Growing in Grace

343. How to Maintain Righteousness

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Tue, 22 May 2012 11:43:34 PDT

For a gift of $100 we'll send you a list of 630 rules on how to try to establish and maintain your own righteousness... OR you can listen to this week's GIG podcast for free and find out there are no rules that can help make you righteous. Righteousness (right-standing with God) is a gift. Believers should never have to worry or wonder where they stand with Him thanks to the blood of Jesus and his one-time sacrifice. He did it all. Our encouragement to you this week is to try to stop thinking you have to do something to maintain it.

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Here's this week's GIG-Bite, a quick sample of this week's program.

342. Misunderstanding Bible Passages

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 13 May 2012 14:21:10 PDT

While the Word of God may be perfect, our understanding of it is not. Although the scripture may be given by inspiration of God, that does not necessarily mean all scripture is inspired by God. Someone once said: "The Bible can become one of the most dangerous books you'll ever read... if you don't understand the gospel." So this week we take a quick look at a few scripture passages as examples that may cause people to misinterpret the message that God is trying to send. If your interpretation doesn't seem like it's good news, then it may just be another religious point of view and not the message of the gospel.

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Here's this week's GIG-Bite, a quick sample of this week's program.

341. Stumbling Over Bible Verses

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 06 May 2012 15:41:10 PDT

The Bible is filled with thousands of "verses" that are often quoted but in some cases seldom understood. Doctrines have been built by taking a few passages of scripture out of context and combining them with a few more that may also have been taken out of context. Our goal this week is to remind ourselves not to get too focused on individual Bible verses but to combine them with the foundational understanding of what the gospel is to begin with. Tunnel vision can cause confusion and misunderstanding.

Gaining a better grasp of the big picture will help these verses come alive with the truth of the gospel and bring an excitement that comes only by God's grace through the finished work of Christ.

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Here's this week's GIG-Bite, a quick sample of this week's program.

340. God's Anger

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 05:00:00 PDT

Alright, we have bad news and good news. Which would you rather hear first? Might we suggest the bad news first...There was a sin problem. It brought a separation. God's anger was manifested. The good news is He dealt with it. The problem has been solved. So does God still get angry with you? Well don't get mad but you'll have to listen to this week's GIG podcast to hear our conclusions. (Spoiler alert: "NO!")

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Here's this week's GIG-Bite, a quick sample of this week's program.

339. God's Kindness Brings Constant Access to His Presence

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 12:26:47 PDT

Understanding the difference between the old and new covenants will bring a revelation of God's compassion, mercy and kindness. This week we talk about God's kindness towards us and how we gained permanent access into His presence that was not available under the old covenant. A great illustration of this is when the veil of the temple was torn in two. It was at the point of Christ's death when He was able to declare "It is Finished."

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Here's this week's GIG-Bite, a quick sample of this week's program.

338. Trying to Pay God Back

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 05:00:00 PDT

Recently we've been discussing the ultimate price that God has paid for us. Sometimes in religious circles you'll hear how our lives should be dedicated with an attitude of trying to pay back the Lord for all He has given us. This causes the focus of the Christian life to become more about us laying down our lives for Him and what we should be sacrificing. What God bought for us was not a loan. The amazing story and focus of the true Gospel should always be what He has done for us, not the other way around. Our response is simply from a grateful heart.

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Here's this week's GIG-Bite, a quick sample of this week's program.

337. Confidence (You Have More Than You Think)

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 07:38:54 PDT

We may go through changes in our thoughts and actions, but truth doesn't change. God is truth and He is the same yesterday, today and forever. We discuss some things this week pertaining to our confidence. Not referring to self confidence that may come and go but a steady confidence based on faith in what Truth has declared about us. It supersedes any feeling, emotion, successful action or any failure. This type of confidence doesn't come through attempts to develop it...God has made it much easier for us.

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Here's this week's GIG-Bite, a quick sample of this week's program.

336. Remembering How Much You're Worth

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:14:32 PDT

How much does God think you are worth? It's easy to forget that you are His treasure, a pearl of great price. He spent all that He had to obtain you. Your value does not change.

As humans, we easily forget things. We look in a mirror and walk away, forgetting what we’ve just seen! Understanding the truth of how God dearly and deeply values you, and being reminded of the truth when the going gets tough, will help keep you rooted and grounded in this eternal truth.

The average annual donation to charities: 4%
The average cost of a Bible: $10
Realizing and remembering the value God has placed upon you: Priceless

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Here's this week's GIG-Bite, a quick sample of this week's program.

335. Where Are You Positioned With God?

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 06:46:07 PDT

We continue with our look at how God thinks of you and the position He has placed us in Christ. Our goal is to find out more regarding the truth of how God really sees us and it's quite different from a works oriented "gospel" that brings guilt and condemnation. The next time somebody asks, "Where do you stand before God today?" You can reply, "Actually, I sit with Him."

Joel recently wrote a blog post on his Grace Roots blog that goes along with all that we've been talking about lately. Find it here: When Behavior Isn't About Rules, but Is About Dignity and Worth.

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Here's this week's GIG-Bite, a quick sample of this week's program.

334. Who You Were Made to Be

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 06:47:20 PDT

For many believers the Christian life revolves around "doing." But if we could get more focused on resting in our new identity in Christ, our new life in Him would revolve more around "being" rather than doing. Religion has suggested we are unworthy servants that God gets frustrated with due to a lack of performance. This week we begin a discussion about how God really thinks about you. He has deemed you worthy of glory and honor; an individual with value and worth. Much more than we could have ever imagined.

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Here's this week's GIG-Bite, a quick sample of this week's program.

333. Trying to Live By a Moral Code

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 14:00:21 PDT

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Many will say that one of the biggest challenges in their Christian life is trying to live up to a moral standard that is considered worthy and acceptable to God. Countless people have fallen into guilt and condemnation because their sincere efforts to live a moral lifestyle have failed time and time again. So what is the answer? Is there a key to victory?

This week, our conversation centers around the suggestion that we avoid failure by no longer "trying" to live up to a moral standard. Allow the spotlight to come off of you and let it shine on the Star of the show: "Christ in us the hope of glory." We have been gifted with new life and identity. Living the Christian life is not about us and our attempt to attain to an acceptable moral code. It's about Him and what He has already done for us. He is the one that started the work in you and He will be the one to complete it.

Here's this week's GIG-Bite, a quick sample of this week's program.

"Watch" this episode on YouTube.

332. God's Will for You Has Been Revealed

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 05:00:05 PST

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"What is God's will for my life?" That is a question that many people often find themselves asking, and struggling to try to figure out. But what if it wasn't so hard to figure out? What if God's will for you has already been revealed? Would that take the pressure off of you?

The truth is that God's will, which was once a mystery - which was once hidden - has been revealed! We don't need to go searching for it or trying to figure it out. God has revealed His will. The surprising thing for many people is that God's will is not a specific course in life that we are meant to follow. It's not a set of instructions or directions that God wants us to try to keep. It's not a certain set of actions that we need to do. The will of God is a Person. The will of God for you is Christ Jesus, and His will has been fulfilled in you!

Here's this week's GIG-Bite, a quick sample of this week's program.

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331. The Law Wasn't God's Will - Jesus Was God's Will

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 20:12:12 PST

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Many Christians think that God's law (including the Ten Commandments) is God's will for mankind, and even more so for Christians themselves. But as we look at what the scriptures reveal about the true purpose of the law, we find quite the opposite!

The law stood opposed to mankind. The reason for this is because the law is good and just and holy, but people, in and of themselves, are not. All the law can do is to condemn. Many think that what was needed was for "bad" people to become "good," and that this could happen by keeping the law. But man's problem wasn't that they were "bad," and in need of becoming "good" - and the law couldn't have helped them anyway! Rather, man's problem was that they were dead to God, and were in need of Life.

The law could provide neither the life nor the righteousness that man lacked and needed. But what the law could not do, God did through the one sacrifice of Jesus Christ! The law had a purpose in God's overall plan. But overall, the law wasn't God's will for man. Jesus was (and is) God's will for man!

All of this also ties in with Hebrews 10:26 (the verse about "if we sin willfully... there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins"). This verse needs to be looked at in the context of the entirety of what the writer of Hebrews is saying, and we discuss that as well this week.

Here's this week's GIG-Bite, a quick sample of this week's program.

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330. The 7-Year Niche: Reflecting on 7 Years (Part 2)

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 05:00:01 PST

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On our 7th anniversary of the Growing in Grace podcast, we continue to reflect on what the podcast has been about. This week both Joel and Kap share some of their favorite foundational points about God's grace and the Gospel.

Here's this week's GIG-Bite, a quick sample of this week's program.

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329. The 7-Year Niche: Reflecting on 7 Years of GIG Podcasts

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 05:00:07 PST

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Seven years ago we had no idea the Growing in Grace podcasts would have had such a positive impact on so many people around the world. Nor did we think we would still be doing them! We take a look back at how the podcast came together and why it seems to attract some of the most unlikely listeners. Also, what if you only had a few minutes to share the Gospel with someone? Joel tells us a couple of his favorite highlights to start with when you only have a limited amount of time with someone.

Here's this week's GIG-Bite, a quick sample of this week's program.

"Watch" this episode on YouTube.

328. Comparing (Many) Lambs With the (One) Lamb of God

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 14:51:55 PST

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God commanded the sacrifice of animals and the shedding of the innocent animal's blood under the Law. This was required to provide forgiveness under the old covenant but could only cover sins and not take them away. Therefore these same sacrifices had to be performed over and over again. Yet even though God commanded this through the law, we discover that it was never actually God's will nor did He take pleasure in this. So why did He command it? To point us to His true will... The one-time sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Here's this week's GIG-Bite, a quick sample of this week's program.

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327. From Death to Life - Not from Bad to Good

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:52:10 PST

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So often, believers are caught up with "doing" rather than "being." You have not only been redeemed and forgiven but you were once dead and have now been made alive. God has accepted you, but not because you started trying to do all the right things. He has accepted you because of what Christ did on our behalf and because we are "in Him."

Here's this week's GIG-Bite, a quick sample of this week's program.

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326. God Has Stopped Forgiving

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 13:39:23 PST

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We take a deeper look at forgiveness. God's forgiveness of sin has canceled out all judgment, punishment, obligation and debt. God did not provide this for us based on our reaction towards him but rather because of His unconditional love for us (John 3:16-17). He wanted to do it!

The act of forgiveness from God has already been extended to us and is something that is done; a work that has been completed at the cross of Christ. We don't have to beg God for something that He wanted to give and has already provided. Through belief, we can experience the blessing and freedom of forgiveness.

Growing in this grace will help us to understand the new person we have become in Him.

Here's this week's GIG-Bite, a quick sample of this week's program.

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325. Redemption & Forgiveness (and what they mean)

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 05:00:06 PST

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This week we take a look at two words frequently used in Christian circles but are often not fully understood: redemption and forgiveness. Growing in our understanding of what they mean can make a big difference towards walking in the freedom that God has provided for us through the blood of Jesus Christ. Being redeemed and forgiven is not temporary nor does it come and go based on your actions and circumstances.

It may be hard to believe but we've managed to tap into more really good news for the 325th podcast in a row.

Here's this week's GIG-Bite, a quick sample of this week's program.

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324. Are We Commanded to Love God?

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 15:13:33 PST

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We continue to look at New Covenant living and compare it to the previous (old) covenant. One way of contrasting the two covenants is to understand what they teach about love. Most of us have been taught that we are required to love God and our neighbor as ourselves. But is this really something that is meant for New Covenant believers or is it another burdensome commandment that by our own efforts is impossible to keep? The focus of the OC demanded that we love God. The focus of the NC reveals God's unconditional love for US. Understanding this truth will enable us to freely love God in return and by His Spirit within we'll be able to extend it to others. Attempting to live by the command to love is a recipe for failure.

Here's this week's GIG-Bite, a quick sample of this week's program.

"Watch" this episode on YouTube.
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323. Contrasting the Two Covenants

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 09:28:20 PST

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Is the New Covenant a continuation of the old? That's what some have been led to believe but this one thing has caused much confusion in peoples' lives....They do not belong together. The old covenant had its purpose but the writer in Hebrews draws some clear distinctions between the old and the new, even going so far as to say the old has become obsolete. Understanding this truth will help you in your walk of freedom and grace.

Here's this week's GIG-Bite, a quick sample of this week's program.

"Watch" this episode on YouTube.
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Mick Mooney - December 2011 - Part 2

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:49:34 PST

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Well, we didn't stick to our 20 minute time limit... haha! But Part 2 of my chat with Mick Mooney is well worth listening to, as Mick goes even deeper into exposing the heart of God and the reality of the living Christ in us. Mick helps us to move away from mere head knowledge about God to actually knowing Christ.

The Bible, and the information that we can get from it about God, is absolutely wonderful. But just like the law, mere information and doctrine/theology is nothing more than "written code" and can minister death and condemnation to us if not understood from the heart of God and from the reality of actually knowing Him. God is huge! And Mick keeps pointing back to the reality of Christ and to the truth that the Spirit of God is sufficiently enough for us.

Also, hear Mick's take on the account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5, as well as other happenings in the book of Acts. Are these accounts meant as doctrine for us to live by, or are they perhaps stories of real happenings in a yet-to-be-matured church that was still finding its way?

As always, I believe you'll find Mick's insights to be thought-provoking and refreshing.

Check out all the things that Mick is up to on his website, searchingforgrace.com.

Here's a link to Part 1 of the interview.

In addition, I had a four part interview with Mick about a year and a half ago. Here's the first part of that interview, with links to the other parts as well.

322. When Did the New Covenant Begin?

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:00:02 PST

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The chronology of our Bibles might lead us to think the that New Covenant began at the beginning of the writings that we call the New Testament. Many make the assumption that it all started with the birth of Jesus at the beginning of Matthew (Mark, Luke or John). During the Christmas season, more than ever we realize that the birth of Jesus was and is something to celebrate. God became a human, born of a woman and as we stated last week, He was born under the Law.

Another word for testament in the Greek is the word "covenant." This week we examine how the scripture reveals that a testament or covenant is not in effect until after the testator dies. The idea that the New Covenant began at Jesus' birth has led to much confusion about the books referred to as "the Gospels."

Here's this week's GIG-Bite, a quick sample of this week's program.

"Watch" this episode on YouTube.
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Mick Mooney - December 2011 - Part 1

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:50:04 PST

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It's been a while, but it's time for another Growing in Grace Together podcast! Joel's special guest this time is Mick Mooney, who is known for his Searching for Grace comic strip and who has recently authored a book called Grace Apart From Law. This is a two part conversation, and the second part will be posted in a few days.

Listen in as we hear Mick's thoughts on all kinds of things, including, but not limited to, how we can understand life in Christ apart from the law, and life in the Spirit instead. What is the difference? It's helpful to understand the proper reason the law was given. Also, we discuss the idea of looking at the Scriptures as a whole, rather than taking lone verses and passages to 'prove our points' and build entire doctrines.

Mick also helps us to take a look at some of the people who wrote the scriptures, such Peter as one example, and how they didn't really understand the gospel right away, and in fact it took them years until they came to understand the true gospel. I think you'll find Mick's insight on this very revealing and helpful. We are all on a journey of learning and discovery, and so we can allow ourselves and one another to have time and breathing room to understand the fullness of Christ and the glorious gospel.

Check out all the things that Mick is up to on his website, searchingforgrace.com.

Here's a link to Part 2 of the interview.

In addition, I had a four part interview with Mick about a year and a half ago. Here's the first part of that interview, with links to the other parts as well.

321. Jesus Taught the Law

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 12:00:57 PST

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In the sermon on the mount in the book of Matthew, Jesus began to teach in a way the Jews had never heard before. But was Jesus providing new principles for living under the new covenant or was he teaching the old Law in a more revealing way to help those Jewish people understand they needed something other than the commandments of the law?

The book of Galatians states that Jesus was born of a woman, born under the Law. He was indeed the Son of God in the flesh but Jesus was a prophet under the old covenant. Many of His teachings were aimed specifically at the Jews of that day by holding up the Law as a tutor that would lead people to His life instead of trying to keep commandments that could never make them right with God.

Jesus taught the Law but it was intended to make us guilty before God, yet from the beginning He never intended for us to keep it. There is a better way...Him.

Here's this week's GIG-Bite, a quick sample of this week's program.

"Watch" this episode on YouTube.
(This is an easy way to listen and to share the podcast with others on Facebook, your blog and other sites.)