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

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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)

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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.

"Watch" this episode on YouTube.

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

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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

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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.

"Watch" this episode on YouTube.
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327. From Death to Life - Not from Bad to Good

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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.

"Watch" this episode on YouTube.
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326. God Has Stopped Forgiving

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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.

"Watch" this episode on YouTube.
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325. Redemption & Forgiveness (and what they mean)

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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.

"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.)