Grace to Stand: Recent Episodes
Pastor George Sayour & Pastor Darin Stone
Darin and George explain the Biblical and Practical Basis for Presbyterian annual Business meetings, as the ARP's Annual Synod was just last week, the RPCNA's is this week, and the PCA's is next week.
Fresh back from the Gospel Reformation Network Ruling Elder Conference, Darin and George discuss the blessing that Elders are to the Church of Jesus Christ.
George and Darin discuss the mixture of emotions that Christian's have about Death and how Christians should process that in light of a fallen world looking to the Resurrection of Christ to rightly hold the tension.
Darin and George discuss the growing trend of Protestants celebrating Lent and getting Ashes on their Foreheads during Ash Wednesday.
Pastor George talks about his upcoming call to join MNA's Ministry to State as the State Capitol Minister to North Carolina. Pastor Darin shares his experiences in this position and how Christians should view their relationship to government and elected officials.
Pastors Darin and George discuss the seeming shift in the country to a more nuetral or positive view of Conservatism and what this means for the Church.
Pastor George's Christmas Eve Homily which concludes his study in Isaiah 9. This week the Title "Prince of Peace" and the telling of the December 24, 1914 World War I story of the Christmas Truce.
A ridiculous conversation about the Mike Tyson fight against Jake Paul and what it says about our longings for Redemption, a Hero, and Immortality.
Election day has come and gone and we have some new leaders. What is next for the Christian? Darin and George discuss the Christians responsibility toward their elected officials.
Have you ever wondered what God loves most? This message was delivered at the Meadowview Mission's Conference recently by Alan Foster. Pastor Alan Foster is the MNA Church Planting Resource Director.
In light of the recent news about Pastor Steve Lawson, Pastors George and Darin discuss thoughts on how to process when Pastors fall and disqualify themselves from ministry.
Is it ok to vote for the lesser of 2 evils? Is it ok to not vote at all? What is our responsibility as Christians as it relates to politics? Pastors George and Darin discuss all this and more.
Pastor George discusses the Children of Light Symposium at Meadowview with Dr. James N. Anderson (RTS Charlotte) and Dr. Rosaria Butterfield.
Darin and George Share some thoughts about God's Providence and the Assassination attempt of President Trump. Our prayers go out for the family of Corey Comperatore who lost his life protecting his family from the shooter.
In this 4th of July edition of Grace to Stand, Pastor George discusses the founding of our Country, Freedom, and the appropriateness of Christian Patriotism.Article Referenced & Read : Patriotism & the Pastor by Pastor Rob Pascienza at ByFaithOnline.comhttps://byfaithonline.com/patriotism-and-the-pastor/John Adams Quote Read - https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalmall4th/history-of-independence-day.htm
Darin and George just got back from their respective annual denominational meetings; Darin from the ARP Synod & George from the PCA's General Assembly. Here they share reflections on those meetings in light of Church History and the Scriptures.
Is it legalistic to pursue holiness? To guard your life? To exhort others? To call others to repentance? To protect worship? How is Antinomianism related to Legalism? Learn how Legalism negates the Grace of Christ in your life, prevents repentance, and can be ultimately damning.
Pastors Darin & George discuss some insights into the reasons and benefits of podcasting for ministry.
Meadowview's former Pastor Gary Cox delivers the Keynote address for Meadowview's 75th Anniversary Celebration.
With the 2024 Solar Eclipse in the books, Pastors Darin & George speak about what the wonders of Creation say about our God and how they point us to Him.
Is saying "Christ is King" antisemitic? Pastors Darin and George discuss the recent dust-up over this saying that is so dear to Christians as we consider the Life, Death and Resurrection this week.
Rev. Darin Stone flies solo in this shorter episode on Faith & Politics in what promises to be a contentious election season in the U.S. As the PCA's Minister to State in NC, Darin is a gifted thinker and pastor in this area. Learn more about Darin's work with MTS: https://www.mts-nc.org/mts-minister
Pastor George is joined by the Worship Minister at Meadowview and they discuss the reasons why we don't sing Hillsong, Bethel, nor Elevation Worship and the important distinction between what individual Christians do and what should be done in Corporate Worship.
Darin & George discuss the Alistair Begg Controvery as well as the latest #HeGetsUs Campaign and how Christians should think critically and Biblically about these things. Alistair Begg Comments - last few minutes of video https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/christian-manifesto-interview/ Alistair Begg FollowUp Sermon https://www.parksidechurch.com/learn/resources/media-center/sermon/compassion-or-condemnation/ #HeGetsUs 2024 Super Bowl Ad https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94BqlDQ-Ppohttps://hegetsus.com/en"What the Ad Should have been" - He Saves US https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV3AnTUPiDY
Is Taylor Swift unwittingly catechizing your kids? With much nuance, Pastor's Darin and George discuss the effect of uncritically allowing cultural influences to catechize Christian kids.
Pastors Darin and George speak about this work on Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs as they look to being Satisfied in Christ this new year.
Here Pastor George talks about the importance of the Word of God as the moment our Daily Lives should revolve around. In doing so, he explains the 2024 Meadowview Scripture Reading Plan which can be found here: https://meadowviewpca.org/thy-word-is-a-lamp-unto-my-feet-scripture-reading-plan/
Pastors Darin and George wrap the year up by answering 10 questions as 2023 draws to a close and 2024 is about to being.
Reflections on the Song "Mary did you know?" Marvel at the question! Pastor George analyzes the song which is either loved or hated by millions. Based on this article:https://irreverentreverend.org/2021/12/07/mary-knew-and-she-didnt-and-i-love-the-song/
Ruling Elder John Hargett speaks at Meadowview's men's breakfast about the Sovereignty of God amidst the tragedies he's faced in his life. John lost his father when he was a child, he lost his 1st wife in a car accident when his kids were 5 and 7, he's battled cancer, and just last year had a stroke which killed his lifelong dream. Yet, through it all He praises God. Be encouraged by this talk.
In this increasingly post-Christian and rebellious culture against Biblical Values, Christians are increasingly having to make decisions that put them at odds with their family and friends. Should you attend a Gay Wedding? What do you allow to take place under your roof? How to honor the Lord and Love your family. These are not easy decisions. Pastors George and Darin Discuss.
With great trepidation, Pastor George explains his understanding and view of what's going on in Israel. He also describes some of his background as Middle Easterner who grew up with his grandparents who immigrated from Syria.
George and Darin discuss the latest departure from Biblical Christianity by Andy Stanley & North Point Church and what it matters. For details:https://cbmw.org/2023/10/01/andy-stanleys-version-christianity/ https://wng.org/opinions/the-train-is-leaving-the-station-1695036498 https://wng.org/opinions/go-and-sin-no-more-1696305138 https://albertmohler.com/2018/08/10/getting-unhitched-old-testament-andy-stanley-aims-heresy
We continue our series on Worship by going through the Ordinary Means of Grace. This week's focus is on the preached and read WORD of God.
A Discussion on how the components of worship train our hearts and fix our eyes on Christ. Darin and George discuss Liturgy, the Order of Worship, as well as the Elements, Forms, and Circumstances of Worship.
Darin and George discuss the reason, goals, requirements, and benefits of Corporate Worship. It should be no surprise that ultimately it is to Glory God and to Enjoy Him forever.
The first discussion in a series on Worship. How Worship rightly connects people to their God, the creator to the creator, and how it is through worship that we not only Glorify God but Enjoy Him forever in all sphere's of life.
Darin and George discuss the meaning of "Grace to Stand" as is found in Romans 5:1-2 and what it means for them on a daily basis. But first, they share reflections about doing this podcast for 1 year.
Darin and George are back at it after more than a month off. Here they speak about lessons from their Summers with their family as they look to a new school year.
Pastor George interviews Dr. Scott Shidemantle of Geneva College about the challenges of College Education in our secular society and the benefits of a Reformed Christian College Education for Covenant Families. Dr. Shidemantle is a Ruling Elder in the PCA.
This Pastor George's 3rd Sermon from John 5 where Jesus defends his ministry and person against attacks by pointing to various witnesses and evidences while standing firmly on the Sovereignty of God and the truthfulness of the Scriptures in the face of blatant unbelief.
Sermon 2 of 3 by Pastor George from John 5. Jesus answers the objection regarding Him being God and presents us with the Marvelous Mystery of Who He is.
This is 1 of 3 Sermons Pastor George Preached from John 5. In this sermon Jesus heals a cripple man and he asks him "Do You Want to Be Well?" How does this question apply to us today?
Reflections on the 4th of July, Patriotism, The Concept of Freedom and the Christian meaning of Freedom. God Bless the USA!
Pastors Darin and George discuss the need for rest, relaxation, the need to reboot and refresh.
George and Darin give their impressions, hopes, and encouragement of the 50th PCA General Assembly. For a written summary of GA, check out Pastor George's here:
https://theaquilareport.com/pca-ga-50-summary-of-20-key-events-highlights/
https://irreverentreverend.org/2023/06/17/pca-ga-50-summary-of-20-key-events-highlights/
Pastors Darin and George discuss their history, hopes, praises, and concerns regarding the PCA as they prepare to got to the 5oth General Assembly. Discussing the PCA at age 50 ( https://pca50.org/).
Here are links to resources to research the Overtures:
Overture Documents - https://pcaga.org/resources/#overtures PCA Polity
Overtures Summary: - https://pcapolity.com/2023/05/29/info-guide-to-overtures-before-pcaga50/
Presbycast Overtures Explanation: -https://www.youtube.com/live/Vz2BXaG75zM?feature=share
Considering the Overtures: https://theaquilareport.com/a-philosophers-guide-to-the-overtures-presented-to-the-pca-general-assembly/
Individual Overture Explanation:
Overture 9 - https://pcapolity.com/2023/06/05/the-authors-rationale-for-overture-9/ Overture 10 & 14 - https://pcapolity.com/2023/06/02/making-the-case-against-overtures-10-14/ Ov. 2021-41 - https://pcapolity.com/2023/06/06/should-atheists-be-able-to-testify-in-church-courts/
Pastors Darin and George discuss the Sovereignty of God and the Grace of God as Darin asks George about the Car Wreck that almost changed George's life over Memorial Day Weekend.
This is a sermon on the 2nd Half of the John 4 Woman at the Well encounter with Christ. The sermon was entitled "Changed Hearts Used to Change Hearts." For the purposes of this podcast, the question is "Why are You Afraid to Share Your Faith?"
Pastors George and Darin conclude their series in the Westminster Larger Catechism's explanation on the 10 Commandments. On this episode they considered living in the reality that while we are not able to perfectly obey commandments that doesn't mean that all sins are equal.
Pastors Darin Stone and George Sayour recap the 2023 Gospel Reformation Network Conference as they look forward to this summer's 50th General Assembly.
This is a sermon preached by Pastor George this past Sunday from John 3:31-36. Pastors Darin and George will be back at it next week to wrap up the series on the 10 Commandments. This sermon will answer the questions ofHow Do you know truth? Who's voice are you listening to? How does Doctrine about God inform our lives? What's belief in Christ got to do with it?
Pastors Darin and George finish the Westminster Larger Catechism's teaching on the 10 Commandments in this wide reaching command not to covet and to be content. (Next episode will summarize this series)
Pastors Darin and George are back at it discussing the Law of God with the 9th Commandment. Thou Shalt Not Bear False Witness! No lieing. But what is a lie? And how about when I argue on social media to be right? Is it ever ok to lie? Listen in to what the Westminster Confession says on these things.
This week we are airing Pastor George's Easter Sermon. He's been in the Gospel of John and has come to John 3:16. Here's the outline:This Lying World- 4 Ways The Culture Twists John 3:16The Love of God - What the Love of God really Means and ShowsThe Light of Life - What Eternal Life means for us NOW“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
Darin & George discuss what it means not to steal and how Faith in our Father who provides our Daily Bread aids us in the endeavor to seek the welfare of others and provides contentment.
Pastor George Sayour and Pastor Darin Stone reflect on the tragedy that has befallen the PCA with the shooting at Covenant School in Nashville, TN and the murder of 3 children and 3 adults, including the daughter of Pastor Chad Scruggs, Senior Pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church. Our Thoughts and Prayers go out to our Lord for our brothers and sisters at Covenant PCA School and Church in Nashville.
The 7th Commandment, "Thou shall not commit adultery," is the commandment upholding a Biblical Sexual Ethic for Marriage, Gender, and human sexuality. Why? And what does this mean for the Church.
Jesus says if you are angry with your brother that makes you guilty of murder. The positive injunction of thou shalt not murder is to love. Pastors Darin and George discuss the 6th Commandment.
In this 2nd episode on the 5th Commandment, Darin and George discuss how children can honor their parents and how parents can best care for the kids the Lord has entrusted to them.
Darin and George discuss the 5th Commandment as the opening of the 2nd Table of the Law and how Honor Your Father & Mother sets the paradigm for honoring authorities and responsibilities toward those in our care.
Pastors Darin and George discuss the Blessing of the 4th Commandment in the Life of the Believer.
The 3rd Commandment - Darin and George discuss what it means to not take the Lord's Name in vain and how sins against the other commandments can also bring guilt against this one. Yet, there is something beautiful in the Name of the Lord for a Christians identity and worth.
The 2nd Commandment regulates our worship of God. The Westminster Larger Catechism's (#107-109) explanation of this commandment is one of the most controversial, particularly around making images of Christ. Topics discussed are the Regulative Principle of Worship, why it matters to God, and why Images of Christ are not allowed in the PCA.
The First Commandment tells us to have no other Gods before the Face of God. What does this mean and how do we do this? Pastors Darin and George go over Westminster Larger Catechism Questions 103-106 on the Duties Required and Forbidden in the 1st Commandment.
So many Christians separate in incorrect ways law & gospel, the spiritual and the physical, the Kingdom of God from the Physical World, their public lives from their private lives, their body from their soul. Such dichotomization and compartmentalization is more akin to Greek dualistic philosophy, That is not a Reformed Understanding of the material world and the spiritual realm, nor of the Gospel. Here, Pastor George discusses this as he goes through WLC 92-99.
This is the Introductory episode of a series of episodes discussing the 10 Commandments applicability to today. Each following episode will look at one commandment, using the Westminster Larger Catechism as a guide.
This bonus episode is a sermon by Darin Stone, preached December 8, 2023 at Southlake PCA in Huntersville, NC.
Here Pastor George Intro's and plays a Clip from his sermon on John 1:14-18. Is there a dichotomy between Law and Gospel, Law and Grace?The full sermon can be viewed here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=V5lxJqjrOGo&feature=shares Darin and George will be back with new discussions in a week or so.
Pastors George and Darin reflect on 2022 and look forward to 2023 as they discuss the value of setting goals each year. George mentioned setting goals in the acronym FISHR - Financial, Intellectual, Spiritual, Health, Relationships.
Pastors Darin and George discuss the significance of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ as Christmas rapidly approaches.
North Carolina Minister to State, Pastor Darin Stone discusses with Pastor George about what we can learn from Calvin's Political Theology, how it differs from an R2k Position and from a Christian Nationalism position, and how Christians should seek to live out their faith in the public sphere.
The Pastors discuss their holiday memories as well as urge listeners to remember what's important in the season.
Pastors Darin and George didn't get to record this week, so here is a sermon Pastor George preached back in January on our Identity in Christ from that Mark 10 passage on the Rich Young Ruler.
On this episode Pastors Darin and George discuss the Sabbath's enduring relevance and blessing for Christians today. They are joined by Ruling Elder and Researcher Dr. Matthew Lee in the middle of the episode to discuss why the Sabbath is important to him but also about a study he did among Christian educators regarding Sabbath observance.
Dr. Robertson discusses the founding of the PCA, why he left the PCUS, the importance of Ruling Elders and Committees, and what we can learn from this today. This is part 2 of a 2 part discussion that Pastors Darin and George have with Dr. Robertson.
We have the honor of speaking with Author, Missionary, Pastor, and Theologian Dr. O Palmer Robertson about his newest books which is the culmination of a lifetime of writing. We also ask about his heart for missions, his reflections on 50 years of ministry, and his encouragement to this generation of Christians.
This is the first part of a 2 part interview. Tune in to the next episode to hear Dr. Robertson's reflections on the founding of the PCA, some founding principles on why it was founded, why he left the PCUS, and his hope for the PCA and Christians in general.
His latest book is Christ of the Consummation.
On the 505th Anniversary of the Reformation, Pastors George and Darin discuss stories, doctrine, and the legacy of the Protestant Reformation and lessons for us today.
Ruling Elder Dr. Matthew Lee discusses Christian Parents and their Children's Education, with Pastors George Sayour and Darin Stone. Dr. Lee is the Director of Research at the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Some studies and resources discussed in this episode are found below:
Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) - https://www.acsi.org/
Study -The Effect of Private School Choice Regulations on School Participation https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15582159.2022.2113011?journalCode=wjsc20 Study - Teachers and Sabbath Practices https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10943-022-01647-w Thoughts on Education for Children with Special Needs - The Missing Piece https://blog.acsi.org/the-missing-piece
Do you find your thoughts wandering off during Sunday's Sermon? Pastors Darin and George discuss some thoughts on how to listen to a Sermon during Sunday Corporate Worship.
Pastors Darin and George discuss what the term Evangelical means and what it means it means to Be Reformed. Additionally, they discuss the great encouragement that comes from being Reformed.
Family Worship can be a daunting undertaking, yet it is one of the hugest blessings God has given the home. On this episode, Pastors Darin and George discuss what family worship is, the motivation for it, how to start, and how to stay encouraged through it.
Some of the books that are mentioned in this episode are:
Books on How to Do Family Worship:
The Family Worship Book by Pastor Terry Johnson https://smile.amazon.com/Family-Worship-Book-Resource-Devotions/dp/1857924010
Family Worship by Donald Whitney https://smile.amazon.com/Family-Worship-Bible-History-Your/dp/1433567229/
A Neglected Grace: Family Worship in the Home by Pastor Jason Helopoulos https://smile.amazon.com/Neglected-Grace-Family-Worship-Christian/dp/1781912033/
Article: Worship with Your Family in 5, 15, or 30 Minutes by Pastor Jason Helopoulos https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/worship-family-minutes/
Books to Use During Family Worship
Training Hearts, Teaching Minds by Starr Meade https://smile.amazon.com/Training-Hearts-Teaching-Minds-Devotions/dp/0875523927/
The Child's Story Bible by Catherine Vos https://smile.amazon.com/Childs-Story-Bible-Catherine-Vos/dp/1848719426/
The episode incorrectly mentioned Let the Children Worship by Pastor Jason Helopoulos which is a great book about children in worship, but not a book about Family Worship. https://smile.amazon.com/Let-Children-Worship-Jason-Helopoulos/dp/1781919097/
Fresh off of the Meadowview Missions Conference, Pastor's Darin Stone and George Sayour discuss Pastor Aldo Leon's sermons on Missions from the Book of Acts.
A Discussion on Acts 17 and how Paul engages the philosophers of the day and confronts their idols and preaches a Gospel of Repentance. Pastors Darin and George discuss how this passage is misused by progressives who want to reach the city and highlight what can actually be learned about how to winsomely proclaim truth in love.
With the school year in full swing, Pastors Darin and George discuss the effects of stress, the busyness of life, and anxiety and how the Christian can seek to combat those things in the Power of the Spirit.
Ike Reeder, President of Birmingham Theological Seminary, discusses Christ and Culture with Pastors Darin and George. As a former professional Critical Theorist and expert on Postmodernism, Ike Reeder who is also the Son of PCA Pastor Harry Reeder, discusses current cultural trends facing the church and how seminaries can help prepare pastors for the challenge ahead.
In this episode our Pastors discuss the most common reasons why people leave a Church, how to leave a Church, and When it is OK to leave a Church.
Pastor George has a discussion with Pastor Aldo Leon, the 2022 Meadowview PCA (Lexington, NC) Mission's Conference Speaker on the Topic: Kingdom Here, Now Near. Join Pastors Aldo and George as they talk Christians living lives on Mission in our 21st CE context. You'll also get to hear Aldo's Story of how he went from being an SBC and Acts 29 Church Planter in Miami to the PCA .
The Scriptures call Christians to be winsome in their speech and attitude with outsiders. What does that mean? And, when is winsomeness not really winsome? Pastor's Darin Stone and George Sayour discuss what being winsome and speaking in nuanced ways means and what it doesn't.
Pastors George & Darin discuss the PCA membership vows, how they relate to one another, their significance, and beauty.
Here Pastors Darin and George discuss the counter-cultural and concept of Church Membership.
Pastors Darin Stone and George Sayour discuss how Christians have deconstructed the law's good ministry in society and the Church. They explain the 3 uses of the law as well as how breaking one leg of the three legged-stool unravels all three uses.
Pastors George Sayour and Darin Stone discuss the Christian's relationship to the Law of God. Does the Law matter? If so, what is our motivation to obey the law? By what power do we do what is pleasing to God?
PCA Pastors George Sayour and Darin Stone discuss some of the most pressing issues facing Christians and how the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His Church should give Christians an Identity that can withstand and endure these issues.
Pastors Darin Stone and George Sayour launch their first episode of Grace to Stand. They explain the podcast concept and format and introduce themselves. George Sayour is the Senior Pastor of Meadowview Reformed Presbyterian Church in Lexington, NC. Darin Stone is with Mission to North America with the PCA and is the Minister to the North Carolina State Capital in Raleigh, NC.