CHEN: Recent Episodes
Diondra Stubbs
CHEN podcast is all about the beauties of God, Scripture and the Gospel. We draw attention to the graces of God in the everyday experiences of life and look into practical topics relating to theology, historic Christianity, the modern-day church and more!
In this episode Diondra shares her testimony of how Christ gathered her to Himself. It also answers the questions of how she became reformed and what happened to CHEN podcast. Contrite Heart is all about the faithfulness of God is the midst of weakness, join Diondra on this journey.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. - 2 Corinthians 12:9
Book Recommendation: Extravagant Grace by Barbara Duguid
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”"
Revelation 21:1-4
RETURN TO THE LORD
“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.
Joel 2:12-13
I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. Then I called on the name of the Lord: “O Lord, I pray, deliver my soul!” Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful. The Lord preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me. Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling; I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living. I believed, even when I spoke: “I am greatly afflicted”; I said in my alarm, “All mankind are liars.” What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord, I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. O Lord, I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant. You have loosed my bonds. I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people, in the courts of the house of the Lord, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the Lord! - Psalm 116
“Reformation Day remains a central rallying point for all of those who choose to follow Christ by faith according to His Word. The holiday commemorates the actions of a man who was willing to stand against the ideas of his day and to present God’s Word as our guide for salvation (John 3:16) and Christian living.” Soli Deo Gloria!!!
“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:7-11
There is much distortion in the modern church pertaining to the Gospel. Many people think the Gospel is that God loves you. Many think that it means God has a great plan for your life. While these things may be true, that is not the Gospel. The Gospel is about a person. About who they are and what they did. That person is Jesus Christ. In this episode, Diondra explains the gospel, God’s good news for sinful people.
Sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39h_FY_37Vk
“Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:16-17
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” Romans 8:31-34
We all experience times and seasons where we don’t feel as close to God. Many of us find this to be a terrible thing and it may cause us to lack assurance. However, God wishes for us to be sure and for that reason we have the Scriptures. In the episode, Diondra talks about whether we can experience assurance when we don’t feel as godly.
“Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Preserve my life, for I am godly; save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God. Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all the day. Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me. There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God. Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.” Psalm 86:1-13
“do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you.” Romans 11:18
God’s works flow from who He is. They testify of His character, demonstrating to us that He is who He says He is. In this episode, Diondra discusses the works of God.
Sources: https://www.gotquestions.org/who-is-God.html
“Lord, you were favorable to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of your people; you covered all their sin. Selah You withdrew all your wrath; you turned from your hot anger. Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away your indignation toward us! Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger to all generations? Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.” Psalm 85:1-7
“I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him.” Psalm 32:5-6
There is much debate in the Christian world about who is responsible for our sin. Are we responsible for our sin or is Satan responsible? Does habitual sin indicate that we need a demon cast out or do we need to be actively mortifying sin in our lives? In this episode, Diondra discusses sin and our responsibility to it.
““Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:6-9
The chief end of the Christian is to glorify and enjoy God forever. The first and greatest commandment is to love God with our heart, mind and soul. The question is, how can we love, glorify and enjoy God forever? The answer is to know what He has revealed about Himself. In this episode, Diondra discusses the character of God.
Sources:
https://www.gotquestions.org/who-is-God.html
Character of God Word Studies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxwzq1PJImM&list=PLH0Szn1yYNefOC-fdPanitIai5o1im6jA
As believers, it's important for us to know how to respond to grievous sins in our lives. Not just in our lives, but other's as well. There are many professing Christians who give into shame culture, following after the Pharisees. It is important that we restore one another gently in light of Scripture, exhorting one another to return to God. In this episode, Diondra speaks on how we are to respond to other's sins and our own.
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2
“But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.” Romans 4:23-25
The Greek word translated "hospitality" means "love of strangers". Hospitality is a virtue that is commanded and commended in Scripture. It is required of every Christian. In the world, we find it easy to identify with and welcome people who look like us, think like us and have the same views of us but what about those who don't? What about the stranger, someone who disagrees with you and even an enemy? As we are growing to be like our Savior, it is important that we reflect his character in our hospitality to the believer and unbeliever, the saved and the lost, the one you agree with and the one you don't. In this episode, Diondra shares what she learned at the Women's retreat hosted by her church and Rosaria Butterfield's 'The Gospel Comes With a Housekey".
The Gospel Comes with a House Key: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in Our Post-Christian World by Rosaria Butterfield: https://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Comes-House-Key-Post-Christian/dp/143355786X
In many Christian circles, demons are given far more attention than God Himself. Are demons responsible for our sins? Do we need a spirit cast out of us or do we need to confess our sin and repent? Should we as believers study about demons? Are we too concerned with them? In this episode, Diondra discusses what demonology is and if we should study it as believers.
“O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” Psalm 104:24
The Bible never attempts to prove God’s existence, it assumes it from the very beginning. The chief end of the Christian is to glorify and enjoy God forever. Jesus says we must love God with our heart, mind and strength. The question is, how can we love, glorify and enjoy God forever? The answer is to study what He has revealed about Himself. In this episode, Diondra discusses the nature of God. Sources: https://www.gotquestions.org/who-is-God.html https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/who-god
“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.
Joel 2:12-13
I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, “O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules.
Daniel 9:4-5
Reflections are episodes without a script. In this episode, Diondra talks about the concept of having a best friend and how we should examine whether we should have one in our lives.
Anxiety sometimes causes us to forget the promises of God and sink into despair. While the Christian is not promised a life free from trials, hoping and trusting in God calms and quiets our anxious souls. In this episode, Diondra discusses anxiety and the sovereignty of God.
Reflections are episodes without a script. In this episode, Diondra talks about uprising conversations on social media concerning John MacArthur.
Ruslan KD: John MacArthur's Church Discipline of Mother Who Protected Her Kids - https://youtu.be/uK-slfhsgC4
"Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other."
Psalm 85:10
What is the sovereignty of God? What does it mean that God is sovereign? How does God’s sovereignty affect our lives? In this episode, Diondra shares a general definition of God’s sovereignty and how it affects our lives.
Sources:
R.C. Sproul - Chosen by God: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL30acyfm60fXGiDrDfncbzQgFZ-X-GYyz
What does it mean that God is sovereign? https://www.gotquestions.org/God-is-sovereign.html
Books:
The Sovereignty of God - A.W. Pink
Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God - J.I. Packer
Chosen by God - R.C. Sproul
Does God Control Everything? - R.C. Sproul
"And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross."
Colossians 2:13-14
"Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
Matthew 5:1-4
"Is it that some of us who are reformed can be prideful or exclusive at times? Are God’s sheep not in all types of churches and denominations? I would be pretty heartbroken if I were seeking to fellowship with biblical believers and then to be misjudged or not received because I am not reformed. I often wrote it off as an excuse that it’s hard to fellowship with those of different traditions. But is it really? Am I seeking to love them and be welcoming of them or am I seeking what’s convenient for me?" In this episode, Diondra discusses the temptation to be unwelcoming or flippant towards those of different traditions.
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:14-21
“I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.” Psalm 116:1-2
Our corrupt human nature not only makes hell our default destination, it also distorts our view of God. What we think and know of Him must change in light of the glory revealed in the Scriptures. God has given disclosure and revelation of Himself in the Scriptures that we may truly know Him, love Him, enjoy Him and glorify Him forever. In this episode, Diondra discusses what theology is and why it is crucial for every Christian to be a theologian.
“For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.”” Ezra 8:22
“Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.” Psalm 32:1-2
‘Reflections’ are raw, unscripted episodes where Diondra shares exhortations, thoughts, and God’s graces in her life. In this episode, Diondra reflects on God’s work in her through understanding what the will of the Lord is for women.
God has graced His children with a desire for Him, His word and His laws. We take delight in looking to Christ and knowing more of Him through prayer and the Scriptures. At times, it feels that we look upon Christ alone. In the world and even in some Christian circles, Christ is not the main thing. For those who delight in and love Christ, it can be discouraging. However, it is a great encouragement to know that we are not alone. We are not alone in looking to Christ and delighting in Him. In this episode, Diondra shares a sermon from Charles Spurgeon called “The Death of Christ’, “so that saints not discouraged that so few consider Christ.” The Death of Christ by Charles Spurgeon: https://www.spurgeon.org/resource-library/sermons/the-death-of-christ/#flipbook/ You Do Not Look Alone by Paul Washer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaFc5SZOTE8&t=8s
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. - Ephesians 2:1-10
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. - Ephesians 1:3-10
As time nears the return of Christ, the world becomes more evil. One thing Christ warns us of in these times are false teachers. The majority of the New Testament writers included pastoral concern in their letters, warning the readers of false teachers and doctrines. Today we have an obligation to test every spirit and call out falsehood. However, how we do so matters. We should never fail to reflect the character of Christ and we should keep the main thing, the main thing. It is a major concern that many professing Christians build ministries on calling out false teachers and tearing down these people. What if this is not what Christ has called us to do? In this episode, Diondra talks about how our main focus should be promoting the beauty, glory, person and work of Christ over creating lists of false teachers. “I’d much rather teach people sound doctrine and how to study the Scriptures themselves, as opposed to giving them a list of false teachers to avoid. This way they are able to discern truth from error on their own.” - Diondra Stubbs
“Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” - Hebrews 12:3-11
““But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.” - Luke 21:34
“Take periodic retreats and take them often”. In this episode, Diondra talks about “periodic retreats”. What are they and why should they be a consistent practice in the Christian life? It is important that Christians practice the discipline of shutting out the world to dive into prayer and the Holy Scriptures. We do this not to check off a box, but to know more of Christ. We do this to know God and His revealed will. We study Him because we delight in Him and we love Him. We study His works because we delight in them. Taking these periodic retreats renews our reliance and dependence on the Lord. It creates room for more prayer in our lives. May this be the practice of every believer.
Luke 21:34 - “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.
Sermon from John Piper: https://open.spotify.com/episode/35QuZWv1PxiFeptcZwh8WM?si=mlQ5MChxTpCK38X42rXn7g
The Tender Heart by Richard Sibbes: https://www.monergism.com/tender-heart-2-chronicles-3426
“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” - Jude 1:24-25
‘Reflections’ are raw, unscripted episodes where Diondra shares exhortations, thoughts and God’s graces in her life. This is an exhortation to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters worldwide. We must pray for guidance on how we can get involved and suffer with them. We must be apart of the Great Commission. Let us give up our lives of self-preservation, perfectionist theology and comfort to serve them. Grace & Peace
“Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful.” - Psalm 111:2-4
The word Puritan first appeared in the 1560s as a derisive term for those who advocated more purity in worship and doctrine. The Puritans were often mischaracterized as joyless, severe and fanatical. "Haunted by the fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy." That is the Puritan reputation. In this episode, Diondra discusses who the Puritans were, why every Christian should read their works and why she particularly delights in them and their writings. Books: Following God Fully: An Introduction to the Puritans by Joel Beeke and Michael Reeves
Book Suggestions from the Puritans: Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners by John Bunyan Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ by John Bunyan The Intercession of Christ by John Bunyan The Tender Heart by Richard Sibbes The Bruised Reed by Richard Sibbes The Heart of Christ by Thomas Goodwin A Lifting Up for the Downcast by William Bridge The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs Any books from John Owen, Johnathan Edwards, Richard Sibbes and Thomas Watson
Diary of A Reformed Bookworm: https://diaryofreformedbookworm.blogspot.com/
“And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.” - Deuteronomy 30:6
‘Reflections’ are raw, unscripted episodes where Diondra shares exhortations, thoughts and God’s graces in her life. The manifestation of God’s grace in us is something to delight in, worshiping and praising Him for radically redeeming and changing wretches like us. In this reflection, Diondra shares about her dating life and how the Lord is working in Christ conformity and shaping her views to match the Scriptures.
What is the Reformation? What does it mean to be Reformed? What are Reformed Christians? In this episode, Diondra discusses the Reformation, what it means to be Reformed and why she is a Reformed Christian.
For more information about the Protestant Reformation: https://www.gotquestions.org/Protestant-Reformation.html
For more about Reformed Theology: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/series/what-is-reformed-theology
For more about TULIP: https://www.ligonier.org/posts/tulip-and-doctrines-grace and R.C. Sproul’s “What is Reformed Theology” series above.
For more about the five solas: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/what-are-the-five-solas https://www.gotquestions.org/five-solas.html
Books:
“What is Reformed Theology?” by R.C. Sproul
“Five Points Towards a Deeper Experience of God’s Grace” by John Piper
Other Resources Mentioned:
https://www.monergism.com/
https://www.ligonier.org/
Westminster Standards: https://thewestminsterstandard.org/the-westminster-standards/
Belgic Confession: https://www.crcna.org/welcome/beliefs/confessions/belgic-confession
Heidelberg Catechism: https://www.crcna.org/welcome/beliefs/confessions/heidelberg-catechism
Canons of Dort: https://www.crcna.org/welcome/beliefs/confessions/canons-dort
The Diary of A Reformed Bookworm: https://diaryofreformedbookworm.blogspot.com/
What does it mean to "run with endurance, the race that is set before us"? Who are the “great cloud of witnesses”? Join Diondra for study of Hebrews 12:1-2.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrews 12:1-2
Last week we talked about the abuse of spiritual authority, and ministries. This week we have some new questions brewing: Should we teach doctrine based on our experiences and the experiences of others? Do experiences come before Scripture? Have some of the gifts ceased? Are the gifts being used biblically? Are we teaching doctrine about the gifts according to Scripture or personal experiences? The reality is that Scripture is above every experience. If an experience is not biblical it should never be taught as doctrine. We should pray about these experiences and ask God what to do about them. In this episode, Diondra shares about experiences and spiritual gifts witnessed in the Charismatic movement and what Scripture actually teaches about them.
What does the Bible say about ministries, churches, and practices of Christians today? Are the things that we do and teach biblical? Are we accurately affirming the true person and ministry of the Holy Spirit? Are our churches following the teachings of Christ and the apostles? In the modern Charismatic movement and Pentecostal church, a lot of spiritual abuse and unhealthy practices take place. While this is the case for many denominations, Diondra shares specifically her experience growing up in Charismatic/Pentecostal churches. "All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
God's Word ought to be the authority we submit under and our lives must conform to it. Diondra's encouragement is to study the Scriptures diligently, seeing if what we have received as doctrine and tradition is in alignment with God's will according to Scripture. This is NOT an encouragement to deconstruct your faith BUT to be a Berean (Acts 17:11) and study the word of God daily for the standard of Christian practices and living.
Happy Holidays! Christmas wishes and a reminder of what Christmas is really about from Diondra!
How exactly do we love God, according to Scripture? What must we do? It seems God has already done the work for us and in us.
Last week Diondra discussed the necessity, nature, gift and ground for loving God in Christ. This week, she touches on exactly how to go about loving God.
Loving God by Paul Washer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zg3jbCtIEcQ
The first and greatest commandment is to love God with all of our heart, soul and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37-38). The question is: How do we do this? How do we love and worship God in the way that He desires and commands? How do we love God the way He deserves to be loved? The answers are in His Word. Today, Diondra discusses growing in love for God in light of the Gospel and the New Covenant and in the face of Christ. Diondra uses the Holy Scriptures and the "How to Grow in Love for God" series by John Piper to share how we can grow in love for God and how it has personally affected her life.
Check out John Piper's "How to Grow in Love for God" series: https://www.desiringgod.org/how-to-grow-in-love-for-god
Book Suggestion: Gentle & Lowly (The Heart of Christ for Sinners & Sufferers) by Dane Ortlund
“Christ is not knocking on the door of a sinner’s heart, but on the door of a wayward church.” - Paul Washer. The majority of churches today have abandoned faithfulness to the Word of God. They have locked out the very head of the church, Jesus Christ. The popular and wide scale ministries of today have drifted from the true teachings of the Bible, the true teachings of who God is and what He has done. Churches are preaching health, wealth, law of attraction, and "inspiration", causing people to be in love with a Jesus they don't even know. A Jesus that is inaccurate to the Son of God, taught about in the Scriptures. This is idolatry. The majority of the Christian population today has no idea about the person, work, ministry, character, and heart of Christ. They have no idea about the very character and nature of God. We have been bewitched to think that Christ and what He has done is not enough. Jesus' plead in Revelation 3:20 is for the Wayward Church to return to and open the door to him. Today Diondra discusses the church of Laodicea in Revelation 3, the wayward church of today, and Jesus' heart to come in and share intimate union with His sheep. May you consider answering His call of repenting from false righteousness and false assurance to gain true, genuine righteousness and true assurance.
Biblical love is selfless and unconditional, whereas self-love is characterized by selfishness. This week Diondra talks about her renunciation of self-love to follow Christ. It is one of the best decisions she's decided to make, abandoning a selfish life to gain everything in Christ.
Welcome to Chen Podcast! This week Diondra introduces herself and shares about Chen Podcast.
CHEN podcast is all about the beauties of God, Scripture and the Gospel. We draw attention to the graces of God in the everyday experiences of life and look into practical topics relating to theology, historic Christianity, the modern-day church and more! Don’t forget to share and leave a review. My prayer is that you are always blessed and edified by what you hear, exhorting you to meditate on the beauty of God