer's complete sufficiency in Him. Through worship, teaching, and fellowship, the group reflected on how divine love frees believers from comparison, fear, and division—revealing one body united under one Head, Christ.ThemesWorship and Thanksgiving — The meeting opened with songs of gratitude, lifting praise to the Lord for His resurrection and daily mercy.The Reality of Redemption — Judy shared that redemption means being purchased out of sin's marketplace, never to return. Christ paid the full price with His blood, setting believers permanently free.Adopted and Chosen — Discussion of Ephesians 1 emphasized being chosen before the foundation of the world—holy and blameless in His sight. Adoption into sonship was described as God's pleasure and will, rooted in grace and not human striving.The Mystery Revealed — God's plan was portrayed as a mystery now made known in Christ: believers are united in Him, destined for the praise of His glory.Christ's Sufficiency — Edward shared that Christ Himself is each believer's personal and total sufficiency. His love removes comparison, blame, and self-effort, inviting rest and dependence.One Body, One Church — The group discussed the Corinthian letters, noting how Paul addressed division and “party spirits.” They emphasized that the Church is one body under one Head—Christ—and not divided by denomination or comparison.Love That Waits — God's love was described as patient and non-forcing, waiting to be gracious. Like the father of the prodigal son, He anticipates our return without condemnation.Spiritual Growth and Dependence — Paul's example showed that even correction flows from love, not anger. Growth happens through resting in Christ's finished work, not through striving or self-righteousness.The Mind of Christ — The session closed with reflection on resting in one's position in Christ rather than striving to “become” spiritual. True balance comes from depending on God's love, which removes competition and judgment within the Body.What We LearnedWe have been bought out of sin's power and belong fully to Christ.Our identity as holy and blameless exists in His sight, not by self-effort.Christ's sufficiency ends all comparison, pride, and performance.The Church is one body; division and party zeal oppose love's unity.God's love corrects gently, without violating free will or removing His gaze.True growth happens by resting, receiving, and reflecting His love toward others.Even when others misunderstand or reject us, love remains the answer.Dependence on Christ protects the believer from reacting in the flesh.Reflection QuestionWhere do we still rely on our own sufficiency, and how can we let Christ's love become the only measure of our identity and unity?
We are called to move forward by faith, not fear. God has already given us the land—His promises and His rest—and invites us to enter in through trust, surrender, and submission of our will. Fear is the spirit that opposes love, but perfect love casts it out.Key Scriptures (mentioned or read)Deuteronomy 1 Proverbs 29:25 Ezekiel 28 Isaiah 6 1 John 4:18 2 Timothy 1:7 2 Corinthians 10:4–5 Ephesians 6:12 Romans 7 Matthew 6:24 Philippians 2:12–13 Hebrews 12 Revelation 3:20 Zechariah 4:10ThemesFaith Over Fear — God calls us to advance into His promises despite giants and obstacles. Fear paralyzes; faith acts on divine certainty.The Will of God — From creation there was one will; rebellion created two. Our rest comes when our will aligns with His.The Origin of Fear — Fear is not from God; it's a demonic spirit that seeks to snare believers and oppose divine love.Perfect Love Casts Out Fear — Experiencing God's completed love removes torment and brings rest to the soul.The Two Masters — We cannot serve both love and fear, light and darkness. Submission of the will brings freedom.Rest in Christ — Just as Israel entered the Promised Land, we enter rest by accepting our death and resurrection with Christ.The Yoke of Love — The neck represents the will; taking Christ's yoke keeps us close and teaches us gentle submission.Spiritual Warfare — Our battle is not against flesh and blood but against fear-based lies that oppose truth.Growth Through Grace — Chastisement and correction are acts of love; God lovingly trains us toward maturity.Dependence and Worship — Trust is worship. To rest in Him is faith in action—just as sitting without tension is an act of trust.What We LearnedGod's promises are sure; fear blinds us from entering into them.Fear's root is pride—self-reliance instead of God-dependence.Love's root is humility—resting in what Christ has already finished.Our growth experience depends on submission of the will, not striving.God never violates our will but waits to be gracious when we call for help.Each trial is designed to replace fear with faith and self-effort with rest.Entering God's rest requires embracing our death with Christ, not just His death for us.The Spirit reveals truth gently, leading us into light and casting out darkness.Reflection QuestionWhere have we allowed fear to dictate our steps, and how can we let love lead us forward into God's promises?
This discussion focused on the believer's secure position in Christ and the joy that flows from understanding God's finished work. We reflected on reconciliation and justification as complete realities—not goals to reach but gifts already received. Through Romans 5 and John 10, we explored what it means to “enter in” through the Door, where Christ Himself keeps us. Once we enter by faith, we do not leave His presence—wherever we go, He goes with us. The teaching emphasized the difference between our unchanging position in Christ and our daily experience, reminding us that even when we stumble, the Holy Spirit remains present to guide and restore us. Joy in God, freedom from fear, and confidence in His unbreakable fellowship define the life of those who have truly “gone in.”Romans 5:1–11, joy in God; finished reconciliation/justification Romans 7:22, delight in God's law in the inward man 2 Corinthians 4:16, inner man renewed Psalm 16:8, 11, set the Lord before us; fullness of joy Psalm 37:4, delight in the Lord; desires shaped by Christ John 10:8–11, the Door and Good Shepherd; abundant life Philippians 4:13, “I can” through Christ Ephesians 4:29–30, words from grace; do not grieve the Spirit Hebrews 13:5, never leave nor forsake (triple emphasis) Psalm 139:7–12, God with us in every depth 1 John 2:1–2, advocacy and provision when we sin.ThemesFinished, not ongoing: reconciliation and justification are settled facts in Christ.Joy shared: we “delight” with God in what satisfies Him about His Son.Entered through the Door: once we go in, wherever we go, He goes with us.Thief vs. Shepherd: any thought placed ahead of Christ is a thief/robber.Position vs. experience: struggle happens in the flesh, not in who we are.Don't grieve the Spirit: He longs to show us the things of Christ.Trust equals rest: “I can” because He is with us.Fellowship builds us: each joint supplies encouragement and perspective.What We LearnedGod's joy in His Son is the source and stability of our joy in Him.Our desires are transformed as we delight in the Lord—not by striving.Experiential ups and downs don't alter our position; they invite deeper fellowship.Corrupt communication starts with corrupt thoughts; grace speech edifies.The Spirit's grief is our missed experience of love already secured for us.We never face “out there” alone; He never leaves nor forsakes us.
God calls us to move from fear to faith. Perfect love casts out fear and leads us to “enter in” to His promises today—not someday.Key Scriptures (quick notes)Deuteronomy 1:6–8 — Break camp; go take possessionDeuteronomy 1:17–18 — Do not fear people; judgment is God'sNumbers 13–14 — Giants vs. faith; Joshua and Caleb believeProverbs 29:25 — Fear of man is a snare1 John 4:18 — Perfect love casts out fear2 Timothy 1:7 — God did not give a spirit of fear2 Corinthians 10:4–5 — Pull down strongholds; cast down false reasoningsEphesians 6:12 — Our wrestle is not against blood and fleshIsaiah 6:1–5 — From horizontal to vertical visionEzekiel 28:15–19 — Lucifer's fall; the start of two willsJohn 1:3; Colossians 1:16 — Christ the CreatorZephaniah 3:17 — The Father rests in His loveRevelation 3:20 — Fellowship: He stands and knocksMatthew 11:28–30 — Take My yoke; find restHebrews 4:1–10 — Enter His restPsalm 103:12; Romans 6:1–6 — Sins removed; old self crucifiedPhilippians 2:12–13 — Work out what God works in1 Peter 5:7 — Cast all care on HimZechariah 4:10 — Do not despise small thingsJob 36:7 — His eye never leaves the righteousThemes“You've stayed long enough—break camp and advance.”Leadership under pressure: judge without partiality; do not fear people.The real fight is with fear-fed reasoning, not “giants.”Two wills, two forces: fear or love; we cannot serve two masters.Perfect love actively expels fear as we submit our will.Entering promises brings new battles—and deeper rest.Fellowship restores perspective: from horizontal worry to vertical worship.God never violates our will; He waits to “grace us out” when we cry, “Help!”What We LearnedFear is a spirit that snares; love is God's active energy that frees.Strongholds form where our will won't submit; truth pulls them down.Rest = transferring our full weight to Christ (like sitting without clenching).Joshua and Caleb model faith that sees promises bigger than giants.Chastening is loving correction, not payback; Calvary settled the debt.Discussion StartersWhere have we believed “giants” more than God's promises?What does “taking His yoke” look like in our schedule this week?Which stronghold thought keeps circling, and what truth replaces it?
October 28, 2025We prayed together and sat with the David–Goliath account as a living picture of spiritual warfare. We noted how “Saul's armor” symbolizes the flesh and false teaching that never fits us, while God quietly prepares us in hidden places to trust Him. With the “sling” of faith and the “stone” of truth, we run toward loud enemies—fear, doubt, accusation—resting in Christ's sufficiency. We affirmed that our Shepherd corrects, protects, and leads; His love is never tied to our performance. We need one local assembly where we become a “joint that supplies,” sharing the overflow of His love.TopicsGod prepares us behind the scenes for intimacy and battle“Saul's armor” = flesh/self-protection/false teaching that does not fitThe sling of faith and the stone of truth overcome loud enemiesOur Shepherd's rod and staff: correction, protection, guidance, careSheep reality: we cannot feed, guide, protect, or cleanse ourselvesNo condemnation in Christ; accusers fall silent in His loveCleansed conscience vs. defiled conscience activated by liesOne local assembly: Christ the Head; we become a joint that suppliesLove not tied to performance—He performs what He requiresTrials soften our will so love can flow to othersKey MomentsWe refused “armor of the flesh” and ran in God's strength.We pictured faith as a sling and Christ's word as the smooth stone.We recognized how accusation tries to crush, but Christ defends and frees.We thanked God for fathering care and perfect timing in our stories.We closed with gratitude for our local assembly and asked for grace to rest in what He has already done.Practice This WeekWhen fear, suspicion, or irritation rises, pick up one “stone” of truth and answer it out loud in faith.Receive the Shepherd's gentle correction; let Him inspect and heal hidden “injuries.”Supply another member: share one overflow of encouragement you received.Guard fellowship: keep fleshly substitutes and self-protection off the table.Reflection QuestionWhere am I still trying to make “Saul's armor” fit, and what would it look like today to drop it and trust the Shepherd with the sling of faith instead?
October 26, 2025Our message centered on John 10, where we explored Christ as the ultimate Shepherd. We reflected on His sufficiency, His intimate love for every believer, and His authority over all earthly leaders. The conversation emphasized that while God uses faithful pastors and teachers to guide us, it is Christ alone who calls each of His sheep by name and leads them into rest and safety.We also examined the nature of true biblical fellowship — hearing the Shepherd's voice through revelation and knowledge of Christ, rather than relying solely on outward forms of worship. We discussed the importance of discerning false voices and remaining faithful to the Lord's authority through the Holy Spirit's guidance.The meeting concluded with songs, prayer, and personal reflections about faith, humility, and gratitude. We ended reminded that God's love and grace are personal, protective, and ever-present, guiding us toward contentment and steadfast faith in the midst of life's uncertainties.Themes:Healing through prayer and worshipTrust and surrender through faith in ChristJesus as the Good Shepherd and ultimate authorityThe Holy Spirit's guidance in discerning truthTrue fellowship rooted in revelation, not ritualGod's personal love, grace, and ongoing work in believersGratitude and humility as expressions of faithReflection Question: When challenges arise, do I seek security in the voices of men—or do I pause to recognize and follow the gentle voice of the Good Shepherd calling me by name?
October 24, 2025We began by acknowledging Barbara's absence due to illness and reflected on the call to walk by faith rather than sight. The discussion centered on inward renewal—the truth that, though the outward person may weaken, the inner life in Christ grows stronger daily. We shared encouragement from 2 Corinthians 4:16, emphasizing how God's unseen work sustains us beyond physical or emotional struggles.Our conversation deepened into the theme of God's preparation for eternal life through trials. We recognized that tribulations are not punishments but divine training—opportunities for faith to mature and for God's supernatural grace to strengthen us. We discussed how the enemy uses sight and feelings to distort reality, but God replaces despair with comfort and hope.Barbara's past experience with Psalm 23 reminded us of God's shepherding presence—how His care and headship guide us through life's valleys. This extended into reflections on the importance of spiritual leadership in families and the church, echoing Christ's role as the head Shepherd who protects and nourishes His people.The session concluded with encouragement for men to lead in faith and prayer, following 1 Timothy 2:8, and with a heartfelt prayer affirming our trust in God's continual support, grace, and guidance.Themes:Faith over sight in life's challengesInner renewal through the SpiritTrials as divine preparation for eternal lifeGod's comfort and supernatural graceThe Shepherd's care and guidance (Psalm 23)Spiritual leadership and prayer in the home and churchThe endurance of faith through warfareReflection Question: When faced with weakness or trial, do I focus on what I see—or on the unseen renewal God is working within me?
October 23, 2025We began by reflecting on the meaning behind a name—Stephen Paul Hensley—and its connection to early Christian figures: Stephen, the first martyr, and Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles. This opened a conversation about divine identity, purpose, and how God's timing shapes our journeys.We shared gratitude for spiritual breakthroughs and the ways God turns painful experiences and even false teachings into growth and maturity. Through surrender, responsibility, and faith, we recognized how every challenge can serve God's purpose when approached with humility and dependence on Him.The discussion turned toward the simplicity of the gospel and the beauty of free will—God's refusal to coerce love but His constant invitation to trust. We considered how true shepherding begins with Jesus Christ Himself, who knows each of us individually and provides gentle, patient guidance.As we reflected on the role of pastors, teachers, and local assemblies, we acknowledged that while they nurture our growth, Christ remains the true Shepherd who never fails. The meeting ended in thanksgiving for God's loving presence and care, recognizing that His shepherdship brings rest, maturity, and unity in the body of Christ.Themes:Divine purpose and timing in personal growthThe simplicity and freedom of the gospelGod's use of trials to bring maturityJesus as the true and personal ShepherdThe role of shepherding and teaching in the churchFree will and surrender as paths to spiritual growthGratitude for God's presence and loveReflection Question: How am I allowing Jesus, the true Shepherd, to guide my growth through life's challenges instead of trying to lead myself?
October 22, 2025We reflected deeply on John chapter 8, focusing on Jesus' divine authority, His interaction with the woman caught in adultery, and His declaration as the light of the world. The discussion centered on how Jesus revealed His identity gradually and how the Pharisees' rejection reflected hardened hearts despite their knowledge of His divine origin.We explored the believer's authority in Christ, emphasizing that true authority flows from intimacy with the Word of God and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. The call was clear—to study and hide the Word in our hearts so we can speak and act with divine guidance.The conversation turned to God's love and forgiveness, as we considered Jesus' response to sin—not condemnation, but grace. We reflected on daily experiences where God's presence and love are evident, from small interactions to moments of service, and how these reflect His character in us.The meeting also examined spiritual growth through the lens of humility, brokenness, and gratitude—recognizing that God fills empty vessels and works through weakness, not pride. We closed with encouragement to keep our focus on Christ's perspective, overcome pride through gratitude, and rest in the Spirit's continual guidance toward holiness and service.Themes:Jesus' divine authority and identity in John 8Grace over condemnation: the woman caught in adulteryThe believer's authority through Christ and the WordGod's patience, kindness, and daily presenceThe Holy Spirit's role in guidance and revelationSpiritual humility and brokenness as vessels for God's useOvercoming pride through gratitude and Christ-centered perspectiveThe call to gentle teaching and serviceReflection Question: In moments of failure or pride, do I respond like the Pharisees—defending myself—or like the woman—receiving grace and walking in the light of Christ's forgiveness?
October 22, 2025Faith, Purity, and Prophecy: Trusting God's Guidance Through Daniel's ExampleWe reflected on gratitude, healing, and purity through the life of Daniel, exploring how faith and reliance on God triumph over worldly powers and deception. The discussion began with prayer for healing and thanksgiving, followed by an in-depth look at Daniel's steadfastness as a young captive who remained pure and faithful amidst Babylon's influence.We examined God's sovereignty and the purity that comes from relationship with Christ, contrasting the clarity of God's truth with the confusion of the world's system. Through Daniel's interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream, we were reminded that Christ is the cornerstone—the eternal foundation who overcomes every earthly power.The message also highlighted the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and self-control—as evidence of life in Christ. We explored prophetic truths from Daniel and Revelation, recognizing that these scriptures reveal both God's justice and His mercy.Finally, we discussed overcoming lies and fear through God's love, learning to trust in His eternal protection and guidance. The meeting ended with gratitude for the peace and stability found in Christ, whose reign brings true healing and hope to all who believe.Themes:Gratitude and healing through prayerDaniel's purity and trust under captivityGod's sovereignty over world systemsChrist as the eternal cornerstone and conquerorFruits of the Holy Spirit as evidence of spiritual lifeProphetic insight from Daniel and RevelationOvercoming deception and fear through truthGod's eternal love, guidance, and protectionReflection Question: When faced with confusion or pressure from the world, do I stand firm like Daniel—trusting God's wisdom and resting in His unshakable love?
October 19, 2025 We gathered to reflect on the importance of knowing our identity in Christ and recognizing the enemy's subtle attempts to separate us from it. The discussion emphasized that believers stand secure—without condemnation—in the presence of God, and that understanding this truth leads to peace, confidence, and transformation.We explored how divine truth removes guilt and reveals the depth of God's love, empowering us to share that truth with others. The conversation turned toward gentleness and patience, acknowledging that God's kindness—not force—leads to real change in both ourselves and others. Gentleness, we discussed, is a reflection of Christ's character and a vital quality in spiritual leadership and teaching.We concluded by meditating on God's patience and unconditional love, recognizing that transformation happens not through striving but through resting in His grace. As servants of the Lord, we are called to teach, not strive—to lay aside burdens, walk in imputed righteousness, and let gentleness shape every interaction.Themes:Identity and security in ChristDivine truth that transforms guilt into graceGod's patience and kindness as a model for believersGentleness as strength in spiritual influenceTeaching with humility and loveImputation of Christ's righteousnessRest over striving in ministryReflection Question: How can I reflect God's gentleness and patience more consistently in how I lead, teach, and respond to others?
October 16, 2025We explored the nature of a believer's conscience and guilt, diving deeply into the difference between positional truth and experiential reality. The discussion focused on how sin, sanctification, and the transformation of the soul relate to faith, dependence on God, and the work of the Holy Spirit.We examined how guilt originates in the flesh rather than in the believer's new nature, and how God uses conviction—not condemnation—to guide His people toward obedience and maturity. Purity, we reflected, is not self-produced but comes from Christ, who removes shame and frees us from the law of sin and death.The conversation also highlighted the importance of separating the soul from the spirit to walk in holiness, aligning our emotions, will, and thoughts under the authority of God's Spirit. This process of sanctification, both positional and progressive, reveals how believers become in time what God has already declared them to be in eternity.We concluded by reflecting on the contrast between living in the flesh and walking by the Spirit, emphasizing humility, grace, and the transformative power of God's love.Themes:The believer's conscience and experiential guiltChrist's purity as freedom from shame and sinSanctification as both positional and progressiveThe separation of soul and spirit for spiritual maturityHumility and grace over legalismDependence on God for transformationLiving in the Spirit vs. living in the fleshReflection Question: How does my understanding of guilt and grace shape the way I respond to conviction—do I hide in shame, or run to Christ for renewal?
Faith Under Fire: God's Presence and Love in the Book of DanielWe reflected on the purity and power of God's Word and how His unfailing love transforms our hearts. The meeting explored Daniel's faith during trials, emphasizing God's presence, protection, and sovereignty amid the fall of earthly powers. We discussed how love—central to God's grace—must guide all teaching and correction, as knowledge without love profits nothing.Through Daniel's story, we saw how faith flourishes in adversity and how God uses challenges to draw us closer to Him. We also examined the importance of walking by faith, not sight, and how prayer cultivates dependence and spiritual strength.The meeting concluded with heartfelt prayer for individuals and families, focusing on spiritual growth, healing, and the ongoing call to share the gospel. We were reminded that God's love is not only protective but also deeply personal—His presence sustains us in every trial, and His Word continually refines us into His likeness.Themes:The purity and power of God's WordLove as the foundation of grace and growthDaniel's example of faith in adversityGod's presence amid trials and world systemsPrayer and dependence as the believer's lifelineOvercoming fear through faith in ChristGod's protection and sovereignty over earthly powersIntimacy with Christ over mere knowledgeReflection Question: When faced with challenges, do I first turn to my own understanding—or to God's unfailing love and presence for strength and guidance?
We gathered to reflect on spiritual growth and sanctification, focusing on what it means to live in love rather than in the flesh. The discussion centered on the believer's new nature in Christ, the protection found in God's love, and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding transformation.We explored how false doctrine and self-dependence can defile the conscience, contrasting that with the purity and peace that come from submitting to Christ. The importance of self-judgment and allowing God's Word to separate the self-life from the soul was emphasized, showing that spiritual maturity comes through humility and dependence on divine love.The group also examined the concept of genuine repentance versus antinomianism—acknowledging that confession must come from a sincere heart and godly sorrow, not outward performance. We discussed the call for men to lead in public worship, aligning with the biblical order for prayer and leadership in the assembly. The meeting concluded with a time of intercession for individuals and families in need of healing and restoration.Themes:Sanctification through love and truthLiving in the Spirit, not the fleshThe conscience and purity of the soulFalse doctrine versus sound teachingGod's grace as protection and healingGenuine repentance and humilitySpiritual leadership and order in worshipReflection Question: Where am I still relying on my own strength instead of living from the protection and power of God's love?
We reflected on the journey of spiritual growth and the importance of humility in receiving God's grace. The discussion centered on how trials, challenges, and moments of weakness serve as divine tools for refining faith and deepening our intimacy with God.We talked about God's anticipatory love—a love that sees and prepares for our needs before we even recognize them. Through faith trials and brokenness, God draws us closer to submission and humility, shaping us into the likeness of Christ. We explored how holiness is not something we achieve through human effort, but a state made possible through Christ's presence and fulfillment of the law.We also discussed personal encounters that remind us of God's purpose in our lives, from moments of discouragement transformed by encouragement to unexpected affirmations of His plan through others. The meeting concluded with gratitude for the eternal and unchanging nature of God's love, which continues to purify, strengthen, and sanctify His people.Themes:Humility in receiving God's graceTrials as tools for spiritual growthHoliness through Christ's fulfillment of the lawGod's anticipatory and eternal loveTransformation through submission and faithExperiencing peace, power, and identity in ChristReflection Question: How is God using my current challenges to draw me into deeper humility and dependence on His grace?
© 2020-2026 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
