Encounter Grace Podcast

Grace Fellowship Church
  • 5.0 (34)
  • RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Encounter Grace is a weekly podcast from Grace Fellowship Church in Kinston, NC, where hosts Jason McKnight and Justin Tilghman help Christians think clearly and biblically about faith, culture, relationships,a nd leadership. Each episode tackles topics with thoughtful, practical conversations that equip believers to live wisely and walk faithfully in today’s world. Join us as we explore how grace meets everyday life.

  1. 4D AGO

    Ep. 207 - The Loneliness of Jesus on the Way to the Cross

    Holy Week invites us onto sacred ground. From the Garden of Gethsemane to the cross, Jesus walked a path of profound loneliness, abandonment, and suffering unlike anything we will ever experience. In this episode, we explore the deep connection between Psalm 88 and the final hours of Christ’s earthly life — a Psalm filled with darkness, raw honesty, and unresolved pain. What if the loneliness of Jesus is not just part of the story… but central to our salvation? Jesus experienced complete abandonment so that we would never ultimately be alone. His isolation secured our reconciliation. His darkness secured our hope. Join us as we reflect on: • The emotional and spiritual suffering of Jesus during Holy Week • Psalm 88 as a window into Christ’s experience • Why Jesus’ loneliness matters for our faith today • How the cross speaks to our deepest experiences of abandonment • Worshipping Christ for what He alone accomplished As we approach Good Friday and Easter, may this reflection deepen your worship, strengthen your confidence in the Gospel, and remind you that Christ has entered even the darkest places on our behalf. Christ alone accomplished our salvation. Christ alone is our hope. #HolyWeek #GoodFriday #JesusChrist #TheCross #Psalm88 #ChristianPodcast #BibleTeaching #GospelHope #ChristAlone #FaithInJesus #ChristianTheology #EncounterGrace #SpiritualFormation #BibleStudy #ChristianLiving #Easter #Atonement #JesusSaves #ChristianEncouragement

    15 min

  2. MAR 26

    Ep. 206 - The Historical Case for the Resurrection

    Easter is the center of the Christian faith. But how do we know it actually happened? In this episode, we explore the historical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus. Christianity doesn’t rest on vague spirituality or inspiring moral teachings—it rests on a historical claim: that Jesus of Nazareth truly died and physically rose from the dead. Looking at the historical facts surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion, the empty tomb, and the eyewitness appearances recorded in Scripture, we examine the major explanations people have proposed over the centuries. Did the disciples steal the body? Did Jesus merely faint on the cross? Were the resurrection appearances hallucinations? Or does the evidence point to something far more extraordinary? We also consider the powerful circumstantial evidence: the transformation of the disciples, the sudden growth of the early church, the conversions of skeptics like James and Paul, and the shift to Sunday worship. When all the evidence is taken together, the resurrection stands as one of the most well-attested events in ancient history—and the foundation of the Christian hope. If Jesus really rose from the dead, it changes everything. #Resurrection #EasterEvidence #DidJesusRise #ChristianApologetics #HistoricalJesus #EvidenceForChristianity #EmptyTomb #GospelTruth #EncounterGrace #ChristianPodcast

    28 min

  3. MAR 19

    Ep. 205 - What Really Happened at the Cross? Understanding the Atonement

    As Christians approach Good Friday and Easter, we remember the cross—but what actually happened there? Was it simply a tragic execution of a good teacher? Was it a symbolic act of love? Or did something far deeper take place? In this episode of Encounter Grace, we explore the doctrine of the atonement—the Bible’s explanation of what Jesus accomplished through His death. We look at two foundational truths every Christian should understand: • Atonement means “at-one-ment”—God reconciling sinners to Himself. • Jesus died as our substitute—taking our place under the penalty of sin. From there we unpack the rich, multi-faceted work of the cross. Penal substitution is central, but Scripture shows that even more is happening. The cross also: • Redeems us from slavery to sin • Makes us a new creation • Adopts us into God’s family • Unites us to Christ • Defeats our enemies The cross is not merely the prelude to Easter—it is the center of the Christian faith. And like the Japanese art of Kintsugi, where broken pottery is restored with veins of gold, God takes shattered lives and restores them through the precious blood of Christ. Join us as we reflect on why the cross matters and why it remains the hope of the world. #GoodFriday #Atonement #TheCross #HolyWeek #Easter #ChristianTheology #PenalSubstitution #EncounterGracePodcast

    34 min

  4. MAR 12

    Ep. 204 - Ways We Give the Enemy a Foothold

    Spiritual warfare isn’t usually dramatic. It’s subtle. Quiet. Ordinary. In this episode of Encounter Grace, we explore one of the most overlooked aspects of the Christian life: how we sometimes give the enemy access without even realizing it. Drawing from Ephesians 4:27 and James 4:7, we unpack the SOUL-L framework — five common ways believers unintentionally open doors in their thought life and spiritual formation: Sin (especially justified or hidden sin) Occult participation (seeking spiritual power outside of God) Unforgiveness (bitterness that quietly reshapes the mind) Lies (agreements that become identity statements) Lineage (family patterns that shape strongholds) Most spiritual warfare isn’t about demons running around — it’s about lies being believed, wounds being left untreated, and resentment being rehearsed. The enemy cannot overpower a believer in Christ, but he can influence where he’s given access. We talk about how unforgiveness wires the brain, how identity-level lies take root, how family systems shape our internal narratives, and how authority in Christ changes the equation entirely. If you’ve ever felt stuck in patterns you can’t explain… If you’ve wondered why certain thoughts keep cycling… If you want a grounded, biblical, and psychologically informed approach to spiritual warfare… This episode is for you. Most believers don’t struggle because demons are strong. They struggle because lies are believed. Let’s close the doors. Related Episodes: Ep. 180 - When a Wound Becomes a Prison (WLVS) Justin's Sermon on Spiritual Warfare #SpiritualWarfare #ChristianGrowth #RenewYourMind #TakeThoughtsCaptive #AuthorityInChrist #BiblicalTruth #ChristianPodcast #EncounterGrace #FaithAndFormation #SpiritualMaturity

    39 min

  5. MAR 4

    Ep . 203 - How to Stay Relational in Conflict

    Why do communication tools stop working the moment conflict gets intense? Most of us assume conflict is a communication problem. But what if it’s actually a regulation problem? In this episode of Encounter Grace, we unpack: Why articulate people suddenly become incoherent in conflict The difference between Relational Mode and Enemy Mode Why you cannot resolve conflict from a dysregulated nervous system What “capacity” really means — and why it matters more than character The Feel – Share – Quiet flow for emotional recovery How to re-engage conflict without trying to win Conflict isn’t a failure of faith. It’s a formation space. You don’t need better arguments. You need stronger relational capacity. If conflict consistently overwhelms you, the invitation isn’t “try harder.” It’s build more capacity. Regulate first. Relate second. Resolve later. 🔔 Subscribe for thoughtful Christian conversations about leadership, emotional maturity, relational health, and spiritual formation. #ChristianLeadership #EmotionalMaturity #ConflictResolution #RelationalHealth #SpiritualFormation #HealthyRelationships #EmotionalRegulation #FaithAndPsychology #NeuroscienceAndFaith #EncounterGrace

    41 min

  6. FEB 25

    Ep. 202 - Why The 10 Commandments Matter

    Are the Ten Commandments outdated… or are they the key to human flourishing? Many Christians quietly assume the Ten Commandments were for Old Testament Israel—and that in the New Testament era, we’ve moved past them. But what if that assumption is wrong? In this episode of Encounter Grace, we explore why the Ten Commandments still matter today—not as cold rules from a distant God, but as ten life-giving words that reveal: • The foundation of loving God and loving neighbor • Four essential orientations for a flourishing life • The surprising heart issue behind the final commandment • And how every command reflects the very character of God Jesus summarized the entire Law as “Love the Lord your God” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” The Ten Commandments aren’t random restrictions—they’re a coherent vision of reality, reverence, relationship, and renewal. If you’ve ever wondered how the Old Testament fits with the New…If you’ve wrestled with whether the law still applies…If you want a richer, deeper biblical vision for everyday life… This conversation is for you. The Ten Commandments aren’t about earning God’s favor. They are about becoming the kind of people who reflect His character. If this episode helps you think more clearly about Scripture, be sure to subscribe and share it with someone who loves going deeper. #TenCommandments #ChristianTheology #BibleStudy #OldTestament #NewTestament #LoveGodLoveNeighbor #ChristianLiving #BiblicalWorldview #FaithAndLife #EncounterGrace #WhyItMatters

    34 min

  7. FEB 19

    Ep. 201 - One Practice That Can Change Your Life – Habit #2: Morning Watch

    Two months ago, we talked about how habits form—and how repeated practices quietly shape the direction of our lives. When something becomes a habit, we stop deciding to do it. Our brain simply takes over and runs it on autopilot. In this second episode of our ongoing series, One Practice That Can Change Your Life, we introduce Habit #2: Morning Watch—a simple but powerful practice of giving God your first attention at the start of the day. The idea is straightforward: God before day. Word before phone. Instead of beginning the morning with notifications, news, or noise, this habit invites you to spend the first fifteen minutes awake oriented toward God—His presence, His Word, and His love—before the demands of the day rush in. In this episode, we talk through: Why the first moments of your day matter more than you think How habits form when practices are repeated with intention Why fifteen minutes is realistic—and already something we give to what matters How a “first watch” posture reshapes clarity, peace, and attentiveness to God You’ll also hear a simple, repeatable rhythm for practicing Morning Watch: Setting your alarm slightly earlier Avoiding your phone at the start of the day Returning to the same seat, the same time, the same space Reading Scripture, journaling, praying, and inviting God into the coming day Over time, this practice reduces guilt and shame around spiritual life, replaces pressure with expectancy, and trains both body and soul to begin the day grounded rather than reactive. If practiced daily for 6–7 weeks (yes, you can take Saturdays off), Morning Watch can move from intentional effort to life-giving habit—one that quietly shapes how you think, pray, love, and move through the world.

    20 min

  8. FEB 12

    Ep. 200 - We Hit 200 Episodes!—Here’s Why We’re Not Stopping

    We hit a milestone we honestly can’t believe: 200 episodes of the Encounter Grace Podcast. For this special episode, Ben Hendrix returns to the studio (we found him… even after he tried to disappear to Greenland 😄) to look back on the unlikely origin story of this podcast—born out of the chaos of COVID, when “Daily Grace” turned into an experiment in staying connected in a disconnected season. In this conversation, we talk about: How the show started, and why it kept going Why grace is not just a one-time event, but a daily reality for growth and sanctification The episodes that shaped the journey (theological triage, parenting, cognitive biases, and more) A look ahead at what’s next: Encounter Grace Ministries—with the podcast, the Center for Freedom & Flourishing, and new resources to serve the local church and beyond If you’ve listened for years—or you’re brand new—this episode is a “behind the scenes + vision” conversation about why we’re here: helping Christians think clearly, and helping people encounter the Lord through the durable, beautiful, overflowing grace of God. 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with a friend who needs a weekly dose of thoughtful, practical, gospel-centered conversation. #EncounterGrace #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndLife #GraceMatters #ChristianLiving #ThinkingChristians #ChristianYouTube #FaithConversations #LongFormPodcast #PodcastCommunity #ChristianCreators

    42 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
34 Ratings

About

Encounter Grace is a weekly podcast from Grace Fellowship Church in Kinston, NC, where hosts Jason McKnight and Justin Tilghman help Christians think clearly and biblically about faith, culture, relationships,a nd leadership. Each episode tackles topics with thoughtful, practical conversations that equip believers to live wisely and walk faithfully in today’s world. Join us as we explore how grace meets everyday life.

Information

  • Creator
    Grace Fellowship Church
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    206
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Grace Fellowship Church
  • Show Website
    Encounter Grace Podcast

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