Center Grace Church Podcast

Text: Proverbs 24:16; Jude 24-25
Preacher: Gene Heacock, Pastor of First Congregational Church of Boxford

As the elders invite the church into a time of prayer and fasting this weekend (May 2nd), in light of potential Mission Work in Boxford with First Congregational Church, Matt sits down with Pastor Derek to discuss all things fasting—what it is, what it isn’t, and practical guidance for getting started. Together, they explore how to choose what to fast from and what makes Christian fasting distinct from other religions and cultural practices.
 
Check us out on YouTube!
https://youtu.be/W2ud_HooYrg
 

Text: Luke 17:11-19
Preacher: Derek Baker

Text: Luke 24:36-52
Preacher: Derek Baker

This week, Matt sits down with Pastor Derek to explore the question, “Did God really seek to kill Moses?” As they unpack this, they discuss the recurring theme of God’s provision throughout Scripture and how it ultimately points to Christ. The conversation also examines the distinction between God’s sovereign will and His revealed will. They conclude with a discussion on how to read Scripture, along with book recommendations in response to a follow-up question from the missions conference.
 
Check us out on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/OXlByN9o-4M?si=DZIXAhcqNcnGJsMu
 
 

Text: Luke 24: 13-35
Preacher: Derek Baker

This week Matt sits down with Pastor Derek to talk about some Catholic beliefs that differ from our theology — including purgatory — before Derek breaks down what he meant by "damnable good deeds" and the common pitfalls around works and salvation. They wrap up with a conversation about feeling uncomfortable in God's presence when asking for forgiveness.
 
Check us out on Youtube!
https://youtu.be/CJWwd7V1NHc
 

Text: Luke 24:1-12
Preacher: Derek Baker

Text: Luke 22:14-23
Preacher: Derek Baker

After a long hiatus, Matt rejoins Pastor Derek for a wide-ranging conversation about faith in the modern world. In today's episode, Matt brings some questions that many believers wrestle with — starting with the tension between staying and reforming versus leaving a denomination when it seems to drift theologically. From there, they tackle one of the most delicate balancing acts in ministry and everyday witness: how do you keep the gospel clear and accessible to people around you, without letting cultural pressures reshape it into something unrecognizable?Finally, the conversation turns to the very practical challenge of holding onto your faith as you step into secular spaces — work, culture, friendships — where Christian convictions are increasingly under fire.
 
Check us out on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/Ctb1dLrmqzE