Marked by Grace

Marked by Grace is podcast ministry from Pastor Heath Lambert where he weekly applies the grace of Jesus to all of life.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Who Is God?

    Who is God? Pastor Heath Lambert presents six foundational truths from Scripture: God is real, spirit, creator, sovereign, perfect, and savior. This comprehensive teaching explains the nature of the God who made everything and offers salvation through Jesus Christ. Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction and the question 0:48 - The challenge: So much to say in 10 minutes 1:27 - Truth 1: God is real (Exodus 3:14) 2:20 - We all know God is real deep down 2:45 - Truth 2: God is spirit (John 4:24) 3:19 - Why invisibility doesn't defeat God's existence 3:44 - Truth 3: God is creator (Isaiah 40:28) 4:32 - Truth 4: God is sovereign (Psalm 115:3) 5:23 - The one being who does all He pleases 5:45 - Truth 5: God is perfect (Deuteronomy 32:4) 6:32 - Why God's perfection matters 6:59 - Truth 6: God is our savior (Titus 3:4-6) 7:43 - The terrible reality: We are not perfect 8:21 - God's mercy through Jesus Christ 9:11 - Final answer: Knowing God through salvation Key Topics Covered - God's Reality - Exodus 3:14 and the self-existent "I Am" - Universal Knowledge - Romans 1:19 and why everyone knows God exists - God as Spirit - John 4:24 and why God is invisible to our eyes - The Air Analogy - Why invisibility doesn't equal non-existence - God as Creator - Isaiah 40:28 and everything made by God - God's Sovereignty - Psalm 115:3 and divine control over all - The Only One Who Pleases - Why God alone does whatever He desires - God's Perfection - Deuteronomy 32:4 and complete righteousness - Trust in God's Justice - Why we can have confidence in His reign - Our Imperfection Problem - The contrast between God's perfection and our sin - God as Savior - Titus 3:4-6 and salvation through grace not works - The Gospel Path - How knowing ourselves as sinners leads to knowing God as Savior - Complete Knowledge - How salvation opens the door to fully knowing God Scripture References Exodus 3:14 - God's name as "I Am Who I Am" Romans 1:19 - What can be known about God is plain John 4:24 - God is spirit Isaiah 40:28 - The Lord as everlasting God and creator Psalm 115:3 - Our God does all that He pleases Deuteronomy 32:4 - God's work is perfect, all His ways are just Titus 3:4-6 - God our Savior appeared in mercy through Christ Like this episode? Subscribe for more biblical teaching from Marked by Grace. Share your thoughts in the comments below about which of these six truths about God most impacts you. Have a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

    10 min
  2. 26 JAN

    What Is Life?

    What is life really? Pastor Heath Lambert explains that life is both a physical and spiritual reality - given by God, lost through sin, and restored through Jesus Christ. This foundational teaching clarifies what it means to be truly alive. Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction and the question 0:36 - Not philosophical, but basic and relevant 1:19 - Life is two things in Scripture 1:36 - Part 1: Life as physical reality 1:47 - Four categories: Non-living, organic, animated, reasonable 3:23 - Part 2: Life as spiritual reality 3:49 - Human beings: Physical body plus spiritual life 4:37 - Genesis 2:7: Dust plus breath equals living creature 5:26 - Both physical and spiritual life lost through sin 5:40 - Genesis 2:17: Warning about the tree 6:10 - Spiritual and physical death happen at different times 6:34 - Adam and Eve die spiritually immediately, physically later 7:14 - Life restored through Jesus Christ 8:18 - 1 Corinthians 15:22: In Adam all die, in Christ all made alive 9:06 - John 11: Believers live even though they die 9:23 - Final answer: Life from God, lost through sin, restored in Christ Key Topics Covered - Not Just Philosophy - Why this basic question matters practically - Physical Life Categories - Non-living creatures, organic life, animated life, reasonable creatures - The Daffodil and the Coyote - Examples of different levels of physical life - Human Uniqueness - Why humans are more than just physical or animated - Spiritual Life Defined - God's spirit in our physical body creating human life - Genesis 2:7 Formula - Dust plus divine breath equals living creature - Unspeakably Precious - The value of human life combining both aspects - Life Lost Through Sin - Genesis 2:17 warning about death - Two Deaths at Different Times - Spiritual death immediate, physical death eventual - Born Spiritually Dead - Why we come into existence separated from God - The Adam Connection - All humanity born into Adam's death - Life Restored in Christ - 1 Corinthians 15:22 promise of resurrection - Spiritual Life First - Believers made alive immediately before God - Physical Life Later - The promise of resurrected bodies at Christ's return Scripture References Genesis 2:7 - God formed man from dust and breathed life into him Genesis 2:17 - Warning about eating from the tree and death 1 Corinthians 15:22 - In Adam all die, in Christ all made alive John 11:25 - Believers will live even though they die Ephesians 2:1 - Born dead in trespasses and sins About The Ten Commandments Book Heath Lambert's new book "The Ten Commandments: A Short Book for Normal People" is now available. This accessible guide explains how God's commands apply to modern life without requiring theological education. Perfect for personal study, evangelism, or gifts to friends, neighbors, and family. Order now and download a free chapter at fbcjax.com/tencommandments Have a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

    10 min
  3. 19 JAN

    What Is the Church?

    What is the church really? Pastor Heath Lambert explains that the church isn't a building or a place - it's the blood-bought people of Jesus, both local and global, identified with Christ and accomplishing His purposes in the world. This foundational teaching clarifies what most Christians misunderstand. Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction and the question 0:40 - Most Christians would stumble on this answer 1:46 - The short answer begins with Jesus 1:56 - Titus 2:14: Jesus purified a people for Himself 2:42 - The church is the people of Jesus 3:27 - The church as an organic group, not a building 3:49 - 1 Corinthians 1:2: Two ways to talk about the church 4:35 - The local church in a specific place 4:59 - The global church in every place 5:56 - The church is identified with Jesus 6:12 - Acts 9:4: Persecuting the church is persecuting Jesus 7:24 - The church as the body of Christ 7:46 - Other metaphors: Bride, vine and branches 8:24 - The church accomplishes Jesus's purposes 8:42 - Ephesians 3:10: Making God's wisdom known 9:16 - 1 Timothy 3:15: Pillar and buttress of truth Key Topics Covered - Common Misunderstandings - Why most Christians can't properly define the church - Jesus as Starting Point - Titus 2:14 and the foundation of the church - Blood-Bought People - Those redeemed from lawlessness who trust in Christ - Not a Building - Why the church is people, not places or structures - Two Dimensions - Local assemblies and the global body of believers - Local Church - Believers gathering in a specific geographic location - Global Church - All believers across the world in every place - Identified with Christ - Acts 9:4 showing Jesus's unity with His people - Body of Christ - The church as Christ's organism in the world - Bride of Christ - The marriage metaphor showing intimate unity - Vine and Branches - Jesus as source, church dependent on Him - Accomplishing His Purposes - How Jesus works through the church today - Pillar of Truth - The church as God's means of proclaiming truth to the world Scripture References Titus 2:14 - Jesus purified a people for His own possession 1 Corinthians 1:2 - The church locally and globally Acts 9:4 - Saul persecuting Jesus by persecuting the church Ephesians 3:10 - God's wisdom made known through the church 1 Timothy 3:15 - The church as pillar and buttress of truth About The Ten Commandments Book Heath Lambert's new book "The Ten Commandments: A Short Book for Normal People" is now available. This accessible guide explains how God's commands apply to modern life without requiring theological education. Perfect for personal study, evangelism, or gifts to friends, neighbors, and family. Order now and download a free chapter at fbcjax.com/tencommandments Like this episode? Subscribe for more biblical teaching from Marked by Grace. Share your thoughts in the comments below about how understanding the church as people rather than a place changes your perspective. Have a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

    10 min
  4. 12 JAN

    Who Is Jesus?

    Who is Jesus Christ? Pastor Heath Lambert tackles the most important question in human history by explaining Jesus's person (fully God and fully man) and His work (living, dying, and rising for sinners). This foundational teaching reveals why your response to Jesus matters more than anything else. Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction and the question 0:43 - Why this is both important and challenging to answer 1:55 - Two parts: Person and work of Jesus 2:26 - Part 1: Who is Jesus in His person? 2:35 - Jesus is God (Romans 9:5) 3:50 - Jesus is man (1 Timothy 2:5) 4:53 - Jesus is fully God and fully man together 5:20 - Two natures in one person 5:44 - The broccoli illustration about understanding mysteries 6:45 - Part 2: What did Jesus do? 7:03 - Jesus lived, died, and rose for sinners 7:40 - Romans 4:25: Delivered for our sins, raised for our justification 8:16 - Why only Jesus could save us 8:44 - Why this question matters more than any other 9:13 - Hebrews 8:1: Jesus exalted in heaven now 9:50 - Your required response: Worship and trust Key Topics Covered - The Challenge of the Question - Why there's so much to say about Jesus - Jesus as God - Romans 9:5 and His divine nature as second person of the Trinity - Jesus as Man - 1 Timothy 2:5 and His true humanity, not just appearance - Fully God and Fully Man - The hypostatic union of two natures in one person - Not 50/50 But 100/100 - Understanding Jesus isn't partly divine and partly human - The Mystery We Accept - Why difficulty understanding doesn't mean it's untrue - Jesus's Perfect Life - Never sinning in thought, word, or deed - Substitutionary Death - Punished for our sins so we receive His blessings - Resurrection Victory - Rising from the grave to justify believers - Why Only Jesus Could Save - Needing both divinity and humanity to pay for sin - The Most Important Question - Why your response to Jesus determines everything - Jesus Exalted Now - Currently seated at God's right hand in heaven - The Required Response - Turning from sin, trusting Christ, worshiping forever Scripture References Romans 9:5 - Jesus is God over all, blessed forever 1 Timothy 2:5 - The man Christ Jesus as mediator Romans 4:25 - Delivered for our sins, raised for our justification Hebrews 8:1 - Jesus seated at the right hand of God's throne Jonah 2:9 - Salvation is from the Lord About The Ten Commandments Book Heath Lambert's new book "The Ten Commandments: A Short Book for Normal People" is now available. This accessible guide explains how God's commands apply to modern life without requiring theological education. Perfect for personal study, evangelism, or gifts to friends, neighbors, and family. Order now and download a free chapter at fbcjax.com/tencommandments Like this episode? Subscribe for more biblical teaching from Marked by Grace. Share your thoughts in the comments below about how understanding who Jesus is has changed your life. Have a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

    10 min
  5. 5 JAN

    What Is Sin?

    Everyone uses the word "sin," but what does it actually mean? Pastor Heath Lambert kicks off 2026 by answering this fundamental question using Romans 3:23-24, revealing why sin is more than just breaking rules - it's falling short of God's glory, and why that matters for the gospel. Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction: First episode of 2026 0:49 - The question: What is sin? 1:15 - We use words we don't really understand 1:52 - Disagreement about what sins are 2:45 - Romans 3:23: Falling short of God's glory 3:51 - The standard: God's perfect holiness 4:46 - Sin as falling short of the standard 5:11 - Practical reality 1: God defines sin, not us 5:50 - Don't add to God's list of sins 6:06 - Example: Is eating pizza a sin? 6:30 - Don't cross off sins from God's list 6:53 - God's glory as the standard in His Word 7:07 - The result: Guilt and punishment 7:25 - Romans 3:24: Justified by grace through redemption 7:56 - Redemption as economic transaction 8:46 - Final answer: Sin, guilt, and gospel hope Key Topics Covered The Universal Word - How everyone uses "sin" but with different meanings Common Misconceptions - The property example and sexual behavior debates Romans 3:23 Definition - Falling short of the glory of God The Divine Standard - God's infinite righteousness, glory, and holiness Two Dangerous Errors - Adding sins God didn't name and removing sins He did The Pizza Illustration - Why we can't make up our own list of sins Cultural Pushback - When society rejects biblical definitions of sin God's Word as Authority - Why Scripture alone defines what sin is Sin as Debt - The financial metaphor for our spiritual condition The Gospel Solution - Romans 3:24 and redemption through Christ Justified by Grace - How Christ's righteousness covers our sin debt Scripture References Romans 3:23 - All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God Romans 3:24 - Justified by grace through redemption in Christ Jesus About The Ten Commandments Book Heath Lambert's new book "The Ten Commandments: A Short Book for Normal People" is now available. This accessible guide explains how God's commands apply to modern life without requiring theological education. Perfect for personal study, evangelism, or gifts to friends, neighbors, and family. Order now and download a free chapter at fbcjax.com/tencommandments Like this episode? Subscribe for more biblical teaching from Marked by Grace. Share your thoughts in the comments below about how understanding sin as falling short of God's glory changes your perspective. Happy New Year! Have a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

    9 min
  6. 28/12/2025

    Favorite Books of the Year

    What were the best books of 2025? Pastor Heath Lambert shares not just two, but six of his favorite books from this year - including Tolkien's classic adventure, a contemporary novel with masterful prose, Churchill's wartime leadership, and Jonathan Edwards on heaven. If you're looking for your next great read, this episode delivers. Timestamps 0:00 - Welcome to the final episode of 2025 0:33 - Annual book recommendations tradition 1:02 - Breaking the old two-book constraint 2:13 - Six favorite books from 2025 2:52 - Book 1: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien 4:47 - Book 2: Theo of Golden by Alan Levi 8:46 - Book 3: The Life of Martin Lloyd-Jones by Iain Murray 12:35 - Book 4: The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson 17:32 - Book 5: On Theology by John M. Frame 20:38 - Book 6: Heaven is a World of Love by Jonathan Edwards 22:18 - Looking forward to 2026 reading Key Topics Covered Reading as a Hobby - Heath's love for books and why he reads extensively The Hobbit - Tolkien's masterful children's story that adults will love Theo of Golden - A contemporary novel with beautiful writing and gospel implications Martin Lloyd-Jones Biography - The influential 20th-century preacher who prioritized God's Word Churchill and the Blitz - Larson's gripping history of Britain's darkest hour Contemporary Theology - Frame's accessible reflections on major theological debates Jonathan Edwards on Heaven - A short classic about love and the world to come Masterful Writing - Examples of excellent prose from multiple genres Historical Heroes - Why Churchill and Lloyd-Jones matter for today Gospel Living - How good literature helps us be salt and light Book List Summary The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien - Classic fantasy adventure Theo of Golden by Alan Levi - Contemporary novel with beautiful prose The Life of Martin Lloyd-Jones by Iain Murray - Biography of influential preacher The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson - Churchill and the Battle of Britain On Theology by John M. Frame - Accessible theological reflections Heaven is a World of Love by Jonathan Edwards - Short classic on love and eternity About The Ten Commandments Book Heath Lambert's new book "The Ten Commandments: A Short Book for Normal People" is now available. This accessible guide explains how God's commands apply to modern life without requiring theological education. Perfect for personal study, evangelism, or gifts to friends, neighbors, and family. Order now and download a free chapter at fbcjax.com/tencommandments Have a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

    23 min
  7. 22/12/2025

    Christmas Traditions: Kissing Under the Mistletoe

    How did a parasitic plant become one of Christmas's most romantic traditions? Pastor Heath Lambert explores the fascinating origins of mistletoe - from its festive aesthetics to ancient pagan symbolism to surprising biblical connections. Merry Christmas from Marked by Grace! Timestamps 0:00 - Annual Christmas traditions series 1:48 - This year's topic: Kissing under the mistletoe 1:54 - Why a parasite became a Christmas tradition 2:34 - Personal Lambert family mistletoe story 3:10 - Three explanations: Aesthetics, pagan symbolism, biblical connection 3:33 - Explanation 1: The aesthetics - green, red, white in winter 4:26 - Explanation 2: Ancient druid beliefs about mistletoe 4:36 - Magical powers and fertility symbolism 5:20 - From fertility symbol to pledge of marriage 5:33 - Incorporation into 1700s Christmas celebrations 5:46 - The berry-picking tradition and kiss limits 6:34 - Explanation 3: Biblical connection to the holy kiss 7:04 - 1 Corinthians 16:20: Greet one another with a holy kiss 7:31 - Cultural vs. normative aspects of the command 8:11 - Mistletoe as opportunity for Christian affection Key Topics Covered Annual Christmas Tradition - Marked by Grace's yearly exploration of Christmas customs Mistletoe as Parasite - Understanding what mistletoe actually is botanically Aesthetic Appeal - Red berries, green leaves, white flowers in dark winter months Why Red and Green - The natural colors that define Christmas decorations Ancient Druid Beliefs - How pagans saw mistletoe as magical and fertile Fertility Symbolism - Growth in dead winter leading to magical associations Evolution to Romance - From fertility symbol to marriage pledge to Christmas kiss The Berry Tradition - Historical limits on kissing that were quickly abandoned Biblical Holy Kiss - New Testament commands to greet with affection Cultural Adaptation - How the principle of affectionate greeting transcends the specific form Scripture References 1 Corinthians 16:20 - Greet one another with a holy kiss About The Ten Commandments Book Heath Lambert's new book "The Ten Commandments: A Short Book for Normal People" is now available. This accessible guide explains how God's commands apply to modern life without requiring theological education. Perfect for personal study, evangelism, or gifts to friends, neighbors, and family. Order now and download a free chapter at fbcjax.com/tencommandments Have a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

    9 min
  8. 15/12/2025

    Going to a Dangerous Mission Field

    Is it wise to go to a dangerous country for missions, or is it reckless to risk your life? Pastor Heath Lambert examines two contrasting examples from Paul's ministry that reveal the surprising answer: It depends on your calling, not your safety. Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction and the question 1:01 - Connection to Christmas on Mission sermon series 1:27 - Jesus as the greatest missionary 2:06 - The question about dangerous mission fields 2:56 - The answer: It depends 3:19 - Biblical example 1: Paul flees danger (Acts 9:23-25) 4:44 - Apostolic example of preserving life and fleeing 5:30 - Biblical example 2: Paul runs into danger (Acts 20:22-23) 6:45 - Paul knows danger awaits but goes anyway 7:28 - Two contradictory examples from the same missionary 8:05 - How do you know which to do? 8:28 - Acts 20:24: The key to Paul's decision-making 9:08 - The question is not about your safety 9:41 - The question is about finishing your course 10:02 - Paul flees to continue preaching, runs to danger to preach 10:41 - What you must figure out: Your calling 11:13 - Personal example: Heath's calling to Jacksonville 12:15 - Give up safety, pursue Jesus, trust God Key Topics Covered Christmas and Missions - How the incarnation argues for going on mission Jesus the Missionary - The second person of the Trinity leaving heaven for earth The Safety Dilemma - Wisdom versus recklessness in dangerous missions Paul Fleeing Damascus - Acts 9 example of preserving life by escaping danger Paul Running to Jerusalem - Acts 20 example of embracing danger despite warnings Two Opposite Responses - How the same missionary handled danger differently Acts 20:24 Framework - Not accounting life as precious, finishing the course The Real Question - Not safety but calling and gospel ministry Discerning Your Calling - Prayer, family, trusted believers, and pastoral counsel Personal Application - Heath's own calling to stay in Jacksonville despite threats The Mission Priority - Life has value only in service to God's call Scripture References Acts 9:23-25 - Paul escapes Damascus in a basket Acts 20:22-24 - Paul goes to Jerusalem knowing danger awaits Acts 20:24 - Not accounting life as precious, finishing the ministry About The Ten Commandments Book Heath Lambert's new book "The Ten Commandments: A Short Book for Normal People" is now available. This accessible guide explains how God's commands apply to modern life without requiring theological education. Perfect for personal study, evangelism, or gifts to friends, neighbors, and family. Order now and download a free chapter at fbcjax.com/tencommandments Have a question you'd like answered? Send it to markedbygrace@fbcjax.com

    13 min

About

Marked by Grace is podcast ministry from Pastor Heath Lambert where he weekly applies the grace of Jesus to all of life.

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