What Do the Called Receive From God in This Life? | May 4 In this episode of Strength for Today, Pastor John Blevins of Christ Church Presbyterian in Knoxville, Tennessee, explores 1 Corinthians 6:9–11 and Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 32 to answer a crucial question: What do those who are effectually called by God receive in this life? Many people wonder what truly changes when someone becomes a Christian. According to Scripture, those called by God receive justification, adoption, sanctification, and many other life-transforming benefits. These aren't just theological words—they describe a real transformation from being dead in sin to alive in Christ. Discover how the gospel not only forgives but renews, how grace reorients your life toward God, and how you can walk in holiness and assurance as one who has been washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God. Topics Covered: • The meaning and significance of being effectually called • What Scripture says about your identity after salvation • Justification, adoption, sanctification, and their practical effects • Encouragement for those struggling with sin and assurance • Reformed Presbyterian theology made simple and accessible Key Bible Passage: 1 Corinthians 6:9–11 Theology Focus: Westminster Shorter Catechism Q.32 Subscribe for daily biblical encouragement and sound Reformed teaching. Learn more at www.cometochrist.church. #ReformedTheology #ChristianPodcast #StrengthForToday #Justification #Adoption #Sanctification #1Corinthians6 #WSC32 #EffectualCalling #BibleTeaching #GospelTransformation #KnoxvilleChurch

How Will People Believe In Jesus If No One Tells Them The Gospel? | May 3 In this episode of Strength for Today, Pastor John Blevins of Christ Church Presbyterian in Knoxville, TN, explores Romans 10:9–15 and Westminster Larger Catechism Question 60 to answer one of the most important questions in Christian theology: Can someone be saved without hearing about Jesus? This devotional highlights the biblical truth that saving faith comes by hearing the gospel and that no one can be saved apart from Jesus Christ. Pastor Blevins explains what it means to confess Christ as Lord, believe in His resurrection, and why the church must be committed to preaching the gospel to the nations. What You Will Learn: • Why belief and confession are necessary for salvation • The connection between preaching and believing • Why living a moral life is not enough without Christ • What the Westminster Standards teach about those who have never heard the gospel This episode is especially important for those wrestling with the exclusivity of Christ and the urgency of evangelism. It is rooted in Scripture, explained through sound Reformed theology, and made clear for everyday life. Scripture Reference: Romans 10:9–15 Confessional Resource: Westminster Larger Catechism Question 60 Subscribe to the podcast and visit us online: https://www.cometochrist.church Tags: Romans 10 explained, Can people be saved without hearing the gospel, Reformed theology podcast, Strength for Today devotional, Westminster Larger Catechism, exclusivity of Christ, John Blevins pastor, Christ Church Presbyterian Knoxville, preaching the gospel, what is saving faith, evangelism in the Bible, reformed daily devotional,

Can a Person Be Saved Without Believing in Jesus? | May 2 Can a person be saved without believing in Jesus? In this episode of Strength for Today, Pastor John Blevins of Christ Church Presbyterian in Knoxville, TN explores Matthew 13:10–17 and Westminster Confession of Faith 10.4 to answer this vital question from a biblical and Reformed perspective. Jesus taught that not everyone who hears the gospel will understand or respond with true faith. The Scriptures clearly teach that salvation is found in Christ alone. Pastor John unpacks the sobering truth that effectual calling leads to Christ alone, and that there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. This devotional offers deep insight into: • Why Jesus spoke in parables • What effectual calling really means • Why sincere religious effort apart from Christ cannot save • How God opens eyes and hearts through the Holy Spirit Whether you're seeking clarity on the exclusivity of Christ or assurance in the gospel, this episode will help you understand and embrace the power of God's grace in salvation. Visit www.cometochrist.church for more resources and subscribe to the podcast for daily gospel-centered devotionals rooted in the Bible and the Westminster Standards. Keywords: salvation in Christ alone, effectual calling explained, Matthew 13 devotional, Reformed daily devotional, Strength for Today podcast, John Blevins Christ Church Presbyterian, Westminster Confession of Faith 10.4, why Jesus is the only way, exclusive claims of Jesus, biblical Reformed theology #StrengthForToday #ReformedTheology #EffectualCalling #ChristianPodcast #BiblicalTeaching #KnoxvilleChurch #Salvation #Gospel #Election

Can God Save Those Who Aren't Capable of Hearing the Gospel? | May 1 In this episode of Strength for Today, Pastor John Blevins of Christ Church Presbyterian in Knoxville, Tennessee, explores one of the most profound and comforting truths in the Bible: God's power to save those who cannot outwardly respond to the gospel. Drawing from Acts 2:39 and Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 10.3, this episode explains how the Holy Spirit applies redemption not only to those who hear the preached Word but also to elect infants and others incapable of outward response. Key themes include: • The nature of effectual calling • The Spirit's sovereign work in regeneration • Biblical hope for believing parents • The covenant promise to believers and their children • Salvation through Christ alone This episode will strengthen your trust in God's grace and deepen your understanding of His saving power. Perfect for those exploring Reformed theology, covenant theology, or seeking biblical assurance in life's hardest questions. Subscribe for daily gospel-centered devotionals grounded in Scripture and the Westminster Standards. Watch more at www.cometochrist.church Keywords: effectual calling, Acts 2:39 explained, can infants be saved, Westminster Confession Chapter 10.3, regeneration by the Holy Spirit, reformed theology, covenant children, salvation by grace, Christ Church Knoxville, Pastor John Blevins, Strength for Today podcast #StrengthForToday #ReformedTheology #EffectualCalling #ChristianPodcast #BiblicalTeaching #KnoxvilleChurch #Salvation #Gospel #Election #Predestination

What Did You Do To Deserve God's Call? | April 30 What causes a sinner to be saved? In today's episode of Strength for Today, Pastor John Blevins of Christ Church Presbyterian in Knoxville, Tennessee, explores the powerful truth of 2 Timothy 1:8–9. You'll learn why salvation is not based on anything you've done, but entirely on the free and sovereign grace of God. This devotional unpacks the doctrine of effectual calling, drawing from the Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 10.2, showing how God's call to salvation is not based on foreseen faith, effort, or merit, but flows from His eternal purpose and unchanging love. This episode offers clarity, hope, and encouragement for anyone wrestling with assurance, grace, or how salvation actually works. Listen now to understand: What effectual calling means Why salvation is by grace alone How God's call changes your life forever Key Bible Passage: 2 Timothy 1:8–9 Key Theology: Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 10.2 New episodes released daily. Subscribe for clear biblical teaching grounded in Reformed theology. Visit: www.cometochrist.church #2Timothy1 #EffectualCalling #ReformedTheology #GraceAlone #WestminsterConfession #DailyDevotional #PCA #StrengthForToday #ChristChurchKnoxville #GospelTruth #BibleTeaching #SovereignGrace #ChristianPodcast #ReformedChristianContent #BiblicalEncouragement

What is Saving Faith Evidence of in a Person's Life? | April 29 In this episode of Strength for Today, Pastor John Blevins of Christ Church Presbyterian in Knoxville, Tennessee, explores Acts 13:48 to answer a crucial question about salvation and God's sovereign work. Why do some believe the gospel while others do not? The Bible says that as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. This powerful verse teaches us that saving faith is not something we generate on our own. It is evidence of God's effectual calling and election. Drawing from Westminster Larger Catechism Question 68, Pastor Blevins explains the difference between the outward call that many hear and the inward call that only the elect receive by the Holy Spirit. This devotional helps clarify the doctrine of effectual calling in a pastoral, biblical, and deeply personal way. Discover how this truth impacts assurance, evangelism, worship, and everyday Christian living. Understand the grace that saves, the call that transforms, and the God who appoints people to eternal life. New episodes of Strength for Today are released daily to help you grow in Christ through short, Scripture-rich, gospel-centered devotionals. Subscribe to the channel for more Christ-centered teaching from a Reformed and biblical worldview. For more information, visit www.cometochrist.church. #StrengthForToday #ReformedTheology #EffectualCalling #ChristianPodcast #BiblicalTeaching #KnoxvilleChurch #Salvation #Gospel #Election #Predestination

What Makes Some Say Yes to the Gospel? | April 28 Welcome to today's episode of Strength for Today with Pastor John Blevins from Christ Church Presbyterian in Knoxville, Tennessee. In this April 28 devotional, we explore 1 Corinthians 2:12-14 to understand why some respond to the gospel in faith while others reject it. God's Word reveals that it is not human wisdom or effort that brings salvation, but the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit through effectual calling. Drawing from the Westminster Larger Catechism Question 67 and the Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 31, Pastor Blevins explains how God's Spirit convinces us of our sin, enlightens our minds with the knowledge of Christ, renews our wills, and persuades and enables us to embrace Jesus Christ freely offered in the gospel. This devotional will help you grow in your understanding of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Learn how God transforms hearts and why salvation is fully a work of His sovereign mercy. Be encouraged in your walk with Christ and share this life-changing truth with others. Subscribe for daily biblical devotionals that strengthen your faith and apply Reformed theology to real life. Key Topics Covered: • What is effectual calling • How the Holy Spirit changes hearts • Why the natural person cannot accept spiritual truth • The miracle of saving faith • Assurance in the sovereign grace of God Visit www.cometochrist.church to learn more about Christ Church Presbyterian and to connect with Pastor John Blevins. #StrengthForToday #ReformedTheology #GospelGrace #EffectualCalling #ChristianPodcast #BiblicalTeaching #KnoxvilleChurch #Salvation #Gospel

How Does God Change a Heart of Stone? | April 27 Welcome to Strength for Today with Pastor John Blevins from Christ Church Presbyterian in Knoxville Tennessee. In today's episode, we explore Ezekiel 36:26-27 and the incredible promise that God gives His people a new heart and a new spirit. We also study Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 10.1 to understand how God effectually calls His people by His Word and Spirit, changing hearts of stone into hearts of flesh. Discover how salvation is not mere moral improvement but a supernatural transformation by God's grace. Learn how effectual calling enlightens our minds, renews our wills, and draws us freely to Jesus Christ. If you have ever wondered how true spiritual change happens, this episode will ground you in biblical truth and encourage you with the power of God's sovereign grace. Subscribe to Strength for Today for daily Bible devotionals that are Christ centered, Reformed, and rooted in Scripture. Listen to more episodes and learn about Christ Church Presbyterian at www.cometochrist.church Key Topics Covered: • Ezekiel 36 and God's promise of heart renewal • The meaning of effectual calling in Reformed theology • How God makes sinners willing and able to come to Christ • Encouragement for your daily walk with Christ Strength for Today Podcast Biblical Truth for Real Life. Christ centered. Bible saturated. Reformed and Presbyterian. #StrengthForToday #ReformedTheology #Devotional #EffectualCalling #ChristianPodcast #DailyDevotional #ChristChurchPresbyterian

What Happens When the Holy Spirit Indwells a Person? | April 26 What happens when the Holy Spirit indwells a believer? In today's Strength for Today devotional, Pastor John Blevins of Christ Church Presbyterian in Knoxville, Tennessee, explores Romans 8:9 and the life-changing reality of the Holy Spirit living within those who belong to Christ. This episode explains how the Holy Spirit indwelling believers is the essential mark of true salvation. Drawing from the Westminster Larger Catechism Question 59 and Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 30, Pastor Blevins shows how the Spirit applies the redemption purchased by Christ by working faith in us and uniting us to Jesus through effectual calling. If you want to understand how the Holy Spirit transforms hearts, applies salvation, and secures believers in Christ, this episode is for you. Grow in your understanding of biblical salvation, the work of the Spirit, and the blessings of union with Christ. Strength for Today offers biblical truth, Reformed theology, and daily encouragement for believers seeking to follow Jesus faithfully. Visit www.cometochrist.church to learn more about Pastor John Blevins and Christ Church Presbyterian in Knoxville. Subscribe to Strength for Today to receive daily biblical devotionals rooted in the Word of God. #Romans8 #HolySpirit #ReformedTheology #WestminsterCatechisms #StrengthForToday #ChristChurchKnoxville #GospelDevotional #DailyBibleStudy #Indwelling #Spirit #Ghost #Bible

Who Applies Salvation to Our Hearts? | April 25 Discover the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in today's episode of Strength for Today, hosted by Pastor John Blevins of Christ Church Presbyterian in Knoxville, TN. In this devotional, we explore Titus 3:3–7 and the profound truth that salvation is not just offered—it is applied by the Spirit of God. This episode unpacks how the Holy Spirit personally applies the redemption purchased by Christ, regenerating hearts, renewing wills, and uniting believers to Christ. Drawing from the Westminster Larger Catechism Question 58 and the Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 29, we explore the theology of effectual calling in a way that is both biblical and accessible. Whether you are new to the Reformed faith or a long-time believer seeking to deepen your understanding of God's saving grace, this episode will bring clarity, encouragement, and conviction. What You'll Learn: • Why the Holy Spirit is essential in applying salvation • What regeneration and renewal mean biblically • How God saves us not by works, but by mercy and grace • How to respond in faith to the gospel of Jesus Christ Visit www.cometochrist.church for more resources or to connect with Pastor John Blevins and Christ Church Presbyterian. Subscribe for daily gospel-centered devotionals grounded in Scripture and Reformed theology. #EffectualCalling #Titus3 #HolySpirit #ReformedTheology #WestminsterCatechism #StrengthForToday #ChristChurchKnoxville #GospelDevotional #DailyBibleStudy #BiblicalTruth