Marked by Grace

FBC Jacksonville
  • 4.8 (68)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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

  1. 12/28/2025

    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

  2. 12/22/2025

    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

  3. 12/15/2025

    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

  4. 12/08/2025

    Tyler Robinson, the Death Penalty, and Being Pro-Life

    Is it contradictory to be pro-life and support the death penalty? Pastor Heath Lambert addresses this controversial question by examining what the Bible teaches about protecting innocent life, God's justice, and the role of government in punishing murder. Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction and the question 1:10 - Who Tyler Robinson is 1:55 - The question: Is supporting death penalty pro-life? 2:04 - The answer: Yes, if found guilty 2:23 - Addressing the apparent contradiction 3:02 - Exodus 20:13: You shall not murder 3:25 - Death penalty based on the sixth commandment 3:43 - Genesis 9:6: Shedding blood for shedding blood 4:17 - Both positions hate murder 4:31 - Erica Kirk's remarkable forgiveness 5:54 - Personal vs. governmental forgiveness 6:16 - Sin against the individual and the state 6:41 - Romans 13:3-4: The state as God's servant 7:19 - The government's role in divine justice 8:04 - Final answer: Yes, it is pro-life Key Topics Covered The Pro-Life Foundation - Understanding the biblical command against murdering innocent life Murder vs. Capital Punishment - Why the sixth commandment informs both positions Genesis 9:6 Principle - Life is so precious that taking it forfeits your own The Image of God - Why human life has such sacred value Innocent vs. Guilty Life - The crucial distinction in pro-life ethics Erica Kirk's Forgiveness - A remarkable demonstration of grace and mercy Personal vs. State Forgiveness - Why individual forgiveness doesn't eliminate state responsibility Romans 13 Teaching - The God-ordained role of government in justice The Sword of Justice - Understanding the state as God's avenger against wrongdoing Protecting Society - Why enforcing consequences for murder defends all life Scripture References Exodus 20:13 - The sixth commandment against murder Genesis 9:6 - Whoever sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed Romans 13:3-4 - The state as God's servant bearing the sword 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

  5. 12/01/2025

    Singleness and Contentment

    If you say you're content being single but then enter a relationship, were you really content? Pastor Heath Lambert addresses this honest question with biblical wisdom about contentment, changing circumstances, and his own surprising college love story. Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction and the question 0:46 - The question: Were they really content? 1:40 - The answer: Yes, of course you can be 2:03 - Why: Both contentment and relationships are flexible 2:22 - Philippians 4:11: Paul's secret of contentment 3:24 - Being content in singleness 3:47 - Contentment in changing circumstances 4:27 - The sin of grumbling vs. the grace of contentment 4:46 - Personal story: College and "ring by spring" 5:17 - Entering senior year single with no prospects 6:08 - Meeting Lauren in October, dating by February 6:26 - Being content single, then content in relationship 6:43 - The challenge: Don't wish for something different 7:05 - The secret through Jesus's grace Key Topics Covered The Contentment Question - Understanding if pursuing relationship contradicts previous contentment Flexible Not Absolute - Why both contentment and relationship status change Philippians 4:11 Framework - Paul's teaching on learning contentment in every circumstance The Pattern of Contentment - Being content in plenty and in need, in abundance and in lack Contentment in Singleness - Trusting God has given you the best thing for this moment Changing Circumstances - How to stay content as your situation changes The Sin of Grumbling - Whether single or in relationship, discontentment is the problem Personal Testimony - Heath's own journey from contentment in singleness to meeting his wife The True Secret - Contentment comes through Christ's strengthening grace Scripture References Philippians 4:11-13 - Learning to be content in every circumstance through Christ 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

    7 min

  6. 11/24/2025

    Is Family Conflict a Sin?

    When family relationships break down and members "end up not getting along," is that sinful? Pastor Heath Lambert provides biblical guidance on the two main reasons families don't get along and how to handle both sin and differences in family relationships. Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction and the question 0:55 - The significance of "end up not getting along" 1:13 - The answer: Yes, it's a sin 1:16 - Two main reasons families don't get along 1:31 - Reason 1: Sin separates families 2:16 - Sin can be dealt with through confession and forgiveness 3:23 - Reason 2: Human differences between family members 3:51 - Examples of normal human differences 4:02 - Ephesians 4:1-2: Bearing with one another in love 5:14 - How to handle sin vs. how to handle differences 5:28 - When ending up not getting along becomes sin 6:10 - Family doesn't have to be your favorite people 6:40 - Family as training ground for life 6:50 - The best families in a fallen world Key Topics Covered The End Result Problem - Why "ending up not getting along" indicates unresolved issues Sin as Separator - How sin brings destruction, pain, and conflict into family relationships The Path to Reconciliation - Confession to God and family, asking for forgiveness Granting Forgiveness - The biblical command to forgive when asked Human Differences - Understanding that different preferences aren't sins Bearing With One Another - Ephesians 4:2 and the call to tolerate differences in love Two Different Solutions - Confession and forgiveness for sin, bearing in love for differences When Conflict Becomes Sin - Failing to confess, forgive, or bear with differences Family as Training Ground - How family relationships prepare us for all relationships Realistic Expectations - Why the best families aren't perfect, just repentant and patient Scripture References Ephesians 4:1-2 - Walking worthy and bearing with one another in love 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

    7 min

  7. 11/17/2025

    Does Satan Use Our Prayers Against Us?

    Can the devil hear our prayers when we pray out loud? Does sharing our struggles make us vulnerable to spiritual attack? Pastor Heath Lambert addresses this fascinating question with biblical wisdom about prayer, spiritual warfare, and the power of praying together. Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction and the question 1:01 - The answer: Sure, it's possible 1:17 - 1 Peter 5:8: The devil prowls around 2:27 - The devil is not omnipresent 3:05 - More than just an answer is needed 3:38 - Don't let fear stop you from praying 3:55 - 1 Peter 5:7: Cast your anxieties on Jesus 4:26 - Understanding watchfulness vs. anxiety 5:11 - The biblical command to pray out loud 5:41 - James 5:16: Confess and pray together 6:11 - Personal story: Accountability partner's concern 7:28 - The Bible never warns against praying out loud 7:44 - The power of prayer outweighs the risk 8:02 - Trust God, not fear of the devil Key Topics The Prowling Devil - Understanding Satan's limited but real presence on earth Satan's Limitations - Why the devil is not omnipresent like God The Real Risk - Yes, demons could potentially overhear prayers The Greater Command - Why fear of Satan must not override biblical commands to pray Casting Anxiety on Jesus - 1 Peter 5:7 as the context for spiritual warfare The James 5:16 Command - Why we must confess sins and pray together out loud Watchfulness vs. Fear - The difference between being sober-minded and being anxious The Power of Prayer - Why prayer strengthens us far more than it exposes us Personal Story - A real-life encounter with this very concern Scripture References 1 Peter 5:7 - Casting all anxieties on Jesus 1 Peter 5:8 - The devil prowls around like a roaring lion James 5:16 - Confess sins and pray for one another Job 1-2 - Satan moving to and fro on the earth 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

    8 min

  8. 11/10/2025

    Luke 9:27 and the Kingdom of God

    When Jesus said "some standing here will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God," what did He mean? Pastor Heath Lambert unpacks this challenging passage and reveals why the kingdom isn't just a future event - it's a present spiritual reality you can enter today. Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction and the question 0:47 - Reading Luke 9:27 1:37 - Why this passage is so confusing 2:25 - Common interpretations: Future events 2:56 - Pentecost, resurrection, crucifixion, transfiguration theories 4:13 - A different approach: Kingdom as present reality 4:38 - Luke 10:9-11: The kingdom has come near 5:10 - Luke 11:20: The kingdom in Jesus's miracles 5:43 - Luke 16:16: Entering the preached kingdom 6:09 - Luke 17:21: The kingdom in your midst 6:33 - Luke 18:16: Children and the kingdom 6:47 - What the kingdom of God actually is 7:45 - How to enter the kingdom right now 8:15 - The disciples experienced it when they believed Key Topics The Confusing Statement - Why Jesus's words about not tasting death puzzle readers The Future Event Problem - Why viewing the kingdom as only future creates difficulties Multiple Kingdom Theories - Pentecost, resurrection, crucifixion, and transfiguration interpretations Kingdom as Present Reality - How Luke's Gospel presents the kingdom as here and now Five Key Kingdom Passages - Luke 10, 11, 16, 17, and 18 revealing the kingdom's nature The Kingdom Definition - A spiritual realm where God is in charge and seen to be in charge Inhabiting the Kingdom - How people enter through repentance and faith in Christ Already and Not Yet - The kingdom is present now but comes in fullness in the new heavens and earth Childlike Faith - How to enter the kingdom today through trusting Jesus Scripture References Luke 9:27 - Jesus's statement about seeing the kingdom Luke 10:9-11 - The kingdom has come near Luke 11:20 - The kingdom comes through Jesus's miracles Luke 16:16 - The kingdom is preached and entered Luke 17:21 - The kingdom in your midst Luke 18:16 - Children and the kingdom of God 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
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4.8
out of 5
68 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Channel
    FBC Jacksonville
  • Creator
    Heath Lambert
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    208
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 First Baptist Church Jacksonville
  • Show Website
    Marked by Grace

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