Tag: Words of Grace

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The Church at Smyrna (Part 2)

What does it mean to be truly rich? In Revelation 2, Jesus tells the impoverished and persecuted church at Smyrna, “I know thy poverty, (but thou art rich).” Though these believers possessed little of this world’s goods, they enjoyed spiritual riches that no earthly power could take away.

In this concluding message on the Church at Smyrna, we examine the sources of their persecution, the spiritual wealth they possessed in Christ, and the Lord’s promise that their suffering would be temporary. We also consider the remarkable historical account of Polycarp, an early pastor of Smyrna who suffered martyrdom for his faith, illustrating the courage and steadfastness of these early Christians.

Though the world may regard a struggling congregation as weak or insignificant, the Lord sees things differently. Join us as we consider Christ’s encouraging promise to His suffering people: “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”

Radio broadcast for November 8, 2026. Continue reading “The Church at Smyrna (Part 2)”

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The Church at Smyrna (Part 1)

What does it mean to be rich in the eyes of God? In Revelation chapter 2, Jesus addresses a congregation that was surrounded by wealth but personally acquainted with poverty, persecution, and suffering. Yet unlike a majority of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor, the church at Smyrna received no rebuke from the Lord. Instead, Christ offered words of assurance to a people who had remained faithful despite tremendous hardship.

In this first part of our message on the Church at Smyrna, we consider the historical setting of this congregation, the opposition these early Christians faced, and the significance of Christ introducing Himself as the One who was dead and is alive. Their circumstances were difficult, but their Savior knew their suffering. What an encouragement to us today, knowing that no trial escapes His notice and that even death itself has been conquered by Jesus Christ!

Radio broadcast for November 1, 2026. Continue reading “The Church at Smyrna (Part 1)”

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The Church at Ephesus, Part 2

Can a church be doctrinally sound, faithful in its works, diligent in defending the truth, and yet be in danger of losing its identity as a New Testament church? According to Jesus’ words to the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2, the answer is yes! Despite His remarkable commendation of this congregation, the Lord had one serious charge against them: They had left their first love.

In this edition of Words of Grace, we consider the danger of becoming so consumed with fighting error that we lose sight of Christ Himself. While defending sound doctrine is an important responsibility, our devotion must never shift from worshipping Christ to merely defending the doctrines of Christ. Join us as we consider the Lord’s sobering warning to Ephesus, His call to repentance, and the glorious promise He gives to those who overcome.

Radio broadcast for October 25, 2026. Continue reading “The Church at Ephesus, Part 2”

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The Church at Ephesus, Part 1

What happens when a church becomes so focused on defending the truth that it begins to lose sight of Christ Himself? This was the danger facing the church at Ephesus, the first of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor addressed by Jesus in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. Though Christ commended this congregation for its faithfulness, steadfastness, and commitment to sound doctrine, He also had a serious warning for them.

In this edition of Words of Grace, we begin our examination of this remarkable congregation, considering its history, its leadership, and a sobering warning the Apostle Paul gave its elders in Acts chapter 20. As we explore the background of this church, we discover some important lessons about the necessity of defending the faith without losing sight of the One in whom our faith rests.

Radio broadcast for October 18, 2026. Continue reading “The Church at Ephesus, Part 1”

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A Statement on Authority (Part 2)

As we conclude our introductory message to the Seven Churches of Asia, our attention turns to the ultimate authority behind the letters of Revelation 2 and 3: The Lord Jesus Christ Himself.

In this episode, we consider John’s descriptions of Jesus as the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, the prince of the kings of the earth, and the Almighty. We also examine John’s remarkable vision of the glorified Christ, who walks among the candlesticks and holds the seven stars in His hand. These truths remind us that Jesus Christ is the sovereign head of His church, and His words to the seven churches are just as worthy of our attention today. Continue reading “A Statement on Authority (Part 2)”

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A Statement on Authority (Part 1)

Before considering Christ’s messages to the seven churches of Asia Minor in Revelation 2 and 3, we first need to consider the authority behind those messages.

In this first part of A Statement on Authority, we begin in Revelation chapter 1 and consider the divine authority behind this book, from Jesus Christ through John and the angel who delivered the message. We also consider the special blessing pronounced upon those who read, hear, and keep the words of this prophecy. This message serves as an introduction to our upcoming series through the Seven Churches of Asia.

Radio broadcast for October 4, 2026. Continue reading “A Statement on Authority (Part 1)”

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The Judgment, from Matthew’s Gospel (Part 2)

In this week’s episode of Words of Grace, we share the second part of our study from Matthew chapter 25, in which we consider Christ’s words to the sheep, gathered on His right hand in the final judgment at the end of time.

More specifically, we consider the evidences of God’s work in their lives; the changes brought about by the new birth, as seen in their acts of mercy and kindness. Also, we learn the remarkable fact that the sheep themselves did not even realize the significance of what they had done, which shows a stark contrast between them and the self-centered goats.

Radio broadcast for September 13, 2026. Continue reading “The Judgment, from Matthew’s Gospel (Part 2)”

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The Judgment, from Matthew’s Gospel (Part 1)

In this first episode of a two-part study from Matthew chapter 25, we consider one of the most solemn subjects in all of Scripture: the final judgment.

When the Son of Man returns in His glory, accompanied by all the holy angels, He will sit upon the throne of His glory. The dead will be raised, all nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate mankind as a shepherd divides the sheep from the goats.

In this episode, we examine the context of Matthew 25:31–33 and its connection to the Second Coming of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, and the great white throne judgment. We also consider the certainty and unmistakable nature of Christ’s return, the gathering of all people before Him, and the significance of Christ’s titles in this passage: the Son of Man, the King, and the Shepherd.

Finally, we consider the great division between the sheep and the goats—and the comforting truth that while we may not always be able to discern the difference, the Shepherd knows His sheep. Continue reading “The Judgment, from Matthew’s Gospel (Part 1)”

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A Change of Apparel, Part 2

In the second part of our study from Ephesians chapter 4, we continue considering the Apostle Paul’s picture of the Christian life as a change of apparel. That is, we should put off the old man and put on the new, replacing our former traits with the behaviors pleasing to Christ.

Paul gives us a number of practical exhortations, calling us to put away lying, sinful anger, stealing, corrupt communication, bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking, and malice. In their place, we are to put on those qualities that reflect the character of Christ: kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness.

Ultimately, Paul brings us back to the gospel itself: “forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” May the cross of Christ affect the way we treat one another. Continue reading “A Change of Apparel, Part 2”

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A Change of Apparel, Part 1

In this message from Ephesians 4, we consider Paul’s practical exhortation to the Christian to put off the old man and put on the new man. Using the picture of changing garments, Paul teaches us that the Christian life involves laying aside the attitudes and behaviors associated with our former way of life and being renewed in the spirit of our minds.

We consider what it means to put off the old man, put on the new man, and live differently from the world around us. In a culture that continually pulls us toward its own attitudes and behaviors, we are reminded that we cannot simply overcome the current by our own strength. We need to be continually renewed in the spirit of our minds and brought closer to Christ.

Radio broadcast for August 23, 2026. Continue reading “A Change of Apparel, Part 1”