Grace Baptist Church Audio Podcast

By Grace Baptist of Kettering

This Podcast features the preaching and teaching of Pastor Josiah Kagin, the senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Kettering, Ohio

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A Prayer for Strength—Colossians—Josiah Kagin

Grace Baptist Church Audio PodcastFeb 24, 2025

00:00

47:19

Willing Volunteers—Strengthened by God—Josiah Kagin

Jerusalem had been a city in reproach, but now was well on its way to being a shining city on a hill once again. This was the work God had put into Nehemiah’s heart. The walls had been rebuilt providing them security and the hearts of the people were being revived by the Word of God providing them stability. While these steps were vital and in many way miraculous, Nehemiah still needed to lead another important step in the restoration of Jerusalem. In order to do so, he needed willing hearted volunteers. Many gladly gave of themselves to meet the need. May the Lord help us to do the same so that His work can go forward for His glory.

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Thanks for joining us for this episode and please take a moment to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoy this content, please don't hesitate to leave us a 5-star review and share this podcast with your friends. We'd like to extend an invitation to you and your family to join us for worship this week at Grace Baptist Church. We'd also love to connect with you online at https://gracekettering.org. Thanks again for checking out this episode, and we look forward to having you join us again right here on the Grace Baptist Church Podcast!

May 25, 202556:37

A Covenant to Obey—Strengthened by God—Josiah Kagin

After Nehemiah had led the rebuilding of the two and a half miles of walls surrounding the city of Jerusalem in just fifty-two days, he turned his attention to the spiritual restoration of the people. He understood that the success of Jerusalem would not be guaranteed by the new walls, but by a renewed commitment to God and His Word. As we come to this chapter, the people have been assembling together so that they could hear and apply the Word of God for past twenty-four days. Today we will observe how they united together in a covenant to obey the Word of God. Certainly they were being restored as a people! May we follow their example.

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May 18, 202556:09

A National Day of Prayer (Part 2) — Strengthened by God — Josiah Kagin

Nehemiah could have returned to Persia to his comfortable lifestyle and job, but he remained to continue to personally lead Israel in a spiritual renewal. After a week of reading the Word of God and remembering His faithfulness in the wilderness, we find the nation seeking the Lord in prayer and confession. They honored the Lord with their obedience and discovered the blessing of God on their lives and nation. May we do the same!

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

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May 11, 202556:40

A National Day of Prayer (Part 1) — Strengthened by God — Josiah Kagin

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May 04, 202501:00:33

Stay Alert—Colossians—Josiah Kagin

The Colossians had been urged to keep walking in Christ. If they would do so, they would be rooted and built up in Christ, stablished in the Gospel and abounding with thanksgiving. As they would walk daily in Christ, they needed to be aware of philosophies and empty deceptions that would manipulate them away from all they had in Jesus Christ. May we also stay alert so that we can enjoy the completeness that we have in our Savior.

Apr 28, 202548:59

Bring the Book (Part 2) — Strengthened by God — Josiah Kagin

The walls around Jerusalem have been rebuilt under the bold, faith filled leadership of Nehemiah. However, the work of God was not merely stonework, it was people work. Nehemiah helped the people by appointing leaders, assessing the citizenship of Jerusalem to ensure and led the people in acts of personal worship to the Lord. The restoration continued with a widespread hunger for the Word of God. Truly, this is one of the most incredible moves of God among His people since their return from captivity. Today we will see that is only one book in all the world that can restore a people and guide them into holy and happy living— it is the Word of God.

Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: But sin is a reproach to any people.

Note — Nehemiah is referenced in the third person in chapters 8-10. Ezra becomes the focal point. Serving God in the work of the Lord often allows us to serve together in very fulfilling ways.

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Apr 27, 202558:58

Rejected and Resurrected—Josiah Kagin

Follow Jesus from the Upper Room to Golgotha. Notice the rejection He faced from every imaginable direction. Isaiah 53:3 tells us that "He is despised and rejected of men...." Why did He have to endure all of this? He endured in so that man could be reconciled with the Father.

Apr 20, 202540:18

Able to Save—Easter 2025—Josiah Kagin

Can you remember a time you were in desperate need of help? You were out of strength and had no ability to help yourself. Maybe it during a season of sickness. Perhaps it was during a car accident or a in the midst of a mental breakdown. The helplessness we feel in those moments is terrifying. As we remember the torturous death and triumphant resurrection of Jesus Christ, we find a narrative of a helpless man who had no strength to save himself. We also see the unmatched ability of Jesus Christ to save Him.

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Apr 20, 202547:27

Keep Walking—Colossians—Josiah Kagin

Paul continued to disciple the Colossians believers so that they would be able to stand strong in the face of the the false teachers. He would help them to understand that Christ was all they needed for salvation and for sanctified living. In the same way they had received Christ, they needed to continue to walk with Christ every day. This would fortify them and enable them to remain true to Christ and His Word.

Apr 13, 202547:25

Bring the Book (Part 1)—Strengthened by God—Josiah Kagin

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Apr 06, 202559:49

Be Ye Reconciled—Midweek—Alex Milosevich

Could it be that the reason that the people around us are not seeing Christ in us is that we stopped experiencing Christ.

Apr 03, 202530:12

The Heart of an Authentic Minister—Colossians—Josiah Kagin

Paul is continuing to teach the Colossians about what authentic ministry really is. He continues by revealing his heart for them and demonstrates to all of us the authentic heart of a ministry. May we have this same heart for our fellow believers and those God has given us to lead.

Mar 31, 202542:53

People Matter To God — Strengthened By God — Josiah Kagin

Since Nehemiah first heard about the condition of Jerusalem and the people, it had been about eight months. Even though there was an incredible amount of opposition from the enemies of God surrounding Jerusalem, the walls were complete and the ten gates were installed. Nehemiah remained focused on God and continually sought Him for strength to accomplish His work. It would seem like a really good time to take a vacation. However, Nehemiah took immediate action on the next phase of restoring Jerusalem. It was no longer stonework, but people work. As we step into the second section of this book, we will see how God uses Nehemiah to restore the people of God. The lessons we will learn along the way will be vital for this season of our church family.

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Mar 30, 202556:39

The Standing Saint—Midweek—Robert Shaw

How is your stand for Christ? Paul gave vital instruction to believers about how to stand.

Mar 27, 202540:43

Overcoming the Opposition (Part 2)—Strengthened by God—Josiah Kagin

Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem have been working diligently as a team to rebuild the two and a half miles of broken down walls surrounding Jerusalem. For seventy-two years, the people had been living in a city that was vulnerable to enemy attack and disrespected by the surrounding nations. Now, the walls have been built! All that was left to accomplish was to install the ten gates around the city. However, as completion drew near, the enemies of God frantically sought for a way to stop God’s people from finishing the work. They used four different opposition tactics including distraction and intimidation as we learned in our last study together. Today, we will continue to learn from the example of Nehemiah and how he faced the opposition and saw the work to the finish with God’s strength.

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Mar 23, 202551:18

The Church United through Prayer—Midweek—Sam Ewen

Paul's pray for the Philippian believers was meaningful and a worthy example for our prayer for one another.

Mar 20, 202532:34

Authentic Ministry—Colossians—Josiah Kagin

The Colossians believers had been afflicted by the so called ministries of the false teachers. They had diminished the person of Christ and caused uncertainty within the new church. Paul was writing them to help ground them in the truth about Christ. He desired to fortify them against future influence from the false teachers by emphasizing what is authentic ministry. Let’s listen well so that we can avoid falling prey to false teachers.

Mar 17, 202501:01:15

Overcoming the Opposition (Part 1)—Strengthened by God—Josiah Kagin

As Nehemiah and the teams of laborers were nearing completion of the walls around Jerusalem, the opposition from the enemies in the surrounding regions intensified. Much of the opposition was directed at Nehemiah. The enemies came against him with multiple tactics trying frantically to stop the great work that was being accomplished. With Nehemiah in mind, one author stated, “Spiritual leaders must expect to be the targets of attack from Satan and his human allies.” Nehemiah did but overcame each attack with God’s help. Let’s allow his example to prepare us for the opposition we will face in the work God has given us to do.

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Mar 16, 202501:01:26

The Supremacy of Christ—Colossians—Josiah Kagin

Believers in the first century faced the constant winds of doctrines just like we do today. In the city of Colossi, the church was being afflicted by teachers who were suggesting that Christ was not all that they needed for salvation and living a life that was pleasing to God. They did not totally deny the person of Christ, they did demote Him in their teachings. When Epaphras, who first preached the Gospel in Colossi, reported the situation to the Apostle Paul, God led Paul by the Holy Spirit to pen a letter to the Colossians believers. This letter was intended to disciple them and ground them in the truth of Jesus Christ.

In a day of much doctrinal confusion around the person of Jesus Christ, this message is relevant and vital for every believer today!

Mar 10, 202556:29

Generosity in the Work—Strengthened by God—Josiah Kagin

Nehemiah and the people have been working wholeheartedly on the rebuildingof the two and a half miles of stone wall around the city of Jerusalem. God wasenabling them marvelously and giving them success even though the challengeswere meany. They have faced multiple menacing threats from their enemies inall the regions surrounding them. They navigated difficult internal challengeslike food shortages and the exploitive, self-serving actions of the rulers inJerusalem. In the midst of it all, Nehemiah continued to lead with boldness andgenerosity. Today, we will greatly benefit from Nehemiah’s personal journal entryconcerning his generosity and how it was demonstrated in his life. We will learn thatgenerosity is not about how much you have, but what you do with what you haveand the attitude with which you do it.

DEFINITION—GENEROSITY: the quality of being kind and generous; to give liberally; openhanded (Miriam-Webster)

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Mar 09, 202551:38

Living United Couples Retreat—Cincinnati

Your marriage is valuable and worth investment. We invite you to participate in the Living United Couples Retreat in Cincinnati, Ohio on March 21-22, 2025

Feb 26, 202522:47

The Pursuit of Pleasure — Winter Revival 2025 — Bobby Bosler

What drives your life? The pursuit of pleasure will always bring about discord, disappointment, distance and disloyalty. Yet, God has a strong desire to bring us back to Himself.

Feb 26, 202547:08

A Prayer for Strength—Colossians—Josiah Kagin

The Colossians need to be strengthen as a church in their understanding of Christ and all things that He had commanded. They were being afflicted by false teacher who had demoted Christ. They taught that they needed more than Christ to please God. Paul started by reminding them of the truth of the Gospel that had changed their lives. He continued by writing down his prayer for them.

Feb 24, 202547:19

Overcoming Internal Challenges—Strengthened by God—Josiah Kagin

The walls around Jerusalem were being built with stunning efficiency. The scheme that the enemies of the Lord’s work and God’s people had been exposed and thwarted. The people have been strengthened by God to continue in the work. In the midst of all these victories, a difficult challenge arose that truly would threaten the success of the work. It was not an external challenge, but an internal one. Let’s see how Nehemiah navigated this situation and so that the work could go forward for God’s glory.

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Feb 23, 202501:02:08

The Church United — Midweek — Sam Ewen

Paul wrote to the Philippian believers to encourage them to have unity. This message is still just as relevant today.

Feb 20, 202533:31

The Spread of the Gospel — A Strengthened Church — Josiah Kagin

As Paul reminds the Colossians believers of the truth of the Gospel that had radically changed their lives, he also noted how the Gospel had come to them.

All of us sit here tonight because the Gospel came to us.

How did it come to you?

How will it get to the next person?

Feb 17, 202556:20

Strength to Continue the Work—Strengthened by God—Josiah Kagin

Nehemiah and the people Jerusalem were halfway into the massive building project of rebuilding walls of Jerusalem. More than forty teams of workers had been working tirelessly to restore nearly two and a half miles of walls so that the city would again be protected and taken seriously. However, the burden of the work was growing heavier and the enemies opposing the work were increasing. It is one thing to start well, but to end well you must continue well even when faced with challenges. This is exactly what Nehemiah and the people did. May we do the same in the work that God has given us to do.

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Feb 16, 202555:24

God Our Refuge — Midweek — Robert Shaw

This psalm was written when David was fleeing from Saul and hid in a cave probably at Engedi on the. west bank of the Dead Sea. The psalm’s title “Al- task-heth” means “Destroy Not.” There are four of these psalms; 57, 58, 59 and 75. The psalm is divided into two parts ending with a refrain in verses 5 and 11.

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Feb 13, 202528:07

The Truth of the Gospel—Colossians—Josiah Kagin

It is the truth and clarity of the gospel that gives us a firm footing in the face of heresies. It is the truth that sets us free. Sometimes we wonder if we need to know all the ins and outs of errant doctrines in order to counteract them. This is not the case! We simply must know the truth. We need to be reminded of the truth.
Thanks for joining us for this episode and please take a moment to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoy this content, please don't hesitate to leave us a 5-star review and share this podcast with your friends. We'd like to extend an invitation to you and your family to join us for worship this week at Grace Baptist Church. We'd also love to connect with you online at https://gracekettering.org. Thanks again for checking out this episode, and we look forward to having you join us again right here on the Grace Baptist Church Podcast!

Feb 10, 202530:04

A Mind for the Work—Strengthened by God—Josiah Kagin

No matter the project we undertake, there are challenges that test our resolve. This was certainly the case for Nehemiah and the willing-hearted men and women of Jerusalem. God had put it in Nehemiah’s heart to rebuild the walls of the city so that the city would no longer be an international shame and that God’s name would be magnified. As Nehemiah recounted how God had been leading and opening doors for him, they joined him and declared with resolve, “Let us rise up and build.” As the work got underway, the surrounding enemies of God began to verbally opposed the people and the project. How they handled challenge provides us with practical and powerful steps for navigating through the challenges that test our resolve in the work of the Lord.

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Feb 09, 202501:00:06

Led By God—Midweek—Josiah Kagin

One of the most beloved passages of Scripture reminds that our God leads his people beside still waters. God is always leading His people. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” (John 10:27) Oftentimes we struggle to rest in and respond to the leading of God in our lives. In order to help us all follow the lead of our God more consistently, let's consider the account of God’s leading the children of Israel out of Egypt.

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Feb 05, 202533:15

This Do in Remembrance—Josiah Kagin

Jesus wanted believers to remember His sacrifice for them until He would return. This is the reason He instructed His followers to observe the Lord's Table.

Feb 03, 202530:55

Teaming Together in the Work—Strengthened by God—Josiah Kagin

We have all faced projects that were larger than we could handle on our own. That was the case for Nehemiah. He had relocated from Persia to Jerusalem because God had put it in his heart to rebuild the walls around the city of Jerusalem. It was a massive undertaking! The walls had been lying in ruin for over one hundred and forty years. After Nehemiah had surveyed the situation and made plans, he called the people together to share this mammoth vision with them. He testified of God’s faithful hand of blessing on him and how King Artaxerxes had given him the commission, time, passports and resources. The response of the people was the same and Nehemiah’s call to them, “Let us rise up and build.” Today, we will see what happens with God’s people team together in the work of the Lord.

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Feb 02, 202501:06:10

Three Musts of Ministry—Midweek—Alex Milosevich

Jesus made careful plans in order to minister to the woman at the well in Samaria. Let's learn three essentials from the Christ for ministering to people.

Jan 30, 202547:19

A Needed Word—Colossians—Josiah Kagin

As the churches of the first century were planted from Jerusalem to the uttermost parts of the world, commons challenges of persecution and heresy quickly developed. Satan does not plant, he seeks pluck up and plunder. The church at Colosse was planted by a faithful minister of Christ, Epaphras (1:17). Paul had received report about this church while confined in prison. There was much to rejoice about, however there was a heretical teaching that was threatening the church. This heresy centered around the sufficiency of Christ. It was not a denial of Christ, but a demoting of Christ. Paul’s heart was moved and so he wrote a needed epistle to help strengthen this church in the truth so they might do the will of God in Colossae.

Jan 27, 202530:27

Stepping Forward Toward the Work—Strengthened By God — Josiah Kagin

Have you ever been faced with a project that seemed overwhelming? Did you find that you had more questions than answers, more needs than provision and more tasks than time? Nehemiah was certainly in that position! The rebuilding of the walls in Jerusalem was a gigantic undertaking. However, as Nehemiah sought the God of Heaven for strength, God gave him the the backing that was needed to return to Jerusalem and lead the effort. Sometimes the hardest step in a project is the first step—just getting started. Nehemiah took the first step toward Jerusalem in faith and continued forward toward the accomplishment of the vision God had place in his heart. Let’s allow Nehemiah’s example to inspire our faith and commitment to the work God has put in our hearts to do.

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Jan 26, 202501:06:10

A Burden for the Work—Strengthened by God—Josiah Kagin

The walls around Jerusalem had been lying in ruing for over one hundred and forty years since the destruction of Judah by King Nebuchadnezzar. A remnant had returned from Babylon to the Jerusalem around seventy years before the time of today’s text. They had rebuilt the temple under the order of King Cyrus, but for various reasons the walls remained broken down causing the city to be in reproach and an international joke. Further, the people were afflicted with many problems. As Nehemiah this received the report from his heart was grieved over the need and burdened to return and rebuild the walls. He sought the God of Heaven in prayer for wisdom and strength. This he did for four months! He understood that without God’s strength, rebuilding the Jerusalem’s walls would be impossible. Today, we will see how God began to powerfully open doors for Nehemiah so that this work could be accomplished. We can depend on God to do the same.

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Jan 19, 202552:56

Seeking the God of Strength—Strengthened By God—Josiah Kagin

Nehemiah had received word in Persia, while serving King Artaxerxes, that the walls around the city of Jerusalem were still lying in ruin. This troubled him. A city without walls was a city without respect. The temple in Jerusalem had been rebuilt, but the walls were still in heaps.

Nehemiah sensed direction from the LORD to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the walls. The task was like a mountain. It was much larger than Nehemiah could handle on his own and would be met with significant opposition. This did not stop Nehemiah. He proceeded forward with much prayer and dependence upon God. His heart is seen in this key prayer, “O God, strengthen my hands.”

As we open up another year, we continue to embrace the task that God has given to us — to go into all the world and preach the Gospel. Related to this task is our personal growth, the raising of our families in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and our functioning part within the body of the church. The task is like a mountain. It is much larger than us and there will be opposition. Without the strength of God, we cannot succeed.

Collectively, may our sincere prayer be, “O God, strengthen my hands.”

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Jan 12, 202501:25:51

Focus Forward—Robert Shaw

There are many memories from the past that nag for our present attention. The Bible provides us with practical, actionable encouragement for believers to help us to focus forward.

Dec 30, 202444:26

The Wise Men's Search—Jesus is the Reason—Josiah Kagin

Have you ever had to search for something for days, even weeks? Perhaps it was a lost possession, a piece of information or a needed job? Searching requires an incredible amount of effort. The wise men of Matthew chapter two embarked on a wonderful search for Jesus Christ. Their search was diligent, full of faith in the pieces Scripture they had, aided by a God-given star, and it was very long. God was so good to reward them and lead them right to the house where Jesus was. We can learn a powerful lesson from their inspiring example and be encouraged that God will reward us as well as we seek Jesus in our day.

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Dec 29, 202401:05:42

Navigating Disorderliness—2 Thessalonians—Josiah Kagin

The church at Thessalonica was about a year old and had faced much persecution and were being perplexed by false teachers. They specifically were teach that the day of the Lord was already come. This caused questions believers who had died and what would happen to them. It also caused some believers to quit their jobs and lazily await the second coming of the Lord. In both letters, Paul addressed the false teaching by reminding them of what they had been taught and urging them to continue to be faithful to Christ. In our passage, Paul is specifically helping the church navigate the situation of those who were living disorderly lives and not working. It offers us important insight in how to walk through challenges.

Dec 09, 202441:37

Mary's Submission—Jesus is the Reason—Josiah Kagin

What would you do if God gave you an assignment that literally changed everything about your life? Would you run? Would you hesitate? Would you simply submit to His will? In contrast to all the busyness and noise of this season we are being reminded of that Jesus is the reason for the season. For the follower of Christ, Jesus ought to be the reason for everything that we do. We have seen that Joseph made choices by reason of Christ. Today, we will consider the moment when God gave Mary an assignment that would change everything she knew and how she would sweetly submit to God’s will because of Christ. May her testimony be our’s as well.

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Dec 08, 202459:41

It Doesn't Have to Be Hard—Midweek—Josiah Kagin

Life is not necessarily easy. In fact it can be very difficult. However, the decisions we make can cause it to be better or worse. Solomon provides his son, Rehoboam with a principle of life. Following God brings about favor while sinning against God cause difficulty in every arena of life. Lets gains some divine wisdom so that we can avoid the unnecessary hardness of life.

Dec 05, 202431:37

Take, Eat — Lord's Supper — Josiah Kagin

Have you have attended a memorial service but struggled to remain engaged? Christ gave an interactive memorial so that we would never forget what He did for us on Calvary.

Dec 02, 202421:13

Joseph's Choice — Jesus is the Reason — Josiah Kagin

We have all heard the saying, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” All around us we observe our secular society removing Christ as the focus of the Christmas. He has been replaced with extravagant gift-giving, festivities and a whole lot of busyness. In the midst of all of this, we as followers of Christ should remember that Jesus ought to be the reason for everything we do. This was the case for Joseph, the step-father of Christ. Let’s consider his example and see how Jesus became the reason for the choices Joseph made.

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Dec 01, 202458:15

Thank Full — Josiah Kagin

Salvation is the miracle of a moment and discipleship is the process of a lifetime. The day we began following Jesus, we started on a wonderful journey of being changed into the image of Christ. It is a daily, moment by moment process of putting of the old man (the way we used to live) and putting on the new man (the way Christ calls us to live). The Apostle Paul calls the believers in the church at Colossae to this kind of living with a very direct application to be full of thanks in both their assemblies and in their every day activities. In a day when gratitude is not popular, may we as followers of Christ receive this encouragement and live it out sincerely.

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Nov 24, 202454:11

Experiencing Life and Liberty — Midweek — Josiah Kagi

Have you noticed how that life is made up of moments. These moments are mostly practical as opposed to theoretical. In every moment we are faced with real choices between what is foolish and what is wise, what is our own way and what is God’s way. Whenever we go our own way we experience we experience destruction and bondage. Whenever we choose to go God’s way we experience life and liberty.

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Nov 21, 202432:17

Obedience Makes the Difference — Archie Perez

Jesus instructed Peter to cast his nets on the other side of the boat after he had been fishing all night. Though he had caught nothing before, he found through obedience an enormous catch. We also must obey the instruction of the Lord to seek to to wins souls to the Savior.

Nov 18, 202424:38

Return to Worship — Don't Back Down — Josiah Kagin

Jude wrote to encouraged the first-century believers facing the pressures and affliction of apostasy. He urged them to earnestly contend for the faith, be fully aware of the apostates and above all stay true to Jesus Christ. How could they accomplish this under so much pressure to compromise? The answer was worship, acknowledging the great worth of God. If they would stand and not back down in the face of apostasy, they would need regularly return to personally worshipping God. May we learn the importance of doing the same.

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Nov 17, 202401:01:11

They Did not Know God — Robert Shaw

"There arose a generation that knew not God." This is the sad statement we find in the book of Judges after God's people had received the blessing of the land from God. How did this happen then? How can we avoid this in our own day and in our own families?
Thanks for joining us for this episode and please take a moment to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoy this content, please don't hesitate to leave us a 5-star review and share this podcast with your friends. We'd like to extend an invitation to you and your family to join us for worship this week at Grace Baptist Church. We'd also love to connect with you online at https://gracekettering.org. Thanks again for checking out this episode, and we look forward to having you join us again right here on the Grace Baptist Church Podcast!

Nov 11, 202443:57