Porter Podcast

Series: A Personal Exodus

A People in Bondage

Exodus 1-5; John 8:34-36

Exodus is the most referred to event in the Old Testament.  It    is motivation for praise for the psalmist, the prophets used it as a warning, and it provides hope for the exiles. 

Exodus is not only a historical event, it is a metaphor for God’s redemption of sinful people.

the exodus story

Because of a famine, the people of Israel had settled in the land of Egypt during the life of Joseph.   Over time, the good will that Joseph had achieved was forgotten and the people of Israel were seen as a threat.   Instead of expelling the people of Israel, they enslaved them.  

the dilemma of bondage

·      Those in bondage are dominated by their oppressor. 

·      Hope diminishes over time.  

·      The oppressor will not let go easily. 

·      People are helpless to change their situation.

John 8

  Everyone who commits sin is in bondage to sin. 

Born with a sinful nature

Christ brought hope of freedom.  

Our hope is found in a new identity – we become children of God

A person who is “really free” is free from condemnation and free to live differently. 

A Christian cannot be returned to bondage, but sometimes we forget we are free.

Today’s Takeaways

1.    All men were once in bondage to sin.

2.    Recognize that no one will find freedom apart from Christ.

Series: Modern Day Heresies

“My Happiness = God’s Will”

Mark 10

Materialism, faith healing, and the self-esteem gospel are all flavors of the prosperitymovement.   In these churches, man-centered messages are prevalent and a primary goal of knowing Jesus is to make this life better.

The prosperity gospel movement is a modern heresy, but traces can be found throughout history.  

why it is appealing

·      The prosperity gospel deals with tangible issues. 

·      It provides an excuse for our abundance.

·      People are desperate for deliverance.

·      People are naturally self-centered.

the problem

It harms those who are suffering, it detracts from the gospel, it breeds cynicism when promises (which God never made) do not come true, and it goes against the teachings of Jesus.

Jesus and Prosperity

Jesus is more concerned about your soul than your stuff.         

When your life is surrendered to Jesus, there is a joy that transcends this life.                    

Following Christ may result in you being treated like Christ.  

The Christian life is to be one of service and sacrifice—not self-protection, self-focus or self-indulgence. 

guard your heart

Be Discerning.

Focus on the Treasure that is Christ.

Today’s Takeaways

1.    Jesus’ plan for your life will bring Him more glory than it brings you.

2.    The reward of following Christ is knowing Christ.  

3.    Following Christ may not always be popular, but it will always be worth it.  

Series:  Modern Day Heresies

“Church Does Not Matter”

Hebrews 10:19-25

Throughout church history, a time of regular, corporate gathering has consistently been a part of a Christian’s expression of faith.       

A growing number of Christians have stopped attending an organized church.   Recently, theological concepts have arisen justifying the practice of “churchless” Christianity.   

why is this movement growing? 

·      People have had negative experiences in church.

·      Individualism has contributed.

·      People have failed to see the “value add” of church. 

·      Saying “it is not necessary” makes missing church easier. 

Hebrews 10:19-25

·      God has ordained the church. 

·      Forgiven people want to publicly acknowledge His mercy.  (19-22)

·      Church identifies people with Christ.  (23)

·      The church ensures faithful doctrine.   (23)

·      Church is necessary for Christian development.   (24)

·      Community is created in church.  (24-25)  

·      Church provides an evangelistic opportunity.  (25)  

DO YOUR PART

Love your faith community.

Leave a positive legacy for your kids.

Fight for the health of your church. 

Leverage the church for your mission. 

Today’s Takeaways

1.    The corporate church is a part of God’s plan for making disciples.

2.    Faithfulness to the church is a part of faithfulness to Christ. 

3.    Each church member should strive to strengthen the church. 

Series:  Modern Day Heresies

Holiness is Unnecessary

Ephesians 2:8-10; Romans 6-7

Grace is the distinguishing factor of Christianity.

Grace is dispensed through faith alone.

challenges to grace

·      Reverting to a legalistic mindset

·      Neglecting good works

In the early church, the Docetists claimed God only saved the spirit; the body was not worth saving.  They taught that striving for personal holiness was unnecessary.  Docetist beliefs were confronted and condemned by all New Testament writers.  

modern expressions:

Secularism/Liberalism –Standards are determined by the culture.  The word of God is antiquated and needs updating. 

Antinomianism – There is no need to observe the law.  Holiness is optional. 

Why this is attractive? 

·      People have tried and failed to be holy.

·      Working on holiness can seem judgmental.

·      People love people who have never given evidence of salvation.

·      Christians want to highlight “the gift” of salvation. 

Romans 6-7

The purpose of your salvation is sanctification.  

The call to holiness is a blessing, not a burden. 

Holiness is a consequence, not a cause of righteousness.

Becoming holy is a lifelong process.

God loves obedience attempts.

Sanctification is the work of Christ.

supporting evidence

·       The presence of conviction of sin

·       A desire to keep God’s commands

·       A desire for faith and life to match 

·       A repentant heart

Today’s Takeaways:

1.    Grace is not a license to sin.

2.    We do not have to be slaves to sin.

3.    If grace does not impact us, we should wonder if grace is in us.

Series: Modern Day Heresies

“No One Goes to Hell”

Luke 13:22-30

A majority of those in America who believe in an afterlife believe most people go to heaven, and no one goes to hell. 

In the early 3rd century, Origen taught universalism: the belief that all people would be saved.   

modern expressions of universalism:  

Inclusivism = Christ receives all who have any kind of faith.

Post-Mortem Opportunities = People get a chance to believe after death.

Annihilation = Bad people cease to exist.

Earthly Purification = Punishment occurs on earth.

Why the struggle? 

·      People overvalue man’s goodness.  

·      It seems inconsistent with God as He has been taught.

·      Descriptions of hell seem absurd to the modern mind.

·      People want it to be wrong.

·      Pastors want to be liked.   

Jesus on eternal life        Luke 13:22-30

Jesus was clear—some people go to heaven, some do not.   

Jesus taught that opportunities for salvation would end.

Jesus connected entrance to heaven to a relationship with God. 

Jesus believed in hell. 

Jesus’ taught…

·      Hell was a place of punishment

·       Hell was Everlasting  

·       Hell was the satisfaction of the wrath of God   

TODAY’S TAKEAWAYS

1.    Scripture is the Christian’s final source of authority about eternal matters.  

2.    Man’s opinion about eternity may change, eternal realities will not. 

3.    Not everyone goes to heaven, but everybody spends eternity somewhere.

Series: Modern Day Heresies

“basically good?”

Romans 1-3

The majority believe that people are intrinsically good.  

Scripture teaches only God is good, and man is totally depraved. 

Total depravity does NOT mean every person is as wicked as they can be or never does any good deed or does not have value.  

Total depravity refers to the reality of damage, not the appearance of damage.  

Total depravity means that our mind, will, emotions and body are helplessly corrupted by sin.   

the erosion of orthodox belief

We minimalize our sin.

We judge ourselves by our intentions.

We evaluate by comparing ourselves to others.  

Two destructive paths 

Some move toward atheism.          Romans 1

Pride grows, and man is elevated to divine status. 

The standard of morality becomes a moving target.

Eternal reality is ignored. 

Some move toward legalism.          Romans 2

Sin is highlighted in others and excused in ourselves.

People assume good works make God happy. 

ROMANS 3:9-18

when this doctrine is understood. . . 

·      We will live in humility. 

·      We won’t be nearly as disappointed in/judgmental to others.

·      We are in position to receive the gospel.

Today’s Takeaways

1.    The church must resist the world’s influence and teach the truth about the human condition. 

2.    Overvaluing our goodness can lead to destruction.

3.    If we acknowledge we are hopeless sinners, we have hope. 

4.    We should stand amazed at the grace extended to us through Jesus.  

Grace Living in a Toxic World

Colossians 4:2-6

We live in a polarized world.   

Grace should characterize our lives, regardless of our circumstances.

Showing grace does not mean we do not have an opinion.  

1.    Pick your battles carefully

2.    Speak clearly, but not constantly

3.    Pray more than you post

4.    Remember you have a role in making your world what it is. 

5.    Trust God to fight for you

the church at colossae:

The church was started by Epaphras.   Paul wanted them to have a greater understanding of Jesus’ nature and work.   The church was being opposed by those with other religious views.   He addresses these errors, but focuses their attention on their new life in Christ.    As he concludes the letter, Paul gives them practical advice for living in a toxic world.

dealing with differing opinions

Devote yourself to prayer

Enlist the prayers of others 

Focus on your mission

Understand people are not your enemy.

Guard your words. 

The gospel is offensive, but many people are turned off by Christians before they ever think about the gospel. 

the big DEAL:  A grace filled life validates the gospel message.

Today’s Takeaways:

1.    It is good to stand up for what is right, but don’t be a jerk.

2.    People need the gospel, regardless of their views. 

3.    Our behavior impacts people’s perception of our message. 

4.     Christ has called us to love all people, even our enemies. 

Dr. Todd Gray KBC Executive Director 

Series: Pray Like This

Praying in Pain

Matthew 26:36-46

the story

Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before His death.            (36)

He took His closest friends to pray with Him.             (37-38)

Most scholars believe “the cup” referred to the wrath of God, not simply physical pain.  

He submitted to the Father’s will even though it was not easy.  (39)

His disciples were not much support; they slept while he was in pain.   (40)

He prayed at length about his death.  (41-46)

biblical lessons 

We are supposed to turn to God in our pain.

It is appropriate to express our true feelings to God.

We should enlist our friends to offer prayer support.

Some things cannot be addressed through a quick prayer.

pagan prayer (vs) Christian prayer

Pagan prayer tries to get God to do what man desires.    

Christian prayer speaks to God and pursues submission to His will.

The real difference between Christian prayer and pagan prayer is who is treated like God.           

Today’s Takeaways

Christianity isn’t a religion that gets you out of pain; 

it is a relationship with God that gets you through it. 

Life with Jesus isn’t easy, but you don’t have to live it alone.

Through prayer, we can find strength and hope. 

Series: Pray Like This

Praying for Others

James 5:13-20

Intercession is to be a regular part of the Christian life.                

…pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.

James 5:16

barriers to praying for others 

·      The prevalence of self-centered living. 

·      The abundance of needs for which to pray 

·      Many believers lack any personal prayer

the importance of intercession

Intercessory prayer is powerful.               

The illustration of Elijah reveals that anyone can pray powerfully. 

Because of Christ, we stand righteous before God; therefore, we can rest assured our prayers will have impact. 

Life situations demand praying for others.

who we should pray for 

·      the suffering                              

·      the sick   

·      those struggling with temptation

·      those in leadership

·      the lost 

what to pray for 

In all of these situations, we pray for God’s good to come, for God’s glory to be seen, and for God’s will to done.  

practical suggestions

1.    make a prayer list

2.    have a set number of people you pray for a day

3.    pray for people immediately

4.    Request prayer when needed

Prayer develops and displays love for others. 

Today’s Takeaways

1.    Believe in Christ, so that you can stand righteous before God.

2.    Know that if you are in Christ, your prayers are effective.

Commit to pray for others each day.