Finding Strength Amid Grief

Let’s face it, sometimes it seems we face grief alone.  Family and friends may not be near you, or may be too busy to listen, comfort or encourage. And sometimes, they simply don’t understand your grief and may intentionally avoid you until you have, quote “gotten over it.” When this happens, we stall in our grief and can easily become discouraged or depressed.  But our guest in this podcast, in our series on “

#184: God’s Grace for our Grief (Part 2) |  Be Encouraged in the Lord

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Do you have a cherished childhood memory that stands out among the rest? One unforgettable moment was spent fishing with my dad. He was a complex man, carrying the weight of unresolved issues, but on the serene waters of the Little Red River, a remarkable transformation occurred. As we cast our lines, seeking trout or bream, he became a different person—a dad I loved being with.
 
My dad often spoke of how, on that very river, he felt closest to God. In the gentle ebb and flow of the water, he found a sanctuary for his soul. Those memories, filled with the tranquility of the river and the joy of bonding with my father, have stayed with me throughout my life.
 
I had the pleasure of reading an incredible book that transported me back to those cherished moments. “Fishing For Life, Insights for Living from a Jerk at the End of a Line” may sound like a book about catching fish, but it’s truly so much more than that. The author, who we are honored to have with us today, casts a line that goes beyond the fish. This book takes us on a remarkable journey, capturing the profound lessons of life and the breathtaking beauty that surrounds them—all while immersing us in the art of fishing.
 
Join us as we delve into the pages of this powerful and enchanting book. Discover how fishing, in all its simplicity and patience, can teach us the most profound lessons about life, love, and the human spirit. 
 
We are honored to introduce you to our esteemed guest, Dr. Charles Bing, the founder and director of Grace Life Ministries.
 
Dr. Bing’s quest for knowledge and understanding led him to earn his Masters and Doctorate in Theology from the prestigious Dallas Theological Seminary, where he delved deep into the spiritual realms and the nuances of faith. 
 
With a heart dedicated to serving others, Dr. Bing has spent an incredible 25 years in pastoral ministry. His experience is a testament to his unwavering commitment to guiding and nurturing the spiritual lives of those he’s touched.
 
Dr. Bing’s influence extends far beyond the pulpit, as he is a co-founder of the Free Grace Alliance. His work in this organization has had a profound impact on the world of faith, contributing to the theological discourse that shapes our understanding of grace and salvation.
 
Dr. Bing is also a prolific author, penning several insightful books. His publications include “Simply by Grace,” “Lordship Salvation,” “Living in the Family of Grace,” and many others that explore the intricate facets of faith, grace, and salvation.
 
Today, we have the privilege to embark on an enlightening journey with Dr. Bing as we explore his latest work, “Fishing for Life.” This promises to be a profound conversation, delving into the depths of spirituality, faith, and the remarkable lessons life has to offer.
 
This episode is brought to you by Saving Grace, one of the many levels of learning at Grace Center for Spiritual Development (GCSD).
 
At GCSD, our vision is to develop spiritual leaders in every nation who can teach others about the love of Christ, a love that cannot be earned and cannot be lost. We aim to provide a variety of exciting ways for you to engage with God’s Word and to be trained and equipped to be a spiritual leader in your sphere of influence.
 


#224: Fishing For Life (Part 1)

Legalism can take root within us as we interact with various people groups. It can manifest when we look down on others, speak derogatory words, or exclude individuals from our circles. When these tendencies emerge, it is imperative that we pause and reflect on whether legalism has found a dwelling place within our hearts. It’s an opportunity for us to assess our actions and motivations, to ensure they align with the teachings of Christ.
 
As we contemplate the message of Galatians 4:17 and the pernicious nature of legalism, we must remember that all worldly distinctions that separate us are dissolved in the love and teachings of Christ. While diversity remains a vibrant part of our human experience, Christ’s intention for the body of believers is unity. Our conversation today centers around this core theme: how we, as individuals, can work towards unity in a world rich with diversity.
 
In a world that often seeks to divide and exclude, the wisdom of Galatians 4:17 remains a guiding light. It reminds us to steer clear of the trappings of legalism and to embrace the unity that Christ envisioned for His followers. As we delve into this crucial topic today, let us collectively strive to be ambassadors of unity in a diverse world, just as Christ intended.
 
Grant Hawley brings a fresh perspective to this age-old issue. This timeless truth serves as a stark reminder that legalism, in its many forms, thrives on separation and division. It feeds on the belief that by excluding others, it can elevate itself. But we must question whether this is the path we wish to tread.
 
Grant is an Executive Director of the Free Grace Alliance and a Pastor of Bold Grace Fellowship in The Colony, TX. He is an author of multiple books including “The Guts of Grace: Preparing Ordinary Saints for Extraordinary Ministry” and “Let the Text Speak: An Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics”. He is also an editor of “21 Tough Questions about Grace” and “Free Grace Theology: 5 Ways it Magnifies the Gospel”. Additionally, Grant is a member of the Council on Dispensational Hermeneutics.
 
This episode is brought to you by Saving Grace, one of the many levels of learning at Grace Center for Spiritual Development (GCSD).
 
At GCSD, our vision is to develop spiritual leaders in every nation who can teach others about the love of Christ, a love that cannot be earned and cannot be lost. We aim to provide a variety of exciting ways for you to engage with God’s Word and to be trained and equipped to be a spiritual leader in your sphere of influence.
 


#223: Diversity But Unity In The Body Of Christ

Join Tracy Marshall as she shares insights on living a life that truly counts for eternity.
 
Prepare to be inspired, enlightened, and empowered as we embark on this thought-provoking journey with Tracy Marshall. Stay tuned for more profound discussions on how you can make your life count in both the present and the eternal. 
 
Tracy is a member of the Board of Trustees for Grace School of Theology and serves as Co-Director of the Women’s Institute at the Grace Center for Spiritual Development. In addition, she is the Executive Director and President of the Board for Transparency USA, whose mission is to provide clear, accurate, easy-to-understand information about the money in state politics. Tracy received both her Bachelor and law degrees from Duke University. She practiced employment law in Dallas, TX before moving with her family to Midland, TX in 2002, She and her husband are founding members of the Grammar School at Midland Classical Academy, where she served for many years in various roles, including as Chairman of the Executive Committee.
 
Tracy’s literary contributions are equally impressive. Her Bible Study, “Security and Significance,” is a beacon of spiritual insight and guidance, enriching the lives of countless individuals seeking meaning and purpose.
 
This episode is brought to you by Saving Grace, one of the many levels of learning at Grace Center for Spiritual Development (GCSD).
 
At GCSD, our vision is to develop spiritual leaders in every nation who can teach others about the love of Christ, a love that cannot be earned and cannot be lost. We aim to provide a variety of exciting ways for you to engage with God’s Word and to be trained and equipped to be a spiritual leader in your sphere of influence.
 


#222: Living a Life that Counts for Eternity

Life, with all its twists and turns, is a gift from the Divine, a journey tailor-made for each one of us. It’s a tale that unfolds like a fairytale, filled with epic adventures and remarkable moments. But here’s the extraordinary part: It’s not fiction; it’s the truth. It’s the story that transcends all stories, written in the sacred pages of the Bible.
 
Today, we invite you to delve deep into the heart of the matter, to explore the very essence of this God-given life we lead and our unique place in God’s awe-inspiring narrative. At the heart of it all lies a quest, a quest for significance that each of us must embark upon.
 
Explore the parallels between your life and the epic tales found in the Bible. Join Tracy Marshall on a journey of spiritual growth and self-discovery.
 
Tracy is a member of the Board of Trustees for Grace School of Theology and serves as Co-Director of the Women’s Institute at the Grace Center for Spiritual Development. In addition, she is the Executive Director and President of the Board for Transparency USA, whose mission is to provide clear, accurate, easy-to-understand information about the money in state politics. Tracy received both her Bachelor and law degrees from Duke University. She practiced employment law in Dallas, TX before moving with her family to Midland, TX in 2002, She and her husband are founding members of the Grammar School at Midland Classical Academy, where she served for many years in various roles, including as Chairman of the Executive Committee.
 
Tracy’s literary contributions are equally impressive. Her Bible Study, “Security and Significance,” is a beacon of spiritual insight and guidance, enriching the lives of countless individuals seeking meaning and purpose.
 
This episode is brought to you by Saving Grace, one of the many levels of learning at Grace Center for Spiritual Development (GCSD).
 
At GCSD, our vision is to develop spiritual leaders in every nation who can teach others about the love of Christ, a love that cannot be earned and cannot be lost. We aim to provide a variety of exciting ways for you to engage with God’s Word and to be trained and equipped to be a spiritual leader in your sphere of influence.
 


#221: The Quest For Significance

Today, we are confronted with a substantial, difficult-to-approach, yet crucial topic. We focus on the heartbreaking scenario in which depression leads to the tragic loss of our loved ones, particularly our delicate adolescents.
 
For those left behind, the aftermath of such a loss is a tumultuous sea of emotions. Parents and friends frequently disclose that they did not see any warning signs, leaving them with a haunting sense of helplessness. Guilt for not being able to intervene and save such a cherished life accompanies their enormous sorrow.
 
With heavy but determined hearts, we endeavor to bring light into the darkness. In the midst of the storm, we aim to provide parents and friends with valuable insights that serve as a beacon of understanding and direction.
 
We can begin to alleviate the burden of guilt and embrace the healing power of community by combining our collective fortitude, empathy, and the Lord’s grace. As we navigate this difficult topic, let us not lose sight of the fact that each conversation brings us one step closer to aiding those who require it most.
 


#184: God’s Grace for our Grief (Part 2) | Be Encouraged in the Lord

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