Living By Faith: Recent Episodes
Real Life Church: Ankeny, IA
This is a podcast where we look at current news and events, theology, practical issues, and a little bit of history from the perspective of the Christian’s life in Christ.
Where is Christ now? Christ rose bodily from the grave on the third day after his death and is seated at the right hand of the Father, ruling his kingdom and interceding for us, until he returns to judge and renew the whole world.
What is the church? God chooses and preserves for himself a community elected for eternal life and united by faith, who love, follow, learn from, and worship God together. God sends out this community to proclaim the gospel and prefigure Christ’s kingdom by the quality of their life together and their love for one another.
Does the Lord's Supper add anything to Christ's atoning work? No, Christ died once for all. The Lord’s Supper is a covenant meal celebrating Christ’s atoning work; as it is also a means of strengthening our faith as we look to him, and a foretaste of the future feast. But those who take part with unrepentant hearts eat and drink judgment on themselves.
Question 45 - Is baptism with water the washing away of sin itself? No, only the blood of Christ and the renewal of the Holy Spirit can cleanse us from sin.
What is baptism? Baptism is the washing with water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; it signifies and seals our adoption into Christ, our cleansing from sin, and our commitment to belong to the Lord and to his church.
What are the sacraments or ordinances? The sacraments or ordinances given by God and instituted by Christ, namely baptism and the Lord’s Supper, are visible signs and seals that we are bound together as a community of faith by his death and resurrection. By our use of them the Holy Spirit more fully declares and seals the promises of the gospel to us.
How is the word of God to be read and heard? With diligence, preparation, and prayer; so that we may accept it with faith, store it in our hearts, and practice it in our lives.
What is the Lord's prayer? Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
What should we pray? The whole Word of God directs and inspires us in what we should pray, including the prayer Jesus himself taught us.
What is prayer? Prayer is pouring out our hearts to God in praise, petition, confession of sin, and thanksgiving.
With what attitude should we pray? With love, perseverance, and gratefulness; in humble submission to God’s will, knowing that, for the sake of Christ, he always hears our prayers.
What do we believe about the Holy Spirit? That he is God, coeternal with the Father and the Son, and that God grants him irrevocably to all who believe.
How does the Holy Spirit help us? The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, comforts us, guides us, gives us spiritual gifts and the desire to obey God; and he enables us to pray and to understand God’s Word.
Since we are redeemed by grace alone, through Christ alone, must we still do good works and obey God’s Word? Yes, because Christ, having redeemed us by his blood, also renews us by his Spirit; so that our lives may show love and gratitude to God; so that we may be assured of our faith by the fruits; and so that by our godly behavior others may be won to Christ.
Since we are redeemed by grace alone, through faith alone, where does this faith come from? All the gifts we receive from Christ we receive through the Holy Spirit, including faith itself.
Should those who have faith in Christ seek their salvation through their own works, or anywhere else? No, they should not, as everything necessary to salvation is found in Christ. To seek salvation through good works is a denial that Christ is the only Redeemer and Savior.
What do justification and sanctification mean? Justification means our declared righteousness before God, made possible by Christ’s death and resurrection for us. Sanctification means our gradual, growing righteousness, made possible by the Spirit’s work in us.
Question 31 - What do we believe by true faith? Answer 31 - Everything taught to us in the gospel. The Apostles' Creed expresses what we believe.
Question 30 - What is faith in Christ? Faith in Jesus Christ is acknowledging the truth of everything that God has revealed in his Word, trusting in him, and also receiving and resting on him alone for salvation as he is offered to us in the gospel.
Question 28 - What happens after death to those not united to Christ by faith? Answer 28 - At the day of judgment they will receive the fearful but just sentence of condemnation pronounced against them. They will be cast out from the favorable presence of God, into hell, to be justly and grievously punished, forever.
Question 29 - How can we be saved? Answer 29 - Only by faith in Jesus Christ and in his substitutionary atoning death on the cross; so even though we are guilty of having disobeyed God and are still inclined to all evil, nevertheless, God, without any merit of our own but only by pure grace, imputes to us the perfect righteousness of Christ when we repent and believe in him.
Question 25 - Does Christ’s death mean all our sins can be forgiven? Yes, because Christ’s death on the cross fully paid the penalty for our sin, God graciously imputes Christ’s righteousness to us as if it were our own and will remember our sins no more.
Question 27 - Are all people, just as they were lost through Adam, saved through Christ? No, only those who are elected by God and united to Christ by faith. Nevertheless God in his mercy demonstrates common grace even to those who are not elect, by restraining the effects of sin and enabling works of culture for human well-being.
Question 26 - What else does Christ’s death redeem? Christ’s death is the beginning of the redemption and renewal of every part of fallen creation, as he powerfully directs all things for his own glory and creation’s good.
Question 24: Why was it necessary for Christ, the Redeemer, to die? Since death is the punishment for sin, Christ died willingly in our place to deliver us from the power and penalty of sin and bring us back to God. By his substitutionary atoning death, he alone redeems us from hell and gains for us forgiveness of sin, righteousness, and everlasting life.
Why must the Redeemer be truly God? That because of his divine nature his obedience and suffering would be perfect and effective; and also that he would be able to bear the righteous anger of God against sin and yet overcome death.
Question 22: Why must the Redeemer be truly human? That in human nature he might on our behalf perfectly obey the whole law and suffer the punishment for human sin; and also that he might sympathize with our weaknesses.
What sort of Redeemer is needed to bring us back to God? One who is truly human and also truly God.
What sort of Redeemer is needed to bring us back to God? One who is truly human and also truly God.
Question 20: Who is the Redeemer? The only Redeemer is the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, in whom God became man and bore the penalty of sin himself.
Question 20: Who is the Redeemer? The only Redeemer is the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, in whom God became man and bore the penalty of sin himself.
What is idolatry? Idolatry is trusting in created things rather than the Creator for our hope and happiness, significance and security.
What is idolatry? Idolatry is trusting in created things rather than the Creator for our hope and happiness, significance and security.
Question 16: What is sin? Sin is rejecting or ignoring God in the world he created, rebelling against him by living without reference to him, not being or doing what he requires in his law—resulting in our death and the disintegration of all creation.
Question 16: What is sin? Sin is rejecting or ignoring God in the world he created, rebelling against him by living without reference to him, not being or doing what he requires in his law—resulting in our death and the disintegration of all creation.
Question 15: Since no one can keep the law, what is its purpose? That we may know the holy nature and will of God, and the sinful nature and disobedience of our hearts; and thus our need of a Savior. The law also teaches and exhorts us to live a life worthy of our Savior.
Question 15: Since no one can keep the law, what is its purpose? That we may know the holy nature and will of God, and the sinful nature and disobedience of our hearts; and thus our need of a Savior. The law also teaches and exhorts us to live a life worthy of our Savior.
Did God create us unable to keep his law? No, but because of the disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eve, all of creation is fallen; we are all born in sin and guilt, corrupt in our nature and unable to keep God’s law.
Did God create us unable to keep his law? No, but because of the disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eve, all of creation is fallen; we are all born in sin and guilt, corrupt in our nature and unable to keep God’s law.
Can anyone keep the law of God perfectly? Since the fall, no mere human has been able to keep the law of God perfectly, but consistently breaks it in thought, word, and deed.
Can anyone keep the law of God perfectly? Since the fall, no mere human has been able to keep the law of God perfectly, but consistently breaks it in thought, word, and deed.
Can anyone keep the law of God perfectly? Since the fall, no mere human has been able to keep the law of God perfectly, but consistently breaks it in thought, word, and deed.
The sixth, seventh, and eighth commandments are part of the second table of the law in which we are shown what it means to love our neighbor.
The sixth, seventh, and eighth commandments are part of the second table of the law in which we are shown what it means to love our neighbor.
What does the law of God require? Personal, perfect, and perpetual obedience; that we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength; and love our neighbor as ourselves. What God forbids should never be done and what God commands should always be done.
What does the law of God require? Personal, perfect, and perpetual obedience; that we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength; and love our neighbor as ourselves. What God forbids should never be done and what God commands should always be done.
How can we glorify God? We glorify God by enjoying him, loving him, trusting him and obeying his will, commands, and law.
How can we glorify God? We glorify God by enjoying him, loving him, trusting him and obeying his will, commands, and law.
What else did God make? God created all things by his powerful Word, and all his creation was very good; everything flourished under his loving rule.
What else did God make? God created all things by his powerful Word, and all his creation was very good; everything flourished under his loving rule.
How many persons are there in God? There are three persons in the one true and living God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are the same in substance, equal in power and glory.
How many persons are there in God? There are three persons in the one true and living God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are the same in substance, equal in power and glory.
What is God? God is the creator and sustainer of everyone and everything. He is eternal, infinite, and unchangeable in his power and perfection, goodness and glory, wisdom, justice, and truth. Nothing happens except through him and by his will.
What is God? God is the creator and sustainer of everyone and everything. He is eternal, infinite, and unchangeable in his power and perfection, goodness and glory, wisdom, justice, and truth. Nothing happens except through him and by his will.
What is our only hope in life and death? That we are not our own, but belong body and soul, both in life and death, to God and to our Savior Jesus Christ.
What is our only hope in life and death? That we are not our own, but belong body and soul, both in life and death, to God and to our Savior Jesus Christ.
Vague ideas about why Jesus came may fill us with short lived sentiment, but they will not fuel the massive joy and hope that Jesus actually came to give us! Let's look at ten reasons the bible tells us Jesus came.
Vague ideas about why Jesus came may fill us with short lived sentiment, but they will not fuel the massive joy and hope that Jesus actually came to give us! Let's look at ten reasons the bible tells us Jesus came.
The biblical truth of peace means a redeemed past, a settled present, and a secure future. All of this is found in Jesus Christ, the Prince of peace alone.
The biblical truth of peace means a redeemed past, a settled present, and a secure future. All of this is found in Jesus Christ, the Prince of peace alone.
Every person responds to Jesus in basically one of three ways: opposition, indifference, or worship. Matthew 2:1-18 shows us this in how Herod, the religious leaders, and the magi respond to the birth of Christ.
Every person responds to Jesus in basically one of three ways: opposition, indifference, or worship. Matthew 2:1-18 shows us this in how Herod, the religious leaders, and the magi respond to the birth of Christ.
Advent is the time we celebrate the invasion of God's Kingdom and the declaration not of war, but of peace through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Advent is the time we celebrate the invasion of God's Kingdom and the declaration not of war, but of peace through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Advent is for adoring Christ. Not just thinking about him. Not just for repeating mantras like "Jesus is the reason for the season". Jesus most certainly is the reason for the season. But he is so much more! Jesus is to be worshiped and adored as the biblical account of his birth so vividly shows us!
Advent is for adoring Christ. Not just thinking about him. Not just for repeating mantras like "Jesus is the reason for the season". Jesus most certainly is the reason for the season. But he is so much more! Jesus is to be worshiped and adored as the biblical account of his birth so vividly shows us!
In this episode we cover the election madness and where things stand right now. Then we cover New City Catechism question 18: Will God all ow our disobedience and idolatry to go unpunished? Finally, we look at one of the most popular and important Christian books ever written.
In this episode we cover the election madness and where things stand right now. Then we cover New City Catechism question 18: Will God all ow our disobedience and idolatry to go unpunished? Finally, we look at one of the most popular and important Christian books ever written.
The death of RBG has huge ramifications for the future of the Supreme Court. New City Catechism question 16: What is sin? And the ancient heresy of Pelagianism.
The death of RBG has huge ramifications for the future of the Supreme Court. New City Catechism question 16: What is sin? And the ancient heresy of Pelagianism.
Prominent Democrats desire to repeal the Hyde Amendment, which would open the door for federal medicaid funding to be used for abortions. Question and answer fifteen in the New City Catechism. And the ancient heresy of gnosticism and the quest for secret knowledge.
Prominent Democrats desire to repeal the Hyde Amendment, which would open the door for federal medicaid funding to be used for abortions. Question and answer fifteen in the New City Catechism. And the ancient heresy of gnosticism and the quest for secret knowledge.
The leftward lurch of the Democratic Party. Answering question number fourteen in the New City Catechism: Did God create us unable to keep his law? And the ancient and modern temptation to cut out parts of the bible we don't like.
The leftward lurch of the Democratic Party. Answering question number fourteen in the New City Catechism: Did God create us unable to keep his law? And the ancient and modern temptation to cut out parts of the bible we don't like.
The Church, state, and the lordship of Jesus Christ. New City Catechism question and answer number 13. The founding of our nation upon the central freedom of religious liberty and the modern myth of the separation of church and state.
The Church, state, and the lordship of Jesus Christ. New City Catechism question and answer number 13. The founding of our nation upon the central freedom of religious liberty and the modern myth of the separation of church and state.
Face masks and loyalty to Christ. New City Catechism Q&A 12. Thomas Cranmer and the grace of God just when we need it.
Face masks and loyalty to Christ. New City Catechism Q&A 12. Thomas Cranmer and the grace of God just when we need it.
BLM, systemic racism, and abortion. New City Catechism question and answer 11. Latimer and Ridley burned at the stake for their commitment to the gospel.
BLM, systemic racism, and abortion. New City Catechism question and answer 11. Latimer and Ridley burned at the stake for their commitment to the gospel.
Black lives matter - the true statement and the troubling organization. New City Catechism question 10: What does God require in the fourth and fifth commandments? And the writing of Foxe's Book of Martyrs.
Black lives matter - the true statement and the troubling organization. New City Catechism question 10: What does God require in the fourth and fifth commandments? And the writing of Foxe's Book of Martyrs.
COVID-19, riots, and crazy hypocrisy on the left. Question and answer number 9 covering the first three commandments. And the story of God's providential goodness shown through... fleas.
COVID-19, riots, and crazy hypocrisy on the left. Question and answer number 9 covering the first three commandments. And the story of God's providential goodness shown through... fleas.
George Floyd, the sacredness of life, and justice. New City Catechism Q and A #8. William Wilberforce and the long, hard battle to abolish slavery in Great Britain.
George Floyd, the sacredness of life, and justice. New City Catechism Q and A #8. William Wilberforce and the long, hard battle to abolish slavery in Great Britain.
Silencing dissent, challenging the cultural narratives, and the gospel. New City Catechism question seven: What does the law of God require? Sola Fide and Martin Luther's awakening to the gospel.
Silencing dissent, challenging the cultural narratives, and the gospel. New City Catechism question seven: What does the law of God require? Sola Fide and Martin Luther's awakening to the gospel.
Joe Biden, the "Me Too Movement", and Biblical Justice. New City Catechism question number six: How can we glorify God? The give SOLAS of the Reformation.
Joe Biden, the "Me Too Movement", and Biblical Justice. New City Catechism question number six: How can we glorify God? The give SOLAS of the Reformation.
Making sense of wildly inaccurate COVID-19 models used to make public policies. Catechism question number five - What else did God create? The Gutenberg Printing Press and the spread of the gospel to the nations.
Making sense of wildly inaccurate COVID-19 models used to make public policies. Catechism question number five - What else did God create? The Gutenberg Printing Press and the spread of the gospel to the nations.
New antibody tests may give more clarity on the spread and danger of COVID-19. Catechism question number four - How and why did God create us? Henry Martyn, missionary to the India and Persia, and confidence in the Lord's work.
New antibody tests may give more clarity on the spread and danger of COVID-19. Catechism question number four - How and why did God create us? Henry Martyn, missionary to the India and Persia, and confidence in the Lord's work.
COVID-19, abortion, and the insanity of a secular worldview. Catechism question number three - How many persons are there in God? The Council of Nicaea, Athanasius, and the fight for the truth of the Trinity.
COVID-19, abortion, and the insanity of a secular worldview. Catechism question number three - How many persons are there in God? The Council of Nicaea, Athanasius, and the fight for the truth of the Trinity.
During the coronavirus crisis, how are Christians to understand essential and non essential jobs and businesses? Catechism question number two - What is God? And who was William Borden. The remarkable story of a young man sold out for Christ.
During the coronavirus crisis, how are Christians to understand essential and non essential jobs and businesses? Catechism question number two - What is God? And who was William Borden. The remarkable story of a young man sold out for Christ.
In this episode we will talk about the coronavirus, New City Catechism question 1, and why historically Christians respond to crisis in remarkable ways.
In this episode we will talk about the coronavirus, New City Catechism question 1, and why historically Christians respond to crisis in remarkable ways.