Marked by Grace

What is the church really? Pastor Heath Lambert explains that the church isn't a building or a place - it's the blood-bought people of Jesus, both local and global, identified with Christ and accomplishing His purposes in the world. This foundational teaching clarifies what most Christians misunderstand.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction and the question0:40 - Most Christians would stumble on this answer1:46 - The short answer begins with Jesus1:56 - Titus 2:14: Jesus purified a people for Himself2:42 - The church is the people of Jesus3:27 - The church as an organic group, not a building3:49 - 1 Corinthians 1:2: Two ways to talk about the church4:35 - The local church in a specific place4:59 - The global church in every place5:56 - The church is identified with Jesus6:12 - Acts 9:4: Persecuting the church is persecuting Jesus7:24 - The church as the body of Christ7:46 - Other metaphors: Bride, vine and branches8:24 - The church accomplishes Jesus's purposes8:42 - Ephesians 3:10: Making God's wisdom known9:16 - 1 Timothy 3:15: Pillar and buttress of truthKey Topics Covered- Common Misunderstandings - Why most Christians can't properly define the church- Jesus as Starting Point - Titus 2:14 and the foundation of the church- Blood-Bought People - Those redeemed from lawlessness who trust in Christ- Not a Building - Why the church is people, not places or structures- Two Dimensions - Local assemblies and the global body of believers- Local Church - Believers gathering in a specific geographic location- Global Church - All believers across the world in every place- Identified with Christ - Acts 9:4 showing Jesus's unity with His people- Body of Christ - The church as Christ's organism in the world- Bride of Christ - The marriage metaphor showing intimate unity- Vine and Branches - Jesus as source, church dependent on Him- Accomplishing His Purposes - How Jesus works through the church today- Pillar of Truth - The church as God's means of proclaiming truth to the worldScripture ReferencesTitus 2:14 - Jesus purified a people for His own possession1 Corinthians 1:2 - The church locally and globallyActs 9:4 - Saul persecuting Jesus by persecuting the churchEphesians 3:10 - God's wisdom made known through the church1 Timothy 3:15 - The church as pillar and buttress of truthAbout 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 understanding the church as people rather than a place changes your perspective.Have a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

Who is Jesus Christ? Pastor Heath Lambert tackles the most important question in human history by explaining Jesus's person (fully God and fully man) and His work (living, dying, and rising for sinners). This foundational teaching reveals why your response to Jesus matters more than anything else.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction and the question0:43 - Why this is both important and challenging to answer1:55 - Two parts: Person and work of Jesus2:26 - Part 1: Who is Jesus in His person?2:35 - Jesus is God (Romans 9:5)3:50 - Jesus is man (1 Timothy 2:5)4:53 - Jesus is fully God and fully man together5:20 - Two natures in one person5:44 - The broccoli illustration about understanding mysteries6:45 - Part 2: What did Jesus do?7:03 - Jesus lived, died, and rose for sinners7:40 - Romans 4:25: Delivered for our sins, raised for our justification8:16 - Why only Jesus could save us8:44 - Why this question matters more than any other9:13 - Hebrews 8:1: Jesus exalted in heaven now9:50 - Your required response: Worship and trustKey Topics Covered- The Challenge of the Question - Why there's so much to say about Jesus- Jesus as God - Romans 9:5 and His divine nature as second person of the Trinity- Jesus as Man - 1 Timothy 2:5 and His true humanity, not just appearance- Fully God and Fully Man - The hypostatic union of two natures in one person- Not 50/50 But 100/100 - Understanding Jesus isn't partly divine and partly human- The Mystery We Accept - Why difficulty understanding doesn't mean it's untrue- Jesus's Perfect Life - Never sinning in thought, word, or deed- Substitutionary Death - Punished for our sins so we receive His blessings- Resurrection Victory - Rising from the grave to justify believers- Why Only Jesus Could Save - Needing both divinity and humanity to pay for sin- The Most Important Question - Why your response to Jesus determines everything- Jesus Exalted Now - Currently seated at God's right hand in heaven- The Required Response - Turning from sin, trusting Christ, worshiping foreverScripture ReferencesRomans 9:5 - Jesus is God over all, blessed forever1 Timothy 2:5 - The man Christ Jesus as mediatorRomans 4:25 - Delivered for our sins, raised for our justificationHebrews 8:1 - Jesus seated at the right hand of God's throneJonah 2:9 - Salvation is from the LordAbout 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 understanding who Jesus is has changed your life.Have a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

Everyone uses the word "sin," but what does it actually mean? Pastor Heath Lambert kicks off 2026 by answering this fundamental question using Romans 3:23-24, revealing why sin is more than just breaking rules - it's falling short of God's glory, and why that matters for the gospel.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction: First episode of 20260:49 - The question: What is sin?1:15 - We use words we don't really understand1:52 - Disagreement about what sins are2:45 - Romans 3:23: Falling short of God's glory3:51 - The standard: God's perfect holiness4:46 - Sin as falling short of the standard5:11 - Practical reality 1: God defines sin, not us5:50 - Don't add to God's list of sins6:06 - Example: Is eating pizza a sin?6:30 - Don't cross off sins from God's list6:53 - God's glory as the standard in His Word7:07 - The result: Guilt and punishment7:25 - Romans 3:24: Justified by grace through redemption7:56 - Redemption as economic transaction8:46 - Final answer: Sin, guilt, and gospel hopeKey Topics CoveredThe Universal Word - How everyone uses "sin" but with different meaningsCommon Misconceptions - The property example and sexual behavior debatesRomans 3:23 Definition - Falling short of the glory of GodThe Divine Standard - God's infinite righteousness, glory, and holinessTwo Dangerous Errors - Adding sins God didn't name and removing sins He didThe Pizza Illustration - Why we can't make up our own list of sinsCultural Pushback - When society rejects biblical definitions of sinGod's Word as Authority - Why Scripture alone defines what sin isSin as Debt - The financial metaphor for our spiritual conditionThe Gospel Solution - Romans 3:24 and redemption through ChristJustified by Grace - How Christ's righteousness covers our sin debtScripture ReferencesRomans 3:23 - All have sinned and fall short of the glory of GodRomans 3:24 - Justified by grace through redemption in Christ JesusAbout 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 understanding sin as falling short of God's glory changes your perspective. Happy New Year!Have a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

What were the best books of 2025? Pastor Heath Lambert shares not just two, but six of his favorite books from this year - including Tolkien's classic adventure, a contemporary novel with masterful prose, Churchill's wartime leadership, and Jonathan Edwards on heaven. If you're looking for your next great read, this episode delivers.Timestamps0:00 - Welcome to the final episode of 20250:33 - Annual book recommendations tradition1:02 - Breaking the old two-book constraint2:13 - Six favorite books from 20252:52 - Book 1: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien4:47 - Book 2: Theo of Golden by Alan Levi8:46 - Book 3: The Life of Martin Lloyd-Jones by Iain Murray12:35 - Book 4: The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson17:32 - Book 5: On Theology by John M. Frame20:38 - Book 6: Heaven is a World of Love by Jonathan Edwards22:18 - Looking forward to 2026 readingKey Topics CoveredReading as a Hobby - Heath's love for books and why he reads extensivelyThe Hobbit - Tolkien's masterful children's story that adults will loveTheo of Golden - A contemporary novel with beautiful writing and gospel implicationsMartin Lloyd-Jones Biography - The influential 20th-century preacher who prioritized God's WordChurchill and the Blitz - Larson's gripping history of Britain's darkest hourContemporary Theology - Frame's accessible reflections on major theological debatesJonathan Edwards on Heaven - A short classic about love and the world to comeMasterful Writing - Examples of excellent prose from multiple genresHistorical Heroes - Why Churchill and Lloyd-Jones matter for todayGospel Living - How good literature helps us be salt and lightBook List SummaryThe Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien - Classic fantasy adventureTheo of Golden by Alan Levi - Contemporary novel with beautiful proseThe Life of Martin Lloyd-Jones by Iain Murray - Biography of influential preacherThe Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson - Churchill and the Battle of BritainOn Theology by John M. Frame - Accessible theological reflectionsHeaven is a World of Love by Jonathan Edwards - Short classic on love and eternityAbout 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

How did a parasitic plant become one of Christmas's most romantic traditions? Pastor Heath Lambert explores the fascinating origins of mistletoe - from its festive aesthetics to ancient pagan symbolism to surprising biblical connections. Merry Christmas from Marked by Grace!Timestamps0:00 - Annual Christmas traditions series1:48 - This year's topic: Kissing under the mistletoe1:54 - Why a parasite became a Christmas tradition2:34 - Personal Lambert family mistletoe story3:10 - Three explanations: Aesthetics, pagan symbolism, biblical connection3:33 - Explanation 1: The aesthetics - green, red, white in winter4:26 - Explanation 2: Ancient druid beliefs about mistletoe4:36 - Magical powers and fertility symbolism5:20 - From fertility symbol to pledge of marriage5:33 - Incorporation into 1700s Christmas celebrations5:46 - The berry-picking tradition and kiss limits6:34 - Explanation 3: Biblical connection to the holy kiss7:04 - 1 Corinthians 16:20: Greet one another with a holy kiss7:31 - Cultural vs. normative aspects of the command8:11 - Mistletoe as opportunity for Christian affectionKey Topics CoveredAnnual Christmas Tradition - Marked by Grace's yearly exploration of Christmas customsMistletoe as Parasite - Understanding what mistletoe actually is botanicallyAesthetic Appeal - Red berries, green leaves, white flowers in dark winter monthsWhy Red and Green - The natural colors that define Christmas decorationsAncient Druid Beliefs - How pagans saw mistletoe as magical and fertileFertility Symbolism - Growth in dead winter leading to magical associationsEvolution to Romance - From fertility symbol to marriage pledge to Christmas kissThe Berry Tradition - Historical limits on kissing that were quickly abandonedBiblical Holy Kiss - New Testament commands to greet with affectionCultural Adaptation - How the principle of affectionate greeting transcends the specific formScripture References1 Corinthians 16:20 - Greet one another with a holy kissAbout 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

Is it wise to go to a dangerous country for missions, or is it reckless to risk your life? Pastor Heath Lambert examines two contrasting examples from Paul's ministry that reveal the surprising answer: It depends on your calling, not your safety.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction and the question1:01 - Connection to Christmas on Mission sermon series1:27 - Jesus as the greatest missionary2:06 - The question about dangerous mission fields2:56 - The answer: It depends3:19 - Biblical example 1: Paul flees danger (Acts 9:23-25)4:44 - Apostolic example of preserving life and fleeing5:30 - Biblical example 2: Paul runs into danger (Acts 20:22-23)6:45 - Paul knows danger awaits but goes anyway7:28 - Two contradictory examples from the same missionary8:05 - How do you know which to do?8:28 - Acts 20:24: The key to Paul's decision-making9:08 - The question is not about your safety9:41 - The question is about finishing your course10:02 - Paul flees to continue preaching, runs to danger to preach10:41 - What you must figure out: Your calling11:13 - Personal example: Heath's calling to Jacksonville12:15 - Give up safety, pursue Jesus, trust GodKey Topics CoveredChristmas and Missions - How the incarnation argues for going on missionJesus the Missionary - The second person of the Trinity leaving heaven for earthThe Safety Dilemma - Wisdom versus recklessness in dangerous missionsPaul Fleeing Damascus - Acts 9 example of preserving life by escaping dangerPaul Running to Jerusalem - Acts 20 example of embracing danger despite warningsTwo Opposite Responses - How the same missionary handled danger differentlyActs 20:24 Framework - Not accounting life as precious, finishing the courseThe Real Question - Not safety but calling and gospel ministryDiscerning Your Calling - Prayer, family, trusted believers, and pastoral counselPersonal Application - Heath's own calling to stay in Jacksonville despite threatsThe Mission Priority - Life has value only in service to God's callScripture ReferencesActs 9:23-25 - Paul escapes Damascus in a basketActs 20:22-24 - Paul goes to Jerusalem knowing danger awaitsActs 20:24 - Not accounting life as precious, finishing the ministryAbout 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

Is it contradictory to be pro-life and support the death penalty? Pastor Heath Lambert addresses this controversial question by examining what the Bible teaches about protecting innocent life, God's justice, and the role of government in punishing murder.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction and the question1:10 - Who Tyler Robinson is1:55 - The question: Is supporting death penalty pro-life?2:04 - The answer: Yes, if found guilty2:23 - Addressing the apparent contradiction3:02 - Exodus 20:13: You shall not murder3:25 - Death penalty based on the sixth commandment3:43 - Genesis 9:6: Shedding blood for shedding blood4:17 - Both positions hate murder4:31 - Erica Kirk's remarkable forgiveness5:54 - Personal vs. governmental forgiveness6:16 - Sin against the individual and the state6:41 - Romans 13:3-4: The state as God's servant7:19 - The government's role in divine justice8:04 - Final answer: Yes, it is pro-lifeKey Topics CoveredThe Pro-Life Foundation - Understanding the biblical command against murdering innocent lifeMurder vs. Capital Punishment - Why the sixth commandment informs both positionsGenesis 9:6 Principle - Life is so precious that taking it forfeits your ownThe Image of God - Why human life has such sacred valueInnocent vs. Guilty Life - The crucial distinction in pro-life ethicsErica Kirk's Forgiveness - A remarkable demonstration of grace and mercyPersonal vs. State Forgiveness - Why individual forgiveness doesn't eliminate state responsibilityRomans 13 Teaching - The God-ordained role of government in justiceThe Sword of Justice - Understanding the state as God's avenger against wrongdoingProtecting Society - Why enforcing consequences for murder defends all lifeScripture ReferencesExodus 20:13 - The sixth commandment against murderGenesis 9:6 - Whoever sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be shedRomans 13:3-4 - The state as God's servant bearing the swordAbout 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/tencommandments Have a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

If you say you're content being single but then enter a relationship, were you really content? Pastor Heath Lambert addresses this honest question with biblical wisdom about contentment, changing circumstances, and his own surprising college love story.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction and the question0:46 - The question: Were they really content?1:40 - The answer: Yes, of course you can be2:03 - Why: Both contentment and relationships are flexible2:22 - Philippians 4:11: Paul's secret of contentment3:24 - Being content in singleness3:47 - Contentment in changing circumstances4:27 - The sin of grumbling vs. the grace of contentment4:46 - Personal story: College and "ring by spring"5:17 - Entering senior year single with no prospects6:08 - Meeting Lauren in October, dating by February6:26 - Being content single, then content in relationship6:43 - The challenge: Don't wish for something different7:05 - The secret through Jesus's graceKey Topics CoveredThe Contentment Question - Understanding if pursuing relationship contradicts previous contentmentFlexible Not Absolute - Why both contentment and relationship status changePhilippians 4:11 Framework - Paul's teaching on learning contentment in every circumstanceThe Pattern of Contentment - Being content in plenty and in need, in abundance and in lackContentment in Singleness - Trusting God has given you the best thing for this momentChanging Circumstances - How to stay content as your situation changesThe Sin of Grumbling - Whether single or in relationship, discontentment is the problemPersonal Testimony - Heath's own journey from contentment in singleness to meeting his wifeThe True Secret - Contentment comes through Christ's strengthening graceScripture ReferencesPhilippians 4:11-13 - Learning to be content in every circumstance through ChristAbout 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

When family relationships break down and members "end up not getting along," is that sinful? Pastor Heath Lambert provides biblical guidance on the two main reasons families don't get along and how to handle both sin and differences in family relationships.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction and the question0:55 - The significance of "end up not getting along"1:13 - The answer: Yes, it's a sin1:16 - Two main reasons families don't get along1:31 - Reason 1: Sin separates families2:16 - Sin can be dealt with through confession and forgiveness3:23 - Reason 2: Human differences between family members3:51 - Examples of normal human differences4:02 - Ephesians 4:1-2: Bearing with one another in love5:14 - How to handle sin vs. how to handle differences5:28 - When ending up not getting along becomes sin6:10 - Family doesn't have to be your favorite people6:40 - Family as training ground for life6:50 - The best families in a fallen worldKey Topics CoveredThe End Result Problem - Why "ending up not getting along" indicates unresolved issuesSin as Separator - How sin brings destruction, pain, and conflict into family relationshipsThe Path to Reconciliation - Confession to God and family, asking for forgivenessGranting Forgiveness - The biblical command to forgive when askedHuman Differences - Understanding that different preferences aren't sinsBearing With One Another - Ephesians 4:2 and the call to tolerate differences in loveTwo Different Solutions - Confession and forgiveness for sin, bearing in love for differencesWhen Conflict Becomes Sin - Failing to confess, forgive, or bear with differencesFamily as Training Ground - How family relationships prepare us for all relationshipsRealistic Expectations - Why the best families aren't perfect, just repentant and patientScripture ReferencesEphesians 4:1-2 - Walking worthy and bearing with one another in loveAbout 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

Can the devil hear our prayers when we pray out loud? Does sharing our struggles make us vulnerable to spiritual attack? Pastor Heath Lambert addresses this fascinating question with biblical wisdom about prayer, spiritual warfare, and the power of praying together.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction and the question1:01 - The answer: Sure, it's possible1:17 - 1 Peter 5:8: The devil prowls around2:27 - The devil is not omnipresent3:05 - More than just an answer is needed3:38 - Don't let fear stop you from praying3:55 - 1 Peter 5:7: Cast your anxieties on Jesus4:26 - Understanding watchfulness vs. anxiety5:11 - The biblical command to pray out loud5:41 - James 5:16: Confess and pray together6:11 - Personal story: Accountability partner's concern7:28 - The Bible never warns against praying out loud7:44 - The power of prayer outweighs the risk8:02 - Trust God, not fear of the devilKey TopicsThe Prowling Devil - Understanding Satan's limited but real presence on earthSatan's Limitations - Why the devil is not omnipresent like GodThe Real Risk - Yes, demons could potentially overhear prayersThe Greater Command - Why fear of Satan must not override biblical commands to prayCasting Anxiety on Jesus - 1 Peter 5:7 as the context for spiritual warfareThe James 5:16 Command - Why we must confess sins and pray together out loudWatchfulness vs. Fear - The difference between being sober-minded and being anxiousThe Power of Prayer - Why prayer strengthens us far more than it exposes usPersonal Story - A real-life encounter with this very concernScripture References1 Peter 5:7 - Casting all anxieties on Jesus1 Peter 5:8 - The devil prowls around like a roaring lionJames 5:16 - Confess sins and pray for one anotherJob 1-2 - Satan moving to and fro on the earthAbout 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