Growing in Grace Podcast

1068. The Will of God for You

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 7 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

People can go through all kinds of stress and worry while wondering or trying to figure out what God's will is for their life. It can result in this life becoming heavy and hard instead of light and easy.

Sometimes it's just a matter of trusting God to lead and guide. This becomes easier when we can set aside the magnifying glass and begin to see the bigger picture of God's will for your life being Jesus Christ in you. Rest in that and begin to realize how much God cares for you affectionately in every area of your life. You no longer need to fear if you are "in God's will."

"Clash of the Covenants" book available on Amazon

1067. Is There Such a Thing as a License to Sin?

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Within varying degrees of legalism found in a mixed-covenant church culture, it has been said that grace can result in a license to sin if it isn't balanced with a message of religious law and works. The concerns that grace alone will cause people to be disobedient and choose a sinful lifestyle is the equivalent of blaming Jesus for the choices people make.

Avoiding sin is good advice, we've said this for years. The foundation of the gospel is God's unchanging grace and love. It's important for us to grow in our understanding of such an abundance of this unending grace from God. It is grace that teaches us in producing a more fruitful and godly way of life by His Spirit. This is rooted in knowing we have a new heart ... and have already been declared righteous, holy, sanctified and perfected in Him.

Not everyone will instantly grasp the freedom they have in grace, and yes, some will choose to follow their own fleshly desires and make poor choices. It can result in hurting ourselves and those around us. We've seen more people go this direction due to legalistic ideologies—realizing they can't keep up with the demands, thereby giving up. But as a new creation in Christ, our heart really doesn't want to run towards sin. As Paul said, all things may be lawful, but not all things will be profitable or beneficial. Thankfully, we can live the life God desires for us in the Spirit, realizing Jesus conquered and took sin away ... and nothing will ever come between us and God. When we catch onto this, it inspires a motivation that religious activity can't match.

"Clash of the Covenants" book available on Amazon

1066. Our Reward Is an Unearned Inheritance

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 24 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

There are people who show compassion and do good things to help others. Some are Christians, others are not. Some do it from a loving heart, others do it to try to earn points with God or to be seen by others for recognition.

When abiding in grace, what is the motivation to give to others who may be in need of help? Is it based on duty and obligation? Trying to avoid guilt? Feeling required to do so? Fear of 'the principle' of sowing and reaping? Banking some sort of eternal rewards? Or does it stem from a heartfelt desire to freely do so, rooted in the love that we have received from God?

An inheritance is something gifted by one who dies. As children of God, this is what has been given to us through Christ. It's not something we earn. It is not something that will fade away based on what we do or don't do. If the inheritance is based on works, it is no longer based on a promise. (See the context around Galatians 3:18).

"Clash of the Covenants" book available on Amazon

1065. Talking Outside the Traditional Box About the B-I-B-L-E

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 17 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Many Christians consider the Bible as a book that is their connection to God. This is understandable because people tend to desire in seeking ways to make God more tangible within their life and world. The pages are something we can touch and see. It can easily become something worshiped or considered to be our primary source and destination when it comes to knowing God. But it's all based upon how one interprets through human filters—which can constantly change.

The Bible isn't a single book, but a collection of writings authored by many people over a lengthy period of time, and came to us from many thousands of manuscripts which were copied by hand. Whether written before the cross or after, the scripts are designed to point to truth and life which are found and contained within a Person—Jesus Christ. As believers in Christ, we're not called to 'believe in the Bible.' After all, there are millions of very different perspectives, opinions, and ideologies being embraced and debated. We certainly can't believe every version of someone else's truth... because they are all over the map.

Our life and destination will not be in trying to unlock the vault to proper interpretation and understanding. Jesus sent a far more superior Guide to help us in our walk of faith as we live in the Spirit. Of course we're thankful to have access to these writings. After all, we've been referring to them on the podcast for more than a couple decades. But compared to the thousands of other religions out there, we have something that goes beyond "the book" and academics ... or theological labels. Becoming aware of the incredible view from above 30,000 feet may help from getting lost in a maze of individual verses.

"Clash of the Covenants" book available on Amazon

1064. The Religious Beatdown: "I Felt Worse, Like I Was Never Doing Enough"

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 10 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

A listener shares with us their story of spending decades in several different churches while working at being dedicated and committed to the cause. Over time, they began to struggle with depression, anxiety, guilt and shame. If it seems like there is something wrong with this picture, it's because there is ... and unfortunately, it's all too common. But we have some encouragement for those who feel trapped.

"Clash of the Covenants" book available on Amazon

1063. Confidence Becomes Volatile When It's Based on Behavior

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 3 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Most have been subjected to religious behavioral requirements. It may be a standard you set for yourself, or it may have come from church friends or other sources. Maybe even by misunderstandings within Bible verses. If you convince yourself you're doing a 'pretty good' job of keeping up by performing enough to think of yourself as a successful doer, your 'spiritual' and emotional confidence rises. Wander from it and you might start to wonder where you stand with God—and what you need to do to get back on track.

The good news of the gospel of grace is that we can be confident and at peace ... but it's not based on our obedience or trying to be good enough with what we do. It is fully rooted in Jesus, His obedience, His blood, and a redemptive work He completed once, for all. Anything else will have the legal eagles swooping for an opportunity to bring the fish back to their nest.

"Clash of the Covenants" book available on Amazon

1062. The Burdensome Process of 'Surrendering' Everything to God

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Many of the things we've all heard in mixed-covenant church buildings can easily result in leftovers or at least trace elements within our mindsets that we attempt to apply to the message of the gospel of grace. The result becomes a rather murky hodgepodge of inconsistency. It leaves believers in Christ wondering if they they are right with God, resulting in fear, uncertainty ... and pecks away at people who are finding peace to be somewhat elusive in their minds. Of course, most who embrace grace are not intending for this to happen ... but it does ... partly because it may ultimately have similarities to the religious talking points people have been trying to escape.

There are many perspectives, angles, Bible teachings, and opinions that can be quite different—even within circles where grace dominates. But it is not unusual to see some of the messages sliding down a slippery slope which gradually manages to put the spotlight back on us and what we do—and how well we're doing it. Am I doing enough? How do I know? Am I out of touch with God compared to others who seem so spiritual?

The focus of faith should remain on the finished work of Jesus and God's Spirit who was sent to guide us. Your identity of righteousness is contained in Him. When legalistic venues insist on our need to surrender everything to God, it will usually lack specifics on what that looks like. Religion declares we need to put our belief on display for others to see, otherwise, it may indicate something isn't real and genuine. Walking by faith and not by sight is turned completely inside out. God lives in us. He wants to express His life through us. But His fruit should not be considered synonymous with works that are performed in order to get God to respond. His response to you is firmly anchored in a Savior who established a different and much better covenant. No pressure.

"Clash of the Covenants" book available on Amazon

1061. Being at Peace Even When So Many Questions Remain Unanswered

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

We have received many inquiries from listeners over the years who are in search of answers to questions that may have them confused when it comes to things found in the Bible. This isn't exactly an exclusive club. We all would like greater clarity on many things we may not fully understand. When someone seeks input from us, a pastor, or their favorite grace teacher ... it will sometimes just lead to more questions which will result in seeking more answers—and how they compare to previously received answers from a different source.

That's the problem when there are so many different opinions, doctrines and perspectives from people who all declare the Bible as their source for truth. Grace will help us to realize we don't need to know everything or feel that we need an answer to every question. And it can result in depending more on the One who abides within ... who is more than enough to keep us at peace.

"Clash of the Covenants" book available on Amazon

1060. Dodging the 'Doing' Dilemma and Walking in the Spirit

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

It's good to do good. Works can certainly become an important part of our lives in Christ. But how we are positioned with God is not based on what we do (or don't do). Our eternal redemption and our identity of righteousness is based on what Jesus did for us through a finished work that He fulfilled. Nothing can separate us from that love. The Jewish people under the (now obsolete) Mosaic law were pursuing the master blueprint of good works—but it resulted in bearing fruit for death and the increase of sin. The fruit of works may have looked pretty good to the human eye, but it was plastic, dead fruit.

As a new creation living in the Spirit, walking in the Spirit isn't rooted in trying to prove our identity by behavior and works ... and all of those church activities. We can only bear the fruit the Spirit produces through us. It is a place of freedom and peace, and it occurs apart from law and religious obligation.

"Clash of the Covenants" book available on Amazon

1059. The Corporate Church Campaign to Mix Law and Grace

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 5 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

1. Moses. Charlton Heston. The Ten Commandments. 603 other commandments. Mount Sinai. The Passover lamb. Many sacrifices. Works. Hearing and doing. Sins temporarily covered. Reminded of sins.

2. Jesus. The Lamb of God. Grace. The gift of salvation and righteousness. Faith. One sacrifice. Easter. The Resurrection. The Holy Spirit. Eternal forgiveness. Sins taken away. Sins remembered no more.

The above is a nutshell version relating some headlines to two very different covenants. How is it that the church culture has embraced combining various portions of these covenants that were never meant to be mingled? Perhaps it's because the Bible is often considered "one book," or wrongly assuming the New was meant to be some type of addendum to the Old. Let's take a look at how badly the target has been missed with such a mixture of law and grace. God's grace (apart from law) is the recipe for us to reign in life and teaches us to deny ungodliness ... not advocating for an old or revamped law that was fulfilled and abolished by Jesus.

"For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace."

"Clash of the Covenants" book available on Amazon

1058. Grace Will Expose the Motivations of the Heart

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

When we discover a revelation of God's grace, Christians who have been inundated with doctrines of doing in order to maintain right standing with God will be confronted with something that may challenge their past mindset.

Under a legalistic, self-righteous, mixed-covenant church culture, it was more about 'doing things' in order to please God; to receive blessings, to keep from being punished, or to be noticed by others (all in the name of having a good testimony). We were programmed to think it was up to us and our obedience to remain tethered into fellowship with God. Many came from a mindset where failing to do 'enough of the stuff' might risk how God will react to them. The motivation was based more upon avoiding God becoming angry with them or withholding blessings.

While living in the unchangeable grace and perfect love of God at all times, what is our motivation compared to the above? Now that we know blessings and forgiveness are secure and complete in Christ by the gift of His grace, what is the motivation for loving and helping others and doing good things? In short, we'll find it in knowing and believing in God's perfect love and who we already are in Him.

"Clash of the Covenants" book available on Amazon

1057. A Listener Asks About Overcoming Past Regrets, Religious Exhaustion and Church Attendance

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

God's grace teaches us so much over time when compared to religious routines and traditions of "doing" that have often missed the core message of the gospel of God's love. We're continuing with the second part of a letter we received from a newer listener to the podcast who is beginning to see the message of grace and recognizing the contrasts with much of what they may have been taught in the corporate church system. They ask about how to overcome past regrets for things said and done ... the feeling of exhaustion from church-related activities ... and wrestling with whether they and their young family should attend church regularly.

"Clash of the Covenants" book available on Amazon

1056. A New Listener Writes About Their Faith Roller Coaster - It May Be Your Story Too

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Over the past couple of decades, we've received correspondence from people from around the world. We've been blessed by so many emails and comments. We've also heard stories from some who shared very difficult things they have experienced from church denominations and religious tradition ... and some of those were quite sad.

We recently received a nice letter from a new listener who discovered our podcast and shared some of his experiences while just beginning to have the eyes of his understanding opened to the message of the gospel of grace. Chances are very good that much of what he is sharing will sound very familiar to you if you have progressed into the good news of the gift of righteousness. For some, it will bring reminders from your distant past ... or more recently for some. We felt it is probably an accurate representation of what many Christians go through when being set free from ideologies that are so burdensome within the mixed covenant culture quite dominant in corporate Christianity. We're going to do something different on this program and share the letter and some thoughts for those eagerly seeking answers to what may seem like "newfound faith."

"Clash of the Covenants" book available on Amazon

1055. The Listeners Speak! The Changes Grace Brought to Them (Part 6)

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 8 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0600

This is the final installment from our previous request ... asking listeners to share something that completely changed for them as they slipped from the roots of religious legalism into the grace of the gospel.

This week includes the topics of:

- The fear of participating in communion "in an unworthy manner" because of certain sins that religion declares will cause a separation with God or result in a negative effect on our fellowship with Him.
- The fear of bloodline curses or various curses from a lack of obedience in behavior.
- Church members putting a guilt trip on those who do not attend regularly or deem them to be in error when they leave or attend a different church building.

"Clash of the Covenants" book available on Amazon

1054. The Listeners Speak! The Changes Grace Brought to Them (Part 5)

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 1 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Some weeks ago, we asked our listeners to comment on something that completely changed for them as they slipped from the roots of religious legalism into the grace of the gospel.

This week includes the topics of:

- Trying to keep some type of weekly religious sabbath and attempting to "Christianize" the concept (mix the Old Covenant with the New).
- The habit of continuously seeking or asking God's Spirit to come ... or asking God to come into our presence (as though He left for another zip code).
- Asking God daily for forgiveness—again and again (as if the cross never happened).
- Equating church attendance with one's spiritual state ... having people wanting to pray with an attendee to repent and get right with God (after they haven't shown up for a while).

"Clash of the Covenants" book available on Amazon

1053. The Listeners Speak! The Changes Grace Brought to Them (Part 4)

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

A while back, we asked our listeners to comment on something that completely changed for them as they slipped from the roots of religious legalism into the grace of the gospel.

This week includes the topics of:

- The Holy Spirit does not convict believers of sin, but unbelievers.
- Knowing that not all Bible verses are what they appear and are often taken out of context.
- "Daily disciplines" or routines are not required to get closer to God. Jesus has become a new and living way for us.
- Dispensationalism.
- Holiness and sanctification are gifts that came through Jesus and not something unattainable that we progressively or gradually work at to become more righteous or acceptable to God.
- Overcoming the painful experience of self-righteous judgement by getting kicked out of church for what the hierarchy viewed as failing their so-called moral code (dancing).

"Clash of the Covenants" book available on Amazon

1052. The Listeners Speak! The Changes Grace Brought to Them (Part 3)

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

A few weeks ago, we asked our listeners to respond with comments to this:

Name something that completely changed things for you when coming from a traditional or legalistic-based religious mindset compared to a greater knowledge of the gospel of grace. For those who have experienced such a journey, the differences are nothing short of amazing (and exciting). There is a good chance you have had similar experiences you'll find very relatable.

This week includes the topics of:

- Thinking a believer in Christ can forfeit their salvation.
- The Holy Spirit convicts us (believers) of sin.
-Religious accusations of idol worship motivated by guilt.
- God's love didn't really bring any change to you unless you were wholeheartedly committed to church ministry.
- Misunderstanding our identity inherited in Christ ... instead of working or doing something to attain what God has already gifted.

"Clash of the Covenants" book available on Amazon

1051. The Listeners Speak! The Changes Grace Brought to Them (Part 2)

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 8 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

A few weeks ago, we asked our listeners to respond with comments to this:

Name something that completely changed things for you when coming from a traditional or legalistic-based religious mindset compared to a greater knowledge of the gospel of grace. For those who have experienced such a journey, the differences are nothing short of amazing (and exciting). There is a good chance you have had similar experiences you'll find very relatable.

This week includes the topics of:

-Thinking everything you have ever done will be played back on a big screen for all to see (probably in 4K technology).
-The topic of fasting and whether it should be considered as a required mandate.
-"Keep a short account with God." Including the worry of not having confessed sins or continually feeling the need to ask God for more forgiveness.
-Being "all in" by fully committing to participating in the many church ministries and activities.

"Clash of the Covenants" book available on Amazon

1050. The Listeners Speak! The Changes Grace Brought to Them (Part 1)

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 1 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

A few weeks ago, we asked our listeners to respond with comments to this:

Name something that completely changed things for you when coming from a traditional or legalistic-based religious mindset compared to a greater knowledge of the gospel of grace. For those who have experienced such a journey, the differences are nothing short of amazing (and exciting). We are just getting around to sharing those responses while briefly discussing them with our expert commentary. 🙂

This week includes the topics of:

-Tithing demands.
-The "requirement" to convert family and friends by talking about Jesus with everyone all the time.
-Feeling the obligation to pray before every meal.
-The need to regularly do penance.

"Clash of the Covenants" book available on Amazon

1049. The Common Clash Between the Gospel and the Red Letters

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600

There is a common misconception within the Christian mindset that the words Jesus spoke to His disciples and others should also be considered as if He was speaking to all future believers. But the primary mission of Jesus was to minister to the lost sheep of the house of Israel ... Jewish people who were under a different religious system of the Mosaic law which could not bring them life or righteousness.

While there are some demonstrations, blips, and words looking forward to a new and different covenant, there is very little good news contained within the chapters and verses in those books about the gospel of grace.

"Clash of the Covenants" book available on Amazon

1048. Defining "The Gospel"

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600

The gospel. We hear the word a lot—probably without thinking much about what it specifically means. Meanings in the Greek describe gospel as to proclaim or declare good news. And while it is literally defined as good news—and we can relate the good news to Jesus—what exactly is that good news?

There are many Bible-related nuggets and concepts that may be assumed or considered as the gospel of Jesus Christ but might often be quite different from the way the Apostle Paul described it ... and may not be the gospel at all.

Get the book

1047. Resting in Grace

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Stop and think about who Jesus was speaking to when He said the following: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Of course, it was directed specifically at those (Jewish people) who had been held under an unprofitable law which required them to work at hearing and doing all of it in order to try to attain to right standing with God. There was no rest for them to enter into within that system of the stone-tablet ministry. Unfortunately, some of that obsolete arrangement has trickled down similar concepts to corporate Christianity today.

God has not placed you under arrest only to be released on parole based upon rehabilitation and good behavior. Through Christ, He has placed you under a rest. He is the One who sets captives free. This is the reality and truth for you right now, even if you don't always feel as though you are experiencing such perfect peace and rest at all times. While the religious world loves to strike a "balance" ... and will try to regulate your rest based on regulations and law-like lifelessness planted in decrees and ordinances, we have been given something much better in the New Covenant of Jesus Christ. It's God's grace—and it will bring internal and eternal peace when we embrace it. He died so we could live in it.

Get the book

1046. Religion Says You Ain't No Saint (But God Says You Are)

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 4 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600

What comes to mind when you hear the word saint? Most will picture what tradition and perhaps even our dictionary has told us ... such as these examples:

A) An extremely virtuous person. B) A person of exceptional holiness or goodness. C) Someone regarded with deep respect or reverence. D) A person who has died and gone to heaven. E) The process of canonization from earthly humans, making the appointed saint capable of interceding for people on earth.

Some church building managers even like to flaunt the title of "reverend," which seems to be reserved for a certain few.

The Greek word appears about 235 times in the New Testament pages. Most of the time it is translated as holy. But at least 25% of the time the same word is translated as saints. Paul opens many of his letters to the "saints" and makes other references in various parts of his letters. He wasn't narrowing his remarks to "super spiritual" people who lived exemplary lifestyles of holiness. He wasn't making a correlation between being a saint combined with one's works and actions. He certainly wasn't writing to people who passed after their body died. He was simply addressing or making references to believers in Christ.

Being a saint is part of your identity as a new creation in Christ and it has nothing to do with your behavior. You are righteous, sanctified and holy. It is not something you are striving to attain so that you may boast in your accomplishments. It is because God has gifted us with His holiness. The sooner we can latch onto this, the more easily we'll begin to understand the gospel.

Get the book

New Year 2026 - Revisiting Episode 931: Freedom From the Religion of "How To"

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Happy New Year all! We'll be back in 2026 with plenty of brand new grace-filled episodes. This week we're going back into the archives for an encouraging episode that focuses on our identity in Christ apart from what we do, and the freedom we have in Him.

The church system in Christianity is largely based on following formulas and three-point sermons to help people work at how to become something they think they are not. The message of the gospel of grace is based on a very different and more solid foundation. Instead of working through steps and principles on how to become a better Christian ... more holy, more sanctified, forgiven, etc. we come to realize God has gifted us as heirs with these qualities as His child.

His divine power in us has given everything we need that pertains to life and godliness—apart from works. It's not about trying harder or a "how-to" but it's about "a Him" ... where our life and identity is found in a place of peace and perfection.

Get the book

1045. And on Earth Peace, Goodwill Toward Men (And What it Means for Us)

graceroots@gmail.com (Mike Kapler and Joel Brueseke) — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600

One of the greatest announcements in the history of the world happened on a night when a heavenly visitation was on display before a group of shepherds who were keeping watch over their flocks. A heavenly host appeared with the angel and proclaimed, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

Most of the world has taken this statement to mean the proclamation of peace and goodwill is something that should be extended from one person to another. Certainly, this is a good thing when there is peace in the world and kindness and honesty between people. But the context here is God making a declaration of peace between the Creator and His creation as He extended goodwill towards us through the Price of peace. It coincides with the Savior of the world, born that night, taking on human form, and eight days later being named the name above all names ... Jesus. It's a mysterious occurrence that can be challenging to wrap our minds around. But the story unfolds and becomes alive within our hearts as God reveals it to us by His Spirit who bears witness to of the Word who became flesh.

Get the book