Growing in Grace

When we hear the phrase 'weak in faith,' all kinds of different thoughts may run through our head, depending on past and current Bible teaching. Some of what may be assumed is that the weak in faith are lesser Christians or some sort of second-class believers. Some might mistakenly consider this as accusatory or insulting language from Paul. In context, Paul was referencing those who feel the need...

The religious accusation of being "friends with the world" will mean many different things to different people ... but it is generally rooted in a law-based mindset. We've had such accusations hurled at us both personally and through the podcast. And we've been a part of that haughty hangout in the past. It's not a place of grace and love. --Available on Amazon - "Clash of The Covenants: Escaping...

Listeners have written to us to express their inner battle with being able to love themselves. The lifeless seeds plated by others left them feeling barren and unsure of themselves ... and lacking confidence in God's love for them. They often have to deal with well-meaning but judgmental types who will wag their finger at them for doing things they enjoy but may be considered taboo to those snared...

It's unfortunate so many have wrestled with low self-esteem. There could be many reasons individuals experience this ... including misguided Bible teaching. God wants us to see the high value He has bestowed upon us as His creation. Jesus paid the ultimate price for us and although we don't hear it preached very often, He has crowned us with glory and honor. Think about it! We are identified as ro...

Our conversation this week is about growing in grace and our understanding of the gospel. Of course, this isn't referring to finding ways to get more grace because God has already abundantly provided all of us with more than enough. But there is always a journey involving our understanding of it. Some will struggle with growing because it may mean having a change of mind about something they consi...

Truth isn't meant to be based on being persuaded by Bible doctrines that we embrace or reject. One can't help but wonder the number of people who attend a church building regularly who struggle with where they stand with God. They may sometimes feel worse coming out than when they went in. Why? Most likely because the good news was missing from the sermon which contained a number of Bible verses q...

Even the works that religion is so zealous to emphasize is by grace through faith and not of ourselves. We boast in nothing. What we do (or avoid) is not meant to be 'spiritual exercise' to strengthen or secure our position with God. Doing good works will not wipe out the struggle with condemnation. It will not make faith perfect. This is the job of Jesus and it's finished. It will not be the proo...

Jesus cautioned His disciples to avoid the "look at me" approach used by hypocrites who feel it is necessary to be seen with their doing. It is based in law, not faith. After all, faith is the evidence of that which is not seen. We walk by faith, not by sight. Anybody can perform outwardly and do good deeds ... and they don't have to be self-professed believers in Jesus to demonstrate something po...

So ... what about this 'fruit stand' that church brands along the side of the road are always trying to advertise? Even as one of their steady customers, religious fruit inspectors may have cited you with having dead faith if 'your' fruit isn't being seen outwardly. That's not a very reassuring place to be—because how in the world will you know you've achieved success and that all is well in the f...

A common catchphrase that may get thrown around a lot goes something like: "Let's keep our eyes on Jesus." It's certainly good advice to be looking to Jesus ... but just exactly what does it mean? Ask this question to a group of believers or ministers and you're likely to get a variety of different answers. How does one fix their eyes upon Him and what does it involve on our end of things to accom...

To a significant degree, Bible teaching consists of a perspective or opinion ... a point of view. You've probably noticed the seemingly infinite number of those different theories and expressions. Many times, one well-known church or pastor can express the polar opposite of another prominent—if not trendy—minister with a popular following. It becomes an academic or philosophical debate about thing...

In his letters to Timothy, Paul talked about people with itching ears who would pursue myths and fables as they strayed from sound teaching. Have you ever had someone from the legalistic side of the fence make the accusation it is a reference to those 'hyper-grace radicals?' So ... who are these people Paul mentions with mosquito bites on their ears? :) Suffice it to say that it wasn't people who...

In spite of whatever ups and downs you've had on this planet ... whatever inconsistencies and broken promises you've lived or experienced from others ... no matter what the struggles ... we have a guarantee. It's Jesus. While the religions of the world (often including Christianity) will tend to focus on 'our' doing, our methods, our efforts and our good deeds to be seen by others—God made an oath...

"Backsliding." If you've been enjoying the message related to the gospel of grace for a while, you may not have heard the word for a long time. On the other hand, it is probably a regular part of one's vocabulary if surrounded by a legalistic landscape. "Backsliding" will have various implications that are defined very broadly amongst the denominational spectrum. How does a person come to be defin...

There are no chapters in the Bible specifically dedicated to the word legalism ... but the concept can be found throughout the pages. In a nutshell, it's the human effort to acquire God's acceptance and approval while being rewarded with eternal life and other blessings. There can be varying degrees of legalism, sometimes mixed with at least trace elements of the gospel of grace. But a little bit...

Most church customers who believe in Jesus have been taught they are just sinners (saved by grace) with unclean hearts ... and need to keep seeking a renewed forgiveness from God whenever they fail or fall short. This often becomes a heavily embedded routine that isn't exactly going to strengthen one's true identity as a person who is declared to be righteous and holy, apart from works. It keeps C...

One of the biggest struggles for those who have been chained to various types of legalism is the worry that God hasn't forgiven them. Perhaps such a concern is because of something they did or they may have frequently done. It usually results in people feeling as though they need to repeatedly seek more forgiveness from God, over and over again. This leaves people wondering from day to day if they...

We all have different abilities, gifts and talents. Within corporate church systems, some members of the body are recruited or convinced they are 'called' to function in a part of the ministry they are not comfortable with. Others have chastised those who believe or function in a gift they themselves do not operate in and will teach that certain spiritual gifts have become obsolete. This can be th...

It is difficult to experience the peace of God to the fullest if we're steadily or periodically wondering whether we're in God's will. It becomes even more complicated if we're worried what the negative ramifications might be if we become convinced through external sources that we are "out of God's will." Christ in you, that is God's will for you, and it is a place of peace and rest. He will be wi...

People can go through all kinds of stress and worry while wondering or trying to figure out what God's will is for their life. It can result in this life becoming heavy and hard instead of light and easy. Sometimes it's just a matter of trusting God to lead and guide. This becomes easier when we can set aside the magnifying glass and begin to see the bigger picture of God's will for your life bein...

It has been said that grace can result in a license to sin if it isn't balanced with a message of religious law and works. The concerns that grace alone will cause people to be disobedient and choose a sinful lifestyle is the equivalent of blaming Jesus for the choices people make. Avoiding sin is good advice, we've said this for years. It is grace that teaches us in producing a more fruitful and...

There are people who show compassion and do good things to help others. Some are Christians, others are not. Some do it from a loving heart, others do it to try to earn points with God or to be seen by others for recognition. When abiding in grace, what is the motivation to give to others who may be in need of help? Is it based on duty and obligation? Trying to avoid guilt? Feeling required to do...

Many Christians consider the Bible as a book that is their connection to God. This is understandable because people tend to desire in seeking ways to make God more tangible within their life and world. The pages are something we can touch and see. It can easily become something worshiped or considered to be our primary source and destination when it comes to knowing God. But it's all based upon ho...

A listener shares with us their story of spending decades in several different churches while working at being dedicated and committed to the cause. Over time, they began to struggle with depression, anxiety, guilt and shame. If it seems like there is something wrong with this picture, it's because there is ... and unfortunately, it's all too common. But we have some encouragement for those who fe...

Most have been subjected to religious behavioral requirements. It may be a standard you set for yourself, or it may have come from church friends or other sources. Maybe even by misunderstandings within Bible verses. If you convince yourself you're doing a 'pretty good' job of keeping up by performing enough to think of yourself as a successful doer, your 'spiritual' and emotional confidence rises...