Marked by Grace

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

Pastor Heath Lambert tackles the controversial question of women's voting rights from a biblical worldview. In this episode, he addresses whether Christians should believe women should lose the right to vote based on male headship principles. Lambert provides clear biblical reasoning on government, voting rights, and how Christian families can maintain unity and biblical leadership while still allowing women to participate in democracy. This thoughtful analysis separates biblical mandates from cultural preferences and offers practical wisdom for Christian families navigating political participation.Key Timestamps0:13 - Question introduction: Should women be allowed to vote?2:02 - Biblical perspective on voting and government3:16 - Examples of biblical leadership (judges and kings)4:14 - Why voting isn't mandated or forbidden in Scripture5:53 - Reality check: Women's voting rights aren't going away6:31 - Why women should retain voting rights7:48 - Problems with male-only voting in a fallen world8:32 - How Christian families can vote with unity and leadershipKey Points- Voting is Extra-Biblical: The Bible doesn't mandate or forbid voting systems. Biblical examples show righteous government through judges and kings, not democratic processes.- Scripture Silence Means Freedom: Since the Bible doesn't specify voting requirements, Christians have freedom in how voting systems operate.- Male Headship Doesn't Equal Vote Monopoly: Biblical male leadership in the home doesn't logically require removing women's voting rights.- Fallen World Considerations: Single women, widows, and women in ungodly marriages would be left without representation under male-only voting.- Unity Through Leadership, Not Restriction: Christian families can maintain biblical unity and male leadership while still allowing all members to vote.- Practical Family Example: Families can discuss issues biblically, pray together, and reach unified voting decisions without eliminating anyone's right to participate.Scripture ReferencesRomans 13:1-7 - "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God... For the one in authority is God's servant for your good."Biblical Examples of Leadership:Judges 13-16 - Samson's leadership periodJudges 6-8 - Gideon raised up as judge over Israel1 Samuel 8-31 - Establishment and history of Israel's monarchyJudges 2:16 - "Then the Lord raised up judges, who saved them out of the hands of these raiders"Ephesians 5:23 - "For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church"1 Timothy 3:4-5 - Regarding household leadership and church governanceHave a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

Pastor Heath Lambert tackles a crucial theological question: Was Jesus tempted, and what does that mean? Discover the difference between external and internal temptation, and how understanding these distinctions helps us comprehend how Jesus could be "tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin."TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Introduction: The Question About Jesus' Temptation0:49 - What Is Temptation? The Basic Question1:32 - Type 1: External Temptation (Tempting Situations)1:40 - Example: Stack of $100 Bills in Empty Room2:27 - Type 2: Internal Temptation (Spiritual Corruption)2:42 - James 1:14: Lured and Enticed by Own Desire3:45 - How External and Internal Temptations Connect4:00 - Personal Examples: Tofu Salad vs. Blueberry Muffin4:25 - The Key Difference: Situational vs. Spiritual4:53 - Jesus Was Tempted: Matthew 4:1 Evidence5:15 - Hebrews 4:15: Tempted in Every Way, Yet Without Sin6:01 - James 1:13: God Cannot Be Tempted with Evil6:19 - The Solution: Two Kinds of Temptation Applied to Jesus7:00 - How Jesus Faced External Without Internal CorruptionMAIN POINTS- Two Kinds of TemptationExternal temptation consists of tempting situations or circumstances (like finding money when alone), while internal temptation involves corrupt cravings and sinister desires within the heart. External temptation becomes spiritually significant only when it meets internal corruption.- External Temptation Is Situational, Not Necessarily SinfulBeing in a potentially tempting situation isn't inherently wrong. The sinfulness comes from the internal response - the corrupt desire that matches up with the external opportunity. Different people are tempted by different external circumstances based on their internal desires.- Jesus Faced All External TemptationsScripture clearly states that Jesus was "tempted in every way as we are" (Hebrews 4:15) and was "led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil" (Matthew 4:1). Every potentially tempting situation that exists confronted Jesus during His earthly ministry.- Jesus Had No Internal CorruptionThough Jesus faced all external temptations, He had no internal corruption or sinful desires to match them. His heart was always trusting in the Lord and wanting to do righteousness. This is why He could be tempted externally yet remain "without sin" - there was no internal spiritual corruption to respond to the external circumstances.SCRIPTURE REFERENCESPrimary Passages:Matthew 4:1 - Jesus led into wilderness to be temptedHebrews 4:15 - Tempted in every way as we are, yet without sinJames 1:13-14 - God cannot be tempted; each person tempted by own desireSupporting Context:James 1:13 - Let no one say when tempted, "I am being tempted by God"James 1:14 - Each person is lured and enticed by his own desire1 John 2:16 - The desires of the flesh, eyes, and pride of life1 Corinthians 10:13 - No temptation beyond what you can bearHave a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

Should Christians baptize infants or only believers? This age-old debate divides denominations and families. In this episode of Marked by Grace, Heath Lambert respectfully tackles the arguments against infant baptism from a Baptist perspective. Despite having two Presbyterian mentors who deeply influenced his ministry, Heath examines three key areas: biblical teaching, biblical examples, and biblical covenants. Discover why there's no New Testament command to baptize babies, what household baptisms really teach, and how covenant signs relate to the nature of God's covenants.Timestamps0:00 - Introduction: Arguments against baptizing babies3:07 - Personal story: Two Presbyterian mentors who shaped Heath's ministry5:53 - Why church history can't be our ultimate authority7:12 - Biblical teaching: No New Testament text commands infant baptism8:07 - Colossians 2:11-12 doesn't teach infant baptism10:54 - 1 Peter 3:21 doesn't mention infant baptism12:35 - Romans 6:3-5: Baptism requires faith and understanding14:22 - Biblical examples: Household baptisms and arguments from silence16:24 - Biblical covenants: Signs must match the nature of the covenantKey Points- No Clear Biblical Command: There is no text in the New Testament that explicitly commands or describes the baptism of infants - this is a significant issue when establishing Christian practice.- Church History vs. Scripture: While church historians can be quoted on both sides of the infant baptism debate, Scripture must be our ultimate authority, not historical precedent.- Colossians 2:11-12 Misunderstood: This passage speaks of spiritual circumcision "made without hands" and assumes the baptized person has faith - it cannot refer to infant baptism.- Household Baptisms Are Arguments from Silence: When Acts describes household baptisms, there's no explicit mention of infants. The text indicates those baptized "heard the word" and believed.- Baptism Requires Understanding: Romans 6:3-5 shows baptism as a picture of death, burial, and resurrection with Christ - meaningful only for those who understand and trust in Jesus.- Covenant Signs Match Covenant Nature: Throughout Scripture, covenant signs directly relate to the covenant's nature. New Testament baptism signifies personal faith, not biological or familial membership.- New Covenant, New Requirements: Unlike Old Testament circumcision based on biological descent, New Covenant membership is based on personal faith, requiring different covenant signs.- Respectful Disagreement: It's possible to disagree with infant baptism while maintaining deep respect for those who practice it, including mentors and fellow believers.Scripture ReferencesColossians 2:11-12 - "In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead." - Spiritual circumcision, not infant baptism1 Peter 3:21 - "Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ." - Baptism as an appeal of faith, not infant cleansingRomans 6:3-5 - "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his." - Baptism requires understanding of Christ's death and resurrectionActs 10:44 - "While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word." - Those baptized in household baptisms were those who heard and believedRomans 2:28-29 - "For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter." - True circumcision is spiritual, not physicalHave a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com