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How should we respond to the hardships of God's discipline? I. Help the weary and wounded, vv12-13. II. Pursue harmony and holiness, v14. III. Don't miss grace or grow bitter, v15. IV. Flee immorality and idolatry, vv16-17.
Scripture: Mark 4:1-32; Hebrews 10:19-39 Text: Canons of Dort 5, Articles 14–15 Theme: God preserves us in the faith by His Word and Sacraments.
Many of you know I am taking this summer as a sabbatical, in large part to make significant progress on my doctoral dissertation. Maybe you even know that the focus of my work is on C.S. Lewis. What you might be wondering is how all this ties directly to my ministry with St. Patrick. Well, to put it simply, what I love about Lewis is what I love about St. Patrick. If you've never dug deeper into Lewis' thought and writing than his children's stories and popular theology, you might be surprised to learn that he was primarily a literary scholar, focusing on Medieval and Renaissance literature. The thing that fascinated him (and me!) about this era of time is the way people still believed that every jot and tittle of creation was a part of a well-ordered and beautiful picture of God's love for humanity – a cathedral of the grace in which we live, move, and have our being. He was concerned about what kind of discipleship would be required today to invite “modern” people out of the cold, dark, and chaotic infinitude of the myths they're believing, and welcome them into the marvelous light and warmth of God's true story. Unsurprisingly, the answer for Lewis, and for St. Patrick, has largely been that the better story features at its center a kind of symbolic participation. As we continue on the scenic route along our “Godspeed series,” we stop today to consider the profound fact that the post-resurrection appearances of Christ feature a disproportionate number of episodes involving Jesus sharing meals with disciples. In a world where we often think of meals as logistical interruptions in our workflow, Jesus redirects our attention to the central priority of the table in his own kingdom. It is unsettlingly revealing that the disciples on the road to Emmaus got a 3-hour Bible study from the Word of God Himself and didn't manage to recognize Him until they stopped for dinner. I can't wait to unpack that with you all!
How do Word and Sacrament bring comfort to the doubting heart? In this final installment of our series on assurance, Dr. Cornelis Venema explores how God's appointed means of grace provide concrete reassurance amid life's uncertainties. Dr. Venema unpacks how gospel-centered preaching—proclaiming what Christ has done rather than what we must do—serves as the foundation for genuine assurance. He particularly emphasizes the often-neglected role of the sacraments, showing how Baptism and the Lord's Supper are not empty rituals but visible seals of God's promises meant to strengthen our wavering faith. Whether you struggle with legalistic tendencies, feel trapped on the "anxious bench," or simply desire deeper confidence in God's love, Dr. Venema helps us see that assurance comes not through extraordinary experiences but through ordinary means God has graciously provided.
How do Word and Sacrament bring comfort to the doubting heart? In this final installment of our series on assurance, Dr. Cornelis Venema explores how God's appointed means of grace provide concrete reassurance amid life's uncertainties. Dr. Venema unpacks how gospel-centered preaching—proclaiming what Christ has done rather than what we must do—serves as the foundation for genuine assurance. He particularly emphasizes the often-neglected role of the sacraments, showing how Baptism and the Lord's Supper are not empty rituals but visible seals of God's promises meant to strengthen our wavering faith. Whether you struggle with legalistic tendencies, feel trapped on the "anxious bench," or simply desire deeper confidence in God's love, Dr. Venema helps us see that assurance comes not through extraordinary experiences but through ordinary means God has graciously provided.
Becky Walker shares John Wesley's thoughts on Means of Grace in prayer.
April 25, 2025Today's Reading: Mark 16:14-20Daily Lectionary: Exodus 18:5-27; Hebrews 12:1-24“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The end of Mark gives us language that is reminiscent of Matthew's ending: the admonition to proclaim the Gospel and baptize the nations. The sacrament of Baptism is laid before Mark's readers as a life-giving Gift from God. Luther even uses the end of Mark as part of his explanation in the Small Catechism on Baptism, the second part, regarding the benefits of Baptism. Your Baptism saves you. Baptism is no small, insignificant part of our lives. It is not a once-and-done “the box is checked, life is good, let's not talk about it until confirmation when we can start preparing for the real sacrament, Holy Communion.” Baptism gives to us all the blessings and benefits that Christ has done for us. It is a Means Of Grace. It is a vessel that God uses to bring us the forgiveness of sins, life everlasting, faith, and the Holy Spirit. Our world cannot comprehend how God works through the simplest things to do miraculous work. Water and His word together bring us these benefits and blessings. It is not our faith that makes Baptism valuable but rather faith that is given to us in Baptism. It is God's work through Baptism that His robe of righteousness is placed over us. The world sees only water. The world hears just simple words. It is these two components together that give us Baptism. We are Baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. We carry the name of the triune God upon us. His cross is placed both upon our forehead and upon our hearts to mark us as one redeemed by Christ the crucified. His name, His death, and His resurrection are our identity in Baptism. We are no longer left out in the world, lost and condemned. Sin does not prevail. Satan no longer can condemn us. We are baptized into Christ. It is our condition that we live in each day. We boldly say, “I am baptized!”In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.In a wat'ry grave are buried All our sins that Jesus carried; Christ, the Ark of Life, has ferried Us across death's raging flood. (LSB 597:2)-Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Rescued, Transferred, Redeemed and Forgiven, Part 13 - Means of Grace or Spiritual Formation?, presented by Bob DeWaay and Barb Gretch. Believers are forgiven and are continually cleansed from sin through the means of grace. We contrast this with the man-centered techniques of spiritual formation. We can trust in the outcome of the means of grace - God carries us to glory. (duration 00:27:33) Click here to play
A new MP3 sermon from Christ Church Presbyterian is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Ordinary Means of Grace, Part 2 Subtitle: An Exposition of Joshua Speaker: Dr. Jon D. Payne Broadcaster: Christ Church Presbyterian Event: Sunday Service Date: 4/6/2025 Bible: Joshua 5:1-12 Length: 45 min.
A new MP3 sermon from Heritage Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: 3. The Means of Grace Subtitle: 2025 RB Family Camp Speaker: Dr. James M. Renihan Broadcaster: Heritage Baptist Church Event: Camp Meeting Date: 4/4/2025 Length: 47 min.
The Fundamentals - St. Mark Houston
In this sermon we talk about Jesus's transfiguration, John Wesley, and the means of grace.
A new MP3 sermon from Christ Church Presbyterian is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Ordinary Means of Grace, Part 1 Subtitle: An Exposition of Joshua Speaker: Dr. Jon D. Payne Broadcaster: Christ Church Presbyterian Event: Sunday Service Date: 3/30/2025 Bible: Joshua 5:1-12 Length: 54 min.
David Mathis | Fellowship is not a nice addition to personal Christianity but a vital means of grace. Through fellowship, we help each other hold fast till heaven.
Dr. Tiffany Ross and the talk about Lent and the formative place of means of grace during this season.---Dr. Tiffany Ross, pastor at Gateway Church of the Nazarene, joined with the Jasons in the second of their two-part interview. In this episode, the Jasons and Tiffany walk through their understanding of Lent, focusing on spiritual practices called, in Wesleyan circles, the means of grace. The means of grace are transformative in our lives, imparting God's grace to us, inspiring us to act in faith, and result in grace for ourselves and others. They are the heart of spiritual formation, and the core of what the season of Lent is all about.Episode rundown:What is Lent?Lent and the Means of GraceWhat are the means of grace?How are we practicing the means of grace this season?
Pastor Garrison GreeneTEXT: 1 Peter 1:22-2:3BIG IDEA: The Word of God is a means of grace whereby God causes his people to be born again and brought up in maturity.OUTLINE: The Word of God…1. Grants the New Birth To Enduring Life (1:22-25)2. Gives Us Nourishment To Spiritual Maturity (2:1-3)RESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; Christian Standard Commentary: 1 & 2 Peter and Jude by Thomas Schreiner; Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: 1 Peter by Karen Jobes; Reformed Expository Commentary: 1 Peter by Dan Doriani; Green Pastures: Ordinary Means of Grace for Ordinary Believers by J Ryan Davidson
FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – Freedom of conscience is our first freedom—without it, we are not truly free. We must stay vigilant in protecting religious liberty or risk legal consequences. This explores the battle beyond politics, one of good versus evil. Plus, how are you engaging in Lent? Discover ways to tap into God's grace and deepen your faith journey.
Throughout the season of Lent 2025, we will have a virtual book study.Deaconess Dehlia and Pastor Adam sit down with member Kris Camealy. Together, they discuss the chapters of Gene Veith's The Spirituality of the Cross. New Episodes will release each Sunday through Palm Sunday.Email | podcast@stjohndublin.orgChurch Website: stjohndublin.orgChurch Center: stjohndublin.churchcenter.comText Your Questions & Comments Here!
In this episode, John-Mark and Pastor Ryan Davidson delve into the topics of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, exploring how these ordinances serve as means of grace. Ryan, who teaches at International Reformed Baptist Seminary, discusses the theological foundations and communal aspects of these sacraments, emphasizing their significance beyond mere religious rituals. The conversation draws on insights from Ryan's book, 'Green Pastures: Ordinary Means of Grace for Ordinary Believers,' and highlights the importance of these practices in strengthening faith and godliness in the church. Listeners are encouraged to deepen their understanding and appreciation of these ordinances and to engage regularly with the means of grace in their local congregations.Send us a textContact Broken Wharfe Tweet us @Brokenwharfe Find us on Facebook at BrokenWharfe Follow us on Instagram at BrokenWharfe Email us at info@brokenwharfe.com Thanks for listening!
In this episode, J. Ryan Davidson joins John-Mark to consider how the preaching of the Word of God is a means of grace. Scripture texts such as Rom 10:14-17 and 1 Pet 1:22 are considered, with application to how we might best prepare our hearts and prayerfully support our elders in relation to the Word preached. This series on the means of grace provides an overview of the material in "Green Pastures: Ordinary Means of Grace for Ordinary Believers," published by Broken Wharfe. More information can be found at brokenwharfe.com/bookshop/Send us a textContact Broken Wharfe Tweet us @Brokenwharfe Find us on Facebook at BrokenWharfe Follow us on Instagram at BrokenWharfe Email us at info@brokenwharfe.com Thanks for listening!
In this episode, J. Ryan Davidson gives a short overview of the confessional and reformed doctrine of the means of grace. Scripture texts such as Acts 20:32 are considered, alongside historic formulations of the doctrine from the Second London Confession of Faith and the 19th Century Dutch Theologian, Herman Bavinck. This series on the means of grace provides an overview of the material in "Green Pastures: Ordinary Means of Grace for Ordinary Believers", published by Broken Wharfe. More information can be found at brokenwharfe.com/bookshop/Send us a textContact Broken Wharfe Tweet us @Brokenwharfe Find us on Facebook at BrokenWharfe Follow us on Instagram at BrokenWharfe Email us at info@brokenwharfe.com Thanks for listening!
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
On Sunday, January 26, 2025, Pastor Joe Troutman lead a discussion on the Means of Grace in adult Sunday school.
Ross Lester introduces spiritual disciplines as a means of grace that disrupt our busy lives to remind ourselves of the reality of Jesus.
Text: Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:24-25; Romans 10:17
Acts 2: 38-42
On today's Servants of Grace podcast, a listener writes in and asks Dave, “What are the means of grace and how do I engage in them in the New Year?”What You'll Hear on this EpisodeThe aim and purpose of the means of grace.How to engage the means of grace.Subscribing, sharing, and your feedbackYou can subscribe to the Servants of Grace Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, or your favorite podcast catcher. If you like what you've heard, please consider leaving a rating and share it with your friends (it takes only takes a second and will go a long way to helping other people find the show). You can also connect with me on Twitter at @davejjenkins, on Facebook, or via email to share your feedback.Thanks for listening to this week's episode of Servants of Grace theology segment!
On today's Servants of Grace podcast, a listener writes in and asks Dave, "What are the means of grace and how do I engage in them in the New Year?"What You'll Hear on this Episode• The aim and purpose of the means of grace.• How to engage the means of grace.Subscribing, sharing, and your feedbackFor 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%3D242879Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/22CmXpzbz6JYjemSV0CMwtAmazon Music: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9zZXJ2YW50c29mZ3JhY2Uub3JnL2ZlZWQvcG9kY2FzdC8YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/servantsofgraceThanks for listening to this week's episode of Servants of Grace theology segment!
Dr. R. Scott Clark and pastor Sean Morris help us think about how to be both faithful and welcoming to visitors, outsiders, and newcomers. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTAHYqEnmSw
Jesus heals a blind beggar and reveals faith as the means whereby grace is applied.
All the Episodes of the Heidelcast Subscribe to the Heidelcast! On X @Heidelcast On Insta & Facebook @Heidelcast Subscribe in Apple Podcast Subscribe directly via RSS Call The Heidelphone via Voice Memo On Your Phone The Heidelcast is available wherever podcasts are found including Spotify. Call or text the Heidelphone anytime at (760) 618-1563. Leave a message or email us a voice memo from your phone and we may use it in a future podcast. Record it and email it to heidelcast@heidelblog.net. If you benefit from the Heidelcast please leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts so that others can find it. Please do not forget to make the coffer clink (see the donate button below). SHOW NOTES How To Subscribe To Heidelmedia The Heidelblog Resource Page Heidelmedia Resources The Ecumenical Creeds The Reformed Confessions The Heidelberg Catechism Recovering the Reformed Confession (Phillipsburg: P&R Publishing, 2008) Why I Am A Christian What Must A Christian Believe? Heidelblog Contributors Support Heidelmedia: use the donate button or send a check to: Heidelberg Reformation Association 1637 E. Valley Parkway #391 Escondido CA 92027 USA The HRA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
All the Episodes of the Heidelcast Subscribe to the Heidelcast! On X @Heidelcast On Insta & Facebook @Heidelcast Subscribe in Apple Podcast Subscribe directly via RSS Call The Heidelphone via Voice Memo On Your Phone The Heidelcast is available wherever podcasts are found including Spotify. Call or text the Heidelphone anytime at (760) 618-1563. Leave a message or email us a voice memo from your phone and we may use it in a future podcast. Record it and email it to heidelcast@heidelblog.net. If you benefit from the Heidelcast please leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts so that others can find it. Please do not forget to make the coffer clink (see the donate button below). SHOW NOTES How To Subscribe To Heidelmedia The Heidelblog Resource Page Heidelmedia Resources The Ecumenical Creeds The Reformed Confessions The Heidelberg Catechism Recovering the Reformed Confession (Phillipsburg: P&R Publishing, 2008) Why I Am A Christian What Must A Christian Believe? Heidelblog Contributors Support Heidelmedia: use the donate button or send a check to: Heidelberg Reformation Association 1637 E. Valley Parkway #391 Escondido CA 92027 USA The HRA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
All the Episodes of the Heidelcast Subscribe to the Heidelcast! On X @Heidelcast On Insta & Facebook @Heidelcast Subscribe in Apple Podcast Subscribe directly via RSS Call The Heidelphone via Voice Memo On Your Phone The Heidelcast is available wherever podcasts are found including Spotify. Call or text the Heidelphone anytime at (760) 618-1563. Leave a message or email us a voice memo from your phone and we may use it in a future podcast. Record it and email it to heidelcast@heidelblog.net. If you benefit from the Heidelcast please leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts so that others can find it. Please do not forget to make the coffer clink (see the donate button below). SHOW NOTES How To Subscribe To Heidelmedia The Heidelblog Resource Page Heidelmedia Resources The Ecumenical Creeds The Reformed Confessions The Heidelberg Catechism Recovering the Reformed Confession (Phillipsburg: P&R Publishing, 2008) Why I Am A Christian What Must A Christian Believe? Heidelblog Contributors Support Heidelmedia: use the donate button or send a check to: Heidelberg Reformation Association 1637 E. Valley Parkway #391 Escondido CA 92027 USA The HRA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
The Lord's Supper is the rehearsal dinner that anticipates the great wedding feast of the Lamb and His Bride, the church. Today, Sinclair Ferguson helps us gain deeper insight into the Supper's significance. Get 'The Basics of the Christian Life' DVD and Digital Study Guide with Sinclair Ferguson for Your Gift of Any Amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3490/the-basics-of-the-christian-life Meet Today's Teacher: Sinclair Ferguson is a Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow, vice-chairman of Ligonier Ministries, and Chancellor's Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary. He is featured teacher for several Ligonier teaching series, including Union with Christ. He is author of many books, including The Whole Christ, Maturity, and Devoted to God's Church. Dr. Ferguson is also host of the podcast Things Unseen. Meet the Host: Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Baptism is a naming ceremony, and the whole of the Christian life is to be lived in the context of this new name that has been given to us. Today, Sinclair Ferguson conveys the biblical significance of baptism. Get 'The Basics of the Christian Life' DVD and Digital Study Guide with Sinclair Ferguson for Your Gift of Any Amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3490/the-basics-of-the-christian-life Meet Today's Teacher: Sinclair Ferguson is a Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow, vice-chairman of Ligonier Ministries, and Chancellor's Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary. He is featured teacher for several Ligonier teaching series, including Union with Christ. He is author of many books, including The Whole Christ, Maturity, and Devoted to God's Church. Dr. Ferguson is also host of the podcast Things Unseen. Meet the Host: Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Do you ever find it difficult to pray? You're not alone--and you're not without help. Today, Sinclair Ferguson identifies the attitude and approach that Jesus has laid out for His people in prayer. Get 'The Basics of the Christian Life' DVD and Digital Study Guide with Sinclair Ferguson for Your Gift of Any Amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3490/the-basics-of-the-christian-life Meet Today's Teacher: Sinclair Ferguson is a Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow, vice-chairman of Ligonier Ministries, and Chancellor's Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary. He is featured teacher for several Ligonier teaching series, including Union with Christ. He is author of many books, including The Whole Christ, Maturity, and Devoted to God's Church. Dr. Ferguson is also host of the podcast Things Unseen. Meet the Host: Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
While many books can inform us, only God's Book has the power to transform us. Today, Sinclair Ferguson explains how God brings His people to maturity through His written Word. Get 'The Basics of the Christian Life' DVD and Digital Study Guide with Sinclair Ferguson for Your Gift of Any Amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3490/the-basics-of-the-christian-life Meet Today's Teacher: Sinclair Ferguson is a Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow, vice-chairman of Ligonier Ministries, and Chancellor's Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary. He is featured teacher for several Ligonier teaching series, including Union with Christ. He is author of many books, including The Whole Christ, Maturity, and Devoted to God's Church. Dr. Ferguson is also host of the podcast Things Unseen. Meet the Host: Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
David Mathis | When Christians read the Bible, we're after more than understanding God's words. We're after enjoying God's Word. We're after Jesus.