Grace in the Gray: Recent Episodes

Cedar Creek Church

Using the black and white of scripture to speak to the gray areas of culture.

Grace in the Gray is a production of Cedar Creek Church.

Executive Producer: James Grigsby

Hosted by: Sam Radford, Jordan Nates, and Rick Lee

Original Music by Ben Lee

Either you've been hurt by the church, or you haven't been hurt by the church (yet). Isn't that encouraging? This episode isn't all gloom and doom, but it is an exploration of how deeply the church, or the people of the church, can hurt us.Matthew 18: Jesus' Conflict ResolutionMachiavellianism is a personality trait that emphasizes interpersonal manipulation as a means to justify the ends. Machiavellians use conscious calculation instead of morality and virtue to persuade and control others. It is a personality attribute that, along with psychopathy and narcissism, makes up the Dark Triad.James' Book Reference: One Size Doesn't Fit All Groups in the Gray – Groups Start Wednesday, October 23rdLove the podcast? Follow the show so you’ll never miss an episode. If you leave a review, more people will hear about Grace in the Gray.Thoughts on this episode? DM us on Instagram.

We couldn't get to episode 31 without taking a look back. What were our favorite moments from the past year and a half? Surely we'll hit one of your favorite moments and hopefully bring out some laughter.Groups in the Gray - Groups Start Wednesday, October 23rdLove the podcast? Follow the show so you’ll never miss an episode. If you leave a review, more people will hear about Grace in the Gray.Thoughts on this episode? DM us on Instagram.

For our 30th episode, we're going back to our roots of taking on a trending topic. Based on our investigation, the term DINK has been around for nearly a decade, but lately, DinkTok has taken off. No clue what a DINK is? Don't worry, we'll explain. Thoughts on this episode? DM us on Instagram.

Feeling overwhelmed by choices? From career moves to dinner plans, this episode dives into navigating even the trickiest decisions. We'll explore practical tips for navigating uncertainty and identifying the most fulfilling, God-honoring path. Join us for a discussion that will equip you to make choices with confidence.Scripture References:Genesis 25- Jacob & EsauDefinitions:God's SovereigntyLove the podcast? Follow the show so you’ll never miss an episode. If you leave a review, more people will hear about Grace in the GrayFollow us on Instagram.

Last episode, we talked about the balance of humanitarian efforts and spreading the gospel. This time, we're speaking with the actual boots on the ground, Luke & Savannah Black of Hands of Hope. They are one of Cedar Creek Church's Global Peace Partners who are on mission in Zambia. Luke & Savannah tell us a little about how they ended up in Zambia, how to handle the ebbs and flows of marriage while on mission, and remind us that we are all called to love our brothers and sisters.

In this podcast episode, the discussion centers around the balance between sharing the Gospel and performing humanitarian work in outreach (missionary) activities. The team evaluates the importance of each aspect within the context of the needs of the community being served. As Ben shares in this episode, "You don't do one at the expense of another, you do one in the service of the other."Scripture References:Genesis 12:1-3 Luke 4 Psalm 82"Voluntourism" Articles

"As an Atheist, I Truly Believe Africa Needs God Article

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Sam, Rick, and Ben talk about the barriers to global outreach. Why is it so hard to go on an international trip to tell others about Jesus? How can we overcome the doubt and fear that may be associated with it?Love the podcast? Follow the show so you’ll never miss an episode. If you leave a review, more people will hear about Grace in the Gray!Follow us on Instagram.Scripture References:Matthew 28:16-20 Acts 1:8

Examples of intimate friendships in scripture. Love the podcast? Follow the show so you’ll never miss an episode. If you leave a review, more people will hear about Grace in the Gray!Follow us on Instagram.Scripture References:David & Jonathan's Friendship Paul & Timothy

On this episode, is Mac 'n Cheese a vegetable? Just kidding, we're talking about community and how that fits in as a church practice. Love the podcast? Follow the show so you'll never miss an episode. If you leave a review, more people will hear about Grace in the Gray!Follow us on Instagram.Scripture References:Genesis 1:26-30 - Hard wired for community. Let US make man in OUR image.Genesis 2 - the formation of God's people.Genesis 3 - The FallExodus 2:18 - Moses is leading alone until Jethro provides adviceJesus doesn't do his ministry career alone. As they are leading together, they all have relationship with one another.Jesus had 12 disciples, but then had 3 close friends.DefinitionsEpistles:

a book of the New Testament in the form of a letter from an Apostle.
noun: Epistle; plural noun: Epistles
"St. Paul's epistle to the Romans"

Trinitarian God

A Trinity doctrine is commonly expressed as the statement that the one God exists as or in three equally divine “Persons”, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Book Reference:Find Your People by Jennie Allen

Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World

We’re back to talk about Church Practices. On this episode, we discuss about Baptism.

Why do people choose to be baptized? Where did the idea of Baptism come from? Does it wash away sins? Do you have to be "dunked" or can you be sprinkled? We cover it all in this week's episode.

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Scripture References:Matthew 28:19-20 Romans 6:3-4 Galatians 2:12

We're back to talk about Church Practices. On this episode, we discuss why it's important to physically attend church.

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Scripture References:

Ephesians 4:11
Galatians 6:10
1 Peter 4:10-11'
John 13:35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

We're back to talk about Church Practices. On this episode, we discuss why it's important to physically attend church.

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Show Notes
- James' Book Reference: Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby
- The 59 “One Anothers” of the New Testament*

1. “…Be at peace with each other.” (Mark 9:50)2. “…Wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14)3. “…Love one another…” (John 13:34)4. “…Love one another…” (John 13:34)5. “…Love one another…” (John 13:35)6. “…Love one another…” (John 15:12)7. “…Love one another” (John 15:17)8. “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love…” (Romans 12:10)9. “…Honor one another above yourselves. (Romans 12:10)10. “Live in harmony with one another…” (Romans 12:16)11. “…Love one another…” (Romans 13:8)12. “…Stop passing judgment on one another.” (Romans 14:13)13. “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you…” (Romans 15:7)14. “…Instruct one another.” (Romans 15:14)15. “Greet one another with a holy kiss…” (Romans 16:16)16. “…When you come together to eat, wait for each other.” (I Cor. 11:33)17. “…Have equal concern for each other.” (I Corinthians 12:25)18. “…Greet one another with a holy kiss.” (I Corinthians 16:20)19. “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” (II Corinthians 13:12)20. “…Serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13)21. “If you keep on biting and devouring each other…you will be destroyed by each other.”  (Galatians 5:15)22. “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” (Galatians 5:26)23. “Carry each other’s burdens…” (Galatians 6:2)24. “…Be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2)25. “Be kind and compassionate to one another…” (Ephesians 4:32)26. “…Forgiving each other…” (Ephesians 4:32)27. “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.” (Ephesians 5:19)28. “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21)29. “…In humility consider others better than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)30. “Do not lie to each other…” (Colossians 3:9)31. “Bear with each other…” (Colossians 3:13)32. “…Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.” (Colossians 3:13)33. “Teach…[one another]” (Colossians 3:16)34. “…Admonish one another (Colossians 3:16)35. “…Make your love increase and overflow for each other.” (I Thessalonians 3:12)36. “…Love each other.” (I Thessalonians 4:9)37. “…Encourage each other…”(I Thessalonians 4:18)38. “…Encourage each other…” I Thessalonians 5:11)39. “…Build each other up…” (I Thessalonians 5:11)40. “Encourage one another daily…” Hebrews 3:13)41. “…Spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24)42. “…Encourage one another.” (Hebrews 10:25)43. “…Do not slander one another.” (James 4:11)44. “Don’t grumble against each other…” (James 5:9)45. “Confess your sins to each other…” (James 5:16)46. “…Pray for each other.” (James 5:16)47. “…Love one another deeply, from the heart.” (I Peter 3:8)48. “…Live in harmony with one another…” (I Peter 3:8)49. “…Love each other deeply…” (I Peter 4:8)50. “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (I Peter 4:9)51. “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others…” (I Peter 4:10)52. “…Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another…”(I Peter 5:5)53. “Greet one another with a kiss of love.” (I Peter 5:14)54. “…Love one another.” (I John 3:11)55. “…Love one another.” (I John 3:23)56. “…Love one another.” (I John 4:7)57. “…Love one another.” (I John 4:11)58. “…Love one another.” (I John 4:12)59. “…Love one another.” (II John 5)

Carl Gustav Jung - Collective Unconscious

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Scripture References:

Old Testament Festivals & Temple Worship
Paul's Letters

None

We're back to talk about Church Practices and we're continuing the conversation on Church Membership. Why should a church attender become a member of the church they call home?

Show Notes:

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Scripture References:Psalm 133:1 - Pleasant Gathering 1 Peter 5:4 Hebrews 12 - Accountability1 Corinthians 5:12-13 Matthew 18: 15-17 Hebrews 13 - Submit to Leaders1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 1 Timothy 5:17

Season Two of Grace in the Gray Podcast is here! January kicks off our mini-series, Church Practices, where the cast of Grace in the Gray discusses Church Membership. Why does it matter?Show Notes:

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What does Cedar Creek Church believe as a church? https://www.cedarcreekchurch.net/about/
- Next Steps
Acts 29 Article

Scripture References:

1 Corinthians 12-14

Colossians - Head of the church

1 Thessalonians 5

Donatist Controversy

Visible Vs. Invisible Church (John Calvin) - Calvin references Augustine of Hippo in this section of "Institutes of the Christian Religion" - particularly Augustine's "City of God."

A fun conversation on all the Christmas traditions. If you need inspiration for fun things to do this Christmas, listen up!Capps Family Christmas Christmas Snack Mix (Christmas Crack)

How do we keep the chaos of the season from robbing the gift of peace that we were given? Even Jesus, who was born in a stable, shows us that life doesn't necessarily become "more peaceful". So how do we recognize where, or who, our peace comes from?Show Notes:

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Learn more about Groups in the Gray

Scripture References:Ecclesiastes 3 - ReconciliationMark 14:22 – Institution of the Lord’s SupperLuke 22:18 - Do this in remembrance of me.What do you (your family) want out of Christmas? What do you believe God hopes for us in the Christmas season?

Can Christians Watch Shows Like Yellowstone? In this episode, Sam, Rick, and Ben discuss shows like Yellowstone, Game of Thrones, The Witcher, and others. How do we use the black and white of scripture to make an informed decision on what we consume on television.Show Notes:

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Scripture References:Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the MountMatthew 5:29 "If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. 30And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell."Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

1 Corinthians 10:23 Do All to the Glory of God

“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.

Boycotting Episode - Boycotting. Why did you really break up with Target? Just for Fun: Sam's Favorite Christian Movie RecommendationsHeaven is for Real, Facing the Giants, I Still Believe

There are many supernatural things going on in the Bible. There are a few things, however, that just seem weird. Show Notes:

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Scripture References:The YouVersion Bible 2 Kings 2: 23 He went up from there to Bethel, and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!” 24 And he turned around, and when he saw them, he cursed them in the name of the Lord. And two she-bears came out of the woods and tore forty-two of the boys. 25From there he went on to Mount Carmel, and from there he returned to Samaria.Judges 3: 20 And Ehud came to him as he was sitting alone in his cool roof chamber. And Ehud said, “I have a message from God for you.” And he arose from his seat. 21And Ehud reached with his left hand, took the sword from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly. 22 And the hilt also went in after the blade, and the fat closed over the blade, for he did not pull the sword out of his belly; and the dung came out. 23Then Ehud went out into the porch and closed the doors of the roof chamber behind him and locked them.1 Samuel 5: 9 But after they had brought it around, the hand of the Lord was against the city, causing a very great panic, and he afflicted the men of the city, both young and old, so that tumors broke out on them. 1 Samuel 6: 3They said, “If you send away the ark of the God of Israel, do not send it empty, but by all means return him a guilt offering. Then you will be healed, and it will be known to you why his hand does not turn away from you.” 4And they said, “What is the guilt offering that we shall return to him?” They answered, “Five golden tumors and five golden mice, according to the number of the lords of the Philistines, for the same plague was on all of you and on your lords. 5So you must make images of your tumors and images of your mice that ravage the land, and give glory to the God of Israel. Perhaps he will lighten his hand from off you and your gods and your land. Matthew 27: 51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 52The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54Previous Episode: How can God be both Just and MercifulJordan Peterson - Humanity's first hyperlinked book: The Bible

Growth Challenge:

Groups in the Gray

Are we the holder of the puzzle box, or are we a puzzle piece? Is desiring any level of control okay? Show Notes:

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Scripture References:Suffering and Rick's example of Job's friends in the Book of Job.

Local Partner Highlight:

Overflow Foundation

Continuing the conversation from the previous episode, “Justice & Mercy”, this week Sam, Rick, and Ben discuss suffering and prosperity. Show Notes: Follow us on Instagram Scripture References: Exodus 33 Suffering & Prosperity in the Book of Job Definitions: Theophany noun : a visible manifestation of a deity Christophany noun : an appearance of Christ after resurrection especially as recorded in the Gospels […]

In this episode, Rick, Sam, and Ben take on the idea of a just AND merciful God. How can He be both? Show Notes: Follow us on Instagram Interested in The Bible Recap? Scripture References: Ben & Rick’s reference of Matthew 5, Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, […]

In this episode, Rick, Sam, and Ben dig into a hot topic in today’s culture: boycotting companies who support ideologies that go against what we believe. Show Notes: Follow us on Instagram The Book of Jonah, Bible Project Overview Video Scripture References: The Book of Jonah Ben’s reference to Matthew 22:20: Therefore render to Caesar the things that […]

If you attend church, you may or may not love the worship music. You may like the lyrics, but not the style. You may secretly long for more percussion or electric guitar, or maybe you would rather grab the hymnal and sing along with the choir. Corporate worship may be foreign to you if you don't attend church. Rick and Sam bring in Ben Lee, who leads the helm for worship at Cedar Creek Church, to dig into the reason for song selection, the intentionality behind the style, and the content the music presents.

Sam, Rick, Bianca, and James discuss boundaries in many different areas of life, including social media, relationships, parenting, and work.Resources:Boundaries Book Cedar Creek Church Care & Counseling

Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life

Rick, Jordan, and Sam discuss body image. Who determines our value? Is the concept of body image Biblical? How do we care for our bodies well without jeopardizing our relationship with Christ?Scripture ReferencesPsalm 139:13-14 – You Knit Me TogetherRevelation 21 - New Heaven and New Earth1 Samuel 16:7 – For the Lord looks at the heartGenesis 1:26 - Made in the image of God

1 Timothy 4:8 - Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things

Galatians 1:10 - Living for other people's approval

1 Corinthians 10:23 – “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial.

Romans 12:1 - present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God

Cracking the Door, Part 2, Real Talk

After ending our recording for Part I, we kept the mics recording. And thank goodness. Hang on tight for the unedited, unscripted, post-podcast conversation.

Resources
- Overflow Foundation
- Mental Health Community of Hope

Special Guests Terry Lee and Kevin Molony join Jordan and Sam to discuss mental health challenges and substance use disorders.Resources: Overflow Foundation Mental Health First Aid Classes Celebrate Recovery Care & Counseling at Cedar Creek Church Scripture References:Mark 2

A transparent conversation about alcohol consumption. The content discussed around the table in this episode is best for adult ears so save this episode for a time when you're away from kids. With that said, don't miss all the good stuff in this episode of Grace in the Gray!

Show NotesScripture against drunkenness:

Jesus Turns Water into Wine: John 2:1-12

Resources:

Overflow Foundation

Care & Counseling Ministry of Cedar Creek Church

Celebrate Recovery

HOME Groups (finding your authentic community)

Show Notes

Scripture References:
- Flee from sexual immorality, your body is a temple - 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
- Sex is a gift to be enjoyed within the confines of marriage - Hebrews 13:4
- Sin is attacking the character of God - Genesis 3
- Two shall become one - Ephesians 5:31
- Confession to God - 1 John 1:9
- Confession to others - James 5:16
- David & Bathsheba - 2 Samuel 11-12

If you're new to the Grace in the Gray podcast, you should definitely catch up on our previous episodes. This is a special cross-over episode with the Cedar Creek Church podcast and the Senior Pastor, Phillip Lee. If you have been listening to Grace in the Gray and you're not a believer, or if you don't really have a religious background, we understand you may be asking, why should I believe what the Bible has to say about how I live my life? In this special cross-over episode, we examine the meta-narrative of the Bible; what is it, who wrote it, why is it a credible source of information, and what does it have to say to me about how I live my life? Don't have a Bible of your own? Check it out online or download the You Version app.

References

Scripture Reference: Ephesians 5
Definition of Complementarian Theology
Scripture Reference: two shall become one | Ephesians 5:31
Scripture Reference: sex is a gift to be enjoyed within the confines of marriage | Hebrews 13:4
Scripture Reference: flee from sexual immorality, your body is a temple | 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Book Recommendations:

The 5 Love Languages : The Secret to Love That Lasts (Large Print Paperback)

The Voice of the Heart: A Call to Full Living with CD (Audio) by Chip Dodd (2001-08-02)

Studying like Jane Goodall. A conversation on dating.Show Notes1 Corinthians 6:12…Ephesians 5:22-33...Colossians 3:12-14…Philippians 4…1 Corinthians 11:1...Follow Grace in the Gray Podcast on Instagram...Would you rather WATCH the podcast? Check it out here.

How to we get God to love us more? Spoiler Alert... God's love can't be earned.Show Notes:

Jordan’s Book Recommendation: Atomic Habits by James Clear

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John 17: 1-26 | The High Priestly Prayer | https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.17.ESV

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2 Timothy 3:16 | https://www.bible.com/bible/59/2TI.3.ESV

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Isaiah 40:8 | https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ISA.40.ESV

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Isaiah 55:9 | https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ISA.55.ESV

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Follow Grace in the Gray Podcast on Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/graceinthegraypodcast/

How to we get God to love us more? Spoiler Alert... God's love can't be earned.Show Notes:

Jordan’s Book Recommendation: Atomic Habits by James Clear

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John 17: 1-26 | The High Priestly Prayer | https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.17.ESV

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2 Timothy 3:16 | https://www.bible.com/bible/59/2TI.3.ESV

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Isaiah 40:8 | https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ISA.40.ESV

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Isaiah 55:9 | https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ISA.55.ESV

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Follow Grace in the Gray Podcast on Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/graceinthegraypodcast/

A first glimpse at the podcast.