Marked by Grace

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

When Jesus said "some standing here will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God," what did He mean? Pastor Heath Lambert unpacks this challenging passage and reveals why the kingdom isn't just a future event - it's a present spiritual reality you can enter today.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction and the question0:47 - Reading Luke 9:271:37 - Why this passage is so confusing2:25 - Common interpretations: Future events2:56 - Pentecost, resurrection, crucifixion, transfiguration theories4:13 - A different approach: Kingdom as present reality4:38 - Luke 10:9-11: The kingdom has come near5:10 - Luke 11:20: The kingdom in Jesus's miracles5:43 - Luke 16:16: Entering the preached kingdom6:09 - Luke 17:21: The kingdom in your midst6:33 - Luke 18:16: Children and the kingdom6:47 - What the kingdom of God actually is7:45 - How to enter the kingdom right now8:15 - The disciples experienced it when they believedKey Topics The Confusing Statement - Why Jesus's words about not tasting death puzzle readersThe Future Event Problem - Why viewing the kingdom as only future creates difficultiesMultiple Kingdom Theories - Pentecost, resurrection, crucifixion, and transfiguration interpretationsKingdom as Present Reality - How Luke's Gospel presents the kingdom as here and nowFive Key Kingdom Passages - Luke 10, 11, 16, 17, and 18 revealing the kingdom's natureThe Kingdom Definition - A spiritual realm where God is in charge and seen to be in chargeInhabiting the Kingdom - How people enter through repentance and faith in ChristAlready and Not Yet - The kingdom is present now but comes in fullness in the new heavens and earthChildlike Faith - How to enter the kingdom today through trusting JesusScripture ReferencesLuke 9:27 - Jesus's statement about seeing the kingdomLuke 10:9-11 - The kingdom has come nearLuke 11:20 - The kingdom comes through Jesus's miraclesLuke 16:16 - The kingdom is preached and enteredLuke 17:21 - The kingdom in your midstLuke 18:16 - Children and the kingdom of GodAbout 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

Should Christians be ambitious at work? Pastor Heath Lambert provides a nuanced biblical answer: Usually no, ambition is good - but it depends on your motivation and life balance. Discover when ambition honors God and when it becomes sinful.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction and the question0:40 - The usual answer: No, ambition is not bad1:01 - Why hard work and excellence matter1:29 - Working for Jesus, not just human bosses (Colossians 3:23)2:14 - Most people need more ambition, not less3:02 - But sometimes the answer is yes3:27 - When ambition is bad: Wrong motivation3:55 - The pride problem - building your own kingdom4:25 - When ambition is bad: Life out of balance4:46 - The lack of love problem5:15 - Multiple responsibilities beyond work6:22 - Final answer: Usually good, but can be sinfulKey Topics CoveredBiblical Work Ethic - Why Christians should pursue excellence and hard workWorking for Jesus - Understanding Christ as your ultimate boss in any jobThe Modern Problem - Why most people need more ambition, not lessTwo Warning Signs of Bad Ambition - Pride in motivation and imbalance in lifeThe Pride Test - Are you building your kingdom or serving Christ?The Love Test - Are you neglecting family, church, and other relationships?Multiple Callings - Balancing work with family, church, and community responsibilitiesWisdom in Work - How to be ambitious while remaining faithful in all areasScripture ReferencesColossians 3:23 - Working heartily for the Lord, not for menAbout 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 you balance work ambition with other life responsibilities.Have a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

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