Crosswalk

What keeps us in a relationship with God—our faithfulness or His grace?

Continuing through Romans 11, Pastor Steve Whinery looks at Paul’s assurance that God has not abandoned Israel. From Paul’s own conversion to the 7,000 who remained faithful in Elijah’s day, Scripture shows that even in seasons of widespread rebellion, God preserves a remnant.

But that remnant exists by grace, not works. Salvation is a gift that cannot be earned by religious performance or obedience to the law. Pastor Steve contrasts grace, mercy, and justice while showing how self-righteousness can eventually leave a person spiritually blind to what God is doing.

Our hope is not that we have earned God’s favor. Our hope is that God is gracious.

How do you show grace to a teenager without allowing grace to become an excuse for disrespect and disobedience?

In this True Set Free Q&A, Pastor Steve Whinery offers biblical counsel for parents dealing with difficult teenage behavior. He discusses the importance of discipline, honoring father and mother, examining the influences surrounding a teenager, and bringing godly men into a young man’s life who can reinforce those biblical principles.

The conversation also addresses why David was not executed after his adultery with Bathsheba, how the Bible deals with polygamy, and the relationship between salvation and good works. Good works do not earn salvation—they are the natural fruit of a life that has already been saved by grace through faith in Christ.

Grace does not erase obedience, and good works do not purchase grace.

Has God finished with Israel?

As Pastor Steve Whinery begins Romans 11, Paul answers that question emphatically: certainly not. Israel rejected the Messiah, but their rejection is not the end of the story. God has preserved a remnant, and His promises and purposes for His people have not been abandoned.

Along the way, Pastor Steve looks at the purpose of the law, the responsibility each person has to respond when God opens their eyes to the truth, and Paul’s own dramatic conversion as evidence of God’s continuing work among the Jewish people.

Human beings may reject God, but God remains faithful to His promises. Israel’s story is not over.

What actually has the power to change someone’s heart?

Continuing through Romans 10, Pastor Steve Whinery explains why sharing the gospel is about more than repeating the right phrases or coming up with a compelling presentation. Faith comes through hearing God’s Word, and it is Scripture—not our cleverness—that God uses to open eyes and transform lives.

Pastor Steve shares examples from evangelism and ministry while emphasizing the importance of knowing Scripture well enough to bring God’s truth into everyday conversations. He also returns to Israel’s response to God: they had heard His Word, but repeatedly refused to listen, even as God continued reaching out to them.

Our words may be forgotten. God’s Word has the power to change a life.

It is possible to hear the Bible over and over—and eventually stop listening.

In Romans 10, Pastor Steve Whinery examines Paul’s statement that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Biblical hearing means more than simply being present when Scripture is read. It means listening with an open heart and being willing to respond when God speaks.

Pastor Steve warns about the danger of becoming so familiar with Scripture that we begin tuning it out, especially for those who have spent years around church. He also explains why God sends believers to share the gospel and why His Word—not our cleverness, stories, or arguments—is what has the power to reach and transform a life.

Don’t just hear the Word. Listen to it—and let God change you through it.

How can people believe in Jesus if no one tells them about Him?

Continuing through Romans 10, Pastor Steve Whinery looks at the open invitation of the gospel: whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. God has done the work of salvation, but each person must respond to Him in faith.

Paul then turns the question toward those who already believe: how will people hear without someone telling them? Pastor Steve examines the Christian’s responsibility to share the gospel, live as salt and light, and recognize the people and places God has specifically put within our reach.

Evangelism isn’t only the job of an evangelist. God has placed each of us somewhere—and sent us to someone.

How do you know when a doctrinal disagreement is simply a difference between Christians—and when it becomes something dangerous?

In this True Set Free Q&A, Pastor Steve Whinery distinguishes between unbelievers who need to be reached, believers who need correction, and false teachers who claim Christ while spreading doctrine that damages the faith of others. He discusses Romans 16 and the importance of recognizing the difference between essential biblical truths and secondary issues where Christians can disagree without attacking one another.

The conversation also addresses what Scripture tells us—and doesn’t tell us—about babies in heaven before turning to questions about Israel, Muslims, and God’s covenant promises to Abraham.

Christian unity does not mean ignoring false teaching, and biblical discernment does not mean attacking everyone who disagrees with you.

What does it actually mean to believe in Jesus?

In Romans 10, Pastor Steve Whinery looks at the simplicity of the gospel: confess Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead. Salvation is not something we earn through religion, good works, or trying to impress God. God has already done the work through Christ.

But biblical faith is more than knowing facts about Jesus. It means trusting the real Jesus revealed in Scripture, recognizing Him as Lord, believing in His resurrection, and personally responding to what God has done.

God has made the way of salvation clear. The question is whether we will believe Him and trust Christ.