Marked by Grace

Pastor Heath Lambert tackles a painful but important question about sexual purity and marriage. His answer may surprise you: Yes, virginity is required, but there's something even more important - repentance and God's mercy.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction and the question0:43 - Understanding the pain behind this question2:07 - The clear biblical answer: Yes, virginity is required2:34 - Genesis 2:24-25 and the creation design for marriage3:40 - Sexual exclusivity in marriage4:18 - But there's more to say4:48 - A more important requirement: Repentance (Proverbs 28:13)5:24 - Two options for responding to sin6:02 - The path of concealment leads to death6:16 - The path of confession and forsaking leads to mercy6:46 - Multiple requirements for marriage7:23 - Final answer: Virginity required, but mercy availableKey Topics CoveredThe Biblical Standard - What Genesis teaches about sexual purity and marriage designSexual Exclusivity - Understanding the "one flesh" union and its boundariesThe Painful Reality - Addressing sexual sin in the past with sensitivityThe Greater Requirement - Why repentance matters even more than virginityTwo Paths for Sinners - Concealment leads to death, confession leads to mercyThe Gospel Hope - How Jesus makes forgiveness and restoration possibleViewing Others with Mercy - How to evaluate a potential spouse with a sexual pastUniversal Sinfulness - Why all of us fall short and need God's graceScripture ReferencesGenesis 2:24-25 - God's design for marriage and sexual unionProverbs 28:13 - Concealing vs. confessing transgressionsRomans 3:23 - All have sinned and fall short of God's gloryAbout The Ten Commandments BookHeath Lambert's new book "The Ten Commandments: A Short Book for Normal People" is now available. This accessible guide explains how God's commands apply to modern life without requiring theological education. Perfect for personal study, evangelism, or gifts to friends, neighbors, and family.Order now and download a free chapter at fbcjax.com/tencommandmentsLike this episode? Subscribe for more biblical teaching from Marked by Grace. Share your thoughts in the comments below about how the gospel brings both truth and mercy to difficult situations.Have a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

Is scrolling through social media on company time a violation of the eighth commandment? Pastor Heath Lambert addresses this practical workplace ethics question with biblical wisdom, revealing why the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction and the question0:21 - Book announcement: The Ten Commandments1:03 - Three foundational realities of the question1:26 - The eighth commandment: You shall not steal2:23 - Why this question is complicated2:54 - The impossibility of 100% productivity4:10 - Four considerations for workplace ethics4:23 - Consideration 1: Work heartily for the Lord (Colossians 3:23)5:23 - Consideration 2: Never cross your conscience (Romans 14:23)6:28 - Consideration 3: Understand your job performance evaluation8:13 - Consideration 4: Live openly, don't conceal8:37 - Final answer: A framework for ethical workKey Topics Covered- The Eighth Commandment Foundation - Understanding what "You shall not steal" means for employee-employer relationships- The Three Realities - Time, money, and the exchange that creates the ethical question- Time Theft vs. Reality - Why perfect productivity is impossible yet stealing is still real- Working for Jesus First - How viewing Christ as your ultimate boss changes everything- The Conscience Principle - Why subjective conviction matters even in gray areas- Job Performance Standards - Understanding how different roles require different evaluations- Openness vs. Concealment - Why hiding behavior reveals dishonestyScripture ReferencesExodus 20:15 - The Eighth Commandment against stealingColossians 3:23 - Working heartily for the Lord, not for menRomans 14:23 - Whatever does not proceed from faith is sinAbout The Ten Commandments BookHeath Lambert's new book "The Ten Commandments: A Short Book for Normal People" is now available. This accessible guide explains how God's commands apply to modern life without requiring theological education. Perfect for personal study, evangelism, or gifts to friends, neighbors, and family. Order now and download a free chapter at fbcjax.com/tencommandmentsHave a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

They dive into the morality of white lies, revealing how even small untruths can violate the ninth commandment. Pastor Heath Lambert defines what constitutes a lie and shares insights from the story of Ananias and Sapphira, emphasizing the seriousness of dishonesty. The discussion highlights common motivations for telling white lies, such as relational pressure, and offers truthful alternatives for navigating tricky situations. Ultimately, the message is clear: all lies, regardless of size, are wrong.

Heath Lambert addresses one of the most critical moral questions of our time: Does abortion violate the sixth commandment against murder? Using biblical and scientific evidence, he provides a clear three-part framework for understanding why the answer is yes.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction and book release celebration1:47 - The question: Does abortion count as murder?2:14 - The sixth commandment (Exodus 20:13)2:42 - Why this explanation matters in today's culture3:11 - Three ingredients to the answer3:17 - Ingredient 1: The nature of murder defined4:53 - Ingredient 2: The nature of babies (biblical and scientific)6:03 - Ingredient 3: The nature of abortion7:08 - Final answer: Yes, abortion is murderKey Topics Covered- The Sixth Commandment Foundation - Understanding what "You shall not murder" means biblically- Defining Murder Precisely - Why intentional, innocent, and human are all crucial terms- Biblical Evidence for Human Life - What Scripture teaches about life at conception- Scientific Reality - How biology confirms human life begins at fertilization- Self-Defense and Capital Punishment - Why not all killing constitutes murder- Cultural Deception - Addressing claims that abortion can be a Christian position- The Moral Clarity Christians Need - Why believers must understand and articulate this truthScripture ReferencesExodus 20:13 - The Sixth Commandment against murderPsalm 51:5 - David's acknowledgment of life at conceptionAbout The Ten Commandments BookHeath Lambert's new book "The Ten Commandments: A Short Book for Normal People" has been released. This accessible guide explains how God's commands apply to modern life without requiring theological education. Perfect for personal study, evangelism, or gifts to friends, neighbors, and family. Order now and download a free chapter at fbcjax.com/tencommandmentsHave a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

Is it okay for kids to tease their parents? Pastor Heath Lambert tackles this intriguing question by examining what the fifth commandment teaches about honoring parents while still enjoying family humor. His answer might surprise you: "It depends."Timestamps0:00 - Introduction and book release announcement (September 30th)1:36 - The question: Can I make fun of my parents?2:14 - The fifth commandment challenge (Exodus 20:12)2:54 - The careful answer: "It depends"3:18 - Scenario 1: Mutual enjoyment and family fun4:58 - Pastor Lambert's family example5:33 - Scenario 2: Good intentions but hurt feelings6:45 - The "if you're the only one laughing, you're wrong" rule7:43 - Scenario 3: Making fun with malicious intent8:25 - What dishonoring parents actually means9:03 - Final answer: Honor with healthy humorKey Topics Covered- The Fifth Commandment Foundation - Understanding what it means to honor father and mother- Three Scenarios for Family Humor - When teasing is healthy vs. when it crosses the line- Intent vs. Impact - Why good intentions don't always excuse hurtful humor- Family Communication - How to navigate humor when feelings get hurt- The Dishonor Line - Distinguishing between loving laughter and belittling behavior- Healthy Family Relationships - Building joy and closeness while maintaining respectScripture ReferencesExodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment about honoring parentsAbout The Ten Commandments BookHeath Lambert's new book "The Ten Commandments: A Short Book for Normal People" releases September 30th. This accessible guide explains how God's commands apply to modern life without requiring theological education. Perfect for personal study, evangelism, or gifts to friends, neighbors, and family.Pre-order and download a free chapter at fbcjax.com/tencommandmentsHave a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

Many Christians casually refer to Sunday as "the Sabbath day," but is this biblically accurate? Pastor Heath Lambert examines what Scripture actually teaches about the Sabbath and reveals why this common assumption needs correction.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction and physical book reveal1:36 - The question: Is Sunday the Sabbath day?2:50 - Why we need Scripture to answer this question3:04 - The fourth commandment and Sabbath timing (Exodus 20)3:24 - The Sabbath is on the seventh day (Saturday)4:02 - Roman influence on day names4:40 - God's rest on the seventh day4:55 - New Testament worship patterns5:20 - What the New Testament calls Sunday5:36 - The "Lord's Day" in Revelation 1:106:04 - Final answer: Sunday is not the SabbathKey Topics Covered- The Fourth Commandment Foundation - Understanding what Exodus 20 teaches about Sabbath timing- Biblical Day Counting - How the seven-day week originates from Scripture- Historical Context - Roman influence on modern day names and Saturday's etymology- Old Testament vs. New Testament - The shift from Sabbath worship to first-day worship- Terminology Matters - Why the New Testament uses "Lord's Day" instead of "Sabbath" for Sunday- Common Christian Mistake - Why pastors and authors incorrectly use "Sabbath" for SundayScripture ReferencesExodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment and Sabbath dayRevelation 1:10 - The Lord's Day referenceActs and 1 Corinthians - New Testament worship patternsAbout The Ten Commandments BookHeath Lambert's new book, "The Ten Commandments: A Short Book for Normal People," releases September 30th. This accessible guide explains how God's commands apply to modern life without requiring theological education. Perfect for personal study, evangelism, or gifts to friends, neighbors, and family.Pre-order and download a free chapter at fbcjax.com/tencommandmentsHave a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

Many Christians assume the third commandment, "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain," is primarily about using bad language. But Pastor Heath Lambert reveals the deeper biblical meaning behind this sacred command and explains why it's about much more than cursing.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction and new book announcement1:55 - The question: Is the third commandment about cursing?2:09 - What the third commandment actually says (Exodus 20:7)2:40 - Common misconceptions about breaking this commandment3:07 - The real meaning: misusing God's name vs cursing3:39 - Why the third commandment is primarily about something deeper4:13 - Biblical view on cursing and foul language (Ephesians 5:4)4:54 - Multiple ways to violate the third commandmentKey Topics Covered- The Text of the Third Commandment - Understanding what Exodus 20:7 actually teaches about God's name- Common Misunderstanding - Why many people think this commandment is only about profanity- The Real Issue: Vain Use of God's Name - How we empty God's name of its intrinsic weight and importance- Cursing and the Bible - What Scripture teaches about foul language and crude talk- Multiple Violations - The many ways people can misuse God's sacred name beyond profanity- Proper Reverence - How to honor God's name in our daily speech and worshipScripture ReferencesExodus 20:7 - The Third CommandmentEphesians 5:4 - Instructions about speech and crude talkAbout The Ten Commandments BookHeath Lambert's new book "The Ten Commandments: A Short Book for Normal People" releases September 30th. This accessible guide explains how God's commands apply to modern life without requiring theological education. Perfect for personal study, evangelism, or gifts to friends, neighbors, and family.Pre-order the book or get your free download of the first chapter at fbcjax.com/tencommandmentsHave a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

With pictures of Jesus everywhere - from children's Bibles to church walls to Christmas pageants - many Christians wonder if these images violate the second commandment. Pastor Heath Lambert explains what the Bible really teaches about divine images and when they become problematic.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction and new book announcement1:29 - The question: Are pictures of Jesus wrong?1:56 - The second commandment explained (Exodus 20:4-6)2:50 - The incarnation factor: Jesus as the image of God3:43 - Why we can't see Jesus physically now4:13 - What the second commandment actually prohibits4:53 - The difference between making images and worshiping them5:35 - The key issue: worship vs. artwork6:13 - Practical application: Pictures, movies, and TV shows6:48 - Prioritizing Scripture over imagesKey Topics Covered- The Second Commandment's True Meaning - Understanding what Exodus 20:4-6 actually forbids about divine images- The Incarnation Challenge - How Jesus as "the image of the invisible God" affects our understanding- Act vs. Intent - Why the commandment focuses on worship, not artistic creation- Artwork vs. Idolatry - The crucial distinction between making images and bowing down to them- Practical Guidelines - How to approach pictures of Jesus in children's books, movies, and church art- Scripture Supremacy - Why God's written word must take precedence over any visual representationScripture ReferencesExodus 20:4-6 - The Second CommandmentColossians 1:15 - Jesus as the image of the invisible GodAbout The Ten Commandments BookHeath Lambert's new book "The Ten Commandments: A Short Book for Normal People" releases September 30th. This accessible guide explains how God's commands apply to modern life without requiring theological education. Perfect for personal study, evangelism, or gifts to friends, neighbors, and family.Pre-order the book or get your free download of the first chapter at fbcjax.com/tencommandmentsHave a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

Ever wondered what the Bible says about the worst sin you could commit? Pastor Heath Lambert tackles this challenging question by examining Jesus's response about the greatest commandment in Matthew 22. The answer might surprise you - it's not what most people think.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction and new book announcement1:49 - The question: What is the biggest sin?2:39 - Jesus and the greatest commandment (Matthew 22)4:31 - Connecting commandments to sin5:36 - Pride as the biggest sin6:07 - James 3:16 and the fruit of pride7:00 - Jesus as our freedom from prideKey Topics Covered- The Greatest Commandment Foundation - Jesus identifies love as the supreme biblical command when challenged by religious lawyers- Biblical Method for Understanding Sin - How to approach difficult theological questions by examining what Scripture emphasizes most- Pride as the Root Sin - Why self-exaltation stands as the fundamental violation of God's law and love- The Connection Between Love and Sin - Understanding how the greatest commandment reveals the greatest transgression- Practical Application - How recognizing pride helps us grow in our relationship with Jesus ChristScripture ReferencesMatthew 22:36-39 - The Greatest CommandmentJames 3:16 - Pride and its consequencesAbout The Ten Commandments BookHeath Lambert's new book "The Ten Commandments: A Short Book for Normal People" releases September 30th. This accessible guide explains how God's commands apply to modern life without requiring theological education. Perfect for personal study, evangelism, or gifts.Pre-order the book or get your free download of the first chapter at fbcjax.com/tencommandmentsHave a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

Will disciplining children for tantrums and outbursts damage their willingness to share feelings and communicate openly? Discover four biblical principles that show how proper discipline actually strengthens rather than harms parent-child relationships.TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Introduction: The Heart of a Torn Parent1:09 - The Core Question About Discipline and Relationship1:33 - Principle 1: Spankings Are Not the Only Thing We Do2:57 - Principle 2: Spankings Are for Sin, Not Feelings3:31 - Clarifying What We Punish vs. What We Discuss4:21 - Teaching Children to Identify Their Sin5:15 - Principle 3: Discipline Is Parental Obedience to God5:39 - Proverbs 13:24 - Love Disciplines Diligently6:31 - Building Character Through Parental Integrity6:57 - Principle 4: Spanking Is Not the Last Step7:45 - The Lambert House Rule: Don't Leave Angry8:22 - Ending Discipline with Prayer, Grace, and Restoration8:44 - When Discipline Goes Wrong vs. RightMAIN POINTS- Spankings Are Not the Only Thing We DoPhysical correction should be a very small percentage of overall parenting time. Parents who discipline have earned that right through much larger investments of positive relationship building. - Discipline is placed within a broader context of love and care throughout daily life.- Spankings Are for Sin, Not Feelings or PreferencesChildren should never be punished for having feelings, needing to talk, or making mistakes. - Discipline is specifically for sin - violations of God's law. Parents must clearly communicate the difference between emotions that need discussion and sinful behaviors that require correction.- Discipline Is Parental Obedience That Models IntegrityFollowing Proverbs 13:24, parents demonstrate love through diligent discipline. This shows children that parents have integrity and follow God's commands, building rather than undermining confidence in the parent-child relationship over a lifetime.- Discipline Should End with Restoration, Not AngerThe Lambert house rule was to never leave discipline sessions angry. After confession, forgiveness, and correction, the process should end with prayer, grace, and often laughter and affection. The goal is restoring the relationship broken by sin through faithfulness to God's Word.SCRIPTURE REFERENCESPrimary Passages:Proverbs 13:24 - Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline himSupporting Context:Proverbs 22:15 - Folly is bound up in the heart of a childProverbs 23:13-14 - Do not withhold discipline from a childHebrews 12:5-11 - God disciplines those he lovesEphesians 6:1-4 - Children obey parents; fathers don't provoke to angerDeuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teaching children diligentlyColossians 3:21 - Fathers, do not embitter your childrenHave a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com