Podcasts about gospel of grace

What if our relentless drive to be better than others is quietly breaking us?Miroslav Volf unpacks the core themes of his 2025 book, The Cost of Ambition: How Striving to Be Better Than Others Makes Us Worse. In this book, Volf offers a penetrating critique of comparison culture, diagnosing the hidden moral and spiritual wounds caused by competition and superiority.Drawing on Scripture, theology, philosophy, literature, and our culture's obsession with competition and superiority, Volf challenges our assumptions about ambition and identity—and presents a deeply humanizing vision of life rooted not in being “the best,” but in receiving ourselves as creatures made and loved by God.From Milton's depiction of Satan to Jesus' descent in Philippians 2, from the architectural rivalry of ancient Byzantium to modern Olympic anxieties, Volf invites us to imagine a new foundation for personal and social flourishing: a life free from striving, rooted in love and grace.Highlights“The key here is for us to come to appreciate, affirm, and—importantly—love ourselves. Love ourselves unconditionally.”“Striving for superiority devalues everything we have, if it doesn't contribute to us being better than someone else.”“The inverse of striving for superiority is internal plague by inferiority.”“In Jesus, we see that God's glory is not to dominate but to lift up what is low.”“We constantly compare to feel good about ourselves, and end up unsure of who we are.”“We have been given to ourselves by God—our very existence is a gift, not a merit.”Helpful Links and ResourcesVisit faith.yale.edu/ambition to get a 40-page PDF Discussion Guide and Full Access to 7 videosThe Cost of Ambition by Miroslav Volf (Baker Academic, May 2025)Philippians 2:5–11 (NIV) – Christ's Humility and Exaltation – BibleGatewayRomans 12:10 – “Outdo one another in showing honor” – BibleHubParadise Lost by John Milton – Project GutenbergParadise Regained by John Milton – Project GutenbergShow NotesOpening Reflections on CompetitionThe conversation begins with Volf recalling a talk he gave at the Global Congress on Christianity & Sports.He uses athletic competition—highlighting Lionel Messi—as a lens for questioning the moral value of striving to be better than others.“Sure, competition pulls people up—but it also familiarizes us with inferiority.”“We compare ourselves to feel good… but end up feeling worse.”Introduces the story of Justinian and Hagia Sophia: “Oh Solomon, I have outdone you.”Rivalry, Power, and InsecurityShares the backstory of Juliana's competing church and the gold-ceiling arms race with Justinian.“Religious architecture became a battlefield of status.”Draws insight from these historic rivalries as examples of how ambition pervades religious life—not just secular.Modern Parallels: Yale Students's & the Rat RaceVolf notes how even Yale undergrads—once top of their class—feel insecure in comparison to peers.“They arrive and suddenly their worth plummets. That's insane.”The performance-driven culture makes stable identity nearly impossible.Biblical Illustration: Kierkegaard's LilyVolf recounts Kierkegaard's retelling of Jesus's lily parable.A bird whispers to the little lily that it's not beautiful enough, prompting the lily to uproot itself—and wither.“The lesson: we are destined to lose ourselves when our value depends on comparison.”Intrinsic Value and the Image of God“We need to discover the intrinsic value of who we are as creatures made in the image of God.”Kierkegaard and Jesus both show us the beauty of ‘mere humanity.'“You are more glorious in your humanity than Solomon in his robes.”Theological Anthropology and Grace“We have been given to ourselves by God—our lives are a gift.”“We owe so much to luck, to others, to God. So how can we boast?”Paul's challenge in 1 Corinthians: “What do you have that you have not received?”Milton and Satan's AmbitionShifts to Paradise Lost: Satan rebels because he can't bear not being top.“Even what is beautiful becomes devalued if it doesn't prove superiority.”In Paradise Regained, Satan tempts Jesus to be the greatest—but Jesus refuses.Christ's Humility and Downward GloryHighlights Philippians 2: Jesus “emptied himself… took the form of a servant.”“God's glory is not domination—it's lifting up the lowly.”“Salvation comes not through seizing status, but through relinquishing it.”Paul's Vision of Communal HonorRomans 12:10: “Outdo one another in showing honor.”“True honor comes not from climbing over others, but from lifting them up.”Connects this ethic to Paul's vision of church as an egalitarian body.God's Care for Creation and HumanityLuther's observation: God calls Earth good but not Heaven—“God cares more for our home than his own.”“We are called to emulate God's loving attention to the least.”Striving vs. AcceptanceVolf contrasts ambition with love: “The inverse of striving for superiority is the plague of inferiority.”Encourages unconditional self-love as a reflection of God's love.Uses image of a parent greeting a newborn: “You've arrived.”A Vision for Healed Culture“We wreck others in our pursuit of superiority—and we leave them wounded in our wake.”The gospel reveals a better way: not performance, but grace.“Our salvation and our culture's healing lie in the humility of Jesus.”“We must rediscover the beauty of our mere humanity.”About Miroslav VolfMiroslav Volf is the founding director of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture and the Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology at Yale Divinity School. One of the leading public theologians of our time, he is the author of numerous books including Exclusion and Embrace, Flourishing, A Public Faith, Life Worth Living, and most recently, The Cost of Ambition. His work explores themes of identity, reconciliation, human dignity, and the role of faith in a pluralistic society. He is a frequent speaker around the world and has advised both religious and civic leaders on matters of peace and justice.Production NotesThis podcast featured Miroslav VolfEdited and Produced by Evan RosaHosted by Evan RosaProduction Assistance by Macie Bridge and Taylor CraigA Production of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture at Yale Divinity School https://faith.yale.edu/aboutSupport For the Life of the World podcast by giving to the Yale Center for Faith & Culture: https://faith.yale.edu/give

Are you confused about the different gospels in the Bible? This powerful sermon will transform your understanding of Scripture! Discover why Jesus preached the "gospel of the kingdom" during His earthly ministry, but we preach the "gospel of grace" today. Pastor Fortunato breaks down the critical differences between these two distinct messages and explains who each gospel was meant for. In this eye-opening Bible study, you'll learn: • Why the gospel of the kingdom was specifically for the Jewish nation • How Jesus will literally reign as King on earth in the future • The difference between spiritual salvation and physical kingdom promises • Why understanding Bible dispensations is crucial for proper interpretation • When the kingdom of heaven will actually be established on earth This verse-by-verse exposition covers Matthew 24:14, Luke 1:30-33, Matthew 3:1-3, Matthew 4:17, Matthew 10:5-7, and Deuteronomy 28:13. Whether you're a new believer seeking clarity on biblical prophecy or a seasoned Christian wanting deeper understanding of end times theology, this sermon provides essential insights into God's plan for Israel and the church. Pastor Fortunato addresses common misconceptions about America in Bible prophecy and explains why the gospel of the kingdom will be preached again during the tribulation period. Learn how to properly witness to others by understanding which gospel message applies to our current church age. Don't miss this foundational teaching that will revolutionize your Bible study! Subscribe for more in-depth biblical exposition and share this video with someone who needs clarity on God's Word.

The Gospel of Grace | The Cross of Christ | Galatians 6:11-18 | Stevy York

Sowing and reaping is a spiritual truth—but grace is a kingdom reality. Pastor Mattie Montgomery explores how the gospel invites us to reap what Christ has sown, not what we have earned. It's not about our righteousness, but His.Support the show

The Gospel of Grace | A Cruciform Community | Galatians 6:1-10

Because God's grace has saved me from sin, I must continue to live in His grace to live a life pleasing unto Him, looking ahead to His glorious return.

Are you tired of religious performance and wondering if there's more to Christianity than rules and regulations? In this powerful Bible study, Pastor Fortunato unveils the profound truth about the Gospel of Grace through Acts 20:21-24, revealing why this message is so crucial for every believer today. What You'll Learn in This Biblical Teaching: • The five different names for the Gospel and what each reveals about God's character • Why fear and danger keep Christians from sharing their faith (and how to overcome it) • The shocking truth about Paul's suffering and how he found joy in the midst of persecution • How the Gospel of Grace differs from works-based religion • Why being "separated unto the Gospel" changes everything about how you live • The spiritual armor principle that protects you from life's battles • Biblical principles for evangelism that actually work in today's world This isn't just another Sunday sermon - it's a deep dive into the heart of what it means to live by grace alone. Pastor Fortunato breaks down complex theological concepts into practical, life-changing truths that will revolutionize your understanding of salvation and Christian living. Whether you're a new believer or have been walking with Christ for decades, this message will challenge you to examine what you truly believe about grace versus works. The sermon explores the Gospel of Grace as revealed in Acts 20, Romans 1, First Corinthians 9, and Ephesians 6, showing how this good news originated with God, was demonstrated through Christ, and brings genuine peace to believers.

This week, Jeremiah took us through Ephesians 2:1-10, highlighting the former way of living before Christ, and why and how God saves us: to be his workmanship in Christ, sent out to do good works. This grace is good news for us everyday when it becomes real to us in our hearts. Jeremiah Simpson | June 15th, 2025 ________________________________________________ We're Incarnation Tallahassee! Visit our website! www.incarnationtlh.org/
 Watch the Livestream youtube.com/live/ZSeuKYY3J2w

The Gospel of Grace | Fruit of the Spirit | Galatians 5:22-26 | Pastor Rob Chifokoyo

Because God's grace has saved me from sin, I must continue to live in His grace to live a life pleasing unto Him, looking ahead to His glorious return.

The Gospel of Grace | Galatians 5:1-21 | Pastor Justice Coleman

Titus 3:1-8

The Gospel of Grace | Galatians 4 | The Freedom of Adoption | Stevy York

Christians are rooted in Christ through the gospel to flourish in their Christian life. Text: Colossians 2:6-7, 2 Timothy 2:1-2 For more resources on this teaching, please visit https://brcc.church/teachings/rooted-in-the-gospel-of-grace/

The Gospel of Grace | Galatians 3:1-29 | The New Gospel Family | Benji Horning

Pastor Travis takes us into the book of Colossians. We have lived a life of GRACE! 

The apostle Paul greatly and correctly valued the gospel of: grace alone, by faith alone, in Christ alone. His estimation of the gospel helped him to rightly estimate the weight of his own afflictions, hindrances, and obstacles.

The Gospel of Grace | The Life You've Always Wanted | Galatians 2:19-21 | Benji Horning

In this episode of GraceNotes from no. 87 "Arminianism and the Gospel of Grace," we dive into the theology of Arminianism and its views on the gospel of grace. Named after Dutch theologian Jacob Arminius, Arminianism challenges the strong determinism of Calvinism, particularly in its views on salvation, free will, and God's grace. We'll explore the historical roots of Arminianism, from Arminius' objections to John Calvin's doctrines to the formalization of Arminian theology in the early 17th century. Through this study, we'll unpack key points of disagreement between Arminianism and Calvinism, such as the nature of election, the concept of prevenient grace, and the question of whether salvation can be lost. While Arminianism emphasizes human free will and the ability to choose salvation, it also presents challenges to the gospel of grace, particularly when it comes to assurance of salvation and the idea of works in maintaining salvation. How do Arminians reconcile their belief that salvation can be lost with the Bible's teaching on God's unconditional grace? We'll also look at how Arminianism compares to biblical teachings on eternal security, examining the struggles many believers face with assurance of salvation when their security is tied to human effort rather than God's grace. This episode seeks to bring clarity to these complex theological systems and highlight the importance of understanding the full gospel of grace. Whether you're familiar with the terms TULIP, prevenient grace, or the history of Arminianism, this episode will equip you to better understand both Arminian and Calvinist views and how they relate to the truth of the gospel. Join us as we unpack the core of the gospel message—salvation by grace alone, through faith alone—and why it's essential for believers to rest in the assurance of eternal security.

Pastor Travis opens with Ephesians 2:3. We were by nature children of wrath!

The Gospel of Grace | A Thorough Conversion | Brian Barnes

Roy Fruits May 4, 2025 What Is A Christian? The Gospel Of Grace; Pure And Simple Galatians 1:6-10

Pastor Derek reveals the origins of the Gospel in the Year of Jubilee, which took place on the Day of Atonement, when the Jubilee trumpeters proclaimed forgiveness, release and restoration for all, throughout all the land, on the basis of the great sacrifice made on that day (Leviticus 25). Jesus initiated the preaching of the Gospel, and commanded us to continue preaching this same Gospel. In Luke 4, Jesus claimed that His preaching of the Gospel was the fulfilment of Isaiah 61, a prophecy of the Messiah fulfilling the Type of Jubilee for all men by preaching Good News to the poor, proclaiming the Acceptable Year of the Lord, on the basis of God's acceptance of His great final Sacrifice (Isaiah 53).

Pastor Derek reveals the origins of the Gospel in the Year of Jubilee, which took place on the Day of Atonement, when the Jubilee trumpeters proclaimed forgiveness, release and restoration for all, throughout all the land, on the basis of the great sacrifice made on that day (Leviticus 25). Jesus initiated the preaching of the Gospel, and commanded us to continue preaching this same Gospel. In Luke 4, Jesus claimed that His preaching of the Gospel was the fulfilment of Isaiah 61, a prophecy of the Messiah fulfilling the Type of Jubilee for all men by preaching Good News to the poor, proclaiming the Acceptable Year of the Lord, on the basis of God's acceptance of His great final Sacrifice (Isaiah 53).

The glorious gospel produces victorious grace.

Pastor Travis started a new series on Sunday called "Gospel of Grace". We pray you heard from God and that you will be blessed! 

The Gospel of Grace | Galatians 1:1-10 | Benji Horning

Message from Susan Mitchell on April 23, 2025

Check out this week's sermon!

What would change if you thought of discipleship as passing the baton of grace from one generation to the next? Courtney Doctor and Hunter Beless have teamed up, not only to write a Bible study on Titus, but to model a Paul-and-Titus type friendship, rooted in discipleship.Join us as we discuss the relationship between Paul and Titus, the bad reputation and leadership of those in Crete, and how to put the gospel of grace on display in our own generation.Where else can I listen to this podcast?Go HERE to find this episode on your favorite podcast app, including Apple, Youtube, Spotify, and more.Guests: Hunter Beless and Courtney DoctorBible Passage: Titus's Ministry in Crete - Titus 1 CSBGet your Free Resource: False Narrative WatchlistTitus: Displaying the Gospel of Grace Check out Hunter and Courtney's new book on Shannon's Amazon Storefront HEREResound Media Network: www.ResoundMedia.ccMusic: Cade PopkinHunter BelessHunter Beless is the founder and host of Journeywomen, the author of "Read It, See It, Say It, Sing It" and "Amy Carmichael: The Brown-Eyed Girl Who Learned to Pray," and the co-author of "Titus: Displaying the Gospel of Grace." Her favorite places to do ministry are within the four walls of her home and in her local church. Hunter and her husband, Brooks, have four amazing kiddos who memorize Scripture way faster than them! When they're not reading, seeing, saying, or singing the Bible, you can find them camping, riding bikes, or snuggling up with a good book.WebsiteInstagramFacebookPodcastCourtney DoctorCourtney Doctor is an author, Bible teacher, frequent conference and retreat speaker, and periodic blogger. She received an MDiv from Covenant Theological Seminary in 2013 and is a Bible teacher and author of several books and Bible studies including From Garden to Glory: How Understanding God's Story Changes Yours (2024); Steadfast: A Devotional Bible Study on the Book of James (2019); and In View of God's Mercies: The Gift of the Gospel in Romans (2022). She currently serves as the Director of Women's InitiatLive Like It's True is part of the Resound Podcast Network. For more gospel centered resources visit ResoundMedia.cc . Check out my nine week study, Control Girl: Lessons on Surrendering Your Burden of Control from Seven Women in the Bible.We've got leader's guides, free bonuses and more for you at ControlGirl.com. My Live Like It's True workbook will help you get the most out of your study of the narrative sections of your Bible. It includes my False Narrative Watchlist, my True Story Worksheet, my Story Elements Bookmark and more. Get your free workbook here. Learn more at ShannonPopkin.com.

Message from Lorraine Smith on March 26, 2025

Message from Becky Wilson on March 19, 2025

Message from Lauren E on March 12, 2025

Message from Malissa Files on March 5, 2025

Message from morning service - Church on the Hill, San Jose, CA

Romans

Acts 15:1-35 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - Acts 15 is usually referred to as “The Jerusalem Council” because it records a gathering of apostles, elders, and the church to wrestle with an important question. Many Gentiles were being saved and added to the church, but some people thought they had to become Jews before they could become Christians. In other words, they needed to have faith in Jesus, but they also needed to follow the Mosaic Law. Thankfully, God's Spirit and God's Word led the church, and they concluded that salvation requires no works of the Law. But they also concluded that salvation changes our lives (for the better). Gentiles didn't need to become Jews to be saved. But they couldn't live like pagans either. People who turn to God don't need to turn to works, but they should turn from their idolatrous past. Christ alone is the basis of our salvation, and he graciously transforms our lives. May he be praised both now and forever.

Text: Galatians 6:11-18

Text: Galatians 6:1-10

God is doing great things with His gospel of grace in the country pf Peru. Charlie talks to Pablo Cenep-Torres about he many facets of his busy ministry. Pablo is a missionary with Christian Missions in Many Lands (cmml.us). Discipled by Bert Elliot, brother of martyed missionary Jim Elliot, He went on to receive biblical training at New Brunswick Bible Institute, Washington Bible College, and Capital Bible Seminiary (in Maryland). Pablo is in Peru as a leader of his church, a trainer of other leaders, chuch planter and builder, and helps operate an orphanage. He is busy! But his ministry takes place in a country filled with crime and corruption, which makes it challenging. He describes some of the problems this presents. A strong Catholic theology of works and the strong influence of Calvinist makes his grace-oriented ministry all the more important. Charlie mentions how he was supposed to visit in January to speak at conferences, but was prevented by an illness. Listen to this servant of God and let the Lord touch your heart for this ministry in Peru. You can find out more about Pablo and his needs by going to https://www.cmml.us/m/282. Like, leave a conmment,, and share this podcast so this message will conitnue to spread. #graceforPeru #FreeGraacePeru #MissionsinPeru

Message from Miska Brown on February 5, 2025

ROMANS

The book of Romans has been a catalyst for revival — for spiritual awakening and transformation throughout the history of the church. ‌Tim Keller said, "The letter to the Romans is a book that repeatedly changes the world, by changing people." This is part one of our Romans sermon series: The Gospel | Right with God. "The Gospel of Grace" is a sermon based on Romans 1:1-7 preached by lead pastor Billy Glosson. This sermon was preached at Mission Church — a church in Morganton, North Carolina in the heart of Burke County. Join us in person on Sundays, 10 AM 221 Herron St. Morganton NC, 28655

Mike and Joel are off this week - but not wanting to leave you podcastless this week, we're bringing back a previous episode. We'll be back in the new year with more new Growing in Grace episodes, including our upcoming celebration of 20 years and our 1,000th episode! Is the gospel of grace *really* as good as we're making it out to be? Someone asked us if there was any kind of a catch … meaning is there some fine print that has God requiring certain expectations from us when it comes to contributing to our justification? The religious flesh will scream that there must be more to it than the grace of God and the blood of Jesus. It sounds too easy and too good to be true! The religious business will usually pitch a gift of grace initially, but once you sign up, there will be plenty of fine print regarding what you need to do to ensure your salvation—and it leaves people in fear, hungering and thirsting for something God already provided. Religion will set aside the grace of God to emphasize various works requirements. But Paul stated that if right standing with God comes by any other way than grace, then Christ died needlessly. He also said to the one who does *not* work, but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness. Some good news reminders for all of us. --Available on Amazon - "Clash of The Covenants: Escaping Religious Bondage Through the Grace Guarantee" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0713ZSKY7