All Things For Good

Josh Strelecki

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Christianity
Updated Daily

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God." All Things For Good is a podcast rooted in that conviction. Pastor Josh Strelecki opens Scripture each episode to teach believers what the Bible actually says — about God, about Christ, about salvation, and about life in the grace of God. www.beholding-christ.com

Aug 4

Edification & Service

Ep. 19 - Edification & Service EPISODE SUMMARY What is actually happening when the church gathers -- and what is supposed to be happening? The church has become consumeristic, judged by atmosphere and programs, and the believer who comes only to receive has misunderstood it entirely. Pastor Josh examines edification and service as the twin purposes of the gathered church. Edification begins with the faithful preaching of the Word -- God must reveal Himself to us through Scripture faithfully taught. That Word then flows outward in service: bearing one another's burdens, provoking one another to love and good works, and restoring in the spirit of meekness. Every member is necessary. The church grows as every member invests in others through truth and love. ---------- KEY SCRIPTURES - 1 Corinthians 11:17 -- Coming together for the worse - 2 Timothy 4:2 -- Preach the word - Psalm 19:1, 7 -- General and special revelation - Ephesians 4:15-16 -- Every joint supplying - Galatians 5:13 -- By love serve one another - Galatians 6:1-2 -- Bear one another's burdens - Hebrews 10:24-25 -- Provoke unto love and good works - 1 Corinthians 12:7 -- Every member necessary ---------- EPISODE OUTLINE 1. The consumeristic church -- judged by atmosphere, not Word and service 2. Coming together for the better -- 1 Corinthians 11:17 3. The preaching of the Word -- 2 Timothy 4:2 4. General and special revelation -- Psalm 19 5. Edification defined -- the Word building up the inner man 6. Every joint supplying -- Ephesians 4:15-16 7. By love serve one another -- Galatians 5:13 8. Bear one another's burdens -- Galatians 6:1-2 9. Every member necessary -- 1 Corinthians 12:7 ---------- ABOUT ALL THINGS FOR GOOD All Things for Good is a biblical teaching podcast hosted by Pastor Josh Strelecki of Twin Cities Grace Fellowship in Roseville, Minnesota. Sound doctrine, plain expository teaching. New episodes weekly. Website: https://beholding-christ.com Church: https://twincitiesgracefellowship.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.beholding-christ.com/subscribe
Jul 28

Worship

Ep. 18 - Worship EPISODE SUMMARY When you think about worship, what comes to mind first? Most Christians think about music -- the lights, the atmosphere, the Sunday service. But Pastor Josh examines what the Bible actually says worship is. Starting with John 4:23-24, where the Lord tells the Samaritan woman that true worshipers worship the Father in spirit and in truth, he traces the doctrine through Psalm 51, Ephesians 3, Colossians 3, and Philippians 3, showing that worship is not an external compulsion but the inward overflow of a heart quickened by the Spirit and shaped by the Word. Worship without truth drifts into idolatry. Truth without the Spirit becomes empty ritual. Romans 12:1 brings it together: a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God -- the believer as a 24-7 worshiper in every word, deed, and decision. ---------- KEY SCRIPTURES - John 4:23-24 -- Worship in spirit and in truth - Psalm 51:16-17 -- A broken and contrite heart - Ephesians 3:16-17 -- Strengthened with might in the inner man - Colossians 3:16-17 -- Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly - Philippians 3:3 -- We are the circumcision, worshiping God in the spirit - John 17:17 -- Sanctify them through thy truth - Ephesians 6:6 -- Doing the will of God from the heart - Romans 12:1 -- A living sacrifice, reasonable service - 1 Corinthians 6:20 -- Glorify God in your body ---------- EPISODE OUTLINE 1. The first association -- music, lights, Sunday services 2. The opening question -- what if all of that disappeared? 3. Worship involves all of life 4. John 4 -- worship is not about a place but the heart 5. Psalm 51 -- a broken and contrite spirit 6. Ephesians 3 -- strengthened in the inner man 7. Colossians 3 -- the word of Christ dwelling richly 8. Philippians 3:3 -- worship in the spirit, no confidence in the flesh 9. Worship is gratitude 10. Truth governs worship 11. Spirit without truth, truth without spirit -- the two failures 12. Romans 12:1 -- the living sacrifice 13. A 24-7 worshiper ---------- ABOUT ALL THINGS FOR GOOD All Things for Good is a biblical teaching podcast hosted by Pastor Josh Strelecki of Twin Cities Grace Fellowship in Roseville, Minnesota. Sound doctrine, plain expository teaching. New episodes weekly. Website: https://beholding-christ.com Church: https://twincitiesgracefellowship.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.beholding-christ.com/subscribe
Jul 14

The Church

Ep. 17 - The Church Episode Description What is the church? Is it a denomination? A building? A Sunday gathering? Many are fleeing the local church today -- and yet many who stay have never stopped to ask what the church actually is, what it is for, and what God has called them to participate in as a member of it. Few questions are more foundational for the Christian life. In this episode, Pastor Josh lays the doctrinal foundation for a multi-episode series on the church. He distinguishes the universal church -- the body of Christ, comprised of every believer across history and geography who has trusted in the gospel -- from the local church, the visible expression of that body gathered in a specific place. He examines how a person enters the body of Christ (by Spirit baptism, not water), what the church is for (the pillar and ground of the truth, the ambassador of reconciliation, the equipping of the saints), and how unity and diversity work together within the body. Every member has a role. No member is insignificant. And the gathering together of the local church is not optional -- it is the practical living out of an eternal identity. Key Scriptures 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 -- One Body, Many Members For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 1 Corinthians 1:2 -- The Church of God Which Is at Corinth Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours. 1 Corinthians 4:17 -- My Ways Which Be in Christ, as I Teach in Every Church For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. Ephesians 1:22-23 -- The Fulness of Him That Filleth All in All And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Romans 12:4-5 -- Many Members in One Body For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 1 Timothy 3:15 -- The Pillar and Ground of the Truth But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 -- Ambassadors for Christ And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. Ephesians 4:11-12 -- Equipping the Saints for the Work of the Ministry And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:15-16 -- Speaking the Truth in Love But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. Hebrews 10:24-25 -- Not Forsaking the Assembling Together And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Episode Outline * What Is the Church? -- Not a building, not a denomination, but God’s people in Christ * Two Senses in Scripture -- Universal and local * The Universal Church -- The body of Christ, across history and geography * The Local Church -- The visible expression of the body gathered in a specific place * How You Enter the Body of Christ -- Spirit baptism at the moment of faith in the gospel * How You Enter the Local Church -- No extra mandates beyond faith in Christ * The Purpose of the Church -- The pillar and ground of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15) * Ambassadors for Christ -- Entrusted with the word and ministry of reconciliation * Equipping the Saints -- Leaders equip; every member participates in the work of the ministry * Unity and Diversity -- One body, many members, each with a God-given role * Diversity That Produces Growth -- Every joint supplies; no member is insignificant * Do Not Forsake the Assembling -- Hebrews 10:24-25 and gathering for the better * Live in Both Realities -- Eternally part of the body, practically part of a local church Questions Discussed * What is the church -- is it a denomination, a building, or something else entirely? * What is the difference between the universal church and the local church? * How does a person enter the body of Christ? * Should there be extra requirements beyond faith in Christ to be part of a local church? * What is the purpose God has given the church today? * How are unity and diversity meant to work together in the body of Christ? * Is your role in the local church significant -- even if it does not feel like it? * If you are a believer, are you living out your eternal identity practically in a local church? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.beholding-christ.com/subscribe
Jul 7

Baptism - The One That Actually Matters

Ep. 16 - Baptism Episode Description Do you need to be water baptized to be saved? As a believer, should you be water baptized? What even is water baptism — and why does Matthew 3 mention three baptisms while Ephesians 4 declares there is only one? Few doctrines in Christianity have generated more controversy, more confusion, and more division than baptism. And yet the confusion may trace back to one assumption: that baptism always means water. In this episode, Pastor Josh examines the doctrine of baptism from the ground up. He traces water baptism to its origins as a carnal ordinance under the law — an outward washing that pointed to an inward spiritual reality it could never itself produce. He shows from Hebrews 9 that those carnal ordinances had a timeline and an ending point. He walks through the many baptisms of Scripture — the dry baptism unto Moses, John’s water baptism, Christ’s baptism with the Holy Ghost and with fire — and asks: which one is the one baptism of Ephesians 4? The answer is found in Romans 6 and Colossians 2: the operation of God by the Spirit, without hands, identifying the believer in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ the moment they believe the gospel. No water. No ceremony. No event on a Sunday. The Spirit of God does it — completely, permanently, and without any human hand. Key Scriptures Hebrews 9:8–10 — Carnal Ordinances Imposed Until the Time of Reformation The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. Hebrews 9:13–14 — The Blood of Christ Purges the Conscience For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Hebrews 6:1–2 — The Doctrine of Baptisms Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. Matthew 3:11 — Three Baptisms, Two Baptizers, One Verse I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. 1 Corinthians 10:2 — Baptized unto Moses And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 1 Corinthians 1:17 — Christ Sent Me Not to Baptize, but to Preach the Gospel For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. Ephesians 4:4–5 — One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism. Romans 6:1–4 — Baptized into His Death What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Colossians 2:11–12 — The Operation of God Without Hands In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 1 Corinthians 12:13 — By One Spirit Baptized into One Body For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. Episode Outline * Why Do You Automatically Think Water? — The unexamined assumption behind most baptism teaching * What Water Baptism Was — A carnal ordinance, an outward washing pointing to an inward spiritual reality * The Old Testament Background — Diverse washings, purifications, and the first sanctuary (Hebrews 9) * A Timeline and an Ending Point — Carnal ordinances imposed until the time of reformation * The Shift in Acts 10 — The Spirit falling before water baptism; the order begins to change * Paul Sent Not to Baptize — Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel (1 Corinthians 1:17) * The Doctrine of Baptisms — Scripture acknowledges more than one (Hebrews 6:1–2) * Three Baptisms in One Verse — Matthew 3:11 and the two baptizers * The Baptism unto Moses — 1 Corinthians 10 and the dry passage through the Red Sea * The One Baptism of Ephesians 4 — Which one of the many is it? * Romans 6 — Baptized into Christ’s Death, Burial, and Resurrection * The Operation of God Without Hands — Colossians 2 and what no pastor or priest can do * One Spirit, One Body — 1 Corinthians 12:13 and the baptism of baptisms * What the Believer Needs to Know — Not water, not an event, but the Spirit’s work at the moment of faith Questions Discussed * Why do you automatically think water when you hear the word baptism? * Do you need to be water baptized to be saved? * As a believer, should you be water baptized? * What is water baptism — and where does it come from? * Why does Matthew 3 mention three baptisms while Ephesians 4 declares there is only one? * When did carnal ordinances reach their ending point — and has the church recognized that? * If the Spirit of God has already identified you in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, what does water add? * Which baptism is the one baptism of Ephesians 4? * What did the Spirit of God do for you the moment you believed the gospel? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.beholding-christ.com/subscribe
Jun 30

Law vs Grace

Ep. 15 - Law vs Grace Episode Description Does the law play any role in making a believer holy? What changes when a Christian fully lives under grace instead of the law? Few questions cause more confusion in Christianity than these — and few are more urgent to answer rightly. Many would say they are saved by keeping the law. Many believers still treat the law as their daily power source. But what does Scripture actually say? In this episode, Pastor Josh examines law and grace as two ministrations and two operating systems. The law is holy, just, and good — Romans 7 will not let us say otherwise. But the law cannot justify the sinner, because it demands the flesh to perform what the flesh cannot do. And the law cannot sanctify the believer, because it functions as the strength of sin rather than the source of righteousness. Pastor Josh walks through Romans 3, Romans 6, Romans 7, 1 Corinthians 15, and 2 Corinthians 3, distinguishes the ministration of death from the ministration of the Spirit, and lands where the Apostle Paul lands — beholding the glory of the Lord, and being changed from glory to glory by the Spirit. The law shows us what we cannot do. Grace gives us what we could never earn. Key Scriptures Romans 3:19–22 — By the Law Is the Knowledge of Sin Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe. Romans 3:24 — Justified Freely by His Grace Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Romans 5:20 — Where Sin Abounded, Grace Did Much More Abound Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. Romans 6:14 — Not Under the Law, but Under Grace For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. Romans 7:5–7 — The Motions of Sins Which Were by the Law For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. Romans 8:3 — What the Law Could Not Do For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh. 1 Corinthians 15:55–56 — The Strength of Sin Is the Law O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. Galatians 3:24 — The Law as Schoolmaster Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 2 Corinthians 3:7–9 — Two Ministrations But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. 2 Corinthians 3:17–18 — Changed from Glory to Glory Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. James 2:10 — Guilty of All For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. Galatians 5:1 — Stand Fast in the Liberty Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Episode Outline * The Opening Questions — Does the law make a believer holy? What changes under grace? * Why So Much Confusion — The widespread misunderstanding of the law * The Law Is Holy, Just, and Good — Romans 7 will not let us say otherwise * The Three Parts of the Law — Moral, ceremonial, and civil * The Law Exposes Sin — Romans 3 and the knowledge of sin * The Strength of Sin — 1 Corinthians 15 and how the law arms sin against us * The Law Cannot Justify — No flesh shall be justified by the deeds of the law * The Law Cannot Sanctify — Romans 7 and 8 on the weakness of the flesh * Two Ministrations — Death and condemnation, or Spirit and righteousness (2 Corinthians 3) * Grace Gives What the Law Could Only Show — The righteousness of God without the law * Under Grace, Not Under the Law — Romans 6:14 as the believer’s position * Two Operating Systems — Law and flesh, or grace and the Spirit * Stand Fast in the Liberty — Don’t go back to the yoke of bondage (Galatians 5) * Behold and Be Changed — From glory to glory by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18) Questions Discussed * Does the law play any role in making a believer holy? * What changes when a Christian fully lives under grace instead of the law? * If the law is wholly just and good, why is it called the ministration of death? * Why is the law called the strength of sin? * How can the law be holy, just, and good — and yet no one be justified by it? * What is the difference between the ministration of death and the ministration of the Spirit? * Are you a believer who thinks the way to please God is by living under the law? * What does it mean to behold the glory of the Lord and be changed from glory to glory? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.beholding-christ.com/subscribe
Jun 23

Israel, the Church, Their Futures

Ep. 14 - Israel, the Church, Their Futures Episode Description Have you ever wondered why so much space in the Bible is given to the nation of Israel? Why most of the Bible is not written directly to you? What is Israel’s purpose, and how is that distinct from what God is doing today? And what does any of this have to do with how you live as a Christian? In this episode, Pastor Josh continues the series on rightly handling the Word of God by examining the two great peoples in Scripture — Israel and the church — and the futures God has appointed for each. Israel was promised by God to be a great nation, the head of the nations, with an earthly kingdom established through the seed of the woman, the Lord Jesus Christ. The church, by contrast, was a mystery hid in God and revealed to the Apostle Paul — a body comprised of Jew and Gentile alike, no longer under the law but under grace, with a heavenly rather than earthly calling. Pastor Josh walks from Genesis 12 through Daniel 2 and into Ephesians 3, distinguishes Peter’s apostleship from Paul’s, and shows why this distinction matters profoundly for daily Christian living: you don’t want to apply to yourself what was revealed for a different people in a different time. Key Scriptures Genesis 12:1–3 — The Promise to Abram Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Deuteronomy 28:13 — The Head, and Not the Tail And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them. Deuteronomy 4:5–8 — Your Wisdom in the Sight of the Nations Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Genesis 3:15 — The Seed of the Woman And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Daniel 2:44 — A Kingdom That Shall Stand For Ever And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. Ephesians 3:1–7 — The Mystery Revealed to Paul For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Ephesians 1:22–23 — Christ the Head of the Church And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Romans 6:14 — Not Under the Law, but Under Grace For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. Ephesians 2:14–15 — The Middle Wall of Partition Broken Down For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace. Ephesians 1:10 — The Dispensation of the Fulness of Times That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him. Colossians 1:20 — Reconciling All Things Through the Blood of His Cross And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. Galatians 2:7–9 — Two Apostleships, Two Ministries But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave me the right hand of fellowship; that we might go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. Episode Outline * The Opening Questions — Why so much of the Bible is about Israel, and why most of it is not written to you * Israel’s Heritage — From Abram in Genesis 12 to Jacob to the twelve tribes * A Great Nation and a Blessing — The promise that all families of the earth would be blessed through Abraham * The Head, Not the Tail — Israel’s greatness conditioned upon obedience to the law * A Sliver of Grace — David and Solomon as the one window of Israel’s glory, given by grace and not performance * Daniel 2 and the Kingdom — The God of heaven sets up a kingdom that shall stand for ever * The Seed of the Woman — Genesis 3:15 traced through Noah, Abraham, Judah, David, to Christ * Ephesians 3 and the Mystery — A revelation given to Paul that was not made known in other ages * The Church — Jew and Gentile in one body, Christ the head, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all * Under Grace, Not Under the Law — Romans 6:14 and the believer’s daily walk * A Heavenly Calling — Distinct from Israel’s promises concerning this earth * The Dispensation of the Fulness of Times — All things gathered together in Christ * Peter’s Apostleship and Paul’s — Galatians 2 on the two ministries * Why This Matters — Don’t apply to yourself what was revealed for another people in another time Questions Discussed * Have you ever wondered why so much space in the Bible is given to the nation of Israel? * Have you ever wondered why most of the Bible is not written to you? * Why is Israel in the Bible — what is their purpose? * How is what God is doing today distinct from what He was doing with Israel? * Do I even have a role to play? * If Israel was promised to be the head of the nations, what changed with the revelation of the mystery to Paul? * What is the difference between being under the law and being under grace? * What is the difference between Israel’s earthly calling and the church’s heavenly calling? * Why does it matter that Peter and Paul were given two different apostleships? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.beholding-christ.com/subscribe
Jun 16

Prophecy & Mystery

Ep. 13 - Prophecy & Mystery Episode Description Why does Leviticus 11 forbid the eating of certain meats while Paul calls that very prohibition a doctrine of devils in 1 Timothy 4? Why does Matthew 3 speak of three baptisms while Ephesians 4 declares there is only one? Are there contradictions in the Bible — or are we just seeing things? Few questions trip up serious Bible students more than these, and few are more important to answer rightly. In this episode, Pastor Josh introduces two of the most important categories for understanding Scripture: prophecy and mystery. Prophecy is what God made known by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began (Acts 3:21). Mystery is what was kept secret from the foundation of the world but is now made manifest (Romans 16:25). And mystery itself comes in two forms — that which was witnessed in the Old Testament but not fully revealed, and that which was completely hid in God until the Apostle Paul. Recognize these categories, and apparent contradictions resolve. Miss them, and the Bible becomes a book of confusion — which the God of order is not the author of. This is the first in a series of episodes on rightly handling the Word of God. Key Scriptures 1 Corinthians 14:33 — God Is Not the Author of Confusion For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. Acts 3:19–21 — Spoken by the Mouth of All His Holy Prophets Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. Romans 16:25 — The Revelation of the Mystery Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began. Ephesians 3:1–6 — The Mystery Made Known by Revelation For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel. Ephesians 3:8–9 — The Fellowship of the Mystery Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ. Romans 3:19–21 — Witnessed by the Law and the Prophets Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. Ephesians 2:11–13 — Time Past and But Now Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Leviticus 11:3–4 — Dietary Restrictions Under the Law Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat. Nevertheless these shall ye not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the hoof: as the camel, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you. 1 Timothy 4:1–4 — Commanding to Abstain from Meats Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving. Matthew 3:11 — Three Baptisms in One Verse I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. Ephesians 4:4–5 — One Baptism There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism. 1 Corinthians 12:13 — Baptized by One Spirit into One Body For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. Episode Outline * The Question — Are there contradictions in the Bible, or are we just seeing things? * God Is the God of Order — He is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33) * Progressive Revelation — God reveals Himself and His Son over time, not all at once * Defining Prophecy — What God spoke by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began (Acts 3:21) * Defining Mystery — What was kept secret since the world began and is now made manifest (Romans 16:25) * Two Kinds of Mystery — Witnessed but not fully revealed, and completely hid in God * Manifest in Two Ways — A fuller revealing of what was witnessed, and the unveiling of what was hid * Time Past and But Now — Ephesians 2 and the shift from Gentile separation to “in Christ Jesus” * Paul’s Twofold Ministry — To fully reveal what was witnessed and to manifest what was hid * Apparent Contradiction One — Leviticus 11 dietary law vs. 1 Timothy 4 on meats * Apparent Contradiction Two — Three baptisms in Matthew 3 vs. one baptism in Ephesians 4 * Which Baptism Is It? — The Spirit baptizing the believer into Christ the moment we believe the gospel * Reading God’s Word Rightly — Time past, but now, and the ages to come Questions Discussed * Are there contradictions in the Bible — or are we just seeing things? * Why does Leviticus 11 forbid certain meats while 1 Timothy 4 calls that prohibition a doctrine of devils? * Why does Matthew 3 speak of three baptisms while Ephesians 4 declares there is only one? * What is the difference between prophecy and mystery? * What are the two kinds of mystery — and why does the distinction matter? * Why does the Apostle Paul function as a “monkey wrench” in our study of Scripture? * How does understanding “time past” and “but now” change the way we read the Bible? * Which baptism is the one baptism of Ephesians 4? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.beholding-christ.com/subscribe
Jun 9

Sanctification

Ep. 12 - Sanctification Episode Description What is sanctification? How does God grow a believer in holiness once he is saved? Is sanctification the believer’s work, God’s work, or both? The word can feel distant and technical, but the doctrine sits at the heart of how a Christian relates to his own walk — and to the God who has already cleansed him. In this episode, Pastor Josh unfolds sanctification in its two tenses. There is a positional sanctification that took place the moment one believed the gospel — the Spirit of God identified the believer with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and God made Christ to be unto us sanctification. That work is done; the believer is set apart, created in righteousness and true holiness, and called a saint. But there is also a progressive sanctification — the perfecting of holiness in the fear of God, the abstaining from fornication, the cleansing of ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit. The first is wholly God’s work. The second is the believer’s walk in light of what God has already done. This episode shows how the two fit together — and why the second only ever makes sense once the first is settled. Key Scriptures 1 Corinthians 1:2 — Sanctified in Christ Jesus, Called to Be Saints Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours. 1 Corinthians 1:30 — Christ Made Unto Us Sanctification But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. 1 Thessalonians 4:1–4 — This Is the Will of God, Even Your Sanctification Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour. 1 Thessalonians 4:7 — Not Called Unto Uncleanness, but Unto Holiness For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 2 Corinthians 7:1 — Perfecting Holiness in the Fear of God Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Ephesians 2:10 — Created in Christ Jesus Unto Good Works For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 4:24 — Created in Righteousness and True Holiness And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Romans 6:1–4 — Baptized into His Death, Walking in Newness of Life What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Titus 2:14 — A Peculiar People, Zealous of Good Works Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Episode Outline * What Sanctification Means — To be set apart and made holy — and what it implies about the condition we were in * Old Testament Background — Ritual cleansing, the tabernacle, Abraham set apart from his father’s house * Spiritual Sanctification — The focus of the New Testament — set apart in Christ Jesus * Sanctified and Called to Be Saints — 1 Corinthians 1 — the two-sided statement that frames the whole doctrine * Two Tenses of Sanctification — Positional and permanent on one side, ongoing and perfecting on the other * Christ Made Unto Us Sanctification — The setting apart we needed is exclusively in Him * This Is the Will of God, Even Your Sanctification — 1 Thessalonians 4 — the walk that follows the position * Not Unto Uncleanness, but Unto Holiness — What we have been set apart unto becomes our calling * Perfecting Holiness in the Fear of God — Cleansing ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit * Romans 6 — Dead to Sin, Alive unto God — The Spirit’s baptism into Christ’s death and resurrection is the engine of it all * Sins and Sin — The shift from individual acts to the entity of sin that resides in the body * Walking in Newness of Life — The believer’s walk as the reflection of what he already possesses in Christ Questions Discussed * What is sanctification? * How does God grow me in holiness once I am saved? * Is sanctification my work, God’s work, or both? * What does the Bible mean when it calls believers “saints”? * How can Paul say believers are already sanctified and also call them to be sanctified? * What is the difference between sins (plural) and sin (singular) in Romans 6? * If I have been made dead to sin, why do I still struggle with it? * What does it mean to possess my vessel in sanctification and honour? * How does the spiritual baptism of Romans 6 relate to sanctification? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.beholding-christ.com/subscribe

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God." All Things For Good is a podcast rooted in that conviction. Pastor Josh Strelecki opens Scripture each episode to teach believers what the Bible actually says — about God, about Christ, about salvation, and about life in the grace of God. www.beholding-christ.com

Creator

Josh Strelecki
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

19
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Josh Strelecki
Show Website

All Things For Good