Marked by Grace

Is getting life insurance a sign of fear or an act of love? This question divides many Christian families - one spouse wants financial protection while the other believes it shows lack of faith. In this episode of Marked by Grace, Heath Lambert tackles this practical theology question using three key Scripture passages. Discover why biblical wisdom actually encourages planning for future needs, ho...

Got baptized before you were truly saved? This is more common than you might think. In this episode of Marked by Grace, Heath Lambert addresses a listener's question about getting baptized at 14 without being saved, then coming to faith at 35. Using Romans 6:1-4, discover why baptism is a sign that only has meaning when the spiritual reality it represents has actually occurred in your heart. Learn...

Feeling disconnected in your church despite being surrounded by people? You're not alone. In this episode of Marked by Grace, Heath Lambert addresses one of the most common struggles in modern church life - cultivating authentic community instead of settling for surface-level acquaintances. Discover the biblical "one another" principle that transforms shallow relationships into deep, meaningful co...

Pastor Heath Lambert examines whether the American Revolution was biblically justified, combining Christian theology with American history. Perfect for July 4th discussions about faith, patriotism, and Romans 13's teaching on government authority. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Introduction: Revolution and Faith for July 4th 1:07 - The Question: Were the Founding Fathers Sinful to Rebel? 2:11 - The Complexity:...

Navigating family relationships when you disagree with your family's church choice is one of the most challenging situations Christians face. Pastor Heath Lambert provides biblical wisdom for this delicate balance between family loyalty and theological convictions. Using the framework of theological triage, this episode helps believers understand when to compromise, when to stand firm, and how lov...

One of humanity's most persistent theological questions is thoroughly examined in this episode of Marked by Grace. Pastor Heath Lambert tackles the challenging problem of evil and God's goodness, providing three classical Christian responses that have guided believers through centuries of doubt and difficulty. Whether you're wrestling with personal suffering or trying to understand God's character...

Ever wondered about the visible signs of God's covenants? This episode explores one of the most profound questions in biblical theology: What is the visible representation of God's covenant with King David? Pastor Heath Lambert dives deep into covenant theology, explaining how God uses visible signs to represent invisible relationships. Discover why Jesus sitting on His heavenly throne is the ulti...

Wondering if you've missed your chance to start family devotions with older kids? This episode provides biblical wisdom and practical steps for beginning family worship at ANY age, even with teenagers! Pastor Heath Lambert tackles one of the most common questions Christian parents face: starting family devotions when you never did them before. Discover why it's never too late, how to handle the aw...

Jesus was fully divine, yet Luke 2:52 says He "increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God." How is this possible? In today's episode, Pastor Heath Lambert breaks down this theological question, exploring Christ's active and passive obedience and what it means for believers today. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to Marked by Grace podcast 00:20 How to submit your questions to markedbygra...

Heath Lambert addresses a question from a youth minister about how to guide young Christians seeking "closure" after relationships end. Discover how to recognize what people are really asking for beneath this vague term, and respond with biblical wisdom. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Introduction and this week's topic on relationship closure 0:35 Context: Youth minister's question about teenage breakups 1:37 T...

Heath Lambert addresses questions about narcissism in Christian ministry: Is it widespread in churches, and should those displaying narcissistic traits be removed from leadership? Discover how Scripture reframes this contemporary psychological concern as the age-old spiritual problem of pride. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Introduction to this week's topic on covert narcissism 0:50 How the Marked by Grace ques...

Heath Lambert examines a complex interpretive question that's increasingly raised in discussions about homosexuality and Scripture. Learn why attempts to find LGBTQ+ affirmation in the close friendship between David and Jonathan represent problematic biblical interpretation. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Introduction and today's controversial question 0:46 Context: A member's conversation with someone claiming...

Heath Lambert addresses a challenging question facing many Christians today: What should we do with books and resources from Christian leaders who have fallen into sin or been disqualified from ministry? Learn a biblical framework for approaching this increasingly common dilemma. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Introduction and today's difficult question 0:45 The context: Many prominent Christian leaders falling...

Heath Lambert explores why the resurrection of Jesus is essential for salvation, not just a historical event to celebrate once a year. Discover how Christ's resurrection proves His victory over sin and empowers believers to live transformed lives. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Introduction and continuing the resurrection conversation 0:45 Is the resurrection important for salvation? 1:23 Why we often focus onl...

Heath Lambert examines the historical evidence for Jesus Christ's resurrection. Discover why even skeptics in the first century were convinced by overwhelming eyewitness testimony, and why the resurrection stands as the most well-documented miracle in history. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Introduction and the essential question of Christianity 0:52 Two possible responses to the resurrection claim 2:07 Why ske...

Heath Lambert explores the surprising origins of Easter traditions many Christians celebrate. Discover how the Easter bunny, colored eggs, and even the word "Easter" itself have roots in pagan fertility rituals, and learn how to keep Christ's resurrection at the center of your celebration. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Introduction and this week's question about Easter traditions 1:00 The pagan origins of the...

Heath Lambert explores a profound theological question: Does the doctrine of total depravity still apply to believers after salvation? Discover what Scripture teaches about our sinful nature before Christ and the transformative power of regeneration. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Introduction and today's theological question 0:48 What is total depravity? Defining the doctrine 2:18 Biblical foundation: Romans 8...

If Jesus was born of a virgin and had no human father, yet was fully human and male, where did His Y chromosome come from? Discover how this scientific question illuminates the miracle of the Incarnation. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Introduction to Marked by Grace podcast 0:18 Today's question: Where did Jesus get His Y chromosome? 0:46 Three realities to understand this question 0:52 Reality #1: What is a Y...

Heath Lambert addresses a sensitive pastoral qualification question: Does having an adult child who identifies as homosexual or enters a same-sex marriage disqualify someone from pastoral ministry? Learn what Scripture teaches about pastoral qualifications and family responsibility. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Introduction to Marked by Grace podcast 0:12 Today's question: Do homosexual kids disqualify a past...

Pastor Heath Lambert explores whether those recovering from addiction should count their days, months, or years of sobriety. With wisdom from Hebrews 13:9, he examines how tracking "clean time" can either support or potentially undermine true grace-centered recovery. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Introduction to Marked by Grace podcast 0:30 Today's question: Should addicts keep track of their clean time? 0:38...

On this episode of Marked by Grace, Pastor Heath Lambert addresses a challenging question: Is it biblical for Christians to threaten legal action against fellow believers? Discover what 1 Corinthians 6 teaches about resolving conflicts within the church and why both suing AND threatening to sue violates Scripture's clear teaching. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Introduction to Marked by Grace podcast 0:17 Today...

Pastor Heath Lambert addresses whether it's biblically acceptable for Christians to intentionally avoid or exclude other believers, particularly in everyday interactions like greeting one another. Key Points - Christians live in an increasingly "graceless" culture that normalizes cutting people off - Scripture commands us to "aim for restoration" (2 Corinthians 13:11) - While complete restoration...

Pastor Heath Lambert addresses whether someone with a history of abuse can serve in pastoral ministry, examining three key background issues that inform this complex question. Key Points - Biblical qualifications for pastors include being "above reproach" (Titus 1:6-7) and "well thought of by outsiders" (1 Timothy 3:7) - The importance of careful definition and evidence in abuse cases - The relati...

Pastor Heath Lambert addresses whether the Book of Genesis should be understood as actual history. Drawing from his current sermon series through Genesis at First Baptist, he explains why Genesis should be read as historical narrative rather than myth or allegory. Key Points - Genesis presents itself as historical narrative from beginning to end - The text provides no markers to separate myth from...

Pastor Heath Lambert addresses whether Christians who disagree publicly must seek personal reconciliation. Drawing from Scripture, he explains the important distinction between handling personal sin and addressing public false teaching. Key Points - Matthew 18:15 guides us on handling personal sin through private conversation - Titus 1:9 commands teachers to publicly address false teaching - Publi...