Grace in Truth Podcast: Recent Episodes
Dr. Chas Carlisle
Grace in Truth is a podcast and blog dedicated to engaging the mind and encouraging the heart through Scripture. It is a collection of teachings from Dr. Chas Carlisle, pastor at Oak Ridge Baptist Church in Marietta, Texas. You can learn more about the church at www.oakridgefamily.com or subscribe to the Grace in Truth blog at www.chascarlisle.com. "...Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth," -Colossians 1:5-6
After reminding the Thessalonians of who they are and what they have in Christ, Paul reminds them of what they are to do. With these three reminders, he sets the stage for how they must faithfully wait for the second coming of Christ.
In Paul's second letter to the church at Thessalonica, he greets them as in 1 Thessalonians except for one change. In this letter, he begins by reminding them who they are and what they have in Christ.
What do we do as we look at the world around us and see everything wrong? How do we make sense of what is taking place? In the final chapter of Ecclesiastes, the Preacher/Teacher gives us the answer.
A resounding truth from Ecclesiastes is that humanity has little control over what happens in our lives "under the sun." As we approach the end of this study, the Preacher/Teacher reminds us that there is freedom when we surrender our efforts to hold on to this world and trust the God who is at work.
Just as there are two types of wisdom represented in Scripture, there are two types of foolishness as well. General foolishness reminds us that this world has nothing substantially to offer. Since it abounds, we cannot find answers to the purpose of our life in anything affected by foolishness. This reality should point us to the only wise God.
Death is a reality that all face. No one is left untouched by this effect of the fall. In chapter 9, the Preacher/Teacher calls our attention to this reality, begging the question of our stance before God when we meet him.
What does godly wisdom look like amid evil circumstances? The Teacher/Preacher guides the listener through the reality of Oppression, the Celebration of Evil, and Injustice. The believer responds to these situations with a hope in Christ.
One lampstand, two trees, two sons of oil–Zechariah's visions can be confusing. The presence of God should be the most treasured aspect of their lives. This vision shows how God's presence enables Zerubabbel to rebuild the temple.
In Christ, we are forever clothed in robes of righteousness and eternally cleansed from the filth of this world.
This message begins our study through the book of Zechariah. Based on the blessing and cursing from Deuteronomy 28, the prophet brings a warning to the people who have ceased to rebuild the temple.
How does Peter expect the church to be ready for Christ's return? They are to be diligent in growing in grace and knowledge.
The promised day of the LORD will come like a thief, at the divinely appointed time. The only way to properly prepare for that day is by leading a life of repentance.
Peter begins his closing remarks by repeating the purpose of his letter, which is to stir up the believers. However, this time, he writes that this stirring aims to produce right thinking.
The false teachers promise freedom, but it is not the same freedom Christ offers. They cannot offer the freedom of Christ because they do not possess it.
Peter gives the letter recipients three characteristics of false teachers. His picture contrasts with the picture of those who have "received a faith of equal standing." When looking at these two pictures, the question is which one we look like.
The LORD knows how to rescue the godly from trial, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgement.
After encouraging the believers with their status in Christ and anchoring them to the truthfulness of the message, Peter warns the church that false teachers will come. However, they are already in their midst. His future statements are not wrong, but they serve to encourage the repentance of the false teachers.
What authority did Peter have? Was the message he shared with the church more reliable than the message of the false teachers? Peter uses two claims to support the authority of the gospel: his eyewitness account of Christ and the account's connection to the Old Testament.
Peter tells the readers why he desires to "stir them up." He knows that his time on earth is drawing to a close, and he desires to use the remainder of his time to remind them about their new life in Christ. How do they know whether they are on the right track? They must participate in a spiritual check-up.
What does it look like to mirror the glory and excellence of God or share in his divine nature? To answer this question, Peter provides the work to which we are to put our hands–living a virtuous life.
After the greeting, Peter writes a brief sermon-like section that lays the groundwork for the rest of the letter. In this lesson, we look at why Peter desires that grace and peace be multiplied to the believers; they have been given all they need for life and godliness.
Why a second letter from Peter? In this lesson, we start a new series on the book of 2 Peter. This letter challenges the readers to continue growing in grace and knowledge.
In the pastor's closing prayer, he asks God to equip the people for the work of ministry. The transforming power of Christ in the heavenly realm transforms Christians with the power of obedience.
What role does leadership play in the life of a church? One unmistakable characteristic is that they operate in deep relationships with the congregation's members.
In the final warning passage of this letter, the readers are told they need to listen -- listen to what the Lord is telling them. However, we are not only told to listen, we are provided with examples of what listening looks like.
It is difficult to view correction as encouragement. In this passage, the author of Hebrews encourages the reader to take heart in the discipline of the Lord and run the race together.
Divine discipline is not the same as divine punishment. Divine punishment is the condemnation of His enemies. Whereas, Divine discipline is the evidence of God’s love for His children.
What should be our response to the race of endurance we run in Christ? The author of Hebrews, after making a list of those that operated by faith, calls the readers to action.
Our destination determines our direction and action, and our direction and action give evidence of our destination. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph are examples of the role that faith plays in everyday life.
Using the illustration of the Israelites from Numbers 13 & 14, the author of Hebrews calls the readers to rest and to strive for rest. However, what is rest? How are we to experience rest in Christ? In this lesson, we look at those questions.
In this lesson, we look at the second warning passage in Hebrews. Knowing the deceitfulness of the heart, the author asks the read to look at their own heart and watch out by exhorting one another. It is a warning for everyone and our response to it reveals a lot about our hearts.
Does what we think about matter? If Jesus is what chapter 2 claims him to be, then our thoughts should center on him, in praise and honor. In this episode, we read the authors charge to consider Jesus.
In the first chapter of Hebrews, the author tells us about Christ and angel. However, in redemptive history, there is one key group that has not been directly addressed - humanity. Preparing the reader for understanding the gift of salvation, the author appeals to humans in the creation order and that Christ stepped into the creation for those that bear His image.
What does the author of Hebrews want the believers to do with the truths of Christ proclaimed in chapter 1? In today's passage, we look at the first warning passage found in Hebrews.
Sometimes we come to difficult phrases in Scripture and we need the turrets in other verses to help us work through the difficulty. A particular moment like this happens in the comparison of Christ to the Angels. As we work through todays passage, the truths taught out our Savior should produce a change in us.
The author of Hebrews begins is first illustration about the greatness of Christ by comparing him to angels. However, culture has distorted our view of these heavenly beings. In this lesson, we consider these distortions and use Scripture to help clarify our view of angels.
What you believe about Jesus is important. The author of Hebrews begins the letter with seven statements about the person and work of Jesus, and the presence of these statements shows us the importance of what we believe about Jesus as well as where we get that knowledge.
Though there is not agreement on the author and audience of the letter to the Hebrews, its placement in the canon and in redemptive history help lay the foundation for the message of this letter.
The end of the Book of Daniel shows us how even in the midst of Daniel’s doubt, God gave him an answer. God is in control, always at work, and keeps his promises. Our duty is to rest in the truths we know and remain faithful in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
No tribulation should cause fear for the saints of God. For His story is written, and His people will be delivered.
Sometimes our physical circumstances are because of the spiritual battle that surround us. As Christians we rest in the fact that the Prince of Peace is more powerful than the prince of the power of the air.
With all the interpretations of Daniel's vision of 70 weeks, how do we know what to believe and do? Maybe the answer is found in the commonalities of these views.
What drove Daniel to pray? Sometimes we skip to the pray in Daniel 9 without looking at the context the Daniel gives us for his prayer.
How did Daniel handle the vision of the Ram and Goat? His response should guide us in how we apply it.
There can be a lot of confusing imagery in Daniel’s visions. Even Daniel had questions about the meaning of the vision. We will do well if we will focus on what Daniel was told about the vision and not get caught up looking for meaning in every aspect of the vision.
Apocalyptic sections of the Bible can be intimidating. As we continue our study in the book of Daniel, there is a change in genre. While the previous chapters have been a record of God interacting with pagan rulers, chapter 7 begins direct communication to Daniel for the sake of those in exile. In this lesson, we will look at guidelines for interpreting these visions before digging in to the symbolism.
Everyone knew Daniel faith and his continual devotion to God. When the officials and satraps set a trap for Daniel, they knew the choice Daniel would make. However, when we read the narrative in chapter 6, we often neglect and idea that is stated three times. It is this idea that is the focus of this lesson.
After more than seven decades in captivity, Daniel continued to remain faithful to God. Even his accusers knew his faithfulness, but also the integrity with which he operated day to day. In this episode, we look at how Daniel's example sets a model for us as we operate in a fallen world.
The book of Daniel does not tell us how Babylon fell, but it does tell us why. In this lesson, we learn about the fall of Babylon under the rule of Belshazzar.
In Nebuchadnezzar's life, there were many issues of sin recorded in Daniel, but what was at the root of his rebellion? The last verse of Daniel 4 is Nebuchadnezzar's confession of this root.
It is happening again; Nebuchadnezzar seems to be repeating the same mistakes of his past while also acknowledging God with his lips. What does he believe? The narrative of his life is confusing, but what if it is because we are asking the wrong question?
A change takes place in Nebuchadnezzar's life, but what kind of change was it? A dream comes to Nebuchadnezzar once again, but this time, Nebuchadnezzar tells us about the experience.
Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) stood upon biblical mandate and now face the wrath of an earthly king for their decision. For their actions, they will be thrown into the fiery furnace. What do trials teach us about faith, and how does the action of these men guide us today?
This message is taught by Dominic Mowrer the pastoral intern at Oak Ridge Baptist Church in Marietta, Texas. He continues the journey through Daniel with the question: where do you draw the line?
At the end of chapter 2, it seems like Nebuchadnezzar worships God. However, in chapter 3, he appears to forget the greatness of Daniel's God. Knowledge and experience are not enough to change our hearts; there must be something more.
There is a God! No matter what takes place our lives or the lives of those around us, there is a God that is in control and working all things together for the greatest good. In this passage, we see how a recognition of God at work should influence how we carry ourselves in this world.
The theological beliefs we hold should impact the way we live. When examining the book of Daniel, we see that Daniel's beliefs directly impacted his response in times of distress and trial.
Understanding God's hand at work in our lives allows us to react to events differently than those without God. In this message, Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar are placed side-by-side to contrast these different reactions.
There is a choice Daniel had to make while living under the rule of Babylon. How would he live in a land that desired to rid him of his religious heritage? There are moments in our life where we must stay resolved to faithfulness no matter what the world demands.
This introduction to the book of Daniel sets the stage for the sermon series. A lot can happen over the course of seventy years, but what if we only had knowledge of about nine of those days? Daniel has a lot to teach us about God's sovereignty in our lives and how we are called to live until God takes us home.
Paul wrote the letter to the church at Corinth so that their lives would change. In communicating truth with them, the expected outcome was change. A right knowledge of God that comes from redemption should produce a change in your life that is visible to the world around you.
As Paul closes his letter the the Corinthians, he begins to address the generous life believers should model. This trait is not something that just happens, it must be intentional.
As Christians, God desires to bring about a spiritual maturity in our lives. Our doctrinal positions matter, and Paul provides them with three exhortations to grow in their faith.
The reality of a resurrection should change our current decisions. Paul provides a few example that help us understand what will take place in our final transformation.
What is the source of your knowledge about the Bible? The Corinthian church was plagued with false ideas, but each of those ideas had a source. Paul provides the church with parameters that help guard us in the journey.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is something that is continually at work in our lives. Our salvation is not just an event in the past that we look upon; it provides a future hope that should change our day to day actions.
Do we ever move past the Gospel in the process of spiritual growth? Honestly, few of us can explain the Gospel, let alone move past it.
There are passages of Scripture that are difficult to understand and at times seem to contradict other areas. Paul's command for a woman to be silent in the local gathering of the church is one of those issues, especially when there is evidence from his letters that women participated in the service. In this passage, we look into the context of this command and what it means for us.
We learn 2 truths from this section: 1) Corporate worship should reflect God's character, and 2) Worship is not a means of self-expression, but an expression of who God is.
What if we have lost sight of the factors that evidence God's presence among us? Perhaps the Corinthian situation is not as far removed from our current situation as we might think.
The mind is an important part of our faith and a key element in our corporate worship services. If our gatherings do not produce understandable, intellectual engagement, then they do not edify the church and do not aide the church in its redeemed purpose.
Is there textual and biblical evidence in Scripture that helps us understand the gift of tongues? Beginning in this passage and looking through Scripture, we determine there is a definition we can rest upon.
What is it that sets love apart from the "gifts" of the Holy Spirit? Why is it allowed to be the measuring tool for our actions? We dig into these questions as we look at this passage.
What defines love? Though there are many secular ideas that surround this term, in the Bible it is an action that pours forth from the love that God has shown us in Christ. This passage provides us with a method of evaluating our own progress in this Fruit of the Spirit.
Since God designed and redeemed us to operate within community, specifically the church, we must understand that the purpose God has for us will never contradict the purpose he has for the church. What is the purpose? To glorify God.
We need the local church - the gathered body of believers. There is no way for an individual to properly function in the Kingdom of Christ without the Body of Christ, the church.
Our hope does not rest in the gifts we have, but the Giver from which those gifts come. It is easy to get sidetracked by seeking experiences in worship instead of seeking the one we worship.
Though we look for various fruit in our lives that help us see the process of sanctification at work. The primary evidence of the Spirit at work in us is how we serve the church in which God has placed us.
By what standard do we determine whether or not the Holy Spirit is a work in a given situation? Prior to delving into specific gifts, Paul provides criteria for deciding, "Jesus is Lord."
What is the Lord's Supper and how should we participate? As Paul continues to correct the Corinthians church in this area, we learn that God is serious about worship and also sets the parameters for it.
Though designed to be a picture of sacrifice and a moment of rememberance, the Corinthian church had turned the Lord's Supper into a practice of gluttony and drunkeness. They called it the Lord's Supper, but it had nothing to do with the worship of Jesus Christ. Paul points out the problems with their practice in this passage.
Is Paul calling all women to wear a head covering during worship? Is this a cutural issue? How do we tell?
This morning we look at a difficult passage, and look for items in the text to guide us as we seek understanding.
There is a spiritual reality to our physical life that we rarely acknowledge. Using the prinicples for guarding against idolatry, Paul sets for two ideas to guide the Corinthians. 1) Does it use the language of worship? 2) Is it perceived as worship?
With these two parameters, Paul warns the church to flee from idolatry.
Due to a technical error, only part of this sermon was recorded. How do we exercise the spiritual freedom we have in Christ outside of the church? The heart of Paul's message continues: it's not about us, it is about God. If it is about God, then it will lead us to love our neighbors well.
Using an Old Testament illustration, Paul show the Corinthians what it is like to not run well. One of the best ways to stand firm in the faith is to understand that you are capable of falling.
It is easy to forget the context of Paul's illustarting. What does it mean to run well? Though we do need to stay on guard agaisnt sin, when we run well, we love our neighbors well.
Paul's example of sacrificing his rights for the sake of the Gospel serves as a principle in his entire ministry. The sacrifice of Christ's life for salvation is much less that most believers sacrifice to share the Gospel.
While addressing meat sacrificed to idols, it seems that Paul goes off track in chapter 9 & begins writing about finances. However, Paul wanted them to see that the life he chose to live among the applied to the heart of the meat issue.
Though most of Western Civilization does not deal with meat sacrificed to idols, there are still biblical principles and precepts that apply to our lives. In this lesson, we look at how Paul's teachings in 1 Corinthians 8 apply to our lives.
There are teachings in Scripture that seem contradictory. "Seem" is the keyword. In this recording, we look at Paul's teaching on marriage and singleness. How do we reconcile Paul's teaching?
When we come to a point of confession and repentance, sometimes it is difficult to know the next step. After addressing marital situations, Paul gives them a principle that he preaches in all the churches. This principle guides the believer when we search for the next step in obedience.
A secular culture will always have a view of marriage that is less that God's design and desire. Even within the church, people can adopt views that have more in common with culture than Scripture. As Paul continues to correct views within the Corinthians church, faithfulness to Scripture in marital situations take center stage.
God designed sex as a glorious part of his creation. The problem is not with God's design, but distortion that comes from sinful hearts. When the church is silent in areas like sexual ethics, the culture will fill in the silence with a misrepresentation of the biblical position.