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July 25.2025
4 Minutes Read

Discovering God's Grace: How It Saves and Keeps Us Forever

Grace That Saves and Keeps podcast episode design with speaker image

The Gift of Saving Grace: Understanding Our Salvation

When we think about our faith journey, it's crucial to reflect on what actually happened when we accepted Christ into our hearts. As believers, each of us likely has a personal story of salvation, yet many of us are left wondering exactly what took place during those pivotal moments. In the video titled "Grace That Saves and Keeps," Dan Krueger, along with John Piper, sheds light on the essence of grace and the divine workings that lead us to God.

In "Grace That Saves and Keeps," the discussion dives into the transformative power of God's grace, exploring key insights that sparked deeper analysis on our end.

Decisive Grace: God’s Role in Our Salvation

According to John 6:44, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him." This verse emphasizes that our journey to faith is not about our actions, but rather, it's God’s grace that draws us to Him. It's an amazing truth: we don’t earn our way into God’s presence; He leads us there through His loving invitation. It’s God's decisive grace at work within us, allowing us to respond to the call of salvation. This means that when we come to faith, we can rejoice knowing it’s God who initiated our relationship with Him.

Understanding God’s Global Offer of Salvation

The Gospel of John is clear about God's universal invitation to salvation. Verses like John 3:16 remind us that "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." Here, "whoever" is key; it signifies that salvation is available to all people across different races, cultures, and backgrounds. This global perspective on faith should inspire us to share the message of grace with everyone we meet. We are called to be messengers of hope, revealing the breadth of God's love to our communities.

Our Responsibility: Proclaiming the Message of Grace

As believers, we are participants in God's grand narrative of redemption. In the video, Piper encourages us to be "the most lavish offers of free grace on the planet." This is a powerful reminder that our role is to actively share the good news of the gospel. Whether through our conversations or our actions, we have the opportunity to fill our cities, schools, and homes with the joyful teachings of Christ. When we talk about our faith, we invite others to inquire about what has transformed us. This act of sharing isn't just a task; it's a joyful privilege we get to embrace.

Reflecting on Our Personal Transitions to Faith

If you have ever wondered about the details of your own salvation experience, you are not alone. Many of us ponder whether we fully grasp what God did in our hearts, especially during those earlier years in our faith. Krueger encourages us to revisit those memories and reflect on what God has done, even if we can't recall every moment clearly. Our focus should be on acknowledging how God’s grace continually saves us and sustains us in our walks of faith. It's a lifelong journey, and God is always present, drawing us closer to Him!

How God’s Love Shapes Our Relationships

The transformative power of God’s love not only impacts us spiritually but also enriches our interactions with others. As Christians, we are called to reflect God’s love in our daily lives – as we nurture our families, educate our children, and lead our communities. Parenting and fellowship grow deeper when we share the principles of faith within our families, teaching our children the beauty of grace. This community-building effort fosters an environment where faith can flourish, sparking curiosity and growth in those around us.

Conclusion: Embrace the Journey of Grace

In summary, the journey of faith is one filled with transformative grace from God, an act we should continually celebrate and share with others. As we reflect on our own stories of salvation, may we remember the divine workings that led us here and the global call to share this incredible gift with others. Let us not only think about our salvation but also about how we can join together as a community, nurturing each other and spreading the message of Christ everywhere. Join the movement of proclaiming God’s love and grace - it's a journey that will change lives!

John Piper

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09.09.2025

Finding Balance: Should We Rejoice When God Destroys Our Enemies?

Update Understanding God's Justice: A Balanced Perspective When we think about God's actions, especially regarding our enemies, the first thing to consider is the nature of God's justice. The Bible shows that there are times when God’s judgment brings joy to His people, as seen in Exodus 15 when the Israelites rejoiced after the Egyptian army was defeated. This celebration is not merely for the act of destruction but emphasizes the victory of God’s justice, where evil is rightfully dealt with. Compassion Toward Our Enemies Alongside these passages celebrating judgment are those emphasizing compassion and love for our enemies. Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:44 that we should love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. This duality of celebrating God’s justice while also feeling compassion for those who are lost presents a complex but essential aspect of our faith. Finding the Right Balance in Our Responses For many believers, like Liz, the struggle comes in reconciling these emotions. If God brings justice, how do we respond? Can we feel joyous at the downfall of others? The key lies in understanding that God's desire is for salvation, not destruction. As 2 Peter 3:9 reflects, God wishes for all people to come to repentance. Thus, our posture should not come from a place of vindictiveness but from a heart that hopes enemies will turn to know Christ. Celebrating God's Justice: It's Not Just About Us Revelation adds another layer by depicting the worship of God following His judgments; the heavens rejoice as wrongdoing is addressed. However, it’s crucial to note that this celebration relates to God's glory and righteousness rather than personal vendetta. When we celebrate justice, we should do so with the recognition that our joy reflects God's holiness and the restoration of order in the world. This Is Why Compassion Is Important Living by these principles doesn’t mean we have to ignore our emotions or experiences. For instance, when someone wrongs us, it can feel impossible to wish them well. It's okay to acknowledge that tension. However, we are called to pivot our hearts toward mercy, as Christ has shown us, challenging us to view our enemies through the lens of grace rather than hostility. In Practice: Ways to Move Forward 1. **Prayer for Enemies**: Regularly pray for those who oppose you. Ask God to bless them and show His kindness, opening their hearts to His truth. 2. **Reflect on Your Own Need for Mercy**: Recognize that we all fall short and need God’s grace. Approaching others with humility will help you embody compassion, even towards those who oppose you. 3. **Celebrate God’s Justice, Not Personal Retribution**: When witnessing justice served, remind yourself that it is God's righteousness being upheld. Celebrate this as a reflection of His character rather than personal triumph. Conclusion: Striving for Harmony In a world filled with conflict, navigating our response to enemies can be challenging. Embracing both God’s justice and love prepares our hearts to reflect His nature. As you move forward, remember that your actions can lead others closer to God’s grace. Encourage your family and friends to engage with topics of mercy and justice. Use these discussions to deepen understanding and foster unity in your community. Whether it's through a small group or family conversation, cultivating a space for these discussions can impact how we navigate our relationships.

09.09.2025

Can We Rejoice in God’s Justice and Still Love Our Enemies?

Update Understanding God’s Justice and Our Response In today's world, difficult questions often arise when we think about God's justice in relation to our enemies. The challenging inquiry, "Should we rejoice when God destroys our enemies?" is not just a theological debate; it connects deeply to our everyday lives and our feelings towards others. Many of us wrestle with how to celebrate God's righteousness while maintaining compassion for those who have wronged us.In 'Should We Rejoice When God Destroys Our Enemies?', the discussion dives into God's justice and our response to it, exploring key insights that sparked deeper analysis on our end. The Paradox of Joy and Compassion The Bible presents a complex perspective on this issue. For instance, in Exodus 15, after the Israelites escaped from Egyptian bondage, they sang a song of celebration that praised God for His might while simultaneously expressing joy over the defeat of the Egyptians. This raises questions: Can we find joy in God’s justice while still caring for those who oppose Him and us? In Matthew 5:44, Jesus declares that we should love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, which emphasizes compassion and mercy. Celebration of God’s Judgment On one hand, the belief that we should celebrate God's judgment is supported by passages such as Revelation 18:20, where heaven rejoices over God's just actions against those who oppose His teachings. This perspective is about recognizing God’s sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. It reminds us that our joy should come from the vindication of God's character rather than personal vendettas. Biblical scholars, like Charles Bridges, articulate the difference between a righteous joy in God’s justice versus a vengeful pleasure in an enemy's downfall. The Need for Compassion Conversely, a true follower of Christ finds that having a heart of compassion does not diminish their sense of justice. As we encounter the suffering of the lost, our natural response should be to feel sadness and a desire to reach out to help them find salvation. The scriptures remind us not to rejoice at the calamities that befall our foes (Proverbs 24:17), ensuring our hearts remain aligned with God's desire for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Finding Balance So, how do we reconcile these beliefs? It begins by recognizing that both joy in God’s justice and compassion for the lost are essential parts of a mature faith. We can celebrate God's righteousness while yearning for our enemies’ salvation. This balance helps prevent the slide into a harmful mindset that delights in personal revenge and extends the love of Christ even to those who oppose us. Putting Our Faith Into Practice In practical terms, this means engaging in acts of kindness toward those we struggle to love. When confronted with conflict, instead of responding with anger or bitterness, we can take proactive steps to show love. Maybe it's feeding a hungry enemy or simply praying for them. Through these acts, we embody the teachings of Christ, which sets an example not just for ourselves but for future generations. Looking to the Future Ultimately, our approach to rejoicing in God’s justice and displaying compassion will shape the world around us. By learning to balance these perspectives, we become a living testament to God’s love and justice—a beacon of hope for those seeking faith in a complicated world. Your Spiritual Journey As committed Christians, each step we take can help foster understanding and growth within our community. Engage in discussions around these themes in your church groups or, if you’re a parent, share these teachings with your children to help them navigate their spiritual journeys. Consider also that the question of human response to God’s justice is ongoing. Approach this topic with prayer, asking God for wisdom about how to engage with those we find difficult to love. Remember, exploring these questions together builds a stronger, more supportive community. Let’s not shy away from the hard questions. Together, let's learn and grow in a faith that embraces both justice and compassion as essential parts of our life in Christ.

09.07.2025

Discover How Enjoying God Transforms Classical Christian Education

Update Why the Enjoyment of God Is Central to Our Lives In Enjoying God: The Key to Classical Christian Education, we explore a brilliant idea—that the ultimate reason for our existence is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever. This concept is beautifully articulated in the Westminster Catechism, which asserts that our chief end isn’t just about trusting or obeying God; it’s about truly enjoying Him. But what does it mean to enjoy God, and why is it so essential for us?In Enjoying God: The Key to Classical Christian Education, the discussion dives into how the enjoyment of God serves as a fundamental element in our educational journey, exploring insights that sparked deeper analysis on our end. Understanding Enjoyment: A Unique Perspective Think about your favorite moments. Aren’t they filled with joy and laughter? It strikes a deep chord when we realize that the 17th-century Puritans viewed enjoyment as crucial. Instead of being a side note, enjoyment is seen as a fundamental aspect of our relationship with God, elevating our emotions to a level of supreme significance. This means that enjoying God isn’t just a nice thought; it’s at the heart of our existence. Connecting Enjoyment and Glorification: The Heart of Worship So, how does our enjoyment of God relate to glorifying Him? It’s simple yet profound. The more we enjoy God, the more we reflect His glory. John Piper puts it this way: "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him." This means that our joy can actually help us to honor and glorify God. The two concepts are not separate; in fact, they are deeply intertwined. Learning from the Great Thinkers: A Historical Insight Throughout history, influential thinkers like Augustine and Jonathan Edwards recognized the importance of joy in Christian life. Augustine famously expressed his transformation, where he discovered a deeper joy in God, declaring, "You drove them from me, you who are the true sovereign joy." His words emphasize that true joy comes from a relationship with God, not from worldly pleasures. Applying This Understanding in Christian Education This brings us to an important question: how does this viewpoint shape classical Christian education? It’s vital that our educational practices emphasize not only intellectual growth but also character development—teaching students to genuinely enjoy their relationship with God. An education grounded in enjoyment fosters love, kindness, and morality, allowing students to flourish in their spiritual journey. Building Character through the Enjoyment of God Character formation is about breaking the power of sin and unleashing the goodness of love. When students experience the joy of knowing God, they are empowered to overcome temptations and pursue love for others. When we guide our youth to seek fulfillment in Christ, they become more generous, compassionate, and kind. Practical Steps for Cultivating Enjoyment in God As committed Christians, how can we cultivate this joy in our lives? Here are a few practical ideas: Daily Reflection: Spend time each day reflecting on God’s goodness and grace. Journaling or sharing with friends can deepen this experience. Worship Together: Attend church services, participate in worship, and engage in discussions about faith. Worshiping together is a joyful experience that magnifies God. Explore Nature: Enjoy God’s creation by spending time in nature. Reflecting on His artistry in the world can deepen your appreciation and enjoyment. Engage in Community: Join a community group or Bible study where you can share your experiences and grow in faith together. Service Projects: Loving and serving others can be a joyful reflection of your love for God. Getting involved in charity projects often brings unexpected joy. Conclusion: A Call to Embrace Joy The journey of faith is an adventure filled with enjoyment, and it’s time for us to embrace the fullness of joy that God offers. By recognizing that our purpose is to glorify God by enjoying Him, we transform our approach to education, our families, and our communities. We invite you to explore your own joys and share them with others. Let’s encourage each other to relish in the richness of a life with God, as it shapes our lives and the lives of those around us. Remember, joy is infectious. When you experience the joy of the Lord, it naturally flows to those around you, building a community full of hope and positivity. So, go out and enjoy God today; it’s the key to a fulfilling and enriching life!

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