People often think that they must not be moving forward because they still have struggles. Victory is not the absence of trouble. Victory is a person! Victory is Jesus Christ. If Jesus is our life and Jesus is victory then Christ in us is the victorious life. In this episode, Dr. John and Mark discuss providential pressures and how God uses these trials in our lives to crowd us to the cross. God uses these providential pressures to show us that our self-sufficiency is not sufficient. John and Mark also discuss the fact that believers are not sinless but we can sin less and walk in victory.

One of the resources mentioned is "The New Life" by Captain Reginal Wallis. This book is available on the GFI Online Bookstore: https://grace-fellowship-international.myshopify.com/products/the-new-life-talks-with-christians-on-practical-victory

Another book Mark mentioned was "Crowded to Christ" by L.E. Maxwell. This book is out of print but may be found at a thrift bookstore.

Dr. John and Mark attended the 2023 AACC World Conference in Nashville, TN. The theme of the conference was "Know Hope." In this episode, John and Mark discuss what they learned at the conference and this episode is filled with lots of great nuggets.

Episode 19 is a free preview of a new GFI audio resource called "Cultivating a NEW Marriage." What does that mean? If I am a new creation in Christ and my wife is a new creation in Christ then shouldn't our marriage be NEW? Carrie and I led a marriage conference asking this question and causing us to seek the answers to what a NEW marriage looks like for those who are new creations in Christ. This episode is the first of 7 podcasts, called "You, Me, and Holy Spirit." This first episode sets the theme for the entire audio resource. If you are interested in this resource, please go to www.GraceFellowshipInternational.com. Under the shop button, you will find "Cultivating a New Marriage" under the audio downloads. We hope you enjoy it!

In this bonus episode, Dr. John and Mark share about their trip to Cape Town, South Africa. John and Mark share some amazing, divine moments as well as some funny travel stories. The guys also share about a seminar held at Mark's church, and the workshop hosted in Pigeon Forge, TN. This is a fun episode to learn more about what God is doing at GFI! We hope you enjoy!

In this episode, Dr. John and Mark discuss grace, the law, and holiness. Sometimes people think that if we teach too much grace then people will think they can do whatever they want! However, those who understand their true identity, will not "abuse" grace. These terms are defined and the purpose of each is explained. John and Mark discuss questions like, "If I live under grace, then can I do what I want?" "What is the purpose of the law and should we mix law in with grace?" John and Mark also state that grace cannot be lived apart from holiness. Many of us desire grace but we are not generous with giving grace to others. We teach the theology of grace but do we practically live in grace and holiness? During the conversation, Dr. John defines the difference between punishment and discipline. Mark mentions two books. The first is "Stunned by Grace," written by Frank Friedmann. The second is "Understanding Grace," written by Dr. Lee Turner and this book can be purchased in our online store. Dr. John mentions the book, "Lifetime Guarantee," written by Bill Gilliam. Finally, Dr. John and Mark discuss whether "Exchanged Life" is only a positional truth.

In this episode, John and Mark interview Margy. During this interview, Margy gives her testimony to Christ and her journey to become a missionary in two different Asian countries. Margy also shares some issues that led her back home. She conveys how she has found freedom and victory through her time with GFI. Margy shares the process of surrendering her rights, putting off self-identity, and the redemption of suffering. This is a powerful testimony and one that will be a blessing to all who hear!

In this episode, John and Mark discuss surrender and passivity. They also discuss how surrendering to Christ doesn't mean we lose our personality. Many times in counseling and coaching, we discuss the necessity of surrender. Surrendering isn't waving a white flag, laying down our "weapons," and giving up. Surrendering is allowing Christ to work in and through me. In this episode, John and Mark also discuss why people have a hard time surrendering to God. John and Mark state that a call to surrender is not a call to passivity. Surrendering is actively depending upon Jesus. Dr. Best said, "Our union with Jesus will not lead to active or passive independence, but rather to a life of dependent activity, laboring while resting in His adequacy." Dr. Solomon adds, "God does not want us to work for Him, to witness for Him, to live for Him, He wants to get self out of the way so He can work through us." If you have questions or comments, please email us at [email protected]

Episode 15 is a free preview of a new GFI audio resource called, "The Christ-Centered Christian." This 10-part audio series is about who Jesus Christ is to the believer and who the believer is in Christ. A series of handouts for note taking and small group discussions are also provided with this resource. These documents were created by Kent Darcie. John and Mark want to thank Edmund Spicker, and "Champions Arise" for the partnership to make this resource available. This audio resource is available for download. Go to www.GraceFellowshipInternational.com. On our site, click the shop button, and this resource can be found under audio downloads.

Critics of the Exchanged Life claim these truths are a 2nd work of grace. In this episode, John and Mark refute this claim and explain why people may think this. Have we unpacked all the truths we have in Christ? The devotion mentioned is called, "His Victorious Indwelling" edited by Nick Harrison. In this episode, John and Mark also discuss grace-based sanctification. We are saved by grace and we are also kept by grace. Dr. John mentions two important verses regarding this truth: Hebrews 10:10 & 14. Finally, John and Mark discuss the different patterns people experience regarding salvation, surrender, and identification. Our app is called "Grace Fellowship International."

Our desire is for everyone to live victoriously! We continue our series on "Misunderstandings of Exchanged Life." Do Christians have two natures? Some people teach that whichever nature we feed most, will be the nature that dominates our life. In this episode, John and Mark define terms such as nature, sin, and flesh. Dr. John has written an article, titled, "Does the believer have two natures?" If you would like access to this article, email us at [email protected]. In the New Testament, James says a "double minded person is unstable in all his ways" (James 1:8). John and Mark also discuss why we sometimes do what we don't want to do (Romans 7). The book, "Misunderstandings of the Exchanged Life" by Dr. John Best is available in the GFI Bookstore.