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Grace or Grit

Grace or Grit

By David Talley

A Podcast intended to address difficult, controversial & debatable issues related to the Bible & the church
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The Purpose of Pain

Grace or GritAug 27, 2021

00:00
55:41
Catching Up

Catching Up

For once, Patrick and I had no script. This is our first recording session in a couple of months, so we're just catching up here; talking about what's going on and what's coming up. Enjoy!

Jan 05, 202455:05
The Israel of God

The Israel of God

Pretty simple discussion: is "The Israel of God" a spiritual entity, or is it the literal, ethnic, historical, national, geographical Israel of the Old Testament? Listen as Dave and Patrick attempt a clear answer.

Oct 23, 202348:13
How To Prepare a Sermon

How To Prepare a Sermon

Here are some things that commonly impact my (Dave's) sermon prep:

 - I have a master plan of ideas.

- My motto in preaching is to declare the truth with power, zeal, and affection.  

- It has been said that biblical preaching will teach something significant, will be authoritative (coming from Scripture), and will have a hook (it will call people to action). 

- I use a dominant text, focus on a central truth, find illustrations and examples to clarify the message, and construct an "Action Step" with which to conclude. 

 - In both prayer and daily experience, I’m aware of the Spirit's leading in my meditations. Sermon preparation without heart preparation is woefully incomplete.  And attached to this is my awareness of the role that the prayers of others plays in my preparation and delivery.


 - And, I have certain resources that I run to repeatedly for help in understanding my text and topic.

There is more to consider though, so listen to the podcast and hear Dave and Patrick discuss their individual strategies and processes.

Sep 22, 202301:03:08
Gender War

Gender War

Transgenderism is a hot and divisive topic. In many cases it's even a basic litmus test of fidelity with modern wokeness. But, there are moral and spiritual ramifications. So, where should the Christian stand on this issue. Listen as Dave and Patrick attempt to deal with it with grace, and yes also with some grit. For sure, it is a gritty topic.

Aug 25, 202347:40
Church Discipline

Church Discipline

It's not exactly fun to think about, but the Bible teaches us that judgment has to begin at the house of the Lord.

Listen as Dave and Patrick try to unravel this difficult issue.

Jul 17, 202356:17
What Get’s on the Order of Service?

What Get’s on the Order of Service?

Who decides what the church will do when the church comes together for a worship assembly? And, what is the basis or source of the elements that we do include? Are they Biblical, or is it just human tradition that drives us through...

  • The call to worship
  • Some songs
  • Prayer
  • Bible reading
  • Communion
  • Announcements
  • The collection of contributions
  • The sermon
  • The invitation
  • Baptisms

...etc.

Additionally, even if we are including the right elements, are we doing them the right way, and are we giving each aspect the proper weight and emphasis?

Listen as Dave and Patrick (and a surprise guest commenter) delve into the matter of biblical vs. traditional liturgy and address the question, "What get's into the order of service?" And, who are we trying to please anyway?

Jun 02, 202356:14
Why Does the Bible say that God Creates Evil?
Apr 26, 202350:29
Deliverance or Devilish Errancy

Deliverance or Devilish Errancy

Who wants to listen to a podcast on demonology?

Well, like it or not, this is something we need to address.

Today I asked ChatGTP the following question: "Where in the Bible is it recorded that Jesus triumphed over all the forces of evil when He died on the cross?"

This was the AI's answer:

"The Bible records Jesus' triumph over the forces of evil in several passages, but one of the most well-known is found in Colossians 2:13-15:

'When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.'

This passage emphasizes that through his death on the cross, Jesus not only forgave our sins but also disarmed and triumphed over the powers and authorities of evil."

Now, I already knew what the substance of the answer would likely be, namely that Jesus disarmed the powers of evil, made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

But, what should we do now as a result of what Jesus has already done? Perhaps we should focus especially on identifying demons and how they are involved in our lives and then in the power of the Spirit declare deliverance over them repeatedly. Or, perhaps not! But, there are some who are going about it in precisely that way.

Listen as Dave and Patrick (and a little bit of Tonya) address "Deliverance Ministries" and their particular brand of charismatic continuationism.

There are a few links mentioned in the podcast which you might want to explore. Here they are:

Mar 24, 202301:12:21
Faith & Finance: Nest Egg vs. Giving

Faith & Finance: Nest Egg vs. Giving

What should we be doing with surplus or disposable income?  Should we be saving/investing for our future; specifically for retirement?  Or, should we instead give our disposable income away?  Perhaps there is a happy medium or golden mean where we properly balance saving and giving?

The main focus of this podcast is to focus on what God has to say about giving.  For sure, there are some universal principles that apply.  We must give in faith, generously, cheerfully, proportionally, and as the Spirit leads us.  But there are many related questions that are worth unpacking a little further.  Listen as Dave and Patrick give this issue their best treatment.

Mar 10, 202356:44
Apologetics: Defending the Lion

Apologetics: Defending the Lion

The King James Version of the Bible translates the Greek word apologia in the following manner: defence (3x), answer (3x), answer for one's self, & clearing of one's self.  It's defined as 1). verbal defence, speech in defense & 2). a reasoned statement or argument The word apologia is found in 1st Peter 3:14-16, "If you suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are you: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer [apologia] to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ." So, Christian Apologetics seems to be a very biblical idea as well as a highly useful discipline in our attempt to fulfill the Great Commission.  But why is (or are) apologetics important? And, if it IS important, then a second question worth our attention would be this, “How can we make sure that are able to defend what we believe?” David and Patrick take their good ol' time answering these 2 questions.  While there is much more that could be said in response to both questions, this episode is a good place to start.
Feb 24, 202301:13:25
25 Hours a Day (A Balanced Approach to Your Job)

25 Hours a Day (A Balanced Approach to Your Job)

Sometimes I wish I could be like Joshua and lengthen my days at will.  For sure, there are days that include more items on my to-do list than can be done in 24 hours.

Last week I asked for some advice from a couple of men in our church. One of them, Matt Taylor, has been a guest on the podcast before.  I asked him and another godly man for suggestions for podcast topics.  The results were not disappointing.  One of the topics Matt mentioned was about living a balanced life. Specifically, he proposed that we talk about “A biblical work life balance for men and women.”  I thought, "That would be a good topic for me to think about, talk through, and hopefully improve on (in my own habits and routines).

Hopefully, for some of our listeners, this will also be a blessing.  I think that trying to give the proper amount of time, energy, effort, focus, and investment to our work responsibilities in proportion with other parts of life is a relevant and important topic for discussion.

Let's think of life as a pie chart or like a big pizza.  How big is each slice?  How big should each slice be?  And you can think of these as slices of time or of each slice as a different priority in life.  We have to rest, we have to eat, we have to spend some time on basic hygiene for our own body, we should spend time in strictly spiritual pursuits (such as Bible study, prayer, evangelism, worship, fellowship), we have responsibilities in relation to our family, our friends, our civil duties as citizens, & our health.

Then for affluent societies, there are usually slices that could be labeled hobbies and leisure.  There are also slices that need to go because it’s either a straightforward vice (some sin) or at least it a distraction of some sort that takes away from the purpose and productivity of our lives.

So let’s think of life in terms of time (although that’s not the only way to look at it).  We are told in the Bible to “Redeem the time, because the days are evil.”  How much rest is appropriate?  How much time eating?  How much time working to “make a living” to take care of myself, my financial obligations, and my family? How much time with my wife or husband?  How much time doing necessary tasks like grocery shopping, planning, paying bills, cleaning house, and repairing broken things?  How much time in time alone with God, etc?  If we are generous and give 8 hours for sleep and 8 hours for work, how should the other 8 hours be spent?  How much work is too much?  It would seem that 16 hours a day “at work” is likely an imbalanced ratio.  Some days do demand that kind of stamina, or maybe even more, but it’s not sustainable, and even if it is, it’s not likely to be healthy or holy.

Then we have to ask questions like, what if you can’t leave work at work?  What if you “can’t afford” to work less?  What if your “work” is ministry, does that change things?  Are there hybrid models where (for example) if you work with your wife and children in a family business, that significantly changes the dynamic of how much time can be wisely spent in your “occupation?”  How about scheduling margin into our lives in anticipation of mishaps and surprises?

How about the “work 6 days” commandment and principle? Is it ok to sacrifice some slices temporarily in the name of fulfilling my obligations “at work” - (sort of the "ox-in-a-ditch" exception)?  What about evaluating our standard of living and learning to “live within our means” instead of striving perpetually to make more, earn more, have more, do more, be more, achieve more, & leave more?

Listen as Dave & Patrick take an honest stab at this important issue.

Feb 10, 202301:00:34
Same Difference

Same Difference

This is a wonderful interview with Pastor Said Usuf of the Omega Church in THE GAMBIA.  You will be greatly blessed by his testimony concerning how he came to faith in Christ and how God moved him into the gospel ministry.  

Hopefully you will pick up on some of the great things that we share in common with Pastor Said, as well as a few of the unique challenges that he and his people face in their service to our King.

Jan 13, 202301:06:30
Did God Divorce His Wife?

Did God Divorce His Wife?

Or wives... if you consider Israel as one and Judah as one.  Did God divorce His wives?

It's a relevant question for reasons that we don't even get into in this episode, but it's relevant also because divorce among humans is a topic addressed repeatedly in the Bible.  And, it's a major problem in our society.  The statistics are indeed grim.  

It's not our goal to beat anybody up with this episode, nor do we want to excuse anybody's sin.  We want to humbly and honestly address a relevant topic.  And, that is always beneficial.

I (Dave) do have a quote in the episode that I failed to accurately credit the proper person for, so I will do that here.  The quote goes like this, "Sinners leap into sin and love it.  Saints lapse into sin and loath it."  The author of that quote was Dr. Fred Moritz.  Perhaps he got it from someone else, I don't know - but he is the one I heard say it more than once.

Anyway, listen to this episode and let us know what you think.  

Send feedback to pastorbigred@aol.com anytime night or day.

Oct 21, 202255:57
Miracle or Providence

Miracle or Providence

What is a miracle?  Is it "a conspicuous show of power outside of the common course of nature"?  Or, is it something else?

What does it mean when we say that God works providentially behind the scenes?  According to Dave, it means that God is constantly providing for & preparing for His desired outcomes through the common course of nature.

But consider this: Patrick claims that miracles fall properly under the heading of providence.

It's a discussion worth having, especially since it could be said that we make fools of ourselves if we call natural occurrences "miracles."

Listen as Dave and Patrick try to hammer out some clarity concerning this important and interesting issue.

Oct 14, 202252:05
Fasting, Lent, & Penance

Fasting, Lent, & Penance

In this episode, Dave and Patrick attempt to answer these (and some additional) questions concerning fasting, lent, and penance.

  1. Are all of these (fasting, lent, and penance) found in the Bible?
  2. Who fasted in the Bible?
  3. What guidelines do we find for fasting in the Bible?
  4. Why do we fast?
  5. How do we fast properly?
  6. Are Lenten fasts in line with biblical principles?
  7. What are the most likely “pitfalls” of observing Lent?
  8. Why is penance not taught in Baptist Churches?

Listen now and be blessed!

Sep 30, 202248:33
Caring for God’s Ministers

Caring for God’s Ministers

In the Old Testament of the Bible, we find in the book of Leviticus that God commanded His people saying, "You shall not rule one over another with rigour." What did He mean by that? If you check a variety of English translations you will encounter other words in the place of the word rigor: ruthlessness, harshness, severity, brutality. So again, what is that all about? God is gentle, patient, kind, good, generous, loving, giving, and forgiving with us; and He expects the same from us in how we treat each other.  This principle is not canceled when it comes to those in vocational ministry; speaking specifically of missionaries.  We are not allowed by God to be hard, harsh, demanding, severe, impatient, or flippant in how we interact with His choice servants. I've heard some pretty embarrassing horror stories over the years concerning how some of "God's people" sometimes treat missionaries.  It's as if some "Christians" think missionaries are some kind of a combination of flawless angels and needless automatons.   They aren't.  They are sinners saved by grace.  They are flawed humans in the process of sanctification right along with the rest of us.  And so, the same kind of emotional, spiritual, and relational needs that are common for every average believer are just as common among our missionaries. They too endure fears, sorrows, regrets, aspiration, temptations, frustrations, etc.  They too get lonely, homesick, sad, angry, hurt, and so much more.  And so, they too need our compassionate attention, friendship, and fellowship.  Will it cost us more than normal to try to care for someone who is on the other side of the globe?  Well, obviously the answer is yes.  But it is necessary and good nonetheless. Today on the podcast God has brought to us a man who is fully engaged in caring specifically for ABWE missionaries in and to western Africa.  Wayne Moore and his wife Debra are involved in what is called Member Care for these missionaries.  Listen as Dave & Patrick pick Wayne's mind a little to help us all learn how we can do a better job as we attempt to be the hands, feet, and heart of Christ to one another.
Sep 23, 202259:19
The Gospel of Jesus

The Gospel of Jesus

Shortly after Jesus' resurrection, He showed up hungry in one of the meetings where His apostles were gathered.  In that context He wasted no time reminding them what He was all about and what their responsibility was.

They were witnesses of His resurrection.  They had the gospel truth.  They had the job of telling the world about the living Christ.

It is recorded for us in Luke 24:44-49.

"Jesus said unto them, 'These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning Me.'

Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, and said unto them, 'Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

And you are witnesses of these things.

And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry in the city of Jerusalem, until you are endued with power from on high.'"

POWERFUL!  PRECISE!  

Listen to this episode in which Dave & Patrick mull over the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ as He Himself presented it.

Sep 16, 202250:36
The Meaning of Dreams

The Meaning of Dreams

Solomon wrote that “A dream comes through the multitude of business…” (Ecclesiastes 5:3). I take that to mean that when you are involved in a lot of different things, you keep thinking about them and working out solutions even in your sleep. I’m no expert on dreams, of course, but I do have personal experience to reflect on.
Mostly I don’t consider dreams to be significant. I may be WAY wrong about that, but that’s my perspective. It’s curious that I have that opinion though, because I deeply respect the Bible and the examples set by biblical characters, and dreams are very common in the Bible. In Holy Writ, there are many significant dreams that are actually given by God and are messages from God.
Jacob had revelatory dreams.
Joseph had revelatory dreams and interpreted the meaning of dreams for others.
Dreams were used by God in Abraham’s life, Gideon’s life, Daniel’s life, Solomon’s life, and in Joseph’s life (husband of Mary).
Jeremiah and Joel both spoke of the significance of dreams in the lives of prophets. Peter even pointed out in Act 2:17 that one of the evidences of the pouring out of the Spirit of God on men in the last days would be “the dreams of old men.”
So, visions, dreams, trances, hearing “voices” (like Samuel did), meeting angels, personal and miraculous encounters with God (like Moses’ or Paul’s) are all common in Scripture, yet I don’t expect these kinds of things in my own life. And if you claim that you received a dream from God, I know myself. I’m going to be suspicious. The fact is, I’m not sure I really want these kinds of things to happen to me or to people around me.
But why? What is the real meaning of dreams and the place of dreams in the lives of believers?
Listen as Dave and Patrick attempt to address the issue of dreams and how God uses them.
Sep 09, 202249:26
The Unexpected Benefits of Short Term Mission Trips

The Unexpected Benefits of Short Term Mission Trips

In this episode, Dave asks Patrick to answer 7 questions about short term mission trips.

Here they are:

  1. What are the legitimate spiritual and practical dangers of short term mission trips?
  2. How can short term mission trips (at least in your context) actually reach the local population for the sake of the gospel?
  3. How can short term mission trips help the full time missionaries on the field?
  4. How can short term mission trips help the people who take those trips — the short term missionaries themselves?
  5. How can short term mission trips help the churches who organize and support them?
  6. Perhaps combining all of the above questions — how is God honored by short term mission trips; from a broad perspective, how are they biblical and how are they spiritually beneficial?
  7. Finally, if someone has the desire (perhaps, feels a leading from the Spirit) to get involved in mission work to a greater degree — and thinks a short term mission trip might be a good place to start — what advice would you give to them?
Sep 02, 202201:01:17
Campfire Conversions

Campfire Conversions

Shortly after I (Dave) became pastor, one of our deacons (Bob Schmidt, who is now in heaven) stopped me one Sunday and started talking about how he was happy for camp and how excited everybody gets about it every year and all that, but he was concerned about how everybody seems to come back gung-ho for Jesus every year, yet a month later everything goes right back to how it was before camp; like it never happened and like the commitments made at camp were all either insincere or too shallow to stick. I think he had a valid point. Of course, it’s not just summer camp that suffers from this phenomenon. Revival meetings, big Sundays, new years resolutions, new programs, even weekly sermons often all affect similar responses: initial zeal and eventual apathy.

In my camping experience, camp weeks often ended with a campfire on Friday night.  That setting ends up being a microcosm of the complaint that I mentioned earlier. At the campfire you have a group of kids that are exhausted from a week of strangeness, activities, lack of sleep, and usually too much heat. They are emotional for many reasons, one being that they are going home the next day. And, to top if off, you sing some of your best songs and preach a really strong message there at the campfire and then maybe take some testimonies. Next thing you know, everybody is crying and making great and solemn statements about how they are going to be different. Often there is some ritual that might include writing your sins on a 3x5 card and throwing it in the fire or nailing it to a cross or something like that. Or everybody gets a stick that they put in the fire to symbolize there commitment to Christ. It’s usually all very moving. But is it a moving of the Spirit? 

Here is the ultimate question, does God work through these kind of emotional situations to affect lasting changes in the lives of His children? Of course we should be careful not to manipulate one another in situations like this, but is it ok to embrace (and even exploit in a way) the unique vulnerability of those moments? 

Listen as David, Patrick, and Tonya explore this controversial topic.

Jun 17, 202253:02
#TeamLukeZechariah

#TeamLukeZechariah

Why?

It is perhaps the deepest, most profound, most significant, most interesting, most painful, and most difficult question that humanity has to have and wants answered.  Toddlers ask it repeatedly.  Jesus asked it from the cross.  

On this episode Dave interviews a guest who has had to wrestle with this question quite a bit.  Cody Stevens and his wife Joan have a wonderful son named Luke Zechariah.  But Luke has debilitating, life threatening seizures.  

At the time of the recording of this surgery, Luke is scheduled for his first brain surgery.  He needs your prayers and mine.

This episode is a long one, but it needs to be.  Take the time to hear us out (and pray with us at the very end).

Jun 11, 202201:22:39
Can Reading Rescue Us?

Can Reading Rescue Us?

I love to read.  Reading is like magic.  It takes you away from where you are and transports you to other places, other times, and even into the minds of other people.  But that is only a manner of thinking and speaking.  

In actuality though, reading is truly a powerful tool.  If you think about it, God chose to reveal Himself to us most clearly and certainly in a book.  That's quite an amazing realization.

So, though it's not exactly difficult, controversial, or debatable... on this episode, Dave and Patrick discuss the role of reading in the life of the Christian.  Listen now...

Jun 03, 202247:47
53 Years in Papua New Guinea

53 Years in Papua New Guinea

Veteran missionary Jim Tanner shares his testimony of how God worked on and through him and his wife as they served the Lord and preached the gospel on the other side of the world.

Listen as Dave and Patrick share fellowship and Christ's love with one another and with this dear missionary.

May 27, 202201:01:39
Standards or Preferences

Standards or Preferences

For me, though it’s a bit of an oversimplification, I think I can break the levels of biblical doctrines down like this:

- Primary - the fundamentals of the faith (virgin birth, deity of Christ, sufficiency of Scriptures, salvation by grace through faith, the resurrection, etc.)

- Secondary - things that make me a baptist (other than # 1 biblical authority which is primary... baptized membership, 2 ordinances, 2 offices, etc.)

- Tertiary - spiritual choices I make based on culture, experience, calling, and personality (music style, clothing style, etc.)

Then, below that on the scale of significance are various preferences about which I should never be willing to fight and fuss.  Sadly, Christians do often fight and fuss most about tertiary doctrines and non-doctrinal personal preferences. 

On this episode Patrick and Dave discuss these issues with first time guest, Drew Inskeep.

May 20, 202201:02:07
Spiritual or Religious?

Spiritual or Religious?

Are you spiritual, or religious?  Or, are you both?

Some claim to be neither, but likely they are deluded.  Everyone is religious.  At least, that proposition is easily defended.

But what could it mean for someone to claim to be religious, but not spiritual?  Or how about the other way around?

Listen as Dave and Patrick approach these questions as humbly as they can.

May 13, 202251:41
What Did We Learn from COVID?

What Did We Learn from COVID?

I learned how to create podcasts.  Well, I didn't really learn that from COVID, but I did learn it during and because of COVID.  I also created a website (davetalley.com), figured out how to use ZOOM, discovered how to make online small groups a success, and became fairly good at turning multiple music video recordings into one.

But that's not really what I'm getting at here.

What did we learn about our economy and the world (from COVID)?

What did we learn about our government, our culture and society, and about modern medicine?

What did we learn about our families, friends, & communities?

What did you learn about yourself?

What did we learn about our churches and about God?

Listen as Dave and Patrick do their best to answer these questions as kindly and honestly as they can.

Apr 22, 202201:00:34
Is Violence Ever Justified?”

Is Violence Ever Justified?”

The easy answer to the question, "Is violence ever justified?" would be, "No."  In many ways our society repeatedly regurgitates such a mantra while simultaneously contradicting that very message constantly through both art and action.  But we aren't living in a fantasy world, we are living in a very raw, real, and difficult world.  And, like it or not, violence is as almost as old as humanity.  Even in nature we find that violence is as common as life itself.

So, what about in these following contexts?

- Self defense

- Defending others

- Acting as a law enforcement officer 

- Acting as a soldier 

- Participating in a revolution against tyranny   

- Corporal punishment

On the one hand we read that Jesus told us to turn the other cheek.  On the other hand, the lethal weapon carried by the official rightfully designated to do so is said to be an instrument of justice useful in meeting out divine wrath against evil citizens (see Romans 13).  So, we ask it again.  Is violence ever justified?  Or maybe better, under what circumstances is violence justifiable? 

Listen to Dave and Patrick give this difficult topic their best shot.

Apr 01, 202257:03
The Father of the Fatherless

The Father of the Fatherless

In Deuteronomy 10:17 & 18 we read these words, “The LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regards not persons, nor takes reward: He does execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loves the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.” 

Again, Psalm 68:5 similarly shows us God’s Spirit inspired description of Himself as "A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in His holy habitation.”

In the New Testament James is lead to write that the first characteristic of pure religion is to care for the fatherless.

I think we have a recurring theme here.  God cares for the fatherless.

On this episode Dave interviews a guest, Nicole Smith, and explores the kindness of God in her life as she grew up without her father's involvement in her life.  Listen now to this story of grace.

Mar 25, 202201:06:14
Contentment or Ambition

Contentment or Ambition

Contentment is a state of happiness and satisfaction. But it is not (and must not be allowed to become) complacency, lethargy, or apathy.

Ambition is a strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work. But unfortunately it can include greed, covetousness, jealousy, and cruelty.

Are these two things naturally contrary to each other.  Are they mutually exclusive?  Can’t we be both content and ambitious?

How do we know when to settle down and accept the station in life at which we find ourselves, and when we should be "restless" and in a mode of exploration and conquest?

What are the tell-tale signs that our contentment is becoming apathy?  And what are the tell-tale signs that our ambition has soured into excess?

Listen as Dave, Patrick (and then Tonya) discuss this life dilemma.  

Mar 18, 202251:11
Infatuated with the Irrelevant

Infatuated with the Irrelevant

Food before dessert.  Work before play.  Meaning before diversion.  Business before pleasure.

What are we talking about?  The priorities of life.

We live in a time when many people (even Christians) in our society spend most or all of their time on interests that have little or no eternal value.  It's one thing to take a break from the grind; to escape in order to recharge.  It's quite another to skip over the relevant and significant priorities of life in order to fill one's mind and time with frivolous entertainment and meaningless distractions.  Yet this way of life is exceedingly common.  

What is the source of this problem, and how should we address it when we see it in our own lives?  

Blaise Pascal, in Pensées wrote, “The only thing that consoles us for our miseries is diversion. And yet it is the greatest of our miseries. For it is that above all which prevents us thinking about ourselves and leads is imperceptibly to destruction. But for that we should be bored, and boredom would drive us to seek some more solid means of escape, but diversion passes our time and brings us imperceptibly to our death.”

Listen as Dave and Patrick both take a shot at addressing this very important issue.

Mar 11, 202249:05
My Mother's Story

My Mother's Story

On this episode of Grace or Grit I (Dave Talley) have given my usual co-host (Patrick Reed) the week off, because today I have as a very special guest on our podcast, my mother: Rebecca June Talley. 

That should be introduction enough.  Listen as we talk about old times and God's great grace!

Mar 02, 202257:25
Exchanging Dollars for Crowns

Exchanging Dollars for Crowns

Our experiences this side of the grave determine what our experiences will be like on the other side of the grave.  If we will, we can invest our temporary material resources now in eternal spiritual endeavors and thereby “lay up treasurers in heaven.”  We can exchange dollars for crowns.  Our currency here is no good there anyway, so it's best that we insure that our wealth is heavenly wealth, not earthly wealth.

This podcast episode turned into a tag-team recording.  Patrick started out with Dave in this discussion, but he had to take off early, so Dave's wife Tonya stepped in ably to finish the discussion.  Listen now!

Feb 25, 202253:42
The Holy Ghost and You

The Holy Ghost and You

"As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name..." (John 1:12).

Does that verse indicate the order of things in our salvation?  Dave affirms that such is the case.  Patrick says, maybe not.

This podcast is an explanation of Monergism and the proper order of regeneration and faith?  Which comes first, the chicken or the egg?  Monergists claim that the Spirit regenerates a man, then that quickening shows up in the form of faith.  But is there any Scripture to back up such claim?

Put on your thinking cap and dive in with us.

Feb 18, 202201:08:17
Rhythms & Ruts

Rhythms & Ruts

The rhythms of life are those helpful routines that we get into that make us productive. The ruts of life are those hurtful cycles that we also get into that limit our effectiveness.

There are certain terms that I used to never hear used the way they are often used now.  One of those terms is "rhythms."  For a long time I only heard that word used in reference to sound.  It was the rhythm of the song, or the rhythm of the waves, or the rhythm of your heart. I knew that you could even have rhythm in poetry or maybe in the sound of an engine.  But one of the definitions of the word rhythm is "a regularly recurring sequences of events, actions, or processes."  Theoretically that could be either good or bad, but repeatedly lately, I’ve heard this word used with maximum intended optimism.  In other words, I hear successful people talking about the rhythms of life that help them to move forward and make progress.  It’s the comfortable and pleasant daily structure of a cup of coffee in your hand and your Bible in your lap.

The guest on today's episode is Mrs. Ashley McConnell.  Listen and Dave and Patrick exchange thoughts and perspectives with Ashley concerning this very relevant topic. 

Feb 12, 202201:17:15
God's Love for the Unborn

God's Love for the Unborn

In Exodus 21:22–25 (in the Bible) we read, “When men strive together and hit a pregnant woman, so that her children come out, but there is no harm, the one who hit her shall surely be fined, as the woman’s husband shall impose on him, and he shall pay as the judges determine.  But if there is harm, then you must pay life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.” 

Moses’ law was clear. The loss of an unborn child as a result of violence was a capital crime, punishable by death. He said that the death of an unborn child would have to be paid for "life for life."  In fact, if the child did not die but was injured in some way, the same injury was to be executed on the guilty party.

Now, I’m not using that Scripture to discuss punitive laws in our context (although that would be a good discussion to have), but only to point out that under God's law the unborn had equal rights with all other people.

It’s both a biblical and a logical conviction of mine that not only does life begin at conception, but the unalienable human rights of the conceived child are full and immediate. And so, in a land where those rights have been taken away through Roe v. Wade, I’m so glad that there are groups and organizations out there trying to protect the lives of the unborn and to help and assist the parents and families of the unborn as well.

Our guest on this episode is Sharon Finecey.  Sharon is the Executive Director of Choices Pregnancy Center in Easton, MD.  We at Grace Baptist Church are sponsors and supporters of their ministry.  Listen to Sharon's testimony and learn about how you too can be a part of saving lives.

Feb 04, 202255:56
Vaccines & the Christian

Vaccines & the Christian

We really don’t want to base our counsel on our personal experiences, whatever merit those experiences might offer.  

And, we are not medical professionals.  Maybe you've seen the sign that says, “Please don’t confuse your Google search with my medical degree?” Of course, you can find medical professionals on both sides of the vaccine issue, so I’m not too sure that’s always as helpful as we might like to assume. 

What we are authorized and even commanded to do is to take the Scripture and use it to instruct ourselves and our fellow Christians. So, on this episode Patrick & I (Dave) talk as carefully as we know how with another preacher (Evangelist Phil Schipper) about the pros and cons of vaccines, especially the COVID vaccines.

Listen and let us know your impressions.

Jan 28, 202201:05:46
What Happens After You Die?

What Happens After You Die?

Of course we know what happens to our bodies when we die. God made us from dirt, so one way or another our bodies return to that same state. Whether by cremation, burial, mummification, eaten by fish, donated to science… eventually all dead bodies become dust again.  Of course we know that eventually our bodies are reconstituted and resurrected… both the the bodies of the saved and of the lost.

But how about our conscious existence?  What happens to our spirit? Our immaterial nature exists beyond the stoppage of our heart and the ceasing of our brain waves. But where is it after the body dies and how does it perceive and communicate?

There is no biblical basis for soul sleep, or purgatory, or annihilation, hauntings.  So what actually happens to the real me?

Listen as Dave and Patrick take aim at biblical answers to this important question.

Jan 21, 202249:51
A Podcast Prayer

A Podcast Prayer

Would you be willing to take a few minutes and pray with me for God's blessings upon this podcasting season.  We want to bless others, and to do that we must be blessed.  Listen and pray along.

Jan 14, 202235:29
The Christian Woman: PART 2

The Christian Woman: PART 2

This is a very unique episode.  First of all, it's the first time we have attempted a "PART 2" episode.  And now, it looks like we will need a "PART 3" too.  Because, as a result of a conciliation, it's the first (wait, maybe the second) time we have had an unplanned guest.  Tonya was on the call just to listen, and when Tracy couldn't show due to her having COVID-19, Tonya (Dave's wife) stepped in to fill in for her.  And, she did really great.

So, on this episode we continue addressing some of the issues hinted at in episode 1 and in the sermon series from November.  Want to know what those issues are, well you got to listen to find out.  Thanks in advance for giving this "Grace or Grit" episode a chance to be a blessing to you!

Dec 03, 202101:08:08
The Christian Woman

The Christian Woman

This month I’m preaching a sermon series entitled “The WOMEN of the Bible.” It is a direct attempt to answer some questions that were asked of me concerning femininity.  From a broad perspective, the sermon series will be an attempt to explain some of the teachings in the Bible concerning women. 

Why do this? Well, because some of the Bible’s teachings do indeed seem quite strange and obtuse… at least from the perspective of our modern “enlightened” culture.

On this episode Dave and Patrick are joined by a wonderful Christian lady and leader, Tracy Bumgarner.  Together these three provide a pretty good introduction to the topic that we hope to cover in the pulpit at Grace Baptist Church for the month of November.  

Nov 05, 202101:04:58
The Prosperity Gospel vs. Asceticism

The Prosperity Gospel vs. Asceticism

Does God always want you and me to always be healthy, wealthy, comfortable, successful, and happy?

The modern "prosperity gospel preachers" would lead us to believe that He does.  When Jesus saved you from sin, He also saved you from poverty, illness, and oppression.  Do you agree with that?

Asceticism makes the opposite claim.  This philosophy would have us believe that the sicker you are, the poorer you are, the more uncomfortable you are, the more you fail to get ahead, and the more miserable you are, the better.  God doesn't want you to enjoy life.  Pleasure is evil.  Do you agree with that?

Strangely, there are truths hidden in both of these perspectives.  Well, really there are truths eclipsed by each of these perspectives.  Both are built on misconstruing actual biblical truth.  

Listen as Dave and Patrick attempt to unravel this matter in a simple and applicable manner.

Oct 29, 202147:22
What is the Human Spirit?

What is the Human Spirit?

Humans are made in the image and likeness of God.  As such, we are more than just matter in motion.  As beings, we are both material and immaterial.  But what exactly is the immaterial part of humanity?  We use words like mind, soul, spirit, heart, will, emotion, nature, etc.  But are these parts of one thing, like the liver and stomach are both parts of the body?  Or, are these somehow separate things.  Especially when we talk about the soul and spirit, there are some who take a dogmatic approach to the differentiation. 

Listen today as Dave and Patrick discuss this question (as well as a few other questions that this question leads into).  

Oct 01, 202142:06
The Ministry Masquerade

The Ministry Masquerade

I'm sure you've noticed that preachers are always happy, always bold and courageous, and always full of energy...

...except when we're not.

Today is confession day.  Patrick is under the weather, so Dave is joined by his wife Tonya for a discussion about the struggles of life in ministry.  

Listen if you dare...

Sep 24, 202101:07:58
A Call from Heaven

A Call from Heaven

In Ephesians 4:1-3 the apostle Paul wrote, "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
"The VOCATION wherewith you were CALLED." What is that? What is the call of God? Who does He call? What does He call us to do? Does He call everybody or only the elect?
Listen as David, Patrick, and "guest" Jason McConnell try to unravel this word and its application in Scripture.
Sep 15, 202159:10
A Call From Africa

A Call From Africa

It's been over a month since we've talked at length with co-host Patrick Reed. This episode is dedicated solely to catching up with him and learning about what's going on right now with his family and with the work there in The Gambia.

Listen now...

Sep 10, 202151:44
Ladies and the Church

Ladies and the Church

Mandy Nash is one of God's precious daughters.  She is an elect lady, like the recipient of John's 2nd epistle.  And, she has been through much.  Some of it was by her own choices, but much of her suffering was a result of oppression that Satan and his children placed on her.  Yet, she is victorious.  Her love for Christ and for her family is evident.  She is one of the many wonderful female followers of Christ who are contributing significantly to the construction of the kingdom of God in the hearts of men, women, boys, and girls today.  God is using Mandy in mighty ways.

Listen to Mandy's testimony and her thoughts on the experience of women in the church.  In her words, when it comes to the roles that men and women have in the church and in the home, "It's not a competition."  Amen to that!

Sep 03, 202158:33
The Purpose of Pain

The Purpose of Pain

The Bible tells us plainly that we will suffer.  “These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me you might have peace. In the world you will have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

On this episode David is joined by one of the members of grace Baptist Church, Russ Nash.  Russ has dealt with chronic pain for years.  Listen to him share his testimony as well as his perspective on how God uses pain in our lives for our sanctification.  

Aug 27, 202155:41
We Need to Wake Up

We Need to Wake Up

One of our biggest podcast fans has become a podcast guest. In fact, he is really a guest host on this episode.
God has called Danny Smith to be an Evangelist. I would say he has a burden to be a "Revivalist," but that's just my opinion. We'll have to wait and see what God does.
On this episode we focus Danny's testimony and calling. But, we do get a little bit into the nature of revival too.
AND... we have a big surprise in the middle of this episode. Don't miss it!
Aug 12, 202101:06:58
Kelly's Special Needs Blessing

Kelly's Special Needs Blessing

The original title that I wanted to use for this episode was: "What’ll ya have… What’ll ya have?”

Kelly D'Armi told me about that mantra.  It is the serving call of the Varsity hot dog stand down in Atlanta, GA (where Kelly heard it).

King Solomon received an offer from God that sounded a little like that saying.  God proposed to give him anything he wanted. 

But what if you or I were to receive such an offer.  Kelly's answer to the hypothetical question from God, “Kelly, what do you want?” was this, "I want what You want."  

Simple, surprising, profound and powerful... especially since Kelly has a 32 years adult son (Thomas) who requires 100% care.

Listen as Dave and Patrick discuss Kelly's story with him.  You will be blessed and challenged.  

Jul 17, 202154:57
Strait Gates and Washing Feet

Strait Gates and Washing Feet

The the gate that leads to eternal life is straight, right?  Or, is it strait.  Read that again.

I (Dave) have been reading it as "straight" and using Jesus' words as if he said "straight" - when in actuality, He didn't.

How many other obvious errors have I made?  How many have we made?  How many are we still making?

You may not know this, but there are some churches who practice foot washing as a ritual.  We don't, but some do.  Who's got it right?

On this episode we are joined by Chris Kitchens again.  He was last with us when we talked about cremation.  Chris is quite familiar with the foot washing tradition.  So, buckle up and go with Patrick, Dave, & Chris as we explore these and a few other issues together.

Jul 09, 202101:01:20