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Shame the Antithesis of Grace (Part 1) by Dr. Cindy Johnson
by Elder Luke Hagler (preached on August 17, 2025) As we began to see yesterday, there are certain credentials that must be presented in order to enter most places and events in life. But what about when it comes to our entry into eternal heaven? What credentials must we present in order to enter into...
by Elder Luke Hagler (preached on August 17, 2025) A few weeks ago, Elder Luke Hagler came and preached for us here at Zion Church. In this powerful sermon, he reminded us about the need for certain credentials in order to gain entry into certain places and events. But what about our entry into heaven?...
Pat and Jeff complete their two-part podcast on Dietrich Bonhoeffer's The Cost of Discipleship. In this episode, they talk about the importance of faith with obedience and obedience with faith, or as Bonhoeffer writes, “Only those who obey can believe, and only those who believe can obey" (Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. The Cost of Discipleship (p. 70). Touchstone. Kindle Edition). The problem with being obedient to Jesus for most of us is, as Pat says, "we want a savior, but we don't want a Lord. In other words, we want to be saved, but we don't want to be told what to do. Note: The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Pat Barry and Jeff Quinto and may not reflect the opinions of the Bethel Bible Series or Bethel Lutheran Church. Blessings in Christ, Pat & Jeff Soli Deo Gloria!
Emmanuel Baptist Church – Newington, CT – Pastor Cary Schmidt
Emmanuel Baptist Church - Newington, CT - Video Podcast with Pastor Cary Schmidt
PDF notes are the same from Part 5
A new MP3 sermon from The Bible Provocateur is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: LIVE DISCUSSION: The Implications of Grace (PART 5 of 5) Speaker: Jonathan Eubanks Broadcaster: The Bible Provocateur Event: Debate Date: 9/5/2025 Length: 34 min.
A new MP3 sermon from The Bible Provocateur is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: LIVE DISCUSSION: The Implications of Grace (PART 4 of 5) Speaker: Jonathan Eubanks Broadcaster: The Bible Provocateur Event: Debate Date: 9/5/2025 Length: 34 min.
Send us a textGrace may seem like a simple concept on the surface, but it's arguably the most misunderstood doctrine in all of Scripture. This provocative conversation dives deep into what God's grace truly means and the radical implications that flow from it.At the heart of nearly every theological dispute lies confusion about grace. When properly understood, grace doesn't just inform our theology—it transforms it completely. This discussion examines how your understanding of grace reveals whether your foundational theology aligns more with Arminianism or Calvinism, regardless of denominational labels.Through a thoughtful panel conversation, we explore grace as unmerited favor, divine power, liberating force, and God's sovereign work. Each participant brings unique insights: grace as Christ himself, God's enabling power that makes the impossible possible, the source of our liberty from sin's bondage, and the means by which we receive what we could never deserve.But perhaps the most challenging question emerges when we ask: if everyone received God's favor equally, would it still be favor? The answer forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about sovereignty, election, and the nature of salvation itself. This isn't just theological hairsplitting—it's about understanding the magnificent depths of how God saves sinners.Whether you're well-versed in doctrinal discussions or just beginning to explore deeper theological waters, this conversation will challenge assumptions and illuminate what makes grace truly amazing. Listen, reflect, and discover why grace would not be grace if it operated any other way than God designed.The Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show
Send us a textDive into one of Christianity's most challenging theological questions: If salvation comes by grace alone, what role does human will play in our redemption? This thought-provoking conversation begins with a seemingly simple question: "If everyone received God's unmerited favor, would it still be considered favor?"The discussion quickly moves into deep theological waters, examining the biblical evidence that God does indeed show favoritism—a concept that makes many modern believers uncomfortable. Drawing from both Old and New Testament passages, the participants carefully distinguish between God showing "no partiality" across ethnic and cultural lines while still sovereignly choosing some for salvation.We tackle head-on the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, exploring Romans 3's declaration that "none seeks after God" alongside the biblical invitation that "whosoever will may come." How can both be true simultaneously? The answer leads us to examine the nature of regeneration and the work of the Holy Spirit in opening spiritually dead hearts to receive God's grace.Perhaps most provocatively, the conversation challenges popular notions of "free will," asking whether salvation is something we choose or something we receive. As one participant points out, "If you're saved by grace, then the will has nothing to do with it. Because if you had a free will and you're saved because of it, then God owes you a debt to save you."Whether you're new to these theological concepts or have wrestled with them for decades, this discussion will help you see familiar Scripture passages in a fresh light. You'll be challenged to consider whether your theological positions are shaped more by biblical truth or by cultural assumptions about human autonomy and choice.Join us for this humbling exploration of grace, election, and the unfathomable wisdom of God in salvation. How might your understanding of your own salvation story change if you embrace the full sovereignty of God in all things?The Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show
Send us a textThe age-old debate about God's sovereignty versus human free will takes center stage in this thought-provoking theological discussion. We explore the biblical concept that God chose certain people "before the foundation of the world" and how this predestination impacts our understanding of salvation.At the heart of this conversation lies a critical distinction between what humans "may" do versus what they "can" do spiritually. While anyone may theoretically choose God, the speakers argue that without divine intervention to change our hearts first, we lack the spiritual capacity to make that choice. This mirrors Jesus's own words: "Without me, you can do nothing."The discussion examines several commonly misinterpreted passages, including Joshua's famous "choose this day whom you will serve" statement. Through careful contextual analysis, we discover that Joshua wasn't presenting God as one option among many, but rather saying that if they rejected the true God, they would need to decide which false gods to follow instead.We also explore the practical implications of these theological positions. How does our understanding of God's role in salvation affect the way we evangelize? The speakers contrast Jesus's straightforward approach to the rich young ruler with modern emotional manipulation techniques like mood music and altar calls. When we believe humans initiate salvation through their own will, it can lead to manipulative practices that focus more on getting decisions than on genuine conversion.What makes this conversation particularly compelling is how it challenges listeners to examine their own beliefs. Do you take credit for your salvation, or do you recognize it as entirely God's work? As one participant poignantly asks, "If salvation comes from exercising free will, what makes you different from those who don't choose God?" The answer reveals whether we truly understand grace.Join us for this challenging exploration of divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and the incredible gift of salvation that belongs entirely to the Lord.The Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show
Send us a textDive into one of Christianity's most foundational yet divisive theological questions: Does regeneration precede faith, or does faith come first in the salvation process? This thought-provoking episode examines the biblical evidence with clarity and conviction.The conversation centers on Jesus's teachings to Nicodemus about the new birth and explores Isaiah's profound declaration: "I was found by those who did not seek me." We tackle head-on the implications of believing that human choice initiates salvation versus understanding God as the sovereign initiator of spiritual life.Along the way, we confront uncomfortable truths about modern Christianity's intellectual shallowness and the prevalence of what one speaker calls a "weak, empty, impotent, anemic gospel" that portrays God as waiting helplessly for human decision. The discussion doesn't shy away from difficult doctrines, including brief mentions of reprobation, while maintaining that salvation security can only truly rest in God's sovereign election and preservation.While passionate in their convictions, the speakers emphasize goodwill toward those holding opposing views, recognizing that theological understanding itself is a gift from God. Their careful examination of Scripture challenges listeners to consider whether they've accepted popular teachings without biblical foundation or embraced the full implications of divine sovereignty in salvation.Whether you're wrestling with these concepts for the first time or seeking deeper understanding of familiar doctrines, this episode offers biblical insight, theological depth, and pastoral sensitivity on a topic that touches the very heart of how we understand God's saving grace.The Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show
Send us a textWhat does it really mean to be "born again"? This question sits at the heart of Christianity, yet many believers hold dramatically different views on how salvation actually works. Is it something we choose for ourselves, or is it entirely God's sovereign work?In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into Jesus's conversation with Nicodemus in John 3, where Christ describes spiritual rebirth as being like the wind that "blows where it wishes." The implications are profound—just as we didn't choose to be physically born, spiritual rebirth comes not from human will but divine initiative.We explore the difference between viewing salvation as a collaborative effort versus seeing it as God's complete work from beginning to end. Using the resurrection of Lazarus as a powerful illustration, we consider how dead people cannot choose to become alive—they must be called forth by divine power. This same principle applies to our spiritual condition before conversion.The conversation touches on challenging questions: Why do many Christians resist these doctrines? What's the historical context for these theological perspectives? How does understanding God's sovereignty in salvation lead to greater assurance rather than anxiety about our standing with God?Whether you're new to these concepts or have wrestled with them for years, this episode offers fresh insights into the nature of God's grace and the true meaning of spiritual rebirth. Join us as we examine what Scripture actually teaches about who initiates, accomplishes, and completes our salvation.The Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show
Romans: The Christian's Constitution, Volume 1
Romans 3:21-31 / September 3-4, 2025 Pastor Chuck Swindoll unpacks Paul's teaching on the Gospel in Romans 3:21–31. Tune in to learn about God's gift of grace and how He transfers Christ's righteousness to our spiritual account. From the Series: Romans: The Christian's Constitution read more
The gift of grace through Jesus Christ is the ultimate display of love. Pastor Chuck Swindoll unpacks Paul's teaching on the gospel in Romans 3:21–31. Tune in to learn about God's gift of grace and how He transfers Christ's righteousness to our spiritual account.Marvel at the wonderfully good news of the gospel. Respond with faith!
The gift of grace through Jesus Christ is the ultimate display of love.Pastor Chuck Swindoll unpacks Paul's teaching on the gospel in Romans 3:21–31. Tune in to learn about God's gift of grace and how He transfers Christ's righteousness to our spiritual account.Marvel at the wonderfully good news of the gospel. Respond with faith! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/82/29
Romans: The Christian's Constitution, Volume 1
Romans 3:21-31 / September 3-4, 2025 Pastor Chuck Swindoll unpacks Paul's teaching on the Gospel in Romans 3:21–31. Tune in to learn about God's gift of grace and how He transfers Christ's righteousness to our spiritual account. From the Series: Romans: The Christian's Constitution read more
The gift of grace through Jesus Christ is the ultimate display of love. Pastor Chuck Swindoll unpacks Paul's teaching on the gospel in Romans 3:21–31. Tune in to learn about God's gift of grace and how He transfers Christ's righteousness to our spiritual account.Marvel at the wonderfully good news of the gospel. Respond with faith!
The gift of grace through Jesus Christ is the ultimate display of love.Pastor Chuck Swindoll unpacks Paul's teaching on the gospel in Romans 3:21–31. Tune in to learn about God's gift of grace and how He transfers Christ's righteousness to our spiritual account.Marvel at the wonderfully good news of the gospel. Respond with faith! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/82/29
Emmanuel Baptist Church - Newington, CT - Video Podcast with Pastor Cary Schmidt
Send us a textHave you ever wrestled with the concept of "falling from grace" in Galatians 5:4? This powerful discussion unpacks what Paul really meant when he wrote those challenging words.The conversation reveals a fascinating observation—unlike his other letters, Paul never addresses the Galatians as "saints," suggesting his uncertainty about their spiritual condition. This provides crucial context for understanding his warnings about mixing law and grace.We examine how justification works: either by grace through faith or by attempting to keep the law. There's no middle ground. When Paul says someone has "fallen from grace," he's not describing believers losing salvation, but rather individuals who've departed from the path of grace altogether, demonstrating they were never truly justified by faith.The participants share personal insights about identity transformation in Christ. As one contributor beautifully puts it: "There's no me. The new me is being transformed into a Christ-like being." This metamorphosis happens not through law-keeping but through the Holy Spirit's work in believers who have been justified by faith.The discussion also tackles practical applications, identifying modern examples of legalism—from Sabbath-keeping requirements to mandatory speaking in tongues as "proof" of salvation. These modern "Judaizers" continue to promote the same dangerous mixture of law and grace that Paul so forcefully confronted.What makes this episode particularly valuable is its balance of theological depth with practical wisdom. You'll come away with a clearer understanding of salvation's permanence and the freedom that comes from embracing grace without the burden of legalistic performance.Have you been trying to earn what God freely gives? Listen and discover the liberty Christ purchased for you.The Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show
Send us a textSalvation by grace alone or salvation by grace plus works? The Galatian church faced this pivotal question after Paul's departure, when Judaizers crept in suggesting that faith in Christ wasn't quite enough—circumcision and law-keeping were also necessary for true righteousness.Paul's passionate response in Galatians 5:3-4 cuts straight to the heart of the gospel: "I testify again to every man that is circumcised that he is a debtor to the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace."These powerful words have often been misunderstood. The phrase "fallen from grace" doesn't suggest that genuine believers can lose their salvation. Rather, Paul reveals the stark incompatibility between two systems of justification—law-keeping versus grace through faith in Christ. Add even one element of law-keeping to grace as a requirement for salvation, and you've abandoned grace entirely.Consider the logical conclusion: if circumcision is necessary for salvation, then perfect obedience to every aspect of the law becomes equally necessary. Just as breaking one commandment makes a person guilty of breaking the entire law, attempting to be justified by keeping one aspect of the law obligates someone to perfect obedience in everything. This reveals the utter impossibility of salvation by works.The beauty of the gospel lies in its completeness. Salvation comes entirely from God—predetermined before the foundation of the world, accomplished through Christ's sacrifice, applied by the Holy Spirit, and secured forever by divine power. Those truly born again cannot "give back" their salvation, for true regeneration involves a fundamental transformation that cannot be undone.This understanding doesn't lead to license but to humble gratitude. When we grasp that our salvation depends entirely on God's work rather than our own, we're moved to worship and obedience motivated by love, not fear or obligation.Are you standing firm in the liberty Christ purchased, or slipping back into religious performance? Join us as we explore the liberating truth that in Christ alone, we find a salvation that is both completely free and eternally secure.The Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show
Send us a textSalvation by grace through faith stands as Christianity's most revolutionary doctrine—and yet it remains the most easily distorted. In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into Paul's passionate defense of justification by faith alone in Galatians, exploring why adding even the smallest work requirement to salvation fundamentally changes the gospel.The conversation takes us through the heart of Paul's argument: the law cannot be divided or partially observed. When someone tries to earn righteousness through law-keeping, they become "a debtor to the whole law," obligating themselves to perfect, comprehensive obedience—something humanly impossible. This reveals why Christ had to come, not to help us keep the law better, but to fulfill what we could never accomplish.We explore the fascinating connection between Christ as the true temple and our identity as living temples where God's Spirit dwells. This perspective challenges popular end-times theories about rebuilding a physical temple in Jerusalem, showing how Christ himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." The greatest temple has already been built—Christ and his church.The discussion culminates in a powerful reminder that law and grace cannot mix. Attempting to blend these systems only creates "another gospel," which Paul strongly condemns. The beauty of Christianity lies in its unique message of unmerited favor—that salvation is God's gift, received through faith alone. When we grasp this truth, we experience the freedom Christ promised when he said, "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."Whether you're struggling with legalism, curious about the difference between Christianity and other religions, or simply wanting to deepen your understanding of grace, this episode will transform your perspective on what it truly means to be justified by faith.The Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show
Send us a textThe sufficiency of Christ's work lies at the heart of this powerful discussion on salvation, grace, and the danger of legalism. When Paul addressed the Galatians with such strong language—calling them "stupid" and asking if they'd been "bewitched"—he wasn't merely expressing frustration. As a former Pharisee who once zealously pursued righteousness through the law, Paul understood the grave theological error of adding requirements to salvation.The conversation explores the profound implications of attempting to mix law-keeping with faith. When we add anything to the finished work of Christ, we're making an audacious claim: that His sacrifice was insufficient. This is why Paul emphatically declares that "Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law." The message is clear—it's either Christ's righteousness or your own efforts, but never a combination of both.One of the most beautiful illustrations discussed is Jesus's teaching about sheep knowing their shepherd's voice. True believers respond exclusively to Christ, remaining unmoved when others call. This seemingly simple metaphor reveals the nature of saving faith—a singular focus on Christ that appears foolish to the world but represents true wisdom. As one participant noted, the sheep's perceived "dumbness" actually highlights their remarkable loyalty and discernment.The phrase "fallen from grace" in Galatians 5:4 receives careful examination. Rather than suggesting believers can lose salvation, this expression indicates stepping outside the realm where Christ's saving work operates. Those attempting to be justified by law-keeping haven't lost salvation—they've chosen a path where grace cannot reach them.The discussion also touches on practical wisdom for engaging with those firmly entrenched in legalistic thinking. Following the principle in Titus 3:9-11, we're encouraged to offer one or two admonitions before moving on from fruitless debates that only feed pride rather than edify.Listen now to strengthen your understanding of grace, recognize the sufficiency of Christ's work, and develop discernment when faced with teachings that undermine the gospel's beautiful simplicity.The Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show
Send us a textJourney with us into one of Christianity's most profound yet misunderstood doctrines: the eternal security of believers. We tackle the startling claim that born-again, Spirit-filled Christians could somehow "walk away" from their salvation – a notion that contradicts the very foundation of what happens when we're saved.This conversation goes beyond surface-level theology to examine what truly transpires at salvation. Rather than merely receiving a gift we can return at will, salvation fundamentally transforms our nature. As one participant powerfully states, "You didn't believe to get born again. You were born again and then you believed." This crucial distinction changes everything.Drawing from key passages in Romans, Corinthians, Ephesians, and Hebrews, we unpack why the "fallen from grace" concept is so widely misunderstood. We explain the difference between those who merely "taste" spiritual things versus those who are genuinely transformed by them. The biblical evidence points consistently to one conclusion: when God seals believers with His Spirit, no power – not even our own will – can break that seal.The conversation takes fascinating turns as we address common objections, including the notion that eternal security makes believers into "robots." We demonstrate how this argument fundamentally misunderstands the nature of salvation, as our new nature in Christ freely and genuinely desires what God desires.Whether you've wrestled with questions about eternal security or simply want to deepen your understanding of salvation's transformative power, this discussion offers theological depth with practical assurance. Join us in celebrating the beautiful truth that nothing – no height, depth, power, or created thing (including ourselves) – can separate us from God's love in Christ Jesus.The Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show
The Freedom of Self-Awareness | Tullian Tchividjian | "Vagrants of Grace, Part 03"Luke 5:27-32
"No one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house." Mark 3:20–3
We're going to continue along in Mark's gospel, as we study chapter fourteen, verses twelve through thirty one. Here we see the scene of the last Passover, and the Lord's last meal with His disciples. The last few hours of the earthly life of Jesus are a wonderful picture of a man who knew His destiny, and accepted it willingly - because of His incredible love for us!
We're going to continue our verse by verse study in Mark's gospel today as we near the time when the Lord will be arrested and crucified. These verses describe some of the most important moments in human history - indeed they tell what God was willing to go through so you and I could have a chance to live in eternity with Him!Â
This episode is one of Pastor Jack Abeelen's recent radio broadcasts. Pastor Jack's teachings are broadcast every weekday on over 400 radio stations across the country.The Growing Thru Grace radio broadcast is an outreach of Morningstar Christian Chapel in Whittier, California.To see more of Pastor Jack's Bible studies, visit our Morningstar Christian Chapel channel at https://www.youtube.com/@morningstarcc.To subscribe to our Podcast newsletter go to http://eepurl.com/iGzsP6.If you would like to support our electronic ministry, you may do so by going to our donations page at https://morningstarcc.churchcenter.com/giving/to/podcast.Visit our church website at https://morningstarcc.org.
Pastor Alan R. Knapp discusses the topic of "The Throne of Grace - Part 2" in his series entitled "Hebrews 2020: We See Jesus (2X)" This is Increment 121 and it focuses on the following verses: Hebrews 4:16
This episode is one of Pastor Jack Abeelen's recent radio broadcasts. Pastor Jack's teachings are broadcast every weekday on over 400 radio stations across the country.The Growing Thru Grace radio broadcast is an outreach of Morningstar Christian Chapel in Whittier, California.To see more of Pastor Jack's Bible studies, visit our Morningstar Christian Chapel channel at https://www.youtube.com/@morningstarcc.To subscribe to our Podcast newsletter go to http://eepurl.com/iGzsP6.If you would like to support our electronic ministry, you may do so by going to our donations page at https://morningstarcc.churchcenter.com/giving/to/podcast.Visit our church website at https://morningstarcc.org.
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Rehab, not Religion | Tullian Tchividjian | "Vagrants of Grace, Part 02"Luke 5:27-32
We are part two of a message titled, The Strength of Grace. You were never intended to just be a recipient of God’s Grace. Without an outflow to others, you will eventually become ineffective and stagnant in your walk as a Christ follower. We need to grow it as well. Today, Pastor Mark gives us 4 practical things to remember and implement that will deepen and give muscle to your faith. Become part of our Advance Team: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/moodypresents/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.