From the Word with Carlos Espinoza

Depending on the messages we've heard growing up, we may be under the impression that the message of salvation is not for all. Perhaps we think that Jesus is one way to Heaven among many different ways, or even that God has selected only a certain kind of people to rescue. In this episode we see what the Word says about Jesus' desire to save the world and all the different kinds of people in the b...

In this opening episode of the second season we explore how God has lovingly and earnestly sent His Word of salvation to the world. He makes an incredible effort to reach the lost and draw them to Himself, even though that effort may appear nonexistent to us.

In this episode we wrap up the first season by discussing how God is making all things new. We live in a world of despair and brokenness. Yet, Jesus has mercifully initiated His Kingdom here on earth. Therefore, we have reason to rejoice as we look to the new.

There have been many conversations in our world surrounding justice over the last several years. We all desire justice, but what does that justice look like exactly? In this episode we turn to Scripture for our definition of justice and all that it entails.

In a previous episode we discussed God's unchanging nature. In this episode we go a little further into God's eternity and what the implications of His eternity are on a people that is temporal. We ought to praise God for His eternal nature and understand His majesty.

In a world of what is unholy it can often be difficult to know what is holy. How does holiness operate in an unholy world? In this episode we look at a couple of passages that help us understand a holy God's approach to an unholy people.

We know that God is patient, but how does He exhibit that patience towards us and what is the reason for His patience? In this episode we explore 2 Peter 3 to unfold what God's patience means for us in a fallen and broken world.

Today we have an understandable distrust of authority. Many times leaders and systems fail us. However, we have a God who will never fail. In this episode we explore God's faithfulness and how we can rest assured that He will remain faithful.

In this episode we kick off a six-part series on some of the attributes of God. We begin by discussing God's mercy. While some of us consider God to be one of wrath and punishment, the Bible portrays a God who delights in showing mercy and who is slow to anger.

In a bit of a follow-up to "God Loves You," we unpack the reality of God's forgiveness. We can too easily begin to believe that we need to make up for our sin when we slump into guilt and condemnation. However, we need to remember that Jesus has declared it is finished. Our forgiveness has been achieved once and for all.

One way we can be sure of God's love for us and our status as His children is the Bible's clear truth that He has chosen us. In this episode we discuss God's choosing of His people as we look to Deuteronomy 7 and Ephesians 1 and 2.

In an ever-changing world many of us are plagued with uncertainty, instability, and anxiety. We are created to be grounded by an anchor and something that is certain. In this episode we explore what the Word says regarding God's unchanging nature and how it is a comfort to us as His children.

One of the most perplexing subjects in our walk of faith is that of physical healing. We are all aware of painful moments when someone we know and love is not healed, despite our earnest prayers. But what does the Bible tell us in regards to disease and death? In this episode we explore what it looks like to have victory in this area.

In this episode we discuss the idea that we fight from victory not toward victory. We can tend to get bogged down in fighting for God's favor and doing good works out of the strength of our flesh. However, the Scriptures tell us that Jesus has already secured victory on our behalf.

We give many praises to God the Father and God the Son, but do we pay sufficient respects to the Holy Spirit? In this episode we discuss the importance of the Spirit and its implications for us as Christians today.

In a world where everything else is loud and constant it can be difficult to hear the voice of God. It can feel as though He is silent, especially when we hear stories of people who claim to hear the audible voice of God. But does God speak? If so, how does He speak to us today?

It may be tempting to think that God is holding out on us when life is not going the way we desire. However, through the study of a couple passages, we can see that God is truly One who desires to abundantly bless and pardon.

There are many hard truths and sayings in Scripture. God sometimes deals with people in ways which we might find harsh. But what is His ultimate goal? In this episode we explore how God from the beginning has had His sights set on redemption and restoration, not punishment.

How many times have we failed in life? Whether it be persistent sin we struggle with or other disappointments, God is more than able to work through failures and bring about something new and beautiful. In this episode we read the story of Jacob and Esau's reconciliation as well share a personal testimony.

How do we know how God feels about us? We are told to cast our burdens on Him because He cares for us. But what else does the Word say to let us know that He truly cares for us in our human state?

Many people believe that the Christian life is about keeping a set of rules, and by keeping those rules, one can earn God's favor. This couldn't be further from the truth. The Word tells us God's true heart for us and what He intends to do with our burdens.

No one enjoys struggle. Today, it is something we all too often avoid. This can extend to our relationship with God. We can tend to avoid struggling with the Lord and His Word or also avoid bringing our struggles to Him out of fear that they are too messy for Him or not worth His time. In this episode we look at a couple of depictions of human struggle in the Bible.

Sadly, many people have been oppressed throughout history. Fellow image-bearers have been exploited and abused. In this episode we explore what is God's posture towards the oppressed and the oppressor. How does He deal out justice to the oppressor and how does He comfort their victims?

Since the fall, God desires to put the world back together and draw people to Himself. However, He strategically engages with and partners with people, in order to bring His story to completion. In this episode we discuss characteristics of those God chooses to partner with.

Too many Christians and non-Christians have been wounded by the church. It can be tempting to allow that hurt to fester and result in walking away from the church or even faith altogether. In this episode we seek encouragement and a word of hope regarding the necessity of the church and God's promise to preserve it, despite its messiness.