As believers we must be careful not to fall into the trap of being surface level; making sure our exterior appears clean and free of stain while ignoring the ugly self that far too often controls our words and actions. So often unbelievers refuse to respect so called "believers" because they try to make themselves appear to be something they are not. We are not believers because of what we do or do not do, we are believers because of what Jesus freely did for us. We do not earn the status of "believer" because of our ability to refrain from sin. We are redeemed by His blood, saved by His grace, and led by His Spirit. We do not need to be better people, we need to be born again. What the world needs less of is churches full of reformed individuals and more of churches filled with reborn individuals. 

The topic of predestination is a difficult one for many. Questions about why God allows things to happen if He knows beforehand can be debilitating. It's the age old question of "why does a good God allow bad things to happen"? On today's podcast we discuss the omniscience of God, the inability of humanity to see and understand how God's will works out, and how love is the motivating factor in predestination. 

Often times believers avoid the "mirror"...looking into the Bible to check and see if their reflection is like that of Jesus. Sometimes the most critical people can be those who claim a faith in the goodness and mercy of God. On today's podcast, we will hear about how Jesus made it clear that we have plenty to keep us busy just trying to work on ourselves and how we are not called to find fault but rather to deliver the Good News of God's mercy and grace. Jesus told the Pharisees that they would know Him if they knew God the Father, but their hatred of Him and their constant attempts to find fault in Him proved that they were the children of the devil. What about you? Do you not want someone to experience the grace of God because you do not like them for some reason? Are you trying to destroy someone instead of praying and pursuing their salvation that will truly change them? You can complain or you can accomplish...you decide. 

Sometimes it seems like the Church forgets that their mission is to reach the lost, not just care for themselves. Paul faced down the doctrine of the  traditionalists that sought to protect their righteousness from the outsiders, the Gentiles. Of all people to stand up for and reach out to the "pagans", Paul the famous Pharisee does a complete turn around after being born again and begins to passionate preach and teach the truth to those he once hated. He came to understand that the whole of scripture contained the message of mercy and grace for all the nations, not just Israel. If only the church of today would come to that understanding as well...we are not gate keepers hired to prevent the unholy from gaining entry, rather we to stand at the door and compel people to come and experience the same amazing grace that we have. 

Many people have been negatively affected by the modern churches attempts to bridge Christ and culture. When you try to accomplish spiritual goals by using carnal systems you are bound for trouble. Whether it is skinny jeans and smoke machines or hymns and not thems, so many people have been wounded because we tried to present Christ through trend and tradition. When you attempt to separate Christ from christianity, you create disillusionment and despair in the hearts of faithful followers, and eventually they will break. This has led to the rise of a movement known as "deconstruction", the process of individuals working to tear down and move past the systems and processes they were involved in within churches. On today's episode we discuss the deconstruction movement and the awesome opportunity that the true Church has to be a light to those in darkness, to reveal Christ to those negatively impacted by Christ-less christianity.  

James refers to the Word of God as a mirror. When we look into this "mirror", we see ourselves for who we truly are. The reflection looking back at us is of one who is sinful, unrighteous, and in need of mercy, grace and love. What we also see in this "mirror" is the image of God's unfailing goodness and kindness. Where sin abounds, grace truly does much more abound, and all throughout scripture we read not only of man's failure but also of God's amazing grace. As we look into the "mirror" we do not only see our reflection, we also see Him goodness and mercy that are following us all the days of our lives. The Bible is truly the revelation of God's love for mankind. 

Do you ever find yourself a little too consumed with yourself? We all do. We guard ourselves so fiercely that we often take no thought for how our actions effect others. We become jaded by experiences and we close ourselves off from others to avoid further hurt. We refuse to see the needs of others because we are so focused on ourselves. That is selfishness. As we read the words of Paul in the Romans 15 we are reminded that we as believers have a responsibility to one another to be brothers and sisters, loving each other with the same love Jesus has shown to us. What kind of love is that? A selfless love. Join us as we study what selfless love truly is. 

On today's episode we discuss addiction recovery with special guest Tony Traylor. Tony's story is amazing. He pulls no punches and is very transparent about his experience and his journey. Many people today either have a family member or someone close to them that is suffering with addiction in one form or another. Tony shares his experience of God's grace and mercy, shares his testimony of the hope that he has in the Lord, and shares encouragement and advice to those who are struggling personally or know someone who is. 

Jesus told us to love our enemies...period. There were no exclusions or exemptions. This is something that many believers in a prosperous and comfortable society struggle with. Being more aligned behaviorally and morally with secular culture, due to our constant inundation by media, politics, and our peers, believers feel like they can act arbitrarily depending upon their feelings, i.e. their heart, instead of being obedient to the command of Jesus. Regardless of our feelings, we must obey the Word at all times, even when we have been wronged by others. Join us as we discuss Matthew 5:43-48. 

This episode is a recording of our July 24, 2022 Sunday message at Monterey Baptist Church. 

On today's podcast we are joined by a special guest, Dave Webb, and we discuss the Christians engagement with the news. Have you ever noticed that when you read or watch the news you find yourself deflated and devoid of joy? The news of current events can captivate our emotions and cause us to respond with anger, fear and trepidation. Jesus tells the believer to "let not your heart be troubled". Today we discuss what the word "let" means and how Jesus instructs us as His followers to both respond to and react to the news of the day. Regardless of what is going on within or without, this is the day that the Lord has made and we should rejoice and be glad in it.