Center Grace Church Podcast

This week Pastor Derek talks with Matt about minor prophets, non-canonical texts, baptisms by immersion, moral obligations relating to civil crimes, and the commercialization of Christmas. They conclude with a long discussion on biblical masculinity & femininity.

Text: Romans 8:28-30
Preacher: Derek Baker

Text: Romans 8: 15-27
Preacher: Derek Baker

This week Matt sits down with Pastor Derek and Pastor Nathaniel as they discuss the following:
1) How to find joy/hope in a broken world?
2) What are the questions Christians should be asking?
3) What is going on with the transfiguration?
4) Presidential Election
 
Overcoming Political Polarization - Anthony Bradley
https://anthonybbradley.substack.com/p/overcoming-political-polarization
 
Anthony Bradley Interview, "Why Are We So Divided?"
https://youtu.be/pj-fzEAThO4?t=1576
 
Check out the relating sermon, "How to Hew a Stone of Hope"
https://youtu.be/nQt2EUTPc4E?t=2349
 
Check out the relating podcast, "Election & Election"
https://youtu.be/vY6Wrh40YQA
 

Text: Roamns 8:18-25
Preacher: Derek Baker

Text: Romans 8:18-23
Preacher: Nathaniel Lee

Text: Romans 8: 16-18
Preacher: Derek Baker

This week Matt sits down with Pastor Nathaniel as they dive deep into whether or not Christians should be cremated. They follow up with an explanation of how the doctrine of election is meant to lead us to humility rather than doubt.
Questions:
1. Burial? cremation? Does it matter?
2. "This question is not directly about the recent sermon but is certainly inspired by it. When I was a child growing up in generic evangelical churches, I prayed to receive salvation many times because I often felt convicted at alter calls and I was afraid the previous time "didn't count" for whatever reason (not for "fire insurance" but I think a genuine desire to follow Jesus, at least in those moments). Now that I am an adult attending a church in the Reformed tradition, that same fear/doubt has crept up with a new mask: what if I am not one of the elect? I now know that my salvation does not depend on me, but in some ways that is more terrifying because if God does not choose me, there is nothing I can do about it. I believe that God loves His children, I just question if I am actually one of them despite my desire to be, at least most of the time. I've called myself a Christian for many years, but is this level of consistent nagging doubt evidence that I am not? What wisdom/advice do you have for me or anyone else who may be plagued by similar fears?"

This week Pastor Derek, Pastor Nathaniel, and Producer Matt sit down to discuss Elisha and his cursing of those who mocked him. The conversation explores the nuances of blessings and curses.
 
(Recorded 9/26/24)
 
Check us out on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlVsGMHW9R8

Text: Romans 8:12-17
Preacher: Nathaniel Lee