Free Grace International: Recent Episodes
Lucas Kitchen
Six seals broken. The world in chaos. The roar of judgment is deafening. Then... absolute silence. The angels hold back the wind. Heaven holds its breath. In the eerie quiet before the final strike, two mysterious groups emerge from the devastation. An army of 144,000, marked for survival in the crossfire. And a great multitude, […]
Dive into an uplifting and soul-stirring conversation with Lucas Kitchen and Shawn Lazar as they explore the profound intersection of mental health and spiritual hope. In this engaging episode, they masterfully reframe the struggle of depression through the lens of storytelling, moving away from "tragic" narratives to embrace the "comedy" of a life anchored in faith and future resurrection. With a blend […]
In this episode, hosts Lucas Kitchen, Shawn Lazar, and Dane Allen explore the stark differences between legalistic and grace-based Christian parenting. By sharing relatable moments of parental frustration—from arguing over cat vomit to navigating bedtime meltdowns—the trio discusses how to move beyond merely enforcing rules and duties. Instead, they advocate for a parenting approach rooted in unconditional love, suggesting […]
Snowstorms & Sunday School. Summary: Lucas and Kristah Kitchen discuss Kristah's history with the ministry, the unexpected weather at the recent FGI Women's Retreat, and the vision for a new FGI children's curriculum. Episode Highlights
In this episode, Lucas Kitchen, Shawn Lazar, and Dane Allen engage in a spirited, multi-layered discussion regarding the primary purpose of the Gospel of John. The conversation explores whether the book was written as a purely evangelistic document intended to bring unbelievers to faith , or if its purpose is broader, encompassing the discipleship and spiritual deepening of the church. The hosts examine key passages, specifically the […]
Join Lucas Kitchen, Shawn Lazar, and Dane Allen as they engage in a lively and transparent podcast to discuss a core issue within Free Grace theology: the precise nature of the saving message. The central point of debate revolves around the phrase, "Believe in Jesus for eternal life." Shawn, who has been working on an […]
In this episode, Lucas dives deep into a topic of Christian living: debt. Is borrowing a lack of faith? Are loans inherently unspiritual—or even sinful? Drawing from Scripture, historical context, and modern financial realities, Lucas unpacks what the Bible actually says about lending, borrowing, cosigning, and the nature of wise stewardship. Whether you’ve struggled with debt, wrestled with […]
Has the church gotten its priorities backward? In this message, Lucas Kitchen kicks things off with a hilarious story about a basketball coach who is more concerned with the fans in the stands than the players on his team. This funny "out of whack" parable sets the stage for a challenging look at our own […]
Lucas Kitchen wrestles with the history and meaning of Halloween — from ancient Celtic rites to modern yard displays — and explores how Christians might creatively “flip the script” to celebrate God’s triumph over darkness instead. Along the way, he reflects on his writing projects, faith, and finding light in creative obsession.
In this thoughtful and heartfelt conversation, Lucas Kitchen sits down with Paeter Frandsen, the creator behind Christian Geek Central, to explore what it means to live at the intersection of faith and fandom. They unpack the evolving definition of “geek,” from its circus origins to its modern embrace of passionate niche interests, and discuss how geek culture often overlaps […]
Lucas is back with another ramble full of travel mishaps, unexpected friendships, and one very questionable online purchase. Fresh from a trip to Phoenix for the Free Grace Alliance Conference, he reflects on reconnecting with fellow believers, forging new ministry relationships, and rediscovering the joy of giving away books instead of selling them. Along the […]
In this episode, Lucas Kitchen explores the difference between suffering for doing good and suffering for doing wrong, using a verse from 1 Peter as a starting point. He discusses how some religious circles can misinterpret the consequences of their own obnoxious or damaging behavior as righteous persecution. This "ramble" then transitions into a detailed guide […]
In this reflective podcast episode, Lucas Kitchen takes listeners on a thoughtful journey exploring how the threads of life, faith, science, and art all meet at a single point. From personal moments of renewal and fellowship to the deep mysteries of mathematics, music, and the human mind, Lucas considers how abstract ideas align with the […]
In this heartfelt episode, Lucas Kitchen invites listeners into a raw and thoughtful reflection on faith, scripture, and the power of mindset. After scrapping a darker recording earlier in the day, Lucas chooses to begin again—this time with a spirit of hope, encouragement, and renewal. Drawing from John 14, he shares stories of a dear […]
In this reflective and wide-ranging ramble, Lucas Kitchen shares a deeply personal and faith-centered journey. He begins with lighthearted musings and a look at Daniel 12:3, exploring its context, meaning, and hopeful message about eternal life. From there, he opens up about his lifelong connection to music, his ongoing project of recording an album of […]
In this episode, Lucas shares a free-flowing reflection that begins with everyday frustrations—a rain-soaked car window leading to faulty electronics, and a midnight washing machine repair that sends him exploring diagnostic modes and air-pressure sensors. From these humble repair stories, he draws a parallel to life’s “diagnostic mode”: the way boredom, stillness, and prayer can […]
In this episode of "More to the Story," host Lucas Kitchen takes listeners on an impromptu journey of Bible study and personal reflection, all sparked by a single word in the verse of the day, Ephesians 2:18. What starts as a simple question about the word "both" unfolds into a deep exploration of the unity between […]
In this rambling yet heartfelt episode, Lucas reflects on what it really means to “make disciples as you go.” From his daughter’s bold step of sharing a Bible at school to a church service project that turned into deep conversations with a neighbor, Lucas explores how ordinary encounters can open doors to faith. He shares […]
In this rambling session, Lucas shares a stream of reflections that flow from the verse of the day — Galatians 3:28. He unpacks what unity in Christ looks like, poking fun at how easily verses can be taken out of context, before pivoting into thoughts on creativity, how one idea sparks another, and the way […]
In this episode, Lucas sits down with a cup of coffee and lets his thoughts wander across projects, ideas, and everyday life. From creative experiments and app tinkering to reflections on music, writing, and the challenge of staying connected, it’s a laid-back ramble that feels more like catching up with a friend than listening to […]
Here's a proven method for discerning the will of God for specific decisions and situations.
Do you believe that Jesus can save you from the power of sin now? You should! Consider what John told his spiritual children...
Christians should give according to what they have purposed in their hearts. But what are some heart issues when it comes to money and giving?
Christians are under grace, not law. What grace-based principles can guide Christian giving?
Popular teaching about tithing assumes that Christians are under the Law. Is that true?
Everyone has heard that Christians should tithe. But is that really Biblical? What if what popularly passes for tithing is really a myth?
How much forgiveness do you want from God? How much would you show to others? Why should you forgive?
God allows us to be overwhelmed to the point of death so we will learn to trust in Him who raises the dead.
Christmas means God became man—an act of divine love and grace that reveals His deep involvement in our world, bringing hope and redemption to humanity.
We would rather ignore suffering than do something about it. How can Christians be motivated to be compassionate?
Does the Eastern Orthodox church teach salvation by works? This quote makes the answer clear...
Transcript: LUCAS: I asked an AI chatbot how it would take over world religions, and what it said was shocking. All that, after this. LUCAS: Hi. I’m Lucas Kitchen. What follows are my questions, summaries of the AI's responses, and direct quotes from our interactions. I'll be using a digital avatar to read the AI's […]
<< PREVIOUS | COMING SOON >> John Paton's journey to the New Hebrides began on a crisp December day in 1857. At thirty-three, he stood on the cusp of a new life, ordained as a minister and set apart for missionary work. After four months of farewells, he and his wife Mary Ann set sail […]
In the verdant hills of Dumfries, Scotland, a boy named John G. Paton was born in 1824. His childhood unfolded in a humble cottage, where faith and family intertwined like the vines that clung to their thatched roof. The Paton home was a sanctuary of love and devotion. John's father, a stocking maker by trade, […]
I was researching ancient history and religion when I came across the Sumerian King's List. Have you heard of it? It caught my attention for a particular reason, but let me tell you what it is first. From the Sumerians, we have the earliest instances of recorded history dating back to 3500 BC. The Sumerian […]
Is Free Grace A License To Sin? You’ve heard it a bunch, I bet. Supposedly, grace is some kind of sin pass. The claim is that if we teach that grace is really “free,” then we will be inadvertently encouraging people to sin since they will no longer have their feet dangling over hell. While […]
What is the Meaning of Life? The meaning of life can be understood differently depending on where you stand in your spiritual journey. If you haven’t yet believed in Jesus for salvation, the goal of your existence is to receive eternal life. That is the goal of being here on earth. The method by which […]
What is the Gospel? Hey there, I'm Lucas Kitchen. So, what is the gospel? You’ve probably heard the word thrown around in church, maybe in songs or even in casual conversation. But what does it actually mean? The Meaning of the Word "Gospel" The word "gospel" comes from the Old English "godspell," which means "good […]
What is Heaven? Many people imagine heaven as sitting on a cloud, strumming a harp, and how soul-crushingly boring that sounds. Others think heaven might be a non-bodily or non-physical experience, or even outside of time. But that is not the case. Heaven, the Kingdom of Heaven, and the Millennial Reign of Christ, which is […]
In an era dominated by digital screens, it's tempting to rely on these devices as modern-day babysitters to engage our children while we seek a moment's respite. However, Proverbs 22:6 serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility as parents: Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old […]
It's easy for parents and children alike to become absorbed in their screens. However, Proverbs 29:15 warns us, "A child left to himself brings shame to his mother." This ancient wisdom rings alarmingly true in today's context. When we bury our faces in our devices, we often neglect our children. Have you been engaging in […]
As believers, we understand that fellowship is essential to the Christian's spiritual life. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges us to consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together. This scripture emphasizes the significance of physical presence and the power of unity in faith. Yet, the convenience of […]
In today's fast-paced digital world, the battle for our children's attention is fiercer than ever. As parents, it's our sacred duty to guide and nourish their hearts and minds. Matthew 6:22-23 offers profound wisdom, reminding us that what we allow to fill our vision shapes our entire being. If our eyes are filled with light, […]
In the digital age, screens have become a ubiquitous presence in our homes, silently shaping the landscape of childhood development. A recent study by Kindred Squared sheds light on a pressing issue: the impact of excessive screen time on children's readiness for school. The report, drawing from surveys and focus groups with over a thousand […]
When my friend was a kid, he loved climbing trees. There was one occasion when he fell out of a tree from a great height, landing right on the back of his neck. The pain was intense, but his immediate thought was, “If I start crying and run to mom, she’ll never let me climb […]
In this thought-provoking episode of "More to the Story" with Lucas Kitchen, we explore the capabilities of AI in predicting Biblical End Time events. Join us as we humorously experiment with different AI personalities and delve into a series of AI-generated predictions linking current events to Biblical prophecies. Through this exploration, Lucas reveals a crucial […]
< PREV | SERIES In this episode, we explore the increasing violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories as the Cold War ends. It covers the First Intifada starting in 1987 after a tragic incident in Gaza, highlighting the Palestinian unrest and Israel's security-driven response. The narrative then shifts to the Oslo Accords and the rise of […]
< PREV | SERIES | NEXT > This episode discusses Israel's history from 1967 to 1987, starting with its quick victory in the Six-Day War which increased its territory and boosted national morale. However, Israel then faced ongoing conflicts, especially against Egypt, which included regular skirmishes and the support of the Soviet Union to Israel's enemies. The 1973 Yom […]
< PREV | SERIES | NEXT > This episode looks at the pivotal events in the Middle East from 1956 to 1967, focusing on Israel's national security challenges and regional conflicts. It covers the Suez Crisis when Egypt nationalized the Suez Canal, leading to a military response from Israel, the UK, and France. The aftermath showed the changing power […]
In this podcast, we a recent quote from Barbra Streisand's about how her life has lacked fun. Despite a trophy case filled with Grammy and Academy Awards, Streisand's own admission suggests a different, less glamorous story. We'll examine the complexities of success and question the traditional narrative that success equals happiness, and exploring what fulfillment […]
< PREV | SERIES | NEXT > The Jewish people, after enduring the horrors of World War II, sought to establish a homeland in Palestine. With the British Mandate struggling to maintain peace, the UN stepped in with a controversial plan to divide the land, sparking hope for some and outrage for others. Tensions escalated into a fierce struggle […]
< PREV | SERIES | NEXT > In this video, we’ll take a look at the history of the Land that is modern-day Israel from 70 AD to the modern era. We’ll cover major events like the Roman conquest, various ruling empires, and the region's changing landscape and population. Learn about the different groups who lived there, their struggles, […]
< PREV | SERIES | NEXT > Journey through time in this powerful episode as we unravel the tumultuous history of the Jewish people, from the 18th-century "Jew Bill" controversy in Britain to the establishment of Israel in 1948. Explore the pivotal moments, including the pervasive anti-Semitism, the profound impacts of industrialization, the horrifying atrocities of the Holocaust, and […]
< PREV | SERIES | NEXT > The Script A People Without A Place. Episode 5 of The History Of The Holy Land. In the last episode, we talked about the Jewish-Roman War. That war was followed by a mass displacement known as the Jewish Diaspora. It spanned centuries and continents and is a tale of dispersion, adaptation, and endurance. […]
In this video/audio conversation Lucas, Shawn, and John answer your questions about the upcoming 2024 FGI Family Camp Out and Conference. They will answer questions like: What should I bring? Do I have to camp? What activities will there be for the kids? These and many more questions are covered in this 22-minute conversation. Register
< PREV | SERIES | NEXT > The Script Welcome back to More To The Story. I'm Lucas Kitchen, and this is episode two in a special podcast series called "The History of the Holy Land: From Abraham To Hamas." For previous episodes, video and audio versions of this podcast and transcripts, go to freegrace.in This episode is entitled: […]
< PREV | SERIES | NEXT > The Script Welcome back to More To The Story, I'm Lucas Kitchen and this is episode two in a special podcast series called "The History of the Holy Land: From Abraham To Hamas." For previous episodes, video and audio versions of this podcast, and transcripts go to freegrace.in This episode is entitled: […]
< PREV | SERIES | NEXT > The Script After exploring the vibrant and pivotal Biblical Era of Israel, it's time to turn our attention to an equally fascinating and crucial chapter: the Intertestamental Period. This stretch of time, nestled between the well-known tales of the Old and New Testaments, is like a bridge connecting […]
SERIES | NEXT > Episode Script Welcome to "The History of the Holy Land: From Abraham To Hamas. This podcast epic will be a historical journey from the biblical era to the modern state of Israel and so much in between. We'll explore the rich events, peoples, and narratives that have left an indelible mark […]
Join Lucas Kitchen, Shawn Lazar, and Antonio Da Rosa as they discuss Antonio's journey from his wild years growing up in San Diego California to his discovery of Christ. Antonio's energy and passion for the Lord are contagious as he, Shawn, and Lucas explore how he went from confusion about his salvation to a clear […]
Lucas has a meaningful discussion with Chris Turner, a member of the pastoral staff of a Bible church near Fort Worth, Texas. They cover a wide range of topics such as, James 2, Biblical unity, and Jr. High youth group. Enjoy their casual conversation salted with meaningful truth.
Join Lucas Kitchen and Grant Hawley as they talk about Grant's story of coming to grace, starting a ministry, working with the Free Grace Alliance, and doing mission work. They also discuss Biblical unity, considering Ephesians 4:3, and Grant's experience as a 2 time taekwondo world champion, and the injury he sustained getting the title.
Lucas and Shawn talk about the effect of church attendance on the national well-being, the content of the saving message and why it can be a divisive issue among Free Grace believers, and an upcoming Hot Springs National Park family camp out put on by Free Grace International (more info soon).
Join Lucas Kitchen and his free grace friends, Matt, Gabe, Daniel, and Adam as they discuss the challenges and triumphs of the free grace effort. Hear each of their stories, how they came to a clear understanding of grace, and what they believe needs to be done to better reach a world of grace-hungry people.
Join Lucas Kitchen and Shawn Lazar as they talk about a topic that has sparked many debates - repentance. As they navigate through a recent Bible study experience at Lucas's sister-in-law's house, they candidly discuss the nuanced differences within the free grace community regarding repentance. But it's not just about theology; they touch upon the […]
Is grace a license to sin? That is one of the most common objections to Free Grace theology and to the grace message in particular. People are afraid that if you teach that salvation really is by grace, through faith in Christ, and given as a gift totally apart from your behavior, that will encourage […]
Leaded and Unleaded Motivation The internal combustion engine changed the world. While the early concept was developed in the 1600s, the first practical gas engine wasn’t built until Étienne Lenoir in 1860. By the 1920s, there was a known problem with gasoline engines: knocking. Knocking is when a pocket of gas and air gets trapped […]
Come to Me / Abide in Me | Salvation And Discipleship 365 A constant storm is raging in the treacherous waters of the sea, and you are a poor, broken, rusted boat. In the darkness, as you fight the waves, you spot a piercing beam of light, coming from a lighthouse standing against the night. […]
Kid’s Story "Kiddos, dinner time!" Dad’s voice echoed throughout the house. Sam said, "I'm going to eat my dessert first!" Samantha was surprised. "Sam, you can't do that! You have to earn dessert.” “For dessert, I’m going to get a mile-high mountain of chocolate.” “Well,” Samantha said. “You can’t.” “Dinner is free?” Sam protested, “So […]
Download The Printable Activity Sheets Kids Story Once upon a time, there was a playful puppy named Lucky and a graceful kitten named Sassy. They were best friends. Sometimes, they would argue, just like all friends do. One day, they fought. Lucky wanted to play with a stick, but Sassy wanted to lay in the […]
Forgiven And Approved | Salvation And Discipleship 365 Growing up, you often quarreled with a neighborhood friend. As children often do, you got into petty squabbles and disagreements, sometimes escalating into bigger fights. Unfortunately, the two of you ended on bad terms. Fast forward to adulthood, and you're out in the job market, trying to […]
Kids Story Once upon a time in a peculiar kingdom where the trees could whisper, and the rivers could giggle, a bunch of exuberant young critters, a bunny named Bo, a squirrel named Sam, and a porcupine named Patty, decided to venture on an exciting forest trip. They laughed and sang their way into the […]
Rescued and Trained | Salvation And Discipleship 365 This was going to be such a great trip. You were going to get a chance to spend some time with friends, in nature, and away from your busy life. That was the idea, anyway, but now, you're lost in a dark, endless forest, disoriented and frightened. […]
Once upon a time, Lynn and her brother Lon found a lost puppy. It looked scared, so Lynn stretched out her hands, showing she wanted to help. The puppy trusted Lynn, wagged its tail, and hopped into her arms. Lon said, "Now we have to teach it to be a good puppy!" Salvation: Believe For […]
Imagine you’re a puppy waiting for adoption at the local shelter. You’ve got everything going for you—big doughy eyes, ears too big for his head, a tail that wags like a metronome on double time. One day a would-be owner comes into the shelter and spots you. With arms wide open, the offer is clear. […]
Imagine you're playing a game with your friends, and you break a rule. Everyone knows you did it, and you feel pretty bad. Breaking that rule means you have to sit in time out the rest of the game. But then, one of your friends steps in and says they'll take the blame and sit […]
Imagine a mother, cradling her newborn baby for the first time. There is joy in her eyes and a promise of love unconditional. She knows as she holds this child, their life has just begun, but it’s the journey of growth that lies ahead that will shape this baby into the person they will become. […]
Your insanely rich great aunt’s ex-husband has recently died. Don’t worry, you have never met him. In his will, he left you a condo at an all-inclusive resort in the tropics. It’s unlike any place you’ve ever seen before. Your ownership of the place promises entry and a lifetime stay, a grand meal plan, and […]
Imagine you are given an opportunity to take a free ride on an international cruise ship. As you are embarking the port authority explains, the free ticket guarantees your arrival to the destination, but the quality of the journey depends on your choices. Salvation Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no […]
Reece (10 years old) asks: “If something can’t come from nothing, where did God come from?” Answer: Great question, Reece. That’s also an age-old question. The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle asked it. And so have most of the great teachers in Christianity. Let me give you two different kinds of answers. First, there’s the answer […]
One of the mistakes that Free Grace people can make in discipleship is to lose sight of how eternal rewards are also a matter of grace. In one of the most crucial passages on rewards in the New Testament (i.e., 1 Cor 3:5-8), Paul has something to say about whether we really “earn” our rewards: […]
The gospel is so very simple. The Son of God became a man, died on the cross for your sins, and rose again from the dead three days later so that He could offer us salvation by grace through faith in Jesus, totally apart from our works. Faith is merely the instrument through which we […]
Imagine a bustling church in the heart of the Midwest, led by a magnetic Pastor. He subscribes to the philosophy of "Relationships over Doctrine," diligently sidestepping theological disputes and nurturing a warm atmosphere. As his congregation grows and new faces appear each week, these members, seem happy. However, when asked about their faith's tenets, they […]
Welcome to More To The Story for May 31, 2023. We are examining what's going on in the world from a Christian perspective. I'm Lucas Kitchen and you can learn more about our work at www.freegrace.in. Let's dive into yesterday's top news stories. From the American news front, the U.S. House is expected to vote […]
Tucker Carlson recently said, “I should say at the outset, I’m an Episcopalian, so don’t take any theological advice from me because I don’t have any. I grew up in the shallowest faith tradition that’s ever been invented. It’s not even a Christian religion at this point, I say with shame.” That’s a sad evaluation […]
Beulah finds herself in Gus' book. She tries to help lighten his load. Big Idea: God’s love forgives everything. Memory Verse: Everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. Acts 10:43
Beulah finds herself in Gus' book. She tries to help lighten his load. Big Idea: God’s love forgives everything. Memory Verse: Everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. Acts 10:43
Gus has a new plan to get all of the pecans. Sally and Grog get in the way. Gus, Sally and Grog learn an important lesson about mercy. Ephesians 2:4-5But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were […]
Should we fear AI? There’s a difference between Self-initiated sentience and stimuli-response protocol. You and I are self-initiated sentience. We were designed by God to have our own will, desires and self-initiating activities. that is very different from so-called AI all AI systems or essentially stimuli response protocols means that they require input from an […]
Should we fear AI? There’s a difference between Self-initiated sentience and stimuli-response protocol. You and I are self-initiated sentience. We were designed by God to have our own will, desires and self-initiating activities. that is very different from so-called AI all AI systems or essentially stimuli response protocols means that they require input from an […]
Evan, Sally and Fearona learn more about fear and God's love. Gus tries to teach Mr. Ted the memory verse. Memory Verse: Romans 8:38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life…nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our […]
In January, we adopted a calico kitten that we named Beans. She was intelligent and affectionate. I called her my “theology kitty” because she’d sleep in my lap or among the piles of books in my library as I studied and wrote. She was a delightful addition to the household. Then last week, while the […]
Sally is having fun scaring her friends at the park until she gets a scare of her own. Fearona, Sally, and Evan learn an important lesson about fear. | Pirates sing about fear. | Beulah and Juney teach us some moves to help us remember the verse for this week. Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, […]
Lucas explores more cutting edge tools from the world of A.I. which can compose and perform music. In this episode of More To The Story, Lucas will give a brief overview of the method, and reveal the song in a fantastic dance party with his kids. Links: Download The Song Logic Pro X Synth V […]
No one likes to hear bad news—at least not about themselves. We filter it out whenever we can and prefer to accentuate the positive. But when Jesus delivers the bad news, you should listen. In John’s Gospel, Jesus told people that the way to be saved was simply by believing in Him (John 3:17-18). Do […]
If you’re exploring Christianity and don’t know where to begin, I recommend starting with John’s Gospel. It tells you what Jesus did for you through His death and resurrection and reveals His divine identity. And crucially, it presents what some call the promise of life. Simply put, Jesus told people that if they believed in […]
Not everyone’s brains are wired the same. We consider some behaviors “normal” and other behaviors “atypical.” I’m thinking about things such as paying attention, reasoning, problem-solving, emotional control, comprehending texts, interpreting social cues, and sensitivity to sound and touch. Over the decades, we’ve learned more about the natural range of human behaviors and neurology. In […]
One of the hardest things about parenting is getting my kids to pay attention. Getting them to remember instructions has been very challenging. I know they’re capable of it. They have amazing memories…when they want to! They can remember, down to the penny, how much money I owe them for doing chores. Or they can […]
Are you still hopeful about the Christian life or are you just about ready to give up? Have you been burned out for so long that you’re not sure how much longer you can go on? You can get so beat down by sin that you don’t know what’s possible for Christ to do for […]
My day hadn’t started well. Just before Christmas, I caught what Texans call “the crud.” It’s something that’s worse than a cold but not quite as bad as the flu. I had been coughing and headachy and had feverish dreams all night long. Aren’t fever dreams the weirdest? I dreamt I had locked myself into […]
Have you made your New Years’ resolutions? What are you planning? Will you go to the gym regularly? Cut out carbs? Buckle down on learning that new language? Save more money? Drink more water and less alcohol? Read the Bible in a year? Do you know what those resolutions are? Laws. They’re little-“l” laws you […]
As my kids get older, it’s satisfying to see them do more and more on their own. Today, Daphne spent five hours working on a horse ranch. She won’t be paid any money; she’s earning riding lessons. At breakfast, Abby was teaching Scout how to make oatmeal. She already knows how to make the instant […]
Not so famous Amos wants to lead an army into battle or carry a king, but he's stuck carrying a pregnant woman to a small town called Bethlehem. Along the way, Amos learns a valuable lesson and discovers that he has an important role to play in the first Christmas. This fun Children's story will […]
All Christians are designed to be fruitful. Jesus compared us to branches on a vine, and in John 15:1-5, He presented four possibilities of fruitfulness: you can bear no fruit, some fruit, more fruit, or much fruit (see here). However, it is worth pointing out that you can take two very different approaches to the […]
I’m growing a Meyer lemon tree in a container in my kitchen. It’s inside the house because they’ll die in the cold, so it’ll stay in my kitchen until spring. I grew it from seed. It’s now grown into a seedling with leaves, and I hope that, in a few years, it will start to […]
Christians are not under a legalistic obligation to give money to support other Christians. You should never feel condemned for not giving. And you certainly should never think that your salvation depends upon it. Everlasting life is free (Rom 6:23). God loved you while you were still a sinner (Rom 5:8), so His love for […]
Has a preacher ever accused you of robbing God because you don’t tithe, or threatened you with a curse if you didn’t donate to your church or to another ministry? Christendom is filled with messages of fear and condemnation about giving that are designed to get you to open up your wallet. And these threats […]
People often confuse the doctrine of eternal security with the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. But the two are entirely different things and operate according to different principles. Free Grace people believe in eternal security, popularly called Once Saved, Always Saved (or OSAS for short), while Calvinists believe in the perseverance of the […]
Does your mind get stressed with thoughts and speculations about the future? Are you constantly thinking about tomorrow—about dreams, plans, and visions? Are you always thinking about what other people think about you? God gave you a mind, so you can’t help but think. The question is what should you be preoccupied with? Well, what […]
Evan, Beulah and Grog gather up all their friends to plan their Christmas caroling trip. Mr. Lucas shares the true meaning of Joy to the World.
Is tithing Biblical? We’re exploring what giving looks like under grace. Some people point to Abraham as an example of tithing. Isn’t that what he did before the Mosaic Law was given? And doesn’t the New Testament also show that Abraham practiced tithing, indicating that’s our model under grace? Although some people claim that Abraham […]
What should the Free Grace attitude be towards tithing? Doing ministry takes money. And if you’ve spent any time in Evangelical circles, you’ll have heard about tithing. There’s a widespread expectation that God calls Christians to give 10% of their income to the Church. We’re told that’s what God’s people did in the Old Testament […]
One of my very favorite theologians is Watchman Nee, the great Chinese evangelist, preacher, and martyr. He was one of the very first Christians I ever read. What did Nee believe about the doctrine of once saved, always saved? Not everyone believes that salvation is eternally secure, but they should. Nee believed it was. He […]
Which do you prefer: a garden or a parking lot? I think most people instinctively like to be surrounded by the beauty of creation rather than dead asphalt. And yet, despite that innate appreciation for nature, we are killing the world around us. Consider the animal population: “Researchers used Zoological Society of London data on […]
Gus is having trouble wrapping Christmas gifts. Evan offers his help. Mr. Lucas Shares the Christmas story in Bible story time.
Christians are called to love their neighbors (Mark 12:31). Of course, that also applies to your spouse (Col 3:19; Titus 2:4). Did you realize your wife or husband is your closest neighbor? But loving your neighbor is a broad command—it tells you to do good without telling you what good you should do. So how […]
Are you active in Christian service? According to one survey, 43% of evangelicals are considered “highly active” in their local churches, while only 16% of Catholics are (see here). It seems that most evangelicals are not serving as much as they should. But what is your motivation for service? And how does having the wrong […]
Question: If believers are eternally secure, why did Jesus say, “He who endures to the end will be saved”? Doesn’t that show you need to keep believing and doing good work to the end of your life to go to heaven when you die? Answer: Whenever the Bible speaks about salvation, you must find out […]
Evan and Beulah look back on the month of November. The gang sings Psalm 100 altogether. Memory verse the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5 Big Idea God loves me now and forever.
Evan's visits his friend Grog who just got back from a long journey. Evan explains the meaning of forever. Memory verse the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5 Big Idea God loves me now and forever.
Madam Melody teaches Evan the new song of Psalm 100. Mr. Lucas shares a Bible story from John 10. Memory verse the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5 Big Idea God loves me now and forever.
Giving to support the work of spreading the gospel and preaching God’s Word is a practical act of discipleship and an exercise of faith. But where should you give, and to whom should you give? Unlike giving under the Old Covenant, which had very specific rules, percentages, and timelines, New Testament giving is much freer, […]
Why does God want you to give money to support the work of spreading the gospel? You might think the answer is obvious—isn’t it because God needs your money to get the job done? And yet, as soon as you put the matter that way, you know that’s the wrong answer. God created the universe […]
Grace and work don’t mix. You’re either saved by one or the other but never by a mixture of both. But even though grace excludes works as a basis of salvation, does that mean Free Grace theology is against godly living? Religious people find it very hard to believe that God relates to you based […]
One of the hardest things about communicating the grace message to religious people is getting them to see they’re not believing in Jesus for what He promised. That can be hard because they often do believe in Jesus for something—but for something less than what He is. Do you know what supplemental health insurance is? […]
Evan asks Madam Melody for a favor. The gang and some of our listeners give thanks. Memory verse Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! Psalm 100:4 Big Idea We can always tell God thank you.
Want to be on the podcast? Mr. Lucas is challenging everyone to think of 10 things you can tell God, “thank you” for! Send a recording, video, or your list to kids@freegrace.in and we will put it in episode 24 this week! Be sure to tell us your first name, age and what you are […]
A “hostile takeover” refers to “the acquisition of one company by another corporation against the wishes of the former.” If the Christian life is a kind of takeover, is it hostile? Jesus is Lord and wants to exercise that Lordship over your entire life—over your every thought, word, and deed. However, making Jesus “Lord of […]
Want to be on the podcast? Mr. Lucas is challenging everyone to think of 10 things you can tell God, “thank you” for! Send a recording, video, or your list to kids@freegrace.in and we will put it in episode 24 this week! Be sure to tell us your first name, age and what you are […]
In Chronicles of Narnia, C. S. Lewis used the term “deeper magic” as a metaphor for the gospel. He didn’t explicitly put in a Christian sermon, but the concepts still rang out clearly in the story. Likewise, if you listen carefully to culture, you’ll hear echoes of gospel themes—echoes of that “deeper magic”—present in secular […]
Is it possible to have real meaningful church in the metaverse? Lucas Kitchen and Shawn Lazar discuss the possibilities.
Paul almost makes a very serious spiritual mistake in Romans 7:18. As we’ll see, he avoids it. But if you don’t understand the error, chances are you might make it. Here’s what Paul wrote, For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For the desire to do what is […]
God created men and women to live by faith. He also made us with emotions. Faith and feelings are two essential aspects of our humanity. But somewhere along the way, they can get out of order, negatively impacting your Christian walk. Paul wrote: For we know that our old self was crucified with him so […]
Have you met Hulk daddy? He’s there lurking in the shadows of every precious moment, looking for an opportunity to pounce. In this episode of More To The Story, Lucas, will explore the two main Temptations of fathers to explode or avoid.
Someone said, “The most beautiful thing you can wear is confidence.” What makes you feel confident? And more specifically, where do you put your confidence in living the Christian life day by day? Even when you believe in Jesus for salvation and know for sure that you’ll spend eternity with God, where do you put […]
Gus has some competition for the art contest. Mr. Ted is up to his mischief. What was lost is found. Memory Verse (for the week) Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Psalm 100:3 Big Idea (for the week) God made […]
Can you overemphasize Jesus’ death on the cross? That’s hard to imagine, but one way comes to mind. I love preaching the cross. It’s central to everything I believe about Jesus, God, and the way of salvation. I consider myself a “theologian of the cross.” But there's a danger there. How so? You can put […]
Evan and Beulah continue the search for Beulah’s missing pet. Gus has a new project. Memory Verse (for the week) Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Psalm 100:3 Big Idea (for the week) God made me and will take care […]
Beulah lost her pet June bug. Evan joins the search. Mr. Lucas shares a story Jesus told, about a shepherd and his lost sheep. Memory Verse (for the week) Know that the Lord, He is God! It is He who made us, and we are His; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Psalm 100:3 Big Idea (for the […]
Do you want people to notice the good things you do or not? Jesus said two things about that question that might appear contradictory, but the harmonization is both simple, and it reveals something crucial about Christian living. On the one hand, Jesus said He wanted His disciples to do good works that other people […]
What are your digital habits like? What can we do to improve how we live in this digital world? Shawn Lazar and Lucas Kitchen will discuss that and much more in this episode of Free Grace International.
If you belong to a religious tradition that mixes grace and law, or faith and works, you’ll probably lack assurance of your salvation. After all, if salvation depends on what you do, and you know that you’re undependable, you’ll never be sure that you’ve done what it takes to be saved. You might hope to […]
I often wake up around 3 am. If I can’t fall back asleep immediately, I’ll get up to read, write, or pray. But sometimes, I wake up with my mind racing. Late last month, I woke up, and worries flooded my mind, my chest tightened, and I started overthinking all the potentials, possibilities, and pitfalls […]
Witness the transformation of Justin Bieber in this episode of More To THE STORY WITH LUCAS KITCHEN, and find out what the change means for this hip-hop and pop mega-star. Script LUCAS OC: Justin Beiber has become an enigma, very difficult to classify. We’re going to talk about it right after this. In the late […]
Sally wants to be the star and puts everyone to work for her. She learns an important lesson with Evan and the gang. Memory Verse (for the week) “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” Psalm 100:1-2 Big Idea (for the […]
The Old Testament is full of examples of godly men and women who got the victory by resting in faith in the promises of God. If you’ve ever wondered how you can live a life of faith—a life of rest—then I will be exploring these wonderful heroes and heroines of the faith. For example, think […]
Do you depend upon Christ moment-by-moment—for big things and little things? Two weeks ago, while backing out of the driveway, we ran over a child’s scooter with a loud crunch and a pop. We blew a tire. The next day I went to the tire store and found that all the remaining tires were in […]
Gus is worried about catching a disease. Evan has the cure. Memory Verse: “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” Psalm 100:1-2 Big Idea: I can tell God "thank you" with my attitude.
People sometimes ask me how to get started in preaching. Well, I didn’t get started in preaching by preaching, but by witnessing. A few months after I was born again, I started telling people about Jesus and the first group I remember going to were the kids at the Muslim Student Association. (That was an […]
Evan is having a hard time memorizing this week's verses. Beulah has some ideas and introduces Evan to a new friend. Mr. Lucas shares a Bible story from Acts 16:16-40. Memory Verse: “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” Psalm 100:1-2 Big Idea: Serve […]
I believe in sanctification by grace, not by law. However, does that mean grace-based parents shouldn’t discipline their kids? Does grace require you to let your kids run free without rules or consequences? To paraphrase Paul, “Absolutely not!” Grace doesn’t eliminate the law—it clarifies the role the law plays. That was a significant emphasis in […]
Sci-fi or fantasy? Democrat or Republican? Calvinist or Armenian? What are you fighting about? In this episode of Free Grace International, Lucas and Shawn discuss disagreements as they explore the new national pastime, online arguing. #fights #argument #trolls #division
Your vocabulary matters. The words and phrases you use shape your understanding of what it means to live a normal Christian life. There are many ways that our Christian vocabulary—our Christianese—can obscure the saving message. But it can just as quickly obscure essential sanctification truths. For example, at the beginning of a church service, have […]
Why did Elon Musk buy Twitter, what does Donald Trump think about it? And why didn’t he try to buy one of the other Meta platforms like Facebook, or Instagram? Explore the topic on this episode of More To The Story With Lucas Kitchen. Also learn about Elon Musk’s big mission to save the human […]
People who believe in salvation by works often wonder about the difference between true believers and false believers. In part, I think they ask that question because they lack assurance. They wonder, “Am I really a believer? How can I know?” Since they think salvation depends partly on how you act, they often think the […]
Beulah has a new pet. Gus tries out a new recipe. Evan explains this week’s verse to Gus. More Bible verses about… Why Jesus came to Earth - John 10:10 Glorified bodies - Philippians 3:20-21 Memory Verse Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even […]
The one who says he remains in him should walk just as he walked (1 John 2:6). Quick question: How did Abraham get from Ur to Canaan? Step by step. How did the Israelites go from Egypt to the Promised Land? Step by step. And how do you live the Christian life? The same way. […]
Sally is planning something scary. Mr. Lucas tells a Bible story about a man who came back from the dead. Memory Verse Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live. John 11:25 Big Idea I am thankful I can live […]
I often hear this objection to eternal security: “If you can’t lose your salvation, how do you explain Satan falling away? And what happened to Adam and Eve?” What happened to Satan, Adam, and Eve was tragic, but here are five reasons they didn’t lose their salvation. First, salvation didn’t exist before the fall. Some […]
Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders (1 Timothy 4:14, emphasis added). The Holy Spirit gives every believer a spiritual gift, and as Paul implied to Timothy, you can neglect it. Why would you do […]
In this episode of More To The Story, Lucas Kitchen digs into some scientific research on the benefits of Bible engagement, prayer, and church attendance. You'll be encouraged by the results. He also looks at 2 Timothy 3:16-17 which predates the research by thousands of years, but agrees with its findings. SCRIPT Today we’re going […]
Evan gets a call from a new friend on the other side of the world! Pray for Acres of Mercy.Donate gifts or books to Acres of Mercy through Cypress Valley Bible Church. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how you can help Acres of Mercy send an email to […]
Every generation needs to be evangelized—and that starts at home. Parents and grandparents are responsible for telling their kids that Jesus died for them on the cross, rose again from the dead, and now offers them everlasting life simply by believing in Him for it. You’ll have to tell them more than once before those […]
In this episode of More To The Story, Lucas Kitchen explores a few advances in brain science, and talks about how the complexity of the brain relates to Psalms 139. Script Today on more to the story we’re gonna talk about your brain, what it’s for, and some interesting new discoveries concerning your big thought […]
Beulah tells Evan about her big fear. Evan shares good news with her. Memory verse …“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15 Big Idea God wants us to share the good news about His kingdom with everyone.
Have you heard that one in four “practicing Christian millennials” believe the church is irrelevant? A quarter! And those are kids in the church. Proverbs says: Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds (Proverbs 27:23). Parents, teachers, and pastors need to know the “condition of their flocks.” If young […]
Gus doesn’t want to share his good news. Evan learns a new word. Memory verse …“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15 Big Idea God wants us to share the good news about His kingdom with everyone.
“The more I did, the less happened,” Major Ian Thomas reflected. “Thus by the age of nineteen, I had been reduced to a state of complete exhaustion spiritually, until I felt there was no point in going on” (Edman, They Found the Secret, p. 169). Major Thomas remembered his early years as a Christian when […]
God is holy, righteous, and just. Each of those terms spells out a different response to sin. Because God is holy, He hates sin. For example: “Do not plot evil in your hearts against your neighbor, and do not love perjury, for I hate all this”—this is the LORD’s declaration (Zech 8:17). Because God is […]
In This Episode Of More To The Story, Lucas Kitchen explores the negative effect of too much news consumption. He also looks at an important verse from titus that can help Christians make quality media choices. If you listen to the news, or social media, the world is falling apart. Right? But who knows, really? […]
God is holy, righteous, and just. Each of those terms spells out a different response to sin. Because God is holy, He hates sin. For example: “Do not plot evil in your hearts against your neighbor, and do not love perjury, for I hate all this”—this is the LORD’s declaration (Zech 8:17). Because God is […]
In this episode of More To The Story, Lucas tells the story of his conversation with a liberal atheist who is an ordained minister. He also explores the meaning of waiting on the Lord. Script Would you like to become a minister? Yeah I didn’t think so, but just in case the need ever arises, […]
Gus is worried about his cashew stash. Evan tries to help. Memory verse Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 Big Idea Talk to God when you are worried.
God has plenty of prodigal children. How can they get back on the right path? Prodigals need to realize that you can't live without your Father. In the parable, the prodigal son tried to live his life on his own terms, based on his own resources, dreams, and desires (Luke 15:11-32). And what happened? Everything […]
Do you agree with Joe Biden’s plan to erase student debt? In this episode, Lucas Kitchen will explore some possible motivations and alternatives to the student loan erasing, and look at the Biblical precedent for debt forgiveness. Script President Joe Biden is pushing for student loan forgiveness. I was initially against it, but I’m thinking […]
Evan finds out what was wrong with Mr. Ted and offers some help. Memory verse Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 Big Idea Talk to God when you are worried.
Do you want to know God’s plan for you? It’s simple. God’s plan for you is Jesus. In fact, God has no plans for you outside of Jesus. The Father’s plans for you are entirely Christo-centric, that is, centered on Christ. For example, God determined that the only way to Him is through Jesus: Jesus […]
Evan is worried about Mr. Ted. Gus offers advice. Memory verse Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 Big Idea Talk to God when you are worried.
The Greek poet Ovid said, “If you want to be loved, be loveable.” That sums up society’s conditional love. Think of how we treat celebrities. The public’s love of celebrities is very fickle, depending entirely on what they do: “To be considered famous or have celebrity status doesn’t just involve being in a bunch of […]
Are you afraid of weaponized robots? In this episode of More To The Story, Lucas Kitchen will examine a recent open letter from a group of robotics companies, and speculate on end-times theology.
Sally has a new plan. Evan makes a suggestion. Memory verse “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31 Big Idea Treat others the way you want them to treat you.
In this episode of More To The Story, Lucas Kitchen interviews the creator of The Art Of Grace Podcast, Shawn Lazar. They discuss the rapture, and the founder of the Jehovah's witness. To see the full hour-long interview go here.
Gus is mad at Sally. Evan tries to help. Memory verse “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31 Big Idea Treat others the way you want them to treat you.
As fall settles in and the nights come quicker and cooler, I enjoy sitting outside by a fire. Who isn’t mesmerized by the flicking flames and the glowing red embers of a roaring fire pit? Those embers remind me that Christianity is a relationship with Jesus and His people. After all, a Christian is someone […]
In this episode of More To The Story, Lucas Kitchen examines a few fun facts about Nobel prizes and uses the ceremony as a reminder of what awaits believers beyond this life.
Sally tells Evan about a joke she played on Gus. Evan reminds her of an important truth. Memory verse “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31 Big Idea Treat others the way you want them to treat you.
How big are your problems? And more importantly, how big is your view of Jesus? If the Christian life means living in dependence upon Christ for every situation you can face in this world, then you need to be sure of how big Jesus is to be sure that you can trust Him in your […]
In this episode Shawn Lazar and Lucas Kitchen talk about everything from the danger AI posses, to the nature of belief. You'll enjoy this friendly conversation.
People often struggle with the apparent disagreement between Paul and James over justification. But there isn’t a disagreement between them because the Bible teaches two kinds of justification. As Paul said, For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God (Rom 4:2). Paul, who repeatedly taught justification […]
Here’s a simple illustration of how Bible truth should take precedence over emotions in your life. Think of your life like a train. A train consists of a locomotive and all the railway cars that it pulls. Locomotives can be powered by different kinds of engines, such as steam, diesel, or electricity. Likewise, the locomotive […]
Some of the fattest bears in the world gather at Brooks River in Katmai National Park. Now you can vote on the fattest. In This episode of More To The Story, Lucas will talk about the big boys of Fat Bear Week, and how a change in future bears tell us something about the coming […]
Evan calls Mr. Lucas with a question from Eli: "How is the Bible God’s word when a bunch of other people wrote it?" Memory verse “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 Big Idea God’s Word is our guide.
Obedience matters to salvation, but maybe not in the way you think. Do you want to be righteous before God? Do you want Him to see you as good—as really good? Do you want God’s approval so you can be certain your heavenly Father does not just love you reluctantly but wholeheartedly? How can you […]
This 27 minute interview with the creator of Free Grace Kids Podcast, Kristah Kitchen is a behind-the-scenes look at the origin of this new audio drama for kids.
In this episode of More To The Story, Lucas Kitchen interviews Kristah Kitchen, who is the creator of a brand new podcast called Free Grace Kids.
What would you think if you heard someone pray, “Lord, please send the Messiah to come and save us from our sins?” Wouldn’t you say to her, “I have good news! You don’t need to pray that prayer. God has already sent the Messiah. His name is Jesus.” But if she insisted on begging God […]
Beulah lost the path to her favorite berries. Evan guides her back. Memory verse “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 Big Idea God’s Word is our guide.
Shawn Lazar and Lucas Kitchen share a message entitled Profit and Loss at Grace Community Bible Church near New Orleans. In this message they discuss what a born-again believer can gain and lose for their obedience or lack of faithfulness to Christ. They cover the concept of discipline and reward.
Why does fiction matter? In this 50 minute episode of the Free Grace International Podcast Lucas Kitchen and Shawn Lazar discuss how fiction shapes the thinking, the faith, and sometimes even geo-politics. Whether you read fiction or non-fiction this discussion is sure to entertain and educate.
In this episode of More To The Story, Lucas Kitchen will tell the story of a pastor who landed himself on the FBI’s most wanted list. In addition he will share six guides for determining if your church is financially responsible. #truecrime #criminalpastor #crime #churchcrime A Financially Responsible Church Publicly available financial records. Staff salary […]
Confusion. That’s what many people feel when they learn that eternal life is free. They hear that good news and ask, “But don’t I have to do something?” It’s disorienting. Your whole life was oriented towards earning things. If you wanted something, the most natural thing to ask is, “What do I need to do?” […]
A friend asked, “Do you think it’s right to tell people they need to forgive God?” My first thought is purely theological: God cannot and does not sin. When you forgive someone, it is usually because they have sinned against you, and God does not sin against anyone, so there is nothing for you to […]
My hope is to help you better understand God’s grace in Christ. Understanding comes before believing. If you’re a Christian who wants to grow in your faith, that’s an important point to learn. On the one hand, your faith can’t rise above what you understand. After all, you can’t be persuaded that something is true […]
When you think about love, what’s the first picture that comes to mind? It might be a scene from a movie, or favorite photo of your parents, or a memory of your first love. People often think in pictures. No wonder, then, that God often teaches using vivid imagery and word pictures. For example, take […]
What informs your political decisions? What informs the decisions of the politicians you vote for. In this episode of more to the story, Lucas discusses what the answer should be for Christians. He also explores 2 Tim 3:1-2, 5, Which says, …in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, […]
Have you ever heard the term “cheap grace”? What about “free grace”? Do you know the difference? Here’s an illustration. What’s the difference between someone giving you a beautiful house as a gift and selling it to you for a dollar? On the surface, there isn’t much difference—only a dollar! And a dollar isn’t very […]
In this episode of MORE TO THE STORY WITH LUCAS KITCHEN, Lucas discusses another megachurch pastor who has been asked to take a leave of absence for an inappropriate conversation on social media. Lucas also discusses Eph 5:3-4, which says, "Among you there must not be... obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are our […]
In the 2018 western, Damsel, a country parson proposes to the woman whose husband he accidentally killed, “I mean, look at this wasteland around us. How is anyone supposed to meet anyone out here, let alone someone you can trust, y’know? So badly, I miss having someone to love me. But even more so, I […]
In this episode of More To The Story Lucas Kitchen discusses Mikhail Gorbachev's recent death, what the soviet leader meant to the west and his complicated legacy in his own country. Also covered is Proverbs 16:32 which says, "Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city."
I was listening to the testimony of a woman named Carol, whose life had taken every possible wrong turn. Her father, a Southern Baptist pastor, committed suicide when she was five. That devasted her, and Carol was mad at God for letting it happen. Growing up, she ran from God. She got pregnant at thirteen […]
In this video, Lucas Kitchen discusses the final member of an indigenous uncontested tribe of the Amazonian Jungle who died recently. An entire culture died with him. He resisted contact and remained isolated for nearly around 26 years. Also in this video is a short discussion about the amazing Christian mission work that has been […]
Have you noticed all the new holidays that commemorate causes throughout the year? You have Earth Day, Women’s Equality Day, Juneteenth, Cinco de Mayo, International Literacy Day, Transgender Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, International Human Rights Day, and so on. Each represents a different cause to support. Some are worthy. Others, not so much. […]
In this video/podcast, Lucas Kitchen discusses David Koresh and the Branch Davidians and how it relates to Matthew 7:14-16 where Jesus said, "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them."
I drove past a Lutheran church whose sign read, “God believes in you.” “He does?” I thought. “But what does He believe about me?” You see, faith always has content. When you believe, you always believe something. And when you say you believe in someone (e.g., “I believe in you.” “God believes in you.”), you’re […]
Have you seen the SLS (Space Launch System) It's a massive rocket system that NASA has developed, and it's about to launch into space? How should Christians feel about human space flight? Find out in this short video on the topic.
My life profoundly changed after becoming a father. After Daphne, Zane, and Scout were born, every decision in my mostly self-centered life suddenly included asking, “What about the kids?” And I soon developed a new worry: am I failing as a father? My wife and I take our vocations of motherhood and fatherhood very seriously. […]
Be gracious to me, God, according to your faithful love; according to your abundant compassion, blot out my rebellion (Psalm 51:1 CSB). Did you catch that? King David tells us that God is compassionate—not just somewhat compassionate but abundantly compassionate. God is that because He is gracious. That is exactly what you need when you’re […]
The new birth is permanent. It is irrevocable. Jesus said the believer “will not perish” and “will never die” (John 3:16; 11:28). If a believer could perish or die, then Jesus could not have made those promises because they would be false. By analogy, God warned Adam that he would die if he ate the […]
What’s the story about grace? I want to live a grace-filled life. I am burnt out by the legalism of society, where I’m constantly judged by how I measure up to hundreds of “little-l” laws, and consistently found wanting. Maybe you want to live a grace-filled life, too. If so, it may help to understand […]
One of my kids asked, “Do you even know what you’re doing?” Sometimes even my kids wonder about my very questionable parenting. I wish there were a rule book for how to be a good parent. Actually, there are! Many of them. Shelves of them in every bookstore, all promising to tell you the secret […]
Do you remember your spiritual birthday? Some people do. They’re blessed to know the exact day they first believed in Jesus for eternal life, and their salvation was settled forever. But other people have no memory of when that happened, which concerns them. They’ve heard some preachers say that if you don’t remember the moment […]
Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer (Romans 12:12). I heard a preacher say, “Pray as you can, not as you can’t.” He talked about how praying can be hard—not that it must be, but we often make it so. People and traditions can turn praying into a highly complex exercise, […]
Do you like being surprised? Do you like it when your life situation changes quickly and unexpectedly and the plans you carefully made suddenly fall through? I don’t! I enjoy small surprises, but not big ones. I like surprises that don’t really matter, don’t inconvenience me, and above all, don’t take away the control I […]
Ellie, the little magical sprog, and her brother Eloy had been walking up the mountain for more than an hour. Wobblewog was following behind, mumbling all kinds of things they didn't understand.
Why should you believe in God? The famous Spanish philosopher Miguel de Unamuno once wrote: “It is the ardent longing for a God who guarantees the eternity of consciousness that leads us to believe in him” (Unamuno, Tragic Sense of Life, p. 186). Unamuno recognized that people long for eternal existence. Life is short. Painfully […]
The Victim Mentality | Society's Lies Our news is packed with the oppressed. Our conversations focus on the wounded. Even our entertainment is chalked full of those abused. It's beautiful to live in a country that cares so much about those who have been oppressed, marginalized, and hurt. However, did you know among victims there […]
Lady Gaga sang: No matter gay, straight, or bi’, lesbian, transgender life...I’m beautiful in my way ’cause God makes no mistakesI’m on the right track, baby, I was born this way. You’ve probably heard the LGBTQ+ argument, “I was born this way.” It sounds compelling at first, but it’s another one of those pesky lies […]
Lucas and Kristah delve into the rigors and rewards of raising kids as they talk about a chapter from Lucas' book THINGS ABOVE. The chapter is entitled Obey. There is also a video for that chapter you can see here. Kristah shares about an article soon to be released that will be entitled Don't Be […]
Lucas and Kristah talk about a few articles, some videos, and an infographic on the FGI site. Here are the links for each item discussed. Is That True? Article | 10 Reasons not to ask Jesus into your heart Infographic | Seven reasons not to ask Jesus into your heart to be saved video | […]
Lucas and Kristah discuss debating atheists, a new FGI song, and everyone's big important job.
How it doesn't fit First, here is how the Russian Invasion DOES NOT fit, into End Times Prophecy. Contrary to a lot of teachers of Bible prophecy (especially contemporary ones), this invasion is not a precursor to the fulfillment of Ezekiel 38. There are several reasons for this (and I have included them in this […]
- Watch Your Kids Not Your Screen Kids are good at reminding us what they want. We constantly hear, “Daddy, watch this,” or “Mommy, Look what I can do.” This is a reminder of what a young child wants. They want your attention. They want you to look at them, not at a screen. They […]
When Russia invaded Ukraine The phrase "Is Russia Gog and Magog" suddenly became a trending topic on google. This is probably because during the 70's, and 80's there were Bible teachers who speculated that the Soviet Union was Gog and Magog (Rev 20:8, Ez 38:2). This was a popular teaching among End Times enthusiasts until... […]
I have often heard people use the phrase, "Jesus is my Lord and Savior." This is a legitimate way to express one's relationship to Jesus. However, the phrase can be misleading if it's not understood in context. I have heard more than one overzealous pastor try to usher new converts into the kingdom by claiming […]
In the famous encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well in Sychar, we see a very clear division between Salvation and Discipleship. In chapter 4 of John, where this story occurs, there are two metaphors used to illustrate these two concepts. Salvation is illustrated by water in John 4:7-14. The narrative then […]
In this introduction, I am going to make a handful of claims. I am not going to use the intro to defend those claims. Instead, the rest of this book will be employed for that purpose. The basic idea that I’ve devoted nearly 50,000 words to explain in the following chapters can be summed up […]
Imagine that you walk into a local store. As you look through the items, you find something that you're interested in buying. You pick it up and see no price tag attached. You hold it above your head and ask the clerk about the price. “How much is this,” you say. It’s a simple question, […]
I was extremely frustrated with the churches where I had worked. I had begun to see the Bible as ambiguous on some essential issues. I had spent nearly a decade in church ministry and had a degree from Bible College. I had started my seminary work but burned out because of the inconsistencies I saw […]
A few years ago I joined a ministry called 289 DESIGN. As you might guess, the name comes from Ephesians 2:8-9. Our mission to produce materials that share the clear message of God's grace with the world. If you've read it before, there is hardly any verse in the Bible that is as transparent about […]
Image that you’ve just completed a month of work and are waiting on your pay check. The boss hands you an envelope with your wages and says, “here’s your free gift.” Why would that be the wrong thing for the boss to say? Obviously, your wages are not a gift. If they were a gift […]
As a kid, one of the biggest choices was between orange juice and milk. Out of boyish curiosity, I once mixed milk and orange juice together. I stirred it with excitement thinking I had come up with the ultimate breakfast drink. As I timidly tried the new flavor I found that the mixture was no […]
I don’t remember the day I was born, but my mother tells me it was an event to remember. Once I was born, I could never go back. It was a done deal, a one-time event, an irreversible transaction. It is likely for that reason that Jesus used birth to illustrate what happens the moment […]
I used to travel and play music with a worship band while I was in college. We were doing an event in the Dallas area one summer. Usually, we would play for a half hour, and then the speaker would deliver his message. We had a set of songs that we often played, including one […]
In this chapter we are going to compare the concept of gaining eternal life as a gift and getting eternal life as a reward. Don’t be alarmed. Although these seem as if they are contradictory ideas, the distinction will become plain as we go along. The first verse that we will consider is this one […]
In my youth, I attended countless evangelistic events. Often it was explained that I should strive to have a relationship with God. When the evangelist tried to explain how to have a relationship with God, the message would usually get muddled. He would start by saying that salvation is a free gift. He would then […]
Anyone who believes in Jesus has everlasting life. That life is not given at some point in the distant future, but at the moment at which the person believes. Believing in Jesus is a one-time event that gives the born-again believer a gift which cannot be earned, returned, or lost. Those who claim that salvation […]
Let’s imagine that certain wealthy father had twins. The brothers grew up together at their family’s palatial estate. Once they were old enough to take their own path in life their father called them together and said, “You will both always be my children, but I would like you each to stay here in my […]
I love the Gospel of John. I love it so much that I had the first six chapters memorized at one time. I could recite them straight through and did publicly once for a church in my area. The gospel of John is so well thought out. It’s simple but powerful. It’s precise and consistent. The […]
In this chapter we will explore the difference between being saved from “the wrath to come” and being “saved from wrath.” The last chapter discussed the latter at length so this chapter will largely focus on the former. Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians will form the entirety of our exploration into "the wrath to […]
In college one justifies his status as a current student in different ways to different individuals. The professor needs to see an official role sheet with the students name on it to consider them a current student. However, fellow classmates will believe one is a legitimate student of the university if they simply attend class. […]
The word sanctification is uncommon. I’ve rarely heard it used in casual conversation except when the words, what is precede it. In this chapter we are going to look at the difference between positional sanctification and practical sanctification. Before we understand the difference, we need to get a grip on this heavy and rare noun. […]
For the first dozen summers that I can remember, I rarely wore shoes. Playing all day in the yard would cover the bottoms of my bare feet with a thick layer of dark grime. Even when I had started the day with a shower, there hardly a summertime call for dinner that I didn’t have […]
A number of years ago I was invited to preach a series of evangelistic events in Latvia. It’s a beautiful little country that found its freedom after the fall of the Soviet Union. By the time I went, it had warmed to the gospel message, and many young people were ready to believe. The trip […]
Have you ever heard a gospel presentation that includes repentance? Maybe you’ve been the recipient of a velvety hair preacher who says, “repent to be saved!” I certainly have. In fact, I remember a particular situation at a youth camp years ago. I had been a believer for a few years already but I wasn’t […]
We give gifts to people we like. I generally withhold gift-giving from those with whom I have no fellowship or closeness. However, God decided to offer us a gift when we did not deserve it. In fact, there are those who will accept the gift and totally take advantage of His grace by not living […]
United States Supreme Court justices have what we call life tenure. That means that once they are appointed they will continue to hold their position for life. This is important because justices need to be able to make decisions without the fear of being removed from office. They have positional security, meaning their position won’t […]
The most afraid I’ve ever been was the time I got lost in the woods after dark. My brother and I were out with some youth group friends playing a game of paintball in the pine forest of East Texas. As a moonless night fell, my heart rate rose. Being surrounded by the blinding dark […]
In this chapter, we will explore the difference between the phrase, “believe in Christ,” and “Call on the Name of the Lord.” It would be easy to lump these terms together as if they mean the same thing, but we will find that one corresponds to salvation, while the other to discipleship. Let’s start by […]
In this chapter we will look at the difference between being saved from Hell and saving one’s life. To understand the process of being saved from Hell let’s first look at Ephesians 2:8-9. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of […]
Growing up I often was taught that salvation did not come by works. However, we are going to find, in this chapter that that is not entirely true. That may come as a surprise, but by the end of the chapter, you will see how this idea fits into the concept of salvation and discipleship. […]
As we discovered in the previous chapter there is a difference between entering the Kingdom and inheriting the Kingdom. In this chapter we will discover that there are various types of inheritance. The line of distinction will be drawn between being heirs of God, and being co-heirs with Christ. What’s the difference between being an […]
In our modern church-lingo saturated culture, we've taken certain words and conscripted them for specific uses, when in Scripture those same words have fluidity. It's important that we don't try to wrestle Biblical words into a straight jacket in an attempt to make them mean only one thing. The words "saved" and "salvation" are no […]
What is the difference between believing in Christ, and confessing Christ? If you listened to the average stadium evangelist you’d get the idea that the confession accompanies a walk down the aisle and the sinner’s prayer. I’ve sat through enough sermons with confusing invitationals at the end to know that there needs to be clarity […]
“I died?” I asked. Surprisingly the notion didn’t fill me with fear. I had always expected my death to be a gruesome affair. Honestly, though, it went pretty well, all things considered. I had slipped away sometime between the french fries, and the hamburger. I was eating lunch, I think. It is a little hazy […]