Podcasts about grace and truth

Third Sunday after Pentecost June 29, 2025 Faith, Okemos I Kings 19:15-16, 19-21. Psalm 16, Galatians 5:1, 13-25[26], Luke 9:52-62   The apostle Paul wrote, I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me.  And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.  Galatians 2:20   …it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me…   [And these words from Paul's letter to the church in Rome: Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?  Therefore, we have been buried with him by baptism into death. So that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life…So you must also consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.  Romans 6:3-4, 11]     As I was preparing this week for a small group study of the life and writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, I thought a lot about his vocation as a pastor in Germany in the 1930's and 40's, about his participation in the escalating resistance to Hitler's Nazi regime.  Dietrich came to believe that Christ truly lived in him and that Christ Jesus living in him did battle with the forces of darkness within his own soul and within the soul of the nation he deeply loved.   My brothers and sisters, I believe that Jesus living in Dietrich also lives in now each of us.  Know that in our restlessness and fear in this troubling time, Jesus is doing battle in and with us against our leanings toward despair and  anxiety and cynicism, against our leanings toward disgust and hatred of other sisters and brothers perhaps in all three branches of our government with whom we may have come to increasingly distrust and despise.    I think of the huge budget reconciliation bill now before Congress, a bill affecting countless of the poorest, the most vulnerable among us, a bill negatively affecting our efforts to conserve and preserve the Earth.  Members of Congress and we whom they represent could easily give way to what St. Paul includes in what he calls “the works of the flesh”:  heightened strife, anger, quarrels, dissensions, and factions.   But if it is really true that “it is no longer [we] who live, but rather Christ Jesus who lives in [us]”, then our hearts, our words, and our behaviors radically change.  Then these beautiful words increasingly become who we are:  people of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.       But let us make no mistake: as long as we live in a fallen world, we remain vulnerable to speaking and acting badly, even in a congregation so full of love as this one we so cherish.  In uncertain, stressful times we could can be nasty or at least indifferent to each other.  We could hurt one another even if unintentionally, whether we are young or old, whether new or long-time members.    That was certainly true in the little church in Galatia.  Harsh, ill-considered, judgmental words and behaviors toward one another threatened to irreparably break the bonds of love and kindness that held them together, wounds that effectively muted their witness to God's mercy and grace.    The little church in Galatia and our congregation in Okemos, Michigan did have this in common:  the same crucified and risen and healing Jesus Christ who lived in the Galatian congregation 2000 years later also lives in us.  They were then and we are now the very presence of Christ!  Individually and collectively, we are called to be the very presence of Jesus in this time and in this community whenever our love for one another and for our neighbors especially in Meridian Township is clearly expressed.   But when these Galatian sisters and brothers sinned against each other, and if and when we sin against one another, this same indwelling God who spoke plainly and firmly in their hearts through this little letter to them from Paul, now speaks words of judgment plainly and firmly in our hearts.  Christ Jesus dwelling in their hearts, this Jesus, through the Holy Spirit who convicted them of their sins, now truly dwelling in our hearts, will convict us of our sins against each other.  But Jesus, the Son of God, gave them, and now will give us both the courage and the humility to repent, to put to death our pride and stubbornness, and to ask for forgiveness from those we have hurt.   It has been and it will be a wonderful thing to be part of a congregation where members can courageously acknowledge to one another their lack of kindness or patience or gentleness or self-control.  It has been and it will be a wonderful thing when we can say to one another, “Please forgive me” and to hear back, “I forgive you.” It is a wonderful thing when we regularly practice confession and forgiveness with one another!  This practice may be the most primary, most powerful, deepest witness we can give to our own families, to our neighbors, to a country, to a world so divided, so full of hate.      Confession and forgiveness “levels the playing field.”  In it no one of us is either higher or lower than any of our siblings.  Before God we are all sinners.  And in Christ Jesus, we are all saints, truly cleansed and forgiven through Jesus' death on the cross for us.  Until we reach our heavenly home heaven, we will always be both sinners who need to repent and saints who have been forgiven.   There is great freedom is this dual reality.  We are set free from having to prove how good we are, how much better or better behaved we are than others, how surely “we are right” and “they are wrong.”   At the same time, we no longer need to wallow in guilt or remorse for how awful we are, for how badly and stubbornly wrong-headedly we've lived.  Christ in our hearts continually sets us free!  Jesus through the Holy Spirit struggles in us and with us and for us to name and dethrone the false gods that deceitfully promise a better, happier, safer life if we only we isolate ourselves, cut ourselves off from people with whom we disagree or whom we regard as beneath us.    I want to witness to our life in following Jesus, who is our Life, who day after day resides in our hearts, a life that keeps getting richer and richer.  I want to share a little of what that was like in my own life this past week.  Just days ago Janet Boyer was on my mind.  I called her and rejoiced with her in her gratitude to God for still having her voice after major thyroid surgery performed dangerously close to her vocal cords.  Then I think the same day, I was asked to see Jane and her daughter and some close friends. Jane, a member of Immanuel, Grand Ledge, was in hospice care, just hours away from her death.  Together we prayed and hugged and commended Jane into God's eternal embrace.  Then I privileged to be with a developmentally disabled young man in jail who as I was leaving promised to pray for me as I for him.  Then on Thursday evening Phylis and I were with a very crowded church in Grand Rapids, blessed by the presence of Nadia Bolz-Weber, a very down-to-earth, unpretentious ELCA pastor, who testified of the unending grace of God even in and from her mother's womb, the grace of God through years of drug addiction, and to this day sharing the beautiful fruits of the Holy Spirit with countless people who were lost… Nadia sensing even in her darkest hours that Jesus was not far from her.  She could echo the words of St. Paul: “It is no longer I who live but it is Christ who lives in me.”  With her we sang many songs that evening, songs including these two verses of Amazing Grace…   I believe that experiences like those given to in these last few days…expressions of love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, given and received, are meant to be experienced by all of us, all of us in whom Jesus dwells, all of us whom Jesus calls to courageously follow him for the rest of our lives.     Please sing with me “Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song” [ELW 808]   Amen.                                                                                          JDS  

On this episode of Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson, I explain why I've shifted to a neutral stance on the Israel-Iran conflict. While mainstream media pressures us to “pick a side,” Scripture tells a deeper story, one that's not bound by modern borders or politics.Christians are the true Israel, not by race or nation, but by faith in Christ. The Church is the chosen people of God, not a geopolitical state. So why are we being told that standing with the a government equals standing with God?We'll unpack the phrase “Judeo-Christian”—what it really means (and what it doesn't)—and discuss how religiously manipulative narratives can cloud our judgment. Supporting everything any group does (whether Jewish, Christian, or Muslim) is not biblical discernment. It's idolatry.None of us are perfect. Not every Christian represents Christ well, and not every Jew or Muslim represents their faith's ideals either. So let's step back, seek the truth, and refuse to be emotionally blackmailed into blind allegiance.--https://policecoffee.com/collections/coffee

On this episode of Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson, I explain why I've shifted to a neutral stance on the Israel-Iran conflict. While mainstream media pressures us to “pick a side,” Scripture tells a deeper story, one that's not bound by modern borders or politics.Christians are the true Israel, not by race or nation, but by faith in Christ. The Church is the chosen people of God, not a geopolitical state. So why are we being told that standing with the a government equals standing with God?We'll unpack the phrase “Judeo-Christian”—what it really means (and what it doesn't)—and discuss how religiously manipulative narratives can cloud our judgment. Supporting everything any group does (whether Jewish, Christian, or Muslim) is not biblical discernment. It's idolatry.None of us are perfect. Not every Christian represents Christ well, and not every Jew or Muslim represents their faith's ideals either. So let's step back, seek the truth, and refuse to be emotionally blackmailed into blind allegiance.--https://policecoffee.com/collections/coffee

06-15-25 Sun PM “Full Of Grace And Truth”  Pastor Nathaniel Urshan  John 1:14You can contact us at https://fpcdurham.org

Romans 1:6-7 — The church in Rome was an extraordinary church whose faith was known by all the believers. In this sermon titled “Grace and Truth… by Jesus Christ,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines some of the reasons that the apostle Paul writes as highly as he does of this church in Romans 1:6–7. Like all believers, they were once sinful men and women, but God in His grace called them out of the world to be a holy people set apart for His great purposes. All Christians are saved by God's grace alone and there is nothing they can do to contribute to their salvation. Because they are saved, they are at peace with God and one another. These great doctrines of the Christian faith serve as the foundation of the Christian life. This is a life of loving one another and seeking to share the message of Christ with all. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that all true living must come from true doctrine and a true knowledge of God. This sermon confronts all with the message of God's free grace to sinners who have no other hope than Jesus Christ. The church in Rome was a congregation of redeemed believers who trusted in Jesus and sought to live according to the calling of God in their lives.

Romans 1:6-7 — The church in Rome was an extraordinary church whose faith was known by all the believers. In this sermon titled “Grace and Truth… by Jesus Christ,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines some of the reasons that the apostle Paul writes as highly as he does of this church in Romans 1:6–7. Like all believers, they were once sinful men and women, but God in His grace called them out of the world to be a holy people set apart for His great purposes. All Christians are saved by God's grace alone and there is nothing they can do to contribute to their salvation. Because they are saved, they are at peace with God and one another. These great doctrines of the Christian faith serve as the foundation of the Christian life. This is a life of loving one another and seeking to share the message of Christ with all. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that all true living must come from true doctrine and a true knowledge of God. This sermon confronts all with the message of God's free grace to sinners who have no other hope than Jesus Christ. The church in Rome was a congregation of redeemed believers who trusted in Jesus and sought to live according to the calling of God in their lives. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29

On this episode of Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson, I explain why I've shifted to a neutral stance on the Israel-Iran conflict. While mainstream media pressures us to “pick a side,” Scripture tells a deeper story, one that's not bound by modern borders or politics.Christians are the true Israel, not by race or nation, but by faith in Christ. The Church is the chosen people of God, not a geopolitical state. So why are we being told that standing with the a government equals standing with God?We'll unpack the phrase “Judeo-Christian”—what it really means (and what it doesn't)—and discuss how religiously manipulative narratives can cloud our judgment. Supporting everything any group does (whether Jewish, Christian, or Muslim) is not biblical discernment. It's idolatry.None of us are perfect. Not every Christian represents Christ well, and not every Jew or Muslim represents their faith's ideals either. So let's step back, seek the truth, and refuse to be emotionally blackmailed into blind allegiance.--https://policecoffee.com/collections/coffee

On this episode of Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson, I explain why I've shifted to a neutral stance on the Israel-Iran conflict. While mainstream media pressures us to “pick a side,” Scripture tells a deeper story, one that's not bound by modern borders or politics.Christians are the true Israel, not by race or nation, but by faith in Christ. The Church is the chosen people of God, not a geopolitical state. So why are we being told that standing with the a government equals standing with God?We'll unpack the phrase “Judeo-Christian”—what it really means (and what it doesn't)—and discuss how religiously manipulative narratives can cloud our judgment. Supporting everything any group does (whether Jewish, Christian, or Muslim) is not biblical discernment. It's idolatry.None of us are perfect. Not every Christian represents Christ well, and not every Jew or Muslim represents their faith's ideals either. So let's step back, seek the truth, and refuse to be emotionally blackmailed into blind allegiance.--https://policecoffee.com/collections/coffee

This weekend, we dove into 1 John 2:12–17 and 5:21 with a message called “Idol Demolition.” As we celebrated Father’s Day, we looked at the tension between loving God and loving the world — and the idols that subtly steal our hearts.

Pastor Bryan begins a new message series called, The Daniel Dilemma by looking at how we are called to respond when faced with pressure or corruption from our culture.

Arena Church Ilkeston Hub2nd June 2025

Arena Church Hub Campus9th June 2025

In today's devotional, Dr. Michael Youssef reveals the best friend a sinner could have. If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider giving a gift to partner with us to press on in this Kingdom work and more? This month, our June Gift Challenge offers a special opportunity to double your impact to reach the lost and equip the church for Christ.If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, watch or listen to Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon series Watch Out for the Hidden Enemy: WATCH NOW

In this powerful episode, Pastor Karl continues into the book of First Timothy, exploring the apostle Paul's heartfelt letter to his young protégé, Timothy, written from prison as Paul faced the end of his life. Pastor Karl unpacks the timeless charge to Timothy, who was leading the church in Ephesus, emphasizing the critical role of the church as a place of grace and sound doctrine. He highlights Paul's call to guard biblical truth and guide people into it, especially in a world prone to drift and doubt. Moving into chapter four, Pastor Karl draws parallels between athletic training and spiritual discipline, urging believers to "train like it matters" in godliness. He challenges the church to assess its commitment to grace, doctrine, and collective prayer, while encouraging individuals to set a standard in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. With passion and practical insight, Pastor Karl calls us to resist cultural pressures, pursue disciplined discipleship, and embrace the eternal value of a life rooted in faith. Join us for this convicting and inspiring message on pressing into godliness with purpose!Watch all our sermons on our YouTube channel "Flipside Christian Church"Join us in person 9:00am & 10:30am every Sunday morning.37193 Ave 12 #3h, Madera, CA 93636For more visit us at flipside.churchFor more podcasts visit flipsidepodcasts.transistor.fm

Message from Matt Ham on June 1, 2025

Divorce is not just a personal decision, it's actually a spiritual health crisis. And it's unfortunately rampant in society today. In this episode, I'm calling it what it really is: sin. God literally says in Scripture, “I hate divorce” (Malachi 2:16), yet our culture treats it like a self-care strategy. Christians are increasingly justifying what the Bible clearly condemns. Let's be clear: marriage is a covenant and walking away from it without biblical grounds is rebellion against God.Even with biblical grounds to divorce (such as in cases of abandonment or sexual immorality) God still prefers there be genuine repentance and genuine forgiveness. Meaning, no matter how "bad" it allegedly gets, God still suggests true apologies and true absolution. He wants that instead of bitterness and separation.Also, everyone seems to conveniently be forgetting about how divorce impacts the children. That is very wicked to not consider how it affects them.People have come at me with rudeness, bitterness, and every excuse under the sun as to why they "had to" get divorced, but none of that will stop me from speaking the truth. You did not "have to" get divorced. Not most of you. I'm not here to please people. I'm here to honor God and uphold what His Word says, even when it's uncomfortable or "comes off mean." Unfriendly reminder: I win every single battle and every single war because I fight on the side of righteousness, and you probably don't. Tune in as we break down the lies, the "justifications" and the tragic consequences of treating divorce like an option instead of the absolute last resort.Marriage is a holy covenant between one man, one woman, and God.Hope this helps!--https://policecoffee.com/collections/coffee

In this episode of The Grove Podcast, Shelley Giglio sits down with our friend Alex Seeley — co-founder and lead pastor of The Belonging Co in Nashville — for a powerful and honest conversation about uniqueness, leadership, and the beauty of following Jesus wholeheartedly.Together, they dive into what it really means to lead in a way that reflects the heart of God — not through platforms, but through shepherding, discipleship, and community. Alex shares from her own journey in ministry, offering wisdom on embracing your God-given identity, navigating hurt, staying faithful in your calling, and even a few honest thoughts on parenting.This conversation is full of truth, grace, and encouragement — and it ends with a beautiful prayer for healing, courage, and a renewed passion to love and lead like Jesus.The Grove is an extension of all God is doing here at Passion City Church in Atlanta, Georgia to serve and care for women everywhere. To learn more follow us on Instagram @pcc_thegrove or  visit us at thegroveonline.com to get plugged in today.

HEY GOOD GRACE CLUBBERS! We are back for another episode IN PERSON with each other, and are catching up on what God is doing in our lives.Doctorates, adoption, living and learning. Life really does keep on "life-ing!" There is so much beauty in seeing grace for ourselves in others, assuming the best, and also seeing TRUTH about God, others, and ourselves. Find this episode wherever you listen and give us five stars on your listening app of choice if you enjoyed the show!

Preached By Prophet Kofi Oduro of Alabaster International Ministry on 18th May 2025 at the W3 Service.

Preached By Prophet Kofi Oduro of Alabaster International Ministry on 18th May 2025 at the F5 Service.

Years before President Nelson gave his talk on "Peacemakers," the word "Peace" had already been hijacked. Peace in the scriptures is not what you think it is. Peace is "Shalom" which is comparable to the Egyptian concept of "Ma'at." That is, order, truth, justice, and harmony. As Jesus is described in the New Testament and Book of Mormon, it is "Grace And Truth." Both are necessary. Without both, we end up with Untethered Empathy and Malevolent Compassion. Website- www.cwicmeadia.com

Do not just look at life's challenges; see them as opportunities to reflect God's grace and truth in action.

Your purpose is not just to survive, but to thrive by living in the truth and grace that God has given you.

How Christians Can Endure the World's Hatred with Grace and Truth Podcast: Servants of Grace with Dave Jenkins Date: May 8 Scripture Focus: John 17:14–16

On today's Servants of Grace podcast, a listener writes in and asks Dave, "How Can Christians Patiently Endure the Hatred of the World?" What You'll hear on this Episode • Seven biblical truths to help you stand fast in suffering. • The greatest temptation of our generation. • The help of the Lord in facing trial. Subscribing, sharing, and your feedback For more Servants of Grace theology segments, please consider checking out our previous episodes and subscribing via one of the many podcast platforms below: Website: https://servantsofgrace.org/servants-of-grace-theology-segment/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/servants-of-grace/id1240932035?ls=1&mt=2#episodeGuid=https%3A%2F%2Fservantsofgrace.org%2F%3Fp%3D242879 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/22CmXpzbz6JYjemSV0CMwt Amazon Music: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9zZXJ2YW50c29mZ3JhY2Uub3JnL2ZlZWQvcG9kY2FzdC8 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/servantsofgrace Thanks for listening to this week's episode of Servants of Grace theology segment!

Today, we're discussing the recent controversy surrounding Shiloh Hendrix, who called a black child a racial slur at a playground instead of taking the concern to the child's parents. This behavior is not only unacceptable—it's unchristian. As followers of Christ, we are called to be above reproach (1 Timothy 3:2), especially when dealing with the next generation. God will not judge us by our skin color, so why are we so quick to judge others by theirs? We can simultaneously be aware of the statistics about certain cultures within particular races, and realize that this is not how we handle those problems. We'll explore the biblical approach to conflict resolution. When there's a problem with a child's behavior, the godly route is to speak directly with their parents—not to attack the child. Christians must hold one another accountable. --https://policecoffee.com/collections/coffee

Week 2 of our Good in Tension series. This week we dive into John 1:14 where Jesus is our example to live full of grace and truth.

Preached By Prophet Kofi Oduro of Alabaster International Ministry on 4th May 2025 at the F5 Service.

Preached By Prophet Kofi Oduro of Alabaster International Ministry on 4th May 2025 at the W3 Service.

Experience the power of the risen Christ in this Easter sermon titled “From Empty Nets to Abundant Grace and Truth,” based on John 21:1–14. Pastor Balla of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) explores the post-resurrection appearance of Jesus at the Sea of Tiberias, drawing rich, biblical insight into how Christ meets us in our emptiness and fills our lives with His grace. This Gospel-centered message is perfect for those seeking a Christ-focused sermon, confessional Lutheran preaching, or an uplifting Second Sunday of Easter devotion.Learn how Christ restores, provides, and feeds His Church — not only with daily bread, but with His very Body and Blood. Whether you're searching for LCMS sermons, Law and Gospel preaching, Easter season messages, or biblical teaching on Holy Communion, this sermon will deepen your faith and point you to Christ crucified and risen.Subscribe for weekly Lutheran sermons grounded in the ESV Bible, emphasizing Word and Sacrament, the real presence in the Lord's Supper, and the comfort of Christ's finished work for you.

Preached By Prophet Kofi Oduro of Alabaster International Ministry on 27th April 2025 at the W3 Service.

“Jesus was full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Not just grace, but truth. Not just truth, but grace. Grace...

Today, we're discussing the recent passing of Pope Francis. As a Protestant, I don't hold to Catholic doctrine, and I've had some serious theological issues with the papacy—but that doesn't mean I won't stop to reflect when someone steps into eternity.In this episode, I'm praying for Pope Francis' soul and hoping he had a deathbed conversion—because no one is beyond God's reach. I also hope Catholics choose a biblical pope next time, not one more interested in pleasing the world than honoring the Word.We'll talk about the things he did right—his care for the poor and moments of humility. But we'll also look at the dangerous things he got wrong:Promoting open borders that have devastated countries and erased traditionSaying all religions worship the same God (they don't)Claiming the human heart is good (the Bible says it's deceitful above all things)Ignoring original sin and the fallen nature of manThis is a respectful but honest take on a figure who meant a lot to many—but who, like all of us, needed Christ above all.--https://noblegoldinvestments.com/

What does it truly mean to be "born again"? In this powerful opening to the "Conversations" series, we explore the fascinating late-night dialogue between Jesus and Nicodemus – a respected religious leader who secretly sought answers about spiritual life. The encounter begins with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council, approaching Jesus under cover of darkness. Despite his extensive religious knowledge and exemplary life, Jesus immediately challenges him with a revolutionary statement: "Unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." This perplexing declaration launches an extraordinary conversation about spiritual transformation.Through this dialogue, we discover that being born again isn't about religious performance or moral improvement – it's about a supernatural work of God's Spirit that transforms us from within. Jesus skillfully uses illustrations like the wind and the bronze serpent in the wilderness to help Nicodemus grasp this radical concept. The conversation culminates in the most famous verse in Scripture, John 3:16, revealing God's heart to save rather than condemn.What makes this exchange so powerful is how Jesus balances unwavering truth with genuine grace. He doesn't compromise his message but presents it in a way that invites rather than alienates. This same approach – conversations filled with both grace and truth – is what can transform lives around us today.As we prepare for Easter, who might God be calling you to have a life-changing conversation with? Like Nicodemus, who eventually moved from curious seeker to committed follower, the people in your life might be just one conversation away from a transformed life through faith in Christ.

Are you headed where you need to go? The Bible teaches: “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death” (Proverbs 14:12). In other words, you can be absolutely convinced you're on the right road and still end up in the wrong place. There are many different voices in our world trying to convince us to take different paths. But there's only one voice that leads us down the true path of life, and that's the voice of Jesus. Jesus defeated the grave so He could give us access to life beyond it. The resurrection of Jesus isn't just a day in history; it's the only way to find real, meaningful, and everlasting life.

Send us a text In this episode of Bible Time at The Barn, Dawn dives into James 4:1-6 to explore a powerful question: Are we living as a friend or a foe of God? 

1 Corinthians 5 emphasizes the importance for spiritual leaders to tackle sin within the church by balancing grace and truth. It teaches that church discipline should not be viewed as punishment, but a way to help individuals return to a right relationship with God, highlighting the necessity of addressing unrepented sin with love. Additionally, we will learn steps on how to approach sin in the lives of those we have relationships with.

The God who weeps is also the God who resurrects. Pastor Jared Herd explores how Jesus brings both grace and truth to our pain, calling us to life even in our darkest moments.

Preached on 30th March, 2025 at ICGC Christ Temple. Pastor Mensa Otabil is the General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church bringing hope to many around the globe and transforming lives into legacies. Connect with Pastor Mensa Otabil on social media @mensaotabil. Shalom

Preached on 30th March, 2025 at ICGC Christ Temple. Pastor Mensa Otabil is the General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church bringing hope to many around the globe and transforming lives into legacies. Connect with Pastor Mensa Otabil on social media @mensaotabil. Shalom

Along with applying God's truth to things in the headlines, Thann Bennett from The Equipped Newsletter and radio show on Faith Radio addresses those overwhelming obstacles in life and how we can move foward in strength and honor because of God.  Apologist Daniel DeWitt talks about what's happening to Christians in the Congo, plus urges us to treat others kindly, especially enemies.  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Grace and Truth and Pride 1 by Emmaus Church CLT

Grace and Truth and Pride 2 by Emmaus Church CLT

John 1:14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. Yesterday, we considered the amazing reality that the Word of God became flesh. First, let's be encouraged by the reality that Jesus is still full of grace and truth. He never changes. He is the same forever. If Jesus is full of grace, then God is full of grace. In Christ, we see the glory of God, full of grace. Isn't it encouraging to know that God is a God of grace? If Jesus is full of grace, then He has grace to spare, grace to give. Grace overflows. Second, let's consider that He's full of grace. Think of grace as the power of God to do what God requires. God's grace isn't blanket forgiveness or just positional righteousness, nor is it that God sets aside the Law or the righteous requirements of the Law. Quite the contrary, grace upholds or fulfills the law at the deepest level because it empowers the recipient of grace to not only love righteousness but to do it—in the power of the Spirit—for the glory of God. God the Father said of Jesus, “You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness” (Heb. 1:9). We learn in Heb. 2:9 that Jesus received grace from God to taste death for us all. What was the grace He received? It was the power to do what God required of Him as our high priest and the propitiator for our sins. He is full of grace. He could expend that power to fulfill God's just requirements and still have infinitely more grace to give to us so we might believe in Him and live to love with Him, which God commands (1 John 3:23). We can live to love with Jesus because He is full of grace, the power to love both God and man. Third, let's consider that Jesus is full of truth. He's not full of a truth. He is full of THE Truth. Later John recorded Jesus saying, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), and “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:31-32). It helps me to think of truth in this way: Truth is what God does, says, and sees through Jesus Christ. It's not a feeling, it's not a perception, and it's not one's personal perspective. Jesus is full of reality. If we want to see the truth about God and everything that is happening in the world, we should look at Jesus. Truth is what He's doing. Therefore, truth is what He sees happening. Since He is writing His story, His narrative is the only thing that matters. We can't rewrite the narrative to fit what we feel, think, or would like for reality to be. There's no such thing as “my reality.” There's only one reality, and it's the truth in Jesus Christ. Truth is what He is, and He's full of it—full of what the Father is doing and saying. We, therefore, have something secure to base our lives on—the truth of God revealed in Jesus Christ, the living Word of God. If Jesus is full of grace and truth and He lives in us, then we have that fullness of grace and truth residing in our lives. When God gave us the Holy Spirit, He didn't give us parts of Jesus or only certain aspects of Jesus. Jesus became our fullness. We are complete in Him (Col. 2:10), lacking nothing. His grace and truth look like love because God is love. So as we live today to love with Jesus, our lives should be filled with grace and truth. I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of “giving it forward,” so others may be encouraged to turn their hearts to God and live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.

Last Week After EpiphnayMonday March 3, 2025Deut 6:1-15Hebrews 1:1-14John 1:1-18#grace #truth #graceandtruth

Truth reveals the path to freedom, but it's grace that invites us to step into it. While truth exposes what holds us back, grace offers the hope and strength to move forward. Join us this Sunday as we discover how truth and grace work together to transform our lives—invite a friend and experience the freedom God has for you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.